By the time many of our readers receive the Mar. '05 issue of Truckin', Mother Nature will have deepened into her cold winter mood, changing some regions of the North American continent into a winter wonderland. Many folks can be found shoveling knee-deep snow just to get their daily driver out of the garage. And, that's not to mention what cold, wet weather can do to your pristine, custom classic hauler. Although indoors, you can still find inspiration for your project.
The harsh weather makes it easier to focus on maintaining and rebuilding an existing show vehicle or beginning a new ride for the upcoming show season. Many hours are spent in garages, basements, or shops, with comforting propane heaters and good tunes. In fact, many mail order and aftermarket companies say this is their busiest time of the year. When there's no other place to go, keeping busy and staying warm can contribute to the creative customization process.
A couple ways for enthusiasts of customs to survive the chilly winter months are the internet and television. The internet has a plethora of options for custom classic truck inspiration and entertainment. Weeding through the vast array of custom truck websites can keep you busy until spring, not to mention the products available for purchase on eBay. But, one thing's for sure: Thank goodness for all things automotive on cable and satellite networks, such as the action-packed Speed Channel to educational and inspirational Discovery Channel. The Speed Channel features the racing series, such as NASCAR, Craftsman Trucks, Bush Series, Hooters Pro Racing, ASA Racing, USAC Racing, IHRA, and SCCA, while presenting shows such as Dream Garage, Car Crazy, My Classic Car, Wind Tunnel, Autorotica, Fifth Gear, Victory By Design, Two Guys Garage, Chop, Cut and Build, Behind the Headlights, Racing Across America, Men Behind the Wrenches, AutoWeek, 2 Wheel Tuesday, and Tuner Transformation, as well as American Thunder, Corbin's Ride On, Legends Of Motorsports, and American Muscle Car. Jesse James started the whole buildup craze with his Monster Garage on Discovery Channel, which blossomed into many similar shows such as The Great Biker Build Off, American Hot Rod, A Chopper Is Born, Motorcycle Mania, and American Chopper. Clear Channel has Arena Motocross Series, FreeStyle Motocross, Super-Motocross, and U.S. Hot Rod Thunder Monster Trucks. Needless to say, there are plenty of creative and inspirational outlets for those who are hiding from the cold, or those who just need some good custom ideas from the truck world and elsewhere.
Fortunately, our Truckin' staff doesn't have to shovel their daily drivers out of a snow bank to get to work. But, I am sure a couple of days in those states with severe weather would kick our butts and make us grateful for what we have. In SoCal, we are so spoiled this time of year. We can cruise our custom show trucks 365 days of the year, 24-7. The point is, a true truck enthusiast, whether surrounded by snow and storm or basking in the SoCal sun, will find a way to enjoy their hobby.
Rain or shine, I am cruisin' over to Adams Donuts, home of the Donut Derelicts, tomorrow at 6 a.m. for our weekly get-together of an estimated 200 custom rides, then splitting for a cruise down Main Street, Huntington Beach, and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Either way, you have to love the winter months and all that they entail. So, stay warm and keep turnin' those wrenches.