A standard for magazine price lists is needed, and at least as far as Car Craft goes, you might as well help us set that standard. One thing I know for a fact: We must include the price of every part and service required to get the job done. In the case of an engine, that's everything from carb to oil pan and from timing cover to flywheel, including the ignition but not including any accessory-drive components. A tell-all approach may lead to a shocking total price, but it also lets the reader do his own editing, omitting in his own mind the stuff he doesn't want or the stuff he may already have. But should we include supplies? Last month I listed sandpaper and body filler in the budget paint story, and I think you have to do that. It's expendable stuff that you can't use again on another project, and it's required to do the job. On the other hand, I usually leave off things like degreaser, RTV, paint, oil and even spark plugs when doing an engine buildup story. Some have argued that everyone knows that stuff will be needed and all that really matters is the hard parts. What do you think? Also, I've sometimes included the prices of special tools that may be required to complete a job if the average guy probably wouldn't have them in his box. Others tell me that the price of tools should not be included, and again, I ask you for your take. Finally, I always leave off tax, shipping, and swap-meet and junkyard entry fees.
Seriously, e-mail us (address below) with your opinion of magazine prices, and help make Car Craft the most legit car mag on the newsstand. Even better, e-mail all those other guys and tell them you aren't going to tolerate the bogus prices any more.-David Freiburger
CarCraft@primedia.com
CarCraft.com
Car Craft Mag
6420 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048