Todd Answers Your Questions
Our
American Hot Rod message board has seen a lot of interesting give-and-take between advertising/art director Todd (log-in: "todd_boydsgarage") 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.
We'll keep adding to this page, so be sure to check back for updates. Or check out the board directly.
More answers: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 |
During vehicle assembly, we occasionally see people referring back to the technical design plans. Who draws these plans? Are they a complete detailed blueprint of each project car end to end, and if so, how long do they take to create?
A: Each car begins with an illustration done by myself or one of our free-lance artists. I wouldn't really call them "technical design plans," though. Usually the process starts with Boyd informing me of the kind of car and modifications he would like to see take place. With this information, I do an illustration of what the final product might look like. Once it's done, Boyd will take a look and let me know if it looks good or if we need some other changes. By doing this, it allows us to see colors and how any modifications will affect the final outcome of the car.
These illustrations normally take anywhere from 10 to 40 hours to create. In the case of some of the hand-built bodies, we may do a full-size outline for the metalworkers.
Q: I've been a fan of Boyd's work for some time now, and I've voiced my opinion on this site many times, mostly negative thoughts on the way things are done or shown to be done as far as the attitudes, the rushed deadlines and employees quitting or getting fired. Is this just TV drama, and if it is, why isn't Boyd doing something about it? He has to see that it's not making him look all that great.
A: I think you're asking what I think of the show. I'm mostly with you. I wish they would show more of the build and less drama. Like many of you, I'm a hot rodder, so my interest is in the cars, and like you, I don't always agree with how we are portrayed on the show. There are a lot of talented guys in that shop, including Duane. And I gotta tell you, Boyd and Jo are awesome to work for.
Is there stress and pressure? Sure. Do we work a lot of hours? Yep. However, if you want to get ahead nowadays, working your 40 and going home isn't an option.
Q: I love Boyd's spectacular Hawaiian shirts. Wearing them has got to brighten his day. Are they all from a particular maker or store, or are they just picked up randomly as he finds new ones he likes from a variety of sources?
A: We actually sell a couple of Hawaiian shirts in our Hot Rod & Collectibles store. You can check them out on our Web site at www.boydcoddington.com.
