August Hemmings Muscle Machines
 

Got my new issue of Hemmings Muscle machines magazine. There is an article called "Fox Fuzz" on a 1992 FHP SSP. Although I enjoyed reading the article and appreciate the work involved in "restoring" an old police car, I can't help and wonder how can you write an story about a piece of police history without checking your facts. Even though the car is a nice example of an in-service patrol car, there are many inaccuracies in the resto. I'm not bashing the car or it's owner but I feel there is a responsiblity in having your vehicle featured and presenting it in an accurate light. I have been collecting parts for years so when the time comes time to restore my car I will do it as accuratly as possible and be proud to know that I did it to the best of my ability. Slapping together bits and pieces and calling it restored is not fair to the people who search for months maybe years for that last piece of the puzzle and does nothing to further the hobby. My .02

Hi Bernie,

I was surprised myself to see Hemmings printing a story on this particular SSP. Would have thought they would have done better homework. Condition of the SSP seems real nice but like you stated (and I'm no FHP SSP expert) it didn't look anything like I'd have expected from an equipment standpoint and seemed cobbled together with varied pieces.

Here's article for those who haven't seen it...
Last few pics at this link: http://public.fotki.com/MOstang/peri...les/page9.html
Also first (and only pic) this link...http://public.fotki.com/MOstang/peri...es/page10.html

My $0.02 too many equally nice SSP's from various states accurately done out there for Hemmings to have done a story about. But then again maybe any good publicity is worth celebrating.

I agree 100%. There is a thread on Copcar.com about the article, and I actually commented on it last night. Save for the radar, which may or may not be correct, every single other piece of equipment in the car is incorrect. Here is how that one started out over there:

Don't get me wrong....I'm all about participation in the hobby in all forms and all of that. However, to me, it's actually almost disrespectful to display something "restored" in that manner. The best example I can think of on the other side of that equation (recently) is Mike P's restos of the MO and NC cars. Taking the time to get things right. :yes:

There are also a few inaccuracies in the article itself, but I enjoyed it for the most part; except for the part about "still scaring other drivers". Yeah, that's really what we need out there. :No no:

I think it belittles all the work you and other Guys who have searched far and wide for that missing piece to complete your resto. Having your car featured is nice but most of us don't really care about that kind of stuff.

I forgot about that one...why is is that almost all articles in magazines on former police cars make some similar type of goofy comment? Usually at the end of them too and just brings the article to a ridiculous ending.

Thanks for the nice comment too...I really appreciate that. Hope to live up to it with the Minnesota State Patrol SSP. Picked up the correct radio at the PCOOA show (an actual former MSP one) from one of the gents who's been helping me research, etc. this SSP.

Have been framing up some of the equipment in the car today trying to match up all the holes to equipment I know they installed so as to determine where items will be mounted. For the most part I have nearly all the items needed. Should have it finished up in the next few weeks leaving me with time to enjoy it before winter gets here :D . I'll be sure to post up pics when that time arrives :thumbsup:.

Exactly. I'm just glad .NET wasn't mentioned.

No prob....and no thanks necessary. I just call it like I see it.

I like how the non-cop owner calls it a "radar gun"..... no wonder it doesn't look like the in service pics on this site. The dude probably bought it like that or had someone else do the restoration... not that I am an expert on fhp's either.... Just by reading his comments this dude is clueless about police equipment. If you notice he even eluded giving the car to his 7yr old daughter when she gets older..... could you imagine what a sixteen yr old girl would do to that Fhp.... oh man... sorry for the rant... just what I get out of reading the text in the pics posted... check it out fellas and see what you think. :No no:

Magazine articles are usually written about a specific car as a result of personal connections, freindships, etc. Naturally we would all like to see the correct information about the cars communicated in a professional manner but many times all that matters is how many magazines can get sold. Personally I choose not to waste my time and read the jibberish.

All the "scary police" rhetoric is just more hype and misinformation that hurts the police car collector hobby. It reflects negatively on our reputation the same as the goofy hotel parking lot light shows do.

We have had the conversation about "restoration" before. I think we all know the meaning of the word here. Although I don't like some of the nonsense I see spouted elsewhere on a regular basis from the 'experts", I have learned to just chuckle about it and go on.

I would be willing to bet there are other internet venues where this article is being highly praised for it's "good for the hobby" influence.... yappity yap.

you know what they say. crap in - crap out.

I finally got around to writing a brief letter to the editor for their backfire section. Expressed my appreciation for Hemmings frequent featuring of old Police cars and my displeasure with featuring such an inaccurately done car given the many wonderfully accurate SSP's to choose from. Will be interesting to see if they actual reprint my email in one of the upcoming issues.

Good job, Mike. Clown cars are everywhere, and if left unchecked, would multiply like rabbits. :bouncy:

I'd also be interested in what they say, if anything.

misinformation is alive and well ! Hell we still have people within the SSP hobby itself putting out bad information. Creating mythical scenarios to attempt to validate some unconfirmed hype, in order to massage their own ego and "presumed" status. The writer from Hemmings is just the latest victim. I think it is great you wrote the letter and I thank you for doing it.

crap in - crap out. Now back to the barn.

Thanks guys. I tried to be very respectful and thoughful in my comments so I hope they consider it as constructive feedback and print it.

Surprise, Surprise...well sort of.
 

Well much to none of our surprise my letter to the editor was never featured. However, I wrote a letter to the editor (more the softer side of me, LOL) about their recent feature of the MSP Camaro. With it I included a photo (thank you EvocBruce!) of my 92 MSP SSP (former EvocBruce's). Opened up the magazine today and low and behold my letter to the editor appeared along with one of the photos I emailed. It's split across 2 pages (bottom of first and top of second).

http://public.fotki.com/MOstang/must...gs-muscle.html

http://public.fotki.com/MOstang/must...e-1.html#media