Mailbag

Our Readers Sound Off.

3D Just for Fun

Here are some 3D images all done just for fun. The images are made in Audodesk VIZ program (like a CAD software) and décor in Photoshop. I did it originally for a S/S drag racing team in 2006. Now I’ve done some other versions. This is a great way to make high-class presentation materials and images. It’s also a great way to evaluate design and colors, wheels, ride height, etc. before you fire up the grinder in the garage. (P.S. say hello to Samuel Hübinette, who is a friend of mine; we’re both crazy northern Swedes).
Bo Zolland
Via e-mail

These are terrific images, Bo. It’s hard to believe that a generation ago, you couldn’t even dream of creating something like this. Thanks for sharing.—Ed.

Needs a Good Home

Believe me when I say, “I would rather not sell it.” I have a 1972 Dodge Charger parked at my dad’s house. I live 700 miles away and the city told my dad that either he gets the car running or they will tow it away. My dad called me and I don’t have the means to get the car running right now, nor does my dad. So I’m asking if you guys know of anyone who would be interested in buying it for restoration. The car has the original 318 engine, automatic trans with the shifter on the column. I will send pictures to whoever wants to see them. Just for reference, it looks like the one pictured on page 5 of the 2008 May/June issue of Mopar Magazine. Thanks Mopar! My e-mail address is petem@bertogden.com.
Pete
Via e-mail

Glad to help out Pete. I’m sure that once we put the word out, someone in the Mopar Nation will be more than happy to give your Charger a good home.—Ed.

Mopar Crazy

My family is Mopar crazy! I have a 15-year-old son, Christian, with Cerebral Palsy. He has collected Mopar model cars over the years and loves each and every one of them. He probably has over 200 by now. He knows more about Mopar than my husband. We have a 1969 HEMI® Road Runner, and we also had a 440 Pro Street truck (right now the parts are being used to build a Belvedere drag race car. My dad also left us a VW Karmann Ghia. It meant a lot to my dad and I would sell it, but I just can’t. My oldest son has a 1974 Harley. My husband and Christian have spent a lot of time working on the Road Runner. It’s hard for Christian to walk around, but he forces himself. He lives for Mopars. It would make his day if he could be mentioned in your magazine. I’m attaching a picture of the car my husband and Christian worked on for months. Thanks for keeping the American muscle car alive.
Tonya Hayes
Via e-mail

Consider Christian’s day made, Tonya. What a great story, and a great looking car. The Mopar Nation counts many generations among its ranks and that really is what makes Mopar so special.—Ed.

Takes a Charger to Catch a Charger

Barrett Haben is employed at Buchanan & Young Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep in Burnsville, N.C. and is the proud owner of this red 2007 Dodge Charger. A picture is worth a thousand words. Fortunately for Barrett, the picture is not actually the true story. A very nice North Carolina State Trooper came into the dealership for some routine service and obliged our request to capture this shot. Barrett hopes this is the last time a trooper is behind him. Special thanks to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Stacey McEntyre
Burnsville, N.C.

That’s an ominous looking shot, Stacey. Fortunately it’s staged. As hot as the Dodge Charger looks, the last place you want to see one is in your rearview mirror with the modern day version of its rollers lit up. Dodge has made considerable inroads into the police cruiser market with the Charger thanks to the demise of the Chevy Caprice.—Ed.

Dilemma

I’m faced with a dilemma. I own a brand new Dodge Challenger SRT8® that I absolutely love to drive. Fast. But with gas prices running anywhere from $4.00 to $4.15 a gallon here in southern California, having “fun” with the car is getting expensive. So should I drive the car like a little old lady and just do a few burnouts here and there to keep up the fun factor. In other words, do burnouts use less gas than spirited driving without burnouts? I’m so confused.
Sam Laud
San Diego, Calif.

That’s a tough one, Sam. There’s probably no clear-cut scientific answer to a question like that. But without a doubt, gas prices are putting a crimp in everybody’s lifestyle. Here are some tips to help get the most out of every gallon, which ever course of action you choose to pursue: Keep your tires properly inflated, combine trips, minimize unnecessary weight in your car, maintain a clean engine air filter, and keep burnouts to 30 seconds or less … OK we may have made that last one up.—Ed.