RPM NATIONALS PART TWO

Posted on November 1, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

01 Nov

Hey Everyone

Well, this is part two of my RPM nationals and there will also be a Part three, as I took a bunch of photos whilst i was there with my phone and will post on here today as this was mostly what was on offer at the swap meet part of the event. Not loads of stuff but things I would of loved to purchase if I had a few quid in my Bin, but alas I did not.

But I thought I would share a few pics as many of you email or message me to say they enjoy my Blogs and that is something that I do like to do.

Many people from all over the Globe that simply cannot make the trip , but my Blogs and Rantings feels like they are there too, so here we are with the parts and things that I saw and maybe you will too.

So sit back and have a look at some of the second hand parts that were at this little event, I am certain there is at least ONE part that you would love to own amongst all this cool stuff.

I should of picked up the $36 dash and at $100 that was a real bargain and really straight too.

Again, I should of purchased these as spare boxes too but just to look at stuff was pretty good for me as I know I can still locate these parts if I really need to.

Odds and sods and always there is something that catches your eye and you have to try and restrain from spending your hard earned cash for, but awesome to see parts for sale here.

I am sure that next year will bring many more parts for sale and be sure to bring some Folding Bills in your pocket as I know there will be a part you cannot be without.

From Hubcaps to Dash Boards, there was plenty of Nostalgic parts to sift through for your Hot Rod machine.

Old Bell Auto Parts Canvass bag anyone?

The weather was pretty hot though and I didnt see too many people carrying parts about with them.

I was quite surprised at the amount that was there as this was a fairly small amount of media advertisement of the show but a great turn it it proved to be and glad I made it there.

How cool was this set up, Electric Bobber Cycle.

Pretty cool set up for a Flathead, I eventually want to fit a different dash and fit some cool Gauges but that all takes time and plenty of Moola too.

Some great parts here from dashes to Planishing Hammers.

Banjo steering wheels are getting harder to find in any condition these days.

Now a 160 MPH Speedo Gauge and a big sweep Stewart Warner Tach was pretty cool to see.

These Fuel Pressure hand pumps were very cool and will eventually fit one of these models to my Roadster.

Hope that you are enjoying these?

So next year I am sure there will be Tons of cool Original Speed Equipment, so make sure that you mark the next event on your calendar.

Loved this coupe, perfect lines.

What a Bitchin Roadster.

Plenty of people to chat too at this meet, great food too.

Vintage Tin, Basking in the Sun.

Neat 4 Banger Five window and it ran pretty Hard too.

I have Known Billy of the Shifters for 17 years now, such a pleasant fella.

This 29 Roadster was pretty fast up the 1/8th mile too.

Nothing but beautiful hills and bright sunshine, such a great event in this unspoiled area of California.

So many styles of Hot Rods made for interesting spectating.

Staging Lane.

Mr Chin in his Original T Roadster and this was a quick Hot Rod, he ran hard all day long without any issues, Nice one Mr Chin.

The end of a Perfect day as Jennifer and I make our way back to Pismo beach, loved all the Old barns around this area.

RPM NATIONALS SANTA MARGARITA RANCH WAS A BLAST

Posted on October 31, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

31 Oct

Well, what can I say, I had no idea what this place looked like, other than a few internet pics, but Jenn and I loaded up our Van and headed off to Pismo Beach, as that is where we would hook up our Van in the RV park, pull out our Triumphs and ride to Santa Margarita ranch, where they are holding the RPM Nationals.

Now this was going to be a place I had hoped to drive my 1928 Model A Roadster to, but it has so many teething issues, it just would not of made the trip, so this year I wanted to at least attend and support this great Nostalgic Drag race event.

Originally used for the Four Banger Fords, they thought they would extend this out to the flatheads and boy am I glad that they did, as what a joyous sound.

So, after 3 and half hours, we pulled up to Pismo Beach and plugged the Coffee Maker in and had a Brew, unloaded bikes and whilst I was amazed how foggy it was, it did not deter us in the least.

To be honest, it reminded me of home and I wanted Jennifer to experience some colder riding conditions and we got some big time, the Fog was indeed Pea soup, Thicker than Anderson’s Soup thats just down the road from Pismo.

But I had a Fog light and we were all set to go first thing in the morning, sure enough, the Mist rolled in and stayed longer than a relative you dont like.

We jumped onto our steeds and rode to the Madonna Inn and had brekky, great place and so much history, if you get a chance, pop in as they have so many cool things to see, from hand carved doors and ceilings in wood, to Themed rooms from a Stage Coach room to a Rock room, all very cool not cheap but what an experience.

So after having breakfast, blocking their crapper, we hastily headed North to Rancho Santa Margarita Ranch, we rode though the fog and then after a few miles the Sun was out, the roads were smooth and a smile on both our faces as we cruised around 75 MPH with open faced skid lids, what a great day already I muttered to myself.

Before too long we had gotten off the main road and into a few country roads, with Trees changing color as Autumn took an abrupt hold over this way, we cruised into the start of this Great Big Ranch, that was out of some Bonanza Episode, well it looked like it to me.

Cattle grids, Bridges, Old rail Road Lines were all over this place, we slowed right down along the road on the Ranch as there was a herd of Cows just sat by a tree and across the old rail Road lines, fearing we would get stampeded on, we rode past as quiet as could be, hard to do on 2 Triumphs though but we got passed and to our surprise, they just stayed their grazing, as if we were not even there.

We pulled up at the Parking area and I could smell that wonderful internal Combustion engine aroma, then I could hear some Flatheads revving then letting go of the clutch and banging on down the Drag strip that was laid out.

There were vendors along one side of the track and on the other was the swap meet, what cool stuff to see.

Here are a few pictures I took with my Iphone, I did take more with my SLR but will blog that another day.

Some very cool stuff to look at, what an awesome event and was stoked that I attended the RPM Nationals, looks like it will be the start of bigger things to come.

I sure wanted to bring My 28 Roadster- but it was not running right and its a 4 hour drive but next year I hope to make it.

An assortment of cool rides to look at whilst in between rounds, this was up at the end of the strip where the Pits were.

Above, I loved this 3 window just bloody gorgeous in its Drab attire, killer machine for me right there.

Above- How tough is that, what is not to like about it and so many great vehicles here and everybody was brilliant to talk to and had time for you.

Flatty Powered 29 Roadster with Q/C and Zoomies, it was quick too.

Simular to my 28 but a way cooler built version, high Boy with its 4 Banger and this was quick, the Bangers were faster than the flatheads, it was a solid built Hot Rod for sure.

Everything was so cool on the A-Bone, loved the louvered panel, the Q/C and the Tonneau cover too .

Our Mate Jay Dean from Nostalgia Ranch with his Flattie powered Modified, was a fun and period built machine.Hop Up Magazine Special.

Jenn met up with Skateboard Pro, Steve Caballero, he has a passion for Hot Rods, Art as well as Skateboarding, super cool bloke.

Me and the Girl I love to Bits, Jennifer Sun, an amazing Woman

Below are the Videos that I took with my Iphone, what a blast it was to see.

Below Diane Branch in her Roadster having a go and doing well.

Loved it all and so many cool people to chat to as we are all into the same stuff, no attitudes just miles of Smiles.

How can you not like all this and away from the main stream too.

Loved these 2 Roadsters, The Guy tried to sneak his kid in the car too, I think we all wanted to see that, but still A FUN race none the less.

OOH- A tasty 5 window against a Roadster, just like back in the day.

Diane Branch taking on a chopped and channeled Coupe on the strip.

Model A’s a plenty, these were so fun to watch and no change since back in the day, sure wished I had mine here but next year we shall attempt to drive it there.

How about this, 2 Drop Belly Tank Racers, Both running V8-60 flatheads, I had one of these I love them but great to see 2 running and racing.

Loved watching this 34 Coupe and Flatty Powered Fully Fendered A Bone.

How about this, two Roadsters, One 4 Banger and One flathead, man such a great sight and sound, period looking rides too, awesome.

Our Buddy Jay Dean in his hop Up T Modified goes up against a Roadster, jay had a blast, what a Neat rig too.

Chin in his Original Model T Roadster, running against an A Bone, Chin ran well all weekend right up to the semi’s, consistent Ride, loved this Hot Rod.

Wow- How about this 36 Coupe, what a sweet ride and glad to see a couple of these on the strip today.

I shall Blog over the next few days as these take ages to load, but I thought you would get a kick out of this one today and I sure hope to see some of you next year as I loved this so much, all fun, No attitude and all period machines, very cool indeed. BRAAAAAP!

RPM HOT ROD NATIONALS OCTOBER 28th Santa Margarita Ranch

Posted on October 3, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

03 Oct

For those of you like me that are into many Vintage things, well, this is a great event to head to, I wont have my Model A Roadster Completed for this but will be for next year but am still driving up there with Jennifer to watch the 1/8th miles Nostalgic races as the countryside is amazing there and will be riding our Triumphs around that area, so what better weekend away than to explore Santa Margarita ranch and watch the 4 Bangers and Flatheads on the old Tarmac.

Hope to see you there.

RPM Nationals is a race that pays homage to the early days of drag racing. When race cars and street cars competed head to head to see whose garage built hop up was the fastest. The races then started with the drop of a flag and end 1/8 of a mile down the strip.

We will have 3 brackets competing head to head including v8s, 4 Bangers and full race.

Where?

Santa Margarita Ranch

9000 Yerba Buena Ave

Santa Margarita, CA 93453

EVENT DETAILS

RPM Nationals Takes place on October 28th 2017 at Santa margarita ranch in Santa Margarita California. Enter the ranch off of Yerba Buena. Gates open at 9am and racing starts shortly there after. racing continues throughout the day with the finals in each bracket concluding by 6pm. There will be music, vendors selling food, clothing and aftermarket speed parts. We will also be doing a swap meet section reserved for vendors selling period correct, rpm nationals applicable hot rod parts. If you are interested in being a vendor or swap meet vendor email rpmnationals@gmail.com for more info

There will be absolutely no outside alcohol allowed at the event and cars will be checked upon arrival. There is also no BBqing/open flames or smoking due to wildfire risk. Please respect the ranch and clean up after yourself. Inappropriate behavior will be followed up by immediate removal from the premises.

Race Car Requirements

RPM Nationals is limited to ford Flathead and 4 Cylinder cars. Body Years are limited to 1936 and earlier . All Cars must represent an early 1950s Hot rod style or prior. Things like radials, billet, etc… will not be allowed. All racers must apply prior to registration for approval to race. rpm nationals has the final say in all race cars approval. Racers must wear and provide their own helmets.

Classes– There will be 3 race classes… 4 Cylinder Street Cars, V8 street cars and full race class. Cars with Power adders such as Blowers and overhead conversions will be considered full Race.

All cars must pass a technical inspection to ensure its safety and are required to run hub retainers, dual throttle return springs, seat belts, water overflow catch and must run water; no coolant allowed. Cars must in good general condition; tech has the final say on all race cars.

All applicants must email rpmnationals@gmail.com by September 22nd 2017 for approval. Please provide a spec sheet outlining all major components and photos of the cars front, back, both sides, engine and drivers compartment.

we will notify all Applicants by the 29th of September. Upon approval racers must sign and return their release form along with payment of $70 no later than October 10th.

RPM Nat’s Car Show

we will also be having a large car show at RPM Nationals. The car show is open to all hot rods and customs model year 1960 or before. . the cost to bring a car to show is just $25, the cost of general admission. we will be picking best hot rod and best custom and a number of clubs will be picking their favorites and providing trophies.

VENDORS

There will be a sizable location at the RPM Nationals race for vendors selling food, new aftermarket hot rod parts and accessories, clothing, collectibles and other products. We can accommodate booths ranging in size from 10 feet x 10 feet and up depending on the vendors needs. All vendors are required to have their own event insurance coverage. Email rpmnationals@gmail.com if you are interested in being a vendor.

SWAP MEET

Clean out those garages! The swap meet area is reserved for people selling used early ford parts and speed parts only. no selling of new products or parts allowed in the swap meet area. Swapmeet spaces are $40 per car/truck load and an additional $20 for trailers. This fee includes one admission ticket. Email RPMnationals@gmail.com if you are interested in reserving a Swapmeet space.

For more information Email: rpmnationals@gmail.com

rpm11

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS SPEED WEEK

Posted on July 6, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

06 Jul

Ever since I was a teenager, I was intrigued with the American Hot Rod, I loved the Country, the Lifestyle and the possibilities you could achieve with hard work and, determination.

Back in the UK I even had a Hot Rod, a 1932 Three Window Coupe, chopped and channeled, this Hot Rod was a Nostalgic style that reflected what I was into.

Then in 1997 I left the shores of the British Isles, jumping on a Big Silver Bird to the other side of the world and landed in Australia, another Hot Rod Country that really loves mechanical machines and anything that moves on 2 and four wheels.

I built a 58 Work truck and had a 29 Roadster that I was finishing, but things in life happen and had to sell both but sure was a cool look.

In Melbourne I worked for Norm Hardinge of Aussie desert Cooler, helping him with the manufacture of Radiators for many Hot Rod and Customs cars, this took me all over Victoria and NSW and never was there a sad time, they are big Hot Rodders and the only way of topping that was to move to the United States of America, the Land I dreamed of living in from Middle school.

Feb 2000 I arrived in Southern California and 17 years later here I am and love it, I now own a period style 1928 Model A Roadster, complete with a 1939 Flathead V8, just a little 221ci Mill thats fun for me and hope to add rare speed equipment later on.

Well, in 2000 I was lucky enough to head to Muroc Dry lakes with a bunch of Hot Rodding Buddies and was fortunate enough to drive Drew Pietsch’s ’28-’29 Dodge Roadster around this famous dry lake, where even the Space shuttle would land if it was too windy in Florida.

So, coming up in August is Speed Week at Bonneville Salt Flats, a place that I have only dreamed about going to and watching all sorts of Hot Rods and Motorcycles giving their all to try and acquire a record of speed over a timed area. And as it will be my 55th Birthday, My Girlfriend Jennifer Sun is taking us out there to experience the life, racing on the salt.

Obviously I am spectating but who knows, the bug may catch me and I will have a go on a bike or car if I can get enough sponsors, always a cool thing to try.

So, I am so looking forward to that and if ANY of you are attending and see a Sun Burnt Limey walking around with a Gorgeous Hawaiian Girlfriend, then that’s will be me, come and say hello.

on July 16th SUNDAY at: El Mirage Dry Lake 20471 Mountain View Rd Adelanto, CA

I will Also be at El Mirage next weekend and riding my Red Royal Enfield about ,if ya fancy a little blap on it let me know, so if ya around, just let me know as I will be there early in the morning on Sunday, until the evening about 5pm and will be heading home. it is a superb place to spectate and watch the racing, as well as being able to get close to the start line and watch them go, I love it, some speeds in excess of 200 MPH too.

Drop me a text on 714-598-8392 if ya gonna be up there, I shall have an easy up and generator and a couple of chairs as I like to park half track and watch the bikes and Hot Rods run, then jump on the Motorcycle and go to other parts of the track. So i can see the Start and the finish and see them flat out.

Here is a little bit of History for you, but I am sure that you are familiar with it. I hope you enjoy this little Blog I have created today.

– This was filmed in September, 1932 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Ab Jenkins is testing the new, 1932 Pierce Arrow 462 cubic inch V-12 in a 24-hour endurance run. His average speed was 112.91 mph.

For years the Bonneville Salt Flats was the home to land speed record attempts but these were for elite drivers like Sir Malcolm Campbell. After World War Two, Hot Rodders wanted to test their metal on the salt but officials balked at allowing these people they saw as Juvenile Delinquents defile their Salt Flats.

Silent 8mm but great footage none the less.

ANTIQUE NATIONALS FONTANA May 2017

Posted on May 17, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

17 May

Well, it was that time of year already, I almost forgot it to be honest and as Jennifer was washing her Motorcycle, I loaded up my Camera and jumped onto my Triumph and headed off to see the cool Drag Racing that will be going on at Fontana drag Way .

The Sun was out and so was I, I flew up the 57 freeway, then the 60 and then the 15 and then headed to Fontana, took me about 50 minutes and was great to see many Hot Rods and Customs lined up at the staging Lanes as I pulled into the event.

I have been going to this for 17 years, this was the 47th Annual Meet and a perfect day for racing.

Once I unloaded my back pack, I had my trusty camera in my hand and walked the Pits to see what we had this year, plenty of great Nostalgia vehicles all over the place, its like a candy shop for the eye, seeing peoples rides that they chose to drive up to this part of Southern California and have a go at hitting the loud pedal on the 1/4 mile drag strip.

People from all over had turned up, I spoke to a fella from Western Australia, and then saw a bunch of guys wearing Flying Norwegian’s tee Shirts, had a chin wag to them and they wanted to come and check the place out, as they had flown in to race at El Mirage Dry lake next week with their Belly Tank racer, which was stuck at Customs, awaiting clearance, so a Great Experience for them for the first time.

I never tire of this event and the reason is the weather is usually always good, the cars and bikes are fantastic to see, and also everybody is happy and wiling to talk to you about what they are up to and what their vehicle is etc. A totally cool event with a great vibe, fun for everybody in the family too.

The other thing I like about the Fontana track is that you get close to all the action of racing, you can sit in the grand stand or stand by the fire lane and watch along the fence, you can see, smell and hear the Vintage Flatheads or the Hilborn injected Hemi’s as they hit the Loud button when the lights change from double Orange to green.

The Pits are a great area to see people working on their cars etc, Heck you could even help sometimes, be it pass a wrench, push a car or jump right in and help on the Motor etc.

I did not do a car count this year as i was so immersed into the event of trying to at least capture some of the rides that were attending this great show, but a nice turn out none the less and am glad that i managed to make it out here to Fontana raceway, this is right next to the NASCAR track as whilst cars was were racing up the Drag strip, you could also hear the roar of a few V8’s on the Oval track getting some lap times in.

They also have a Go Kart track too that had a race on as well as drifting saloon cars too, so something for everyone and worth the trip up to these parts for sure.

If you are going to visit, I would make sure you take plenty of liquids, some good walking shoes and a hat, as the Sun can really bely down here, plus if you want to walk the whole track side, well you can as the pit area is huge and fun to take your time and have a look at all the vehicles that are there and, to the sound of screaming motors running beside you up the 1/4 mile is something to experience.

I saw my Fellow Compatriot ” Tony Thacker ” Walking about taking photos with Ryan of Hop Up magazine, always a great social event too, best place to catch up with friends and of course make new ones.

No attitudes, just all enthusiasts and a healthy fun vibe was felt all day. I have always dug the California lifestyle and even though I have been here 17 years, still feels like just a couple.

Below is a few sets of snaps that i took and you can look at your own time, many cool styles of cars and genre’s and I am sure at least something there to make you smile, you may not be able to smell the leaking 97’s, or feel the heat of the Fontana sun burning the back of your neck but, you can sit back with a can of your favorite suds and take in some of the cars that was at this super cool show.

Plenty to see whilst you are here and I loved it all, it is a relaxed atmosphere for racing and I have been to many race tracks over the years, if you want to just hang out and check things out at your own pace, what better than to come to this event, try and make it next year if you can and spread the word, the more, the merrier.

A Little bit of everything for everyone here in SoCal and I love the coupes, Roadsters, Sedans, Tudors and of course then theres the Gassers and Rails too.

I loved them all to be honest and already looking forward to next years event and hopefully can drive up in my Flathead powered 28 Roadster. Check out these rides below, just take a look at that Tri-Powered 4 banger Three Window Coupe. Really a rare machine these days and thats what I like about the Antique Nationals as there are so many Nostalgic rides here to look at close up.

So much cool Nostalgia to see, I was sure glad I had ridden up today to check this event out. I should of taken a few more but after a while, I simply forgot what car I had taken a pic of.

I am certain that you have a favorite amongst the snaps that I took on this Saturday and, if you can make it for next years event, I know you will be smiling all weekend. There is a constant running of motors, the sound of laughter and the announcer is pretty cool, letting you know who the driver is and what car he has brought to race etc. So look below as I have quite a few photos, but I wanted to share all I saw with you.

I took as many shots as I could until my battery ran low on the camera and hope that at least some of them grabbed your attention. The Branch Family ( Above )had a Blast too.

I know a lot to look at, so you can imaging how I felt walking around taking this all in again for another year, this seems to get bigger and better at every event and next year I hope to be driving up to the Drags in my 1928 Model A Roadster and join in with everyone.

I wish this was a two day event to be honest, then I could take my time and take it all in, time flies faster than some of the 1/4 milers when you are here but a full weekend would be a blast.

I am partial to Model A’s and loved this as it sat in the pits, great look to it.

Cool 28/29 Roadster with the 4 banger, how Nostalgic is that with 16 inch skinny Bias Ply Firestones and an angled windshield, gives this a Period look.

Body work is great, hope mine looks half as good when I remove my fenders this month and get a few miles under its belt.

39 Tear drops, louvered Rumble seat deck lid and Moon discs, set this apart for sure.

Now theres some money sat in a row, not often you see that right?

So, until Next year, Many thanks for taking your time to see what I got up to on Saturday at Fontana in Sunny Southern California.

Hot Rods in New Zealand

Posted on March 9, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

09 Mar

I have been into Hot Rods for Many many years, I stopped counting after the 3rd decade and, being a Brit, I dreamed of living in the Great USA and having my Own Roadster and eventually take a drive on the Dry lake at El Mirage.

I grew up in London, then moved as part of the London Overspill to the East coast of Great britain, and from there, I got the American bug- we lived close to the American Air bases, IE, Mildenhall, Lakenheath, Bentwaters etc, the village that we lived in (Rougham) had an old WW2 Runway, complete with control tower and Nissan huts etc, this was where they originally had 3 runways and this is where the:

47th Bombardment Group (Light)

322nd Bombardment Group (Medium)

94th bombardment Group (Heavy)

All took off from on their dangerous missions and many never returning, I learned to ride a motorcycle on the 94th Bombardment runway and it is still there today.

We attended many Air shows over them years on the USAAF bases and I loved the whole Americanism that was there, it was a little part of the USA right where we lived, one of the Airman at the show gave me a magazine to read and it was a copy of Hot Rod.

It was a Black and White magazine from 1951 and the guy stood next to his Model A Roadster looked a little like me. That was it, I was hooked and loved Everything American.

I still have that magazine and now I am living my dream, I am here in Southern California, where Hot Rodding was Born and I now own a 1928 Model A Roadster complete with Flathead V8.

In the UK in the 1980’s I had a Right Hand drive, Chopped and channeled 1932 Three Window Couple and that was my own little piece of California everyday, even driving for the first year with no floor and having snow or ice pour into the coupe whilst driving to work was a fun experience for me.

I am not the Odd one out here, people all over the globe Love the Nostalgia that an old car gives you and you cannot get much further away than New Zealand, these guys know their stuff and have the bug like me, but this time, the Whole family are gear heads.

I love it, so- today i wanted to share a little into what makes us tick and this video pretty much sums it up.

Enjoy your day.

Fathers Day Roadster Show this weekend.

Posted on June 18, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

18 Jun

Well, it is that time of year again and the fathers day Roadster show is upon us and this year its hotter than hell, so get in early if you can.

The L. A. Roadsters Car Club was formed in 1957 and is still going strong.

The Club is well known for their beautiful 1936 and older roadsters and their Club uniform of red shirts and white pants.

Just a few little shots right now.

These are some great shots that Brian Brennan of Street Rodder took today.

Below is the Grand National show winner and one of my favorite Hot rods.

All types for everyone one, from old school to high tech.

L. A. Roadster Show

The 2016 Show is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th.

In 2015, we had another successful show and want to thank all roadsters, specialty cars, swappers, vendors and spectators for their loyalty and support of our show each year.

Our show is always held on Father’s Day Weekend in June of each year at the Fairplex in Pomona, California.

Each year, the L.A. Roadsters put on one of the largest roadster shows, swap meets, and commercial vendor shows in Southern California.

Lots of beautiful roadsters from all over the USA drive to our show and spectators came from all over the world.

I shall be going on Sunday for a look around, I have a long way to go with my Model A but love the thing to bits.

Pendine Sands 2016 Speed Trials

Posted on June 9, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

09 Jun

This is one of the best places in the world to experience Hot Rodding at its very best, sat on the far west side of Britain, Pendine Sands in Wales has so much racing history on this infamous beach.

I just had to post some photos I saw and will credit those who took them. the Sidewinders put this annual event on and a lot of work it needs to get to where it is, so when you get a chance, drop them a line than thank them for all their hard work.

Steve foster photo.

Photo: Steve Foster

This is an old mat of mine Matt Farrant and he posted the fasted time of 117 miles and hour with his flatty powered Roadster pick up and was the fasted man on the sand for the second year running, great job Matt.

Photo. S. Foster

I see my mate Melissa with the Bandanna on her noggin and she drove her ride on the beach faster than her old mans Hot ROD.

Photo. Steve Foster.

Photo : S. Foster

Mat Farrant giving it his best on the beach with a recorded speed of 117 , thats awesome.

Checking out the program as these 2 Nostalgically dressed girlies enjoy the day. photo. S. Foster

Photo. S. Foster

OMG-Scot Blown Flatty, would love that myself, great job and shot.

Photo. Steve Foster

Love this shot of the roadsters on the beach lining up for their run.

Photo. Steve Foster.

My mate Sarah Bradley gets ready to run her roadster up the beach.

Photo Steve Foster.

Waiting for the flag to give them the go ahead to light them up and make the pass up the beach.

Photo. Steve Foster

Great shot here, love the Duvall style windshield and the frog mouths.

Photo S. Foster

Channeled 5 window looked Bad ass.

Photo. S. Foster

Braaap!

Photo. Steve Foster.

This looks so much fun.

Photo. S Foster

How can this not be fun?

Photo. S. Foster

This 29 Roadster is all set for his run at the speed trials.

Photo. S. Foster

As old timey as it gets, this bobbed fendered Roadster is itching to go.

Photo. S. Foster

T Roadster gets a helping hand.

Photo. S. Foster

Wishing him luck.

photo. S. Foster

Frigging amazing set up.

Photo. S. Foster

Number 362 gets a good start on his run up the Welsh beach of Pendine Sands.

Photo. S. Foster

Getting as much traction as they can as they start their run.

Photo. S. Foster

How low can you go?

Photo S. Foster

Great shot.

Photo. S. Foster

Another roadster heading out.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Heading into Pendine.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Chilling with everyone on the beach.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Lets see who is the fastest the.

Photo: Martin Stockton.

Where it all happens from the start to finish.

Photo: Martin Stockton

A set of hungry Quads

Photo. Martin Stockton

Great shot on the line.

Photo. Martin Stockton

We shall meet you on the Beaches.

Photo. Martin Stockton

This 29 is almost ready for the take off.

Photo. Martin Stockton

5 window looks sweet.

Photo. Martin Stockton

This is a really cool shot, love the whole frame, the color is awesome.

Photo. Martin Stockton.

And we are off!!!

Photo. martin Stockton

Roadster Pickup is having some fun here.

Photo. martin StocktonAnother great shot looking through a model A window.

Photo. martin Stockton

Epic photo of the start line.

photo. Martin Stockton

Another cool capture of the start.

Photo. martin Stockton.

Taking it all in.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Putting the Modified through its paces.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Matt Farrant takes off on his 117 MPH Flatty, great job Matt.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Great photo and the geezer is having a blast.

Photo. Martin Stockton

My mate Sarah Bradley ,cruises the Beach.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Matt Farrant, giving it his best shot and winning the fastest flatty of the weekend at 117 MPH, Sweet.

Photo. martin Stockton

The VHRA official filling station.

Photo. Martin StocktonMatt Farrant, getting geared up and going through his check list procedure so he is calm and collected for his run.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Epic panoramic view of the run.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Awesome machine.

My Mate Martin Grossmith in his A Bone and now in the 100mph club.

Martin is sat and ready to wind it on at Pendine Sands.

Great photos here of some mates I know from back home, must of been fantastic experience.

Below is a vide of Dean Lowes Roadster pick up at Pendine.

These sands have been raced on for many many years, even in 1951 the motorcycles all took part in racing.

So, with over 150 entries at Pendine, this only seems to get bigger and better.

photo credit. Elie Rose and my mate Mel Gee driving.

Photo: Elie Rose photography with Mel in her ride.

Photo credit: Stefan Marjoram.com

Stefan Marjoram|Art & Photography.

Photo Credit: Stefan Morjoram. With Sarah Bradley in her Roadster.

Stefan Marjoram|Art & Photography

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com “The Lads”

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com

Hot Rodding even appears in Video Games

Posted on June 2, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

02 Jun

Hey Gang

Well, I am not a video gamer but was blown away to see this guys take on a 31 Model A 5 window coupe, the detail on the Hot Rod is remarkable and he must either own a Coupe or has been schooled well as these are bang on the money, with the exception of the engine sound as a flathead V8 does not sound like that at all.
But check this video out and you can see all the detail really is right there and wanted to share with you today.

This gamer who designs for Grand theft auto by the loom of it also did a 5 window but this time with a hemi motor and lake style headers, unreal.

Below is another gamer and another Model A Coupe, not as good as above but great to see Hot rodding in the mainstream.

Maybe you have already seen these? I am not a gamer, I was always crap at it as the controls just wouldn’t correspond with what i wanted to do as i wanted a real steering wheel and gear shifter and red and blue buttons just felt odd, but great graphics though.

So – great stuff designers as you have kept all the right look for a Hot Rod, just wanted to share as a Blog today.

Hot Rods are part of my Life too !

Posted on March 4, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

04 Mar

OK- many people think that I am only into Motorcycles, and I can understand that, as I have been building Cafe Racers here in California in the last 14 years, but- since I was a youngster, I had the Car bug big time.

I grew up near to many American Air force bases and that’s where I got my first influences from of cool old American cars, I loved everything about the cars, the country and the lifestyle as well as the passion for Hot Rods.

Then, I had my first Hot Rod, a 1932 Deuce Coupe, it was Chopped and channeled and was a Right Hand drive Model, this Deuce meant so much to me and I felt like I was living in the U.S.A. with that ride.

I wish I had kept it now, as we all do when we look back at things we have had.

This was my ONLY form of transport and I drive it in all weather, I didn’t have a floor in it for a year, the snow and rain used to blast up inside the Coupe, until I lost a couple of cassette tapes and then my keys jumped out of the ignition as I was driving back from work and that’s when I decided it was time for a floor.

This used to be so much fun blasting about Brighton and I traveled all over the UK in my 3 window and some super fun memories that’s for sure.

I was a lot thinner back then, maybe from pushing the damn thing when the battery dies or I ran out of gas as my gas meter did not work.

I drove up to Hemsby for the traditional Rock n Roll weekender and then visited some old school mates and friends in that area, it was such a blast to drive, loud old and bumpy but that’s an old traditional Hot Rod in the 1980’s in Britain for poor working class folk like me.

The I-Beam axle was a 4 inch drop and shorty shocks, made sure you didn’t fall asleep at the wheel when ever you drove this Coupe.

Watch ya head, this coupe was chopped and channeled and with a 4 inch windshield, not much vision, plus when it rained you couldn’t see anything, and- to get me through the yearly MOT test, you have to have a windshield wiper, so- I took a complete motor and wiper arm off a Volvo Headlight and fitted it indie the coupe, it was perfect.

Such fun times and glad I actually took some photographs, else they would just be my own views in my head.

We were all a close knit community and had so much fun at Rock N roll weekenders, especially on the beach etc.

How about this shot, many many moons ago with my First car, a 1961 Low line Ford Consul, with a 4 banger and a 3 on the tree, I drove the lug nuts off this machine.

Oh dear- what was I thinking? But this was my 1959 Ford Zephyr that I 2 door-ed and made some mad steel fins on the car, this had Candy Red and white tuck n Roll too, I was in a crazy zone when I did this.

This was me in 1997 when I moved to Australia, and I bought a 195 XP For Falcon, very similar the the American Ranchero, this was a cool ride, they call them Ute’s out there but it was a fun ride that I played about with and really liked that car.

I used to pain the old race style numbers on the doors of my rides back then, I still do on the bikes I build sometimes, this time I painted the car flat black in my mates driveway and then fitted pin line whites and then fitted a cool set of MOON discs.

But I get restless and have to keep trying things out on this machine.

I cant leave anything alone for too long, this time I scalloped the car and pin lined it, as well as fitting a steel sun-visor.

I fitted a Black Tarp on the back and later on I located some fender skirts for it too. Then I painted the Coop Devil on the back and added more scallops!

But I will always love tinkering with stuff, just the way my Brother and I was bought up, not really had a happy child hood but kept busy.

I started to get into this Roadster when I moved to Australia from the UK in 1997 and then continued over here in the states as I shipped the body over, the photo above is me in New South wales, I was patching the side of the Roadster body as it was completely shot with old bullet holes, but- I wanted the same thickness steel and the contour, so used a 1940 Ford truck door to use and it worked out so well.

Above, Anthony Castaneda of the Infamous Shifters gave me his old Dodge Dash Board and I spent the next few days cutting my old gas tank and fitting this set up, I was so stoked to have accomplished this and loved the way the dashboard flowed, similar to the 1936 Ford versions.

I used a Belgian Flat head in the end and this was a great motor, I love the sound of side valve motors, a very unique sound of their very own.

Jeez, this was a while ago, i was wearing a watch, who wears watches any more?

I chose a eggshell Blue and a Flat white firewall as it reminded me of the Al Sharp Coupe.

I also had My 1958 F150 short bed painted by Anthony Castaneda in his old shop (RIP mate) I stayed up and hand painted the logo and lettering getting ready for me to go with the shifters to Paso Robles back then.

I will have to look to see if I have any more photos of this 29 Roadster of mine, I loved that car but had to sell it when everyone moved out to go forward in their lives and I knew I would have another later on.

I had so much fun building this in the garage at home in Southern California and sure wished I still had this Roadster.

Days of old but soon I will be getting back into another 1929 Roadster that I located in Indiana and My Girlfriend Jennifer Bought for me,I am looking forward to driving it with her in the following months.

This was a fun build and now resides in the land of the rising sun, sure hope to see photos of it as I sold it to a very cool friend of mine Ken Sakata.

I now have this 29 Roadster at my shop, needs a ton of work but- I will get there eventually, once I have located all the parts I need.

I have a super amount of work to do to this little A-Bone but it will be worth it and cannot wait until I can get onto El Mirage and of course one day at Bonneville Salt Flats.

I am not sure what color it will be but I will be running a Flathead, not the 4 Banger that’s in it right now.

My plan is to locate a cool Vintage dash board, be it a 36 ford, Chrysler, Pontiac or Caddy etc and have a unique look to it with cool Gauges.

I will be running a 1932 Truck grille, so that will all change but will still use original chassis etc and Kelsey wire wheels of course.

I have an original Moredrop axle for the front but will need 1940 Ford Hydraulic brakes all around too. And below, I was so fortunate to locate this Original plaque that used to be on the guys Roadster back in the day, a nice bit of history right there.

I will be using old plates as well to capture the spirit of the style that I am into and hope that this will make people smile once completed.

This will be a cool build but maybe a year before I am halfway there I believe, hard to do on a low budget.

But stay tuned, as i will up date when I get more parts together etc.

RPM Nationals is a race that pays homage to the early days of drag racing. When race cars and street cars competed head to head to see whose garage built hop up was the fastest. The races then started with the drop of a flag and end 1/8 of a mile down the strip.

We will have 3 brackets competing head to head including v8s, 4 Bangers and full race.

Where?

EVENT DETAILS

Race Car Requirements

RPM Nat’s Car Show

VENDORS

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