Comments on: 2010 Detroit Autorama: Hot rods, customs, and Ridler contenders oh my!

By: John Gillan

John Gillan — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:41:23 +0000

Just want to toss in my 2 cents worth.

All the Great 8 are noteworthy. But they don’t fit my personal (late 50′s) idea of
“hot rod” that I picked up by reading the “little mags” and by passing the 13/16″- deep-socket-on-a short-extension to my more involved friends.

I spent my working life in design (architecture) . To me it seems that the hot rod world is commited to a formalistic circular march. We’re seeing the same thing
over and over and over, although done a bit better than the last time. Where are the big, fresh, break-out IDEAS? Ridler cars are often “perfect”, but almost always stale.

By: Sata Spray Guns and Airbrush - Best Displays at SEMA 2010 | MyRideisMe.com

Sata Spray Guns and Airbrush - Best Displays at SEMA 2010 | MyRideisMe.com — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:25:25 +0000

[...] burns those skinny rears has to do with it’s nickname, “Lightning Rod”. With two Ridler Awards to his credit and one America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Awards, Ken’s a builder to know [...]

By: 1959 “Custom Restoration” Cadillac | MyRideisMe.com

1959 “Custom Restoration” Cadillac | MyRideisMe.com — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 05:17:21 +0000

[...] – the Caddy’s been on the show scene. After taking 2nd place, unfinished, at the 2009 Detroit Autorama, 1st place was awarded at the Grand National Roadster Show (where we saw it) and again later at the [...]

By: Jerian

Jerian — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:50:20 +0000

hey trae its jon watts. Thanks for the comment. There was alot of really nice cars there this year. Maybe we’ll have better luck with the next build.

thanks again, Jon

By: vanmachineman

vanmachineman — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:46:38 +0000

Wow Those pictures are Awesome Keep up the Great work.These cars are Nice.

By: RON

RON — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:36:07 +0000

After seeing all of the Ridler cars, I believe that the grille on the Packard is as perfect a fit as it can be. It has the influence of the era when this type of car was originally designed. No matter who designed the grille, someone would not like it! This car is, as is the Dodge, hand-built from METAL! I believe that the Gold Digger is fibreglass……MUCH easier to work with than hand-formed metal. I’m not saying that the Gold Digger shouldn’t have won the award, as the judges do what they have to do, and it won….congratulations to the owner!
The designs on the Packard, and the Dodge, are exceptional from all angles….and using the Packard engine is a plus! Unfortunately, at ANY large car show, you’ll find cars that a lot of people find fault with the winner….and the judging. I’ve been around car shows, and built many cars, for over 55 years, and personally, I enjoy the work that goes into all the contestants for the bigger awards…not always agreeing with the winning picks, but always appreciating the workmanship in all the cars!

By: pikesan

pikesan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:43:04 +0000

Thanks for that insight Dave! Get’n the family and friends together for a project is what it’s all about!

By: Dave Keck

Dave Keck — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:14:57 +0000

I’m the 37 chevy owners’ son, and I was also in Detroit rooting for the 37 chevy. I have to admit, I loved the Gold Digger… incredible car! In terms of the couple from Iowa, dad did a lot of work on the car himself and mom also assisted with all kinds of tasks. Mom isn’t a designer but knows what she likes in her street rod and was instrumental in the direction of the design. Many of the guys who worked on this street rod are local to the Dubuque land area and surrounding cities. Great job to all the guys who lent their expertise in creating an awesome final product. There were many nights guys were working in dad’s basement bringing that gem to completion! A great tribute to hard work and dedication and putting ones own blood and sweat into their dream. No telling how many bandaids dad went through on this project. Good job mom and dad for staying with it, and making the Great 8 for a second time in 7 years. Your friends and family are proud of those accomplishments. In terms of the field of 8… what great cars…I loved them all… Great job to Tammy and her crew for being selected the winner… the car is a beauty.

By: Randy

Randy — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:01:15 +0000

I “was” at the Ridler along with my whole family (for 5 days), if you enjoy cars save up and go, it’s good family time!!. All the “Great 8″ vehicles along with several others were as the term states “Great” but even better was the fact that all the owners and builders were very personal. We went to support the Keck family (good friends) from Dubuque, IA., both this year and when they entered their 41 Willy’s Truck in 2004, both great 8 vehicles. If you want to talk about a garage build their 37 Chevy is the vehicle you need to be discussing, my son and I even helped on it a little, during hunting season we slept in the room next to it. No bad considering we live south of the Mason Dixon Line and they live in IA. Any way the show was great fun and all the builders and owners were super!! Congrats to Tammy Ray on the beautiful car!!

By: mike blue

mike blue — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:36:12 +0000

Bling is Back ! Thanks to the Riddler entries for bringing a taste of “old school” hot rodding back.