KKOA Rag?

[John Copeland]

Living in Lancaster, Ohio, which certainly isn't the cultural Capitol of the universe, I have watched the KKOA Custom Spectacular begin to grow each year it continues to be held here. This past summer, I paid my $45 and brought my own car onto the grounds as a participant, rather then a spectator. Its a somewhat traditional 40 Ford coupe, which is clearly outside the box of what one would call a custom. Not a problem, I enjoy every venue and certainly didn't have a problem supporting the KKOA mission, but I was a little pissed that I had to join KKOA and pay $45 bucks just to spend Saturday afternoon on the grounds. Was the event good, not really, but it was better then the previous two years and I met some awesome folks at the cookout Skipstitch hosted on Saturday evening. As this is written, the experiance is all but forgotten, until yesterday when the KKOA Magazine arrives at my doorstep. Remember the post where we all agreed that Hot Rod magazine sucks? I want to retract my comments because I just discovered something far worse, what a piece of shit. I commend the pocket mag guys like Hop-Up, Magneto, Rev, etc. Your product is far superior to something that is supposed to be published by a professional organization! I was truly amazed by the late model custom Volvo longroof with the Air Ride suspension................awesome!


Shoe

[straykatkustoms]

Hey John,

This was my families first time to Lancaster Ohio. The number of cars were not as big as a NSRA event, but I was impressed with the quality of the Kustoms & Hot Rods & all of the kool history. Kemps like: The Aztec, Alcorn Merc and other Barris kustoms & clones , Ed Roth's Outlaw, Alexander Brothers clones etc., I thought that I died and went to kustom heaven.

Did you happen to get a picture of the wedge cut model A with the six banger? That Hot Rod was one of my favorites of the year.

As far as the Trendsetter, I understand what your saying about the current issue. What changes would you suggest? I would like to hear your ideas to make sure we are on the same page. You might be surprised with your results of your feedback.

Happy Trails,

Mick

[Rooster]

I'll offer an opinion on this one, though I wouldn't wanna get too in depth about "why" the Trendsetter sucks. First, it's called SPELLCHECK!!!! For cryin out loud!!!! The spelling, grammar and syntax make it practically unreadable to Begin with!!! It reads like some grade school publication made for parents to think it's cute! And that's Every issue. Get Titus an actually educated Proof-Reader! The points that are trying to be made in the rag would be more legitimate if you didn't have to wade through muddy sentences and fragments of thoughts attempting to understand his view on the topic. Then there's the likelyhood that you'll receive your copy about a month and a half after the end of the quarter it represents like I did with the first quarter of last year. Got it just in time to bring to Lancaster.
Wouldn't wanna get any deeper into it than that. I like the concept of the organization, I Truly enjoy the Spectacular and I support the custom movement.

[G V Gordon]

Mick, You are one class act. A guy has a beef and instead of jumping on him you ask for suggestions, makes me proud to know ya.
As a member, I thought the last issue was a bit weak on content but it is not why I belong. I belong to support the continued interest in custom cars, early and late, and I feel the KKOA does a pretty good job of doing that.
Having never tried to put a magazine out I will certainly not try to tell you guys how to do that job. It has more of a newsletter feel as opposed to a full blown magazine.
My renewal just came this week and will be heading back to you with another years dues inside.
Keep up the fine work.
George

[FLAT-TOP BOB]

i have some of the same feelings, but my support will continue! be patient i hear the winds of change are blowing and maybe one of our own will take the reins of kkoa. i think new leadership would be the best thing to happen in a long time.

[Deyomatic]

I've never seen the KKOA mag, but I will say that the Hop Up, Mag-Neto, and Rev are published by people with a serious passion.

[phat rat]

If the KKOA had to depend on me for revenue it would have been down the tubes 6 yrs ago. If I were going to a show and found out Titus was in any way shape or form involved I turn around and head back home. Never met such an arrongant #@%hole as he is.

[40StudeDude]

John and Mick...the problem with KKOA's Trendsetter is they have NO PROFESSIONAL EDITOR...Jerry is not a professional editor and he'll tell you that himself! And of those listed on the masthead, I think you'd be hard-pressed to attach a professional editor title to any of them.

First of all, a professional editor knows HOW to spell (and when not to spell...intentionally), a professional editor knows how to write and make the article interesting, a professional editor knows correct grammar and syntax and a professional editor would get the captions correct for every photo included in the "magazine", that is called proofreading, something sorely needed at KKOA! A professional editor would make sure each issue gets out on time...or he shouldn't even be associated with the magazine...however, having said that...KKOA has NEVER put out a magazine on time, at least to match the dates on its covers...KOA has now fallen into the same black hole! Why bother printing the damned thing...it's all old news anyway!

To make matters worse, Jerry thinks that everyone likes his backwoods way of "chatting" with you, via printed words...I don't and never have...it's insulting to my intelligence (I've been told that I'm intelligent and I'd like to believe it). In my opinion, Jerry runs KKOA on one of the tightest shoestrings I've ever seen...and he shouldn't. In order to attract potential members, he NEEDS to put on a PROFESSIONAL FACE...something he's never done.

IF and WHEN KKOA realizes this, my services, as a professional editor, are for hire...of course, there are stipulations and restrictions.

Just my 13 cents worth...and Jerry, if you are reading this...the reason KOA almost stole all your business is because it WAS ran professionally...and let me qualify that...KOA hasn't been run professionally since 1995.
R-

[50mercfan]

i know this post started on the subject of the kkoa, i apologize to the person who started the post, i would like to give my views on the koa. from reading the replys it sounds to me that both organizations are run by the same people. the koa was a big let down for me. i was proud to be a member when i joined because of the history of the koa. that soon turned south. one of the main reasons i joined the koa is i wanted the magazine. i am a kustom fanatic and recieve very little pleasure reading most publications. so i thought getting koa's magazine would be great. to actually see a picture of a chopped merc every now and then instead just hearing what icons they are. i know not everyone wants to see chopped mercs all the time, but i proudly own one and like to see them in print. well i was a member for one year, and in that one year i recieved one magazine, and it was a damn calender. i e-mailed koa headquarters and told them i wasn't pleased and they sent me another damned calender! it seems to me they are more worried about being the biggest organization rather than a qaulity one. ok, now that the bitching is out of the way, heres the rest of the story. these people are NOT profesionals. they do this for little or no money. so to complain how non professional they are is wrong. we should try to imagine how difficult this position is when most of them are trying to work a full time jobs and run a national orginization at the same time everyone is bitching at you and telling you what a screw up you are. now what we should do is quit bitching and start helping. it's been my experiance in most organizations that you have a group that works and a group that bitches. well i think the bitchers need to start working. i mean absolutly no ofense to anyone but maybe some of these professional editors could help a little? but i guess if they don't payed there's no way that's going to happen. we should support koa and kkoa even if we are not totaly happy with things the way they are. they are major supporters of our hobby (lifestyle really). most of them are probably just like us ,car nuts, or they wouldn't be involved.

[JK]

John, you're absolutly right. I think a 3rd grader at kinko's could do as good or better. I got my july issue tues. Now, the last time I looked it was NOVEMBER! I also don't agree with the join to get in. Oh well, what are you gonna do.

[famous59]

I agree with everyones replies. I joined from the texas show that just passed. I received my first issue just yesterday and was shocked at the low quality of a magainze. If Black and White at least make it where I can see the pictures. And the cool Eldorado pictured on the cover, I was expecting some in depth photos for such a long story, well the one and only pic was worthless. For 45 bucks at least print a good magazine. I guess its time to renew another subscription to Rod & custom..Trendsetter ?

[Donzie]

I have to say, when I received my issue of Trendsetter I was not impressed. For such a large organization I expected something better. How often does this come out? I've only received one issue since I joined (Aug. '03). I'm glad to be a part of a group that keeps the traditional kustom alive but I'd like a little more bang for my buck. I would have to reconsider renewing.

[modernbeat]

I haven't paid for a KKOA show in three years. I'm STILL getting that rag! That's where the cash is going. If you're gonna keep a mailing list, keep it updated.

[50mercfan]

40stude, you said koa hasn't been run professionly since 95, didn't you leave in 99?

[40StudeDude]

50 Mercfan. Actually, I resigned in July/August of 2000...I was a member for eight years...but ownership of KOA changed in '95...I stand by my original remark.
R-

[John Copeland]

Mick (straykatcustoms),
First and foremost, I appreciate you willingness to solicit suggestions, and for not ripping my head off for the comment I made. For that, I feel like I owe you the courtesy of a public response. I'm not a literary expert or a grammatical genius, but as a member, I think we all have certain expectations. All appearances are that some others agree with me. Clearly understand, this is not a who's right or we and they issue. In one of the posts, the person mentioned how pleased he was to see some of the professionally built customs in person. I totally agree, I enjoyed the opportunity myself, and I need to say, that I am of the age where I saw some of those vehicles back when they were first built. I do appreciate the custom movement and everyones effort to retain it, it's where we all started. I was raised in a small town South of Buffalo, New York. One of the high points of our Winter, was the indoor car show hosted by a local club called the Clutch Artists, they continue to have this show today and the last one that I had the opportunity to attend, was in 1965. Over the years, I got to see many of the Barris, Roth & Alexander Bros vehicles displayed at this annual event. Point being, I value the KKOA effort to preserve the era and promote it to the younsters of today. I am very glad that the KKOA selected Lancaster for the event and I hope that as it continues to grow, more and more folks choose to attend. From my perspective, its always a treat to have a National Event in your back yard.
I think we in Lancaster, are blessed with a very nice, well kept Fairgrounds. I attended the Spectacular a number of times when it was held at the Butler County Fair grounds in Hamilton, Ohio, and I think I can say this, with some degree of accuracy. Even though the Fairgrounds in Lancaster is nicer, the attendance and organization of the event when held at Butler County, was by far superior. I live in lancaster and I know that the event gets very little local media promotion, for that, I attribute the small number of spectators. The price of the event T-Shirts is way too high and that was obvious by the absence of customers at the booth. The food vendors were acceptable and the prices were decent, but the presentation of the event by the KKOA Leadership was pitiful. Fellas, we are not going to promote our life long interest to the now generation, by dressing and talking in a language we grew up with 60 years ago. And I gotta tell ya, Buddy Holley is just as dead as Elvis, the music that we play during these things is repetitive and ancient. The last Spectacular I attended at Butler County, Gene Winfield was there to present a very exquisite crystal throphy to the best custom. The two finalists were Gene Wood, with his 40 Chevrolet Sedan and Larry Kramer with his Riviera. Mr. Winfield spoke like a graduate of Toastmasters, he was intertaining, clearly explained why he choose Larry Kramer and gave extended credit to Gene Wood and all of the other fine craftsmen. You could have heard a pin drop while he was speaking, everyone was listening and enjoying the words of wisdom presented by one of our icons. I just don't see that same level of professionalism in the organization today, its evident on the Fairgrounds and the "Trendsetter" is no exception. I can't beleive, in this magazine that we waited six months to receive, there is no event coverage. The exceptional customs that you mention of being there Mick, why didn't someone capture some images to showcase the event and promote our craft? The advertisements are money makers, the classifieds support our members, but no event coverage? What kind of organization produces a periodical without event coverage? I don't know what else to say, I took some pictures of a number of participant vehicles and they were exceptional examples of the craft. Track T, early model chevy pick-up that was chopped with the pie-cut hood, I think it was a 58 Pontiac that had a killer Pro Stock engine, 53 Ford Coupe with a big block chevy, I met a couple of guys from Indy that had a channeled and chopped duece and a 33 Ford sedan that was wacked..............awesome. What I didn't take pictures of, were the cars full of stuffed animals and bean bag ash trays, those were owned by the guys up on the 40' flat bed giving the redneck speaches about Elvis! I don't expect a Peterson Publishing Company quality magazine or the level of participation as the Street Rod Nationals, but I do have realistic expectations as a dues paying member, and I don't think we're there yet!


Shoe

[Nappy]

KKOA is kewl. Kustoms are kewl. keep em koming, those kewl kars and kustoms.
Jesus. I'm glad I'm not the only one that's driven insane in trying to read the Trendsetter and their strange little language.
I enjoy the PA show and will support that- some great cars, but I'd pay them NOT to send me their rag.
WTF is Blue Jean Rappin, anyway? Farting? No hablar KKOA Trendsetter language. They'd be much better off to include a sub to Rolls & Pleats or some other good little mag with membership & quit the publishing gig.
~ Rob

[junk runner jr]

I joined two years ago with a one year membership. This year when the show came around I did not renew for these very reasons. I just did not feal as though it was worth the money. Needles to say I was suprised when the new trendssetter arrived in the mail this week. All I can say is I am glad I did not pay fot it. I did however use it to line the birdcage.

[straykatkustoms]

Hey John,

Last year I drove the wife's Suburban to Lancaster. So I was the guy going around the fairgrounds saying that I had a chopped Merc at home. The Suburban did come in handy when two guys from Kansas used it to hold up the local liquor store. (finkd???)

Next year we will be driving the Merc so I will feel like part of the show.

I do appreciate all of your feedback. I'm concerned about KKOA & Kustoms in general. I don't want kustoms to die out like they did in the mid to late 60's. We have national organizations out there like NSRA & Goodguys that put on kool events and provide a good magazine. But there is not one out there just for the Kustom owner. I would like to see another magazine (Trendsetter) to help fill in the gap. Here are my suggestions, what do you think?

1) Get the magazine out on time.
2) Clean up the grammar & spell check
3) Pictures of current projects under construction.
4) Kustom ideas (taillights, grills and bumpers etc.,)
5) Road trip stories from members
6) More show coverage

You can tell by the suggestions above I'm not recreating the wheel, I'm just adding wide white walls.

Happy Trails,

Mick

[4t64rd]

How many members does KKOA have?

[G V Gordon]

I think the reason more folks gravitate to the "rod" side of the hobby is that you can put a lot of work into a nice mild custom and it goes un-noticed for the most part. You get more bang for your visual buck with a $5000 roadster in primer than a Nice shoebox Ford or Chevy with four times that amount in it and countless hours spent on body modifications. I love both and my next project is an A sedan, flathead, very traditional, but it will get more looks than my 63 Grand Prix even when the GP is finished because of what it is. It takes a lot of work and dedication to get ANY auto project on the road, so hats off to all who carry their projects through to completion. I just think that Customs by nature will always have a smaller following. So with a smaller following comes less support (read dollars). Mick I think you are right on with the suggestions you made and they are things that shouldn't cost a lot to implement. Like I stated in an earlier post I don't belong for the magazine, it's to support the folks who are willing to do the work to keep the torch burning that I personally don't have the time to do. I'll quit rambling now before someone starts complaining about my editorial style http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
George

[lownslow]

VIVA LA KUSTOMS........ nice suggestions mick......you are 100% right on .....

[JimC]

Guys like Mickey Bryan, Bill Moore, Jimmy Hendricks, Virgil McKee, Jerry Dillinger, and all of the other officers work tirelessly to put on the events of the KKOA. Just follow Mickey around the Dewey, Ok show sometime.
Mickey, I think your ideas are great, and I salute you for turning this into something which can be positive.
I really think the intentions of the big guys with KKOA are honorable in the effort to promote customs, but think, sometimes, the vision is clouded by "money", dont you?
Jim

[50mercfan]

thats a good point gp. i think the biggest reason for people going the rodding route is A. everyone else is doing it, and B. it's a whole lot cheaper than a custom. if a person dosn't have the skills to do custom bodywork it can cost a small fortune. where i live a nice paint job can cost you $7500 to $10000. and thats with no chopping ect... i tend to build what i want and not worry about what others think of it. i am in this hobbie for the cars because i truly enjoy building them and owning them.

[straykatkustoms]

I believe customs are affordable if your willing to make some sacrifices anyone can afford a custom. I bought a 60 Chevy Impala 4dr hardtop 10 years ago and it is my daily driver. Slapped in a 60 Merc grill, '59 Bonneville tailights shaved and decked. I have less than $4,000 in her and I've had alot of fun. Yes I'm hot and wet in the summer and cold and iced up in the winter but I'm looking good.

It hurts me to see the young guys today driving the euro's because they think that is the way to be kool. One of them came up to me the other day and was bragging about his new wheels. He spent $4,500 dollars on some 22" billets. I told him that I would have bought another car.

Kids & Joe public think that a custom is buying a $15 dollars or more on a old car and buy big wheels and bag it and you have a custom. Why they think this isthis is what they see on the magazine shelf. If this was the case I still couldn't afford this hobbey. I was told a long time ago that you can't buy Kool!!!


Happy Trails,

Mick

[Roothawg]

Ya know...I also got my trendsetter the other day. I actually had forgotten that I should be receiving newsletters from them. I just figured I must have let my membership expire.

As an ex-pres of a club, newsletter editor and general flunkie I have to admit that it is not easy to have material for the newsletters etc.

I realize in a perfect world you could just meander around shooting pics at all the shows and events.....but unless there is someone on staff, volunteers seem to disappear when they are needed. I realize that we all pay our dues to KKOA and we should get a more professional product in the end but I can still see the other side as well.

From the 2-3 years I have been a member of KKOA, I have made a few observations.

1. The organization seems to be run like a family business.
What does this mean? It lacks professionalism. There seems to be a small circle of people that tend to decide what goes on. Whatever they like, well, that is what is reflected in the events.

2. There are 2 groups at the KKOA events. Them and Us. There is a large generational gap that has developed. The reason...2 different ideas on what a show should be and how to entertain ourselves. Solution? Who knows.....

3. I feel like the KKOA is "owned" by a single man, Jerry Titus. When an organization looks/feels like it is ran by dictatorship....it will die once his followers start to dwindle.

This is just a curious oobservation from a non-bias bystander. For what it is worth. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Roothawg]

Man can I kill a post or what? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[John Copeland]

Roothawg,
Your right on Bro, nothing left for us to say.

Shoe

[straykatkustoms]

Hey Root,

I appreciate the input I hope we stayed on topic but these are things I need to know. The generation gap you memtioned bothers me because I don't want KKOA to die off. When you look at the participants at Dewey and Denison there is a lot of young guys that attend these events and this is KKOAs future.

Happy Trails,

Mick

[50mercfan]

straykat, i was talking a little more radical than that,but your right a person can have amild custom for a reasonable price, here's my take on the kids and the euro's. kids drive what they can afford. the cheap stuff tends to be anywhere from 8 to 15 years old most of the time. when i was in high school the we drove chevelles, camaros, mustangs, novas, 77 grand grixs and monte carlos were popular for some unseen reason. they were all cheap. i can't tell you how many camaros and chevelles i passed up i wish i could go get now. part of the problem is that we(older guys) have snatched up all these treasures and won't let them go for anything close to reasonable. so they went euro because euro's are cheap. they aftermarket is well kicked in and there's no turning back.

[Cruiser]

Living in Lancaster, Ohio, which certainly isn't the cultural Capitol of the universe, I have watched the KKOA Custom Spectacular begin to grow each year it continues to be held here. This past summer, I paid my $45 and brought my own car onto the grounds as a participant, rather then a spectator. Its a somewhat traditional 40 Ford coupe, which is clearly outside the box of what one would call a custom. Not a problem, I enjoy every venue and certainly didn't have a problem supporting the KKOA mission, but I was a little pissed that I had to join KKOA and pay $45 bucks just to spend Saturday afternoon on the grounds. Was the event good, not really, but it was better then the previous two years and I met some awesome folks at the cookout Skipstitch hosted on Saturday evening. As this is written, the experiance is all but forgotten, until yesterday when the KKOA Magazine arrives at my doorstep. Remember the post where we all agreed that Hot Rod magazine sucks? I want to retract my comments because I just discovered something far worse, what a piece of shit. I commend the pocket mag guys like Hop-Up, Magneto, Rev, etc. Your product is far superior to something that is supposed to be published by a professional organization! I was truly amazed by the late model custom Volvo longroof with the Air Ride suspension................awesome!


Shoe

Shoe,

:eek: I'm glad to see that they're others who have problems with the KKOA. I wouldn't line my trash can with the TrendSetter magazine. I was surprised to see Mr. 40StudeDude say some unkind words about Jerry Titus! Jerry is your "God" Mr. 40 StudDude, right! Please step up to the plate and volunteer to take over as editor of the TrendSetter. You'll fit right into the KKOA scene and I'll love to see what you have to say as the new editor! I like all the replies on this post, the simple reply by Phat rat hit a home run. I'm glad the KKOA surports customs for the most part, they just do a lame job of it. "I still think the KKOA sucks"

"Still alive and well in California"

Stay Cool

Cruiser 49:cool:

[56KUSTOM]

Hey John,

This was my families first time to Lancaster Ohio. The number of cars were not as big as a NSRA event, but I was impressed with the quality of the Kustoms & Hot Rods & all of the kool history. Kemps like: The Aztec, Alcorn Merc and other Barris kustoms & clones , Ed Roth's Outlaw, Alexander Brothers clones etc., I thought that I died and went to kustom heaven.

Did you happen to get a picture of the wedge cut model A with the six banger? That Hot Rod was one of my favorites of the year.

As far as the Trendsetter, I understand what your saying about the current issue. What changes would you suggest? I would like to hear your ideas to make sure we are on the same page. You might be surprised with your results of your feedback.

Happy Trails,

Mick

What does "&amp" mean?

[teddyp]

i go to the penn.show i,m kustom guy at heart but alot of you guys are right maybe jerry needs to listen to the people more

[40StudeDude]

What does "&amp" mean?

When a post gets as old as this one...usually a new verison of the HAMB has been instituted and the new version cannot "read" some of the old code...I think it simply is code for "&" (and).

R-

PS...who dredged this one back up and WHY...???

[Roothawg]

Why are these 2 and 3 year old posts being drug up all of a sudden?

[duke182]

?????????????

[JohnnyAngel]

This is an oldie but goodie post....dang I thought it was a fresh one ripping
the KKOA.....here it is 3 years later and the Trendsetter is still months late..
and with out a professional editor.

Let me take you back to the early 1990's when they did have a professional
editor, Jeoff Carter....back then the Trendsetter featured readers cars,
build ups like the project "C" series or the building of the Chord... event photos and write ups....I use to submit photos and
stories for every issue and Jeoff would look them over and give me all the
ink I could want....but Jeoff left, and the next editor was a mail man
and editor part time told me that the KKOA didn't need anymore of my
stuff....say what?...I can only think that he told all of the other
members who submitted stories and photos the same thing, so here we
are some 10 years later...and the Trendsetter is what it is...no big
deal, I didnt join because of the Trendsetter, or who runs the KKOA
I joined to be around other folks who like and build and drive customs.

-30-

[southpaw-customs]

This is an oldie but goodie post....dang I thought it was a fresh one ripping
the KKOA.....here it is 3 years later and the Trendsetter is still months late..
and with out a professional editor.

Let me take you back to the early 1990's when they did have a professional
editor, Jeoff Carter....back then the Trendsetter featured readers cars,
build ups like the project "C" series or the building of the Chord... event photos and write ups....I use to submit photos and
stories for every issue and Jeoff would look them over and give me all the
ink I could want....but Jeoff left, and the next editor was a mail man
and editor part time told me that the KKOA didn't need anymore of my
stuff....say what?...I can only think that he told all of the other
members who submitted stories and photos the same thing, so here we
are some 10 years later...and the Trendsetter is what it is...no big
deal, I didnt join because of the Trendsetter, or who runs the KKOA
I joined to be around other folks who like and build and drive customs.

-30-

I remember those days you refer to. I went to the 1986 Leadslead Spectacular in Springfield, Mo. I was hooked and went to the Spectacular
for a few more years always as a spectator,hoping someday to be a participant. By the time I was ready to be a particpant, the birth of the 93' Americruise Rod & Custom came along. With major press and dollars and a cheap entry fee, I believe this was one of the reason for kkoa's downfall atleast here in Mid-America in the mid 90"s and the coverage was through R&C mag, Trendsetter nor the kkoa could compete with this. After a few years Americruise died and isn't it interesting that the re-birth of Americruise was the exact same weekend this year as the KKOA Spectacular and only a few hundred miles apart.

I became a member again last year in Salina, Ks. It was great to see the excitement in the custom trend. I am back to hoping to be a participant again and not a spectator.

I hope the KKOA can get going and get a decent mag. and some leadership.I renewed my membership last month on the hope that something changes for the good. Even if they have to go back to the newspaper form they used to have in the 80's, it was full of good stuff and writeups.