Pendine Sands 2016 Speed Trials

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

09 Jun

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

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

Steve foster photo.

Photo: Steve Foster

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

Photo. S. Foster

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

Photo. Steve Foster.

Photo : S. Foster

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

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

Photo. S. Foster

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

Photo. Steve Foster

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

Photo. Steve Foster.

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

Photo Steve Foster.

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

Photo. Steve Foster

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

Photo S. Foster

Channeled 5 window looked Bad ass.

Photo. S. Foster

Braaap!

Photo. Steve Foster.

This looks so much fun.

Photo. S Foster

How can this not be fun?

Photo. S. Foster

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

Photo. S. Foster

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

Photo. S. Foster

T Roadster gets a helping hand.

Photo. S. Foster

Wishing him luck.

photo. S. Foster

Frigging amazing set up.

Photo. S. Foster

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

Photo. S. Foster

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

Photo. S. Foster

How low can you go?

Photo S. Foster

Great shot.

Photo. S. Foster

Another roadster heading out.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Heading into Pendine.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Chilling with everyone on the beach.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Lets see who is the fastest the.

Photo: Martin Stockton.

Where it all happens from the start to finish.

Photo: Martin Stockton

A set of hungry Quads

Photo. Martin Stockton

Great shot on the line.

Photo. Martin Stockton

We shall meet you on the Beaches.

Photo. Martin Stockton

This 29 is almost ready for the take off.

Photo. Martin Stockton

5 window looks sweet.

Photo. Martin Stockton

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

Photo. Martin Stockton.

And we are off!!!

Photo. martin Stockton

Roadster Pickup is having some fun here.

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

Photo. martin Stockton

Epic photo of the start line.

photo. Martin Stockton

Another cool capture of the start.

Photo. martin Stockton.

Taking it all in.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Putting the Modified through its paces.

Photo. Martin Stockton

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

Photo. Martin Stockton

Great photo and the geezer is having a blast.

Photo. Martin Stockton

My mate Sarah Bradley ,cruises the Beach.

Photo. Martin Stockton

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

Photo. martin Stockton

The VHRA official filling station.

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

Photo. Martin Stockton

Epic panoramic view of the run.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Awesome machine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Elie Rose photography with Mel in her ride.

Photo credit: Stefan Marjoram.com

Stefan Marjoram|Art & Photography.

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

Stefan Marjoram|Art & Photography

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com “The Lads”

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com

Hot Rodding even appears in Video Games

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

02 Jun

Hey Gang

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

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

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

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

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

MY Hot Rod Heroes

Posted on May 17, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

17 May

There is so many Iconic Builders, designers and owners or creators of Vintage Hot Rodding, it would take so many volumes to fill, but I am going to do a few of my own personal favourites of Hot Rod Royalty that inspired me when I was a kid and, 9000 miles away on a little Island you call Great Britain.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on Hot Rodding magazines in the UK in the late 1970’s and, living nearby all the old ww2 Bomber and Fighter Airfields, I felt a strange Euphora over WW2 American planes, Post war Belly tanks and of course Hot Rods.

I had my own 1932 Three window coupe in England and lived the American lifestyle and yearned to make that crossing to the United States and actually live my Dream, and here I am and live it every day.

So, one of my Early influences to this crazy Hot Rod fraternity was this Bloke- Dick Scritchfield.

THE DICK SCRITCHFIELD ERA
Dick Scritchfield has had a long and illustrious career in hot rodding. Yes, that’s right–career, being involved most of his adult life, both as professional (speed shop owner, the first NHRA Regional Rep, and Safety Safari participant, Associate Editor of Car Craft, and Advertising Manger at Rod & Custom), just to name a few, all the while actively participating as a hobbyist as well.

In 1944, as a lad of 14 living in Missouri, Dick purchased his first car, a ’29 Model A coupe, and was granted a valid driver’s license. Other cars would follow, with his first Deuce (a Sport Coupe) acquired in Washington, D.C., while he was stationed there as a drummer in the Navy, which he joined in 1948 (Dick is still a percussion instrument kind of guy). Dick went on to be stationed in Puerto Rico, where he cruised in another Deuce, this time a five-window, which was the only hot rod on the island. As Dick was one of those “hot rodders,” he was asked by the base brass to organize a drag race to keep the sports car guys (both enlisted and locals) from racing on the streets, where there had unfortunately been a few fatalities. Can you imagine for a moment that it was the sports car boys who were the ones they were trying to get off the streets? Dick eagerly complied, then promptly kicked some serious sporty car butt with his fender-free and channeled Deuce coupe. It was also while in Puerto Rico that Dick became a partner in a garage where he honed his bodyworking and painting skills during off-duty hours. He would later return to the island after his tour of duty, where he and his partner imported speed equipment from the States and performed engine swaps. However, as he was already an NHRA rep by this time, he returned to his new rodding career Stateside, moving to SoCal in ’56 to work at NHRA headquarters. One day Dick chanced to see a great looking yellow Deuce highboy roadster for sale in a gas station and acquired same forthwith. Now if you guessed it was Bob McGee’s roadster, you’re correct.

If the roadster had been both daily driver and race car to Bob, Dick added yet another element–movie and TV star. The “B” movie producers were always on the lookout for prop cars that screamed “HOT ROD!” and were willing to pay good money to rodders who wished to supplement their incomes by renting them to the studios, as evidenced by Norm Grabowski, Tommy Ivo, and numerous others. This concept wasn’t lost on seminal L.A. Roadsters member Dick, and soon the Deuce was involved in all kinds of socially inappropriate automotive hijinks on the silver screen. Dick, Tex Smith, Tony LaMesa, and other roadster owners decided a club dedicated to topless motoring would not only be fun, but give owners of such cars a responsible, public image as well. So, on one fateful Spring day in 1957 (A Sunday afternoon to be exact) the first formative meeting was held at Weiand Equipment Co., where Dick was voted President, and awarded membership card number one! His roadster went on to appear in such flicks as Hot Rod Gang, Hot Rod Rock, and other, more forgettable films as well. The now Scritchfield roadster (he owned it for some three and a half decades, 1956-90), also appeared on movie posters and lobby cards, album covers, and in many magazine how-to articles as well, making it one of the most visible public representations of the hot rod esthetic of its day. It also appeared on television shows like Dragnet, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, The Real McCoys, 77 Sunset Strip, and of all things, The Lawrence Welk Show, serving as a hot rod stage prop for the Lennon Sisters, which showed rodding’s more acceptable side to the “Geritol Generation.”

Over the years the ’32 was subject to many mechanical changes (flathead exchanged for 283 Chevy small-block, etc.) and cosmetic changes (first non experimental Metalflake paint job in 1960, which was the subject for a breakthrough article in Hot Rod, inspiring a young Jerry Weesner to do likewise with his own set of wheels, a ’48 Ford convertible). Dick would then build, with Dave Carpenter’s help, a 350cid small-block Chevy that would carry the roadster to a two-way average of 167.212 mph at Bonneville in 1971, with full street equipment. He not only set a record (C/STR) that would stand for a number of years, but the car was given the enviable title of The World’s Fastest Street Roadster as well. In a recent conversation with Dick (who now resides in Hawaii), he disclosed that he would drive the roadster on the street equipped just as it had run on the slat, so the title was both legitimate and well earned. And by the way, those over-the-frame headers that Dick ran and nobody could ever quite seem to identify, were Sanderson Chevy marine items turned upside down.

To backtrack just a scoach, in 1964 Scritch had it made, sharing a bachelor pad with fellow L.A. Roadsters’ member Sam Conrad, had a garage full of roadsters and parts, and a new position with his then employer, the Auto Club, where he had been transferred to the Claims Division. When our boy was introduced to his new secretary, one Marian Wilson, that was it–love at first sight! So what did our young couple drive on their honeymoon? If you guessed the Deuce, you’re still in the ballpark.

When Scritch finally retired to Hawaii around a decade ago, Marian restricted him to only taking some half-dozen vehicles with him. So, with all kinds of motorized transport to choose from, including a Deuce Phaeton he built while at Car Craft (and which he still regularly drives), the roadster was put on the block, as Hawaii still had those pesky fender laws (which varies from island to island), which had caused Bob McGee to sell the roadster all those many years before as well.

An Icon and always will be.

Photos taken from Internet from Rod & Custom, HAMB and google, please let us know any other credits so we can show the people who took these wonderful shots.

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.

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.

Old relics in the Cold

Posted on November 28, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

28 Nov

Well happy Saturday to you all

Here in SoCal, the only snow we see is 90 minutes up the road at high elevation in Big bear etc, but you don’t find cool stuff like this anymore and what cool rides are sat in the cold on this video , albeit they will be crushed but if the owner had any sense, he would make a bloody fortune if he sold each one.

Plenty to chose from as I can Model A’s to cool step side pick ups and panel wagons, a must see if you can make it here, but not sure if the owner will stick the shotgun out the window.

Sure hope someone buys these as there is so much potential here.

Enjoy you Saturday.

Peace and Grease.

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?

Here are some video’s I took, not great footage but still you get the idea.

Below, Squeak Bell in his awesome coupe.

Great little race this one.

Flying Orange Speedster.

Always great to watch Hot Rod Girls and she is certainly that with her Caddy powered Roadster, shame she didnt get the win but it was close.

Whizzers give it some as they take 22 seconds to do the 1/4 mile.

59 Club Ride out to Ruby’s Cruise Night in Whittier this evening.

Posted on June 19, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

19 Jun

OK, tonight at about 5:30 we are going to take a little ride out to Whittier, to see some cool Classic cars as Ruby’s Diner puts on a show Every Friday and always a cool place to hang out, look at the rides, check the 50’s Diner out and hear the sounds of yesteryear as you walk around the Parking lot to see the Cool machines pull in and out.

This is a fun event and Jennifer and I regularly check it out but as its fathers Day this weekend, many will be turning out as the Fathers day Roadster show will be on in Pomona, so people come from all over the USA in their machines to attend that event, so this is a great stop over for them.

Great rides for all to see, My Passion for these classic Motors is of course the good Old roadster or the old style Custom.

So see if you can get down there tonight, as it is on until 9pm and will be warm tonight too, perfect to get that old machine out.

Above, this Scot Blown Flatty sounds the business and sure would love to own it, you never know what will turn up at this event and that’s what makes it cool.

Every body loves seeing the Straight Axle Gassers and I am sure there will be some there again and everyone is approachable and loves to chin wag.

Love this Kemp Kustom and with three 97’s too!

Hope to see some of you there.

Where is it?

Antique Nationals 45th Meeting on June 28th FONTANA

Posted on May 27, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

27 May

At the end of June I am going to be riding with the 59 Club up to Fontana to watch all the great Vintage Hot rods and motorcycles take a run up on the Quarter mile and this show is one of the best of the year, especially for a spectator as you get close to everything. But here you can even enter your machine if it fits into their requirements.

This show has been going for years and i have not missed one, it is fun packed and always something new to see, a great time to also meet up with friends and chin wag about whats been going on etc.

I know you will like watching Hot Rods line up and race, as well as gassers and some Vintage Model A’s with 4 Bangers, it sure is a treat.

They may be slow by todays standards but great to watch and more hopped up than stock.

The sound of the Flatheads, the smell of Race gas and the Camaraderie is second to none in this type of event.

You never know what will be there ad for us to turn up in numbers will be a fun day for sure as there is plenty of places to park etc and is sure to be a brilliant day to watch the racing and to talk to like minded people.

It is not to be missed just for the Nostalgia alone and I am looking forward to walking around the pitts and checking everything out there.

Watching crazy built Altereds is amazing to see and hear as their Motors scream the 1/4 and smell the Nitro as they perge at the line.

Marky from the Shifter ran his Purple people Eater and that was super to watch it launch off the line.

I have known Marky 15 years and watched him create this when i was with them and at Anthony Castaneda’s shop back in the day and so great to watch this Altered Roar down the tarmac, spitting fume and fury all over the place, a fantastic show just for this ride alone.

He flew off the line a couple of years ago and had everyone a gasp, but last year he had a solid run and it sounded like Thunder.

Even watching fun old Whizzer style Push Bikes try for a 28 second pass is hilarious and I am sure you will agree?

So if you like to watch Vintage racing at its very best, head on out to Fontana for the Antique nationals on the 28Th of June or ride out with us from Anaheim, you will thank us later after you have seen all that goes on there.

You never know what you may see there, its different every event.

So – Don’t miss the 45th running of the Antique Nationals – the original nostalgia drag race.

The Antique Nationals is the original nostalgia drag race. Racing is open to any 1954 or earlier type vehicle (Ford Trucks OK thru 1956). Race cars must pass tech inspection which requires seat belts and helmets in all cars. Open cars running 13.99 or quicker must have an NHRA approved roll bar/arm restraints.

Auto Club Dragway
9300 Cherry Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone: 909-429-5060
Email: dragway@autoclubspeedway.com

You can meet up with us at Aleas’ cafe in Anaheim and ride with us to the event, be great to see and meet you, my contact is 714-598-8392 or email me at carpy@carpyscaferacers.com and you can check it out on www.meetup.com and look for.

Carpy’s Cafe Racer Meetups – 59 Club OC

We will be at Alea cafe in the Morning for the ride out, the 59 Club O.C. welcomes you all to ride with us.

Alea cafe is located at:

3371 E Miraloma Ave

Anaheim, California

(714) 993-5198

Roadster up on the Auction Blocks.

Posted on July 15, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

15 Jul

Now, this is a Cool Piece of Little Nostalgia that i would love to own, but its all available to the public if you make a bid on the Auction that is coming up, The Rodders Journal did a write up on this cool Flathead powerd Roadster and I wanted to share it with you lot.

The Unknown Roadster Auction

It’s a rare opportunity to own a bona fide hot rod survivor. But that’s just what Auctions America is offering when the flathead-powered Model A Ford “Unknown Roadster” (TRJ #61) crosses the block at their upcoming California auction. It’s one of several historic rods and customs (some of which have also graced our pages) consigned for the event. If you have the opportunity to be there July 31st through August 2nd at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

The Unknown Roadster earned its moniker because despite its early- to mid-’50s design and construction, no one has uncovered any history prior to 1962. Styling cues like the deeply channeled body and cycle fenders lend an East Coast flavor, while other details like the ’40 Ford dash, roll pans, louvers, and nerf bars hint at a West Coast ’50s show rod past. To add to the mystery, a 1955-issue dime is affixed to the center of the steering wheel, possibly marking the date of the little roadster’s completion.

Bob Conner originally discovered it in a lean-to in Colorado around 1970. It took nearly 20 years for him to purchase the old Ford, and shortly thereafter Colorado hot rodder Gary Vahling took ownership. Gary was able to piece together a little bit of history, including the possible identity of a previous owner, a man named Bob Flager, and a 1962 photograph taken by Fort Collins hot rodder Ed Koski. Before long Gary’s brother Frank bought the car and installed a fresh flathead before selling it to Greg Hopkins of Dothan, Alabama.

Our feature in TRJ #61 chronicled Greg’s journey driving the roadster on its solo maiden voyage from Colorado to Alabama. He snapped dozens of artful photographs as he traversed the states on the back roads and “blue highways.” We had the opportunity to see the Unknown Roadster in action when Greg brought it to Baltimore for our TRJ Revival last year. He drove it to every rod run, cruise, and party we hosted–and the crowds gathered everywhere he went. More recently he installed a Vern Tardel-built 286-inch flathead with a Cyclone 3×2 intake and heads, a four-inch Merc crank, and an Isky full-race cam–all hooked to a venerable 3-speed toploader.

In addition to our story in TRJ, the roadster was featured in Pat Ganahl’s Lost Hot Rods II and Volume 10 of Mark Morton’s Hop Up annual. But the next chapter will be written in just a few weeks when it crosses the auction block in Southern California. We’re excited to see where it ends up, and hope to see it out on the road again in the near future. And in this day and age, we don’t doubt more of its history will come to light as time goes on.

The Auctions America California sale is quickly earning a reputation for featuring hot rods and customs fitting of its Southern California location. In addition to the Unknown Roadster, Gene Winfield’s custom ’35 Ford shop truck is being offered following its well-documented resurrection by Texas’ Hatfield Restorations. And there are a number of other former TRJ feature cars crossing the block as well, including Bill Layman’s Ronnie Dragoo-style chopped, Cad-powered ’54 Merc and the Jackman Brothers’ famous Deuce sport coupe clone, built by Harry and Tom Jackman.

Over 400 cars will cross the block at Auctions America’s California sale, and you can click here to see a complete list and photos of them. There are offerings representing a broad range of eras and styles–and fitting a broad range of budgets to match. We hope to see you in Burbank later this month, and if you won’t be there to see the excitement firsthand, you can catch the highlights by tuning in to NBC Sports Network August 1st and 2nd.

Cheers!
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal

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