Kit Car magazine out of business?

[khansmith]

Very sorry to hear this news. This magazine really helped me learn about the kit car hobby. Unfortunately with the economy and tightening emission standards that are being applied to our cars, there might not be a kit car hobby to enjoy!

[mtpockets]

I heard the news about a month ago when we started planning Operation Comfort. I invited Bryan to attend and when I didnt hear from him, I asked James if he had heard from Bryan. That's when I got the news. Bryan, best of luck my friend, you know if there's anything Diane and I can do to help out you can count on us. We may need to hire a photographer for our 10 year anniversary or something. You did such a good job at our wedding. I'm a firm believer that when things like this happen to good people, better things are to come.

[STEVE COURTWRIG]

I just renewed in November, for 2 years ($28). My currect subscription was not due to run out until May of 2009. I called the subscrition dept. @ 1-800-800-5227 and asked for a refund, which they won't do, but did get an extension to Hot Rod in lew of Kit Car. At least the money went to something............It pisses me off that publishing companys knowingly send out renewals when they are going out of business. I's sure lots of people just wind up making a donation......

[khansmith]

Originally Posted by STEVE COURTWRIG

I just renewed in November, for 2 years ($28). My currect subscription was not due to run out until May of 2009. I called the subscrition dept. @ 1-800-800-5227 and asked for a refund, which they won't do, but did get an extension to Hot Rod in lew of Kit Car. At least the money went to something............It pisses me off that publishing companys knowingly send out renewals when they are going out of business. I's sure lots of people just wind up making a donation......

They should really discontinue any more mailings and return any funds that were sent after the announcement. At that point you are just being dishonest.

[danc30]

Just talked to them at the # above.

I was given the choice of:

1- Getting the January and March issues then calling back and they would refund the issue that were left.

2- Being automatically transferred to Hot Rod.

3- Cancelling now and getting full refund. (Means I won't get the Jan and March issues)


I opted for #3.

She cancelled it over the phone with me and is sending me a confirmation via e-mail.

Not sure why any of you others are having issues. It was really easy.

Dan

[Ron61]

Dan,

I just got off the phone with the woman and I wasn't given your option # 3. She said my subscription which is good until 6 of 2012 would be transferred to Hot Rod and that I would be receiving some papers in the mail telling me what other things I could do if I don't want Hot Rod, but I have to wait for the papers in the mail.

Ron

[Michael C Henry]

So what mags or programing are left to cover our replica interest? I'm always looking for new ideas,new products and sources.

[dont]

I just recieved an E mail informing me that the balance of my subscription will be transfered to Hot Rod.

[Ron61]

Well that is better than nothing. I used to subscribe to Hot Rod but didn't renew it this year, so it looks as if I will be getting it again for a while. I am really going to miss Kit Car as I always looked forward to receiving it.

Ron

[jrjmac1]

Looks like Hot Rod for all. Oh well, "another one bites the dust."

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Ron61

Well that is better than nothing. I used to subscribe to Hot Rod but didn't renew it this year, so it looks as if I will be getting it again for a while. I am really going to miss Kit Car as I always looked forward to receiving it.

Ron

+1

I stopped subscribing to Hot Rod a long time ago.

[BMK]

Sorry to hear about Kit Car. Best wishes to all staff in securing similiar employment.

Bernie

[AutoSmith]

Bernie and Everyone,

Of the 100+ people that were laid off at Source Interlink on November 20, just four colleagues worked on KIT CAR. The magazine's Art Director, Robert Manio, two Advertising Sales Executives, John Whatley and Michael Graham, and the book's Editor, D. Brian Smith (your humble scribe), were let go. Robert had been on staff as an Art Director on many different magazines over the years, including Rod & Custom, Street Rodder, Engine Masters, and KIT CAR (for the last 2.5 years). He is the guy who made KIT CAR magazine look so great. A day before we were both let go, Robert told me that he would refuse to be on any other magazine, if they killed KIT CAR and laid me off. He spent more than 15 years working on various books, but told me he most enjoyed our collaboration on KIT CAR. Robert plans to retire to a new home he purchased for himself in the Philippines.

As for John Whatley and Michael Graham, I haven't stayed in touch. In addition to selling ads for KC, they also sold ads for other Source Interlink magazines. I hope they land great jobs.

During these winter holidays, I have landed a little part-time writing/editing gig with an automotive website. My full-time career search will begin on January 2. Should any of you hear of a company that's looking for someone, I'd welcome the leads. Please feel free to PM me.

Happy Holidays and a Healthy, Prosperous New Year to All!

[Ron61]

AutoSmith,

Thanks for the many years of a great magazine. I hope that you will soon find another good job. All of you did a great job with Kit Car IMHO.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may next year be a good one for you and all the others.

Ron

[HI Cobra]

I haven't gotten a notice of a switch to Hot Rod, but did get a subscription
renewal offer for Kit Car - I think by one of those secondary companies that
try to push subscriptions. Wonder when they will realize what has happened?

[WildBill3]

Hey Buddy all the best were going to miss you soo much Mary and I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[dont]

[quote=HI Cobra;906844]I haven't gotten a notice of a switch to Hot Rod, but did get a subscription
renewal offer for Kit Car - I think by one of those secondary companies that

Reply to the offer and ask about the balance of your subscription.

[HI Cobra]

Too late - I got it in the mail the other day and
tossed it already - my sub runs out in June '09,
no big deal to me. I am getting Kit Car Builder
so I'll still get good info.

[Ron61]

Flip,

I just received an e-mail wanting me to renew my subscription and this just five days after I called and talked to the woman about my renewal that I had just paid which was good through 6 of 2012. I don't think they have all of the paper work straightened out yet.

Ron

[CobraDan]

I never subscribed to Kit Car Builder but if I saw it at a news stand I would buy a copy if there was an article I was interested in, but I have not seen any issue on any news stand in over a year.