Cacklefest’n Nitro Burning 1930 Ford Coupe

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When Canada natives Ken and his partner Frank Bevacqua from Top Ten Hot Rods and Customs build a hot rod, they follow their motto: “Bad Done Good”. That exactly describes their ground pounding, nitro burning, fuel injected, hemi powered, twin McCulloch blown, tube frame 1930 Ford Coupe. Do I have your attention?

Built as Top Ten’s calling card of badness, Frank told me he loves the funny cars and front engine diggers you usually see at the popular cacklefest events, but where are the coupes? At drag races and for the first time at the 2009 LA Roadster Show, cacklefests are awesome. If you’ve never seen and more importantly heard a “cacklefest” then you’re missing out. Imagine 5-20 nitromethane or “fuel” burning beasts from the not-forgotten yester-year of drag racing’s lined up, and lit up, usually at night or just dusk to see the signature yellow flames shooting from the exhaust pipes. You know you’re in the right place when the push cars used are 1960’s vintage too. But that’s another story!

This car’s built for show, but damn it would be fast! Featuring a 1957 392 Hemi with Enderle fuel injection force fed by matching, twin (yea 2 of them!) 1957 McCulloch superchargers modified to run without clutches to feed about 20lbs of boost, EACH… to the 7:1 Hemi. Frank says about 1000hp on gas and maybe 2 large on fuel. All that runs through a Chrysler 4 speed.

The talk of the SoCal Speed Shop’s Friday-before-LA Roadster open house, this car was heard by many. My friends and I all mistook the McCulloch blowers for turbos because of the ear piercing whine they made when Ken romped on the throttle for a grinning and growing crowd of onlookers. Anyone who heard it knew it was not ordinary “rat rod” as it barely idled, popped and whined begging for the nitro that would’ve sent us all gasping for air. Perfect!

Construction on this fuel coupe, while rough-looking at a glance is all professionally done and appears race ready. The Hemi is supported by a custom full tube frame and cage built from cold rolled 20 gauge. A 9 inch trac-loc with 4:11 gears is found out back with a vintage army surplus oxygen tank that looks right at home. Walking from front to back, looking closely you’ll see the full length belly pan and get stopped in your tracks by the wild 22″ wheels up front.

Those 22’s are from a horse drawn International Harvester sickle mower. Highly modified to fit the Ford spindles and motorcycle tires, the Top Ten guys say they might make more. They must have answered, “What are those wheels from” about 10 times a minute! The back wheels are 19-inchers, also from a tractor (of course?!) widened with Ford Centers.

Other cool details? Dig the1947 Canadian Cockshutt grill (yea, another tractor) and the 1936 Oldsmobile accessory steering wheel mounted on the swing away steering column. It’s a tight fit in there and it looks all business.

A great as this car looks with natural rusty patina offset by the polished fuel injection tubes and unmistakable Hemi valve covers, this will be a finished, painted car with chrome and polish enough to be a sure hit at any cacklefest.

I’d link to Top Ten’s website, but I can’t find it! I’ll be emailing Frank and Ken to tell’m about this story and beg them for regular updates. We’re close friends now see… I introduced pinup photographer Mitzi from Mitziandco.com who was there shooting with the lovely pinup model Mimi La Minkz (http://www.myspace.com/Mimilaminkz) and we grabbed a few shots. If I ask Mitzi nicely, maybe I’ll features all of those shots in our pinup picture gallery.

You dig’n this too? Let me know by leaving a comment and be sure to encourage the Top Ten guys to keep feeding us regular updates. Thanks for reading!

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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
11/23/2008

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 4th Gallery of customs pics is up! Swanee, you’ve got to have some to add to this one! Once again, here’s the direct link: Goodguys Scottsdale Pictures – Hot Trucks

The 3rd Gallery of hot truck photos is up! Click on the link here: Goodguys Scottsdale Pictures – Hot Trucks

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 my favorite picture: 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: (almost done!)

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!

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)

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Labor Day on the Coast – 2008 Primer Nationals

Written by: Erock805 (Erick’s Garage) -Primer National Show Pictures also by Erock

Not sure if there’s a better way of spending a Labor Day weekend then in Ventura, California at the Primer Nationals. Why is that you say? Well first of all, Ventura breathes blue collar. Nestled between the grime, glitz and plastic of LA and the pure money and luxury of the uber-rich Santa Barbara lies a little beach town ripe with local color. Ventura has resisted the flow of dough from its northern and southern brethren. Urban sprawl has yet to conquer its pockets of agriculture, manufacturing, and overall laid back attitude. It remains the sleepy beach town, where both free time and surfing are worked into one’s daily schedule. Sure you can find a restrauntuer who supplies the finest wine and a $30 dollar steak or fufu lorange, but I will stick to a great burger, an amazing shake and unrefurbished bowling alley. Old Town Ventura is still a real old down town that has yet to be bombarded with food and clothing chains. Stroll around to a few of the antique shops and you will find everything from an Oscar Meyer Wiener peddle car to a real live working Commodore 64. Not to mention the wife will have a ball spending your money at some of the many clothing boutiques.

While Ventura is kool…the real reason to roll down on one of our few hollowed weekends is the Primer Nationals. The wife and I have been traveling to this event consecutively for three years now and I must say we have yet to be disappointed. The event itself has been around since 2003. The car show spans over both Saturday and Sunday so you can cruise home or heal up on Monday if you want to. Be warned….this event is different than your local weekend cruise and shine. It is far different than the high dollar celebrity Goodguy’s events. The Primer Nationals caters to cars and trucks pre 1965. Further, it maintains its blue jean, status by laying forth the following rules:

• 1965 & Earlier AMERICAN CARS / TRUCKS Only
• No Billet ANYTHING
• No digital dashes
• This is an old school hot rod show NO STREET RODS, FOREIGN CARS OR ART CARS allowed.
• All cars must be driven in.
• All Cars and Bikes that pre-register MUST send a photo with each entry regardless of past attendance.
• No trailored cars allowed. There is no room for RV or Trailer Parking at the Fairgrounds, please make other arrangements before coming.
MOTORCYCLE QUALIFICATIONS
• 1969 and Earlier AMERICAN and BRITISH motorcycles only. ABSOLUTELY NO EVO HEADS will be admitted
While the rules look strict…the show is laid back in typical Ventura flair. Your wheels don’t have to be perfect. Bring what you’ve got as long as it’s cool and fits in. Although I didn’t count, I heard there were as many as 1,200 cars. Every year it seems to get bigger. As you can see there is everything from home built customs to period perfect coupes. Saturday has the largest turnout of cars, but Sunday has its merits.

Bring some dough to the Primer Nationals. Unique gifts and art that you can’t pick up in your local strip mall is plentiful from an assortment of wild vendors. This year I picked up a tiki mug, two vintage shirts, and signed and numbered prints from Weesner and Max Grundy (you can also look at Max’s car art garage). Live bands playing the best of surf rock, punk and rockabilly help the beer go down and jump start the creative juices. Something about the light, ocean air, sun, cars and environment gets you jonezin to get back in the garage and build your dreams.

Even as the show winds down on Saturday, you know the fun doesn’t stop there. The wife and I felt the best way to finish our blue collar day was to grab a quick burger and shake at the Habit then head on over past the show grounds to the Seaside Park dirt track (http://www.venturaraceway.com/) and catch the roundy-rounds. On Saturday night of the Primer Nationals, Ventura Raceway hosts modifieds, midgets and dwarfs on a little dirt track on Seaside Beach. Bring your jacket; the nights cool down even though the racing gets heated.

If you only desire true luxury, frilly sheets, and polished billet wheels, this may not be the event for you…yet, if love all that is old and traditional with a side of funk, and you feel that Miller High Life is truly the champagne of beers, you owe it to yourself to take in the sun, sea mist and amazing cars on Labor Day weekend in Ventura.

If these are the kind of cars you’re into, then head over to the MyRideisMe.com car picture gallery. Erock took some great pictures and was kind enough to donate those to MyRideisMe.com. Check it out! Primer National Show Pictures

The other side of the LA Roadster Show

The LA Roadster Show is one of the MUST shows of the year, at least for me. The Pomona Fairplex gets another sweet show too, the Grand National Roadster Show. (let’s not forget 2 NHRA events!) It’s no wonder, about a ka-jillion hot rodders and custom car builders are in the greater LA area.

The LA Roadster Show is put on by, you guessed it, the LA Roadster Car Club. Founded in 1957, this is the 44th annual show.

I posted some pics of the LA Roadster Show, but only of the show itself. Here’s those pics (Click HERE). Sorry, they’re not my best effort. Camera broke, I’m not so talented behind it anways, ’nuff said! I also got some from the So-Cal show (Click HERE).

So before next year’s show, I better show you what I found outside the show; in the swap and in the show lot, I call it. That’s where I found this hot little sedan. This is my favorite picture from the show. (if the owner wants it, you can have it free, just email me.)

One thing that’s true at all the LA Roadster shows is the legends walking around. This year, I had camera ready to shoot two Gods of the Hot Rod and Custom world. 2008 Builder of the Year Gene Winfield and “The King of Kustomizers” George Barris. Both of these guys have cool books out about they’ve done in their lives, but like most car people you meet, they were super nice and willing to chat for a while, no matter how busy they were. I’m trying to work a deal with Jared Barris, George’s grandson, to blog about the build of his first hot rod here at MyRideisMe.com. I don’t suppose anyone’s interested in that?

In the main show, only roadster (duh!) and finished, shiny-painted cars are allowed. Outside the show is a cooler-than-a-Toys-R-us swap of hot rod and go-fast goodies. Bring cash. This show is known to have the hard to find and you got it! Expensive parts. Most people agreed though, the swap was busy, but not much buying going on. Hard to say, but we did see alot of people walking around with empty Radio Flyer wagons and empty hands. I got a new steering wheel for my car and a COOL print for the office. Hey, It was father’s day! The print was from James Owens at Car Noir. This is the print.

Here’s the stuff I found. This old school funny car was too cool. I want one. I sensed this one has a nice history too. Anyone know about it? If you’ve never found this site, I dig it. Trouble is, you’ll be there for a while! 70’s Funny Cars

Then I made a few friends from down in Tucson. Rick Sipes owns this NASTY Austin gasser in the works. He had a bunch of tall injectors for sale too. Injection or blown, you know that story. Then there’s Payola, a super modified built in 1959. I lost the owner’s card! I want to do a feature story on this car.

After cruising the swap meet (for the 3rd time!) I had to hit the car corral, if you want to call it that. I guess almost every car’s for sale, but most of these weren’t. Same as last year, I wowed at more cars outside the show then in. Don’t get me wrong, the LA Roadster’s show is the cream of the crop, but I guess I like a wider variety and rods that might be a little rough around the edges. How about you?

MyRideisMe.com teamed with Dub Wheels Pimpstar

In addition to the sleek new set of 26×10″ wheels and tires from Dubs, I’ll also be installing a new LT1 fuel injected crate motor to replace the pinto power!

Check out these new rims! (They make spinners look like 13″Centerlines!) Gonna be ROLLIN baby!!

go back
Oh, and APRIL FOOLS! (did I get’cha? Please leave a comment)
(MyRideisMe.com is not receiving advertising money from Dubs, I just thought this was outrageous and a good prank for April 1…)

Cruise’n on Main St. – March 2008

For more information on the November 8th, 2008 Memories on Main Street cruise, go to the Mainstreet Garage.

While most parts of the US are still half frozen, Mesa, Arizona launches the first big cruise of the year (and first minor sunburn). Brought to us as, “POP’s Memories on Main Street” by the Prostate Checkup All Sports Foundation, it was a good time had by all and we had near perfect weather for it.

Cruising between Country Club and Mesa drive with parking on Main Street and in the several nearby city lots, for the $5 per car donation, I think everyone had a place. I was expecting a few more cars, but there was no lack of quality. Main street was lined with lawn chaired folks cheering for the next guy to, “light’m up!” I’m pretty sure Mesa PD did just that cause most burning rubber was followed closely by howling sirens. For the most part though, I think every had a good time enjoying their cars and making new friends. I know I did.

Here are a few of the cars I especially liked. Most of the pics I took are in the MyRideisMe.com picture gallery. CLICK HERE to visit the Main Street Cruise gallery. I’ll be featuring a few of these rides. If anyone sees there car and wants the high resolution image, let us know.

First off is my man Mike’s newly finished (or the first time I’ve seen it) 2 door Comet Wagon. This smooth cruiser is the cousin of the Falcon wagon and rare to find, especially in this condition. I’m a sucker for wagons. Mike’s also got a garage here at MyRideisme.com. I’ll be loading the other pics I took of this wagon soon. Click here to visit Mike’s garage.

(Click on any image to see it full size)

Sticking with the wagons theme then, dig this one. I was lucky to meet the owners and hear their touching story. This will definitely be a feature story since it hits so close to home for me. How many people got into hot rodding or car building because of their Pops? Don’t let the badges fool you. This 2 door Chevelle wagon sports a big block and a 5 speed! They’re new members of MyRideisMe.com too! Click here to visit their garage.

Next up is a SUPER rare Boss 351 Mustang owned by Craig Fackler. He bought this car new in 1971, then sold it and was able to buy it back! Guess what? He’s keeping it now! I’ll be featuring this Mustang too.

I see this 1956Buick Special all over town and I love it every time. Ed finally gave in and joined MyRideisMe.com too. I wheeled this baby out into the open to take a few pics for Ed. This car’s smooth from every angle so even “Shakey” here can get a good shot! I’ve got more pics Ed! Click here to visit Ed’s garage.

Last but not least, I want to share a few more pictures of Corporal Foster’s newly redone Camaro. He was out proudly cruising his new ride with Lance Baker from the 1st Generation Camaro club near by. That Viper blue paint they used really pops in the sun. If you didn’t get a chance to read the heart warming story of this car and the soldier it was built for, CLICK HERE to read the story.

Obviously, there were more than 5 cars there so here’s some thumbnails of my favorite pics. Remember, all of the pics I took are located in the Gallery. CLICK HERE to see the complete gallery.

While you’re here, please take a look at our other blogs and join MyRideisMe.com. It’s all FREE! Thanks for having a look and spreading the word!

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World of Wheels: Have you met Jimmy?

Thanks to Autorama, MyRideisMe.com was able to attend the World of Wheels show, take a ton of pictures (coming soon, right Paul?) and give away 10 tickets to the show. A great deal for everyone. I’m going to save comments on the show for another blog.

Right now, I just want to say how great it was to meet one of the guys who inspire me when building my cars, Jimmy Shine. If you think you’re into the hot rod and custom bike scene, but you don’t know Jimmy Shine, then maybe you ain’t. If you want to know more, check out this bio (Click HERE) written by Pete Chapouris, President of the SO-CAL Speed Shop (and I guess Jimmy’s boss). That bio must be kinda old though cause it doesn’t mention the TV show Pete and Jimmy did for TLC called, “Hard Shine”. That show’s where I learned more about what Jimmy Shine’s been up to and the way he builds. I saw a self made guy that’s worked his ass off to get where he is now that’s totally into the hobby. He’s living the dream so many of us have.

Before I go on, the show was not without fault. In a reality-TV type setting, So-Cal was determined to find their next fabricator from a group of 5 trainees. In that process, Jimmy put up with what I’ll call, “That chick” for FAR too long and that distracted from the show. There should be a standing rule for the next season, if you cry, you’re gone – Drama queen’s need not apply. Also, Dave, the guy who won the job, was clearly the best for the job. Dave’s project car for the show was just SICK!

So Jimmy looked like a cool guy on the show, but how about in person? Jimmy’s appearance at the World of Wheels let me find out. Truth is, he’s even nicer than I thought. There wasn’t much of a line to meet him cause the Dads who brought their daughters were looking for the dude from Hannah Montana! But either way, Jimmy spent time talking with everyone, answering questions and personalizing every card he signed. I expected some arrogance, but couldn’t find any and felt Jimmy was genuinely bummed that most people asked him, “How’d you put up with ‘that chick’?” instead of, “What angle did you set the axle at in your 34?” Drama, not building. Like I said, he’s totally living our hobby.

I got this picture with Jimmy Shine and it’ll go up with my picture of Chip Foose, another guy it’s easy to take inspiration from.

Did YOU get to meet Jimmy Shine? Any feedback on his show?

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Finally Assembled! Pinto baby!

I’m not sure when I started working on this project, but it was at least 4 years ago. I wanted to build a trick intake setup for my Pinto Powered Roadster called Bonnie. Bonnie’s always turned heads, even parked next to MUCH higher dollar rods. I have to admit that I like that. The intake design is from a tech article I read from the Inglese website. It explains why individual runner intakes and weber carbs are the hot setup.

Now, with the new intake finally on, I’m gonna get more people asking, “What engine is that?”

So here’s where I left off… the last thing to do was weld the flange that would hold the throttle cable:

My Friend Aaron welded everything up for me. It came out nice, then I took it to the sand blast cabinet. After, it looked like cast aluminum, but it weighs less than 3 lbs. These are the before and after blasting shots.

Then finally, here’s what it looks like all mounted up. I can’t wait to spend hours trying to tune this thing!

But, I’m gonna wait to fire it up cause I’m also putting a new header on! This thing is gonna be nasty!

If you have a build you want to show on the front page, get in touch with us! Pikesan or Napalm. We’d be happy to feature your ride! Get building!

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Gearing up for Scottsdale Goodguys Show

Some how while trying to make this website and taking care of my family, I’m also working on my Pinto Powered 27 Ford Roadster, “Bonnie”. I thought I’d update everyone on the progress. I’m doing this so that all of the 230 users of My Ride is Me will do the same! We’re talking to our web designer about how to show EVERYONE’s blogs all in one place. That way, we can all keep up with what’s new.

First off, here’s the car… if you haven’t seen it yet, I haven’t done enough self promotion! (hardly possible) This is what it looked like before the 2006 Goodguy’s show.

That red paint you see on the header is GONE (as soon as it got hot!) and the car hasn’t been that clean since! Plus, the paint (primer really) had faded here and there unevenly, so here’s what I’m trying to finish before the show:

1) Custom dual Weber 44 IDF carbs. Here’s a few pics:

The idea here is best said by the guys at Inglese: Weber-carbureted engine to idle smoother, have a slicker “feel” to it a low speeds (particularly if a hot camshaft prevented that feeling before), and generally feel much more powerful throughout the entire rpm range. This is largely because they use an independent-runner manifold, which does not incorporate a plenum. In a typical four two-barrel Weber layout, there is one barrel directly feeding each cylinder without any intercommunication between barrels or cylinders. This totally “isolated runner” design ensures that each cylinder is fed exactly the same as the next, without any chance of charge-robbing or over-feeding. I’m trying to grab some low-rpm torque, so the runners I’m using are longer. We’ll see how that works out!

2) Fix the floor (in prep for an interior that probably won’t make the show) This is pretty straight forward. I’m cutting out the 1/4″ thick ‘freakin’ PIPE that the previous owner put in for a driveshaft hump. I don’t need that much room for the driveshaft, so I’m taking it down and prettying it up some.

3) Redo the header (so that it doesn’t hit the body!) to get a little more performance from the engine. In addition to the intake and cam, I’m trying to squeeze some more Torque from this motor. The header tubes should be small enough diameter to keep good exhaust gas velocity at lower rpm, and have a longer primary runner. The header that’s on there now looks cool, but it does nothing for performance. I’ll have to take some more pictures to show my plan for that one.

I’ll post more pictures when I make some progress… that’ll have to be soon or it’ll look exactly the same as last year! *not gonna happen!*

See you at the show. Here’s some info, in case you need it, from the Goodguys web page. MyRideisMe.com will be there and we’ll be taking a TON of pictures!

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