I am a geography professor working on a book that explores the landscape of a culture that seems at a tipping point; fuel costs and concerns about environmental impacts may strangle the enterprise.

To put it bluntly, are we at the end of an era?  The federal energy law passed by Congress in 2007 requires auto manufacturers to increase fleet fuel-efficiency from 25 mpg to 35 mpg by 2020 - a 40 percent increase.  For how much longer will super-sized engines in street rods escape being called on the carpet for their lack of efficiency and emissions? Is the rod and custom enterprise at or approaching the end of its viability because of ever increasing fuel prices, concerns about environmental impacts, and a general unraveling of an unsustainable economy?  Are our custom rides "cheerful things" that cannot be supported; old metal with technology that is out of step with fuel efficiency standard mandates, subject to ever increasing fuel costs and taxes, and not compatible with alternative fuels and hybrid technology.  Are we the last hurrah of an antiquated, no longer affordable, and obsolete fashion that is not long for the weeds at the side of the road?  

To answer these questions, I've built my own custom 1958 Chevy pickup which will serve as a vehicle to get me across America in search of answers.  My truck is, in a sense, my calling card to conversations with members of the custom culture.   I expect to find a good deal of wisdom among builders and custom owners who are both thoughtful and passionate about what they do, and willing to speculate about what it means and what lies ahead. 

For the next three years, I am traveling across America, collecting stories and getting perspectives.  Contact me at:  david@drivewhatyoubuild.com