|
|
12th Goodguys PPG Nationals ColumbusBravin' The Rain In Columbus, Ohio From the December, 2009 issue of Street Rodder By Eric Geisert Photography by Eric Geisert, Josh Mishler, Ryan Manson
|
|
Though there has been a lot of talk recently about how some car shows exclude cars from the '50s and '60s, the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association has been practicing equality for all rodders for many years. The organization, founded in 1983, has held their national event in Columbus, Ohio, for the past 12 years, and it seems to keep getting bigger and better. The show, sponsored by PPG, attracts more than 6,400 cars and many of the nation's top car builders too. There is so much quality at this one location that, suffice it to say if you like hot rods, this should be one of the first on a list of shows you would want to plan and attend. Located at the sprawling Ohio Expo Center (home of the Ohio State Fair, which has been around since 1850!), the PPG Nationals brings more than 90,000 people through the gates over a three-day weekend. Long ago Goodguys figured out people like to do things while at their event, so there are literally dozens of specialty parking areas and seminars to go alongside the hundreds of vendor booths hawking the latest in hot rod gear. Though it's normally open... Though it's normally open to all types of rods at other Goodguys shows, the Street Challenge Autocross event in Columbus was restricted to those vehicles who were competing for the Street Machine of the Year award, which was eventually won by Phil and Jeremy Gerber of the Roadster Shop for their C1RS '61 Corvette. The Vette posted a 32.222-second e.t. through the course. The Goodguys also honor those who have given back to the rodding community. "Land Speed" Louise Noeth, renowned author (Bonneville: The Fastest Place on Earth), historian, racer (having driven a 250-mph jet dragster), and columnist (her monthly article can be found in the Goodguys Goodtimes Gazette) was named '09 Goodguys Woman of the Year at the 12th PPG Nationals. Before accepting the award in front of a packed house during the event awards ceremony, Noeth also gave a quick seminar to an appreciative crowd on the history of land speed racing. Presented annually in honor of the late Karen Bloechl (who was instrumental in the formative years of the Goodguys Association) and recognizing a female industry leader who serves to preserve the integrity and growth of the hot rodding industry, past Goodguys Woman of the Year recipients include Ginny Lobeck (1992), Sue Brizio (1993), DeEtte Crow (1996), Jane Callison (1997), Jeanette Ladina (2004), and many others. One of the main reasons this event attracts the high-quality vehicles it does are the special awards that are handed out. Jesse Greening and Zane Cullen, hot rod shop owners and both former Goodguys Trendsetter award winners, were on hand to select the 16 coveted Builder's Choice awards (among the more respected prizes given out in this hobby). STREET RODDER also continued with the magazine's Turtle Wax Top 100 program, where 10 vehicles from this show and 90 other vehicles from nine other shows compete for STREET RODDER's Street Rod of the Year (check www.streetrodderweb.com for more on the program). The weather at Columbus is... The weather at Columbus is usually pretty good, but occasionally it rains, and on Saturday participants saw one of the best displays of Mother Nature with a spectacular thunder and lightning show. The weather was great on both Friday and Sunday. Goodguys also selects their Street Rod of the Year, Street Machine of the Year, Muscle Car of the Year, and Truck of the Year at this show, and everyone was impressed with the level of build quality that could be found in each car, especially in the Street Machine category. Even some of the country's most well-known hot rod builders were heard saying they were impressed with the incredible lengths these builders went to in creating these rides. In the street rod category, the Alan Johnson-built B-400, owned by Doug Cooper, which earlier in the year won the prestigious Don Ridler Memorial Award at the Detroit Autorama, took top honors and the title of Goodguys Street Rod of the Year. It's the second time the 38-year-old builder has built the top street rod (the last time was in Pleasanton in 1997). Johnson also built the '07 Street Machine of the Year for Georgia-native Bob Johnson. A trip through the Market Place building would enlighten you as to what was new in the hot rod world but, if new parts aren't your thing, a trip through the swap meet area would probably cure your ills. Pickup trucks from the '40s through the '60s, which have always been popular with the hot rod crowd, dominated the cars-for-sale area, but you could still pick up a quick-change rear or a Model A hood in the swap for not much money. On Saturday, typically the busiest day of the three for vendors and spectators alike, one of the state's classic thunder-and-lightning storms rolled in for a few hours to provide a rather loud distraction to the festivities. But after a few hours it moved on and folks went back to shining their rides and cruising the grounds. It didn't faze the Goodguys crew, as they know what all the rodders know: It'll pass and they'll get on with what everyone came for-hanging out at one of the best hot rod events in the country!  Robert McGaffin got this photo...  Robert McGaffin got this photo of Nick Licata (whose day job is the editor of Camaro Performers magazine) throwing Dave Perewitz's FFR '33 hot rod into a turn during the portion of the autocross challenge featuring vendor-sponsored cars (Perewitz's flew under PPG colors). Nick reports the car was exceptionally flat, even through the course, and finished with a best time of 31.91 seconds.  Rick Parson's '61 Buick, of...  Rick Parson's '61 Buick, of West Liberty, Ohio, was both low and lean. The big-inch Billet Specialties filled the fenders nicely on this driver.  Built by Johnson's Hot Rod...  Built by Johnson's Hot Rod Shop in Gadsden, Alabama, Doug Cooper's '32 Ford B-400 not only won the prestigious Don Ridler Memorial Award at the Detroit Autorama earlier in the year, but the car was also named the Goodguys/Classic Instruments '09 Street Rod of the Year at this year's Columbus event. The all-steel sedan body (with an aluminum lift-off roof) is powered by a 400-horse LS6 engine.  Walt Jones' late-A is traditional...  Walt Jones' late-A is traditional with its unchopped look, but a 302/AOD lurks beneath. Note the addition of a cowl vent and removal of the visor.  Not just a display vehicle...  Not just a display vehicle parked outside to garner attention, we actually saw Vince Spretnjak's '34 Ford rail driving down the city streets of Columbus, and with the blown Hemi chuggin' right along.  You might think this elegant-looking...  You might think this elegant-looking '33 Ford roadster might have a base 350/350 combo, but owner Jack Maloney (from Highland, Maryland) opted for three pedals with a 383/five-speed drivetrain to get him down the road.  Lots of work went into Jake...  Lots of work went into Jake Moomey's '54 Chevy-from the chopped top to the two-tone paint scheme to the fabbed grille, and it all looks great.  Here is a good example of...  Here is a good example of contrast truck styles: Tom Lischke's satin black '28 (which gets its go from a 4.3L V-6) has the perfect profile without a chop...  ...and Jason Rodgers' '34...  ...and Jason Rodgers' '34 Ford is pegged on the ground with a chop and channel job and is equipped with a '65 Mercury V-8 for power.  Kirk Jones took this great...  Kirk Jones took this great photo of the Goodguys' Marc Meadors and "Land Speed" Louise Noeth, author (Bonneville: The Fastest Place on Earth), historian, racer (she's driven a 250-mph jet dragster), and columnist (for the Goodguys Goodtimes Gazette) as she was named the '09 Goodguys Woman of the Year at the 12th PPG Nationals. Accepting the award in front of a packed house during the event awards ceremony, Noeth also gave a seminar to an appreciative crowd on the history of land speed racing.  Sometimes paintjobs just glow,...  Sometimes paintjobs just glow, which was the case with Albert Torelli's '49 Oldsmobile. Al's Olds featured custom bodywork too, such as the addition of eyebrows above the headlights.  Because the '40 Ford has quite...  Because the '40 Ford has quite a following, some folks forget how great a '39 Ford can look. But Lou Gardner's coupe, from Annapolis, Maryland, should educate those on how to do it right. And for power, a 327 is under the hood.  Darrell Potter's '50 Ford...  Darrell Potter's '50 Ford coupe was featured in the December '08 issue of STREET RODDER, and it still looks great. Just a clean and simple hot rod.  Great color on Cindy Zimmerman's...  Great color on Cindy Zimmerman's '60 Pontiac Catalina. This ride shows what you can do with the right choice of wheels and a slight lowering job.  You'll always find some high-end...  You'll always find some high-end rods at the Goodguys Columbus show, but how 'bout a Hudson? Gary Dickerhoof's '32 was produced about in the middle of the company's 50-year run, and exemplifies the elegance associated with the nameplate during the prewar years.  Another great looking sedan...  Another great looking sedan belongs to Brock Henderson from West Union, Ohio. His '32 ford was coated in satin black, and highlighted with an Apple Green grille and wires. The 283 and four-speed might be fun too!  The swap meet was alive and...  The swap meet was alive and well in Columbus, and it seemed there were a fair amount of vintage trucks for sale. The white '53 GMC on the left, with its 228 straight-eight, had its price knocked down nearly $2,100 to $6,900 by the time we saw it...  ...while the yellow '54 was...  ...while the yellow '54 was offered at $4,500 (without wheels) and the '55 on the right had $4,000 OBO in the window.  Richard March, from Madison,...  Richard March, from Madison, Ohio, was handed the Goodguys' Teriffic T award for his red '23, which is equipped with a 355 Chevy.  Check out the kiddie seats...  Check out the kiddie seats in the back of Mike Keene's Deuce Phaeton. Those kids gotta believe their dad is the coolest!  Lots to take in on Larry Henderson's...  Lots to take in on Larry Henderson's Deuce roadster-least of which are the 16- and 18-inch colorcoded wires. Larry's roadster won a Trendsetter's Builder's Choice award at the show.  Ford changed body styles in...  Ford changed body styles in late '47 to the '48 body style before going to the slab-sided cars in 1949. Dean Wright's Powder Blue convertible, with a big 454 under the hood, was trimmed at Portage Trim in Ravenna, Ohio.  Friday was the day to have...  Friday was the day to have the top down in your car, and Ed Perkins, from Springboro, Ohio, took advantage of the situation in his '50 Chevy while the sun was out.  Looking like it was influenced...  Looking like it was influenced by the custom Ts of the '60s with its heavy green Metalflake, Blaise Kendall's '23 was up for sale. He'd come down to $16,500 by the time we saw it.  Pinkee's Rod Shop built this...  Pinkee's Rod Shop built this Electric Green '32 Ford sedan for Don Smith of Mansfield, Texas. The rod has been a magnet for awards since its completion, and it was one of the five finalists for the Goodguys Street Rod of the Year in Columbus.  We caught Dave Danko cruising...  We caught Dave Danko cruising his '34 Ford before the rains came down, but the wet stuff didn't slow him or his 221 Flathead down at all.  Brian VanZant's '50 Chevy...  Brian VanZant's '50 Chevy wagon collected more than just a lot of looks-he also picked up one of the 18 Trendsetter Builder's Choice Award's handed out in Columbus.  We've noticed a few more highboy...  We've noticed a few more highboy sedans being built of late, and Brian Wisniewski's '32 Ford reminds us of the old Bearcat and Eastwood Deuce from the '70s-very cool.  We don't see a lot of '47...  We don't see a lot of '47 Ford sedan deliverys, especially ones as nice as the one owned by Dave Harber of New Carlisle, Ohio. The two-tone green and Sage paintjob looks great with the lowered stance. Plus, you can never go wrong with the classic five-spoke wheel design!  Frank Tetro's '32 roadster...  Frank Tetro's '32 roadster from Melbourne, Florida, was another finalist in the Goodguys Street Rod of the Year. His Ford featured a 502 motor, a chassis from Alloway's, paint and body from Harbor Auto Restorations, and Dayton wire wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich rubber.  Bob Perreault, from Rogersville,...  Bob Perreault, from Rogersville, Missouri, built a nice-looking hot rod. Besides the 283/five-speed combo that appeals to us, his Deuce roadster also used some neat Deco-type vents for the hood.  Shane Felger's '49 Ford was...  Shane Felger's '49 Ford was stripped of paint on the exterior (except for some excellent artwork across the trunk) but it was sprayed with clear to preserve the metal finish. The pinstriped engine compartment was cool, too.  We're guessing the rain on...  We're guessing the rain on Saturday didn't bother Rick Scott too much. Based in Decatur, Illinois, Rick was actually able to add to the patina on his '50 Buick Special.  Lots of hot rodders were checking...  Lots of hot rodders were checking out Scott Linder's '63 Plymouth, but not because of its 225 slant-six engine. They were dreaming of a Hemi-powered sleeper. Turtle Wax presents Street Rodder Top 100 Jim Lopochonsky, Greenville, Pennsylvania / '30 Ford coupe In a time where many Model A coupes look the same, Jim Lopochonsky stepped outside the box and created something new. Kustom elements crept into his build, especially in the interior (done by the owner) where a waterfall console drops down between the bucket seats and up to the dash, and where hospital-style wired glass was used throughout the five-window (except the windshield). Jim's wife, Diana, painted the car. Billy Morgan, Jefferson City, Tennessee / '62 Chevy Impala Built at Hudson's Rod and Customs in Straw Plains, Tennessee, Billy Morgan's contemporary '62 Chevy Impala is innovative, especially in the interior, where burnt and perforated sheetmetal is used (where the black leather isn't) to highlight the doors and floor. Custom-painted Coddington wheels, a two-tone green 'n' black paintjob, and an on-the-ground stance help make this a looker. Cosmo Walker, Chesapeake, Virginia / '32 Ford convertible Reaching back to a simpler time, Cosmo Walker dressed his '32 with a 300-horse Flathead, Wheel Vintiques wires, Diamond Back tires, and a pleated interior, but then wrapped it in an American Speed convertible body, which the casual observer doesn't even notice.
Dan Fuller, Elyria, Ohio / '34 Ford roadster Starting with a Lobeck chassis, Dan gathered up parts from Steve's Auto Restoration to build his roadster, and bought skins from Walden's Hot Rod Shop to reskin his own doors. A '50 Ford dash, '37 Ford truck grille, '36 Ford artillery wheels, and a '50 Ford Flathead make up some of the other parts to this classy hot rod.
Jeff Eischen, Plain City, Ohio / '32 Ford roadster pickup Jeff Eischen's last two vehicles have been featured over the past few years in Street Rodder, and you'll see more on his '32 roadster pickup soon too. With an attention to detail and the ability to not go too far with his custom fabrication, there were tons to take in with his Brookville-based ride, which was powered by a 327 Chevy.
Todd Kindler, Baltic, Ohio / '32 Ford roadster The design of this roadster centers on war-era aviation theme, from the Eagle Squadron nose art on the cowl to the twin ammo boxes in the trunk (one is a battery box), or from the Frank Wallic-built, riveted aluminum bomber seat to the yellow paint on the tips of the fan (propeller) blades-it's all got a good look to it.
Don Floyd, Shelbyville, Kentucky / '36 Ford four-door convertible Don Floyd's '36 Ford was recently gone through (he's owned the ride for several years), which included a new interior (designed by Eric Brockmeyer) from Warren Skinnermowe and big 17- and 20-inch wheels. The convertible four-door gets its go from an LT4 backed to a 700R trans.
Bill Croming, Grafton, Ohio / '40 Ford coupe Having owned this car since 1972, Bill Croming has seen his coupe in several incarnations, but he hit a high water mark this time. He turned to Squeeg's Kustom for the build, which included a 500-horse 402 IR Rousch engine backed to a Richmond six-speed trans, an interior from Gabe Lopez, plating by Jon Wright's Custom Chrome and PPG paint applied by Doug Jerger.
Ed Britz, Delmont, Pennsylvania / '55 DeSoto Fireflite hardtop Built by the owner, Ed Britz's DeSoto Fireflite takes "The Forward Look" the company was promoting in 1955 and moves it a few steps farther. The top was chopped 3 inches, and a 528 Hemi (with Indy cylinder heads) provides more than enough "oomph" to get the big car down the road. A leather interior and 17-inch Intro wheels round out the package. Bill Steele, Oakdale, Pennsylvania / '30 Ford coupe Slightly channeled and with a 4-inch chop, Bill Steele's '30 Ford coupe is a standout in a field of Model A coupes. Power comes from a '55 331 Hemi topped with four Stromberg 97s, and the rod rolls on artillery spotlight wheels. A '38 Dodge dash was modified to fit, and the steering wheel comes from a '57 Lone Star boat. Turtle Wax Tech Tips Wax On, Winter Off: To keep your vehicle cleaner for longer during winter months, make sure to give your car a thorough wash and wax before the cold weather hits. Wax will help prevent oxidation from dulling and damaging your vehicle's exterior. For best results, first use a product that will deep clean your vehicle's exterior and remove any stubborn dirt and stains. Then select a long-lasting car wax, such as ICE Paste Polish, that can be applied to the entire exterior, including all metal, plastic, and rubber surfaces, and will provide a protective barrier against road salt, snow, and other inclement conditions. Prepare the Interior: Winter elements can also cause damage to the inside of your car. To prevent tracked-in mud, slush, and snow from staining your interior, prep your vehicle with protective floor mats and clean them with an interior product, such as ICE Total Interior Care, which leaves behind a protective barrier against stains. Don't forget to remove any water-based products, which can freeze and crack during winter, as well as any unnecessary items that can weigh down your car and lower your fuel efficiency. Handy Tips Q: There are two different bellhousing sizes for C4 transmissions that mate to small-block Fords. How do you identify a large or small bellhousing C4 and what parts do you need for each? A: Here's a good tech tip for determining what bellhousing C4 you have and what flexplate and index plate you need. To determine if you need a 157 tooth or 164 tooth flexplate measure center to center from the top starter hole to the block mounting hole above it. 1.5 inch = 157 tooth flexplate 1.75 inch = 164 tooth flexplate Ford discontinued carrying many of the starter index plates a few years back but Total Performance in Clinton Township, Michigan, has started cutting them out for the various applications. They carry pretty much any Ford starter index plate (586) 468-3710. Q: What is the small-block Ford firing order and what is the cylinder numbering? A: All factory 351Ws are 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 All HO 302s are 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 Non-HO 302s are 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 The camshaft dictates firing order. You can install either firing order cam in a 302 or 351W. The best way to check if you are not sure of the firing order is to bring the No. 1 cylinder up on the compression stroke. Then with the help of another person, see what cylinder builds compression next. If it is No. 3, it's the HO302/351W firing order. If It's No. 5, it's the non-HO firing order. The cylinders are numbered 1 through 4 righthand side (passenger side) front to back; 5 through 8 left hand side (driver side) front to back. The best we can do on knowing why Ford made this change is: The reason for the change in firing order from 302 to 351W was to reduce the loading of number 1 main journal that occurs when the front cylinder on each bank fires in sequence. Tom Wahl, Lakerville, Minnesota / '62 Ford Fairlane 500 Tom's cool white Fairlane is something of a sleeper. Built using a 23,000-original-mile car, you couldn't guess there was a 347 Ford V-8 lurking under the hood! With 540 hp backed to a four-speed and 9-inch rear, this car would definitely surprise most folks at the traffic light! The '62 rolls on 18- and 20-inch Schott wheels. Jim Talaga, Plainfield, Illinois / '47 Ford Sportsman convertible Dave Martin created the mahogany and maple wood pieces on Jim's convertible, which contrast the maroon paintjob from Ron Kral's Shop in Lockport, Illinois. Tim O'Connell of O'Connell Specialties gets the credit for building the car while the interior and the top came from Schober's Custom Hot Rod Interiors in Yorkville, Illinois. Just as nice underhood, Jim's ride is powered by a '95 Lincoln 4.6L engine backed to an AODE trans. Harry Hartkemeyer, Cincinnati, Ohio / '47 Mercury convertible Though he's owned the car for the last seven years, Harry spent four years working on it. Under the hood and smoothie engine cover is an '01 Ford 4.6L V-8. Top up or down, the Merc 'vert looks stylish either way.
|
|
|