Decent Hot Rod builder show

[RickM]

So these builder shows are popping up like Ragweed in the spring. But I have to say I really enjoyed the show "Rides" last night. They featured a builder, Leonard Lopez out of CA. I believe the name of the company is Dominator. There was no interpersonal drama or other typical bull$hit, just good old fashioned fabricating. Besides some of the cars were really nice. I hope they show them again.

Anyone else catch it last night or personally know of this builder?

BTW, they were using a mandrel type pipe bender that looked home-made. Wonder if it is.

[MotoSook]

You caught a good one Rick. Not all the "Rides" episodes are good...some too fluffy. That episode has aired once already...and I bet they'll show it again.

There was a "Rides" episode that showcased a builder in Illinois (!Rad Rods by Troy, I think?) who was building the E-bay Mustang. That was pretty cool. Unfortunately, there isn't enough time on that show for all the fabrication work to be shown...too bad. That Troy guy built an AWD Duce (I think it was a 32) that can beat an Enzo to 60MPH...WOW!

I like American Choppers, because they CAN show the fabrication, although it is smaller stuff. And who wouldn't like Paul Sr.

The Boyd Coddingtion one (American Hotrod) is cool, but too transparent.

Funny thing...I love watching it, but it pisses me off that those guys get paid mega bucks to do what guys like you and I do in our garage

I guess they've paid their dues....

[RickM]

I tired quickly of American Choppers because I don't care for the type of theme bikes they build (although the Snap-On bike was ok). They also exploit the psuedo-dramatic relationship between the father and, well, everyone else puely for ratings. Anyway, most of what I see is assembly work, not fabrication. I think I like the AOL commercials they're in better

The reason I liked this Lopez operation was that they explained the custom goal and stepped through how they'd solve and fabricate. In some cases with interesting low-tech approaches.