|
|
Want to know what's up with Project 33? This area is updated
monthly to let you know where we're at with the project. The latest Articles are featured
in the What's New? area of this site and are in reverse
chronological order. To follow the build up from "day 1", go to the From the Start link and keep clicking on
"Next Article". To view Articles on a particular subject, use the Search option of this site with the area you wish to explore as your
keyword.
|
02/19/03
Update |
Every sport or hobby has its star players. If I
mention Boyd Coddington or Chip Foose to a group of diehard football fans they'd most
likely have no idea who I was talking about, however, once in a while a player will
transcend those boundaries. I didn't know who
Emmitt Smith was until I saw him on a Master Card commercial and asked someone who he was.
I don't watch football - I'm a motorhead. While half the nation was watching the Super
Bowl, I was in the garage installing door handles on the `33. My wife called me in to
watch the commercials and the half time show.
Whether they realize it or not, street rodders who are
recognized by the public outside of our hobby play an instrumental part in its future.
Several people fitting this description immediately come to mind. Actor Tim Allen,
guitarist Jeff Beck, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top and of course actor/comedian Christopher
Titus. These people along with many others have helped to fuel the Street Rod hobby in
their own unique ways.
Television and movies containing street rods also play a part
in the procreation of the hobby. As a kid, I was glued to the screen during each episode
of The Munsters, just waiting for a glimpse of (or the sound of)
the Munster Coach or Count Dragula dragster. As an adult I was glued to the screen
during Home Improvement and Titus, waiting for a shot of a cool ride -
with the same anticipation I had as a child. (okay, I never really grew up but lets move
on)
Imagine my surprise
when yesterday's mail contained a package from Christopher Titus with an autographed
photo, a sticker for my toolbox and a T-shirt that reads "Be normal and the crowd
will accept you, be deranged and they will make you their leader". How true :)
Thanks Chris! You made my day.
Unfortunately the FOX Network cancelled Titus after
only two seasons. In case you missed it, the show was a comedy series about a street rod
shop owner and his dysfunctional family. I could relate to both. Hopefully it will go into
syndication so we can all enjoy it again. Christopher currently writes a column for the
Goodguys Gazette and continues to play a vital part in the street rodding hobby.
Though not nearly as significant, this web site is my small
contribution to the street rodding community. Quite often I'll receive an e-mail from
someone who has decided to take on their first rod project because this site inspired
them. They come to the realization that if an idiot like me can build a car, anyone can.
Actually, when you think about it - we ALL make a difference every time we drive our cars
or take the time to talk about them with someone who's interested. Street Rod
Ambassadors... I like it.
Until next time - Keep the shiny side up! |
Scooter
|
Past
Updates: |
|