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41st NSRA Louisville Nationals - The 41st Time Around Is A PlusYou Know You Are Doing Something Right When You Go To Louisville In August-Year After Year From the January, 2011 issue of Street Rodder By Brian Brennan, Chuck Vranas, Eric Geisert, Gerry Burger, Tim Bernsau Photography by Eric Geisert, Tim Bernsau
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It was a first but seemed... It was a first but seemed perfectly natural: A Model A sedan going one way and a '55 Chevy going the other on the Kentucky Exposition Fairgrounds, which has been the continuous home to the NSRA Nats since 1998. For years comedians, and road-weary journalists, have said, "If this is Friday it must be Springfield." Oftentimes the memory of going back to one location time and time again conjures thoughts of "not again," "boring!" and, my favorite, "who did I piss off?" Not so and no way. Louisville, by whatever happenstance, is the rodding capital of the world-not just the good ol' U.S. of A. We are talking about the 41st running (this is Kentucky) of the National Street Rod Association's premier event: the Street Rod Nationals Plus. Threw you a curve? What's this "Plus?" Could it be that the NSRA has acknowledged the modern day rodder's waist size has begun measuring on its second yardstick? Nope, it means there's a change for the first time in 41 years within this hallowed event. Don't get us wrong, the Nats Plus still offers everything non-plus Nats had come to be known for-10,000-plus (there's that word again) street rods, literally 750,000-plus (again!) square feet of indoor exhibit space (with incredible air conditioning), a Builder's Showcase displaying the finest rolling examples our hobby has to offer, new products (where the latest our supporting industry has produced is unveiled), Rod Repair Shop (for the unscheduled maintenance), numerous outdoor events, entertainment, and related activities. The NSRA Nats Plus had everything we have come to want (and expect) with one noticeable change. UPS was on hand once again... UPS was on hand once again to check vehicle weight (total weight, front versus rear, and wheelbase). The STREET RODDER/Alloway's Hot Rod Shop project build (see February 2011) five-window came in with a 109-inch wheelbase; 2,730 pounds with 1,261 on the front and 1,469 on the back-good balance. The Nats has always been a pre-'49 event until this year and the 41st annual event was expanded to cover post-'48 cars and trucks, and established a sliding scale so each year vehicles that are 30-years-plus may attend all NSRA events. Hence, the use of the word "Plus" when referring to an NSRA event. (Editor's note: The NSRA did produce a handful of NSRA Street Machine Nationals back in the '70s and the pre- and post-'48 events were held on bookend weekends. The NSRA was ahead of its time and it's unfortunate they didn't stick with the formula, for they had a winner.) All of us have seen plenty of pre-'49 street rods and are willing to see more more, and the Nats didn't disappoint. The bonus this year was seeing hot rod material from the '50s and beyond that offered a change of pace and some great new ideas. Were there some cars of questionable content? Of course, just like there is always pre-'49 iron (and 'glass) that could use a great deal of massaging, and that's how they were treated. Tim and Chris Lies came down... Tim and Chris Lies came down from Illinois with their '56 Ford two-tone wagon. It's fun seeing wagons, a model of car we normally wouldn't see at the Nats. Follow along as the rest of the STREET RODDER staff zeroed in on many of the worthwhile attractions at the Nats Plus-Eric Geisert takes us through both the Builder's Showcase and New Products; Chuck Vranas has a look at the '40 Ford (as it's the 70th anniversary) and his selections for the Best Ford in Ford; then, Tim Bernsau walks us through the aisles of the Swap Meet, always a favorite; and finally Bernsau and Gerry Burger walk a whole lot more aisles, showing us what was taking up all those parking spots around the Kentucky Exposition Fairgrounds. I on the other hand concentrated on the ice cream, sugar-coated baked goods, and fried edibles, of which I am not sure of the origin, but I am around to write this story so it couldn't have been that bad. Hope to see you next year in Louisville with the hot rod of your choice. NSRA Nats Plus
Builder's Showcase
For the past five years, the National Street Rod Association has set aside a portion of the large convention center (the cavernous hallway between the vendors inside and the cars outside) to showcase a select group of car builders. The idea is, as the NSRA's Tom Vogele tells it, with 10,000 to look at, why not celebrate the shops and the builders? It's a good idea, and 28 cars and trucks were put on display this time out, and STREET RODDER wanted to give you a taste of what was there.  If you like five-windows then...  If you like five-windows then how about this full-fendered Deuce belonging to Jack Sheppard from Grovetown, GA, riding on really big apple green wires.  Tommy Cofhren from Taylorsville,...  Tommy Cofhren from Taylorsville, NC, brought out his '55 Pontiac. These cars reigned supreme in the '50s with acres of sheetmetal and wagons full of chrome. The modern V-8s were just coming of age as these cars hit the streets bringing real meaning to street performance.  Mark Hayden of La Grange,...  Mark Hayden of La Grange, KY, drove in with his '54 Nash Metro. The car was definitely a hoot to see, especially stuffed with an LS powerplant but watching a big guy like Mark get out was even more entertaining.  Dan Wachtel of Athens, AL,...  Dan Wachtel of Athens, AL, and a member of the Muscle Shoals Car Club brought out his '56 Ford Crown Vic resting on five-spoke Americans-sits right and looks good. Only 9,209 Crown Victorias rolled off the assembly line that year.  You definitely didn't see...  You definitely didn't see rods like a '57 Ford Ranchero before this year; thanks to Steve Norfleet from Lafayette, IN, for driving down.  Whitey Shoemaker of Wildwood,...  Whitey Shoemaker of Wildwood, FL, had his '56 Ford Vic present in a mild-custom build with a louvered hood, shaved door handles, tuck 'n' roll pleats, spots, fender skirts, lakes pipes, and the obligatory fuzzy dice.  The '47 through early '55...  The '47 through early '55 Chevy pickup has always been in the pre-'49 mix but technically only '47 and '48 could attend the Nats-now all are welcome and participants and spectators are better off for it. This custom '47 Chevy belongs to Dwayne Lawrence from Paris, KY, a member of the Bourbon Street Cruisers, on hand with his pick-me-up.  The exhibit building was loaded...  The exhibit building was loaded with manufacturers and related companies showing the latest in rodding hardware. Here we find ourselves looking at Speedway Motor's latest offering-a traditional rod in mail-order readiness. (Look for the rest of the story in an upcoming issue.)  Dick and Vicki Burnham of...  Dick and Vicki Burnham of Swanton, OH, drove in with their '39 Ford coupe, looking good sittin' low on red steelies dressed with whitewalls.  Johnny Powell of Odenville,...  Johnny Powell of Odenville, AL, brought out his 427-equipped '61 Ford Starliner, another cherished rare Ford of the '60s rodders that the Nats wouldn't normally see.  Bruce Vath of Cincinnati had...  Bruce Vath of Cincinnati had his very righteous-looking five-window '36 Ford on hand resting very comfortably on polished five-spoke Americans.  Charlie Schmalz of Cincinnati,...  Charlie Schmalz of Cincinnati, is a member of the Hilltoppers Car Club and rolled in with his '56 Lincoln Continental MKII; again, you gotta get hot and bothered over the large sheetmetal rides of the '50s era. We will never see iron like this again.  When it comes to woodies this...  When it comes to woodies this is as good as it gets. The '47 Ford wagon belongs to Bob Oney of Lebanon, OH. He is also a member of the Rus-T-Notz (you gotta like that!) and the Cincy Street Rods.  Granted none of us would have...  Granted none of us would have ever imagined Camaros at the Street Rod Nationals but in this era of "Plus" events they are here to stay. Camaro Central had a long line of these rides that made for a scene to be seen.  The obligatory Tri-Five was...  The obligatory Tri-Five was on hand with this excellent example of a drop-top '55 belonging to Roger Woody of Christiansburg, VA.  Hailing from Norridge, OH,...  Hailing from Norridge, OH, Tom Karagicnis brought out his full-custom '49 Merc chopped 4-1/2 inches in front and 6 inches in back, 350 Ram Jet Chevy V-8 for power, and Dakota Digital instruments and Vintage Air cool breeze.  There isn't a hot rodder around...  There isn't a hot rodder around with a pre-'49 ride who doesn't wish he had a '62 Impala SS sprayed in PPG Sunlight Gold Opal powered by a 598-inch big-block made from a Dart block and heads with a sheetmetal intake, Tremec five-speed, and custom wheels like these Schott's all sitting on a Kenny Thompson chassis. A thank you to Dick Bales for stopping by the Nats.  You gotta love the sense of...  You gotta love the sense of humor that Bruce Passman of Gonzales, LA, possesses with his "full-size" Chevy Impala. We have all seen chop, channel, section, and shave, pie cut, frenched, pancake but what we don't often see is cutting in half, throwing the middle away, and welding everything back up!  Jim and Pat Talaga's '47 Ford...  Jim and Pat Talaga's '47 Ford Sportsman convertible was built by O'Connell Specialties in Plainfield, IL. Tim O'Connell built the car, which features a mahogany and maple wood layout by Dave Martin. Under the hood is a '95 Lincoln 4.6L engine mated to an AODE transmission. The top and interior was done at Schober's Custom Hot Rod Interiors while the paint was shot by Ron Kral.  Vintage Fabrication in Independence,...  Vintage Fabrication in Independence, MO, worked with Larry Pillard on building his '32 Ford coupe. For 15 years, Vintage Fab's Bobby and Karen Schumacher have built cars for customers, including a Ridler award contender. Pillard's coupe started with a Brookville body (with a cool winter grille), and the chassis rolls on an 18/20-inch Billet Specialties wheel combo. Under the hood is an all-aluminum 427 ZL1.  Jim Alley's charcoal and orange...  Jim Alley's charcoal and orange '55 Chevy Nomad wagon was reborn as a wild performance vehicle by Tucci Hot Rods in Marcy, NY. A twin turbo, 500-inch Chevy resides in Nomad, which turns on 20- and 22-inch Budnik wheels. An Art Morrison chassis is underneath, and Tucci used a '64 Impala windshield for a dramatic effect.  F And F Speed, based in Whitehall,...  F And F Speed, based in Whitehall, MD, built this stretched '31 Ford truck for Tom Jenkins. Fred Graefe did the metalwork and Dale Sheats did the bodywork, and there was a lot of both! The chassis was stretched 12 inches and the hood To get more legroom, 10 inches was added under the cowl, pushing the firewall forward. With a 2-inch chop and widened rear fenders (also by 2 inches), this is one long hauler!  Larry Griffey Hot Rods & Restorations...  Larry Griffey Hot Rods & Restorations did a lot of work on Donald Rish's '48 Chevy truck. It sits on 'rails from Fatman Fabrications, plus it was chopped almost 4 inches with the windshield laid back. The bed sides are from a '54, and the hood flips forward to reveal a 454/460-horse Chevy.  Street Rods by Michael, from...  Street Rods by Michael, from Shelbyville, TN, provided the chassis and assembly on this '32 Ford coupe for Brian and Lynda Perilloux. Painted with flat PPG paints, the three-window (a Redneck 'glass body) features a B&B upholstery interior, graphics from Gary Mizar, and a 350/700-R4 engine and trans combo.  Ken Nester owns this '61 Chevrolet,...  Ken Nester owns this '61 Chevrolet, which was built by Alloway's Hot Rod Shop in Louisville, TN (Alloway's had two cars in the Builder's Showcase this year). The car was an original six-clyinder car from California, but now sports a 502 Chevy with custom 409-looking valve covers and air cleaner. An Art Morrison front clip and a 9-inch Ford was used underneath, and the interior (from upholsterer Paul Atkins) copies the look of a '67 Nova SS.  Barry Penfound, from Penfound...  Barry Penfound, from Penfound Design in Elyria, OH, has built some stylish customs for himself over the years, and this '64 Cadillac is no exception. His idea was if GM built a '64 today, what would it look like? Using many Cadillac-inspired parts (cloth from a '77 De Ville, billet wheels that look like Caddy hubcaps, and seats out of a '66 Eldorado), Penfound finished the project with an original, but highly detailed, 429 Cadillac engine.  Jim Lewis owns this radical...  Jim Lewis owns this radical '40 Ford coupe, which was done at Ronnie's Hot Rods in Sentobia, MS. Ronnie Geeslin redid the chassis, adding new crossmembers and a RideTech airbag suspension. An LS2 engine was installed, and a custom console running between the seats highlights a leather and suede interior stitched together by Jeremy Legens.  Bob and Deanna Reed have had...  Bob and Deanna Reed have had several nice hot rods over the years (including a Ridler winner) and had D & D Specialty Cars in Van Buren, AR, build a '32 Ford sedan for them. On a Pete & Jakes chassis, the Tudor was channeled slightly, and a custom dash made from a '55 Oldsmobile dash. And if the custom interior isn't enough, then the '66 Buick Nailhead 'tween the 'rails takes it over the top.  Mickey and Vicki Smith's dramatic...  Mickey and Vicki Smith's dramatic '40 Standard convertible had a perfect 2-inch chop and pavement-hugging stance, thanks to a Kugel IFS, RideTech 'bags, and neat wire wheels by Wheel Smith.  With the 70th Anniversary...  With the 70th Anniversary of the '40 Ford celebrated this year, Bob Drake Reproductions picked the perfect time to showcase their new steel reproduction '40 Ford coupe body for everyone to check out.  It's not every day you come...  It's not every day you come across a '40 sedan delivery like Rohn Buffington's hauler with its tasty white and maroon body, Briz bumpers, and classic steelies.  With scorching flames adorning...  With scorching flames adorning an orange pearl-coated body, Terry and Fran Stade's DeLuxe convertible rolls on Foose wheels and easily grabs your attention.  Nothing says wicked like John...  Nothing says wicked like John Langston's '40 coupe slammed to the ground with a louvered hood, black icing, and just enough hot licks across its body.  Coated in black vibe, Mike...  Coated in black vibe, Mike Eaton's hopped-up '40 coupe had plenty of attitude thanks to an immaculate black leather bucket interior and American Racing wheels.  Looking like it was ready...  Looking like it was ready for a Saturday night run at a local dirt track, Gary Schwister's nostalgic coupe nailed the look of a period-perfect oval track racer.  Resplendent in deep forest...  Resplendent in deep forest green gloss, Larry and Vicki Tisdale's '40 DeLuxe sedan featured a razor-sharp body, tidy leather interior, and plenty of nostalgic flavor.  Nick and Gloria Schiavarelli's...  Nick and Gloria Schiavarelli's DeLuxe sedan showcased an alluring pale green exterior complemented by a tasteful white and yellow pleated interior, while rolling on wide whites. The Ford wagon had a perfect... The Ford wagon had a perfect stance, immaculate woodwork, a subtle green exterior, and wide whites on steelies making it the ultimate cruiser. Best Ford in a Ford
Gary McCormick East Peoria, IL'49 Ford woodie
Celebrating the 41st Anniversary of the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, it was the perfect time for STREET RODDER and Ford Racing to recognize street rodders who install a late-model Ford engine in their Ford. With this being the first year for post-'48 era cars to cruise the fairgrounds, our search led us to Gary McCormick of East Peoria, Illinois, with his freshly completed '49 Ford wagon powered by a 351ci Ford Racing crate V-8 linked to a Ford AOD transmission. To give the car a great stance, its original chassis was massaged and updated with a polished stainless Heidts IFS while a 9-inch rear by John's Industries transfers the power. Once the body was razor sharp it was coated with plenty of PPG Mack Truck Green to give it a fine vibe, while the exterior wood was completed at Wood by Whiskers. Inside the car was treated to yards of buttersoft leather by Steve and Marilyn Ralfs. A combined effort, the woody came together through the hard work of Ken's Street Rod Repair in Rockford, Illinois, and Gray's Garage in Metamora, Illinois. Congratulations to Gary who will receive a limited edition jacket as an award winner.  Great job on the wagon, Gary,...  Great job on the wagon, Gary, and welcome to an exclusive group of rodders who are honored for their special accomplishments.  A Ford Racing 351ci mill gives...  A Ford Racing 351ci mill gives the wagon plenty of go. The healthy V-8 wears Ford Racing valve covers, catches its breath through an Edelbrock intake topped with an Edelbrock 650-cfm carb, and dumps spent gases through Sanderson headers. Billet Specialties tops it all off while spark comes from an MSD distributor. Chuck's Deuce is all business... Chuck's Deuce is all business with thousands of miles already on the odometer. A nose in the dirt stance complemented by a mirror-straight steel body, vibrant blue gloss, and Halibrand rollers gives it plenty of allure. Best Ford in a Ford
Chuck Gray, Metamora, IL '32 Ford Victoria
While canvassing the event, Chuck Gray's '32 Ford Vicky from Metamora, Illinois, caught our attention with its well-detailed Ford 302ci crate V-8 linked to a Ford C4 transmission. Chuck's well-traveled Ford has an original chassis updated by Everett Gray to include a polished stainless Heidts IFS and a narrowed Jaguar rearend with plenty of plating and polish. An original steel body was massaged to perfection by the owner who also laid down the vivid PPG Sonic Blue coating complemented by alluring graphics by Bob Thrash. Classic Halibrand wheels shod with BFGoodrich rubber keeps everything stylish while inside an ididit column, Lokar shifter, and VDO gauges help Chuck settle into plenty of comfort as he heads down the road. Congratulations to Chuck who will receive a limited edition jacket as an award winner.  Power comes from a Ford 302ci...  Power comes from a Ford 302ci crate V-8 generating plenty of gusto for the long haul. An Edelbrock Performer intake topped with an Edelbrock 625-cfm carb is crowned by a Billet Specialties air cleaner while spark comes from a Performance Distributors' Davis Unified Ignition.  Nice work on your Deuce, Chuck,...  Nice work on your Deuce, Chuck, and welcome to an exclusive group of rodders honored for their special accomplishments. Coated with effervescent light... Coated with effervescent light blue pearl, Tony and Sue Paris' sedan was packed with all the right stuff, including Vintage Air, Boyd Coddington wheels, and a comfy bucket interior. Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the '40 Ford
This was the year we celebrated one of Ford's truly memorable designs with the '40 Ford turning 70 years old. Recognized as one of the notable iconic sculptures to roll off the Ford production line, it shared its good looks with a myriad of body styles. Throughout the weekend at the Nationals, we came across countless examples of the model with everything from bone-stockers to candy-coated chopped coupes, pickup trucks, slammed sedans, and drop-tops making the scene. One thing is for sure, this beloved design has certainly earned its place in history. Street Rod Plus
Sometimes more is better-when it's sheetmetal
This is a pivotal year for the National Street Rod Association as they adopt the sliding scale dates to all events. From this day forward if you have a car 30 years or older you are welcomed at the Street Rod Nationals Plus. And if you happen to be driving a car manufactured in 1949 or newer you are officially considered a Plus, a term that seems to indicate something positive, or at least in addition to. After attending 39 out of the 41 Street Rod Nationals I felt the only way to truly experience this historic event would be to drive a "Plus", leaving the '40 pickup in the garage and driving my '57 Ranch wagon to the event. Of course the fact that the '57 Ford is now 53 years old and when I drove my '31 Model A to the Nats in 1972 when it was a mere 41 years old was not lost on me, and yet I was still driving "a late-model" or as NSRA calls them-a Plus.  Deuce roadsters, sure there...  Deuce roadsters, sure there are a lot of them but when it comes to hot rods there is still nothing quite like an open-air Deuce.  Ramblers seemed to make a...  Ramblers seemed to make a big showing this year, and hey, if a car is good enough for Superman's girl it's good enough for me. Greg Mullins is a local Louisville street rodder and his small-block, Chevy-powered, '60 Rambler is one very cool ride.  Ron and Connie Thacker drove...  Ron and Connie Thacker drove another super Rambler to the event, and the not-quite suede and not-quite shiny finish suited the diminutive wagon well. Under the hood a well-detailed small-block provides ample power. Inside, tobacco-colored leather is more luxurious than any offering from Rambler in 1959.  Did we mention Ramblers are...  Did we mention Ramblers are hot? Vickie Warren put a little more hot rod in her Nash with bigger rear tires and polished five-spokes, but the body remains stock down to the emblems.  We were able to see lots of...  We were able to see lots of street rods cruising, plus now the occasional top-down Merc rolled by-that helps any rod show.  Bullet-nose Studebakers were...  Bullet-nose Studebakers were hot about 10 years ago and everyone seemed to be cutting every panel on the car. News flash: You don't have to work that hard. Just use the stock-bodied Studey with a good color and all the usual hot rod tricks. It sure worked well for Gil Vuljoin's '51 Studebaker.  Model A closed cab trucks...  Model A closed cab trucks have long been a staple of street rodding but it seems there is resurgence in little hot rod trucks. Should you need a build template just use Tom Lischke's truck as a guide. This truck is spot-on with many different textures of black from flat to shining.  A big plus is finding out...  A big plus is finding out you like cars you don't really like. The '59 Ford has never been on my list of cars to own some day, but this example changed that thinking. Yes, even a '59 post car can be very cool with proper color treatment and wheels. James Bernard motored in from Arkansas to attend the Nats and this was one very nice car.  Sure, a lot of F-1 Ford trucks...  Sure, a lot of F-1 Ford trucks have been sneaking into the Nats for years, but we were glad to see even more of them this year. And if you look close this is actually an M1, yes the rare Canadian Mercury truck. This '52 Merc sports a hammered cab and a perfect stance with '49 Plymouth bumpers just off the ground. Ron Jones drove up from Florida in the old truck.  Fenders. Fenders made me stop...  Fenders. Fenders made me stop and wonder why we don't see more of them. For years the fenderless hot rod has been in the spotlight, but one look at George Lange's St.Louis-based '33 makes me wonder why we don't see more fenders.  Odd rods are very cool, or...  Odd rods are very cool, or hot if they're flamed. The addition of a flamed '54 Plymouth is a definite plus. Of course flames this well done would look great on any car. Dennis Rodman owns this sizzling Plymouth.  The cool thing about a shoebox...  The cool thing about a shoebox Ford is you can build them as a hot rod, street cruiser, plus they work well as a full custom. This hot rod approach was pretty wicked with just the right chop, no hood, and three deuces atop a Chevy motor.  Any car the Beach Boys immortalized...  Any car the Beach Boys immortalized in song can park with me anytime and that includes the T-bird. Mark Gibbs went with the conservative approach on this great-looking '57 'Bird.  We liked this T roadster but...  We liked this T roadster but what makes it interesting is the owner. Jerry Dixey drives across country and back in the '10 Road Tour roadster sans top in 100-degree heat, then, since that roadster is in the STREET RODDER indoor vendor display, he goes home and gets another topless car. Some guys just can't get enough of a good thing.  The '51 Ford works great as...  The '51 Ford works great as a mild custom and all it takes are the three "Ls": lowering, Lancer hubcaps, plus lake pipes. Jim Jeffries opted for some flames to complete the package.  Some cars were a real big...  Some cars were a real big plus and this '49 Buick fits in that category. Black and beautiful, the body remains in its natural state as Leonard Peterson realized some things just don't need to be changed.  Early '50s Chevrolets make...  Early '50s Chevrolets make great drivers, and when the trained eye sees a pair of off-center air breathers they know this old Stovebolt is powered by six in a row. Typical custom tricks like shaved door handles, Frenched headlights, and extra grille teeth work well on George and Sandy Scudder's Chevy.  Flames always catch my eye,...  Flames always catch my eye, and when they grace the curves of a '50 Mercury that's a real plus. Nelson Clopine's Merc proves you don't have to chop the top to have radical Mercury.  Gassers just get the blood...  Gassers just get the blood pumping even when they're sitting still. Colored Plexiglas windows were practically mandatory in the early '60s and the Hecla Speed Shop coupe does a fine job of capturing the straight-axle gasser days.  There's no doubt that the...  There's no doubt that the resurgence in Model A activity continues to build. Dick Stevens' coupe has a super traditional look, but close examination shows an all stainless steel independent front suspension tucked behind those big '34 commercial headlights.  More Studebakers, and while...  More Studebakers, and while the Avanti is a cult car, that black Studebaker on the left belongs to Jack Chisenhall and it is the same car that went over 200 mph on the salt, and was then driven back home with the Vintage A/C unit running for both events. Now that's cool.  Postwar deliveries hold a...  Postwar deliveries hold a special place in hot rodding, and Dave Harber has one of the nicer deliveries we saw all weekend. Pulling off a successful two-tone paint scheme on these haulers is no small chore, but this time it works in fine fashion.  I always felt the Henry J...  I always felt the Henry J should have been accepted as a street rod long ago. Virtually every local dragstrip in the country had a Henry J or two in the pits during the '60s, and Todd Agee's race-inspired Henry J helps remind us of those glory days.  The contemporary shoebox is...  The contemporary shoebox is a very attractive car, and we offer this '51 Ford as graphic proof. Smooth, slick, and rolling on billet wheels illustrates the versatility of these old Fords.  We kept a lookout for alternatives...  We kept a lookout for alternatives to Fords and Chevys and came across this dark green '36 Pontiac two-door sedan, rolling on wide whites with artillery wheels with rings and caps and an asking price of $12,500.  We ran across this six-deuce...  We ran across this six-deuce induction setup early in the weekend. For $1,500 you'd have gotten the Offy intake and a half-dozen Stromberg 97s with frog's mouth scoops.  A piece of masking tape on...  A piece of masking tape on the cowl said "20s Dodge? $500." It is indeed a '20s Dodge roadster body and would make a great out-of-the-ordinary hot rod, maybe with a Hemi pulling it along. Maybe the red T-shirt guy is building it right now.  Bill Bronson owns this '40...  Bill Bronson owns this '40 Ford and was asking $8,900 for it. His grandfather, also Bill, built the Bronson Special rail dragster in the late '40s-believed to be the first purpose-built dragster in the state of Indiana, and one of the oldest dragsters still around.  Mobility scooters have overtaken...  Mobility scooters have overtaken the Nats like cockroaches, but we'd rather ride around on this '47 Cushman, going for $900, OBO. An old-timer told us about riding his on gravel roads; the spring seat would bounce down on the spark plug and short it out. True story.  This well-patina'd '37 Ford,...  This well-patina'd '37 Ford, available for $3,800, OBO, could be the raw material for a pickup project or a great source of parts for an already-in-progress hauler. For $2,300, you could've taken home the trailer.  This good-looking '37 Ford...  This good-looking '37 Ford two-door humpback sedan from eastern Tennessee, is a frame-off restoration that looks like a turnkey car. The marked price was $28,000.  Chevy Fleetlines have been...  Chevy Fleetlines have been growing in popularity in the last few years. Expect this pair-both local iron-to join the ranks of finished cars soon.  This '37 Chevy sedan is a...  This '37 Chevy sedan is a stubborn survivor. It wears no paint now, but has been finished in assorted colors, including pink and blue with crab claw flames in recent decades. The LT1-powered two-door sits on a tube frame with C4 suspension parts. Asking price was $22,000.  Joel VanVlymen got a ton of...  Joel VanVlymen got a ton of attention with his hand-built vintage-style teardrop trailer, based-loosely he says-on designs from the '40s. He was asking $8,500 for this year-old 5x10-foot trailer.  The owner of the '49 four-door...  The owner of the '49 four-door was asking $5,700, which includes many of the remaining chrome pieces stored in the trunk. The information on the blue '50 described it as a one-owner car, parked inside for the last 40 years, and offered for $3,650, OBO.  Dick Roy built this show rod...  Dick Roy built this show rod in 1956, and kept it on the show circuit until 1968, constantly changing it (the coupe was a roadster for a while). This configuration "is basically when he stopped," says current owner Jeff Knudsen, who found the Olds-powered five-window intact and kept it that way. He takes it to shows and swap meets all over. A rendering decorated the event T-shirt of the Hunnert Car Pile-Up in 2009.  Gassers always get our attention,...  Gassers always get our attention, finished or not. This '55 Chevy has probably led a fun life ... so far. Here's hoping someone buys it (for $5,500), builds it, and keeps the fun going.  The owner of this '34 two-door...  The owner of this '34 two-door bought the car at the '09 Nats swap meet, never got around to building it, and brought it back to sell, asking $14,500. Nobody bit, so he hauled it home and is now turning it into an "old-school" highboy. Look for it next year in finished form.  The wife will no doubt agree...  The wife will no doubt agree that this old Texaco sign is the perfect finishing touch to the backyard, once you figure out how to get it home. Can you tell the true identity... Can you tell the true identity of this roadster pickup? It's built from a cut-down '48 F-1 pickup, with a '55 bed, riding on a Model A frame and wearing a '28 grille. The imaginative hot rod was offered for $14,900, but didn't get sold. The ride was relatively uneventful in spite of the dreadful heat. We first made a stop at COMP Cams in Memphis, a small six-hour detour on the way to the Nats and then motored into Louisville on Wednesday. After a brief rain on Thursday the weather went from intolerable to bearable and the fairgrounds began to fill in by late afternoon. By Saturday afternoon over 10,000 cars crowded the fairgrounds and the mix of street rods and pluses made for a fresh new look to the event. Other than a handful of "protest cars", like a '78 Dodge truck, the event really was the Street Rod Nationals Plus, plus a lot of very cool cars that look great parked among all the pre-'48 hot rods. By the time the weekend was over it was apparent the mixing of old and older was working just fine, so Plus remains a positive, not a negative. It was after a discussion with Editor Brennan on this very topic that he suggested I photograph a few of the cars that caught my eye. And so I offer this small sampling of hot rods that made me stop for a closer look at the first ever NSRA Street Rod Nationals ... Plus. Enjoy. Varied Treasure
The Street Rod Nats Plus Swap Meet
We don't think of swap meets as cars and parts someone doesn't want. We think of them as previews of coming attractions. The Street Rod Nats Plus swap meet, socked back at the northeast portion of the Kentucky Exposition Center grounds, is an annual magnet for buyers and sellers. We know for a fact that a fair number of street rods, and a larger number of parts, on display in the show 'n' shine areas once served their time in the Nats swap meet. As we wound our way through the rows of sellers and stuff, we wondered what some of these vehicles used to be and where some of these parts came from. Now we're wondering about where they will go and what they will become. It's inevitable (isn't it?) that the cars, parts, and pieces on trailers, atop tables, and filling plastic milk crates will one day find the owner they've been looking for and contribute to the success of a street rod project-maybe even a trophy winner. One of the most beautiful... One of the most beautiful Tri-Five Chevys in Louisville was Emerson Blue's '56 Bel Air hardtop from Fort Washington, MD. Every contemporary modification was done in keeping with the original design of the car, from the five-spokes to the two-tone exterior paint and interior upholstery. Late Arrivals
The Street Rod Nationals Plus welcomes post-'48 cars
The NSRA created a real commotion within the hobby when it announced that, after years of limiting the Street Rod Nationals to pre-'49 vehicles, it was modifying the rule and welcoming cars and trucks 30 years old and older. The uproar that followed rang a familiar bell around here. In 2007, after years of maintaining an identical pre-'49 cutoff, the magazine you're reading right now began covering '50s and early '60s cars, even while retaining the STREET RODDER title. When we got to Louisville this year, we were relieved to see that NSRA's inclusion of later cars didn't prevent the place from filling up with acres of beautiful pre-'49 street rods. We were also happy to find a lot of cool Tri-Fives, shoeboxes, lead sleds, customs, pickups, and other "new" iron-including an outstanding '49 Fleetline featured elsewhere in this issue. Had NSRA not changed its pre-'49 rule, we wouldn't have seen any of these cars. Had STREET RODDER not changed its pre-'49 rule, you wouldn't see this sample of some of the "late arrivals" welcome-for the first time-at the Street Rod Nationals Plus. Enjoy.  RideTech air shocks and four...  RideTech air shocks and four big guys contribute to the low cruising altitude of Ronnie Poche's fridge white '59 Olds Super 88. Plus-size custom Billet Specialties rims, low-profile rubber, and Z06 Corvette discs hint that this is no stocker; there's an LS2 under the hood.  A black leather interior with...  A black leather interior with white tuck 'n' roll seat inserts on front and rear buckets add an updated appearance to this otherwise classically styled '49 Buick Super convertible, owned by Leonard Peterson.  Dale Carpenter contrasted...  Dale Carpenter contrasted his '56 Ford Ranch wagon's satin black with some full-gloss burgundy paint on top. The pinstiping and flames you see on the hood, front quarters, and door are carried over to the rear fins and tailgate.  This '49 Chevy pickup got...  This '49 Chevy pickup got the full custom treatment, from the chopped top, spots, frenched headlights, five-spoke Radirs, whitewalls, and shaved sheetmetal to those purple seaweed flames. Bob Speece is the proud owner.  This sled among street rods...  This sled among street rods is Terry Stutzman's chopped, slammed, and shaved '51 Merc from Bristol, IN. All the right traditional custom touches: skirts, side pipes, spots, wide whites, and '57 Caddy hubcaps modified with Mercury emblem centers set it apart.  Kennedy's Hot Rod Shop built...  Kennedy's Hot Rod Shop built this knockout '55 Nomad for Bobby Hardin, dropping the cleaned up two-door body over an Art Morrison chassis. The dressed up LS1 is tied to a 4L60E automatic. The interior was customized with Lexus seats and lots of tan leather.  Here's another wagon with...  Here's another wagon with a suede black/shiny top combo. Kurt Blum's recently completed '59 Chevy Nomad wears some metalflake green on its top and an LS2 in the engine compartment. Blum loaded the cargo area with an assortment of Eisenhower-era Hamilton-Skotch coolers.  Jerry Blackman's '53 Chevy...  Jerry Blackman's '53 Chevy is red all over, including the upholstery and the Cadillac air cleaner on the built-up 305 engine. A '68 Nova subframe was added underneath. Custom elements include modified fenders and '64 Lincoln taillights.  The Americans and blackwall...  The Americans and blackwall meats give a '60s edge to Joe Albietz's '49 Ford coupe. We especially liked the color and the cloth-covered stock split-bench seats. We never got a look under the hood, but wouldn't be surprised to find something stout.  Another well-done shoebox...  Another well-done shoebox with tasteful paint, this '51 Ford Custom is the mild-mannered alter ego of the restless-looking '49 (one photo up). Clarence Sackett preserved the car's stock condition, right down to the Flathead mill with a Ford oil bath air cleaner.  This '59 Impala was a stock...  This '59 Impala was a stock California car when Ron and Cathy Tatum bought it from the original owner. Now it runs a generously chromed Chevy ZZ4, with RideTech airbags to drop it. The '59 dash is filled with Classic Instruments.
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