The Suede Palace
The party at the north end of the show was in Building 22, known this weekend as The Suede Palace. The Grand National Roadster Show designates this building specifically for hot rods built the way they used to, meaning in the garage, on a paycheck budget, and in the style of the '40s, '50s, and early '60s-as well as vendors catering to this segment of the hot rod hobby. Separate awards are presented here; they are custom built and winners are selected by participating vendors and clubs. Suede Palace activities include live music and the pin-up contest on Satuday evening. Alex "Axle" Itzardi does a great job organizing this event within an event.
Tom Branch pulled the louvered...
Tom Branch pulled the louvered hood off his '32 roadster to show off the 1958 Stude 304ci V8 topped with four Bendix Stromberg carbs. The transmission is a Borg Warner T5.
Jamie Johnson's Deuce five-window...
Jamie Johnson's Deuce five-window coupe is an original piece from the body (no filler) to the wood to the rails. The frame has been boxed and C-notched in the rear. Jamie johnson, deuce coupe. A 4-71 blower feeds the 327 mill.
Paul Gommi's '32 roadster...
Paul Gommi's '32 roadster is a basically unrestored survivor from '40s, when it raced on the lakes. The gray primer was shot over the original black paint back in 1949.
Handbuilt race buckets and...
Handbuilt race buckets and a Red Ram Hemi distinguish Bob Hill's '32 three-window, which was a bunch of parts last time we saw it. Check it out now.
It's been 20 years since Norm...
It's been 20 years since Norm Crum shot the paint on this '29 Model A, owned by Gail & Christiine Eastman. The 229ci Flathead features a Winfield cam, Offy heads, and McCulloch blower.
Robert Ruiz, 27 Ford phaeton,...
Robert Ruiz, 27 Ford phaeton, better known as the Royal Hawaiian, is a Suede Palace favorite and is pulled along by that blown 392-inch Hemi motor.
The Mighty Mojo Prophets were...
The Mighty Mojo Prophets were one of several live bands performing in the S.P. during the weekend.
Atomic Punk, Aaron Grote's...
Atomic Punk, Aaron Grote's 21st interpretation of a Sixties bubbletop showcar found a spot front and center at the entranceway of the Suede Palace. Can you notice the '59 Plymouth traces on the Hemi powered b-top?
Priscilla Morales and Mark...
Priscilla Morales and Mark Itzardi are the owners and builders of these his 'n' her '60 El Caminos. Priscilla's pink one runs a 350 Chevy engine and rides on front and rear hydraulics. Mark's gold one runs a built-up 283 mill with air shocks which come in handy when he tows his race coupe. Both cars feature a ton of 'flake inside and out.
Max Grundy's drab green '50...
Max Grundy's drab green '50 Merc was chopped 6 1/2 inches front and 5 1/2 in the rear. The bodywas dropped over a modified '72 GTO frame, with a small-block Chevy under the hood.
How do you like Dennis and...
How do you like Dennis and Henrietta Johnston's '32 tudor sedan, built from an all original steel body on the original frame? The drivetrain includes a 402ci Chevy big-block, Richmond six-speed with OD, and a Ford 9-inch.
You're looking at the original...
You're looking at the original paint on this '57 Olds Super 88 Fiesta, once a tow vehicle for Eddie and Bud Meyer. Russ Lynes is the owner now and decorated his display sign with old black 'n' white photos of Bud and Eddie from the old days.
H&H Flatheads built the flathead...
H&H Flatheads built the flathead engine in Ed Dwyer's suede '34 Ford three-window coupe, which wears the original "block letter" Edelbrock heads, plus a slingshot intake with dual Strombergs.