From time to time in my car show coverage, I like to spend a little extra editing time on a shot. Most of these end up in this gallery. Here are a few of my favorites, these would look great printed on metallic paper in 12×18 or larger on your wall. Especially the HDR shots, they really pop on the metallic paper. Just click on the photo, pick your size and paper style and boom you are good to go!
Last year I made my first ever trip to Denison, TX for the KKOA Hotrodding Hullabaloo. Like the KKOA Leadsled Spectacular in Salina, KS the event has some Run What Ya Brung Drags on Friday. The show this year looks to be a great time too, I wish I could make it but the new Sept. 27-29 dates for the show conflicts with another event that I will be attending.
Just down the street and around the corner from the show are my buddies at Atlas Speed & Custom, get ahold of them if you get down to the show, they have a lot of kool going on.
It was unusually chilly in North Texas on the Friday of last year’s show, here are some pics from the Drags held at a local airstrip west of Denison.
Later that evening I went over to a local watering hole to see my buddies in the band Pushrod rock the house. Waaaaay too early the next morning I was up and at em again and headed over to the park for the show. I was greeted with a bunch of familiar faces from my adventures up here in KS and OK, and a bunch of new to me folks too. The show was small, laid back and really perfect for spending time with friends telling tall tails and talking kustoms.
Then it was out to dinner with some friends and when I got back to the hotel I couldn’t resist some night shots.
Sunday I went back over to the show to see who was around, quite a few had split town, but there were still some kool rides to be seen.
All in all, I had a damn good time, well worth the 12 hours it took to drive there and back! If not for the previously mentioned scheduling conflict I would be going back this year for sure. If you can make it to the show, get there, enjoy some kool kustoms and hot rods and of course hanging out with each other!
So one day not too long ago I get invited on Facebook to an Open House at a shop I didn’t know in Wichita, KS. The open house was the same day as another event that I was attending a few blocks away so it’s a no brainer that I’m going to stop in if at all possible. Clutch Rod And Custom at 406 S. Market in Wichita, KS was the shop. I’m glad I stopped in. As I’m told, the shop is an old Mercury dealership, I’d love to see the spacious facility filled with bathtub Mercs! The front display room had a couple of cars in it and every available surface was covered in art by different kulture artists. The cars on display in the shop were top notch, I didn’t get much chance to talk to the folks at the shop as they were busy running the Open House, but I did get to spend some time with my good buddy Ben Dragdaddy (facebook) and his lovely wife and my fellow photographer and buddy Grant Cox. I expect you to go to their pages on FB and follow their feeds, you won’t be disappointed.
Here are some photos from the evening.
Thanks to Clutch Rod And Custom for the food, the music and some good times of hot rod/kustom fellowship with some old friends.
Coming up September 28th in Wichita, KS is the 6th annual Rumble (formerly the Rumble in Delano)! The show has a new venue this year, moving to the street where some of the first kustom kulture art shows in the area were held at the Go Away Garage.
This show has been a lot of fun to attend over the last few years, the date’s changed and now the venue but I have a feeling the show will continue to get better and better.
The show runs from 1pm to 8pm and will be at 508 S Commerce St. in Downtown Wichita, KS. There will be hot rods, kustoms, bikes and more on display. The Pin-up Pagent is open to ladies 18 and up and there will be prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd, go here for more info. 4 bands will take the stage at various points in the event including Sucker, Callahan Band, TheTerminals & The Trip Daddy’s. To register your ride for the show go to this page on their site.
Hooligans Hot Rods finished up the Zombie Merc last year, I can’t imagine the amount of tape that went into those flames.
The theatre room of Century II was full of some fantastic vintage racers of all types. From midgets to a fresh from Bonneville racer, everything you could think of was in the building.
This car was at Bonneville earlier in the month, on the 2nd day while running 249mph something went wrong, the car ended up rolling 17 times before it came to a stop. The driver is banged up but okay.
The 4th Annual Blacktop Nationals went down this weekend Aug. 23-25 in Wichita, KS. Based in the area of Century II in downtown Wichita the show stretches out across the Arkansas River to the west and to the south of Century II as well. The show welcomes all kinds of vehicles and has them out in the streets and inside of Century II as well. A road course is set up to the south of Century II for some ride alongs in new Ford Mustangs. Ford is one of the major sponsors of the show, and they go all out bringing their “circus” to town with new rides of all flavors.
You don’t see these very often.
The show judges the cars on the engine compartments, that’s why they all are open, yes I know it ruins photos and no there’s nothing that can be done about it.
A fun little roadster.
A clean 58 Chevrolet
I liked this Vette alot.
Mike’s newest build, a clean east coast style 34 Ford with all pre-53 parts except the 59 steering wheel, “it’s just too kool to not have on it.”
The cleanest shoebox in the area. So well done, so clean.
That’s it for the first installment. If you want to see the entire gallery go here. Tomorrow morning at the normal 9am time we’ll have a new update!
A couple of weeks ago I was in Wichita on a Saturday afternoon and I decided to finally head over to kustom/hot rod/general car guy legend Dave Stuckey’s. Some may know Stuckey’s name, he was the man originally responsible for the amazingly kool kustom “Lil Coffin” (read more about that here). Dave has been working for awhile on a couple of really cool projects, one of them being a somewhat drag version of Lil Coffin, not that it set out that way but there are some similarities in the overall design of the body. His attention to detail on this project is phenomenal. Lots of kustom touches on items that will never be seen by most people let alone noticed, some subtle, some not so subtle. I won’t show you too much of the car, it needs to be a surprise. Here are some shots of it.
Another project in the works is this coupe, he has a beautiful flathead built for it and is just waiting to finish the big project to get back on it.
Here’s a shot of my favorite version of the Lil Coffin on an old Starliner poster. (More info on the upcoming Starliner show)I’m hoping to be able to stop in more often and sit with Stuckey and a video camera so that he can tell you some of his stories in his voice. It’s part of project that I hope to spend more time on in the future, more on that later.
From time to time while I’m doing my normal car show coverage I’ll take an extra second and do some multiple exposure shots. When I get time I merge these HDR shots for a bit of a different look from normal. Mostly I try to keep them fairly realistic looking but occasionally I will get a bit wild. Here are some from the H.A.M.B. Drags. Remember if any of these shots are something that would look good on your living room or garage wall, click the photo to go to the shopping cart and order any size you’d like.
 In the coming weeks things get very busy for Royboy Productions. The website is long overdue for an overhaul, that will be happening soon. The 2014 calendars will be announced in the first week of October, which seems like a long ways away but will be here before you know it.
Website Redesign
Since January of this year the daily Monday through Friday blog posts have really been a focus of mine. I strive to bring you something of value daily. I want to take that to another level, not only by going to a 7 day a week schedule but also by making the blog the basic foundation of the site. When you go to royboyproductions.com you will be greeted with the blog, where I plan on having the same show coverage that you’ve become used to but also add in shop visits, car features, car club features and special interest stories.
Advertising
Yes the new site will have advertising. While the car show coverage and other photos on the Royboy Galleries are all for sale, let’s be honest, they don’t come close to paying the bills. The same holds true for all of the magazine coverage. I want to continue to offer you all of this coverage for free which means that I’ll be looking to add advertising to the main site, but care will be taken to make it blend in and flow with the content instead of distract you from the purpose of the site. If you own a business that would like to be in front of the Royboy audience’s eyes, use the contact form here to get ahold of me. Since the blog has gone to the daily format it’s gone from around 2,500 views to over 40,000 and the photos on the gallery page have jumped to over 9.6 million views recently.
Shows
Starting next weekend August 17th with the H.A.M.B. Drags I will be pretty busy doing a show or event every weekend almost until Thanksgiving. You will be able to get the full rundown of all of the shows that I plan on attending by going to the schedule section of royboyproductions.com There will be some shows on the schedule that I want you to know about because I support them but I just can’t make it, those will be denoted with a simple “not attending” after their name in the listing. Just because I can’t make it there doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t, if it’s on the list, it’s an event you should attend.
Email Newsletter
Since social media like Facebook likes to hold content back from users in an effort to get businesses to pay to promote their content I’ve been toying with the idea of taking the most popular blog posts and photos each week and compiling them into a newsletter that would be delivered to your email. This will not be fresh content but rather a “best of” delivered right to your inbox. If I go through with the newsletter project it will include something like a background image for your desktop or cellphone as a free bonus.
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Photo Shoots
Photo shoots and magazine articles are where Royboy Productions makes it’s money. The magazine articles pay decently for the effort it takes to do them but there are often many months between the work and the pay since they do not pay until the magazine goes to publishing with your article in it. The shoots are something I’ve really not pushed enough, but especially starting in 2014 (and some this fall) I want you to know that it’s really more economical than you think to get some fantastic quality photos of your ride created. I will try to work in shoots while I’m at shows that you’re also at, where we leave the show or just go to a less populated site for some amazing images, thereby saving you money by not having to cover travel expenses for me. Sitting around and talking with Wichita kustom legend Dave Stuckey has really driven the point home to me that decades from now the photos that you have of the cars you used to own will be the biggest reminders of memories that otherwise may stay hidden in the back of your mind. Yes that sounds corny, but Dave has very few photos of all of the cars that he’s built due to a house fire and other circumstances. He’s really opened my eyes up to how important it is to document all of this. Let me help document your ride so you can pass the stories down to future generations. If you’re interested in a custom photo shoot use the contact form here to get ahold of me and we can talk about your project.
So obviously if you’re reading this you know all about the Royboy Productions Blog… um this is it. But Royboy images and stories can be found all over the internet. The home hub for it all is royboyproductions.com over the coming months I hope to update the site to act as a true hub for all that goes on in the RBP world.
The RBP galleries are all found on SmugMug, over 38,000 images from Austin to Vegas to Chicago and all kinda points in between. This is the main place to go for the visual stories that make up Royboy Productions.
Another great place to keep up with RBP is on Facebook. Pretty much everything flows through that page, links to photo galleries, blog posts, etc. all go through the Royboy page on Facebook.
Keep an eye out for a new Royboy Productions website, there will be a complete overhaul in the next few months to better bring you daily articles on show coverage, feature cars, shop profiles, and car club profiles.
For the last 6 or so years I’ve been traveling to Kansas City each Labor Day weekend for the Greaserama. The show is put on by a group of folks that have become friends of mine called Los Punk Rods. The show is basically about home built hot rods, good music, kustom kulture, low brow art, and just about anything else that’s cool. For the entire time that I’ve been attending the show it’s been held at the Boulevard Drive In, for 2013 that changes, the show will be moving to the Platte County Fairgrounds.
Well folks, that’s about it. I will be looking through the photos and doing some more edits from time to time. If you would like any of the photos on the entire site as a print or poster that is easy to do, email me if you have any questions.
Jeff Myers’ Stude Pickup and Voodoo Jim’s Corncob Coupe
Dick Warsocki’s Chevy
Some of Shane Z’s pinstriped wares for sale
Nice rear ends
Kolman’s Buick in motion
The lovely Brenna behind the wheel of my buddy Mike’s FED
Gimlet in the cage of the FED
After being inducted to the KKOA Hall of Fame, Keith Dean is back at work Sunday morning in the rain working on the chop.” alt=”After being inducted to the KKOA Hall of Fame, Keith Dean is back at work Sunday morning in the rain working on the chop.
I need to get the full story on this car, as I remember it, it’s been under construction for years, originally was chopped in CA in the 50’s or 60’s? I’ll find out and report back.
Larry Wolfe’s 1965 Pontiac Catalina, orginally customized by Dave Stuckey in the 60’s and recently returned to Wichita. I hear it will go under a rebuild to put it back in the form that it last left Stuckey’s shop in.
One of Dave Stuckey’s builds from the late 60’s. It’s been on the east coast for decades until Larry Wolfe brought it home recently. I hope to be shooting a feature on this ride soon.
It’s already here… The 2013 KKOA Leadsled Spectacular is finally here. Yes, I may be a bit over excited about it but lets look at why. 1600+ cars, an emphasis on traditional kustoms and hot rods, the drags, legendary builders, on site custom jobs being done by legends, my booth (okay so maybe that’s a 2nd tier item), it’s going to be a fantastic weekend.
The show technically starts today, this post from a couple of days ago will give you a rough schedule and some of the important locations on google maps to help you find your way there. So yesterday a bunch of the vendors showed up and claimed our spots in the park. A few early comers to the show were already there and hanging out, here’s a few photos of their rides.
Sonny’s 59 Chevrolet
This kustom 51 Merc was at a 1961 magazine feature.
So if you’ve been following along with my stuff at all lately you know that this weekend is the 2013 KKOA Leadsled Spectacular in Salina, KS. Since Salina is basically my hometown, I figured I’d give everyone a bit of a list of some notable places in town. Click on the links to go to the location on google maps, if you are viewing this on your phone you should be able to then navigate to the location. First off, registration for the show is now at the Ramada Inn on West Crawford.
Thursday
Officially the show starts on Thursday, many early comers are at the park and hanging out on Thursday before the official festivities begin. Come out and enjoy the Open House at Bright Built Hot Rods that evening.
After the Open House head back to Oakdale Park to line up to take part in the Cruise on Santa Fe Ave from 7:30p to 8:30pm. If you just want to hang out and watch the cars instead of cruising just find yourself a place along Santa Fe between Walnut St. and Ash St.
Officially that’s it for Thursday.
Friday!
Again head back to Oakdale Park for the show opening up at 9 am (officially, but many show up well before that, I usually hit the park at 8am). We hang out all day at the show until it’s time to head up to the Run What Ya Brung Drags held right next to Dean Evans Stadium on Markley Road. At 1pm on the stage in the park is the Pinup Contest. The drags officially start at 5, but I will try to leave the park for the drags around 4pm.
The drags are a blast. Last year there were some logistical issues with the layout, I hope that the city’s committee has it figured out this time. Its about an 1/8″ mile course, with flag men (or women) on each end of the track and it’s all about fun. Yes there are some true drag cars that come out, and to be honest I don’t agree with most of them being there but that’s a different discussion for a different day. If you want to make a pass or 12 in your ride, this is your chance to do it. If you just want to watch some fun drag racing action, come out and enjoy yourself.
Friday evening at 9:30pm at the Ramada Inn is the KKOA Tonite Show where the 2 2013 KKOA Hall of Fame Inductees are announced.
Also Friday evening at Calvins Customs on Santa Fe is a party open to all KKOA participants, to get your car into the party you must have the show registration displayed in your windshield and to get into the shop where there is typically free beer (to those 21 and over) and some good eats, you need to be wearing your show wrist band.
Saturday
Back to Oakdale Park for the biggest day of the show. The car counts and the crowds will be the biggest on Saturday. For those with kids coming along don’t forget that there is a really bitchin’ water park just east of Oakdale Park, this is a big show but sometimes you need something for the kids to do outside of the show, I understand. Also for the ladies, downtown Salina has a bunch of antique and unique shopping opportunities just a couple of blocks from the park.
Again at 1pm the Pinup Contest goes down, come and cheer on your favorite lovely lady.
All day Friday-Sunday an all star crew lead by Bill Hines will be chopping a top live in the park, its something to see for sure.
There is usually another major car mod going on in the park at the same time, the last couple of years it’s been a section job, stop by both spots and watch the cars get the kustom treatment all weekend long.
Saturday night at the historic Stiefel Theatre is the “One Night With Elvis” show. You can buy concert tickets at the registration booth or the T-Shirt booth.
Sunday
Sunday is usually a fraction of the cars that were at the show on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a day to attend. Some of the best of the best kustoms around are all in the park on Sunday of the Leadsled Spectacular. Come hang out with kustom legends, see the awards ceremony and squeeze every last minute you can out of the KKOA weekend in Salina.
Good places to eat and drink in Salina.
Salina has a bunch of great places to eat.
BBQ:
Hickory Hut, routinely voted as one of the best in town.
Hog Wild Pit BBQ, technically a chain but a small one and VERY good for chain bbq.
(20 miles away in my hometown of Gypsum) Big D’s BBQ, this is some really good BBQ in a small town atmosphere that cannot be touched in the larger city. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive they are only open from 5-9pm on Saturday
Pizza:
There are 2 local pizza places fairly near to the show that both have great pie
Scheme (they do not accept plastic, so bring cash or a checkbook) you may want to make reservations, they do get busy.
And one a little farther from the show but still good stuff. Big Cheese Pizza
Burgers:
There’s a small KS chain called Spangles that has a great 50’s pop culture atmosphere and pretty good food for a fast food joint, two of them in town. One on South 9th St. and one on West Crawford.
One of 2 Salina institutions is Bogey’s, one of my personal favorites, if you want a great shake and a burger this is the place to go.
The other Salina institution for burgers in the Cozy Inn. You’ve probably heard about them, at some point in the weekend you need to go buy a sack (6 small sliders) they are pretty darn good, even if they stink so bad 🙂
Mexican:
I have 2 recommendations here, I can’t decide which is my favorite.
Cotijas, fairly new to town, and lots of authentic and some TexMex style, delicious every time I go
Lenore’s, been in town a long time and one of my favorite places to eat in Salina.
There are all of the normal chain restruants in Salina too but come on if you wanted to eat at a chain joint you can go to any city in the country right?
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Bars:
My all time favorite bar is the Paramount Bar just a block from Calvins Customs, the P has been in business since 1946 and it’s my favorite place to kick back and enjoy a drink, tell the girls that Travis sent ya and make sure you tip them well 🙂 enjoy the patio out back with the forecasted cool weather.
Another 2 blocks south is 111 Ultra Lounge, a nice little joint to enjoy some lively libations.
There’s also O’Malley’s in the Ramada Inn where a few of you are staying, decent bar, I don’t care for their food offerings but after a few you can’t tell that its not the best food ever
Out of the way a bit from where the show and hotels are is Speakeasy, nice bar with a patio and some decent food.
On the way to some of the south of town hotels is the Blind Pig, some basic bar food is available as well, and a nice patio.
I’m sure I’ve missed something. Please comment below if I have and I’ll try to find something for you. I’m damn proud at how the show has grown since coming to Salina and I hope to get more and more traditional kustom and hot rod folk to attend every year. Stop by the Royboy Productions booth and say hi, buy something if you want to, book a shoot if you can, above all safe travels and I’ll see you at the show.