Todd Answers Your Questions

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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.

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Q:		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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Q:		Why are these deadlines so tight? Is that standard procedure in hot-rod shops, or is it done for Discovery Channel?
A:		Many times a customer will come to us with a project and want to debut it at a particular show. In the case of the Junkyard Dog, it was decided to debut it at SEMA. By the time the customer came to us, there were only eight weeks in which to build the car.

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Q:		What happened to the flames on the Alumatub? Weren't they supposed to be acid-etched?
A:		The acid-etched flames were not done. We tried the process on some scrap aluminum and were not happy with the end results, so we decided not to do them.

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Q:		Does Boyd ever work on the cars? He seems to sit in his office a lot.
A:		Boyd would prefer working on the cars, but his schedule doesn't allow it. Keep in mind that the project you see on the show is not the only one taking place; we have eight to 12 projects occurring at any one time. Boyd is constantly on the go taking care of customers, talking to vendors, overseeing the hot-rod shop, wheel shop and hot-rod consignment store, making personal appearances at shows, attending meetings ... the list goes on and on.

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Q:		My son is looking for Boyd's "Smoothie" wheels to fit his two-wheel-drive Dakota (17 inches). Help?
A:		Tires.com has the Smoothies available; however, they may not have them in stock to fit the Dakota. The Dakota requires a positive offset wheel, so more than likely they will need to be ordered and custom-built. Don't worry, this does not cost extra; it only means it will take a little more time to get the wheels. So you will need to either call the folks at Tires.com or call us directly at 1-888-254-3400.

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Q:		What was the type and brand of transmission used on the Junkyard Dog?
A:		The transmission is a Richmond five-speed.

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Q:		Can you tell me the name or manufacturer on the peel-and-stick insulation that was used on the Alumatub?
A:		The product you are referring to is made by Dynamat.

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Q:		Is anyone planning a road trip to one of the Goodguys shows? I've never been to one, but it sounds like a good time.
A:		The show in Indianapolis would be an excellent choice to attend. This show also has vintage drag racing. Another show worth attending is the Goodguys Hot-Rod Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. There isn't racing at this event, but it's the largest Goodguys show, with thousands of cars in attendance. I have to warn you though — after seeing the awesome cars people build and meeting the people who make up this sport, you just might get hooked and have to have a hot rod of your own. When that happens, let us know; we can build you that Boydster.

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