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Switching Gears: I'm Landon Thompson, your new car columnist
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Posted by vickyt Fri Apr 22, 2005 15:50:00 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments Hello, Voice Readers! My name is Landon Thompson, and I will pick up where our friend Gerry Byron left off as the writer of the car column. Although my main interest is muscle cars, I enjoy vehicles of all genres, regardless of make or model year, and hope to feature a variety of local vehicles in future articles.

In the last several years, vehicle hobbies have become one of our new national pastimes. Cable television shows such as "American Hot Rod" and "Orange County Chopper" have created interest and fanned the flames of desire among vehicle enthusiasts nationwide. Anyone who cruises our Northwest neighborhoods or passes by Chuy's Mesquite Broiler can see that national interests have become local, and in a big way! One can take in the sights and sounds of custom and import motorcycles, 4x4s and low-riders, muscle cars and street rods, and even the occasional tricked-out bicycle. What's so attractive about a vehicle hobby is that it transcends age and gender. For some, it's about the latest in automotive technology, while others enjoy reveling in memories while restoring their vintage ride. Whatever the case, it's about enjoyment and fun. So, how does one get into this hobby?

To start at the beginner's level, you must understand that the vehicle is a hobby; not really designed as a daily driver. This is a car that is meant for occasional driving and car shows. With that in mind, you must decide which make and model and what features you want on the car. I listed my top five vehicles and put that list on the refrigerator for one month. That way, I took my time and made a thoughtful decision on my dream ride. In my case, it was a 1969 GTO. Just remember, this hobby can get expensive and you don't want to put money into a car you really don't want -- thus the refrigerator list. The next thing to do is to know ahead of time the direction you are taking with the car -- restored, street rod, 4x4 hill-climber, sport compact, etc. If you plan on a chromed-out muscle car with plans for an engine change, you don't want to pay a king's ransom for a number-matching original 1970 Z-28 four-speed. If you plan to build a hill-climbing truck, you don't want to buy a vehicle with a pristine $7,000 paint job, either.

Next, create a budget and stick to it! Remember, in most households you are not the only member, and if you don't keep the family on your side and behind the project, you'll be posting a "For Sale" sign on it in short order. I've found it is wise to balance this expensive hobby with family money needs. Another thing to consider is the time requirement. If you have three kids in high school, it's probably best not to buy that 1948 GMC truck in pieces. The time you need to spend with your family is not going to allow you to be doing the really dirty work required on the car. Carefully consider all aspects of the project before you buy.

A good way to get into the car hobby is to attend a car show. At the shows, you can see the wide array of cars people have fixed-up, and you can talk with the owners for tips and information. Car show people love to talk cars and questions are not an inconvenience at all. The next local car show is sponsored by the Taft Rotary Club and is being held on Saturday, May 7, at Taft High School. As with most shows, the festivities begin around 9 a.m. and conclude around 3 p.m.

In future articles I plan on spotlighting local cars, interviewing local shop owners about specific car topics, and providing information about upcoming car shows. I also plan to give tips on vehicle security, car care and maintenance. If you have questions or want to have your vehicle featured, contact me at 589-1335.

Until next time, drive safe and happy motoring!

 

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