What has changed with Hot Rod Magazine ???

I'm on vacation in Florida needing a Hot Rod fix, so I go to the drug store and all they have is Hot Rod Magazine.
I don't typically read Hot Rod as its not usually HAMB friendly, but as with the last 2 issues they have put out, it's actually a really good issue, very traditional !
So I ask, what has changed over at Hot Rod ? New management ? It seems that they are somewhat returning to their roots !
If you haven't already, check it out, July 2012 issue, has the "Yesterday's Child" '56 Gasser on the cover !

 

they are trying to survive by appealing to everyone. LS tech, black and white photos, and r*t r*ds all in one.

 

I my last issue of Rod and Custom, Hot Rod had a full page ad, something about the "new " Hot Rod Magazine. They did not go on to explain it, sounds like they may have made some good changes.

 

Not different at all, just hopping on anther passing bandwagon. They have been doing that on a regular basis for the last ten years...

 

"...and all they had [on their news stand] was Hot Rod Magazine.

Every retail chain in America is cutting back on magazine space now that the "evil internet" is becoming the go-to place for auto tech and event coverage.

So to assure the best sell-through, Hot Rod offers something for everyone-
But I agree that HR is probably producing better edit and interesting tech than ever before. And that's with about half the staff and budget/to circulation ratio in its history.

BTW,magazine haters, we've heard it.

 

adapt or die. I think it is a good sign for the traditional hot rod enthusiast.

 

If Hot rod is covering it....the end must be near....

 

Hey Jim,,you should be back home getting the roadster going..Hahahahaha...cant do it in Florida.

 

ten years? I thought that's how they started in 1948, and haven't changed yet

 

Actually, the last 60 years, which is why they're still publishing magazines. It's easy to bust their chops for publishing stuff we might not like, but it's still relevant. And they had the good sense to publish MY car...

Brian

 

HOTROD used to run occasional articles on hotrodding/racing BRAND NEW CARS.
They don't anymore.

 

If you've read it long enough, you will observe that they are constantly reinventing themselves in an attempt to address their public. We might not agree with what they are doing at a given point in time, but they must be doing something right given 60+ years of longevity ... damn few of their competitors can boast of a similar life span.

 

You have internet access? What do you need Hot Rod Mag for?

 

David Freiburger is the answer. He is young but savvy. Hot Rod Deluxe, goes way back and Hot Rod has always been about new cars and new equipment used on Hot Rods in the old days and on new Camaro's and Mustangs in current times. They keep trying under Dave and I think have been doing a great job. I have always looked at the publication as one of Petersen's (Source Interlink) mainstays without a budget (Personnel)for the good stuff we all enjoy.

 

Havent purchased a Hot Rod subscription in years

Just sent $ for a subscription, I like what they are doing.

 

My grandpa got me a hot rod subscription and a rod and custom subscription when I was in middle school and I have read them ever since. They both chase trends while trying to create the next trend. I like David and what he's about, he is a real car guy and knows his shit.

 

I lost faith SRM years ago and haven't peeked at one in forever.

But Hot Rod got me to subscribe about 3 years ago with a killer rate and I've kept up with it.... it's kinda fun and irrelevant all in one... and Furburger is the reason it's as good as it is...

 

I just renewed my subscription $20.00 FOR 2 YEARS thats .83 per copy could not pass it up. great deal.

 

I think the success of HotRod Deluxe has something to do with it.There are plenty of other magazines that cover new Camaro,Mustang tech articles.

 

I think their finally gettign back to the basics that got them started in the first place. It's kinda like they finally remembered what side their bread is buttered on. Definately and improvement lately.

 

Exactly what I was going to say. I find it now takes me longer to read HR than SR or R&C. I enjoy many more articles and Dave likes off the wall stuff as do I.

 

Petersen Publishing, the producer of Hot Rod magazine, has changed hands several times over the past 15 years. I remember it changed quite a bit after the first sale. That's when I stopped checking it out.

My guess; I think what happened is that Hot Rod pretty much adapted to whatever the younger guys at a given time were in to. The interest among the present younger guys is a small percentage of the hands-on car enthusiasts from previous times. At this point the biggest demographic appears to be the kind of guys who come to this forum. They are probably thinking we are their best chance of selling more magazines.

 

I got a subscription a couple of months ago thru a kid selling subscripts for school. It is much better than when I left them years ago, but they still have to many megabuck fixes for my taste. The gasser craze is their thing now.

 

Yes, relevant to each trend. Loyal to none.

 

Hot Rod's okay in a pinch. Sometimes it's good, other times I feel ripped off. June issue was so-so. An interview with a guy who "drifts" cars, an electric '34 roadster and a story on a hot rodded tractor. But they countered with some archive pics and a GREAT survivor rod.

They can't please everyone, but if they'd get a fix on one genre, I think they'd be great again.

 

The car hobby in general has gone that way. Compared to the old days there are lot of people who just buy stuff or have it made. A lot of hot rods today are built better than a lot of Indy cars were in the '50s. Not saying that's right or wrong, it just is.

 

From the Folio magazine publishing trade website...

"Source Interlink Uses Face-to-Face Events to Promote Hot Rod Re-Launch
Seven-city tour a part of partnership with Walmart."

http://www.foliomag.com/2012/source-interlink-uses-face-face-events-promote-hot-rod-re-launch?

 

Hot Rod Delux has slipped they used to have Hamb frendly tech now it's just file photos

 

I haven't bought a Hot Rod magazine since they featured a Toyota powered Camaro a few years ago. Probably never will.

Blue

 

Flavor of the month.