Hot Rods and Kustom Cars
Event Coverage: 2013 Goodguys Spring Lone Star Nationals Part 2
I’m kinda getting to where I dig these body style trucks more and more.
This gives you some idea of the crowd alllllll day long. It was difficult to take photos because of the crowd, but that’s a good thing. A big crowd means more people that might be inspired to go home and build something of their own.
That’s it for part 2, See you at a show,
Travis
This weekend I went down to Texas Motor Speedway for the Goodguys Spring Lone Star Nationals. See the other posts here:
We had a great location for watching the vehicles coming and going.
Loved this kool 36
Fantastic flames
I need one
and one of these.
Who wants to buy 200,000 shirts so I can get a new mobile home like this?
Last time I was at this show I shot a couple of photos of this car, before I got home it had suffered some intense damage in an accident on the freeway. It’s good to see it back to life and looking good.
Too much patina?
On my wishlist
$8500 is not a horrible price for this almost there hotrod.
Great looking business coupe
Nice work by Hatfield Restorations
More to come tomorrow! Click any of the photos to go to the entire gallery.
See you at a show,
Travis
In 2011 I made my first trek down to the Lonestar Roundup. I was blown away by the city, the people, the music, food, oh yeah and the show.
Check out the 2011 photos here, click through the slideshow to go to the full gallery.
In 2012 I went back. The show was just as good… soooo I’m going back this year. This time the plan is to take my 63 Galaxie down for the first time.
Here’s the 2012 photos
See you at a show,
Travis
Okay, so you know the drill. Every once in a while I’m just gonna show you some of the kool build threads going down on the H.A.M.B. to see more of them just use the search function on the blog here for “build thread” and you should get to see them all.
1. 338ci Y-Block Wrapped Up in ’30 Model A Tudor
2. Projects Check out my 54 bel air build thread 
3. 1964 Falcon B/FX Build Thread
That’s it for this time, use these as inspiration to go build something kool and take it to a show, take a kid for a ride and inspire them to take part in this hobby, that’s how we make this thing stick around.
See you at a show folks,
Travis
Gas is expensive these days. Okay so you all know that. The goal of this post is not just to whore out some of my Royboy Gear, but to let you know why you should buy something. Not only do you get something kool, but the profits go directly to cover travel expenses to bring more car show coverage to you!
First up is the Limited Edition Poster #1 only 17 copies remain as of the time I am writing this.
Then there’s the one at a time items. These items are all made special to order just for you.
See you at a show,
Travis
Guest Blog!
My buddy Dan Podobinski is a photographer based out of Indiana, he attends a lot of the same type of shows that I do. Since I can’t be everywhere at once, Dan was nice enough to share some of his images from the 2013 Detroit Autorama with all of you through the blog here. Okay class now all together say “Thank You Dan!” You may have seen some of his work recently in Car Kulture Deluxe Magazine, or on the HAMB. You need to go follow his page on Facebook here and buy some prints of his great photographs! And now on with the show!
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Detroit Autorama, the very words are enough to excite many a hot rodder, filling them with anticipation of what wondrous creations wait within the walls of Cobo Hall. This is especially true when it comes to the Autorama Extreme, an area dedicated to traditionally styled hot rods and customs as well as the amazing art that is inspired by them. It only seems appropriate that this part of the show is located in the lower level of Cobo Hall, away from the glitz and glamour of the indoor show circuit. This is where the real, honest hot rods are. Not that these cars are not nicely finished or held in high regard by their owners. They are, but these cars are driven, often hard and without mercy. With all of this in mind I present to you my very own “Best of the Basement” from the ’13 Detroit Autorama…
1. Larry Tucker’s 1934 Ford Pickup. In typical Jason Graham style it is an exercise in extremes. It’s delicate wire wheels and subtle brown paint stand in stark contrast to its 6-carbed, blown 454 Chevy.
2. Brian Wisniewski’s 1950 Chevy coupe came from New Jersey to join the fray. It’s fully dressed 6-cylinder , chrome reverse wheels and killer paint gave it the “look.”
3. Gene Winfield’s old 1935 Ford shop truck, now beautifully restored and residing with Gary Hatfield in Canton, Texas is an obvious choice.
4. Jim Richmond’s glorious tribute to the historic Pierson Bros. coupe is another obvious choice for inclusion on my list.
5. Chad Folkema’s fantastic A coupe on ’32 rails has been a favorite of mine since I saw it in its unfinished state at the Relix Riot show a couple years back. The flathead Lincoln V-12 and outstanding fit & finish make it a stunner.
6. Dave Gray is the lucky owner of the newly finished “Chemical City Coupe” 1932 Ford five window. With Buick Nailhead power and details galore, the Jokerr Fabrication built menace is pure evil on wheels.
7. Everybody in the hobby knows the name George Poteet and his Bonneville inspired 3-window Ford is a thing of beauty…stance courtesy of the boys at the Rolling Bones shop.
8. Jeff Watkin’s 1956 Buick Special is another looker. The satin black is offset by the wild, 60’s style red flake with all kinds of neat tricks buried in it.
9. Steve Gilmore’s 1963 Ford Unibody pickup is the kind of clean, simple daily driver we all dream of owning.
10. Mark & Ryan Rogerson’s 1955 Chevy is as pure a 60’s style street bruiser as you will find. A very stout, high winding small block backed by a Muncie 4-speed and a Pontiac rearend sporting 4:88 gears ensure that the stoplight to stoplight action will be a thrill!
11. Kerry Sitar’s 331 Hemi powered A on ’32 rails is just mean, and that’s enough.
12. My last pick, though not in the basement, would have fit right in. This wild, 60’s show rod styled 1934 Ford 5-window coupe belongs to Beau Boeckmann of North Hills, California. Take a moment to bask in what was the excess of 1960’s show rods!
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Thanks Dan! Folks remember to go over to Dan’s Hot Rod Photos and like the page to keep up to date with all that Dan is doing.
See you at a show,
Travis
The 3rd and final shop visit of my trip to the Texas Thaw (part 1, part 2, part 3) was at Atlas Speed and Custom in Denison, TX (see the last visit here). Another shop owned by friends of mine and another shop full of kool stuff happening.
Daddy-o’s 41 Chevy waiting to head to it’s new home, more on that later…
My buddy Jeff’s Coupe, mid-chop, this car should be at the Lonestar Roundup and maybe the Stray Kat 500.
Here you see the new frame for the coupe.
Last time I was down to Atlas Daddy-o was working on this amazing roadster.
Daddy-o’s Sedan has recently gotten a heart transplant with a bit more umph. Just shady pics for now, more to come after the next couple of visits to the shop.
Love the old signs that Atlas has all over the place. The “Quonset Hut of Speed” as Ryan from the H.A.M.B. called the shop.
That’s it for this visit, hope you enjoyed the 3 shop tours, I intend to do more with these 3 shops specifically but also a couple of others that I know.
See you at a show,
Travis
Often when I’m traveling I take some slight detours to stop at some shops that I know. On the way to the Texas Thaw I made a few of these stops. First at Chaotic Customs in Mulvane, KS.
Chaotic is busy at work with this beautiful 40 Ford pickup for Mike Young. The truck’s body is being massaged in every way imaginable for what will in the end be a subtle custom look to the untrained eye. The cab has been chopped, lengthened, sectioned, channelled, but when finished you’ll have to have a stock one sitting next to it to see the full extent of the differences.
Another project currently underway at Chaotic is a 1950 Oldsmobile Delivery. Well it started life as a Chevy Delivery, then it was chopped, an olds front clip was grafted on and the customizing began. The custom hood’s underside is being finished now.
Spy pic of Jack’s 51 Ford, more on this to come when the car is done.
This 1982 Chevy Malibu wagon may not be a car you normally see customized but it’s turning out pretty kool.
The 34 Ford awaits another polish job before heading off to the Detroit Autorama (they are loaded in the building now for the show there this weekend.)
That’s some of what Chaotic is working on, stop by their facebook and say hi.
See you at a show,
Travis
I’m off traveling this weekend, today I’m driving back from the Texas Thaw. I should be stopping at Atlas Speed & Custom for a shop visit. I’m writing this on Thursday night and the plan is to stop by Chaotic Customs and Premier Body & Paint tomorrow on the way to Texas, as well as pick up some freshly embroidered hats for sale.
So since I’m off gallivanting around on the road I thought I’d share some more build threads with you from the H.A.M.B. Click the titles to see the threads!
The Chemical City Coupe ’32 5-window build thread
Now in stock is the Limited Edition Royboy Poster #1. Only 50 copies of this poster will ever be made, they will be hand numbered, and half are already gone in just 2 weeks!
This poster image will be as seen below without the giant RB of course. Jack’s 29 Roadster that I’ve talked so much about in the past (even made a video about it). The poster will be 11×17 sized and suitable for framing if you’d like but it’d look great on your garage wall just as it is. This 29 Roadster on 32 rails was built in the mid 50’s and it’s never been changed. It is pure traditional hot rodding.
This is the poster image, the poster WILL NOT HAVE THE RB logo across it.
Here’s the first 25 orders getting ready for me to ship them!
The posters are in stock now and shipping, order today before they are all gone!
See you at a show,
Travis
Okay time for part 3, it’s all about the bikes!
McGregor Boys (Steve’s) Twin Engine Triumph Drag Bike (more on this bike later this week I hope)
And his new BSA Drag Bike
Joe’s daily rider
Hooters was nice enough to sponsor the bikini contest
A couple of cell phone photos of my friend Denny’s bagger chopper.
And that’s it! Yeah I could have taken more shots of the bikini girls but I didn’t. I was having too much time hanging out with friends and BS’ing. Sorry!
See you at a show,
Travis
The biggest reason to have an indoor show is to stay away from the weather. But when Ma Nature decides to drop about a foot of white stuff on the ground the day before the show load in, even having a roof for the show can’t really help all that much. That’s what happened to the 2013 The Chill in Park City, KS. Still had a nice turnout of motorcycles and cars, but about 1/3 down from normal due to the weather.
Mike Newkirk had 2 fast rides on display, this is the twin blown Hemi’d FED that he piloted at the 2012 KKOA Leadsled Spectacular.
The other is his own funny car
Muscle cars always gotta have everything all open and stuff, I’d rather see them shut, the designers spent a lot of time making the body look good, all of that is ruined when it’s open. Looks like the car is broken down on the side of the road.
Butch normally brings out his beautiful 56 Chevy Gasser, but this weekend was diplaying his hot rod.
Most of the drag cars showed up because they were already in the trailers, a little easier to unload in the comfy warm building 🙂
Jeb McGregor brought out Nadine, his faithful steed for over 300,000 miles.
Again, beautiful kustom, and it would look so much better closed up.
More tomorrow!
See you at a show,
Travis
Part 4
Weird and wild and I kinda dig it.
That’s it for my coverage, I’ll go back and add some more edits of some of the images and I’ll have a special post of them next week maybe.
Don’t forget about the limited edition poster pre-sale going on right now.
See you at a show,
Travis
Part 2
I really loved this A
More kids should be in these
Dr. Evil-mobile
Pure gorgeousness
Doc, you nailed it on this one!
Doc’s other ride 🙂
EXOTA, under constant customization since 1958ish I believe.
Mickey’s Merc looking more and more comfortable at indoor shows!
That’s it for part 2, See you at a show,
Travis
Part 1!
Darryl’s grandson Dakota has just finished this 67 Riviera Bubbletop. Very kool ride!
One of Dakota’s previous builds.
Ron Pinkston of Hooligan Hot Rods in Wichita finished up this Merc which qualified for the Fine Nine.
Also qualified for the Fine Nine, with interior by Fast AL’s Upholstery!
Here’s the Fine Nine winner, the Atomitron by John Saltsman, driven out from CA for the show. I love to see kustoms driven especially when competing for such a prestigious award.
Also driven out from CA was Keith Dean’s 40 Mercury
Another of Shawn Mundy’s Fine Nine qualified 35 Ford Pickup.
Fine Nine qualified 34 Ford from Chaotic Customs
That’s it for part 1, sorry there’s not much commentary as I am saving it for a possible coverage article in a magazine.
See you at a show,
Travis
So a couple of years ago I hear of a new indoor show in the Wichita area. Coming just a month after the Starbird show, I wondered how it would work. Then I hear that it’s also a major bike show. How is this going to work?
So it works, I’ll be. When I walked in the door of the Kansas Pavillions in Park City, KS I was greeted with some motorcycle vendors, I’m not typically much of a bike guy but I can appreciate a well built bike just like a well built car. As I walked around the first room of The Chill I saw every manner of bike on the planet. It was impressive. In building 2 that first year were some vendors, some cars and a stage area. Building 3 was chock full of cars, it was a pretty good turnout.
So a year later I’m headed back to the show. I know now that it works, and I hear some changes are in store. Sure enough, the car area was expanded, the bike area was rearranged to allow the stage for some live music. The same high quality selection of bikes, hot rods, kustoms, trucks, drag cars, tuners, street machines, etc.
Okay for part 3 we’ve moved into the middle section of the building. Housing some drag cars, a kool boat, a bunch of bikes…whoa wait, I’ll just show you it’s a ton easier.
This boat looks like a good time.
Looks sporty 🙂
My nephews need a pair of these.
Mmmmmmmmmeat
I can’t decide if I like it or not.
I know I like this one.
And this one.
I thought the whole point of having someone ride with you was to get her to wrap her arms around you???
Big chrome bill
Ben Dragdaddy working on some art, it’s what he does, you should buy lots of it.
Quite possibly the koolest wagon ever
One purdy pickup
Ridler Winner….mmmmmm
Built at Bright Built Hot Rods
A bad ass 34 built by my friends at Chaotic Customs in Mulvane, KS
More drag goodness
A mix between minitruckin and old school hot rods
Beautiful 39 Ford Deluxe Street Rod
GORGEOUS 34 Ford Woody
Chad Kolman’s 777 Award winner
A really hot 51 Ford
Last time I saw this rod it had artillery wheels, completely different look in drag mode.
Way out there… I’m not a fan of the headlights but the rest of it I’m down with.
64 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt. No I will not make my 64 Fairlane a T-Bolt.
History!
I like those green walls Clark
Dunna nunna nunna nunna nunna nunna nunna… BATMAN!
That’s it for the show from my eyes. There were obviously more cars than I shot, but either there were too many people around them, the shot didn’t come out or I just wasn’t feeling it. All in all, I’ll come back next year 🙂
See you at a show,
Travis
I’m not entirely sure how long I’ve been going to the World of Wheels show in Kansas City’s Bartle Hall. The years have kind of blended together for me. Lots of great friends and lots of fantastic machinery at this show year after year!
The weather was good this year, meaning that there was nothing to keep the spectator crowd away. The showed up for sure, it was packed the entire 6 or so hours that I was in the building. I showed up with t-shirts, hoodies and a bunch of calendars in hand, the first order of business was to deliver all of these goodies so I didn’t have to carry them around. The final stop of that was with my friends of the Los Punk Rods (check out their blog here, lots of great reading here). They are the crew responsible for the Greaserama each Labor Day weekend (see the 2012 Greaserama coverage here.)
Punk Rod Eric’s new ride is coming together nicely. Lots of German influences on the car to reflect Eric’s German roots. Look for a feature here when it is all done!
Punk Rod Dave has built this very kool bike, if I understood correctly it is his first build. The shakedown run was a 3 hour haul ass drive to Salina in 100+ heat, that’s confidence!
Love the hard top roof.
Dan’s busy watching some work being done on the convertible chop job, team headed up by Gene Winfield himself.
Some high end muscle cars on display
Fast Eddie’s Merc
Denny’s sedan always gets people’s attention.
I need to build one of these
I don’t know any details on this build yet, but I hope to find out some soon. I like where it’s headed!
I better show one of Dan working lest ya think he wasn’t doing anything!
That’s it for part 1, part 2 tomorrow!
See you at a show,
Travis
For the last few years I’ve been taking advantage of some friends that live in the area by sleeping in their spare room and using that local home base to attend the Starbird Exotic Car Show at the QuikTrip Center on the Fairgrounds in Tulsa, OK.
Last year was a fun show, as soon as I walked in the door I’m greeted with the first finished view I’d had of the late Elden Titus’ Vibrasonic.
Another great ride that’s been on display at the show the last couple of years is Tom’s coupe.
Of course some of the rides from Starbird’s collection and Hall of Fame Museum were on display.
Darryl’s grandson Dakota is building kustoms under the Star Kustoms name and did this Chevy pickup
Ridler Winner in attendance!
What mighty big eyes you have…
One of my favorite kustom shoeboxes, a recreation of Junior Conway’s amazing Ford.
This Gasser got a lot of attention
Gee I wonder why I don’t get all giddy about shooting a row of newer Mustangs…
Wild kustom Pantera
Originally built by Dave Stuckey, restored by Darryl Starbird, the Lil Coffin
If you can make it, you should get there!
See you at a show,
Travis
The new shirts are available in Women’s T, Men’s T or Men’s long sleeve T designs. This logo is on the back,
And this one on the front,
At the 2011 KKOA Leadsled Spectacular I was approached by my friend Mickey of Stray Kat Kustoms car shows with some good news. Our mutual friend and fellow Stray Kat, Krobe had been asked to do a feature of his beautiful 30 Model A Ford for Car Kulture Deluxe. Mickey and Krobe had been kind enough to mention to Alan Mayes of CKD that they knew a photographer at the show that could handle photographing the car, lucky for me that was me!
Essentially I started this kustom and hot rod photographic adventure in 2006. That’s the first photos that I have from my old Sony Digital camera with the small CD discs. I remember that first day in Lawrence, KS filling the camera up with about 180 photos and resorting to my phone’s camera to cover the rest of the show. Those photos were less than inspiring… from both cameras. The show was the 2006 Kruzin’ In The Heartland held in Lawrence, KS.
I’d seen the ad for the show in Ol Skool Rodz I believe, my uncle Paul (povertyflats to many of you) and my father and I headed up early on Saturday morning to see the show. It was supposed to be hot that day and we were leaving by about noon, but there were only a couple hundred cars max so it wasn’t hard to get all the way through the show in that time.
I had never really seen a hot rod like this, I was used to street rods, this was something new to me, many of these rides looked attainable. Most of the street rods were kind of about how big the billet wheels were, or how much it cost to have this or that machined, these weren’t about that game at all.
The first time I really stopped to look at a FED. I was amazed that the driver was resting his important parts on a part of the car that seemed somewhat fragile kind of like sitting on a grenade and then pulling the pin.
I’ve seen this one around a few times, as I remember it was pretty fast in Salina a couple of years later, then it got kept out of Hunnert a year or two after that for wheels that were too new or something along those lines (those wheels are not on it in this photo).
Don’t shoot into the sun!
I did that a lot that day
Dad in his somewhat goofy hat on the right.
I shot a lot more engines and interiors that day than I do now, maybe I should take the time to do more of those shots, some of you might appreciate that.
Hey I know that car! Krobe’s other ride! See an article about his 30 Model A Coupe tomorrow here on this blog, use the subscribe feature on the right to make sure you don’t miss it.
This ride would drastically change over the next few years. Built by Bright Built Hot Rods in Salina, KS. After an unfortunate accident with a Subaru, it would become much different.
Hmmmm this one looks familiar too… right Eric?
My first photo of The Tiki Taxi, now Steve has become a good friend.
Jack’s 30 Coupe, Jack’s not too bad a fella either. He also owns the 29 Roadster on 32 rails that I shot a video of last year, and his 51 Ford is under construction now, see the post on Fast AL’s Upholstery for a shot of it.
I wonder now how different my life would have been for those next few years if I’d actually met a few of my hoodlum friends that day instead of seeing their cars and meeting them 6 years later.
Any way that it happened, I’m glad to be able to look back and see my friends were there all along, we just hadn’t crossed paths yet. Get out to a show this year, take a kid and get them involved, meet the people, scope the cars, enjoy it all.
See you at a show,
Travis
