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11th Syracuse Nationals - Cool Cars, Hot Happenings... And It's All In Syracuse, New York From the February, 2011 issue of Street Rodder By Chuck Vranas
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Tony Feil's '40 Pontiac built... Tony Feil's '40 Pontiac built by Ram's Rod Shop features a custom roof, numerous body updates, and power from a '74 Pontiac 455ci mill topped with '58 Pontiac fuel injection. When heading off to the 11th Syracuse Nationals it was easy to take in many of the area's sights. Cruising through the Finger Lakes region not only offers some of the finest views, but also the chance to stop by and visit any one of the 60 local wineries. The National Baseball Hall of Fame (a short hop away) in Cooperstown is filled with historical artifacts from when the game first heard the crack of a bat. Syracuse, a city rich in culture, was also the birthplace of the Franklin automobile and currently boasts one of the largest collections of automobile memorabilia at the Museum of Automotive History; complemented by superb architecture, top-notch restaurants, and great nightlife, the area possesses a winning combination. With plenty of early sprint... With plenty of early sprint car influence, Terri Wilson's '29 Ford features a handbuilt body, and a 264ci Flathead topped with Edelbrock heads and a Thickstun PM7 intake. The New York State Fairgrounds is an enormous facility encompassing 360 acres featuring some of the coolest tree-lined roads, vintage buildings, horse barns, and open-air eateries, evoking plenty of nostalgic charm at every corner. With a show program and map in hand it was time to park your ride and go exploring to check out the hordes of stoke rods, customs, and muscle cars lining every crevice. While planning out your weekend there was plenty to do, starting with the informative tech seminars presented by many of the industry's leading manufacturers, like Meguiar's, Lokar, and Tremec. With hundreds of vendors lining the roadways and filling the interior of the main exhibition hall it was easy to check out technology now available to us. You can always count on the chance to meet some of Hollywood's well-known legends and this year there were plenty of crowds gathered for an opportunity to talk with both Candy Clark and Paul LeMat of American Graffiti fame. Racking up the miles on his new Shadow Rods XL27 roadster pickup, Jerry Dixey and the AMSOIL/STREET RODDER Road Tour rolled into town to greet countless fans who had plenty of interesting questions about his experiences on the road. Michel Barrette's '32 Ford... Michel Barrette's '32 Ford coupe was post-war styled and complemented by a perfect chop, CCR Technologies chassis, Schroeder steering, and Barcelona Blue gloss. This year the team at the Right Coast turned up the heat to bring even more excitement to the weekend. Wanting to create a special signature award for the Syracuse Nationals, a call was placed to legendary car customizer Gene Winfield to help design and create the very prestigious Winfield Award bearing his name. Through an application process, Winfield hand-selected six cars, which were recognized as the Winfield Select Six. Owners arrived from all over the country and Canada to compete for the inaugural award, which was presented by Meguiar's and included a custom-made trophy, jacket, and check for $5,000. When decision time came, Winfield gave the coveted award to Rich and Paige Udell of Swan Lake, Montana, for their '32 Ford roadster "Timeless". With the success of their Old Skool Roundup in years past, a decision was made to extend the get-together from its original one day through the entire weekend, and to also give it a special mini-venue all its own. A huge open-air pavilion hosted the festivities with hundreds of traditional rods and customs grouped together creating a neat cultural experience for both the car owners and visitors. The happening featured its own specialized trophies, vendors, and searing rockabilly music from the amps of bands like Larry Holt & The Good Acoustics, The Pete Paycheck Band, El Kabong, and Glenn Beaman (as Elvis). Another very successful portion of the event is Artie's Party, a massive pinstriping panel jam that brings in some of the finest talents in the country to create unique artwork to be auctioned off for charity. The Jeep Rocks & Road Tour was also set up at the infield area allowing visitors to sign up and have a chance to testdrive many of their new Jeep vehicles on a controlled off-road course with trained instructors over many of the challenging driving surfaces they prepared. Kevin Walsh's "Gold Rush"... Kevin Walsh's "Gold Rush" '27 Ford T coupe had plenty of early '60s styling with a gold metalflake body, white chassis, early five-spokes, and 351ci Ford mill nailed to '32 Chevy 'rails. This all sounds like a pretty full dance card right? Well, as the sun began to set it was time to head out, fuel up, grab a bite, and head back to the grandstands at the fairgrounds to await the kick off of the evening's festivities. Taking nearly a year to organize, the presentation included an endless tire-burning competition, old-timey figure-eight racing, demolition derby, and scorching flamethrowers with jaw-dropping exhibitions of pyrotechnics, which was capped by a dramatic fireworks display. One of the most anticipated portions of the weekend was the endless giveaway program that commenced on Sunday afternoon. A signature of the Syracuse Nationals, crowds of registered attendees gathered at the main stage to see if they might have the magic number in hand to be lucky enough to take home this year's giveaway car: a hopped-up '70 Nova built by Chop-Shop Customs of Woburn, Massachusetts. By the time the excitement ended, it was Spike Furman of Colonie, New York, who was the lucky one with the keys. By the time the extravaganza came to an end, over 7,300 registered cars cruised the fairgrounds while 85,000 visitors came to check out the vibe. Looking '50s cool, Wayne Woodman's... Looking '50s cool, Wayne Woodman's '30 Ford highboy coupe had a perfect stance, un-split bones, neat interior, and classic Flathead power urged by a Weiand three-pot intake. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the Central New York Car Club Association (who host the event) and area service clubs, donations were made from proceeds of the event in the amount of $70,000 (which included $47,478 from the Panel Jam auctions) to a number of local charities bringing the 11-year donation total to $431,000. If you're looking for an event that has it all, mark your calendar now for the 12th anniversary next year because it's sure to be a blast. You can check it all out at www.rightcoastcars.com.  John Persson Jr. put down...  John Persson Jr. put down plenty of miles in his Deuce with the STREET RODDER Road Tour. The car features cool scallops, Sid Shavers top, dressed 350ci V-8, and '40 Ford dash.  One custom that grabbed our...  One custom that grabbed our attention was Dale Spiteri's '62 Chevy Impala with its ground-hugging stance, sexy metallic blue and white coating, and Eagle alloy wheels.  It doesn't get anymore bitchin'...  It doesn't get anymore bitchin' than a slammed '48 Ford bread truck with red steelies! Rob, Kyle, and Anthony Gabrjolek sure know how to cruise in style.  Dave Rafferty's chopped '34...  Dave Rafferty's chopped '34 Ford coupe got its thunder from an injected '56 Chrysler Industrial Hemi pushing power through Radir wheels and whitewall slicks.  With white flaked scallops...  With white flaked scallops over a blue metallic body, shaved front bumper, louvered hood and Bellflower tips, Justin Altman's '59 Impala was one neat custom.  Slammed hard with a wicked...  Slammed hard with a wicked chop and channel, Norm Schroeder's '29 Ford coupe featured Allstate headlights, column shift, and hopped-up Flathead power.  Pete and Margaret Schmid's...  Pete and Margaret Schmid's '34 Chevy coupe was loaded with attitude, thanks to an aggressive stance, Mickey Thompson wheels, massive rear rubber, and two-toned gloss.  Dipped in a vat of lipstick...  Dipped in a vat of lipstick red sparkle and packed with a '51 Merc Flathead block capped with plenty of rare speed parts, Eric Hill's '34 Ford pickup was a real crowd pleaser. 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. Painless
Tech Tip
Computers and Welding
Never weld on the chassis or other parts of your ride with out disconnecting the battery and also the computer, if so equipped. Electrical surges from welding can cause internal circuitry failure in a computer and could cause gases from the battery to explode.  Jeff Norwell, Orangeville,...  Jeff Norwell, Orangeville, Ontario / '32 Ford channeled pickup
Jeff Norwell just completed a 10-year rebuild of Gerald Watson's hauler originally featured in Hot Rod back in 1961. It's now powered by a dual-quad-fed 392ci Hemi linked to a five-speed. A custom chassis by Kenny Stewart holds it all together while impeccable fabrication, body, and paint by Neil Candy seals the deal.  Casey Cornell, Greenfield...  Casey Cornell, Greenfield Center, NY / '32 Ford highboy Tudor
Hot rods built by the Rolling Bones Hot Rod Shop have an attitude all their own. Casey Cornell's Deuce sports a patina'd exterior with a custom Rolling Bones chassis, classic suspension, and Halibrand quick-change. It's wickedly chopped and filled with a vintage Ford Y-block V-8 for power.  Barry Latta Sr. and Marilyn...  Barry Latta Sr. and Marilyn Latta, Homer, NY / '54 Buick Special
Barry and Marilyn Latta's '54 has graceful contemporary lines thanks to a perfect 3-1/2-inch chop, reworked rear quarters, and custom grille. A razor-sharp body is complemented by Genuine Boyd's wheels with low-profile rubber and stance by RideTech. Plenty of power comes from a dressed 425ci Buick Nailhead V-8 fed by Edelbrock dual quads.  Richard Grossarth, Monroe,...  Richard Grossarth, Monroe, NY / '36 Ford cabriolet Rich Grossarth just completed a decade-long build filled with a dependable 350/700-R4 combination, leather interior, and wood-grained dash. The immaculate body was bathed in Washington Blue while an IFS keeps the ride smooth, spinning a set of artillery-styled wheels to rack up the miles.  Eric Gonsalves, Scarborough,...  Eric Gonsalves, Scarborough, ME / '54 Chevy Bel Air
Slammed mercilessly with its bags dumped, Eric Gonzalves' '54 has plenty of attitude. Chopped 4 inches with a 7-inch front-to-back stretch and 1-1/2-inch side-to-side stretch, the roofline is perfectly accented by just enough blue/black vibe. The stroked small-block Chevy power is linked to a 700-R4; power moves through a Currie 9-inch rearend.  Fabrice Monceaux, Brossard,...  Fabrice Monceaux, Brossard, Quebec, Canada / '31 Ford highboy roadster
Fabrice Monceaux's Speedster Special combines a perfect post-war-styled '31 Ford roadster with a '60s engine upgrade. Powered by a 348ci Chevy topped with a squadron of Holley 94s, the car has plenty of period-perfect character thanks to a Hallock-styled windshield, Schroeder steering, vintage Halibrand V-8 quick-change, and mile-deep black gloss.  Ron Lasker, East Aurora, NY...  Ron Lasker, East Aurora, NY / '31 Ford channeled coupe
Ron Lasker's coupe was chopped 6 inches and channeled a mind-bending 16 inches before being coated in lustrous ivory and teal. Packed with a '53 Ford Flathead V-8 breathing deep through a rare Hexagon Tool & Die two-pot intake capped with Holley 94s, power gets transferred through a Winters Performance V-8 quick-change.  Paul Howard, Sagamore Beach,...  Paul Howard, Sagamore Beach, MA / '31 Ford highboy roadster
Running from New England to Bonneville and back proves this Flathead-powered drop-top is the real deal. Paul Howard's gow job is straight out of a weathered little book with its stylish good looks complemented by a chassis sporting a '32 Ford axle, split bones, and '39 Ford rearend. Bathed in black gloss, a red bench keeps it comfy for the long hauls.  Bruce Stumpp, Phoenix, MD...  Bruce Stumpp, Phoenix, MD / '23 Ford T
A 'banger-powered Track T, Bruce Stumpp's ride has plenty of dazzle, thanks to a red body coated with plenty of hot licks while a Ford 2.3L gives the car loads of personality. A single exhaust pipe, chrome hairpins, red-pleated interior, and custom-rolled aluminum pans round out the package.  Lenny Biondi, Randolph, MA...  Lenny Biondi, Randolph, MA / '36 Ford roadster
The Sebastian Rubbo roadster has been on the scene since 1946. Its memorable look comes from the combination of a sectioned '37 Ford truck grille, front cycle fenders, and a 6-inch channel. Sabie amassed over 450,000 miles in the car canvassing the country. It was restored by Lenny Biondi who has already put 10,000 miles down, continuing the tradition. David and Susan Ciappa
Lockport, New York
'40 Ford pickup With the fairgrounds packed to the brim with event participants at the Syracuse Nationals, it was a perfect time for STREET RODDER and Ford Racing's recognition of street rodders who install a late-model Ford engine in a Ford hot rod. David and Susan's pickup was... David and Susan's pickup was loaded with style thanks to a subtle chop, immaculate gloss, a perfect stance, and cool Dayton wire wheels. Our weekend search led us to David and Susan Ciappa of Lockport, New York, who are our latest award recipients with their dramatic '40 Ford pickup fitted with an SVT 5.4L supercharged crate V-8 linked to a Ford AODE transmission. To get just the right stance, a custom triangulated three-bar rear suspension with RideTech ShockWaves keeps a Currie 9-inch rearend planted while a Heidts IFS with RideTech ShockWaves brings the frontend to the ground. A mirror-straight body was chopped 1-1/2 inches and covered in plenty of PPG Blood Red vibe expertly accenting the custom Dayton wire wheels capped with Falken Z-rated tires. Inside the cab, a pair of black leather Recaro seats and sculpted panels keeps everything comfy while Vintage Air and tunes from Alpine set the mood. Congratulations to David and Susan who will receive a limited-edition jacket as the Best Ford in a Ford award winner.  Under the hood a dramatic...  Under the hood a dramatic engine bay acts as the perfect showcase for the Ford SVT 5.4L supercharged V-8 coated in just enough PPG Blood Red. The Ford engine is accented by plenty of custom fabrication, including the engine covers, louvered inner fender panels, and polished intake.  Congratulations to David and...  Congratulations to David and Susan Ciappa and welcome to the exclusive group of rodders who have received Best Ford in a Ford honors for their accomplishment. Tech Tips
Looking at the new 5.0L in the '11 Ford Mustang? While Ford has made big news about the engine being all new and a radical departure from previous modular engines, they did us a huge favor by retaining the same bellhousing pattern and engine mount pattern and placement as the modulars before it. Also, the exhaust spacing is identical, so all we need now is a set of Sanderson headers with the new 5.0L flange and we're in business! Rich and Paige Udell's '32... Rich and Paige Udell's '32 Ford roadster "Timeless", from Swan Lake, MT, took home the honors of winning the first-ever Winfield Award. The car was loaded with custom touches, bathed in DuPont Hot Hues Montana Mint vibe, and rolling on Intro wheels. Introducing The Winfield Award
When it came time for the team at the Right Coast to develop a special new event award for the Syracuse Nationals, they looked to one of the most well-recognized customizers in history, Gene Winfield, to be the creative force behind it. Winfield's rich history as a custom car builder and designer dates back to the mid-'40s, and his magnificent creativity has garnered a vast array of memorable cars along the way including the "Reactor", "Jade Idol", and "Maybelline", to name but a few. Candidates for the award from all over the country and Canada submitted an application form along with images of their car (there were 75 applicants) for Winfield to personally review and make a selection of what was known as the "Winfield Select Six" to compete for the Winfield Award. Each of the finalists, upon arrival to the show, received a customized plaque, jacket, and $500 award. The winner was announced Saturday evening at the annual Syracuse Nationals dinner dance where they received the Etrick Enterprises-designed trophy from Winfield as well as a one-off jacket and check for $5,000 from Meguiar's, the award presenter. This year it was Rich and Paige Udell of Swan Lake, Montana, whose '32 roadster "Timeless" took home the inaugural honors. With the uniqueness of this very special award, we can easily see the applications for consideration continue to grow in the future.  Larry Johnston's '50 Ford...  Larry Johnston's '50 Ford coupe embodies what a custom is all about since there isn't a square inch on the car that was left untouched. Featuring custom front end sheetmetal, a Dodge Neon roof, Studebaker-based bumpers, and an Art Morrison chassis, the car was bathed in PPG orange and burgundy luster to bring it to completion.  Dean Arnold's '61 Ford Thunderbird...  Dean Arnold's '61 Ford Thunderbird known as ThunderFlite looks like a jet fighter. Wanting to create a futuristic-styled concept, they nailed the look with a combination of a split bubbletop, flowing body lines, cool side exhaust, and a cockpit-inspired interior.  Jerry and Maureen Magnuson's...  Jerry and Maureen Magnuson's Muroc II (Kugel Komponents) known as Magnatude. Jerry worked closely with Chip Foose and their vision for this world-class hot rod came to life. The car is powered by a MagnaCharger urged GM LS1 V-8.  Mike Etrick of Etrick Enterprises...  Mike Etrick of Etrick Enterprises in Huntington Beach, CA, was contacted to come up with a design that would become a signature for years to come.  Throughout the weekend there...  Throughout the weekend there were massive crowds passing through the exhibition hall to check out the finalists for the first-ever Winfield Award competition presented by Meguiar's.  Once the winners were announced,...  Once the winners were announced, we wasted no time in getting the Udells together with Gene Winfield for this shot (pictured left to right). They also received a $5,000 check from Dave C. Gunderson, COO of Meguiar's.  Ed and Lynn McLean's '51 Merc...  Ed and Lynn McLean's '51 Merc was updated by the team at Bailie Customs of Windsor, Ontario, who converted the car from a coupe to a roadster complete with a lift-off hand-formed top. The rear quarters have been extended 10 inches, while '54 Merc taillights and headlights were added along with a modified Pontiac grille for a very unique look.  Doug Cooper's '09 Ridler award-winning...  Doug Cooper's '09 Ridler award-winning Deucenberg '32 Ford B-400 sedan built by Alan Johnson of Johnson's Hot Rod Shop in Gadsden, AL, reflects amazing attention to detail. With its timeless traditional styling, superb fabrication, and impeccable body and paint, it was perfectly named.
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