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Goodguys' Del Mar Nationals10th Anniversary Of Sun, Sand, Surf, And Street Rods! From the August, 2010 issue of Street Rodder By Brian Brennan, Eric Geisert
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The Del Mar Fairgrounds is... The Del Mar Fairgrounds is one of the best locations in the country to have a car show, as it is only a little over 1,000 feet from the Pacific Ocean, and the weather was beautiful. Getting to a point where you can have a 10th anniversary of something is a big deal. The Goodguys organization has cause to celebrate, as they've just wrapped up 10 years of Del Mar Nationals held at the historic Del Mar Fairgrounds, a scant 20 miles north of San Diego. When Goodguys first came to the 340-acre facility in 2000, which houses a well-known horse racing track that was frequented by pre-war Hollywood stars like Bing Crosby, attendees were impressed by the beach vibe (the show parking is only 1,000 feet from the Pacific Ocean) and the vintage Spanish architecture but, in the ensuing decade, the event has grown to be one of the major must-go shows in the country. As with most any other Goodguys-prepped event, these Nationals had special parking areas set aside for pickup trucks, rods that are driven a significant distance, homebuilt rides, and muscle cars, but the Good Wood section is, for this particular show, a show within a show and a great crowd pleaser. "Magnatude," the name given... "Magnatude," the name given to Jerry Magnuson's Muroc roadster, won the Goodguys' Street Rod D'Elegance award. Designed by Chip Foose and topped with an intercooled MagnaCharger (the company Magnuson owns), the roadster is powered by an LS1 and features a body fabricated by Marcel De Ley, Kugel IFS and IRS suspension, hidden headlights in the fenders, Jim Griffin upholstery, and a 17x7 and 20x10 Foose wheel combination. (Photo courtesy of Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.) The Good Wood area is for woodies-from the '20s to the '50s, and one-off bodies are accepted, too, as long as there is some wood to be found on the exterior. A total of 58 vehicles showed up, which made for an impressive showing. Some were restored and some were quite obviously modified, but everyone hung out together, compared notes, and listened to the band that was set up under the portico. Out on the far edge of the grounds is where the Street Challenge Autocross was in full swing, offering two days of cone dodging to a group of enthusiasts who take this stuff pretty seriously. Anyone can enter and drive the course, but a walk through the staging area will tell you there has been some heavy investment made in more than a handful of these competitors. Fun to watch, the racing runs about 30 seconds per car to cover two laps of the twisting course, and then it's onto the next racer. But the major draw of the weekend, besides having more than a few thousand street rods cruising around, is when the Goodguys get down to picking their Truck of the Year, Muscle Car of the Year, Kustom Rod of the Year, and their Street Rod D'Elegance award. "Magnatude," the name given to Jerry Magnuson's Muroc roadster (designed by Chip Foose and with a hand-fabricated steel body by Marcel's Custom Metal), won the Street Rod D'Elegance award, beating out some formidable competition. Topped with an intercooled MagnaCharger (the company Magnuson owns and operates), the roadster is powered by an LS1 and features Kugel IFS and IRS suspension, hidden headlights in the fenders, Jim Griffin upholstery, and a 17x7 and 20x10 Foose wheel combination. If there was ever an event that encapsulates the Southern California hot rodding lifestyle, the Del Mar Nationals would probably be it. Great weather, nice location, awesome cars-what more can you ask for? Tech Tip
When choosing a relay, make sure it has the capacity to handle the current requirement of the load it will be operating. Multiple fans usually require multiple relays. Always be sure of the power requirement of the load like an electric fan, electric water pump, high output headlights, or any other accessory to make sure the proper relay is obtained.  Painless Performance Products...  Painless Performance Products presents Street Rodder Top 100
For the Top 100 program, STREET RODDER attends 10 particular car shows each year and picks 10 vehicles at each to make up the Top 100. For more on where those shows are and how they're voted on, check www.streetrodderweb.com.  Ken Sutton / Casa Grande,...  Ken Sutton / Casa Grande, AZ, 1933 Ford coupe
Ken was in the right place at the right time to pick up this '33 Ford three-window that was being built for Bob Reisner by Classic Customs of Tempe, AZ. Besides the ostrich interior, Corvette rearend, and original steel body, the coupe is powered by a Ford 427 with a quartet of Weber IDAs up top.  Rick Abate / Orange, CA, 1961...  Rick Abate / Orange, CA, 1961 Chevy Impala
Rick Abate's been working on his '61 Impala for some time, and recently brightened up the paintwork by adding the House of Kolors orange flame work. Equipped with RideTech air suspension, American Hopster wheels wrapped in Nitto rubber, a 383 motor, and a leather interior, the Chevy is getting close to being finished.  Joe Sahli / Scottsdale, AZ,...  Joe Sahli / Scottsdale, AZ, 1934 Ford coupe
Featured in the July '10 issue of STREET RODDER, Joe Sahli's three-window was built at Hot Rods by Dean in Phoenix, AZ. Using their own chassis, Dean added a Heidt's IFS/IRS suspension system, a Smeding 383 motor with a Tri-power setup, a 700-R4 transmission, and Aqua Blue PPG paint before sending the ride to Sid Chavers for its two-tone interior.  Tim Brown / El Cajon, CA,...  Tim Brown / El Cajon, CA, 1927 Ford track roadster
Looking like it might have at one time been on the front row of a dirt track in the late '40s, Tim Brown's '27 roadster has a definite old-school feel about it. A '47 Ford Flathead, dual 97s, a '39 Lincoln Zephyr trans, and a Winters quick-change round out the package.  Verne Casey / Tucson, AZ,...  Verne Casey / Tucson, AZ, 1933 Ford cabriolet
Verne Casey not only impressed everyone with his stylish take on a Speed33 body, he drove his ride to Del Mar from his Arizona home more than 400 miles away. Powered by a 383 backed to a Tremec five-speed, the cabrio had a nose that was shaped by Marcel's Custom Metal and a grille custom-made by D.F. Metalworks. The '33 rides on a Kugel independent suspension front and rear.  Gary Matranga / Sacramento,...  Gary Matranga / Sacramento, CA, 1932 Ford Tudor
Gary bought this sedan at the Del Mar show and drove it the 500 miles home after the show. That's a credit to the previous builder/owner: Joe Kugel (of Kugel Komponents), who had already rolled up 10,000 miles in it. Besides the Kugel IFS/IRS system, the driver gets its go from a 289 backed to a C4 trans.  Allen Antoyan / Orange, CA,...  Allen Antoyan / Orange, CA, 1946 Ford woodie
At first glance Allen Antoyan's '46 looks like a well-done woodie (and it is), but there also several custom touches, including the frenched headlights and custom dash. A 350/350 hauls the rod down the road, and a Mustang IFS smoothes out the bumps.  Bill West / Tracy, CA, 1939...  Bill West / Tracy, CA, 1939 LaSalle coupe
LaSalle's were always a notch above, and so is Bill West's coupe, which was built at Dominator Street Rods in Tracy, CA. A 4.6L supercharged Cadillac Northstar engine fits well under the long hood, and great-looking upholstery from Dave Putman makes the drive comfortable.  Bill O'Brien / Elmhurst, IL,...  Bill O'Brien / Elmhurst, IL, 1949 Chevrolet convertible
Originally built by Hot Rods by Boyd back in 1993, this 'vert also has a fastback twin, which Bill O'Brien also owns. This ride was restored by Charlie Hutton's Color Studio, and will soon be getting a new set of Foose wheels to update the look. Shaved door handles, gas filler, and hood, plus a new leather interior from Ron Mangus, helps make this old ride new again.  Jeff Hall / San Diego, CA,...  Jeff Hall / San Diego, CA, 1923 Ford roadster
Have you ever seen a 409 stuffed into the front of a T-bucket? Neither had we. The '64 V-8, topped with six Demon 98 carbs, is in front of a California Custom Roadsters long-door body and sits on a CCR frame. Jeff Hall did his own body prep and paint and all the assembly on his ride (including the custom linkage for the six-carb setup).  Doug Mayfield's '42 Ford coupe...  Doug Mayfield's '42 Ford coupe was powered by a 302/C4 engine and trans combo, and the all-Ford rod had a simple look but was well done.  How low can you go? Paul Garrett,...  How low can you go? Paul Garrett, from Alpine, CA, had it figured out with his '31 Ford sedan, which runs 5.50-18s on the front and 6.50-20s in the rear.  Larry Johnson, from Grand...  Larry Johnson, from Grand Junction, CO, brought two cars to the show, including this '61 Chevy, which has a turbo-equipped 572 Chevy motor underhood. Larry's Bow Tie is a multiple award winner.  Another slick Buick belonged...  Another slick Buick belonged to Bryan Egan of Long Beach, CA, whose '33 Victoria featured spare tire mounts on both front fenders.  Dave Patterson's '37 Buick...  Dave Patterson's '37 Buick limo still had the glass partition between the driver's area and the upscale section out back. For the drivetrain, Patterson keeps it in the family with a 403 Buick motor butted up to a 200-4R trans.  Yeah, it's not a street rod...  Yeah, it's not a street rod technically, but you have to admit Ron Harris' '57 Flxible Starliner is cool. And the inside is just as nice as the exterior on the beast, which has a 534-inch engine backed to a six-speed trans.  We've been seeing more 'Birds...  We've been seeing more 'Birds showing up at events-both the square '58-60s and the more stylish '64-66s, like this red '66 owned by Gary Entrekin from Menifee, CA.  Dennis Hauswirth's '49 Pontiac...  Dennis Hauswirth's '49 Pontiac was clean-shaven (without door handles or hood trim), but it still had enough old-time feel with the headlight eyebrows, a scallop paintjob, and wide whites.  Ryan Manson, the editor of...  Ryan Manson, the editor of Custom Classic Trucks (a sister publication to STREET RODDER that covers early trucks) was on hand in Del Mar to check out the stash of pickups at the event (of which there were many), including Andy Meeh's '51 Ford F-1 from nearby Vista.  Dan Merriman's '20 Ford roadster...  Dan Merriman's '20 Ford roadster had a bunch of folks doing double takes, not knowing where he'd hid the motor. Being just a four-cylinder, the engine didn't need that much space.  A surprising number of Cadillacs...  A surprising number of Cadillacs (from all years) were out cruising the fairgrounds, but Trevor and Mike Lady made a statement by parking their long-n-low '65s next to each other.  Don "The Snake" Prudhomme...  Don "The Snake" Prudhomme retired as a race car driver in 1994 after 32 seasons, but his legend lives on. He showed up on Saturday with his restored Dodge car hauler with an original Snake 'Cuda on its back. Some of Prudhomme's earliest Funny Cars were built by the late legendary Lil' John Buttera.  Over in the Homebuilt Heaven...  Over in the Homebuilt Heaven section of the event (sponsored by Speedway Motors), Norm Schmidt's '27 Ford roadster rolled in from El Cajon, CA. Sometimes a simple look can be carried off quite well, as Norm's ride proves.  Gerry Reynolds' '29 Ford roadster...  Gerry Reynolds' '29 Ford roadster pickup has been heavily channeled and, with its suicide front suspension, made even lower.  Marty Wells is a retired fireman...  Marty Wells is a retired fireman who's having fun now building all sorts of cool customs, including his '51 Ford that featured a unique center console that flowed from the top of the dash and down through the center of the car.  We didn't see too many Model...  We didn't see too many Model A coupes at the show, but we sure liked Mike Trussell's '31 in from San Diego. The aluminum Olds V-8 was topped with twin carbs.  Color combinations between...  Color combinations between the paint and the tone of the wood can either make or break the overall look of a woodie, and Ric Bonnoront's '41 Plymouth LX SW P-12 was done right. A 201-inch six-cylinder sits up front.  A unique choice of paint color...  A unique choice of paint color sets Stan Matesich's San Pedro-based '47 Ford apart from the others.  Even though most of the woodies...  Even though most of the woodies at Del Mar were fairly mild in the customization category, Brian Hill's '39 featured some rather radical bodywork to go with the bird's eye maple skin.  Good Wood was a separate area...  Good Wood was a separate area set aside for woodies at the Del Mar Nationals, and 58 of them obliged. It seems all years were in attendance, from the '20s to the '50s, and even a pair of rare Ford Sportsman convertibles showed up.  Later-model woodies, such...  Later-model woodies, such as Gerry Gamet's black '51 (with a 5.0L Ford) and Rich Cravens' green '51 (with a 350/700-R4) were well represented too.  Sam Foose (father of Chip...  Sam Foose (father of Chip and a great car builder in his own right) just finished working on Ed Lambert's '47 Ford Sportsman, which has a well-detailed Flathead underhood. Only a few thousand Sportsmans were produced between 1946 and 1948, making the survivors quite rare. Best Ford In A Ford
As we move into our second of five events that will feature our choice for the Best Ford in a Ford from around the country, our current recipient is Dorothy Bangiola for her '40 Ford sedan delivery. It's outfitted with a 347 stroker 5.0L Ford small-block. Dorothy Bangiola and her '40... Dorothy Bangiola and her '40 Ford sedan delivery take home Del Mar honors Dorothy rounded up her delivery back in 2003 and spent the next five years putting it together, ending up with a very worthwhile and streetable street rod. She is no stranger to street rodding. She owns a company that supplies '32-72 Ford reproduction parts (C&G Early Ford Parts) in Escondido, California. The delivery is painted in a custom-mixed PPG color, called C&G Blue (wonder where the name came from?), with the finish body and paintwork by SoCal Paint Works in Santee, California. The big blue machine rests on a Mustang II front suspension and a Ford 9-inch rear with airbags at the corners, all by Super Rides by Jordan. Also at the corners are 91 Series polished billet and solid face wheels from Wheel Vintiques, of Fresno, California. The fronts measure 17x7 while the rears are 18x7 with '40 Ford hubcaps. Rubber comes by way of BFGoodrich, measuring P235/40R17 and P235/50R18. But the pièce de résistance is the Ford V-8. Based on an '88 Ford 5.0L it is equipped with a 347 stroker kit then balanced and blueprinted. Both looks and performance are represented with Edelbrock aluminum heads, chromed Edelbrock upper and lower intake, 70mm throttle body, Ford Racing 19-pound high-flow injectors, an Isky cam with 520 lift/275 duration, MSD ignition, Street and Performance engine dress-up kit, Sanderson headers, and a Haltech computer.
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