Jo Answers Your Questions
She's incredibly busy, but Jo Coddington (log-in: "myguyhshtrds") drops in frequently to read your comments and answer questions when she can.
We've collected just a few of these exchanges here, but for more, check out the message board yourself.
More answers: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 |
Q: What breed of dog do you have pictured with you on the Web site?
A: Our dog is a Tibetan terrier, although Billet really is Boyd's girl. She came from a breeder located in Denair, Calif. Boyd picked her from the litter; we like to tease him that she said "cha-ching" when he chose her. A bit spoiled, but definitely a hot rodder: She loves the cars and people.
Q: How did Boyd actually start rebuilding cars? What kind of cars were built?
A: Well, it is a long story as he is now entering his 27th year building hot rods for a living. At first, he worked a graveyard shift in order to spend days building cars. Then he built the Silver Bullet, Vern Luce's coupe, and the list kept growing.
In those days, Boyd did most of the work himself. Being in business for yourself means long days and sometimes even longer nights. It's not easy; it can be very frustrating and it will test all of your strength as a person.
Your best bet is to come out and visit us; meet Boyd and ask him all of the dirt! You're always welcome — the second Saturday of each month we have an open house at the shop, which usually attracts a few hundred people who share the passion for hot rods, bikes and cars.
Q: Is it ever awkward working with your husband's ex-wife?
A: Sometimes, but we really don't work side by side. I am in the hot-rod and collectibles side of the business, and she is in the wheels side.
But I think Diane and I would both be lying if we said that working together is total bliss. I think it may be more difficult for her than it is for me, though, because people, cars, sandrails, hot rods, go-carts, race cars and motorcycles (dirt-style bikes) have always been my passion, and I believe that when you have passion for something, it shows.
I love my job — or
jobs — and the guys. I truly respect all of the talent that goes into building such great cars! I think we both do the best job for the entire well-being of the company, but, like working with anyone (including Boyd), there are days when ... well, I'm sure you have them, too.
Q: Do you do builds for charitable causes? Do you have anything in the works?
A: We just formed the Coddington Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to assist children in need and disadvantaged
adults. The foundation's first project is a '63 Dodge Polara designed by Max Cohen, a 17-year-old leukemia patient who will also help build it. Upon completion, the car, known as the "Max Hemi," will be auctioned off with portions of the proceeds being donated to various charities including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
We hope this is the first of many projects for these causes, and already feel this build is by far our biggest success — judging from the smile on Max's face.
Q: I heard that the Crazy Horse is up for auction? If true, why? I thought it was a gift.
A: We were contracted to build the Crazy Horse for Scotty Grey. He built it for his wife's birthday present.
As with all of the cars we build for someone, the buyer may choose to sell it, keep it or drive the heck out of it. Boyd and I don't really have a say in what the customer chooses to do with the car. I know Nancy was so happy that she cried when Scotty gave it to her.
Beyond that I am not sure why they are selling.
