In keeping with the roadhouse...
In keeping with the roadhouse tone of the room, live bands-not to mention DJs-provided the rockabilly, honky-tonk, blues, and surf soundtrack all weekend. The Mighty Mojo Prophets were on the bill for Friday.
If Building 4, home to the AMBR competitors and pro builders displays, was the most popular building at the Grand National Roadster Show, Building 10 was hands down the runner-up. Known for this weekend as the Suede Palace, this is the building designated specifically for nostalgic, traditional-style, lower-budget, owner-built hot rods and customs-and to vendors catering to the lifestyle side of the hot rod hobby.
Alex "Axle" Idzardi and his wife, Celeste, with help from the Shifters Car Club, helped organize the Suede Palace four years ago and it has been growing in size and quality every year. This year, 60 vehicles packed the room. It was mostly local iron, but some from as far away as east of the Mississippi. The involvement of more than 25 car clubs, more than 35 vendors, live bands, custom-built trophies, pin-up contests, and the dedication of participants devoted to keeping our roots alive have made the "Fun House" a big success. At this point, we can say that it wouldn't be the Grand National Roadster Show without the Suede Palace.
There's a ton of work in Joe...
There's a ton of work in Joe Buffardi's track-nose 1929 Ford Model A. In addition to the Lincoln Flathead with an Edmunds intake and '50s era "teapot" carbs, Buffardi used a lot of aircraft parts, such as bomber seats, a wing tank fuel cell, DC3 running lights serving as headlights, and B-17 bomber gauges converted to 12 volts for the street.
Robert Ruiz's homebuilt, Hemi-powered...
Robert Ruiz's homebuilt, Hemi-powered Royal Hawaiian '27 Ford phaeton has the look of an early show car, but can hold its own on the dragstrip. Google it and see for yourself.
The '49 8BA flattie with an...
The '49 8BA flattie with an Eddie Meyer intake and dual Strombergs was built by H&H Flatheads. Rudi Hillebrand's maroon '31 coupe is channeled over the original rails and Z'd at both ends. Nick O'Teen sprayed the paint.