Jo Answers Your Questions

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Q:		What kind of air cleaner was used on the '65 Mustang Crazy Horse build? I would love to know what company is doing such unique work. Can you also tell us about the breather that was used?
A:		Walter Prosper designed and built the air cleaner; he also made the custom breather for us.

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Q:		Can you please tell us the colors used on the '65 Mustang Crazy Horse? Are they standard colors (can you give us the codes) or custom-mixed?
A:		Here are the paint codes (they are Dupont Hot Hues): * The yellow is YS 911KH base coat (Dupont Chromabase). * BC 003K is the mid coat (Boyd Mellow Yellow). * A clear coat follows. * The base coat is Silver 44489K . * Final clear coat.

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Q:		How much input do you and Boyd have in the show and the final cut? Are you happy with the way you and everyone at the shop is portrayed?
A:		We allow the cameras to come into our lives and world, perhaps to assist in allowing our world as we know it to be seen by other people with very different lifestyles. We agreed that the show producers won't tell us how to build hot rods, and we won't tell them how to edit the 400 filming hours per episode. We hoped to maybe entertain while sharing ourselves with others. To be real honest, Boyd and I see the program the first time it is shown on Friday nights at 10 p.m., and there are parts of the editing that I really don't like ... but I have learned over the course of the past 18 months to let it roll as much as I can.

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Q:		What was your first car?
A:		My first car was a '65 Mustang. Boyd and I went to the Orange County Mustang meeting; we drove Nancy Grey's (the Crazy Horse). I love being able to just go ... drive and enjoy the hot rods!

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Q:		How many cars does Boyd have?
A:		That's a great question — sometimes I don't even know. Boyd always seems to be buying, selling, trading, building ... as long as he leaves my 1940 Ford Coupe alone, he won't get hurt!

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

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Q:		I see from watching the show that the guys come and go from some type of showroom. I was wondering if that is something people can come look at, because I would love to take a vacation and come see some of those cars. I have a wife and three kids, and we all watch the show and would love to go to that showroom if it's open to the public.
A:		Yes, you are more than welcome to visit us! The second Saturday of each month (from 9 a.m. to noon) we have an open house: we have raffles for wheels, T-shirts and hats, and you can visit with other car people, among other fun stuff. We also have a trophy that is given away for the top hot rod. If Boyd and I are in town, we are there. A lot of the guys are here working or just saying hi. Please bring the whole family!

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Q:		I was wondering, on the race all the way to the Midwest, how did you and Boyd (and the rest of the crew) enjoy the scenery in your road race? What did the whole Coddington crew think of their adventure?
A:		I have to tell you that the five days on the road were the BEST! It was a bit hot and humid, and not having air-conditioning like a normal car took its toll by the end of the day, but I have to say it was a terrific trip: the people, the scenery and the hot-rodding lifestyle. I love it. We stopped in Gallup, N.M. The crew and Mike won that part of the race. Boyd and I met some firemen at the hotel in Gallup and bummed some shirts, so all I had to do was buy a toothbrush! We were good to go ... I wish we had more time to enjoy being on the road.

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Q:		I just wanted to say you guys rock! My husband and I are the parents to an awesome 6-year-old who has Down syndrome. We watch your show all the time, and we noticed you have help in the shop by some adults with Down's or other special needs. How freaking cool is that?
A:		You are one of the few people who can understand what gifts our special-needs employees are! Boyd and I are supporters of Elwyn Inc., an organization that offers workshops and training for people with special needs. Tom has been with us five years and is a ward of the state; he spends a lot of time with us and our family. Christmas is already being planned, and we can't forget birthdays. His is two days after one of our sons', so it is always up at our house. Scotty has Down's; he loves life but more than that maybe going out to lunch, open houses and birthday parties! He has been with us three years. Then we have Miss Julie. She has Down's and is my assistant's assistant. She has been here one year. All of us here love our very special employees. Thank you for your kind words. I hope to meet your special one soon!

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Q:		Did Jesse James work at Boyd Coddington's shop?
A:		Yes, Jesse James did work for Boyd.

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