Anaheim Rod & Custom Shop Quality and Customer Service all the way!

Posted on August 30, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

30 Aug

Well, every now and again I like to Blog about experiences and companies that I personally have been involved with, be it helping out or having them help me out and today I wanted to concentrate on a great family run business located in the City of Anaheim just by the 5 freeway and it is called Anaheim Rod And Custom.

Now, before I start my ramblings, yes, there are a plethora of Custom shops located all over California, I mean, thats where it really all started here in the late 1940’s when the Late great Wally parks started the NHRA and from there on, Customs and Hot Rods have been created in this great State and Anaheim Rod And Custom is one shop that stands out in the crowd as one of the best Customer Service businesses that you will ever encounter.

Just a quick look at how Matt created the Front door of the shop.

Of course there were the Likes of Barris, Winfield and Daryl Starbird etc knocking out some head spinning work that was way beyond its time, but here at Anaheim Rod And Custom, that flavor has not soured at all, in fact there is always something cool and unique that is being worked on in the shop and the attention to detail is phenomenal.

So, lets get to the Beginning of this company:

Matthew Means started this business almost 20 years ago and has always had a hankering of being his own boss and starting an Automotive Restoration company, Matt was in business with a partner at the time and then met the adorable Pin up Girl that I know as Becky Sue. There is not too many business that is family orientated and work with each other every day and, if they do, then they understand that its not an easy venture with many bends in the road, but the straight away stretches out number the curves and when Becky Sue met Matthew at the Continental room- Which is an old school speak easy that has been around since 1925 in Fullerton. Well, it was meant to be.

A little video of the 1965 Merc Project that came out of Anaheim Rod And Custom for you to see.

I met Becky Sue at Fudruckers at a car show, I was doing a TV show at the time and we interviewed Becky Sue as she was a Car Nut and loved everything about Customs, Hot Rods and Pin Up stuff, so we got on like a house on fire. Well, to wind on a few years, I hadn’t seen Becky Sue for a while until I saw her in a Cool Parts car and was driving by my shop, she stopped as she recognized me then informs me that she met Mathew and they got married and have a Automotive Restorations Business called Anaheim Rod And Custom.

Now, bear with me on this, about 6 years ago, Mathew had organised a Huge Tiki styled Custom Car show at Don the Beachcombers on PCH, Becky Sue said to come along and meet her fella, well I not only met Matthew there, I met my wonderful Hawaiian Girlfriend there Jennifer Sun, who I am still madly in love with today and if it wasn’t for that show, I may of never had met Jennifer.

So I will always be indebted to these Two for helping me find the Girl of my dreams and like Becky Sue, we do a lot together and she helps me run my Business with book work, tax’s etc and general show organizing etc. Its Great having a partner in the business with you so understand these two who run Anaheim Rod And Custom.

So, almost 2 decades of building cars and painting under their belt, also Matthew wanted to pass on this business to his son when he obviously gets a little older, their first son was aptly named Atom Ford Means, so with a name like that, you better be in the Automotive business eh? They also have a wonderful bundle of Joy named Presley Mae and many times you might just catch them at the shop, learning the ropes as early as possible, nice to see too.

Now, I can go on and on about what they have built etc but what you all need to know is that this is one of the best Quality shops you will find that gives such personal attention to your machine, after sales service is also impeccable with a great atmosphere when you entire their abode, you are first met with a smile, a rare thing, a handshake and a tour of the shop, which you will find is very clean and organised. You can see me here walking in the Black tee shirt at their Open Day show.

Pretty much everything is done in house, even the paint, Matt has very good skills with paint, so much so that he has been requisitioned to apply the cool Custom coats of candy to many British Custom Motorcycles and as well as that, Matt is a dab hand at the Winfield style Fade away paints, including Pearlescents and Bold Candy Colors, to eye blinding and dazzling Metal-flake finishes.

What I like about Anaheim Rod and Custom is that Matthew is not deterred in any way with Long term projects, I believe that his attitude is ” Take the Bull by the Horns” and get the job done right.

I was stuck for space with my 1928 Model A Roadster, I needed a company I trusted that could do the work that I asked for. Many just said yeah, yeah yeah and to be honest, its just a job to them.

But Mathews approach is so unique to many I have seen, not only did I first of all hang out at his shop to see exactly what his work entails, I actually felt like part of the family there.

Their services offered are so vast, from Welding, Cutting, shaping Metal, Bead Rolling, Chassis work, Air Bagging, Custom Paint Spraying, to Major Electrical and the list goes on, from cars to Motorcycles to Boats, he does it all. here is my steel floor that Matt hand made and boy is is great and sturdy, comp[aired to the stock Wooden Model A floor base.

On July 23rd Anaheim Rod And Custom had their grand opening, My Roadster was there and we were invited to check the show out, turned out to be a real treat, cool Cars and Motorcycles, cool people and really had a fun time talking to new and Old Customers of Anaheim Rod And custom and look forward to more events like this.

Matthew took me aside at the shop, took his own free time to get me a full and detailed Estimate, that Becky Sue had typed out into a full bound Folder and gave me a few options if I wanted to save a little money ion one area and spend on another. This was all smooth and not rushed at all.

I hung out for a day when My Roadster was there to give a hand if needed, I was not needed at all but loved Matthews approach to what he did, yeah its an old Hot Rod but he dint abuse the vehicle and in fact went way above what he quoted me to do just because he wanted to do it right. How is that?

I spent in excess of $13,000 there but many had quoted more and I would of had less work, all the build was also documented and everyday at the end of the work day without Fail- I would receive Progress Reports and photos to show how much headway they had made. Now I dont know anybody that does that these days.

As I said too, Mathew and Becky Sue work also work with British Customs and have painted bikes owned by such celebrities as Tony Hawk, David Beckham and Orlando Bloom.

Many Motorcycles have been painted by Matt and you may not of even known, but he sure is great with that Spray gun.

Starting with a white pearl base coat and adding a layer of bright Candy Red, and finishing with a Black Candy top coat. The resulting presentation is stupefying, appearing nearly pitch-black in low light with metallic deep reds and purples shining thru the highlights in full sunlight, showcasing the curves and angles of DEUS handiwork.

Another bike painted and this time for British Customs, for Tony Hawks Foundation, this was auctioned off for charity, what a great job.

There is always something cool going on at the shop, plus there is great music and an ambiance that is like no other shop I have ever encountered.

The Paintwork is not cheap but- the attention and work that is put just into the Prep work is why his finishes are so great and the longitude is always going to be there, compared to many others.

Also- Anaheim Rod and Custom partners with bike builder Micheal Woolaway, of Wooly’s workshop at Deus Ex Machina and have painted numerous motorcycles for Deus.

I get Matt to paint for me as there is nobody better for the time and effort that he and his team put into each paint job, no matter how big or small the scale, the finish and quality is something that Matt finds must be paramount in any work that comes out of Anaheim Rod And Customs premises.

Tonya Kay is a great actor that takes on ANY role and encapsulates the character with her own twist, she is charismatic, sexy, sultry and quirky in her pin up lifestyle and has a passion for Classic Cars , and the photo you see that Speed Girls Captured is Tonya’s very own 1965 Buick Rivera that she aptly titled as the Grape Space Coaster and the Custom work was completed by Matthew means of Anaheim Rod And Custom in Southern California. I will let Matt tell you all about it in the Video below……

Beck Sue Means, runs the business side of the Company, sending out quotations for potential jobs and Custom Applications, Customer service, ie follow up calls to check how they and their vehicle are doing etc. As well as the rest of the internal tasks that you have to perform daily in a Busy Custom shop office etc. She is the VP there but also will roll her sleeves up and jump in the with the rest of the crew in the workshop if needed, her Pops was a mechanic and only makes sense for Becky Sue to follow in the foot steps of her Dad.

If there is anything you need from a Estimate for work needed at Anaheim Rod And Custom, then Becky Sue or any of them can be contacted at:539 S Central Park Ave E, Anaheim, CA 92802

Their Contact number is: (714) 203-6589 make sure you tell them Carpy sent ya!

This is a unique Company with so much passion for the Automotive art, Matt is multi talented and can weld, paint, wire, draw, sculpt etc, he has every base covered in your requirements.

From a Motorcycle Gas Tank that needs to be painted, to a full tear down and rebuild of what ever you have in your Shed, Garage or a project that is still sat on your driveway needing help, these are the people to call, you will not be disappointing.

YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR HIGH QUALITY RESTORATION, CUSTOMIZATION, PAINTING AND FABRICATION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

MOONEYES ANNUAL OPEN DAY WAS A BLAST

Posted on July 8, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

08 Jul

Well, going to Norwalk Blvd and stopping outside the famous Open Eyes, has always been a cool thrill for me, so much Hot Rod History in that little Yellow building and here we are again for the huge show that generates so much excitement and popularity, that I hope one day Shige can buy next door and make this an even bigger event.

I have been attending these shows since I moved here from other shores back in 2000 and to go to this show is a superb social event for me, some people I have not seen in years but also some people I have seen the day before, this is a fun family atmosphere with Genuine interest in our “Hobby”- ” Lifestyle”

The sun seemed to be up early today and as I kicked the Royal Enfield into Life, I could feel the beads of sweat running down my face like I was about to be shot out of a Circus cannon into an awaiting Net, that was made of wet paper . But the Royal Enfield jumped into life, ticking over like a well oiled sewing machine, I clunked the gear shufter into first and it ubruply Grinded into the gear and then it was go time, Revs up, Clutch out, arse down, elbows up and I am now off to Norwalk , with Blues skies and a full gas tank, life seemed to smile at me, as to say. ” Go on son, have a brilliant day.

Well, as I took the back streets, it took maybe 10 minutes for me to pull into Norwalk Blvd, and slowly but surely I could see Hot Rods, Customs and every kind of style of machine on either side of the road, as I pulled up to Mooneyes, I was ushered into the driveway, where upon I was blasted by the sounds of the 50’s, some fella playing a stack of platters and I was digging the vibe Daddy’O!

I took my Brain Box off and was Greeted right away By the Manager, Chico, such a genuine bloke that I have known for over 17 years now, he welcomed me and thanked me for attending, how nice is that? Don’t hear that much these days and it goes a long way in my book. ” What book is that I hear you ask?” The book of Pleasantries!

Man! Was it hot, not even 10:15 it was Hotter than the inside of a Pizza oven on a Saturday evening. But I was here and there were a ton of like minded souls there, soaking up the Sun, the Sounds and all the cool vendors and machines that adorned this infamous place for a Custom Couture that I dearly love.

I left my Brain Bucket sat on my bike, another cool thing with Mooneyes is its a safe place and I love that trust ethic at a show, very rare indeed.

The next person to take time out of their day was the owner of Mooneyes and a super friend of mine.

SHIGE SUGANUMA: What a fantastic Bloke, flys over from Japan to meet all his Customers and genuinely take time to see how you are and ask about how things in the business and life is going, a rare find these days.

With more and more people pouring in, I wanted to get around and try and take a few snaps with my phone, not an easy task as so many people darting about but, I wanted to try and share with you lot what I did today, as many like my Blogs etc.

I walked along to the Vendors and wanted to say hello to my mate Keith Weesner, such a superb artist, always has time to say hello and another bloke I have known over 17 years now and as crazy as I into Hot Rods and Art, maybe even more so.

So many rides parked all over the place, it was fun walking around, talking to people and checking the latest machines out.

I bumped into my mate Big Dan from the Dynotones, these guys are the best 60’s Surf, Instrumental band anywhere, they rock it 24/7, try and ctah them at one of their gigs.

http://www.dynotones.com/

I saw so many rides there today, everything from Nostalgic Hot Rods, to Metal-flake Kustoms, it was great to see other rides that I have never laid my eyes upon and everybody seemed to be having fun.

If you are ever in Sunny So Cal, check Mooneyes out, they have all you need for your ride and what a historic trip down memory Lane you will have.

http://www.mooneyesusa.com/

As the day got hotter, it was time for me to do another quick walk about and say high to friends and cross the road to see vehicles that hugged the kerbside and boy was there some neat rides there.

So, here is to the next event, this show is on until about 3-4 pm so go check it out, so easy to get to off the 5 freeway for Cars and Bikes, this has it all.

Check out the workshop too.

Hope to bump into you at this event next year, have a great weekend all of you.

Vic Edelbrock Jr Passes away.

Posted on June 11, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

11 Jun

Vic Edelbrock Jr. passed away Friday, June 9, at the age of 80 after complications from a cold.

“It’s with deep sadness that we announce the untimely death of our visionary and leader Vic Edelbrock Jr.,” the company website read. “Vic passed away this evening from complications following a recent cold. His passing was peaceful and in the company of his closest friends and family. The Edelbrock Fun Team sends their deepest condolences to his family and will always hold him in our hearts.”

Vic Edelbrock Jr. took over the aftermarket performance parts company that bears his name after the untimely passing of his father, Vic Edelbrock Sr. Vic Jr. was just 26 when his father died in 1962. With a small but dedicated band of 10 employees, Vic Jr. not only kept the company growing but made it into one of the largest performance parts entities in the world.

It’s a long story that starts in 1933 when Vic Sr. opened an automotive repair shop on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Soon after, Edelbrock cars were racing on the circle tracks and dry lakes of Southern California during the golden age of hot rodding. In 1938, Vic Sr. bought a ’32 Ford and used it to test new speed parts, more or less inventing the marketing tool that would later be known as “the project car.” The first big seller from an Edelbrock project car was the Slingshot manifold, used by Vic Sr. on the dry lakes to clock a prewar time of 121.42 mph in the ’32.

Business wasn’t the only thing growing for the Edelbrock name. Vic Jr. was born in 1936 and started working summers in his dad’s shop at age 12.

“I was making $2 a day and I thought I was really living,” he told us when we spoke to him for a 2002 story.

The towering Vic Jr. went to the University of Southern California on a football scholarship, graduated with a degree in business in 1959 and went to work full time for his dad’s business. Just three years later, Vic Sr. was diagnosed with inoperable cancer.

“He had no chance,” said Vic Jr. “Four months later he left us.”

Not only did Vic Jr. have to deal with the death of his father and mentor, but he suddenly found himself at the helm of a fully funded company with 10 employees and $200,000 in the bank.

Many an heir would have blown it all in a couple of years, and some expected Vic Jr. to do just that. But one thing the father had taught the son was the value of good people. Among the 10 Edelbrock employees were Don Towle, Bobby Meeks and Bob Bradford.

“They stuck with me,” said Vic Jr.

In 1965 Bob Joehnck, who had been a close friend of Vic Sr., called Vic Jr. with a suggestion.

“He said, ‘Make a manifold for the small-block Chevy,’” remembers Jr. “I said, ‘They already make one.’ He said, ‘Trust me, make one.’ So we made one.”

Did they ever. The Edelbrock manifold for the small-block Chevy became the foundation from which the company springboarded into legend. That manifold led to a relationship with Holley to mate Holley carbs to it, which eventually led to more parts for more cars.

We drove an excellent example of the Total Performance Package back then in 2002 in the streets around Edelbrock’s Torrance, California headquarters — Vic Edelbrock’s own 1967 SS 396 Chevelle. With an Edelbrock intake, cams, heads, carbs and water and fuel pumps, the 468- cubic-inch big-block Chevrolet made 540 hp and 539 lb-ft of torque (those are gross figures, not today’s legal SAE net measurements). In keeping with the Total Performance Package philosophy, the car also came with Edelbrock springs, shocks, trailing arms and wheels. All we needed was a cigarette behind one ear.

The big-block started with a screech, reminding us how much internal friction these big, meaty engines have. The gauges jumped to life as the car body torqued in the direction opposite crank rotation. Steering through the big, skinny wheel was heavy, the way things were in 1967, and we cruised the streets waiting for the engine temps to warm up. In a few minutes we had enough heat to open it up a little and suddenly it all made sense. Why would a working guy spend a month’s salary on parts? Because of the way this magnificent old beast opened up when you floored the throttle. Suddenly the big-block roared in one long, uninterrupted wail, the exhaust note went to a higher-pitched whaaaaaaaa as the engine neared its 6000-rpm power peak and the ’67 SS leapt forward, scaring the hell out of a number of sensible midsized sedans nearby. Telephone poles, indeed, looked like a picket fence.

Goodbye, Vic Jr. Say hello to Senior for us.

The Name will Live on in the Automotive World and always there will be a part of the Edelbrock family on an engine if you are a performance fan.

Anaheim Rod and Custom Open day

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

02 Jun

Well, has it been a year already? Wow! Time sure does fly when you are having fun and that’s exactly what they do have at Anaheim Rod and Custom, a totally cool shop that caters for a plethora of styles and genre’s of Vehicles, Motorcycles art and sculptures.

Now- the weekend of Fathers day is perfect for you lot to attend this Open day show, I mean Pomona will be the Fathers day show at the fair grounds and to be able to head to Anaheim Rod and Custom afterwards will be a great treat.

Where is this?

Anaheim Rod and Custom Open House

Saturday, June 17, 2017
3:00pm 8:00pm
Anaheim Rod and Custom
539 South Central Park Avenue East Anaheim, CA, 92802 United States

Last years Open House was superb and so this years is bound to exceed the great times we had in Anaheim, Matt and Becky Sue were great Hosts and sure made everyone welcome.

Bring your ride along and joining in the festivities of a great family orientated company that oozes personality and exuberance in the Hot Rod and Custom fraternity, you will meet cool like minded people, have food, drink your favorite tipple and listen to some awesome music from bands and assorted tunes coming over the speakers.

If you want to have a great, enjoyable time, then head out early to get a parking space as this place will be full up by late afternoon.

Any more info you can contact them on: 714-203-6589

Dont miss out on a Golden opportunity to meet a great company and to meet up with old and New acquaintances,and you will enjoy everything that’s going on here.

So, bring your Hot Rod, your Classic, your Custom, your Motorcycle, jeez, your Vintage Pick up, even your cool beach cruiser, you will love the atmosphere at this place.

Jennifer and I will be there, either on our Triumph Motorcycles or in our 28 Roadster , and really are looking forward to see you all too.

59 Club O.C. Section had a Great weekend.

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

02 May

Hey all

Well, this weekend was quite a busy one for the 59 Club Orange County Section as Saturday Morning we all met up at Boys Burgers and then Jennifer and Amanda both led the Club on the route to the Classic car and Motorcycle show that was being held at Seal beach.

The day was Hot and an early start was needed to try and get to the event before we started to cook, as every year it is warm there, even though it is by the beach, it gets bloody scorching some times, so, with 15 riders we headed towards the Seal beach area.

Great Formation of riders and very enjoyable ride, its way better than just jumping on a freeway as they tend to be boring, dangerous and not much to look at.

We arrived at the Naval Grounds and was greeted by the Navy Soldiers, who kindly showed where we could park our two wheeled machines, it was right by the water and a nice breeze to have on us.

We then left the bikes under armed guards and then we caught a free shuttle bus to the event, it was an old British Double Decker with some of the upper windows taken out and felt nice with the cool sea air coming through the bus as we took the short 5 minute trip to the event.

This show is enormous and usually everyone veers off to their favorite car or motorcycle and we either bump into each other or catch up later on.

Jennifer and Amanda led the group and did a fantastic job, well done Girls!

The Sun was starting to bake us but what a great show with tons of Cool Classic iron to look at and further up on the seafront they had the Motorcycle section.

Plenty to see there too and this Annual event seems to be getting bigger and bigger, great to see but I think they need a few more Vendors as so many people come to this show nopw, I know people would buy their wares.

I may have a booth and show a bike at the next one, problem is, there are so many events on through out the summer here in California, it is hard to keep up with what is what and I end up forgetting, then kick myself later on.

If you can make this show- Try and do it and there is something for everyone here, a Mixture of Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles and the atmosphere is really great, everyone is happy and more than happy to talk about their ride they have on display.

I had a blast but the weather was bloody warm and amazing as its by the beach, but there are a lot of shops and restaurants to go and check out too if you get out here.

Below, I bumped into Fellow Brit.-Mike Brewer from the TV show- Wheeler Dealers, he has a New side kick and was trying some live video at the show, ya never know who you may meet at an event we go to.

We stayed for quite a few hours and could of easily stayed longer if the Sun stayed back a bit, but a great Saturday and a relaxing ride with great friends.

Tomorrow we ride to Griffith park to see our mate Andrew Chaves place as he works at live Steamers where all the smaller gauge trains are built, serviced and run, should be a blast!

It’s always fun with the 59 club, come and check us out we are on meetup.com under Carpys Cafe Racer Meetups 59 Club OC and maybe you would like to come ride with us?

Orange Circle has their Annual Street Rod show.

Posted on April 10, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

10 Apr

Well, Jennifer went for a long ride on her Bonneville today with our 59 Club members, I had a few things to get done at home didnt have all day to ride, but what I did manage to do was jump on my Triumph Thruxton and ride down to the City of Orange for their annual car show.

Always a big turn out, I have been many times and always something new to see, so I slung my leg over the 2 wheeled machine and headed out there to see what they had on offer this year.

If you are ever in this neighborhood, always check the local rag to see what shows may be on as there is always something on from now on and as our weather is always great, you can really enjoy the atmosphere and not worry about the H20 Pouring down like so many other states still have this time of year.

I like to walk about and see what New rides have turned up, orange county has been the Hub of the Hot Rod and Custom Industry for many years and its great to be so close to so many events.

So I wanted to try and capture some of the stuff that they had at the Circle today. there was something for everyone and the weather was as good as it always is and I loved alking about in the relaxed atmosphere just checking out peoples machines.

So, below is a few photos that I have taken that I thought I would share on my Blog today.

Enjoy.

Mooneyes Christmas Party 2016 Irwindale

Posted on December 10, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

10 Dec

I got to work and noticed some fog and gray clouds looming as I opened my shop on a Saturday Morning, but- None the less, today was the annual Christmas Party that Mooneyes host at Irwindale drag strip and it is a not to be missed event for me, mainly because it is an awesome time for me to meet many friends from all over the place and get to ctach up on how they are doing etc.

Pulling the Triumph out onto the Road and firing her up was a good feeling as the trip is only up Three Highways and about a 35 minute ride, although as its close to Christmas now, plenty of traffic and a sharp eye was needed to watch out for cars trying to cut lanes at the last minute.

Time flew by pretty fast as I cruised at about 80 all the way and mostly in the car pool lane, my idea of that is that it is the safest route to take, being that there is a Divider wall to my left, so only things in front of me and to the side have a chance of getting me, as opposed to riding in the middle lane and being open to all and sundrie.

As I pulled off the 605, I could see the line of traffic that were waiting to get into the drag-strip area, I knew that some people had actually arrived at 3AM- for them to get a good space and enjoy the hundreds of Vehicles that attend this Hot Rod and Custom extravaganza every year.

Being on a Two wheeled machine does has its advantages, as I rolled on by everyone and right up to the entrance with no wait at all, and that’s a nice feeling for sure as some of these poor buggers had been sitting a long time in traffic.

As I pulled in to the event I could see the Sea of multicolored vehicles that were lined up similar to a Chinese military show, but that’s the only comparison to that as everyone was smiling, laughing, cooking, drinking and even dancing, and I knew today’s event would be a blast.

Most years that i have attending this show has always been cold, windy and a few ties it has been raining its arse off, and, as I left my shop in the fog, I thought to my self. “Oh no not again” But I was mistaken, as pretty much as soon as I got off my steed, the sun was coming through the clouds and could feel its warmth as I approached the entrance to the show.

I have no idea how many vehicles turned up, predominately it was Chevy and Ford, but had a sprinkling of Dodge, Chrysler, Studebaker and even Volkswagen’s were there in many guises.

I took about 60 odd photos with my I-Phone until my Battery decided to tell me on that phone that it was time for it to shut down and have a melt down, but I did get many cool shots and wanted to share them with you.

I get many people from all over the globe check my blogs out as a lot of us do not just have an interest in Motorcycling, it covers a vast spectrum of interests from Hot Rodding, Drag racing, to Low Riders and Full Custom Machines. there was plenty to see and, if you can ever get to Southern California and check out @mooneyeschristmasparty you will be amazed at the fun you will see.

So much to see and I hope you like some of these photos that I have taken, there would of been many more if my battery hadnt died on my phone, but enjoy all of you.

The weather turned out awesome to be honest and I am met many friends that I had not seen for a long long time, so glad that I ventured out to Mooneyes Christmas Show as it never fails to be entertaining as so much is going on there and always different cars, Rods and Motorcycles to check out and people are more than willing to tell you all about what they have done.

So many different styles of machines and to be honest I wish I had enough Battery to show all the drag racing that was going on all day as that was so cool to hear Motors flat out on the 1/8th.

Many of these I have not seen before and it was great chatting to all the owners and finding out what they did to heir ride, where they are from and some even gave me some great contacts for vintage parts etc.

That Green Roadster was a Raffle Car a few years ago at Ventura and boy what a sweet ride that is, the guy who won it only had ONE $20.00 ticket and he won the ride, so awesome.

Next up is my mate Becky Sue from Anaheim Rod & Custom, a really cool Girl and great family and Hot Rod shop, so glad she got to drive her Comet. Great Job Becky!

Few more video’s this time the cars coming down the side of the track after their runs on the 1/8th mile at Irwindale.

Awesome Sling shot as it cackles its way to the pits.

Mooneyes Christmas event Irwindale

Posted on December 15, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

15 Dec

Well, Saturday Morning soon came around, a little apprehensive about the trip to Irwindale today as yesterday we had Rain on and off all day and the forecast was dry as a proverbial bone.

But it was a nice morning and no sign of rain, but, we came to the decision to jump in the wagon, and head out to the freeway and see what this years Mooneyes show had in stall for us, on many occasions the sky’s have closed and it has poured down with H2O, so this time we were prepared.

The traffic was pretty good on the 5 and the 605 was even more clearer, so it took us maybe 25 minutes to make the trip to the Drag strip, but there was the usual line to get in and, I could see there was many vehicles already at the show and knew that this event would indeed be a doozy!

We parked on the Oval track where they race the Speedway, so kinda cool being lined up on the third turn and headed down the incline, trying not to walk like a professional shopping cart pusher.

Once in the show, the air was filled with BBQ and Hot Dogs, as well with a good sprinkling of Rockabilly Music, and high revving cars as they staged and drag raced up the 1/8th mile strip.

So many cars had turned up and it was fun to walk the lines of machines, checking them out and seeing what the trend is this year in the Custom world and I noticed a few Lavender painted cars in a flat finish, so that seems to be the go this year.

Mooneyes is always a fantastic annual social event for me and was great to be able to approach some well known names in the Hot Rod industry, just to shoot the breeze etc.

Shige from Mooneyes is always there and will stop everything he is doing to chat and genuinely ask how you are etc, so great to see him and Chico, along with Bob and Go manning the busy station, selling their infamous wares.

There were many vendors this year and ranging from cool plaid Pendletons, to custom pomade, there seemed to be a little of everything at the show and was a enjoyable checking different vendors booths to see what they had created for sale.

I saw Vintage Hot Rod Club Coats I would of given three arms and a leg for but wrong sizes made it a unsuccessful scavenge for me this time but, proves that there are still wicked clothing out there if you are at the right place at the right time.

I saw Big Nick Barns, another Ex pat living in SoCal and has been dealing in the Vintage Clothing industry over 30 years and always seems to come up with unique apparel and love seeing it.

Jennifer and I watched Buddy Dhugi and his wonderful wife Suzi, play as they always do for the moon show and this year kitted out with Christmas sweaters, albeit it was bloody hot this year.

But their set was pretty cool and they rocked the event as they usually do, we made sure to stop and chin wag as these are the best events for an annual social gathering for us.

Next band was my mate Big Dan and he plays in the Dynotones, an awesome 60’s Surf Guitar combo and boy do they rock, loved every song and hope to book them for my annual party in march 2016.

We grabbed some food and hung out with some good people, I spoke to some mates I hae not seen in years, like Dean from Dice Magazine etc and Dennis Roth was in his element having fun with people in his Crazy Custom Flaked machine.

The sound of bands playing, and Gassers racing up the strip every few minutes is an awesome experience and one you should at least try Once, just to be able to truly understand what I am on about, it is a really cool show- busy but cool.

So many cars to see, make sure you allocate a few hours just to observe these fantastic machines as we walked isle upon aisle and people were more than happy to tell you about their car and how it came about etc.

Now this Roadster you see is a show car, something many of you and I dream about, Jennifer asked the guy if it was his and with a smile on his face he said yes.

I asked him about the 40 ford dash and he said it was a 40 ford dash but- he did not build the car, he won it in a raffle.

I was gobsmaked as i remember the Roadster being as a raffle car at Ventura a few years ago, he said he had watched the Roadster being built via instagram etc and he bought ONE $20 ticket, he went to the show but came home as it was his 32nd Birthday, the phone rang and he thought it may be one of his buddies wishing him all the best, but infact it was ventura asking him if he had abought a raffle ticket for the car. He said yes and then she said, well you have won it!!

Jeez, for $20 a $40,000 Built Roadster, they even had the builder drive it to his house and he drives it every weekend, lucky man, I always hear about raffles and never believe they are legit and you never see the winner, but this was the real deal and for $20 he won that awesome machine.

Jenn informs me she is doing Raffles from now on and, I tend to agree with her it seems like it may just be worth the chance, but such a great story on that Roadster.

Mooneyes always brings over their super cool pinstripers from Japan and they turn out some super cool work quickly.

A great event and so much to see, make sure you get here early to be able to take it all in.

Another Pinstriper is Hot Rod, he has been doing this for many many years.

This Blue 29 Roadster was pretty cool parked up and sun bathing.

I loved this tough 55 Gasser in Candy Paint, sure sounded menacing too.

This mid 60’s Ranchero was so bang on the money for styling .

Legends in the Hot Rod Art world, Robert and Suzy Williams were in attendance too.

Here is my mate GO hat works at Mooneyes and is a super nice fella.

Organ pipes on this roadster sounded like a broken fan in a fridge.

29 roadster pick up but too low to pick anything up.

This green T was pretty cool.

Another channeled Roadster sits on the deck.

Now, I would drive this home no problem.

A nice sprinkling of Roadsters were here this year.

A few Custom Low riders too, a lot of masking to do this.

Like I said, there are all sorts f machines here, enough for everyone’s taste.

Well, it is the Christmas show.

Now this is what I am talking about, I love the straight Axle Gassers.

This was a sweet 58 I would love to own.

Amazing, as I live in SoCal, youd think you seen all the rides and then you come to Mooneyes show and loads of cool stuff not seen before.

Plenty of Chevys thats for sure.

I dug this pick up, would be a fun parts ride.

This was pretty cool to see and I am sure he has fun with it with that Motor.

Even the Old Bill were cool.

Loved this Kustom Pontiac.

Nice color scheme I thought.

Always great to see some classic Tin here.

Frenched Lights and a floating grill was cool.

These are Custom from right out of the show room.

How can you not like this Lincoln front end.

Always loved these and the body goes on for miles.

Now this is right on the deck.

Rather odd choice of color but it works.

Loved this 57 Belair as a gasser, the best years for me for gassers are the big straight axled heavy Bricks.

Slammed Custom Roadster for the use of a better word.

Three hungry birds.

I loved the artwork on the trucks door.

How clean is this and I love the color.

This sedan sat really well.

The sun was out and so were the Hot Rods this weekend.

A cool 56 Gasser awaits its turn before going up on the 1/8th mile.

This 1948 Rag top was cool as hell and loved the color.

A couple of car club guys shooting the breeze.

Off the the strip to tear it up.

This Caddy is pretty straight bodywork wise.

A Candy red 58 Pick up look good basking in the Sun.

Now that’s a lot of work.

How straight is this and love that color.

Some intricate masking here to get this effect.

I think this is Keith Weesners 5 window and boy is it nice.

Suicide doors on this Bow Tie.

Whats going on here, his own Smoker?

Clean, low and bell flowers too.

Nice 56 for belting around town in.

So clean.

Jeez, that push bike must weigh a ton?

Yep. that will give it some giddy up.

Thats one way of making sure the hood closes on that Caddy.

More random shots for you lot.

I am way digging that color.

Matt from Australia’s ride that he painted himself.

Plenty of GM rides here.

Different and nice to see from the Norm.

Hanging in some shade on this hot day in December.

Plenty of flake in this design, so many hours.

This is one tough looking 58.

Plenty to see today.

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