Boyd Answers Your Questions

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Our American Hot Rod message board has seen a lot of interesting give-and-take between Boyd (log-in: "boydcoddington") and you, the fans. But because some visitors to the site never make it to the boards, we decided to highlight some of those exchanges here.

More answers: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 |

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Q:		How do you make your car legal?
A:		The best advice I can give you is to check with your local DMV for the rules of your state. As long as you follow their rules, you shouldn't have any problems.

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Q:		I have been told that you used to work at Disneyland. Is this true?
A:		Yes. I worked at Disneyland when I first moved to California.

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Q:		When a customer orders a car, how does that process go? Do you do all the planning — the frame, color schemes and all that? Or do you go over the car with the customer to help explain everything?
A:		It all depends on the customer. Some want a one-off car, and some have in mind a car that they perhaps have wanted for a long time. The customer is very important in all phases of any car we build.

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More answers: Page 1 | Page 2 | | Page 3 |

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Q:		Do you ever watch your show? If you do, does it affect how you work or manage your team? Does it affect the way you design or fabricate your work?
A:		You know, I try to watch the show. However, I'm out of town a number of times throughout the year, so I don't always get to catch it. As far as it changing anything I do, the answer is no, it doesn't. Thank you for being a viewer.

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Q:		I know that you have a worldwide reputation now, but how did you go about building your business and keeping a steady flow of customers? Do you find that the open house thing works well?
A:		All I can tell you is it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. This is a tough business. The open house does help, but we do that more for fun and to allow folks to stop in and see the shop. So if you ever get over here, stop by and see us.

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Q:		I think it would be very interesting to know who "gets" the car, and the details about the actual order, contract, etc. I'm not sure if that's feasible for your customers, Boyd, but if so, I'd love to know where they go in the end. Also, why is there such a deadline for these projects (other than that they were promised by such-and-such a date)?
A:		We try to respect our customers' wishes, and most don't want the details and costs shown. We leave whether they appear on the show up to them. As for the deadlines, it depends on where the customer wants to "debut" the car. As long as the deadline is within reach, we try to accommodate the customer's request.

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Q:		Do you produce cars the average guy can afford?
A:		We sell our Boydster I body and frame starting at $15,500.

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More answers: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 |

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Q:		Who in the business do you respect as an up-and-coming rod builder/designer?
A:		That is a tough question, because there are a lot of talented builders out there. And to say that I respect one more than any other would be false; I have a lot of respect for anyone that can make it in this business.

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Q:		What is your favorite muscle car of all time?
A:		You know, that's a tough question for me, because I really don't have a favorite. I truly enjoy all cars.

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Q:		I have a '53 Chevrolet truck. Do you have any tips on building one? It has to be a daily driver, but it also has to be really nice. I am 13 and my parents are helping me with getting the money and building it, but it is still a fairly low-budget car.
A:		If it's a daily driver, you'll want to put a dependable engine in it. A mild small-block Chevy would be a good choice and fairly inexpensive to find. Just keep things simple, and make sure it's safe with good brakes, steering, tires, etc. Attend car shows and ask questions; most people are happy to help out the young guys. And most of all, have fun with it.

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