SA HotRods Magazine

EDITION 23 ON SHELF NOW!!!

SAHR — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:20:22 +0000

EDITION 23

How Time Flies

We are past the first quarter of the year already, it’s amazing how time flies when you are running around like a ‘blue ass fly’.
On the front cover we see the first Miller 27 fiberglass body on the road. What a beautiful specimen! On our Readers Rides pages, see the interesting stories and builds. We say ‘hi’ to an old friend Tommy Bester and his ‘55 Chevy 210. On page 36, take a look at the timeless Cords of 1936/7. Check out our feature on the Karmann Ghia, an old time favourite. We continue with the series on the history of Hot Rods in South Africa and take a walk down memory lane with the stockcars of the 1960’s at the Goodwood showgrounds. We all love the history articles as it reminds one of how far we have come as a magazine and an industry. After all this time we are still informing people of how big the Rodding industry actually is.
So keep those treasures rolling in. I keep thinking it doesn’t matter what you ride is you are inspiring someone else to pick up his tools and build his dream ride.
I know I have said it before but we keep hearing from readers who say that their local shops don’t stock SA HotRods magazine. Please have a word with the store manager or send us the store name and number and we will work our magic.
Once again thanks for all the support and keep the emails coming as we love hearing from you.
KEEP RODDING!!!!

EDITION 22

SAHR — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:54:45 +0000

If Not! Why not?

On the cover of this edition, we have the words Y-NOT. The article talks about how Tony Niemandt and friends built an amazing 1939 Chevy Coupe’. But the words got stuck in my head… Why Not… why do we have to do everything that people tell us to do, why do we follow the trends of the other countries. Why don’t we just build cars the way we want to, with our own South African twist? In an interview with Jeremy Nolan about his 1939 Chevy Deluxe, a few months ago, he said that his ride has its own flavour. Flavour, I like that! Maybe we need to stop looking at what the fat people over the water are doing and start focusing on our own style. Our own South African flavour!!!

This edition is a special one as we have loads of readers rides. Our thanks to Dave Herbst and his team who will bring you the History of South African Hot Rods over the next few issues. This is really a must read. We took a drive in John Jeffrey’s 1932 Ford Roadster and we take a look at The Beastly Bomber.

On page 62 is an intro to the stockcar era which will be a regular feature starting next month.

Thanks for sending your readers rides, however we do want more, we are kinda greedy like that. Keep a look out, next month we will be launching the new SA HotRods Zippos. So once again, a full month of Rodding. We hope you enjoy the mag and as always.

KEEP RODDING!

EDITION 21

SAHR — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:57:19 +0000

EDITION 21

HAPPY 21st – We have now come of age.

With 21 issues behind us and many more to come, we shot this cover car in Cape Town at the break of dawn.
This 1968 Chevy Camaro is the car that you requested to be in the magazine and we don’t want to disappoint our readers.

Watching Nick Vernon smoke the tires on the Camaro, with the sunrise in the background, I had some mixed emotions running through my mind. First, I remembered how much I love my job, second, I think that everyone should be happy to get woken up by 500hp of screaming power in the morning and lastly, nothing I could do for the rest of that day could compare to what I have just experienced.

So what else do we have in store for you in this March edition? We kick off with The Black Widow, a 1957 Chevy race car. We then have a look at a movie not many people have heard about called Two-Lane Blacktop. We spend some time with a 1932 Chevy Tudor and then over to Durban so see a Rockabilly Bobber. We see how a guy built a Lambo in his basement and lastly we meet Des Peine and his Dodge Super Bee. All in all, another fun packed edition for everyone to drool over.

Thanks for the great response to our where are they now section. The results of which will be published soon.
Please have a look at our awesome new T shirt and cap design on offer.
Enjoy this edition and keep those mails coming, we do love hearing from you.
KEEP RODDING!

EDITION 20

SAHR — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:44:56 +0000

Edition 20

2012 HERE WE COME!!!!

So 2012 is well on its way and we hope everybody had a fantastic break. For those who hung around the pool or on the beach, we trust you had an awesome time. For those of you who were working on projects, we hope to see your photos and stories soon.
Like many of you, we have already started to make plans to ensure that 2012 will be one to remember. So all we can say is watch this space. While you where sipping on your cocktails and baking in the sun, we were busy putting this magazine together and as always, having fun doing so.
So what do we have in store for you this month? Holts gives us some tips on how to keep our rides sparkly. We meet Michael Bagley and his 1955 Olds Rocket 88. We spent a day with some pretty ladies and one Bad Ass truck. We talk to Karl Ebel about a 1958 Apache with a difference. We dedicated 10 pages to the 2011 SEMA show held recently in Las Vegas. A huge thank you to Darryl Swacina for all the photos and feedback. Lastly, we look at a NASCAR inspired 1953 International Pick-up and a beaut of a Laverda Streetfighter.
To those of you who asked about the Russell Mitchell (he is an internationally renown bike builder) poster in the last magazine. Russell was supposed to be in South Africa, to judge the bike build-off at the Cape Town Bike Festival which was scheduled for December 2011. Unfortunately the event was cancelled at the last minute.
I hope everyone enjoys this edition as much as we did. All the best for 2012 and lets see more projects from you on the road this year.
KEEP RODDING!!!!

EDITION 19 GET YOUR FREE TITS STICKER!!!!!

SAHR — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:46:18 +0000

Edition 19

AND ITS DONE!!!!

Edition 19 and we are still going strong. For those who haven’t noticed we have been running smoothly all year like a V8, just purring along with no hassles. That I must say is mainly thanks to Miems and Wendy. What will we do without you? Thank you for taking all my crap during this year.

On to the mag, man do we have an edition for you. First you must have found your Tits sticker in the magazine, please make good use of it …. As you have seen, this edition will cover December and January and the next edition, February 2012, will be out the end of January 2012 (for those like me that get mixed up with what year this is).

So what do we have in store for you? Well, we went to Kimberly to meet Mike and his 1934 Old School Pick up, we go to “Larney Land” and find a 1938 Chevy by the name of Purple Haze, hiding in Dainfern Golf Estate… nogal! Tiago Rodrigues shows us his baby, a Bad Ass Bobber and we meet Hilda Cronje. She shows o what her Mama gave her, next to Ricardo Johnson’s 1956 Chevy Pro Street. All this and much, much more, so enjoy!!! Keep sending in those letters and photos of your cars, I have some free time to kill.

GET YOUR FREE TITS SITCKE WITH THE MAG!!!

So as the shopping malls start to play the annoying Boney M music and everything gets covered in green, gold and red, we wrap up what is left of 2011. I don’t know about everyone else but I am happy to see the ass end of this year. It’s been a crazy year with lots of highs and even some lows. But now its holiday (for some) and time to relax with love ones and family. So whip out the Jack Daniels, crack open a Monster, scorch some meat on the braai and say it with me. 2011 Can Kiss My Ass…. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

KEEP RODDING!!!

EDITION 18 GEE HOM GAS PAPA!

SAHR — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:53:56 +0000

Edition18

GEE HOM GAS PAPA!

As the year hits the last 100 meter in a quarter mile race, you would think that its time to tap off and get ready for the end of the year, Hell no its time to give it some NOS. We ain't done yet!

A huge thanks for all the help and support with the past shows, the SAHR Street Festival ROCKED. It was great to see some new cars coming out the wood work. That got me thinking, we always think Rodding is only active in the big cities, what about the small towns in the middle of nowhere…. We know there are Rodders out there as we receive enquiries from addresses that Google has never even heard of.

The thing I love about this industry is the people, I love how people from all walks of life can get together and the one thing they have in common is the love of Rods. Someone said the one day that people get tired of talking about politics, religion or sport, but I have never heard a Rodder say I am so sick of talking about cars; it just doesn't happen. I still do think that there is a bunch of ‘in the closet’ Rodders out there; you see them quickly jump and look as soon as they hear a V8 rumbling, somewhere in the distance. Don't worry we will get them…. it’s just a matter of time!

The Rodding scene is growing at a rapid pace and we see it everywhere, TV commercials, magazines, (except those fluffy magazines that want men to talk about their feelings…What the hell) and now even our local TV station. Yes, you may have seen my ugly face on Top Billing recently. This is part of a bunch of inserts we are doing on Hot Rods and Muscle cars. So please keep an eye out and tell me if I suck.

Well, I hope you enjoy the mag.The cover car, a 1966 Chevy Nova, belonging to Jacques Mouton, was one of the Readers Rides in the first edition of SA HotRods. It just shows that good things come to those who wait, KEEP RODDING!!!!

Edition17 Why Not, YES WE CAN!

SAHR — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:42:57 +0000

Edition17

As many people in my life know, I am a bit of a busy bee. If I am not writing articles, taking photos or working towards a deadline, I am talking to people about projects or organising motor shows. Don't get me wrong I love what I do, but every now and then I wish I could just take the time to walk around at a show, take in the awesome cars and enjoy the company of all the petrolheads in SA.

So, at Cars in the Park I did just that, and I must say I had the time of my life. I had so many people come up to me and talk about the magazine, the cars and the industry. Spending time with Rodders was all that I needed to recharge my battery. So a huge thanks to everyone who came to talk to me.

Something that has been bothering me; SA has a long history in car manufacturing, we know that a large amount of parts are manufactured right here in SA. We have the skills and know how, why are we still importing everything from the USA? I am not talking about original parts for your 69 Camaro. I am talking about what you need to build a Hot Rod. Why are we not manufacturing Hot Rods parts in SA and exporting it to the USA or Australia? Maybe someone is and we just don't know about it yet.

So here is my appeal, if you are selling or want to sell, or know a guy who knows a guy who is manufacturing any Hot Rods products locally, please get in touch with us on info@sahotrods.com. We want to know about it so we can let SA know about it. Once again, thanks for all the feedback and letters so keep them coming please. Hope you enjoy the mag. KEEP RODDING!!!!

Edition 16 – THE SEPTEMBER THAT ROCKS

SAHR — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:55:14 +0000

Edition16

September is here and for SA HotRods it is one of the busiest months of the year. Why, well if you have been keeping an eye on the last bunch of issues and you watch Ignition TV then you must have seen the ad for the SA HotRods Street Festival that will be taking place on the 11th of September at Killarney race track. The show just keeps getting bigger, with live bands, rods, bikes, burnouts and loads of promo girls. Really, need I say more!!! Just go to page 48 for all the details of the show. Our new SA HotRods T-Shirts will also be available.

Then we pack up in Cape Town and head to Gangster Paradise for the Castrol Extreme Auto Show, this year at Zwartkops Raceway instead of the Dome. This show will be from the 23 to 25 September. It’s going to be huge, so who ever is in the area, pop in and come say hello, that is why we are there!

We have been getting calls from people asking us to get magazines stocked at their local shops, as well as saying that they struggle to find magazines on the shelf. We are working with our distribution company to get the magazine everywhere, but we do need your help. If your local shop doesn't stock SA HotRods please ask the store manager to stock it. We can beg and plead all we want but if the shop said no, then it’s not happening. You can also send us an e-mail (info@sahotrods.com) with the name and area of the shop.

So as you can see there is lots happening, please keep the mails and suggestions rolling in, we love hearing from everyone and getting your cars in the magazine. But till I see you at the shows.. KEEP RODDING!!!!!!

Edition 15 – TIME FOR A CHANGE

SAHR — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:59:25 +0000

Edition 15

If you have already done a quick page through this month's magazine, you may have noticed a few changes, along with our brand new logo. Yes it was time for a change! We decided to move away from the old rolling font look and go for something a little stronger. I hope you like it! If you don’t, give it time it will grow on you like rust. We did the change this way so you, our readers will know what to look out for next month when the New Logo appears on the cover.

Along with a new logo we will also be bringing out new T-shirts (so you can stop begging) that will be available at the SA Hot Rods Street Festival as well at the Castrol Auto Extreme Show in September. I am busy looking at caps as well, but that will all depend on the demand. The New logo is easier to work with and it stands out nicely.

In my last Ed's letter I asked people to write to us, and I had a great response, but please keep it coming. Tell us more about your cars, also if anyone has any technical tips that they would like to share please send them in. I am sure people would love to hear from some of the older, wiser Rodders. I am also looking for stories on local rods from the 50’s to 80’s.

So to all the Rodders out there please send us some stories of the cars that got you into Rodding or even your Rods. You can send your story to info@sahotrods.com. I hope you enjoy this edition, remember to look out for the New Look magazine next month, and as always KEEP RODDING!!!

Edition 14 – Back to the day

SAHR — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:27:12 +0000

SAHR #14

As some people may know I do a lot of traveling, I have spent many an hour driving between Gauteng and Cape Town alone in the car, just me, some singer who has died but is not forgotten and the open road. Sometimes I feel like it’s the only time I really get to think. On my last trip I thought of all the motor shows I went to as a kid with my dad. Even today when I can’t tell you what I had for lunch 2 days ago, I can tell you stories about every motor show I have ever been to. I can tell you where I saw what car for the first time and what impact it had on me at the time and even if my taste or style has changed a bit; my love for Rods has stayed the same.

Sometimes I wish I could travel back in time, when I didn't care about the style of the car, whether it was built as a Street Rod, Hot Rod, Retro Rod or what type of statement the car’s making. The only thing it came down to was, what it was, was it cool, and did I want one?

Every Rod that is out there is a labor of love from someone; it doesn't matter if people agree with the style, the wheels or the paint, because to one person it is the best thing in the world. It is and will always be their pride and joy. So send us your passion, we want to see what is out there. I would like nothing more than to fill the magazine cover to cover with local cars.

Just so everyone knows instead of trying to call and talk to me, please put all your ideas, responses hate mail, love letters on a email and send it to us, we won’t print your name if you don't want us to, that way you get to air your opinions with everyone, instead of just one person. My brain can only hold so much.

I hope everyone loves reading this issue as much as we love putting it together. KEEP RODDING!!