Make a difference, Save the traditional KUSTOM!

[Ryan]

The late 60’s and early 70’s damn near killed the custom car. Builders put subtlety to the side in favor of the “more is better” notion and just went to town with some of the craziest mods they could dream up. I guess the masses came to their senses and the custom car scene kind of disappeared for a while. The only guys left that really stayed true to the old ideology and roots of the custom car formed the Kustoms of America. They fought and struggled to keep the custom car alive and finally saw the fruits of their labors by the late 80’s. The custom car is back and it isn’t going anywhere.

Of course, KOA is still around and most of the original guys are still there. What I really like about this group is that they are putting forth some effort to educate the younger guys about the scene. John Bailey sent me a PM a while back asking what I thought KOA could do to get more younger guys involved and to extend their audience. To be honest, I couldn’t answer him as I haven’t been to a KOA show in years… I’m sure a lot of you guys are the same way, but I just didn’t have a reason to go to a KOA show. I picture lawn chairs, chartreuse mercs, and a bunch of old farts! Maybe it is that way… If so, we are gonna change it.

Here’s the deal – KOA is having a show in Florence, KY on June 4, 5, & 6. This show is our opportunity to change the KOA to suit our needs, to make the shows more to our liking, and to make a difference. John has agreed to give all HAMBer’s $5.00 off the price of admission with only one condition – you must come back to the HAMB and report your findings. They want honest and objective (maybe even brutal?) feedback on how they can make their shows better and more suitable to what guys like us want in a show. Pretty rad concept when you think about it…

This isn’t a HAMB commercial spot for KOA either. The HAMB is not making any money off this deal and KOA is prolly gonna lose a bit, but it will all be worth it in the end if we can get these promoters on the right track. So, what do you think? Is this the right show for this idea? Are you guys interested at all? Let us have it… And if everything looks like it is on the up and up, I will get with John and iron out the details with the $5 coupon and what not…

[CadillacKid]

Hey Ryan...That all sounds like a fantastic idea...I've never actually been to a KOA show before...I just thought that I'd give you a heads up that there's a BilletProof show in Detroit on the 6th of June...don't know how much of a difference it'll make, but you never know...just thought i'd relay the info...

[kustombuilder]

smart move on their part. i'll havta see if i can make it down to Kentucky for that one.

[earl schieb]

I'm in. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I'll be there in my Caddy.
Look at it this way---they have a chance to recoup the discount if anybody joins their organization.

I personally can relate more to kustom cars than traditional rods(please don't throw rocks, y'all http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

mike in TN

[Sam F.]

i think thats the same show JohnB pm'd me about last year,i couldnt make it though...

sounds like ill defintley check it out this year though.
ive never been to a KOA show before,so could be Kool

[John B]

We'll not get into the date conflict thing. I'll just say we have had this show the same weekend for at least the last couple years. I encourage all of you to try out this event. Everyone complains that there are never their kinda cars at some shows. Here's your chance to change that and enlighten some new people.

By the way. It's called the Double date because it's for Rods and Kustoms.

[Unkl Ian]

The big promoters are facing the realization that new blood is needed,
and that the new blood isn't going to automaticly fall in line
with the way things have been done for the last 25 years.


The shows are far enough apart that it shouldn't be a problem.
I don't mind driving 5 hours to a good show in Michigan or New York.
Kentucky is a hell of a lot farther.

[Donzie]

I am certainly not one of the "younger guys" but I'm rather new to the custom scene. I have drooled over customs since the first time I'd seen them. There have never been many in and around my area so mostly it was at car shows or in magazines. I never really thought I'd ever own one as the price of having one built seemed put of my reach. Recently I have been lucky enough to begin to see my dream come true (my '50 Chevy will be built in an early '60s theme).
I'm a firm believer in educating the "younger guys" in hot rods and customs, although I do understand their desire to hot rod late models (isn't that what we did in the beginning?) as in most cases it's what's available and affordable.
I think this a great idea and I hope many will take advantage of it. Unfortunetly, I won't be one of them. But I will be going to Billetproof and supporting the traditional side of our sport there.
Praise The Lowered.

[CadillacKid]

Sorry John B...didn't mean to ruffle any feathers with the date thing....just informing, that's all....I'd love to come down to the KOA show, as I am a relatively young guy (28), and I'm probably in the "new" demographic you're looking for...being a musician however, does put limits on me though...there's alot of shows i miss, especially ones that are distanced far from me....I'll be one of the HAMB representatives at the Billet Proof show too, not because i didn't want to attend the KOA show, but because of my prior obligation scheduling...I'm gigging the night before in Iowa, so I'll be driving through the night just to make Billetproof...I wish you the best of luck and I hope that this promo brings the KOA continued success!

[lakes modified]

Ryan: i think it's a great idea. they need to do that at their other events around the country and see what happens. i attended one of their events many years ago in Washington state and could have not been more dissapointed . i never have attended another one. what it did, was cause me to start on my own custom project. collected parts for over 10 yrs, then got started on the project. ran out of cash a few years ago, as it was an off & on project. maybe i'm a little out of the norm, but i'm into traditional hot rods and customs both. now to save up and get back to the custom project, since i now have my lakes modified done, er, well almost.gotta get the beatup halibrand in it by salt time.

[Roothawg]

They could start by having shows here in the center of the US. Young guys can't afford to travel 1200 miles, pay lodging,gas,entry fees etc. The same reason I only make 1-2 shows a year. $$$$$

[BELLM]

Hey! Watch the "old farts" remarks!! As for the lawn chairs, we get tired faster than you young bucks. Wore us out trying to keep up with y'all while we were raising you and trying to teach you how to be future traditional hotrodders, trying to keep you out of rice burners & stuff. Now we're getting more worn out trying to keep our grandkids from falling for the bright shine of billett bling-bling. What a job! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[JimC]

This is a great idea.
I wish all the car related organizations came around to this line of thinking.

I attend a lot of shows each season, but have never gone to a KOA show.

I have been a member of the KKOA and from my perspective it has come down to money.
KKOA, like the KOA was started for resurecting the Custom scene,but in my opinion, has evolved into the "good ol'Ol boy syndrom. The KKOA has a large membership base, but if you are not one of the officials, they seem to ignore you.(until it is time to resign your membership)
I sincerely hope the KOA does not fall into this doldrum. I wish them the best and hope they really are interested in the young folks.

Like Roothawg, it is my thought that more locally promoted shows would benefit the young guys.
Younger folks usually have children and less discretionary income to fund far away shows and the expenses related with attending.
One thing that would help is a control on what vendors charge for food and drink.
I have seen vendors charge one price at a local event and raise the prices two fold at a national car event.

Just on "Old Fart" rambling.

Lastly, ryan, I resemble that remark. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Jim

[hotrodladycrusr]

I've been thinking about this thread since last nite and trying to put all my thoughts into a response. So far it looks like I'm the only one responding who has actually attended this show in the past. I beleive I was at the very first one that was held in the current location.

Let me start by saying I had a good time. The fairgrounds were nice, it was clean, there was plenty of room to move around, plenty of shade trees, cruzn rooms, ect, you get the picture. All the KOA "officals" that I came in contact with were friendly and outgoing.

With all that being said I can't come up with what they are doing "wrong" not to make this show a "must do" on folks list EXCEPT for the location. I'm not referring to the fairgrounds, but the city that they chose to hold the event in. In my opinion, Florence, KY is not the hot bed of the hot rod and kustom world. When you start out to build a car show in a certain area you should chose a city/town that has enough cars within a short driving time that your going to draw from. In short, they are not getting enough cars there to attracted more cars, it's a vicious cycle.

On the other hand, I think they did a much better job selecting South Bend,IN as a location for another show the following year. I went to KOA at South Bend and was blown away at the amount of cars there for it's first year at that location. I had a great time there as well.

It's a shame that there's only so many weekends in the summer and that folks have to chose between shows. I wish I could do them all, I certainly try. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif But I will be attending "Billetproof" as I feel they have done their homework and will be starting a show in an area that can support it. It's very exciting and from all the PM's from HAMB folks that have been flying back and forth from MI, IL, NY, etc, regarding the "BilletProof" party weekend, it's going to be a huge success. The Poor Boys will need to work hard to pulll it off though, it's not going to happen on it's own. I don't get that same exciting feeling attending a KOA or KKOA show. If "BilletProof" was not going on that weekend I would probley try like hell to attend the "anti-NSRA" event in York, PA because the So-What crew is such a blast to party with. I put events in order of how much fun they are and even though I did have a good time at the Double Date in the past, there are other shows that same weekend that I would rather attend.

JohnB knows I love him and would never say anything to hurt him or KOA, he's one of my oldest buds here on the HAMB, in fact he's the one that actually turned me on to the HAMB many years ago, and for that I thank him from the bottom of my heart BUT he, and Ryan, asked for opinions and I thought I should give mine, good/bad or indifferent. Maybe if enough folks come up with new/different/better ideas, the show can attract the "younger" crowd. I don't know.

[John B]

Unkl Ian - Big promoter? Not the KOA. We are all doing this on a volunteer basis. While Jim Hibbs (owner) wants to make a profit it's not as much for personal gain as it is to improve the events and give more back. If the shows do good then he gives us a better budget to work with for the next years shindig.


CadillacKid - No feathers ruffled by you.

Roothawg - Columbia, Missouri close enough for you? I can't remember the dates right now but I can tell you we have a show scheduled for there this year. Since it's the first one there, you guys have a chance to set the tone from the very start.

JimC - See those are the things we need to hear. I hope we don't have that type of problem in the KOA but if you see it , tell us about it.


What is an old fart anyway? I'm 34. I guess to an 18 year old I'm a geezer, but to my 65 year old friends I'm still a pup.

Just so you all know. Regular entry fee is $25 . So for you guys it's $20.

[porknbeaner]

[ QUOTE ]


I personally can relate more to kustom cars than traditional rods(please don't throw rocks, y'all http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

mike in TN

[/ QUOTE ]
Hey ES Phttttt http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif, I just wanted to say that. I can dig customs just fine bro.

I'm not a young guy, and I'm not absolutly sure if I've ever been to a KOA show or not.
Awhile back there was a bad thread on them, so count me in. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif If there is anyway in the world that I can make it I will.
Maybe they will take my feedback as objective.
Besides it looks like there will be fun and alot of us there.
The PKnBner http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Roothawg]

[ QUOTE ]

Roothawg - Columbia, Missouri close enough for you? I can't remember the dates right now but I can tell you we have a show scheduled for there this year. Since it's the first one there, you guys have a chance to set the tone from the very start.



[/ QUOTE ]

John, I would love to come. I don't know if the Chevy will make it. It depends on the date. I have only been to KKOA shows and they have their own problems. I am always willing to give it a try as long as the powers to be realize that hotrods and customs needs to be passed on to another generation....btw, I am 35. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Roothawg]

BTTT for slow readers.

[FONZI]

does KOA do anything on the West Coast?


FONZI

[Roothawg]

Here's their website
KOA......not the campground (http://www.kustomsofamerica.com/index1.htm)

[cleatus]

First off, I commend KOA for their efforts to expand their audience and I do believe they played a pivotal role in helping to revive the art of customizing back from the dead.

When I got the bug to build a custom about 5+ years ago, I decided to become a member of KOA - mainly to receive their newsletter in order to soak up anything "kustom" I could lay my eyes on (remember a few years back when it was hard to find ANY photos of customs in the mainstream magazines?).

When I called them up to become a member, they pretty much said "we don't have anything going out on the West Coast..." but, I figured "Oh well, I'll still get the newsletter..."

Well the newsletter was....(whats a word for lame that's not so insulting)...so I let my membership expire.

I understand that the newsletter is a low budget thing, but it really needs a real graphic designer and better contributor content. Easier said than done, I know...., but I believe the KOA could begin to expand it's influence and membership through an improved newsletter.

I wish KY was closer.

I hope many will take you up on your offer.

[cleatus]

Please note: I have not seen an issue of "Stylines" in about 4 years, so if you have improved it, please disregard my comments....

[Roothawg]

You know I often wonder why more people don't volunteer their talents for things like this......(newsletters etc.)
The powers that be, may be afraid to let go of the reigns?

I know that there are tons of young guys in the graphic media etc field that could be a huge help to just about any organization, of any size.

Eventually, there will have to be an influx of younger guys or..........the KOA,KKOA,NSRA,Goodguys will start to die.

[RPW]

Ryan: A very good idea! Im overseas but I will give anyone with a real custom that do attend the meeting my support as well. Always too few real custom guys around HAMB as well I might add...

I used to be a member of KOA, did join at once (was it 1991 or 1992?) as I got a flyer about the "reinvented" organisiation, my member number was 330. The flyer did annonce an organization just for traditional customs, nothing else. That was just what I was lookning for since I was dissatisfied with the direction KKOA had turned. The first issues of KOA magazine "Styleline" was nice, with the right kind of cars and good printing quality, even though the layout was quite poor. The only strange thing was a bit of a religious apporoach in Styleline but I took that as an American thing as religion is more important in the USA than in Sweden. The first issue of Styleline did use several of the heavy names as contributers/advisors: Dave Crook, Greg Sharp, Neal East, Doug Thompson just to name a few. Even though it had only 12 pages it was worth the money!

After a few years Styleline seemed to loose direction. As one of the magazine´s (nov/dec 94) did put it on the front cover: "If it´s modified, it´s qualified".
Well, that was not what I was looking for, and I might also add that the magazine lost a lot in both printing quality (dark blurry photos...), even worse layout and poor writing quality as well as bad taste in choice of cars to feature. Sorry guys, but it was not worth the money.

I decided to leave, but before doing that I wrote the editor a few times, and I always got very nice replies from them in return. And they kept sending me the magazine for a long time, even though I left the organization. But the magazine did still look the same...

I do not know much about the current KOA. But maybe it can turn into a good kustom organization, I dont know...

Meanwhile I keep on promoting Customs of Sweden (http://www.ckos.org) . As the years have gone by, we have kept on being deep into all traditional customs and tries too make our magazine "Lead News" better for each issue (note my link, there is a recent update in English about the much delayed Lead News #27) That one will be sent out in a few days!

Below is the cover of the very first KOA Styeline

[Grinder]

Ask hot rod walt he always knew how to put on a kickass kkoa show here in fla. When they were having it here. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Scotch]

Okay - Here's some food for thought. First - some background. I'm 37 and I write enthusiast magazines. For the purpose of this conversation, all this means is that I go to lots of cool events over the course of a year. I see lots of different approaches - some that work, and some that don't.

So - here's my take. KOA will die if they don't evolve. The cars are the stars, and that part is good. However...if you want to attract a younger crowd, give them something they want. Certainly, that tired-ass old soundtrack played at every damn show has got to get some spice. I love '50s music, but I hear the same old songs over and over all damn day every time I go to an event. There is some great new rockabilly music being made, and the younger guys who are into these cars listen to it. Maybe if they heard some of it at a KOA show, they'd feel welcomed. Also- maybe some of the er..."old guard" at KOA shows may appreciate hearing some new rockabilly as well. I bet they'd love it.

How about getting a live, modern, young rockabilly band to perform a mix of old and new music?

Okay- what else attracts young guys to come out to a weekend event? Let's look over at the Import Scene where all the young guys are..what do we see? Girls. Lots of girls.

Amazingly, getting pretty young girls at an event appeals to young men. When was the last time anyone saw a real hottie at a KOA event, besides Denise?

I don't know how KOA would do this, but if they did, I'm doubting too much of the Old Guard would argue. Old guys like pretty girls too.

Yes - Stylines needs help. Good magazines got that way by investing in good eqiupment, good photography, and good writers. Good art direction and layout help too. Please - invest into your future by investing in the best outreach product you've got - your membership magazine! If non-members pick it up and realize they've simply got to get it because it's so damn good, you'll get the response you need.

So, give the young guys some things they want, and give your "ambassador" magazine what it needs. Custom car guys are responsive, and you'll see growth.

The cars are still the stars, but it's simply time to renovate the stage.

Good Luck!

Scotch!~

[Ron]

I used to be a member and helped with a show or two. The uppers ask for ideas then also but never done anything. When he kept moving the shows farther and farther away from here I quit going. We used to go to Pigeon Forge quite often. It was cool I did not take my cars but the family liked the area. So I could do the car show and they could do other stuff. But he moved that one away from there so I doubt we will do that one again either. We may still go to the P.F. area maybe during Shades of the Past or something.
Getting the suggestions is a good idea. But once you get the ideas someone has to listen to them and put them in action. That decision is still up to only one person, and I may be wrong but I don't see that happening.

[Thirdyfivepickup]

A couple of the guys went to the show in South Bend, In (last year??) They gave it rave reviews. This show might be a better place for the deal (assuming they are having one there again) Its close enough to Chicago, Wis, Mi, etc.

I'm sure the HAMBers would come out in force!

[Roothawg]

Why is it that the organizations that are controlled by one man seem to be the ones in trouble. I don't know that KOA is ran by one man, but if it is....I see a pattern.

KKOA has Titus and he is most of their problem.
Maybe Barris is hanging onto the past? I hope he would embrace the idea and try to make changes for the better.If things don't evolve they die...simple as that. Scotch said it so we know it's true. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[old beet]

NORTHWEST!!! While at the Unfinished Nationals I met a real nice guy, Jim McCallum. He is the Washington State Director for KOA. I can PM his number if anyone is interested. Maybe he can set up the same deal?.......OLDBEET

[John B]

Jim Hibbs is the man at KOA, do you think we'd do this without his OK? If it's all about the money would he go as far as to agree to the discount? Even a member of the older generation can see the writing on the wall. Adapt or become just another part of history. Jim trusts a couple of people enough to turn this over to us. We line up the entertainment. We arrange the activities. Why? Because this show is our baby. We invest our time and money in it. Because we care about the hobby/lifestyle. We're also close to the location of the show so we can keep an eye on what goes on.

Our plan is to use this as a test case if you will. When we get the current shows turned around and heading in the right direction, then we can start to plan on new shows. Believe me, we want to be able to be a force in all parts of the country.

Now let me touch on the Styleline for a minute. All I can tell people is that if you don't care for the content, you have the power to change it. I've seen many issues where Jim has begged for people to contribute articles. I'm not talking just event coverage either. Send in some shots of what's being built out there. Or a how I did it type piece. You all have time to type many posts here. What's the difference? You don't have to write a Hemingway classic. Just a short piece on what you know. Think about it.

I have been remiss. I need to say thanks to Ryan for his support and to everyone who has taken the time to reply to this thread.

[ratster]

I'll go, not much going on here around here that weekend. I do wish they would bring the show back to Pigeon Forge, I attended the last one the had here, good show.

[Ryan]

The point of this post is 2 fold:

1. GOTO THE SHOW and then give feedback. IF you haven't been to a KOA show in 5 years, your feedback has very little value.

2. KOA should take the constructive criticism - good, bad, and BRUTAL for what it is worth and USE IT!!!!!

[Roothawg]

John, don't take the critism as a slam. Just an observation. I am glad to see the organization is proactive to try and save it's heritage.

One other thing is(constructive criticism)....the web site is pretty lame. Looks like eihter most of the members don't use it or the webmaster doesn't update it regularly. The classifieds only have one ad. We have this same problem with our club website, only a handful of our members are web saavy. Our site has been down for a month and only a couple of people noticed.

I will try and make the MO. show as long as it doesn't interfere with the Hamb Drags! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[John B]

I hope my reply above didn't come across as me getting pissed. I can relate to alot of what people are saying and appreciate any critism. I think the important point is that we know things need to be changed some. If we didn't,would this thread be here at all? I just wanted to give my point of view.

I agree the web site needs some work. Our webmaster started on it and then as things go, he got sick. He's out of the hospital now and hopefully will be feeling well enough soon, to start updating it again. I see our message board is down as well. I'll bring that to someone's attention.

I have to say all in all, the comments made so far have been made with the best of intentions.

[curbspeed]

As the event promoter for the HOTROD-A-RAMA I would welcome some involvement from the KOA in the Northwest. If someone from the organization would contact me about being involved I would work with them . I would like the HOTROD-A-RAMA to be the Northwest version of Paso. The cars would still have to be 65 and older and traditional customs though. I have seen some goofy stuff show up in pictures of some of these shows. I ain't having any part of Budnik wheels and billet dashes or late model t-birds with 50 Ford sheetmetal lashed on. KOA, Let's talk if ya wanna grow! Dale Seaholm-www.hotrodarama.com

[hillbilly]

I guess I will post here on this one...

I will go to the Kentucky show if I can get off work for it, workin' 6 days a week sucks ASS.

I dont know if I, being 31 years of age, am considered in the "younger" group they are talking about, but im not exactly eligible for the senior discount either....I still aint growed up..does that count?

I would rather spend my cash going to, as some people put it, "overpriced" KKOA, or KOA show than some NOPI crap that costs the same or more where the only thing you get is ear drum damage from 72 inch subwoofers in carbon fiber enclosuers that have a freaquency range so low you cant hear it but the SPL is so great that even at 100+ yards it turns your innards to Jello....but then again, the chicks in skimpy outfits make that almost an acceptable nuisance...

somewhere along the way, kustom car show promoters have left the pretty girl factor out of the equation...could be that the wives of the "old farts" dont appreciate them...or the whole "family atmosphere" thing could be an issue...

ya think the KOA or KKOA is ready for the hooligan invasion?

I hope so....I may join up to one of them again.

[scarylarry]

A couple of year ago the KKOA had Tracy Lords at the Gettysburg show. An interesting choice of guest "pretty girl"! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[RPW]

Just a little opinion: I dont need a car show to look at pretty girls (the Swedish streets are full of them)... I dont even need any rockabilly bands or music at all on the show.... I dont need burn-outs... I do not even need beer...
All I need is real traditional custom cars and a lot of guys that knows their custom stuff. That concept works here!
Take a look at the pics at Lead Site (http://www.ckos.org). And yes, you might notice some girls and even a few beer cans, but that is not the thing we focus on Custom of Swedens events.

[DrJ]

I went to Paso a couple of years ago and 3/4s of the cars were from right here in L.A. County.
I don't need to drive 3 hours away to see them...I guess I'm spoiled that way?
I have and will go to an occasional show (In my '40 GMC, not a 727 jet) as far away as Las Vegas
So I guess I'm not in any position or going to be in any position to comment on what it's like to attend a KOA show the way Ryan has requested unless they move their hub of operation and main annual show back to where the historic roots of the KOA are, Compton California.

I will probably go to a KOAmerica, a KOAustralia and a KOSweden show all in the same year.
The year I win the friggin' lottery! (I'd have to actually buy some lottery tickets to do that wouldn't I?)
In otherwords, I can't, and probably won't be able to afford to go to a car show a 1/6th of the way around the Earth.

Yes once upon a time the KOA was in Compton and the people in Kentucky felt left out, or more likely, didn't even know it existed, but now, if the KOA wants more participation and members (?), they need to network the country with smaller shows, like Goodguys has, but for Kustoms only, (I don't know how to define what the perameters of a Kustom should be for them either, I just know what I like, so that is for another thread)

[skipstitch]

What a cool thing for KOA to do for HAMBers.... We went to this show last year and had a blast! Set up a booth for REV and everything. We plan to do the same this year and do event coverage as well.... The KOA treated us great! The show was a bit on the "small" side for what I expected, but room for growth is there...The fairgrounds are a perfect setting with plenty of room to get larger. I do think the powers that be at KOA will listen to our opinions on their event.... I mean, if they aren't lookin' to improve...why would they do this? Check the show out, you'll enjoy it and hey who know you might even get a pic in a magazine http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif