Throughout the country there are a number of hot rod and custom shows with specific guidelines and parameters catering to like-minded hardcore traditionalists. These events not only feature endless rows of era-correct rides echoing everything from pre and post-war build styles, but also those of the 50's and early 60's. Coupled with just the right amount of lifestyle-fueled vendors, and live music, the formulas are always a hit. This year a new East Coast club focused on bringing a fresh event to the table where contemporary, billet-laden rides would have to park-it outside the gates since only era-correct rods and customs would be allowed in. The Others car club's members have been on the scene for decades and wanted to bring a traditional show to the table that also offered some added fun to the mix at a neat lake-front location in Meriden, Connecticut. Once you cruised through the sleepy back streets to the venue, you were greeted by club members who registered you and got you settled on the field. With one day events, you always have to watch the weather and unfortunately the show day was greeted by torrential rains storms across New England. Being a late starting event (12PM to 8PM) by the time noon hit, the rain had let up and the caravan of hardcore rods and customs started to pull in. As the day moved on, the field filled up and the speakers came to life with wicked hot music sets provided by DJ E-Bomb, Dave Moore and the Hillbilly Hucksters, Izzy and the Kesstronics, Slick Fitty, and The Wrong Reasons. It was a great chance to catch up with old friends after the long winter, stroll the field checking out countless new rides, dig many of the cool vendors, and check out the old-timey burlesque show. When the need to feed hit, you were in for a treat! Two of the most unique regional taste sensation's we've ever had were the huge steamed cheeseburgers whipped up K. Lamay's and the homemade sausage and pepper sandwiches served on enormous rolls. By mid-day there was a seminar on how to chop a top on a Model A, showing the crowds just what it takes to lower your lid. This is one jam-packed new event filled with plenty to see, be sure to mark your calendars for next year. You can check it all out at www.silvercityshakedown.com
As traditional as the come,...
As traditional as the come, Doug Klett's '36 Ford coupe set the standard for the day with its classic post-war styling, perfect stance, and subtle gray gloss.
You could still smell the...
You could still smell the fresh paint on Dawn Mastronardi's '53 Ford Ranch Wagon with its gold body accented by a chartreuse flaked roof. Cool bits included '59 Dodge Lancer caps, a '56 DeSoto grille, and '56 Olds taillights.
We can never get enough of...
We can never get enough of Derrick Pesko's '28 Ford sedan with its 2-inch chop, 2-deuce fed 283-ci Chevy V-8, Benny Blue vibe, and vintage movie theatre interior seating.
Bruce Comboni's '55 Chevy...
Bruce Comboni's '55 Chevy Gasser was built using era-correct parts making it look like the ultimate barn find. Packed with a 396ci Rat shifted by Fairbanks, its radiused rear wheel wells and fenderwell headers completed the look.
Running a 4-banger topped...
Running a 4-banger topped with a Simmons Power Head, breathing through an owner-fabbed custom intake, Bill Carlson's Model A coupe sounded downright cool.
There were plenty of neat...
There were plenty of neat haulers in attendance including this bitchin' International slammed to the ground, running wide whites, custom exhaust, and patina'd gold body.
Some cars have just the right...
Some cars have just the right amount of attitude making them standouts in any crowd like Bill Gagliardi's '53 Lincoln custom.
Mike Magnano's '56 Mercury...
Mike Magnano's '56 Mercury with its endless custom body mods and deep purple gloss was a perfect accent to Heather Smith's mild '62 Ford T-bird with its custom interior and ground scraping stance.
The San Giovanni Family's...
The San Giovanni Family's belly tank lakester recently ran 154mph at Maxton with a 258ci Flathead mill setting a B/BFL class record.
This '55 Chevy had the look...
This '55 Chevy had the look thanks to a traditionally flamed black body, fenderwell headers, Radir wheels and aggressive whitewall slicks out back.
Mark Phelan recently drove...
Mark Phelan recently drove his '54 Ford from Massachusetts to attend Speed Week at Bonneville, while running a 239ci Y-block mill, and to us that's just downright bitchin'!
It was a perfect day to check...
It was a perfect day to check out many of the neat sleds lining the field including this mild Merc with its polished black suede body, custom grille, frenched headlights, and lipstick red steelies.
Alan Mears' '39 Ford coupe...
Alan Mears' '39 Ford coupe had plenty of style thanks to an all black body accented by a louvered hood and black steelies while a hopped-up 261ci Flathead V-8 made it fierce.
Looking like it was ready...
Looking like it was ready to pull a wheelie leaving the line at the dragstrip; Gil Desjardens Dodge A100 was just plain wicked.
Brian Ware's '36 Ford cabriolet...
Brian Ware's '36 Ford cabriolet was timeless with its polished suede body, tan ragtop, classic steelies, and wide whites.
By the time 2PM hit, it was...
By the time 2PM hit, it was time to start the top chopping seminar with Derrick Pesko and his team of metal masters working their voodoo on a Ford Model A coupe.
It didn't take long for the...
It didn't take long for the team to zip the roof off the coupe. Leading the pack as they lift the roof from the car are Dennis Daglier (left) and Bill Carlson (right).
Charlie Malis' '50 Merc was...
Charlie Malis' '50 Merc was hammered hard and treated to countless custom touches including dummy spots, lake pipes, skirts, and a custom grille.
Loaded with custom style,...
Loaded with custom style, Joe Alexander's '50 Chevy was heavily massaged up front, powered by a straight-6 mill, and covered with polished green suede with a flaked roof.
An East Coast survivor hot...
An East Coast survivor hot rod, Scot Cave's Deuce now sports a moderate channel while a '331ci Caddy V-8 moves the power through a vintage Halibrand rear.
Covered in vibrant red vibe,...
Covered in vibrant red vibe, Ron D'Amato's '35 Ford sported a razor-sharp body and a pavement grazing stance.
You never know what will show...
You never know what will show up as evidenced by this trailer topped with one of Gene Snow's original funny cars recently exhumed from long term storage.
There was an endless amount...
There was an endless amount of fabrication that went into Jim Doak's '37 Ford wrecker transforming into one of the evilest rides on the field. Chopped and channeled hard, it literally sat buried in the dirt with aggressive wheels at each end.
There's nothing like a SCot-blown...
There's nothing like a SCot-blown Flathead topped with a set of Ardun heads to make your adrenalin rise. Ron San Giovanni's stout V-8 always gathers a crowd wherever it is.