Skinned Knuckles is, and always has been, a different kind of magazine. We are less concerned with show-ready cars, and more involved with the authentic restoration, repair, and maintenance of the old cars. Our philosophy today, and this dated back to Bill Cannon over forty years ago, is that the cars and trucks were eminently suitable for the purpose for which they were first produced, and that they continue to be just as suitable today. We don’t need electronic ignitions, electric fuel pumps, power brakes, or power steering, or even twelve-volt electrical systems in vehicles that originally had six-volt systems. Authenic restoration! Bringing the cars back to life just the way they were when they first left the factory – sixty, seventy, eighty or ninety years ago.

Skinned Knuckles publisher and editor Neil Maken penned the above excerpt in the 500th issue of Skinned Knuckles published March of 2018.


Meet Neil Maken

Jay Leno interviews Neil and discusses Skinned Knuckles


Skinned Knuckles

SK Cover

Selected articles are reprinted here, by permission, from the magazine Skinned Knuckles. Skinned Knuckles was edited and published by Neil Maken. The magazine was Dedicated to Car and Truck Restoration and Preservation. These articles are reprinted here as references for Franklin Club owners and others to assist in the repair, maintenance, and preservation of their classic cars. Although Skinned Knuckles was not associated with the Franklin club [ed., its editor, Neil Maken was a Franklin owner] its articles have relevance on many aspects of Franklin repair and maintenance, as well as a variety of tools, tips, and techniques that are helpful in the shop.

The articles below are a beginning and more articles will be added as they are scanned and saved.



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