Bonneville Salt Flats part 2

Posted on September 2, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

02 Sep

OK, the previous Blog took me so long as the photos were high quality and the download time kicked me right in the Spuds, but, I have a few more photos left but these I took with my phone, so not great clarity, but wanted to share a few more photos of the great times Jennifer and I had at Speed Week in Bonneville.

Above is this A-Bone Pick up, as we all hung out outside the Nugget Casino and Hotel in the evenings, this was a super place just to have a beer and look at other peoples rides, chew the fat with many people that had traveled from all over the globe and we all had one thing in common and that was of course Speed Week.

Check out this Pick up, very cool and old school as it had swooping fenders with rear skirts, a lot of work went into this rig and I sure loved the way it sat in the weeds, great job of it.

Envious of the Hop Up coupe, just take a llok at this really Period machine, I mean sat on cross ply 16 inch Firestone’s on 40 ford steelies and unchopped too, such a treat for me to see this.

Just when you think you have seen it all, this El Gringo loco truck was just bad ass, very cool, I am sure it bumped around on the tarmac but loved the style of this pick up.

Studebaker trucks have always been cool, almost Custom from the factory, I see this has old school ribbed bumpers and sporting 2 sets of 1939 tear drop lights at the rear, tight looking rig.

My God, Drool factor is off the hook, this Brown Suede Oxide three window was the epitome of Hot Rodding, complete with Black-walls and Stainless Hair pins, I just loved looking at this, Schroeder Race track steering box too as you can see the Pittman arm hanging out the side of the cowl.

I loved this three window as it even had an original 1932 Utah License Plate, what is not to like about this really Nostalgic Hot Rod.

How about this for a sight for sore eyes and when I say sore eyes, thats from the blinding glare off the Salt Flats today, the Rolling Bones Club drove down and they took their rides onto the Lake and when they came back each night, they pulled in at the Nugget, what a super rare sight it is to see all this Hot Rods in one place and covered in salt too. GULP!

This Slammed Hemi powered 5 window was popular with many people, the owner was super cool to chat too, as were everybody at this event, something a few events dont have any more and this place was ooozing with Camaraderie.

Just look at this sight, so much rare tin and not many places you will see as many as this in one place, it was Hot Rod heaven with out a doubt and I enjoyed every minute of it.

More salt sprinkled here than a bag of English fish and chips and every one of these rides had Salt from the lake on it, it must of taken a week to get it off, sure hope it doesnt start to rust these old bodies apart.

Just another view of the behind of these great cars , I doubt I shall be lucky enough to see anything like this line up again, unless I travel to the East coast and check the “Rolling Bones” group out.

If you ever get to Speed week, you will know that the evening meet up is a great way to wind down from the Hot weather on the salt, it was still hot out here in Wendover but a cold brew helped to cool you down.

Look at this, a gasser Corvette, there is a piece of History right there, who has ever heard of a slow Corvette? So this must be a heart attack to drive about?

” Any Salt with that Sir” This pick up with Beer Barrel grill got many looks and I saw this quite a bit blapping about at the Lake in 100 degree’s +.

El Cheapo is right but I bet he had a million dollars worth of fun on the salt?

This Business coupe was tough as old boots, loved the chop and look how nice and close the rear bumper is too, so much work in this car.

This long Closed Cab pick up had a nice Black Flatty in it with Dual carbs and 36 Torque tube headers, very cool and traditional.

Oh my, this was just the coolest Roadster there, loads of Patina, loved the Canvass top, raked and chopped windshield and the commercial lights with those Tractor Firestone tires.

How could I not take a photo from the other side too, this was in the parking structure of the Nugget Hotel and casino in Wendover, what a great show there every night for speed week.

Check this ride out and it sits so well too, had more white powder over this than a cocaine addict with a sneeze! Loved the Black steelies and white walls too.

The Flying Brick seemed to get all over the place, yet hardly any salt on it, I saw this cruising all over the courses of the salt flats too.

We saw this Model A Roadster on the way up to Wendover when we stopped for some grub just outside salt lake City, I was so surprised that a show car with custom metal flake paint would dare to take their machine on the Salt, but he proved me wrong, great little ride and it was fast too.

Tough looking 5 window Model A with a small block, cal custom finned covers, Sanderson style headers and a deuce grill with Louvre’d insert was a great attraction, I really liked it.

5 window parked up was covered in Bonneville’s finest, the roof wasn’t even chopped and thats quite a rare sight theses days, I wasnt a fan of them rims or tires but, each to their own eh?

This pick up was pretty wicked, loved the Patina and the stance, looked to have radar style 5 spokes and I bet this was a real smooth ride to where ever it drove up or down from.

I took this with my phone and wasn’t sure if it would come out any good, but am pleasantly suprised with it, this was a fun area to be in, just by the side of the Nugget Casino in Wendover.

Loved the smooth lines on the Custom Sled, this really did have a lot of work, Nosed, Decked, Frenched, you name it, funny to see the Salt around it like on the rim of a Sangria Glass.

You can beat a drum, you can beat an egg, you can beat an opposing soccer team, but you cannot beat a traditional 50’s Model A 5 window coupe, such a wicked ride I never tire of seeing.

All the way from Washington, this Highboy was a classy ride, a really nice 1932 Roadster with the deep Ford Blue gave it a Nostalgic style that is always popular no matter what year we are in.

Here is its twin Brother, No license plate else you would think this was the same ride, Instrument Dash is cool too, but, great minds think a like eh?

Now this is right up my alley, Road or Garden path, how can you not like this Roadster, the flatty sounded awesome when it pulled into the Casino parking lot, you cant beat the sound of a flatty.

Liked this Model A complete with Knock offs and traditional rear tail light , being fenderless makes this A-Bone look a lot taller as well, come in number 46 your time is up!!!!

I really did like this Roadster, the proportions were right, even the chopped Deuce grill shell was bang on the money and loved the 32 Headlights hanging from the side of the rails.

If you look behind the cars you can actually see the salt lake, so not that far away from all the action, Wendover is the place to stay if you are coming to Bonneville but, book early or camp out.

If you get to the Nugget Early, you can grab a good spot to park your ride as this is where the car show starts every night, it goes on all through the night too, always something cool to look at and everyone is super friendly too.

I was sat down at the start line on the short course, a Customer of mine that I made some Megaphones for in Lawton Oklahoma, said he would be there with his pops, its a big lake so doubt I would find him, well this chap stood next to me said. “Carpy” What the heck, he was only parked right next to us, small world eh?

If you can ever make it out to Utah, do it, its a great place to watch History happen and one of the most friendliest events on the planet, so glad that I had the opportunity to go.

Lee munro’s First run on the Indian.

This spins out at 138 MPH but gives you just an idea of what is going on inside a cage.

Well, this is how 435 MPH looks and feels, bumpy and squirley as hell.

Here is another angle from the cockpit.

89 Year Old grandpa has a go in the coupe, spins out but what a great experience for the chap.

Last Run for speed week, watch until the end as some great camera angles, loved the last bit filmed from the rear.

Spin out, sure gets Gnarly out there.

Double Indian Scout engine Motorcycle.

Lee Munro on the long course gets to 186 MPH

Here we are with a Thruxton R having a go on the salt.

So there you go, a fun time, if you can ever make it to the Salt Flats, just once, you will then totally get the experience that we did and watch History happen right in front of your very eyes.

It is something I shall never forget, Speed week was always a place I wanted to visit to watch Hot Rods and Motorcycles Race and now that empty box has a huge Tick through it.

Thanks for following my 2 day Bonneville Blog, many people let me know that they enjoyed the write up and I hope that just looking at the photos made you at least smile today.

This Brings a close to this chapter but thats not the end, as for me I am so lucky to live in Southern California, as there is a dry lake there called El Mirage thats 90 minutes from me, and will be venturing out there next month, but a fond farewell to Speed week as I now get it and hopefully one day you can get out to this infamous Lake Bed in Bonneville, Utah.

Join the SCTA and be a part of this great organisation, as well as help Save the Salt too.

http://www.scta-bni.org/

I might see you at El Mirage sometime, if you see me, come and say hello, always great to meet like minded people.

http://www.scta-bni.org/el-mirage.html

Thank you to ALL you Racers, the Teams and their hard working crew, the whole S.C.T.A org, the Bonneville Nationals inc and of course the people I met from my Old boss in Australia and my mate Shug & Ruby May, for getting there and breaking a record, what an awesome deal.

Hot Rodding started right here and thanks to people like you, it continues to grow and prosper with all your help and participation. Thanks for reading.

Bonneville Land Speed Racing is a unique sport that consists of very determined people who drive hot rods, roadsters, belly tankers, lakesters, motorcycles, streamliners, and even diesel trucks to "shoot the salt" in a simple quest to have their name added to the list of many record holders. Many years ago, the Bonneville Nationals Inc. (BNI) was formed. It's main focus would be to produce the annual "Bonneville Speed Week". The BNI hosts a spectacular week of racing each year in August, which is the highlight event of the LSR season. Speed Week consists of six days of racing (Sat - Fri), weather and conditions permitting. Entrants come from all over the world to participate in the week long event. Spectators are allowed to walk through the pits, view the vehicles, and talk to the drivers and crew members. Public parking is south of the pit area, on the west side of the race track, outside the cones. Be sure to bring a hat, dark glasses, sunscreen and shade from the sun. Don't forget a camera with lots of film/memory/tapes, because you will want to remember everything you see and hear. Binoculars are also a great idea since the race vehicles are at least 1/4 mile away as they travel down the course. The salt flats are located approximately 88 miles west of Salt Lake City, UT on I-80. The spectacular scenery and racing conditions at Bonneville make it one of the most popular areas in the world for speed. The colors, excitement, people and smells are some of the reasons we race addicts return to the salt, year after year. Better known as "Salt Fever". CATCH IT!

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 Rodding is a Passion all over the world

Posted on August 19, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

19 Aug

I have been into Hot Rods since I was a Teenager, I am originally from North london, but Mum and Dad moved more times than I care to remember, but, we lived on the ast coast in East Anglia for a number of years and that is where I got my real affection for Hot Rodding, we were close to numerous American Air Bases and I remember seeing a Model A Roadster and thought to myself,”Why would I want a Morris Minor, when I could drive something cool like that?”

You would think that I am just a small minority of people that would really dig the American lifestyle, especially the Vintage era too- But you would be so wrong, People all over the world are as nutty as Hot Rods and the lifestyle as me.

So today I thought that I would add some video’s that I enjoy and I am sure you will too.
Below is a video from Down Under and as I did live there for 4 years, wanted to add this fella’s place and its really cool too.

“The year is 1947, an ex-serviceman returns home to Southern California. His old ’32 Ford Roadster is removed from the shed, and the guts of a wrecked ’39 Mercury sedan are transplanted in, giving more power, braking and top speed, essential for the dry lakes racing career he will embark on. He outfits the motor with products from the growing speed equipment industries catalogues, and races his car against fellow car club members and the clock.

The car also serves as daily transport for him in the mild So Cal climate, the loud twin exhausts upsetting the locals still not used to the returned soldiers need for peacetime thrills. The era immediately following WW2 in Southern California was the time frame and inspiration for me to build an accurate recreation of a stripped down, dry lakes racing, late forties street roadster. Something of a time machine, so that a drive down the street or across the state could become a journey back sixty years.

Rancho Deluxe is my full time business, building traditional hotrod classics and components, and assembling period correct cars. The Rancho Deluxe roadster is my expression of a true Hot-Rod, a time machine back to when innovation was hand built, and the true test of man and machine was flat out across the Lakes”

-Ben Thomas
Owner of Rancho Deluxe
Melbourne/ Australia
ranchodeluxe.com.au/
The above article taken from:
Fuel Magazine Australia Issue No.4 fuelmagazine.bigcartel.com/product/fuel-magazine-issue-04
fuelzine.com
Check out another article on Ben Thomas:
mrblanc.com/ben-thomas-at-rancho-deluxe/
Director:
Tom Broadhurst
longwalkfilms.tv
Director of Photography:
Daniel De Silva
Assistant Camera Operators
Aaron Cuthbert
Tom Broadhurst
Editor/Color Grading
Daniel De Silva
Music
“Take the A Train by Bass, Bone, Blue”
Gemma Boyd
gemmaboyd.com
soundcloud.com/gemma-boyd

Rancho Deluxe from Long Walk Films on Vimeo.

Below is another bunch of Hot Rodders but this time it is in New Zealand, they have some serious machines and are as passionate about Nostalgia as I am.

Hot Rod Revue: Frankton Roadsters from Cal Thorley on Vimeo.

How about this awesome 1932 Roadster with a Riley Overhead valve conversion, piece of art I think, Love this Basso 32.

Next up is some cool vids of flattys.

My 1928 Roadster

Posted on July 27, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

27 Jul

Well, here it is, my 1928 Roadster, with a Flatty hooked up to a 1939 Box. But, it needs some work and over the next few weeks, I hope to have this running well and driving down the road.

I shall be changing this to a more traditional AV8 Roadster of the era I really love and that’s post WW2, I will be selling the top and making a lower version with chopped windshield too.

I am looking forward to changing the look and this is pretty good shape too, even though it is cool, there is a lot of re-work that has to be undertaken.

There is the beloved flathead, the very first V8 came from ole Henry Ford himself, but the Motor sits too far back so need to move an inch and half forward to make it right and no vibration.

Below is a list of things that this A-Bone already has. But the note to the side is what I am changing.,

1938 v8 motor late 24 stud
39 rebuilt trans
40 ford juice brakes front and back
40 ford master cylinder
New hoses and plumbing
New shoes and cylinders
Edelbrock polished intake
Edelbrock Aluminum heads
Original A radiator modified – Changing to a Original 1932 deuce grill shell and insert later.
Rebuilt generator – Its junk so I have purchased a Powergen.
New Distributor
New battery – Battery is only 6 volt, so converting to 12 volt. And repositioning .
Original model A dropped axle
Original banjo rearend- been gone through- The Banjo is going to be changed for a Columbia rear end I have.
Rear drum locks
Original model A Steering column- Pulling that out and fitting an F1 steering box.
Stromberg 97 carbs only one hooked up
Electric fuel pump
6volt – Am changing over to 12 volt.
New cloth spark plug wires with rajah ends
1935 Wire wheels
New 1934 v8 caps
New Firestone bias plys
Original unsplit bones – Rears will be getting 1936 Radius Rods.
Slanted windshield- Will be replacing with a 2 inched chopped windhsield.
New Smithys dual mufflers- Replacing with Race headers and New pipes.
Original Points ignition

Limeworks 40 Ford steering wheel.

New X member and re worked pedal assembly.

The electrical is a disaster, the guy who had it did a terrible job and I am having many power issues now and am trying to source the issue as this is still a 6 volt system, so nothing wants to turn over long else the battery will die. This is all going to change as I shall have it converted to 12 volt as it makes for far more easier starting and can see at night with no dim Glow from 6 Volt bulbs.

This will still need a ton of work and I hope I can get there soon as I want to be able to drive it in the next month or so as I love the look, just mechanicals need sorting.

I shall be fitting a 2 inch chopped windshield and later get a chopped top for it and of course I will lower the seat a few inches to allow for that.

Above will be the New X member that will be going in place of the shoddy one some fella attempted at welding in with some cheap stick welder, so this is going to be gone through and make sure all is safe and strong, as my Girlfriend will drive it too and need it to be roadworthy, right now I have a few issues to get ironed out but will get there bit by bit.

The Motor is now going to be moved forward, as well as the rest of the running gear, the Muppet who originally fitted the flatty put it back too far and the motor was pushed against the firewall.

Takes time, Money and Patience but I shall be keeping the Roadster in memory of my dear MUM.

I will run with No bumpers later and will also be taking the A-Bone Radiator and Shell out, and replace with a genuine 1932 Grill shell and insert as I have always loved that look.

This will be such a fun Hot Rod and dream of the day I take it for a run across El Mirage dry lake later on, as thats been a dream for so many years.

Above, 1936 Rear Radius Rods, these will be fitted to my Model A to give it much added strength for the V8 Flatty Motor.

Later on I shall be making this 1936 Ford Dashboard, fit the 29 Model A Gas tank, as I love this Post war style that was popular in Southern California back in the day and will simply swap out once painted and gauges fitted etc, but that’s a little later on down the road, but exciting stuff none the less.

I want to make sure this A Bone is safe and with a X member I know the chassis wont be flexing as much, as I have seen so many crack over the years on the shitty roads we have here in California as the freeway beats Hot Rods up for sure.

As you can see, the body had to come off for a number of reasons, and one was to move the engine forward and secondly to be able to fit the X member and over riders correctly, glad we have got to this point,

A better solution than the crap that was one there before, and also Bungs were welded in chassis to make fitting Roadster body easier.

Up in the air and soon to be laced back on the strengthened frame and I will be feeling a lot happier for that.

Flatty Motor is a 24 stud 1939 Era with Edelbrock heads and intake with three 97 Strombergs, The Radiator fan is now replaced with new bearings too, and the 6 volt system has been removed and 12 volt system now lives there with a one wire powergen to make sure I have plenty of electrical Voltage.

My 28 Roadster Body is in pretty good shape, Later on i shall be replacing the gas tank with another as I will be fitting a 1936 Dash in the old gas tank area.

Looking forward to when she is sat back on the rails and can get on with a few other things as she will be having 1936 Ford wish Bones on the rear and I have a 2 inch chopped stainless steel windshield to fit, along with a 1948 F1 steering box with a Limeworks 40 Ford style steering wheel.

The 1936 Rear Bones were cut and shortened and the welded and will make a big difference in the Rigidity on the rear end for sure, as this is a proven Formula from back in the day.

The complete X member kit is now in place with Boxing plates and this really is a good thing for me as I will feel a lot safer, I have seen many stock Model A frames that have stress cracks as they fitted a Flathead and the power does cause a lot more stress on the chassis, this was a Hot Rod Fab back in the day too.

Well, the stock winshield posts have gone and now a 2 inch chopped Stainless Steel set up is in place, looks way better now and am stoked to have it on the Roadster.

The Body is about to be plopped back onto the rails, all the old nuts that sat under the frame have now been replaced with threaded bungs, so no more struggling to hold the nut with a wrench under the chassis.

Now I have the 1936 Ford rear Radius Rods in and the Handbrake cable from 40 ford to Model A in Place, things are getting closer to be finished.

Slave cylinders are all good , as is the brake shoes etc, bit of adjusting to do but on step closer to getting her ready for a road test.

New fuel line will be added to the pump, filter and to the Strombergs.

New OEM 1939 Fan assembly but with New bearing and to help with Battery, a New Powergen, this goes from a 6 volt ride to a 12 volt.

Limeworks 1940 Ford steering wheel will be fitted to the F1 Column I have and wil be smooth to turn now, before, the notchy A Bone Column was a nightmare.

I shall keep the Model A Grill shell for a little while but have a genuine 32 one to replace it.

Reworked Model A pedal assembly will be fitted today, then the handbrake will be made to fit the 39 gearbox and a New floor to be added too.

Bit by Bit she will get stuff done, wont look much different but will handle so much better than it did when I first got iy.

Hope you like how she is turning out, this is something I shall keep as it is in memory of my Dear Mum!

Steering Column is in, just needs the tube cover to go on but it looks the right height, although I want to lower the seat somewhat.

I am glad how everything is working out as this needed a lot of work that someone had thrown together badly.

I have a Limeworks Steering wheel on that F1 Column and it looks great, great value for money. Also fitted 40 Ford pedal tops to Model A pedals.

Looks great in Black and White photo and wont be too long now before I can have a test drive.

Next up was to make a handbrake for the Rod, as there was not one in it at all, so a hunt for a few parts was needed as this A Bone now had Juice brake, lucky for me I located the handbrake, the wires and attachments as I need to be able to have a handbrake in this Jalopy.

Sat back on the floor for some more work, wiring needs to be addressed and as she is now 12 volt, make sure the bulbs are changed in the 6V lamps etc.

Bit more done but the battery will be repositioned, then, new wiring as well as securing the F1 steering box and fitting new switches for fuel pump and ignition etc.

Up next was some floor work that needed to be rectified , as the original is just wooden and I did not want that, this body is now sturdy to the chassis since the X member kit was added, and the doors will not pop open like many stock version do when the Ford goes up a drive way hill or a dropped kerb etc.

These are hand rolled and sure look nice in steel rather than ugly timber.

You can see that the Model A pedals have been reconfigured and now have 40 Ford tops on them.

Feels more like a Hot Rod now, rather than a Resto and will not be long until I can test drive her.

The Motor now runs and is smooth, only running the middle Stromberg right now but hope to use all Three later on once all the bugs have been worked out, straight through pipes for now until later in the year when I remove the fenders and run as a high boy and will use 1936 Torque Tubes for the headers like they did back in the Dry lakes days.

I am so glad that she is running Now, sounds quite smooth now that is fitted with a New Old stock fan and as she is turned from 6 Volt to 12 volt, she will fire up a lot easier and no more dim headlights.

Well, time has just tocked on a few days and I am glad to say I at last got the chance to drive it for the first time yesterday, mind you it was 100 degree’s outside.

Sitting pretty, this was a big moment for me, I dreamt of having my own Roadster in California for ions, and now here I am and its great.

She sits well but have to tell you, the rear shocks are shot to bits, so I will need to find some slightly longer and robust versions, maybe Pete & Jakes, but have to weld on shock mounts as the person before set these up for standard car shocks with no clevis at the top, but that’s all repairable and even though it bumps pretty hard, its so much fun.

I am happy at the style right now as I parked it outside my Motorcycle shop in Anaheim, it was 100 degree’s but I still drove it around and smiled all the way.

I will eventually remove the fenders and grill and fit a Genuine 1932 Grill shell and change lights and that is what Hot Rodding is all about.

Looks way better with the 2 inch Windshield chop and eventually I will get a retractable top but not just yet, but- I do need to cut the seat riser down about 4-6 inches I think.

The seat is Bone stock Model A and I sit too high, but I will try and locate another seat Riser and channel it a few inches to sit lower and have that early look too.

The flatty runs pretty good and right now, just on the middle 97 Stromberg but hope to hook the other two up at a later stage, once I have worked all the bumps out.

Having a bit of fun with a 1956 Flying Cloud Airstream,as these are the coolest trailers and easy to tow because they are so light and balanced well.

Yes- reverse does work and had to get used to the old style clutch pedal and it worked really well indeed on this AV8 Roadster of mine.

This looks like back in the day as I put it in Black and white, Classic lines and thought I would share with you.

Eventually I will locate a 1940’s trailer and be able to tow it to the dry lakes.

My Girlfriend loved it, it was fun driving it on the road for the first time, albeit 100 degree’s out and I live about 13 miles from the shop, so as I pulled into our street the radiator started to puke hot water out of the top cap, but that’s to be expected from the summer heat. All was good later on in the evening when I drove it around the block with Jen to try it out.

I have more plans for the Roadster, I will change the Radiator and the grill shell for a 1932 version and will remove the fenders too, then use 1936 Torque Tubes for headers and run them out the sides for an older style of Hot Rod, the car is always an on going challenge but that’s what Hot Rodding is all about.

So stay tuned for more on my 1928 Roadster…………………..

So now its time to get a few miles on her and work all the bugs out of it, that all takes time, money and patience.

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.

GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW THIS WEEKEND.

Posted on January 29, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

29 Jan

On Sunday, Jennifer and I will be attending the Grand national Roadster show, of which I was lucky to WIN trophy’s Three times for my Cafe Racers, but, I have always been into Hot Rods and back home in the 80’s I had my very own three Window, chopped and channeled 32 Coupe.

Well, I now have a stock 1929 Model A Roadster, More Rust than I really had thought and needs a total strip to the frame and will fit a flathead etc and what I have been looking for is a cool color, I love Black but many out there, I love Blue but built a 29 Roadster in early 2000 and that was Blue.

This was a great ride but had to sell it when bills at the house got out of control and I sold it and it ended up in Japan where it still is today.

I am hoping to get the Roadster into a Vintage style by Next year with any luck and of course, in Memory of my Dear Mum of which if it wasn’t for her, I would not be here.

So I have been looking at Car shows with Jennifer and of course any where I see a Color that jumps out at me to try and think of what would look great on my Hot Rod. Jennifer and I both thought a WW2 style Green would be different then I saw a buddy I know has just completed his 32 and painted his Green, and this was the color I looked for over the months, so may have to go a little darker, but this 32 Roadster is so nice I had to share it with you all. I love this Hot Rod and am sure you do too.

This weekend and Its going to be a super show with many cool rides for everyone.

Mine will never be as cool as this but will have fun with my ride for sure so, wish me luck.here is mine right now. she needs tons of work but it will be a fun machine later.

Below is what HOT ROD wrote about this super cool set up and I wanted to share this with you today, if you are at the GNRS on Sunday drop me a text or message as I shall be there with Jennifer and would be awesome to see you.

Some of the best advice a father can give to his son is the phrase: When you want to learn how to do something correctly, watch a professional do it. The “right way” is nothing that can be taught by reading a technical book or even watching a YouTube video, but rather hands-on immersion and a learn-by-doing mentality.

Darryl Hollenbeck, a 48-year-old automotive painter who grew up in Concord, California, had a distinct advantage when it came to learning his craft: his grandfather, uncle, and father were all car painters, with Dale (Darryl’s dad) carving out a respectable niche in the custom car world before he died in 2003.

Now known as the “go-to” guy in Northern California for many of the country’s top rod builders, Darryl’s paintjobs have been found on an America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award winner, dozens of STREET RODDER and Rodder’s Journal cover and feature vehicles, and well as a handful of Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance show winners.

But Darryl’s approach to all these cars is the same: it’s all in the details. As owner/operator of his Vintage Color Studio in his hometown, Darryl usually works by himself, perfecting any given body long before the color ever leaves his spray gun. But he’s also a car enthusiast and, after working on dozens of vehicles over the years, he really wanted a hot rod for himself, but time, the job, and money always seemed to get in the way. He did get close a few years back, starting a 1932 roadster project, but he ended up having to sell the car well before it got finished.

Recently Darryl’s friend, Brandon Flaner of East Bay Speed & Custom, told him about a project that someone had lost interest in. It was another Deuce highboy roadster, with a standard street rod build started but not finished. Darryl bought the car but soon realized, considering his workload, this one may not get finished either.

As fate would have it, one of the cars slated to roll into Vintage’s paint booth was a Deuce highboy from Cory Taulbert. The Michigan native is a part-time rod builder and married to the former Ashley Webb, she’s the daughter of fabricator (and former Ridler winner) Dan Webb. As anyone who knows Dan can attest, he likes a good joke, and when dialing in the drop-off times for the roadster to get painted, Dan half-heartedly suggested Darryl trade the paint- and bodywork on Cory and Ashley’s roadster for the build and fab work on Darryl’s ride.

Not wanting to potentially ruin a good friendship with Cory (as it happens sometimes in these situations), Darryl discussed the trade with his wife, Terri, and the pair decided it was probably the best way to get his car finished, so they said yes and, in February of 2014, the swap was made. Once at Darryl’s shop, he started working on laying down a perfect single-stage black paintjob on Cory’s ride, and Darryl’s roadster ended up in Michigan at Webb Automotive Art and up on Dan’s chassis jig.

Though sufficient for a basic street rod, most of the items on the chassis would be out of place on the style of car Darryl wanted to have, so the SO-CAL framerails were left, but just about everything else, including the X-member, was removed. In went a 1940 Ford X-member, which already had provisions for the correct pedal assembly Hollenbeck wanted, and the rear was kicked a little to lower its stance and accommodate the Model T spring.

Dan and Cory also installed a Rodsville Halibrand-type rear (4.47:1), which was prepped and painted by Brandon Flaner. The rear featured Dutchman axles, and is located with a custom three-bar system (two lower outer rods along with an upper center rod) built out of split 1940 wishbones by Cory, who also fab’d the Panhard bar.

MT Products’ 1940 Lincoln-type drum brakes are on each corner, and a transverse spring and SO-CAL shocks smooth out the ride. Steering is handled by a Vega box and a LimeWorks column, and original 1940 Ford 16×4 wheels (wrapped in Firestone 500×525 rubber) were used up front while 18×4.25 wheels were shod with 700-18 tires.

Darryl turned to Edelbrock for one of their 380-horse crate motors, which was outfitted with an Edelbrock 2×4 intake manifold, a PowerGen alternator, and an MSD ignition with Taylor wires. Cooling is cured with a Walker radiator and Cooling Components fan while stock ram horn headers and a custom 2-inch stainless steel exhaust removes unwanted gases. The V-8 bolts to a T5 BorgWarner transmission, prepped by Astro Performance. What chrome there is on the car was handled by both Tennessee’s Advanced Plating and California’s Sherm’s Custom Plating.

The 1932 body originally came from Brookville Roadsters, and Dan and Cory fit it with Rootlieb 25-louver hood sides, a sectioned hood, and a Brookville Deuce grille shell and insert (with a custom center bar). More custom fabwork can be found inside the cockpit, with Dan fab’ing gloveboxes for the ends of the Deuce roadster dash, which was also lengthened for the Stewart-Warner Hollywood five-gauge insert that features a big Police speedo. Cory also modified a Model A shifter to work with a Pro 5.0 shift tower, and DynoTech supplied the driveshaft.

Once all of the fabrication was complete, the roadster was returned to its owner where he and Darrell Schneider prepped the ride before Darryl added the color, which, along with its stance, may be the most important thing about the car. Most folks toil with the choice of color for their rides but, with Hollenbeck being a well-known painter whose choice would also make an obvious statement, color choice became critical.

Not wanting what someone else already had entered into the decision picture, as did making sure the wife liked it, too. The roadster had a lot of traditional elements, so something that looked like it could have rolled out on a Lincoln in 1940 would be going in the right direction. All said and done, Darryl mixed up his own unique shade of brown with PPG Envirobase waterborne paints to cover his car.

Once out of the paint booth, construction continued with help from Joe Compani and Ryan Campi of Compani Color (who prepped and painted the chassis), as well as Jack Stratton, plus Bill Ganahl and his team at South City Rod & Custom, who helped with final assembly. Next came the addition of a one-of-one Bop Top from Sid Chavers (the bows were repositioned), the chopped windshield posts from Cory, a set of Guide headlamps, and a pair of taillights and door handles from a Chrysler Airflow. A LimeWorks Crestline steering wheel fits the car’s profile, and a multilayered chunk of paint from Darryl’s father’s paint booth was turned down on a lathe to produce a one-off shift knob.

Cory Taulbert flew out to NorCal to wire up the roadster using pieces from Rhode Island Wiring Service harness and an Enos panel, and Sid Chavers created the bench seat in the car before covering it with sections of leather as well as a fabric insert piece from a 1969 Cadillac.

Both Darryl’s and Cory’s roadsters were finished up (Taulbert got his dream paintjob—an inky black one-stage for his Deuce) and the pair decided to debut their rides by driving them from their respective states to the Roadster Roundup in Austin, Texas (a 3,400-mile roundtrip for Darryl), in 2015.

But for Darryl, just as important as delivering a world-class paintjob is making and maintaining the friendships he’s fostered throughout the years. For him, he wouldn’t want one at the expense of the other and, luckily for the rest of us, he’s really good at both!

Grand National Roadster Show:

POMONA FAIRGROUNDS

CALIFORNIA

Antique Nationals at Fontana was a Blast to watch and be a part of.

Posted on June 29, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

29 Jun

The Antique nationals Annual event seemed to come around real fast this year, but it was not to disappoint as many cool Hot Rods turned up for this Classic meet up and Jennifer and I headed out about 10am to get to Fontana Drag strip to watch some of these Nostalgic machines run the 1/4 Mile. The A-Bone was a great looking ride and the owner had had this for many many years, having a Hoped up 4 Banger is such a rare sight these days and glad to see it. It had some later parts like Alternator and a Thermo fan but this car runs and runs very well indeed. Three Hungry Birds sat on that Early Cragar intake and made sure that this 4 Banger had plenty of Motion lotion to get up the track in a good fast time. I loved the dash cluster and rebuilt Gauges made sure that these all gave a correct reading out in Fontana as it was almost 100 degree’s here today. I am not a fan of 4 bar set ups but loved the hairpins and steelies for this 1929 Roadster on stock rails too. Early style roof gave it that early 50’s look and running a Quick change really does make this Roadster get up and go !!! I loved the Original License plate with the Glass 1939 teardrop lights, this Rumble seat Roadster was a sure cool piece of History out here. This Girly put her Roadster together a few years ago now and with the Caddy mill it made that awesome throaty roar as it roared up the tarmac. Blown Model A Pick up sure got down the strip in a fast ET and surprised a lot of people. Squeak Bell the Kiwi from Bakersfield bought out his awesome 40 Ford Coupe, I loved this ride, pure 50’s Nostalgia all the way through. This little Model T Roadster came down from Arizona, he ran a 302ci Ford and Jenn and I sat in this and felt like giants in it. Many Gassers were here for the day and loved to watch them go down the strip as the weather was humid but great for watching them fly up the 1/4 mile. What a Great match up we had here, I call it the Double A challenge, Roadster Pick up and the flamed A- Bone hit the strip and ran even all the way. It was fun hearing these 4 Bangers wind up as they get off the line and am surprised as to how they flew up the strip and sounded awesome. Plenty of 4 Banger Machines to entertain the crowd today and a rare sight to see at one time, sure glad we made the trip to watch these race each other. How can you not like the Gasser wars? These are always a blast to watch and to hear as these bad boys tear it up at Fontana . Loved seeing this 56 Wagon tear it up at the strip and a very cool set up this was, a rare sight these days. Hubba Hubba! Check this Roadster out- other than the tires I would of left it as it was, a real History machine that was a trip to look over. Have a look at this 4 Banger, how cool would it be to find one of these engines these days and then take it up the strip and then after, drive home, Very Cool. Some serious Tin here and not many like this around anywhere these days. There seemed to be plenty of early Cragar equipped Motors here today but it is run by the Four Banger Club but a rare treat to see all this together. Plenty of engine variations to look at here and had a great time chatting to all the owners etc and asking them about their machines. The weather stayed humid but lucky the Sun was shielded with low clouds, and that made for a great day of racing and pretty good for the spectator. Awesome 32 Three Window Deluxe Coupe as this Fully Fendered ride headed down to the staging lanes to run with the other flatheads. 5 window sits ready for the next round with steelies and spindle mounts, a very tough Coupe and an aggressive stance. Three Very different rides sit here by the Drag strip, Blown 29 Roadster, Stock Model T and an old Hudson Hornet. A very clean and well built Roadster, complete with hairpins and Drilled I- beam and moons discs looked the part here at Fontana Strip. Something for everyone here and we had a fun day chatting to the owners and finding out some info on their rides and where they got them from. Gassers at the ready as Dennis Young, the Aussie Racer drives his Anglia up the strip. Yes please to this Roaster, I would change tires and shocks and rake the windshie3ld but, that’s my preference a solid car and loved it. Another cool Flatty powered roadster that would look great on the driveway at home. This 24 Stud Flatty was powered with Early Edmunds heads and intake Manifold with what looks like REDS headers, cool Motor for sure. Model A Roadster Pick Up was really cool, I loved the 41 plate too. Yes Please. A wicked Roadster with the right look and a sweet firewall and grill shell too, very much wanted to take this home with me. I could not stop looking at this and when they drove it around, the flatty sounded tough, just a really Nostalgic ride for me. A super Clean 5 window that was also popular here at the strip. Plenty of Rare tin to look at here at Fontana and these three cruised about all day. Edelbrock Powered flatty, I really loved this machine and so glad we made the trip to watch the Antique nationals. This stocker sounded pretty sweet and was up for sale too. Still plenty of Tin around and that is surprising but of course, the prices are starting to soar now. This was a winner for me, how cool is this Roadster? I love it all and it sounded awesome. Ready to drive home to La Mirada, I would be so lucky. A Rare find Roadster and it is waiting for a New owner I am sure but I couldn’t afford the price ticket, else I’d of bought it right there. Loved the Canadian Ford heads on this 21 stud beauty. Banjo wheel too, I loved everything about this machine and glad I got to take photos to share with you lot on here. Bills Three window is just an original Time capsule, just enjoy and drive the wheels off it and Bill certainly does as he loves this Coupe. How cool is this? Such a Classic machine and still being driven daily . Look how straight the Bodywork is too, this Three Window is a super rare find and glad to see Original Tin on the road still. Early Plate and cool License plate frame too. Next time you are in San Dimas, check out Bills Three Window and shop- The Old Ford Store. Look at how clean this Roadster is, such a lovely machine in all Black henry Ford Livery. There is Nothing I would change on this Roadster, just take a look at al the detail in this, simply breath taking. I would of liked to hear this machine purr, but the old fella was out having fun with his buddies on the strip but just check this Roadster out, so sweet. Unchopped but Channeled 5 window is reminiscent of the old 60’s East Coast Rods. This Straight axle gasser looked Fast and was fast, loved seeing these race up here at Fontana and they didn’t mess about either. Jennifer inspects this Roadster with its beam axle and hopped up 4 Banger mill. Ak Miller Speed Equipment adorned this roadster, a lot of time and effort had gone onto this build., BRAAAAAP! Pat Gnahl on his Knees as he works on this sling shot straight 6 powered Dragster. This altered Machine was tidy and was pretty fast up the strip today. A very cool little Hot Rod that had a nice Quick Change too. Always cool to see these driving around and the air was filled with smoke and fuel at Fontana today. How can you not like this awesome Willys Gasser, Blown, Flat paint and running on Magnesium’s. Another set of Gassers and this certainly took your breathe away as he hit the loud pedal on the Line today! The Antique nationals is such a good event as it lets you get so close to all the cars and the action too. Below, the staging lanes with all the rides getting ready to compete into the next round. The weather was great later in the afternoon with a little breeze and plenty to look at as we walked around the staging lanes and Pitts. More cars coming down to the staging lanes as we walk around and enjoy the atmosphere at Fontana. Squeak Bells awesome Custom Coupe, Squeak is a well know Hot rod builder and is a Member of the Shifters Car club. Jeff Vodden and Billy Sakata of the infamous Shifters chat to Squeak Bell as he heads to the staging lane for his run today at the strip. 5 window heading down the the track to try his chances of getting through to the next round here at Fontana. This Channeled 5 window lets it all hang out as he gets the Green light and was a fun and fast Hot Rod. Plenty to watch, hear and small as these vehicles raced all day and we loved it all as such a great atmosphere here every year.. We need more of this event to watch every style of Hot rod take to the strip as it so much fun to watch or take part in. Pick up or Coupe, there was something for everyone here and could not get enough of this today. Maybe Next year I shall have my own Roadster and see how I fare with other like minded Hot Rodders. Above is a super Nice Stepside I would love as a shop truck. This 4 Banger A Bone was pretty cool other than the color and graphics but a tight Hot rod and sure was fun to see. The good thing about the Antique Nationals is that you can get and look at the rides close up and everyone is friendly. This ole fella had his Hudson Gasser all about ready to take up the strip. Always nice to have a flip front to be able to get to the Motor and this was a well put together machine and sounded great. This was indeed built for speed and he had great fun this weekend at the track. Another cool Shop truck and nicely done, always great to see these at the Drags and sometimes they even run them against each other too. The Little T that could, this was a low slung ride and driven daily too, up for grabs as well. Traditional 50’s styled A- Bone stood out, I mean, you cant miss them Pete and Jake style flames. But a great little roadster and I know that I would have fun with it and I am sure that you would do too. Every year there is always different rides that attend this show and I love talking to folk around the Pitts to see where they are from and something about their machine, it makes for an interesting and sometimes entertaining conversation. His Beer barrel grilled pick up was cool. Plenty of people were here to race and to have fun an this was a fun ride to watch this weekend and did not hang about. A lonely Roadster sits on the Tarmac awaiting its time, sits low being channeled and I loved it with red Oxide primer an all. This little A-Bone Roadster was super cool and so was the owner, 4 banger power with AK Miller parts, this will run all day and never get hot. I saw plenty of Ak Miller parts this weekend and love seeing cool stuff like that, this Roadster is daily driven in all weather and super nice owner. A fun little A- Bone that he gets many many miles of smiles from and I am envious in a good way, great to see and chat too. This guys doesnt give a flying Duck- loved the tear drop trailer with it, super tidy combonation. A lot of time and money have gone into this ride and boy can you tell, this was so clean, yet he drives it to many places. A very cool set up and never an issues in the time he has had it, just a well built machine and fun to see today. Cruising down to the Staging area to check out the rest of the rides. Resto’s were very clean and all of them run like a top. Something for everyone if you come to the Antique nationals and we had a brilliant time here. Love looking at the Gassers. It hauled Arse too. Super clean green machine and I have always dug Classic Fog lights on Rods and motorcycles. Tasty Three Window sits facing the drag strip to watch the Vintage machines scream down the track. A walk around the Pitts shows all sorts of amazing machines and this Black Three window caught my eye, its a really ride. 1932 was a great year for the Automotive industry, being the First V8 Fathead too, love these rides. Great Girder front end on this Whizzer and a few raced this weekend too. Super Nice Bowtie Step Side work truck, love these things and sits well on 5 spokes. Jenn and I sat in the Little Channeled Roadster, I was half hanging out of it but a fun ride and a super nice owner from Arizona. Mid engine Flatty in this push truck looked great. Two Door 50 Coupe was such a nice clean ride. I would of loved to have driven this today even had a push bar on the arse for the drags or dry lake. Every where we looked there were Flattys blappng about the place. A few Cushmans turned up too and ran like 35 seconds on the 1/4 and fun to watch race. This 5 window was heading out to the staging lanes and runs super well, More stuff to look and listen out for as we walked around at Fontana. There goes the Cushman- Flat out at 40mph. Whizzer and Harley go at it, thats fair right? We had an awesome time, and look forward to next year, hopefully see some of you out there too?