Missing American Rodder and what happens at Tardels

I really miss the old American Rodder. With the genuine and earthy Joe Kress and Mike Bishop articles. It was a monthly traditional hot rod fix that wasnt opinionated and it read like it really was and definitely how it should be.

I really miss not knowing what Vern Tardel is up to as well.

 

Mike Bishop is the hamb's very own AV8.
So if you check all AV8's posts, you'll keep seeing glimpses of what's going on at Vern's.
Mart.

 

I realise that so I was kinda hoping av8 could pop down to Tardels and do some snooping

 

Yeah, I also miss the Joe Kress/Mike Griffen/Dain Gingerelli/Mike Bishop form of American Rodder.

It was a special team and a special time. The magazine also exhibited some very special energy that emanated from Joe Kress who may very well be the finest hot-rod magazine editor ever. In spite of the editorial staff being spread all across the country, we talked almost every day, and not always about hot rods and customs; many times it was about kids and family and friends -- and, of course, the competition.

There was a dynamic of depth and breadth and personality in the features of the old American Rodder that is woefully short in the present crop of magazines. With Joe Kress at the editorial helm of The Rodders Journal I hold great hope for Steve*****an's quarterly. I enjoy Gerry Burger's voice and influence on the Buckaroo periodicals he's involved with, but I'm not very interested in work beyond those efforts.

Apparently the magazines aren't all that interested in my efforts as well. I e-mailed a feature story proposal to the editor, The Riz, of R&C about a nostalgia piece on a former cover car and the fellow who designed, built it, and has driven it tens of thousands of miles in the interim -- never mind that he is one of the premiere FED designers/builders of all time. That effort got me a non-answer, not even so much as a polite "not interested."

Not long ago I stepped into a thread about suspension that was going all to hell with a R&C staffer tossing out all sorts of nonsense that smacked heavily of inexperienced misunderstanding of a complex subject. I offered -- off-board through a PM -- to help out with gettng things correct. For my effort I was told -- in effect -- to piss off because the writer had the Real Experts lined up for true help. Never mind that those Real Experts have some old not-quite-right ideas to defend and protect.

 

I too miss the old AR. I sense a little bitter ale as well Mike....sorry you got snubbed, I would love to see your input on an article in R&C. If you dont know it, you have the best sources who do. Not blowing smoke up yer**** but I consider you one of the best Hot Rod journalists out there. Thanks.

 

For the first time ever - I took out a 2 year subscription for American Rodder as its hard to find up here in the mountains (Katoomba), the first issue I got was the new one from Buckaroo. I was so pissed off as I had no idea it was being taken over.

The first issue I bought was in late 1988 and I couldn't believe how good it was - especially with the "where are they now" articles. I really miss the old AR as I haven't found another mag that comes close.

Mike - do you write specifically for any other mag as I miss your how-to articles. F"""k the other mags if they aren't interested in your work - us the readers want to see your articles - please find a mag who will feature them and let us know

Cheers

Bob (also Australia)

 

Opps 4banger thought you were Australia as well - I suppose the southern hemisisphere is close enough

 

"IRON HORSE"(tm)

R.I.P.

 

Thanks, BobbedT. I've always thought I had some good and valuable stuff to add, or I wouldn't have done it.

It appears we're in a very small minority as regards the interest in my words. SRM and TRJ are equally disinterested in what I have to say.

The one magazine that does think my work is worthy is HOP UP, and that's particularly special because I've long considered Mark Morton's effort in the movement and his courage and commitment in publishing HOP UP out of his own pocket as big-time heroics! I can think of no one who loves the movement more than Mark, and I'm honored that he appreciates and values my work. BUY HOP UP!

 

I too miss the efforts of you, Mike, Joe, and Dain. Its just too bad that America runs on the almighty dollar. Can you inagine what would happen to Shakespear's work in todays publishing market? It wouldn't make the back page of a country newspaper.
In a word, the old American Rodder was "REAL". I felt like I knew about the cars that were being reported on not just reading a bunch of dry statistics. I know most of the old staff is still in the business but it was the combination that CLICKED.
Oh yea Mike, Do get out to Tardels when you can and give us some news about what is happening out there. An update of Fuller's 'liner would be welcome as well.

Frank

 

i miss that
AND
a magazine that would photo decent girls.

alot of great ideas were given out in those articles.

tp aka zibo

 

So what are the magazines doing thesedays?
Are they just selling out to BIG ADVERTISERS?
I miss AR too....

 

Well, I will keep reading Hop Up! Wonder if Morty can get it out twice a year?

 

i hope everyone who is dissatisfied will write to american rodder to let them know. i already have, and let them know that unless things change i won't resubscribe.

 

Here's a current project -- restoration of the Petaluma Pacers national record-holding roadster from the late '50s-early '60s. This picture is from several weeks ago and the care is close to being finished by now.

 

Here's the Pacers roadster at its peak and as it will appear again.

 

What a cool looking car in a very cool looking setting - Tardel's s******in!

 

Thanks Mike. Could you do a little more digging on that car, I remember you gave a good rundown when it arrived at Tardel's. Maybe some finished shots, we'll be waiting.

Frank