I think these things are misleading for newcomers. Lots of premade, preassembled parts, put together by experienced people. No need to wait for finances. No custom designed or fabricated parts, that give the car it's own individual personality, etc, etc.

I already have people ask me why it takes weeks to prep and paint, when they do it in three days on TV?

Still, on a positive note, videos and TV programs do increase the interest in rodding, which will help to perpetuate it forward. I would just like to see more discussion about why different choices were made, and let the personal preferrences and choices be a part of that process, too. That is a major part of the enjoyment ...to be unique, and choose what the builder likes, not necessarily what the majority likes. That is to much like hotrodding by commitee.

I think may favorite show has been Biker Build-Off, the competition between Bike builders, because it showed the personal expression that has always been a major element in the performance and custom automotive hobby. I believe this is the first era I have seen since I got interested in '58, where the projects have tended to look more alike, due to the influence of the media(s).

Rant over. :-)