Quote Originally Posted by HOTRODPAINT View Post
Ken, I would totally agree with that opinion, and recommend it as "solid advise".

"Rat bikes" were around long before "rat rods", and the building style is virtually identical, so the influence is indeed there.

Also, I can report that my own business has not stopped, despite all of the negative spin that the news channels can put on it. The customers I have seen "fall away" are young guys who use home equity for their toys....and people in the building trades. Also the members of the hobby currently using flat black, as they don't use "shiney painters" as much. (Most don't know that I was doing "flat" 15 years ago.) :-) I am, however, very diversified, and that is truly the reason I am working steady.

I don't panic any more. I have been doing this so long that, I plan for the economy's ups and downs, and for the changes in paint trends. That will always be part of business.
We have not seen much of a change in our business. We are, however more careful who we extend credit too. We are more diversified in our new products. Their is no doubt it's ugly out there. I just wonder how much of it is motivated by perception?
Ken