2008 Goodguys Scottsdale - Photo Upload

The first of many, MANY photos from the 2008 Goodguys Southwest Nationals held in Scottsdale, Arizona just went up. (You can find all the events we’ve shot here: Hot Rod and Custom car Pictures)

…it’s just like being there, but without all of that pesky good weather, fine folks and healthy walking around stuff. Come to think of it, all of that sounds pretty good, huh? That’s the whole point of MyRideIsMe.com: Interacting with other members, making new friends, and just enjoying cars! If you missed this one, we invite you to check out our shots, as well as our member’s photos, too… and if you snapped some that we missed, feel free to join in and post them as well! Have some thoughts or a story from the weekend that you’d like to share? Send it our way, and we’ll make you famous!”

This blog will be updated as I load new pictures, so check back here over the next couple of weeks.
Updated: 11/19/2008

Goodguys Rod and Custom shows have a mix of cars. While I was there, I thought there were mostly hot rods, but looking over my photos, I shot alot of muscle cars, and G-touring type cars too. I’m calling all those cars, Street Machines. I held a brief but meaningful internal debate about that and finally decided that if there’s some opposition to that naming convention, then you’re welcome to make your own website! Ha ha!! What would you call’m?

The 2nd Gallery of hot rod photos is up! Click on the link or wander over to the Car show picture gallery Here’s that link and one of my favorite pictures: Goodguys Scottsdale Pictures - Hot Rods

Here’s a link to the 1st gallery and one of my favorite pictures. Goodguys Scottsdale Pictures - Street Machines (Click on the pic to make it larger)

Next to come:

Hot rod Photo Gallery

Custom Car Photo Gallery

Pro’s Details Photos (shots of some of the super trick ideas from big time builders)

MyRideisMe.com Favorite Photos

What else should I do?

OH! Then there’ll be a bunch of photos from Swanee. I’m sure he’ll make my shot’s look crappy, like usual… Look for his logo on the prints and get in touch with him through his MyRideisMe.com Garage here: Custom car pics

While you’re here, stop saying, “Hey, that’s a good idea for a website!” and join already!

2008 Goodguys Scottsdale - Just a teaser…

If you’re a Cali hot rodder or maybe even a Texan heavy into nose up A/FX drag cars, then you probably missed the 2008 Goodguys Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, AZ. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! The dedicated staff of MyRideisMe.com (Paul Swansen, Erick Anderson and myself) took over 1000 pictures. This is just a taste of the photos and stories coming out soon at MyRideisMe.com. Please check back for updates!

While you’re here, take a second to join. I’ll shoot over a notice when the new stories and photos are ready.

(click on any of these pics to see them full size. It’s Vivazoom!)

Interested? Which story should I do first? So tell a friend and check back. We’ll try to put these stories up asap. Thanks!

Party with the Arizona Sinners

I only heard it was a “Rat Rod” car show in Phoenix. My roadster’s a rat rod, whatever that means anymore, so I figured I’d fit in. Later I found out the party was hosted by my online friend Cadillac Cowboy (Bob) and his buddies from the Arizona Sinners. Bob’s got a few pics of his nasty Blown 427 Model T in his garage here at MyRideisMe.com.

The Arizona Sinners I’ve met have been easy going and die hard car guys. They build what the drive and they drive’m hard. One sinner at the party, Jerry, introduced me to the HAMB message board way back in 2002. If you want to find Jerry, look for his Hawaiian/Vintage style shirt at just about any swap meet in AZ. He’ll be there carrying a handful of vintage tools and an old gauge or two. He’s one of those guys that’s always there early then stays late to get the deals. I also think he’d drive his old Chevy truck (old cause he likes it that way!) across Arizona uphill both ways to help a friend.

It was cool to meet Bob face to face and check out his new shop. At 11th Ave and Grand, he’s right in the heart of Phoenix’s Art Walk. Building vintage style cars or motorcycles might not be art to everyone, but it is to Bob and his shop’s got room to grow and big plans. We’ll stop back buy when he’s had time to (clean up from the party!) get things organized. The Rockabilly style bands were jamming in what will soon be a custom showcase for finished cars and bikes, pinstriping and pinup art. Stop by yourself and have a look!

Until then, enjoy a few pictures taken by my man Paul Swansen. I think he enjoys sharing alot of pictures at MyRideisMe.com (he’s made several car show picture galleries) cause it makes my photos look like crap. That’s cool with me as long as he keeps sharing! To get a high res copy of any shot shown below, get in touch with Paul from his car show garage that’s stuffed with his original photos.

If this is your car, feel free to Join us here… and leave a comment!. Of course sarcastic or intentionally humorous and light hearted comments are strictly prohibited. (so don’t even try it)

Email this to a buddy with the “Share This” link below.

Bonnie gets an Interior! Choose which one!

I’ve written before that the new friends I’ve made after starting MyRideisMe.com are so much better then the friends I used to have. Wait, no… I mean… I’ve met some great people.

One of those outstanding new friends is Jimmy Smith from Jimmy’s Hot Rod Design. I called Jimmy to see if he could give some advice for the interior of my 1927 Ford Modified, “Bonnie”. I’ve owned the car for (god has it been that long?!) over 7 years and I’ve never put an interior in. I’ve got buy with a foam pad and recently a crappy seat I made myself. I’ve also had to put up with the, “You gonna put an interior in that thing?” questions. Well yea, finally I am. That’s where you come in.

When I asked Jimmy for advice, I was hoping for reference pics or maybe some color ideas or even a magazine or two to check out. Jimmy’s another guy who routinely flushes more hot rod history and knowledge then most folks, probably including me. That’s why he does work for several well known hot rod shops like Squeeg’s Kustoms and Pinkee’s Hot Rod shop.

Just because he’s cool, Jimmy did alot more. He threw down these sketches, along with the overall concept sketch. He didn’t have to, but he got in a groove and followed it. I think you’ll agree, the concept is right on.  He nailed everything I wanted:  The new oval tank placement (he even drew it laying down!) the unpainted hood with the leather straps and my new wheels and tires.

Jimmy then went way beyond my expectations with 3 interior ideas.  I like them all, but now, I’ve got to choose one! What do you think? I have my favorite, but I want consensus. In honor of the upcoming election.

It’s time to vote.

Interior concept A:

Interior concept B:

Interior concept C:

So choose! A, B or C? You can also mix and match… such as Interior A with panel B.

By the way, dig the cool tonneau Jimmy drew in and also, just to blow your mind, dig the dash panel he thought up. It’s a custom piece, but I need this.

So get to voting and do it quick! I want to have the interior done for the Scottsdale Goodguys show here in November. I’ve only got a few weeks!

And if you want to get ahead on your project concept, get in touch with Jimmy Smith from Jimmy’s Hot Rod Design. In just a few days you can be scratching your head with a tough decision to make!

Run to the Pines -25th Anniversary Pictures

Run to the Pines - 2008

By our friend Devin Squire
(Devin’s all Ford Garage)

The weekend of Sept. 26th, 27th, & 28th, was the 25th anniversary of the “Run to the Pines” car show in Pinetop, AZ. My wife & I have been going to this show for at least 15 of those years. It’s a great weekend getaway in the cool pines of Pinetop – Lakeside, AZ.
The show is limited to 550 cars, of pre 1973 vintage, and it always gets sold out. If you don’t get your registrations in early, you might not get in, and there is always a waiting list in case of any cancellations. This year, the show sold out in only four weeks! Hotels, Motels, & Cabins in the area are the same story…get your reservations in early. Before we caught on, we had to get rooms in Showlow, which is about 15 to 20 miles away.
This show is part of the Pinetop-Lakeside’s “Fall Festival”, which brings in a lot of people, as well. Some folks love all the “arts & crafts”stuff, and it gives the ladies something else to do, if they get bored with the car show, (like a couple of friends we know).

There are two people who are the main characters that started this great little show, and that’s Bob & Linda Gates. Since the beginning, these two have put their heart and soul into this show. Of course they can’t do it alone. They have a lot of help from other club members and volunteers. Funds from this show are donated to various local nonprofit organizations & charities. The “Run to the Pines” show, has cars that come from all over Arizona, as well as some from New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. The show is held on the grass, out on the driving range at the local golf course, the “Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club”.

Things get rolling on Friday afternoon, where a cavalcade of the cars “Parade” from Showlow, through Pinetop-Lakeside, to the Hon-Dah Resort & Casino for a pre show barbeque. The main show is Saturday, and then Sunday is when they auction off prizes, give away some prizes and the trophies are given out.

We had a great time this year, even though we did get some rain on Saturday. The field was full with lots of cool cars, trucks & even a couple of old tractors. There were some folks that brought out some old vintage engines that were chugging along all weekend. They even had one churning out some homemade ice cream, but I didn’t get to sample any…….bummer.

If you’ve never been to this show, it’s one you should definitely check out. It’s usually around the last weekend in September, so make your plans now.

They can always use donations of products or services that are auctioned off during the show. (Remember, funds go to local charities)

For any questions or info, you can contact Bob at rgates@frontiernet.net.,
or the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce at -
www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com.
Here are some photos from this year’s show, to give you an idea of what you missed.

World’s First: 3D custom car illustration

You saw it here first. My man Brian Stupski from Problem Child Kustoms took an already slick illustration of a slammed down 1953 Ford and went 3D! Three Dimensions!

Click on the image to make it full size, then pull out your red and blue 3D glasses and have a look.

Too cool and perfect timing for October spooky-ness. I keep waiting for Frankenstein (no, not my ex-wife) or the Wolfman to jump out from behind a tree.

Brian told me he’s working on another 3D image to go with this one. It’s one thing to spin out the slick and highly detailed hot rod designs, but breaking the mold like this is truly something to watch for.

Keep tabs on PCK Studio and his innovative style at Problemchildkustoms.com

PCK’s Shine-Runner - Dream Car in Rod & Custom

Friends sometimes make it easy on ya. Here’s one of those times. Dig this MyRideisMe.com” target=”_blank”>hot rod art from Brian Stupski, my buddy from G-town (Gilbert, Arizona, but it’s really not that hip).

I’ve said before that making new friends in the hot rod and custom world is one of the coolest parts of making and running MyRideisMe.com. Brian from Problem Child Kustoms Studio is tops on the cool list of new friends.

Never mind that Brian’s crapped out more knowledge about cars, especially historically significant hot rods and customs, then I have to this day, but on top of that, the man’s got skills! Skill in design. You don’t simply get a “pretty picture” you get a design, the whole DESIGN! Want to know the part number of the Air Ride setup you’ll need? He’s got it. Want to know the offset of those new 18’s and 19’s you’ll be running? He knows. That’s the detail you get when hooking up with a professional designer.

So check out the December 2008 issue of Rod and Custom, page 8-9. That’s Brian’s Shine-Runner 500. That came out of his head and was done for the mag. Somebody should build that!

It’s a 1953 Ford with all the right mods running a 427 Cammer motor.

Case in point about Brian’s wisdom (or maybe sickness?): The big 427 sports a Potvin blower. What’s a Potvin blower? AND… where the hell did you get the idea to stick it out the front grill opening?

(I had to check… here’s some info about front mount Potvin Blowers over at the Metalshapers Association.)

Thanks for all the support Brian! (check out more killer hot rod drawings and illustrations in Brian’s garage at MyRideisMe.com)

Church of Hot Rod II - Congregation’s Growing!

Ah brothers… It was another fine couple-o-Sundays. Cool morning air and hot coffee strong enough to peel paint off our vintage rides. After notifying a few people at the Chandler/Gilbert Community college car show, I expected there to be a few more members. I’ve also been fulfilling my duties as an elder in the church by notifying RoddinandRacinTV.com and cruisinarizona.com.

If you’re looking for a great excuse to get out of bed and meet some fellow rod and custom car enthusiast over on the East side of town on Sundays, please come on over.

Time and Place: Every Sunday morning at 7 AM over at the Starbucks in downtown Chandler. The address is: 1 San Marcos Place, just west of Arizona Ave, south of Chandler Blvd. We’re kinda hard to miss, just look for the Hot rods! Can I hear an AMEN?

For winter (yea right, it’s still in the 80s in November!) we’re meeting at 8:00AM.  Feel free to email if you want to make sure we’re meeting: churchofhotrod @ myrideisme.com

(Click on the pics to see’m full size)

2008 Route 66 Car show, Flagstaff, Arizona

Written by AZAmber (Amber’s Nash Metropolitan “MetroSxl“)

There’s nothing better than saying goodbye to the Phoenix heat and heading up to the pines to look at some cool rides. The 2008 Route 66 Car show was held Sept 5-7 in downtown Flagstaff, and I have to say, this historic town was a great backdrop to showcase some 375+ cars. Amongst the crowd were many of the cars you would expect to see, like the old Bel-Aires and T-Birds, but a few unusual rides made quite an impression as they lined the streets in front of antique shops and mom and pop delis. There was also a smattering of “tricked out” newer PT Cruisers and the members from a Corvette Club on hand to look at. In a grassy patch in the center of the town square, a few food and souvenirs vendor stands were set up and a DJ from a local radio station played oldies while some fresh squeezed lemonade topped off the day. According to the program, the weekend was full of activities for car enthusiasts. All in all, it was a great way to beat the heat and a nice way to enjoy some exceptional automobiles.

Here’s the pics Amber took from the show.

Church of Hot Rod - Sunday Cruise

Whatever you do on Sunday, it’s always a great to meet friends and go for a drive. We’re pushing it here in Chandler, Arizona cause it’s still damn hot, even at 8 AM in the morning.
This was a special Sunday cause our better halves joined the normal Sunday coffee run and we made it a breakfast cruise over to the Good Egg near Chandler Heights and Alma School. We had some special occasions to celebrate too.

Bonnie, my hot rod, was celebrating the repair of a CRACKED FRAME, found, luckily while the car was parked in my garage. Doug from Squeeg’s Kustom, helped me fix the crack on Saturday and make today’s breakfast 5 roadsters strong. More on that later. (of course I took pictures!) I celebrated the cruise-in by putting a new red rag on the oil breather. (nothin but the Sunday’s best!) My lovely wife Miyuki also joined in and let me comb her hair at 50 ripping down the road. (I was the only topless roadster)

Then, Sammy was celebrating the purchase of his roadster. Its an all steel 29 roadster that’s sits just right and has many very well done finishing touches, like the polished quick change rear axle out back. Sammy and his wife Cassie cruised in from Mesa to join us.

Be sure that women cruise too. Melissa, Doug’s wife and co-founder of the brand, Hot Brods custom hot rod apparel for women, cruised her own flawless black deuce roadster.

Finally, Tony and his wife Andrea made the trip in their killer orange deuce show here with Sammy’s new ride.

Good friends, good breakfast and a perfect excuse to stretch the road legs. I loaded the best of the pics I took into a MyRideisMe.com gallery. Check out the pics from the Church of Hot Rod here.

UPDATE: 9-13-08: Want to join in? Sunday morning at 7 AM over at the Starbucks in downtown Chandler. The address is: 1 San Marcos Place” just off Arizona Ave, south of Chandler Blvd. Or, just look for the Hot rods!

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