Restoration Garage's new rat

Ragtop · BELLE RIVER, ONT

Restoration Garage's new rat

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Restoration garage has nothing to do with hot rods. The show is to hot rodding what the pope is to a jazz festival.
So now that you have opened that can of worms let me give it a good kick. The true Hot Rod shows are no longer available to us. Shows like Gearz with Stacy David and The last few seasons of Two Guys Garage were pretty good. Now the media moguls think ex-Bikers are hot-rodders. Black bandanas and tattoes along with a large measure of foul language mixed with a dose of automotive stupidity is all we have. We lost NHRA Today which was always interesting. The drags are no longer regularly available to Canadians like they used to be. Our saggy moustache friend Dennis (help me here I have forgotten the show's and his name( Dennis Gauge?) is no longer available and while not maybe mainstream hot rod it was always well done and you could learn something of interest during each show. Dream Car Garage even I can no longer find. Overhaulin I don't mind and my wife enjoys it as well although the theatrics of stealing the car annoy me. Me I am fed up. If I could get away with it I would unplug the TV and forget it. Unfortunately someone here seems to need Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. It is so bad I even miss the weird guys from Hot Rod TV. Used to be back in the day saturday and sunday both had a lot of good constructive hot rod shows. You could have it on in mixed company or with your nieces and nephews in the room and not flinch. Now it is just a bunch of uncivilized punks taking cars that should be in the wreckers , getting them running , putting on some wheels and flogging them to the village idiots. And I am just getting started! For a start we need to bring back Horsepower TV or its equivalent. Beyond that something that would interest us and help us. I find more and more I am wishing what happens in Vegas would stay in Vegas. The shows made there are a poor representation of our hobby. Instead of Count this or Vegas that it should just be called two hours of Bikers Bozos and Bums. It certainly does not represent the hobby the way I see it.
I will be OK in the morning, I promise.
don

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:53:08 PM

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:53:54 PM

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:56:43 PM

slab · BRANT COUNTY, ONT

I'd have to agree with most of that rant.....Canadian TV really does suck for the most part. And that new biker show wasn't very good either that aired last week. Probably another flop. I don't know much about bikes but I used to really like the Biker Build off shows with guys like Indian Larry.

studeshaker · BUCKHORN, ONT

don, you've nailed it. it really seems to me that these shows are directed at viewers that have very little to do with auto related hobbies. many of these so called projects are just so ridiculous that the true enthusiast is left open mouthed scratching his noggin. as has been said before,all the better auto related programs have vanished and this dreck is all that remains.

GhostPost · ONTARIO

My favourite show which only airs once a month is "RoadKill" by Freiburger and Finnegan from Hot Rod magazine.

In one episode they drive to Summit and install a SBC in the parking lot and it starts snowing in Finnegans wifes el Camino. No real drama other than incorrect parts, McGivering, Zip tying and "Best Day at Work Ever" by two co workers who appear more friends than colleagues. They find, buy, build on a budget and have fun on the way. Lately I have found it a lot more corporate because of sponsors but for the most part its a good show we enjoy.

You can find it on YouTube Motor Trend Channel. Here is my fav episode...

58Chev · ETOBICOKE, ONT

Don,
Horsepower TV = PowerNation on Spike Channel Rogers 279

I agree with GhostPost, Roadkill episodes on Youtube is a great way to pass the time.

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Freiburger did a stint at the mag I still write for when he first started his successful career, I believe, as did Steve Magnate of Barret Jackson show fame. He would certainly know what a Hot Rod is so I will check it out next opportunity. Thanks for the heads up. I know an Ontario TV Producer who is an active hotrodder. He used to produce Science in the City segment for Discovery and has taken some time off. So it isn't like we don't have people who could do it. It is just we don't have executives who recognize the need. I met him when he worked for Global and they shot a test segment in my shop. His name is Steve Sheehan. He is building blown Hemi (270 Red Ram) 40 Dodge pickup. And when I say he is building I mean that HE is Building it hisself including the motor, frame work etc etc. He also has a 68 RR almost done with an OR 440. Lately he has become enamoured with non traditional engines.
He would know what is interesting and could put it together. So it isn't like we don't have folks who could or would know. And if I know one I am sure many of you do too.
don

-- Edited by Don on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 08:29:13 AM

Jess · EASTERN ONTARIO

Don wrote:
Restoration garage has nothing to do with hot rods. The show is to hot rodding what the pope is to a jazz festival.
So now that you have opened that can of worms let me give it a good kick. The true Hot Rod shows are no longer available to us. Shows like Gearz with Stacy David and The last few seasons of Two Guys Garage were pretty good. Now the media moguls think ex-Bikers are hot-rodders. Black bandanas and tattoes along with a large measure of foul language mixed with a dose of automotive stupidity is all we have. We lost NHRA Today which was always interesting. The drags are no longer regularly available to Canadians like they used to be. Our saggy moustache friend Dennis (help me here I have forgotten the show's and his name( Dennis Gauge?) is no longer available and while not maybe mainstream hot rod it was always well done and you could learn something of interest during each show. Dream Car Garage even I can no longer find. Overhaulin I don't mind and my wife enjoys it as well although the theatrics of stealing the car annoy me. Me I am fed up. If I could get away with it I would unplug the TV and forget it. Unfortunately someone here seems to need Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. It is so bad I even miss the weird guys from Hot Rod TV. Used to be back in the day saturday and sunday both had a lot of good constructive hot rod shows. You could have it on in mixed company or with your nieces and nephews in the room and not flinch. Now it is just a bunch of uncivilized punks taking cars that should be in the wreckers , getting them running , putting on some wheels and flogging them to the village idiots. And I am just getting started! For a start we need to bring back Horsepower TV or its equivalent. Beyond that something that would interest us and help us. I find more and more I am wishing what happens in Vegas would stay in Vegas. The shows made there are a poor representation of our hobby. Instead of Count this or Vegas that it should just be called two hours of Bikers Bozos and Bums. It certainly does not represent the hobby the way I see it.
I will be OK in the morning, I promise.
don

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:53:08 PM

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:53:54

And that's why I told Shaw to unhook the dish. No programming I wanted and was told I would get. The price kept going up and the choices were gong down.

-- Edited by Jess on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 08:58:20 AM

51 Styline · NIAGARA FALLS, ONT

Jess wrote:
Don wrote:
Restoration garage has nothing to do with hot rods. The show is to hot rodding what the pope is to a jazz festival.
So now that you have opened that can of worms let me give it a good kick. The true Hot Rod shows are no longer available to us. Shows like Gearz with Stacy David and The last few seasons of Two Guys Garage were pretty good. Now the media moguls think ex-Bikers are hot-rodders. Black bandanas and tattoes along with a large measure of foul language mixed with a dose of automotive stupidity is all we have. We lost NHRA Today which was always interesting. The drags are no longer regularly available to Canadians like they used to be. Our saggy moustache friend Dennis (help me here I have forgotten the show's and his name( Dennis Gauge?) is no longer available and while not maybe mainstream hot rod it was always well done and you could learn something of interest during each show. Dream Car Garage even I can no longer find. Overhaulin I don't mind and my wife enjoys it as well although the theatrics of stealing the car annoy me. Me I am fed up. If I could get away with it I would unplug the TV and forget it. Unfortunately someone here seems to need Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. It is so bad I even miss the weird guys from Hot Rod TV. Used to be back in the day saturday and sunday both had a lot of good constructive hot rod shows. You could have it on in mixed company or with your nieces and nephews in the room and not flinch. Now it is just a bunch of uncivilized punks taking cars that should be in the wreckers , getting them running , putting on some wheels and flogging them to the village idiots. And I am just getting started! For a start we need to bring back Horsepower TV or its equivalent. Beyond that something that would interest us and help us. I find more and more I am wishing what happens in Vegas would stay in Vegas. The shows made there are a poor representation of our hobby. Instead of Count this or Vegas that it should just be called two hours of Bikers Bozos and Bums. It certainly does not represent the hobby the way I see it.
I will be OK in the morning, I promise.
don

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:53:08 PM

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:53:54

And that's why I told Shaw to unhook the dish. No programming I wanted and was told I would get. The price kept going up and the choices were gong down.

-- Edited by Jess on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 08:58:20 AM

And with the way prices keep going up and our choices are going down, and will even more with the new cable system comes out, the Cable companies and Government cant seem to figure out why so many Canadians are subscribing to Direct TV or Dish Network. Seems pretty straight forward to me.

DJD · SCARBOROUGH, ONT

58Chev wrote:
Don,
Horsepower TV = PowerNation on Spike Channel Rogers 279

I agree with GhostPost, Roadkill episodes on Youtube is a great way to pass the time.

day and time .. PLEASE !!

I just got a digital roger's box - now I can actually get this channel

-- Edited by DJD on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 01:10:04 PM

parklane · St THOMAS, ONT

Just punch up www.hotrod.com and you should be able to locate it there. BTW it's on your computer, not TV.

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

I saw that episode last night, I like the part where he had to separate the body from the frame, because it was welded together. confuse

invision · NIAGARA FALLS, ONT

Gazoo wrote:
I saw that episode last night, I like the part where he had to separate the body from the frame, because it was welded together.

Unibody construction!?!

RacerRick · TORONTO, ONT

TV is so bad now I got rid of cable and just have netflix and the internet.

Ratmotor · PARRY SOUND, ONT

That guy Paul get the boot from The Guild? Seems like a bunch of dicks work there....

Fordy Acres Car Farm · DORCHESTER, ONT

I don't watch much TV anymore - usually what ever sitcoms or "reality" shows 'Theo' is watching, just background noise to me.

I mostly use the satellite for commercial free music out in the shops.

58Chev · ETOBICOKE, ONT

DJD wrote:
58Chev wrote:
Don,
Horsepower TV = PowerNation on Spike Channel Rogers 279

I agree with GhostPost, Roadkill episodes on Youtube is a great way to pass the time.
day and time .. PLEASE !!

I just got a digital roger's box - now I can actually get this channel

-- Edited by DJD on Tuesday 9th of September 2014 01:10:04 PM

my bad,

Sunday starting at 9AM till 11AM

DJD · SCARBOROUGH, ONT

Thanks !!

Fordy Acres Car Farm · DORCHESTER, ONT

58Chev wrote:
Don,
Horsepower TV = PowerNation on Spike Channel Rogers 279

I agree with GhostPost, Roadkill episodes on Youtube is a great way to pass the time.

I get the 'Power Block' featuring Courtney on Shaw satellite as well- same times also.

Ragtop · BELLE RIVER, ONT

Don wrote:
Restoration garage has nothing to do with hot rods. The show is to hot rodding what the pope is to a jazz festival.
So now that you have opened that can of worms let me give it a good kick. The true Hot Rod shows are no longer available to us. Shows like Gearz with Stacy David and The last few seasons of Two Guys Garage were pretty good. Now the media moguls think ex-Bikers are hot-rodders. Black bandanas and tattoes along with a large measure of foul language mixed with a dose of automotive stupidity is all we have. We lost NHRA Today which was always interesting. The drags are no longer regularly available to Canadians like they used to be. Our saggy moustache friend Dennis (help me here I have forgotten the show's and his name( Dennis Gauge?) is no longer available and while not maybe mainstream hot rod it was always well done and you could learn something of interest during each show. Dream Car Garage even I can no longer find. Overhaulin I don't mind and my wife enjoys it as well although the theatrics of stealing the car annoy me. Me I am fed up. If I could get away with it I would unplug the TV and forget it. Unfortunately someone here seems to need Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. It is so bad I even miss the weird guys from Hot Rod TV. Used to be back in the day saturday and sunday both had a lot of good constructive hot rod shows. You could have it on in mixed company or with your nieces and nephews in the room and not flinch. Now it is just a bunch of uncivilized punks taking cars that should be in the wreckers , getting them running , putting on some wheels and flogging them to the village idiots. And I am just getting started! For a start we need to bring back Horsepower TV or its equivalent. Beyond that something that would interest us and help us. I find more and more I am wishing what happens in Vegas would stay in Vegas. The shows made there are a poor representation of our hobby. Instead of Count this or Vegas that it should just be called two hours of Bikers Bozos and Bums. It certainly does not represent the hobby the way I see it.
I will be OK in the morning, I promise.
don

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:53:08 PM

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:53:54 PM

-- Edited by Don on Monday 8th of September 2014 10:56:43 PM

What he said!

el toro · LONDON, ONT

Restoration garage is a complete joke. watched it twice both times they ripped off people, destroyed a Camero and took 60 grand off a guy for bad workmanship on a tv clone Lincoln. Don never apologize for ranting the truth.

-- Edited by el toro on Friday 12th of September 2014 02:14:15 PM

Playin Hookie · HUNTSVILLE, ONT

Funny I bumped into another guys blog about his journey restoring a 61 Imperial, he mentioned getting hosed by a big flashy restoration shop in Bradford back in 2006. Hmmmm. Not cool at all for those in the industry (whomever they may be)

Here's part of the blog:

Still having to work, I knew I'd need professional help (with the car!), so I searched out for a restoration shop capable of a complete mechanical overhaul and some cosmetic clean-up. Somehow I settled on a shop in Bradford, Ontario (not TOO far from my home). They had a very presentable facility, had done some similar-vintage Chryslers, and they were REALLY eager to take this on. I should have seen that as the hard-sell it was. I have rarely made worse mistakes. This shop (that shall remain nameless except in the complaints I will send to Hemmings and the BBB) overstepped their authority and pulled and stripped the body from the frame without asking! Now I had to decide: go forward with a full restoration or stop. No contest. We agreed on a budget and off they went. Mistake #2: I should have pulled the project from them right then. They quickly shot through the budget and we were nowhere near done. The level of communication was poor and the project management was abysmal. Finally, in February 2006; I called it quits and pulled the project.

-- Edited by Playin Hookie on Friday 12th of September 2014 02:41:55 PM

DJD · SCARBOROUGH, ONT

not refering to that shop, but I've heard of guys being invoiced for so much time they eventually just give up the car to the shop doing the work rather than try to keep up with the billing

then the shop finishes the car , sells it and makes a bundle

somehow I think the best plan is to get small jobs done here N there and never just dump a large project in someone's lap

if your only in some shop for small projects it's less of a hit when you decide to pull it out and never go back to them - and you hopefully still have your stuff

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Interesting you say that.
In 2005 I was contacted by a German national who owned an engineering firm in France. He wanted to know if would I build a power plant for his NASCAR Returns to Lemans project and if so what would I build. After a lot of thought I gave him my best plan. He flew from Europe to North America then stopped in TO on his way to pick up a BB charger from Wash State for the build and had me book him a room in Trenton with WIFI. He insisted on filling my MAX Wedge up with fuel and we drove around the whole next day till about 3 PM when he asked to meet my Banking officer and made a substantial deposit to cover the first 1/2 of the project. I asked him why he picked me for the build (since his options were unlimited to my way of thinking) and after telling me he had followed my career in magazines and on the internet he said, "The French have a saying. In English it means basically "All the best cakes come from the little shops." He said he had found it to be true over the years.
don

DJD · SCARBOROUGH, ONT

looks like you were dealing with a wise man who knew something about researching who to do what

I was once told to go apply for a job at "the guild"
I didn't like the person who told me so much and thought I might not want to deal with anyone they knew either

after seeing the show I think I made the right call on that one

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Probably you will never regret that. Every time I don't listen to that inside voice or gut feeling I kick myself later.
don

DJD · SCARBOROUGH, ONT

I know what you mean
I didn't know where the place was exactly but the drive from the T-O zoo area to bradford and back every day would have been hard to take as well

back in 84 the drive to kipling and north queen st took an hour on a good day

just dave · NIXON, ONT

Well, I guess you can blame the bozos on orange county crappers

I'd say that's the beginning of the end for the good vehicle related, somewhat educational tv shows.

when that show started, they assembled off the shelf parts, yell, curse, bitch and moan......BAM

That's what became they way to do stuff, cake on the bondo, polish the turd, as the majority of people ate up every spoonful.

The true craftsmen are too boring to watch, as taking a flat piece of steel, forming it into a shape thats compound and convex is just too boring for 95% of the population to watch

The success of that show made education programs irrelevant as they weren't cash cows that can be branded and sold .

Myself, ive watched basically every new show,old show, etc, and do enjoy them for the entertainment value,

a little bit of hot rod is better than no hot rod.

If I do need to learn something, im capable of opening a book, remember those?

Or hop online, which thankfully introduced me to this awesome site.

hotroddonnie · BARRIE, ONT

Well said Dave!!!! I had my car at the MegaSpeed show in March, Danny and Kevin from Counting Cars, and Rick and Kelly from American Restoration, were there. Not one that I saw stopped to talk or look at the cars, they were rushed down the halls to their signing posts and back to their rooms, it was a joke!!!! Brinks doesn't even have that much security around them! Anyone know where I can get one of Danny's CD's? (NOT MEANT TO OFFEND THEIR FANS)

Grabrr · LONDON, ONT

I'd like to know what happened to the guy that was the service manager before? It's not like he was even a car guy...how he ever got that position was amazing.

MScott · EASTERN ONTARIO

Grabrr wrote:
I'd like to know what happened to the guy that was the service manager before? It's not like he was even a car guy...how he ever got that position was amazing.

I wondered the same thing. I don't often watch the show, but the last I saw they were talking about priming him to take over the business. Then, on the rat rod show there was an entirely new service manager. Did I miss something?

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

All I have to add to this thread, is that "WE" have to be careful what we say, when it comes to "The Guild".
There is a bit of history here with them, they caught wind of another thread (quite some time ago), and somewhat put pressure on Harry.

Model A Guy · STROUD, ONT

I actually saw the former service manager at the Orangeville car show in July[?]. He seemed to be managing a booth with the banner " C.A.R.S.", they had a little Fiat or something on display.

thirty8 · WINDSOR, ONT

I was told by someone that was speaking to Paul [the manager] that he was off with a serious illness and was let go because they needed someone who could "be there". Rumour is he will have a show of his own.

v8deuce · OAKVILLE, ONT

GhostPost wrote:
My favourite show which only airs once a month is "RoadKill" by Freiburger and Finnegan from Hot Rod magazine.
In one episode they drive to Summit and install a SBC in the parking lot and it starts snowing in Finnegans wifes el Camino. No real drama other than incorrect parts, McGivering, Zip tying and "Best Day at Work Ever" by two co workers who appear more friends than colleagues. They find, buy, build on a budget and have fun on the way. Lately I have found it a lot more corporate because of sponsors but for the most part its a good show we enjoy.

Mine has to be where they put 5 leaf blowers in the back of a sbc equipped monza and tied them together and they went like 150 mph! I bought a pvr a few years ago and set it ro record mayday,a few detective shows but nothing car related because they are all junk with the exception of foose and his overhauling gang. Plus I can fast forward through all the garbage commercials

Randy

Grabrr · LONDON, ONT

thirty8 wrote:

I was told by someone that was speaking to Paul [the manager] that he was off with a serious illness and was let go because they needed someone who could "be there". Rumour is he will have a show of his own.

Hopefully he isn't sick, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I've heard many stories about that place over the years, good and bad, and they are still in business.

Don · PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

It is not so much who they are and what they do it is just it is not the part of the hobby that sparks the interest of those who actually do stuff. Respectable guys both young and old with a measure of civility who enjoy working on cars building stuff to their likes and using and racing them even is what interests me.
I watched a episode of Restoration last night when he was talking about an old record player and how you can't get tubes anymore and if you could they would cost $50 to $60 each. You can buy every common tube ever made. The common ones are usually about $7.95 each and can be had overnight from places like The Tube Store in Hamilton Ontario. (I am a Ham radio operator and into the tube gear stuff so I buy this stuff all the time)I thought immediately of the car guys on these new shows when I saw that. They are about as knowledgeable about car stuff. Maybe we just need our own internet TV Hot Rod show.
don

-- Edited by Don on Monday 15th of September 2014 06:33:15 AM

-- Edited by Don on Monday 15th of September 2014 06:34:19 AM

henry · CORNWALL, ONT

Damn that was some good reading.

I worked at an "organization" called "Olde Tyme Cars". I was the domestic mechanic. (Mustangs, Camaros and real T's ). As mentioned above hours billed was a bit ...... hmmm...... fictional. When the dollars were paid there was some amazing work from talented individuals. Unfortunately there was too much third world junk for my liking.

TV today is all about ad revenue not content. Stupid is the new "entertaining".
Ass Monkey is about how to lose money (almost every show) and the other "technical" shows are about people and a camera so it must be "the correct way to do things". Lay down an inch thick MIG weld on a quarter panel patch and then grind it off...... can no one hammer weld? I guess for those who know nothing and "I want that" they learn, maybe not anything useful but they learn.

The upside is with all this bullsh!t pricing shown on these shows is those of us with a stash of collected goodies can ask millions $$ and those devoted show watchers will think that is the norm.

Schnitz · MILTON, ONT

Gotta say I agree with all of what was said so far.
Roadkill is my favorite car show with Leno's Garage after that.

That rat rod they built was hideous as well. Just a bunch of junk thrown at it. No style whatsoever.

Grabrr · LONDON, ONT

Ok...I'm am not a purist, but some cars don't need "Flames"....wow. A 69 Shelby, doesn't need flames...:(
Looks,like the same car that's been kicking around Toronto for a couple of years, it was at the muscle car auction a few years back.

Playin Hookie · HUNTSVILLE, ONT

Part of my job is to say no. Flames on a Shelby would be a no, not by me.

427CARL · CLINTON, ONT

Grabrr wrote:
Ok...I'm am not a purist, but some cars don't need "Flames"....wow. A 69 Shelby, doesn't need flames...:(
Looks,like the same car that's been kicking around Toronto for a couple of years, it was at the muscle car auction a few years back.

I was hollering No NO No in the kitchen why or why even the owners son did not want them

DJD · SCARBOROUGH, ONT

shelby don't need no stinkin flames

but by some other measure , if it's black ... the flames are bright screaming orange & really really well done,

AND they've been on the car since oh say around '72-3 AND it still looks good - THEN don't fool with it

somewhere I have a small picture of a 67-8 mustang fastback - black with really nice flames down most of the side of it

lol AND some big honkin clear plastic hood scoop , rear opening , 8-10 inches tall with val stacks in it..
and ... a freeking dodge daytona or superbird wing on it

ya know , it don't look half as bad as it sounds

TA462 · PORT HOPE, ONT

hotroddonnie wrote:
Well said Dave!!!! I had my car at the MegaSpeed show in March, Danny and Kevin from Counting Cars, and Rick and Kelly from American Restoration, were there. Not one that I saw stopped to talk or look at the cars, they were rushed down the halls to their signing posts and back to their rooms, it was a joke!!!! Brinks doesn't even have that much security around them! Anyone know where I can get one of Danny's CD's? (NOT MEANT TO OFFEND THEIR FANS)

I was at a show years ago and Troy Trepanier was there. It might have been called something else though but it was at the International Center. He was actually there with some of the cars he built signing autographs at his display. There was hardly anyone talking to him. I bet I spent a 1/2 hour talking with him and he let my wife sit in one of his cars so I could take a picture. Awesome guy and by far one of the best car builders there is.