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14th PPG Goodguys Nationals ColumbusShow Cars, Autocross, Swap Meet, and More! From the December, 2011 issue of Street Rodder By Eric Geisert
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Wade Faustman from Allen,... Wade Faustman from Allen, TX, rounds a corner out on the timed autocross course with his ’34, which is powered by an LT1. It was a pretty good idea Goodguys had a few years back when they were trying to decide where they should hold their big national event. They had 18 or so regional events, but no spot to set up shop and hold an end-all, stand-alone Nationals. The organization was firmly entrenched in various parts of the country (eight years in Atlanta, 10 years in Medina, Ohio, and 12 years in Merced, California) but, in 1998 that all changed when they revamped their show schedule and announced the first PPG Nationals would be held mid-year in Columbus, Ohio. Rod Highfill, from Bowling... Rod Highfill, from Bowling Green, MO, has a great eye for cars, and his latest is this ’46 Ford coupe, which is outfitted with a ’60s Oldsmobile dash and a maroon ’n’ white pleated interior. Many of the show’s first-year highlights (swap meet, manufacturers’ displays, etc.) are still in place today and, after 14 years, the show has not only expanded to include timed autocross racing, but physically expanded to accommodate even more cars. For the first time this year, the car show (including specialty parking areas) were cordoned off on the north side of the huge Ohio Expo Center (north of 17th Avenue). Also, a large portion of the swap meet section (where it had been held outdoors but under cover) was moved completely indoors, which featured most-welcome air conditioning. You still had some folks who were in an outside swap meet area selling full-sized cars and parts, but most of the sellers had moved indoors to take advantage of the A/C. Jason Graham is a talented... Jason Graham is a talented builder from Portland, TN, and has been able to come back from a devastating fire that destroyed his shop last year. He recently built this ’30 Ford pickup (covered in ’50 Cadillac PPG Kingswood Gray paint) for his Phoenix-based clients, Todd and Cheryl Williams. Attendees could hang out at the evening kick-off parties at the host hotels or the technical how-to seminars during the day, bring out their valve cover for some head-to-head racing, or park in one of a handful of specialty parking areas (Trick Truck Corral, Ya Gotta Drive ’em, Homebuilt Heaven, etc.). For awards, Goodguys handed out their Terrific 12 awards, which honor 12 types of vehicles throughout the year. Six of the awards are event-specific (where finalists are selected at more than one event) and the other six the title (i.e. Hot Rod of the Year, America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod, etc.) is awarded at one of the Goodguys-specific events around the country. At the Columbus event, two of the 12, the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year and the Optima Batteries Street Machine of the Year, are picked from the cars at the show. Dale Johns is hanging out... Dale Johns is hanging out in his car as he’s getting ready to accept some of the awards he received at this year’s show for his ’33 Ford roadster, which featured a Hilborn-injected 454 underhood and a six-speed tranny. Johns is one-half of D&D Specialties, a rod shop in Van Buren, AR, that has been building great cars for the past few decades. This year their Street Rod of the Year award was given to Paul and Debbie Becker of Dwight, Illinois, for their ’32 Ford coupe that was built by Dave Lane at Fastlane Rod Shop. Lane has built three other customer cars that have won this award in the past, which is unique in and of itself, but what is really surprising is he is a one-man shop and takes in only one car at a time to customize. The coupe also won one of Street Rodder’s Top 100 awards (presented by Painless Performance). (To see more winners from this year, or winners from past year’s events, check out streetrodder.com.) More than 400 manufacturer/vendors and 6,000-plus vehicles typically crowd into the facility for the Goodguys Nationals, and next year (July 6-8, 2012) the event will be celebrating its 15th year, which ought to bring out even more to see—and we can’t wait!  You gotta admire the drive...  You gotta admire the drive you have to have to build something that isn’t that common, as it’s just that much harder to do. Butch Downs chose a ’34 Hupmobile cabriolet for a project and, for his efforts, he was chosen as a finalist in the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year competition.  Sometimes the simple approach...  Sometimes the simple approach is best. Nice wheels and a good stance go a long way to building an attractive hot rod, evidenced by James Buttelwerth’s ’53 Chevy convertible he drove in from Cincinnati.  They are still cranking out...  They are still cranking out the cars at Lobeck’s Hot Rod Shop, even with Barry Lobeck’s untimely death at the end of last year. Long-time Lobeck customer Nigel Herbert (from Toronto, Canada) is the proud owner of this black beauty: a ’33 Ford.  Possible players in the “Who...  Possible players in the “Who needs paint?” discussion are Josie Case (owner of the glossy ’63 Chevy) and the not-so shiny ’60 Biscayne owner who goes by the name of Boris.  Honoring the memory of Barry...  Honoring the memory of Barry Lobeck, the Barry Lobeck Memorial Award was given to Kevin Roberts of Maumee, OH, for his ’32 Ford roadster. Built through his Robert’s Auto Restoration in Toledo the roadster is powered by a 383 Chevy, and with the horsepower, black paint, and louvers throughout the car (including the decklid), Lobeck would have been proud to have his name associated with this ride.  A firewall plate shows Bruce...  A firewall plate shows Bruce Stonefoot is a proud member of the HAMB, and he arrived from Dunkirk, NY, with his ’34 Ford coupe that features a dolled-up 350/350 engine and trans combo plus independent front suspension and disc brakes.  Again, the simple approach...  Again, the simple approach is done to great effect. Corey Harcha’s ’50 Chevy Fleetline from Pittsburgh is done with a bright gold paintjob outside but the interior still needed to be finished, though we liked the black ’n’ white horse blanket covering the seat.  An excellent example of an...  An excellent example of an early truck is Aaron Blatter’s Deuce. In from Ashland, OH, Blatter chose to outfit his pickup with a 312 V-8 and a four-speed trans while inside the cab a pair of aluminum bucket seats were filled with lightening holes.  It looks black at first but...  It looks black at first but Jon Schuchart’s ’26 Ford is actually a very dark brown. Pegged to the ground and with tall skinnies, Schuchart’s roadster makes good use of the engine compartment with a Y-block topped with chrome Mercury valve covers.  When was the last time you...  When was the last time you saw one of these? A ’40 Plymouth delivery can’t be all that common, something Tom and Carol Meredith from Cairo, OH, must know as they own this one.  Parked about as far away as...  Parked about as far away as you can get from the hustle and bustle of the Goodguys Nationals, Werner and Theresa Wilson from Marysville, OH, arrived in their ’48 Plymouth.  Nicknamed “Cole’s A-Bomb,”...  Nicknamed “Cole’s A-Bomb,” this Ford sedan belongs to Larry and Linda Cole of Geneva, OH. Chopped a few inches, the Tudor still sits on an A frame.  Mike Ramser is a charter member...  Mike Ramser is a charter member of the Vintage Street Rodders of America, a group who have an “interest in restoring and driving pre-’49 cars and trucks,” and Mike’s channeled Model A coupe certainly fits the bill.  Terry Paden’s phantom ’39...  Terry Paden’s phantom ’39 Lincoln pickup truck is sharp inside and out, and under the hood you’d find a 4.6L 32-valve Ford motor. Paden is from Paden City, PA.  Various hot rod builders have...  Various hot rod builders have been named to pick the Builder’s Choice award winners, and this year Alan Johnson (right) from Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop in Gadsden, AL, and Curt Ukasik from RPM Hot Rods in Warrendale, PA, got the honors.  Various hot rod builders have...  Various hot rod builders have been named to pick the Builder’s Choice award winners, and this year Alan Johnson (right) from Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop in Gadsden, AL, and Curt Ukasik from RPM Hot Rods in Warrendale, PA, got the honors.  You find all sorts of cars...  You find all sorts of cars driving up and down the lanes in Columbus, including this wild straight-axle Gasser. Summer fun!  Jim and Mary Chapin rolled...  Jim and Mary Chapin rolled into the event with their convertible and towing a small travel trailer, which was done up nicely inside as a ’50s diner with a lot of Coca-Cola memorabilia.  Slammed to the ground, Roger...  Slammed to the ground, Roger Garber’s ’58 Buick from Sidney, OH, is so cool even with four doors!  With Goodguys adding a huge...  With Goodguys adding a huge area north of the facility to park more cars, space opened up on the east end to have a large section devoted to the Autocross course, and the bleachers were full of spectators. Most of the cars in attendance were the G-machines (70’s Camaros and Mustangs and the like) but there were a few street rods and other fun cars thrown into the mix, too. Doyle Thomas owns the black ’63 Rambler 440-H, which goes around the corners fine thanks to the builder, Mike Rutter of Rutterz Rods in Bristol, TN. A big LS7 backed to a 4L85E gives the car its go. The No Limit truck from San Bernardino, CA, (above) has done very well over the past few years and turned in some respectable times this year, too. A pair of women were driving this Chevy wagon (left) ’round the track and, it looked like so much fun, the track announcer climbed into the back seat and broadcast each and every turn of the next run from inside the vehicle!  With Goodguys adding a huge...  With Goodguys adding a huge area north of the facility to park more cars, space opened up on the east end to have a large section devoted to the Autocross course, and the bleachers were full of spectators. Most of the cars in attendance were the G-machines (70’s Camaros and Mustangs and the like) but there were a few street rods and other fun cars thrown into the mix, too. Doyle Thomas owns the black ’63 Rambler 440-H, which goes around the corners fine thanks to the builder, Mike Rutter of Rutterz Rods in Bristol, TN. A big LS7 backed to a 4L85E gives the car its go. The No Limit truck from San Bernardino, CA, (above) has done very well over the past few years and turned in some respectable times this year, too. A pair of women were driving this Chevy wagon (left) ’round the track and, it looked like so much fun, the track announcer climbed into the back seat and broadcast each and every turn of the next run from inside the vehicle!  With Goodguys adding a huge...  With Goodguys adding a huge area north of the facility to park more cars, space opened up on the east end to have a large section devoted to the Autocross course, and the bleachers were full of spectators. Most of the cars in attendance were the G-machines (70’s Camaros and Mustangs and the like) but there were a few street rods and other fun cars thrown into the mix, too. Doyle Thomas owns the black ’63 Rambler 440-H, which goes around the corners fine thanks to the builder, Mike Rutter of Rutterz Rods in Bristol, TN. A big LS7 backed to a 4L85E gives the car its go. The No Limit truck from San Bernardino, CA, (above) has done very well over the past few years and turned in some respectable times this year, too. A pair of women were driving this Chevy wagon (left) ’round the track and, it looked like so much fun, the track announcer climbed into the back seat and broadcast each and every turn of the next run from inside the vehicle!  This year the swap meet was...  This year the swap meet was moved into the air-conditioned buildings, much to the delight of sellers and buyers. The “cars for sale” area was still outside, but in either place there were deals to be had. A pretty decent ’39 Ford truck grille was priced at $365 and a trio of re-buildable 97s bolted to a Fenton Y-block manifold was offered at $595 while old Rodder’s Journal magazines were $15 each, or two for $25.  A driveable 26 T, with a straight-six...  A driveable 26 T, with a straight-six motor fed by triple DCOE Weber sidedrafts, had a “$21,000 or trades?” sign on it.  This year the swap meet was...  This year the swap meet was moved into the air-conditioned buildings, much to the delight of sellers and buyers. The “cars for sale” area was still outside, but in either place there were deals to be had. A pretty decent ’39 Ford truck grille was priced at $365 and a trio of re-buildable 97s bolted to a Fenton Y-block manifold was offered at $595 while old Rodder’s Journal magazines were $15 each, or two for $25.  This year the swap meet was...  This year the swap meet was moved into the air-conditioned buildings, much to the delight of sellers and buyers. The “cars for sale” area was still outside, but in either place there were deals to be had. A pretty decent ’39 Ford truck grille was priced at $365 and a trio of re-buildable 97s bolted to a Fenton Y-block manifold was offered at $595 while old Rodder’s Journal magazines were $15 each, or two for $25.  The old ’57 9-inch rear was...  The old ’57 9-inch rear was offered at $200.  This year the swap meet was...  This year the swap meet was moved into the air-conditioned buildings, much to the delight of sellers and buyers. The “cars for sale” area was still outside, but in either place there were deals to be had. A pretty decent ’39 Ford truck grille was priced at $365 and a trio of re-buildable 97s bolted to a Fenton Y-block manifold was offered at $595 while old Rodder’s Journal magazines were $15 each, or two for $25.  In the New Products section...  In the New Products section of the show, Woody’s Hot Rodz had their new Tri-Five steel body on display (above). Partnered with Real Deal Steel, the company now offers all-new ’55 and ’57 hardtop convertible and sedan bodies. Top right: Heidts has long been a producer of independent rear ends for various vehicles, and now they have a direct bolt-in kit for ’67-69 and ’70-73 Camaros. The kit start at $7,995. Middle right: An exact copy of the factory Ford door latch mechanism for ’32 five-windows, this part from United Pacific Industries is available in either a driver or passenger door configuration. Bottom right: Classic Instruments displayed their new V8 Speedster Series—a six-gauge set has a vintage appearance but are engineered with state-of-the-art mechanisms.  In the New Products section...  In the New Products section of the show, Woody’s Hot Rodz had their new Tri-Five steel body on display (above). Partnered with Real Deal Steel, the company now offers all-new ’55 and ’57 hardtop convertible and sedan bodies. Top right: Heidts has long been a producer of independent rear ends for various vehicles, and now they have a direct bolt-in kit for ’67-69 and ’70-73 Camaros. The kit start at $7,995. Middle right: An exact copy of the factory Ford door latch mechanism for ’32 five-windows, this part from United Pacific Industries is available in either a driver or passenger door configuration. Bottom right: Classic Instruments displayed their new V8 Speedster Series—a six-gauge set has a vintage appearance but are engineered with state-of-the-art mechanisms.  In the New Products section...  In the New Products section of the show, Woody’s Hot Rodz had their new Tri-Five steel body on display (above). Partnered with Real Deal Steel, the company now offers all-new ’55 and ’57 hardtop convertible and sedan bodies. Top right: Heidts has long been a producer of independent rear ends for various vehicles, and now they have a direct bolt-in kit for ’67-69 and ’70-73 Camaros. The kit start at $7,995. Middle right: An exact copy of the factory Ford door latch mechanism for ’32 five-windows, this part from United Pacific Industries is available in either a driver or passenger door configuration. Bottom right: Classic Instruments displayed their new V8 Speedster Series—a six-gauge set has a vintage appearance but are engineered with state-of-the-art mechanisms.  In the New Products section...  In the New Products section of the show, Woody’s Hot Rodz had their new Tri-Five steel body on display (above). Partnered with Real Deal Steel, the company now offers all-new ’55 and ’57 hardtop convertible and sedan bodies. Top right: Heidts has long been a producer of independent rear ends for various vehicles, and now they have a direct bolt-in kit for ’67-69 and ’70-73 Camaros. The kit start at $7,995. Middle right: An exact copy of the factory Ford door latch mechanism for ’32 five-windows, this part from United Pacific Industries is available in either a driver or passenger door configuration. Bottom right: Classic Instruments displayed their new V8 Speedster Series—a six-gauge set has a vintage appearance but are engineered with state-of-the-art mechanisms.  Are trucks your thing? Then...  Are trucks your thing? Then Columbus is a good place to hang out because it seems that trucks from every decade are on the grounds, including Steve Contris’ ’54 Chevy from Hokes Bluff, AL.  There must be something in...  There must be something in the water back in Ohio. Scott Morehouse’s ’51 Olds (left) and Gary Ritchie’s slick-looking ’52 Buick are both from Avon Lake, OH.  Surf’s up! Well, maybe not...  Surf’s up! Well, maybe not in Columbus, but Curtis Newcom has the right idea with his surfboard-equipped ’54 Chevy wagon. We found the car over in the Homebuilt Heaven section of the show, and Newcom says his ride sits on a ’99 S-10 chassis.  Barry Ewing had a lot of explaining...  Barry Ewing had a lot of explaining to do, mostly because he showed up with his highly customized ’33 Ford and people wanted to know what was done. Five different cars were used in the build, including a grille from a Brewster.  Greg Hawk took his ’30 Ford...  Greg Hawk took his ’30 Ford over to the Homebuilt Heaven section of the show, and the questionnaire he filled out says it was built in four months. Well done!  Is it finished? You be the...  Is it finished? You be the judge. Some folks like a car without too much sheen, and we suspect Sege Fidanza from Lockport, NY, is one of them. His ’30 Ford uses a small-block Chevy and a Tremec trans to get around. 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.streetrodder.com.  Barry Cawley, Hardy, Virginia...  Barry Cawley, Hardy, Virginia / 1962 Plymouth panel truck You want different? Barry and Vicky Cawley’s Plymouth was bought by Cawley’s father in 1969 and given to him as a Christmas gift. He drove it through high school and dated his sweetheart, Vicky, in 1972, in it and now they’ve been married for 36 years. The panel now sports a 5.7L Hemi backed to a five-speed and a custom dash.  Eric Brockmeyer, Viera, Florida...  Eric Brockmeyer, Viera, Florida / 1962 Rambler American sedan Big things can come in small packages, which is proved by Eric Brockmeyer’s Rambler. Known for his automotive illustrations, Brockmeyer’s ’bler was built at Matt Link’s Rod Shop in Heath, OH. With an Art Morrison front clip, ’66 GTO seats, and a 354 Chrysler Hemi underhood, this Rambler is like no other you’ve seen.  John Denison, Middletown,...  John Denison, Middletown, Delaware / 1955 Cadillac A mid-’50s Cad is a big car to customize, and John Denison got One Off Rod and Custom in Middletown, DE, to do the work on his ’55, which included an Art Morrison chassis. A big 502 is underhood, while the interior was created by Paul Atkins. One-off Schott wheels are on each corner.  Phil Becker, Dwight, Illinois...  Phil Becker, Dwight, Illinois / 1932 Ford coupe Dave Lane worked his one-man-shop magic on this three-window, which included a 3/4-inch chop and a hood that was pie-cut 3/8 inch. Lots of very subtle modifications followed, including leaning the rear window forward 3/4 inch and curving the gas stank to match the spreader bar, which matches the body line.  Bruce Ricks, Salupa, Oklahoma...  Bruce Ricks, Salupa, Oklahoma / 1956 Ford convertible Nice to see this year’s Ridler winner just out cruising the grounds. A 427 Ford cammer motor is under the pancaked hood and all of the car’s plating is done in nickel. The body is wedge-channeled, the A-pillars leaned, and a custom grille and bumpers added.  Jeff Barry, Lakeridge, Virginia...  Jeff Barry, Lakeridge, Virginia / 1932 Ford roadster Jeff Barry had other wheels on his Flathead-powered Deuce roadster, but the look of the car didn’t really click until he added the Firestone-wrapped artillery wheels. Sitting on a Cornhusker chassis, the roadster also features an oxblood interior and a six-gauge, engine-turned dash insert.  Jack Warren, Millington, Michigan...  Jack Warren, Millington, Michigan / 1929 Ford pickup We can’t believe the work Jack Warren put into his truck. After straightening out a steel cab, he made and pulled molds off of an entire Model A truck and made his out of fiberglass. The bed is ’glass, too, though the grille is the only steel body part. It even has remote doors and power windows.  Derick Samson, Marshall, Missouri...  Derick Samson, Marshall, Missouri / 1951 Chevrolet business coupe Derick Samson was only 12 years old when he got this car, and he learned how to do bodywork on it (obviously to great success!). Now at the ripe old age of 26, he finished his car late last year and it was honored with a Ridler Great 8 award at the 2011 Detroit Autorama. Modified front wheel openings, 18- and 20-inch wheels, and a customized 355 engine round out the mods.  Jeff Eischen, Plain City,...  Jeff Eischen, Plain City, Ohio / 1932 Ford roadster Jeff Eischen has been building one sharp-looking car each year for the past five years (collecting Top 100 awards each time) and he’s done it again with this Deuce. It started with a Moal T-bar chassis and a Brookville body, but he added his own stylish touches throughout.  Greg Giampapa, Natick, Massachusetts...  Greg Giampapa, Natick, Massachusetts / 1936 Ford roadster Driving in from Boston, Greg Giampapa rolled up with his all-steel ’36, which has been modified with a LaSalle grille. Chevy pickup headlights were also used, as was a Mustang II IFS. The interior is awash in red leather, and a Tri-power carb setup tops the 350. Electrical wiring is rated in size by a gauge number. Unlike most things in life, wire size gets bigger as the gauge number decreases. Normal automotive wiring ranges from 18 to 10 gauge in harnessing and 8 to 0 gauge for charging systems and battery cables. In wiring, it’s better to be too big than too small. Radio frequency (RF) noise is like sound to a human. It’s invisible but comes from high voltage devices like an ignition coil or alternator wiring. This noise can make signals for gauges change and signals for your fuel injection sensors change. Always try to keep sensitive wiring away from noise producing devices.
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