2011 Mild to Wild Car Show Kicks off the Northwest Season

Mild to Wild Car Show , Puyallup,WA.
We don’t have the weather like California , so when we have a custom car show this early in the year is kinda of a bonus!

The Mild to Wild Car Show has been around for 20 years and recently return to the Puyallup Fair and Events Center after many years at the Tacoma Dome. The was actually the car show’s original starting location back in 1989. This year it was inside three of the buildings at the Fair grounds, unlike the Gooduys Show that takes over the inside and outside of the complex. Not a real big show, but had some really cool customs from the northwest.

Check out this Gold 1932 Ford 3 Window coupe wtih a Chevrolet 572, From Ravensdale, Washington.

Here is some real history “The Orange Crate” 1932 Ford Sedan all steel, Built by Bob Tindle from Portland,Oregon. It made the cover of Hot Rod two times 1960 and again in 1962.

In 1963 the Revell Company created a 1/25th scale model of the sedan. Which you can still buy, they released it.

It would turn 10.60 in the quarter mile back in the day. It is now owned by the Gord Family.

Look at this engine , just a work of art. It’s only time ,money and a lot of hard work. Now I wonder where I can get my own model kit of this car?

Here is a cool flame job on a 1941 Willys .

A nice vintage looking 1933 Plymouth coupe , 2 inch chopped top and channeled 6 inches. 1955 Chrysler powered, 833 4 speed with a 8 inch ford rear. Custom made 1937 Ford Truck grill to finish it off. Built and owned by John and Linda Dixon.

I’m a really big fan of skulls, and I thought this was really cool. Created by Josh Jones.

This 1969 Plymouth GTX is a real 70′s show car. “Daze of Wine and Roses” was originally shown under the name of THE ROSE.

The car’s first show was in Seattle in 1973.  From 1973-1983 THE ROSE (gold in color) was shown across the US and featured in Oakland in 1980,1981 and 1982.

The last show was Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1983.

THE ROSE retired as the 16th highest rated car in ISCA events.

Ok… now we can have a drink.

Jake

 

Idaho Invades Cali for America’s Most Bitch’n Roadster

1923 Hot Rod T

At the best hot rod and custom car shows like the Grand National Roadster Show there’s always car instantly identify with and of course, cars that totally miss. For example, car-covering murals of dragons done in florescent green on a black base ain’t my thing. Lucky for me, it didn’t take long to find my car. (Click any picture for full size)

On the first day of the show, right through the side doors of the main hall where I set out for my first look at the 12 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster contenders… there sat Russ Freund’s “Takeout T”. At first I was shocked. Is that purple? Can it be? Yes. Knowing the 12 AMBR cars are the best of the best roadsters at Grand National, I knew I’d found this year’s “America’s Most Bitch’n Roadster”. When’s the last time you heard someone say a light purple car is Bitch’n?

Is there another AMBR award? No, not officially! I made it up for the sick-of-sick roadster called, “Double Trouble” back in 2009. Here’s the blown, Ardun head 32 Roadster built by Hot Rod Garage. I saw that car sell for just about what the owner paid for the chrome work at Barrett Jackson the next year, but that’s another story!

I talked with Russ at the show to find out why this car and what’s a dude from Idaho doing at California’s top hot rod show? That’s when I learned the great story of this build… it was friends helping friends and members from “The Inland Emperors” who build a car that literally cost a fraction of other AMBR contenders.

Several years ago, while working in his very first hot rod, a 1931 Phaeton, Russ got the idea to take a bunch of T parts he had and make it into a rat rod. Nothing special, just something to mess with… why not? Most of what he needed, he already had. After piecing together a rolling T, he ran into what might be a hot rodder’s most common problem: Not enough garage space. To clear room for the ’31′s new chassis, he needed a new home for the ’23.

A buddy offered to store the car, so half jokingly, Russ said, “Just give me some money and I won’t pick it up.” A deal was made and the car was outa the garage.

Three years later… the T had just sat. No work had been done, so Russ offered to buy it back as part of a three-way deal with another club member. The T came home and plans were made for a nice, driver-quality hot rod… nothing special, just a good car to sell for cash to finance another project. But after staring at the steel bodied ’23 for a little while, then placing the chrome front axle setup in front of it…happened! An AMBR was born (the b’s for bitch’n). Here’s a few pics from the build.

Selling some parts then trading others Russ wheel’d and deal’d his way to all the parts you see hear. Along the way club members, friends and locals helped where they could in exchange for cold malty beverages, favors and parts they needed to finish their own projects.

Russ Freund, a dude from Postfalls, Idaho in a 18×20′ garage built this stunning, show stopping roadster, “With a little help from my friends.”  Russ is a soft-spoken guy and you could hear the sincerity when he thanked his friends and family… In Russ’ words:

My Dad Claude Freund helped the hole way through from start to finish and was all ways there pushing and supporting me even when I thought I wasn’t going to make it or when thing looked really bad he was able to find a way to get me through to see the car make it to GNRS. And, my mom Susan Freund for supporting both of us.

John Gunsaulis helped me the whole way through the project from that extra set of hand and eyes to masking the car for paint to final assembly. Darrell Peterson helped with machining different parts to fabbing the exhaust and final assembly.

John Logsdon helped with final assembly and fabbing and welding the exhaust

Jeff Allison designed the exhaust and interior, almost on the fly, and the pinstriping thing above the rear diff. Jeff also added his opinion weather I wanted it or not! He also did this cool t-shirt over at http://www.almost-cool.com/ (click to buy the shirt)

George Frank out of Clarkston, WA stitched up the upholstery from Jeff’s idea.

Dave Swenson built the 48 Ford flathead with Cyclone heads and Thickstun intake. (note how the engine and trans are ground smooth and painted white!)

Mike Robinson did the 39 Ford transmission with open conversion hooked to a quick change rear diff. Billy Payne helped polish stainless and aluminum.

Thanks guys!

Biggest thanks go to my wife Lora for putting up with me and through the build and supporting me the whole way!

After the GNRS, the Takeout T hit the show circuit… and cleaned up! But don’t call Russ’ T a Trailer queen! Russ is looking forward to driving it when the show tour’s done.

Awards as of March 2011:

• 2011 Grand National Roadster Show (debut):
  • Triple Gun Award
  • H.A.M.B Roadster Award
  • Bob McCoy “Real McCoy” Award
  • America’s Most Beautiful Roadster: Best Engine
• 2011 Sacramento Autorama Awards:
  • Lee’s Vintage Award,
  • Best in Class
  • Outstanding Paint, Detail and Display
• Darryl Starbird’s 47th Annual Car Show, Tulsa, OK:
  • Fine 9 Award
  • Rod and Custom Hall of Fame Award
  • Silver in the rod class
• 2011 Detriot Autorama:
  • Best in class
  • Outstanding detail and engine

Russ, you looking for another 3 way trade?

Well? Is it the next America’s Most Bitch’n Roadster?

1933 Tudor Street Rod Is A Cross-Country Cruiser

1933 Ford Street Rod Featured Ride

I first shared a quick photo of Jim Baugh’s light blue 1933 Ford Sedan Street Rod in the Salt Flats Speed Shop Open House story. When Jim pulled up to the shop, I immediately started taking pictures.  Let’s have a closer look…

First of all, this ’33 was built with a mix of two styles, Street Rod and Traditional Hot Rod.  When Jim was telling all about his ’33, he sounded almost disappointed that it was a Street Rod.  I think he’s been bit by the Traditional hot rod style bug that is so prevalent at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The Street Rod comes from the  big ‘n’ little tires, a reliable 350 small block Chevy and TH350 auto trans and front disc brakes.  The Traditional Hot Rod style’s evident from several features: the chopped top, fenderless hot rod rake, authentic Ed Roth laid pinstriping, heavily louvered decklid and solid front axle. So which is it? Who cares!

Jim nailed the complete execution and made a long-haul driver at the same time. Jim drove his ’33 from Washington state to Alabama (or was it Arkansas?) for a family reunion then to Utah for Speed Week 2010 and back home to Washington.  Wow!  Jim’s had this ’33 on the road since the mid 90′s and has put over 40,000 miles on it since.

Here’s a shot to help point out the differences in the 1933-34, 1932 and 1928-31 models.  (There’s Jim in the white t-shirt eying his ’33.)  He explained the difference between the ’33 and ’34 grilles is the ’33′s have a thinner grille shell or surround compared to the ’34′s.

When I build a 30′s hot rod, it will most definitely be fenderless.  I dig the open wheel look big time!

I noticed Jim has been coming out to Speed Week for a few years now as evidenced by his Bonneville National Speed Week decals.

While we’re on the subject of hot rod decals, I gave Jim a MyRideisMe.com decal and he proudly placed it on his windshield.  Thanks for the support Jim!  I hope you see this feature on your hot rod.

Here’s that Ed Roth pinstriping on the dash.  How many hot rodders can say their ride has been pinstriped by Big Daddy himself?  Not many.  So cool!  Notice the steering wheel?  It’s a Cadillac unit.  Jim seemed disappointed this was not a 40′s Ford steering wheel for that traditional feel.  I actually thought it didn’t look too out of place, but I agree with Jim, an early Ford unit would go better with that pinstriped dash.

Jim said Ed Roth signed his pinstriping work there at the bottom.  I leaned in and sure enough, there it is, “Roth” signed on his dash.  He laughed when he told me the story when Ed Roth was layin’ lines and a spectator leaned on the car and moved it in mid brush stroke.  I think that’s why that bottom line is a little thicker.  What a cool story he can tell because of that experience with Big Daddy.

I think Car Clubs are one of the great parts of car culture.  I mean, I know I really appreciate sharing my fanaticism about cars with others who feel the same way.  No place better than a Car Club.  Jim’s a member of the Aces & Eights Hot Rod Club in Washington.  What a cool name!

Here is the club logo placed between the door and engine cowl.

As if his ’33 Tudor wasn’t enough, check out this 5 window coupe.  He was showing us this book of hot rod photos and pointed out to me the other cars in his collection.  Wait, there’s more…

Here’s another of Jim’s hot rods.  Jim has the ’33 Sedan, the 5 window, this roadster and 2 ’40 Fords.  I’m jealous!  What a nice collection of cars.  There’s a certain street rod influence in the 33, but it’s traditional hot rods that appear dominate in Jim’s garage. This flathead powered roadster pickup looks like its straight out of the 50′s and is signed by “Kookie Car” legend Norm Grabowski.

It was great talking to you Jim, you are a class act.  Instead of going off to do your own thing at the Open House, you took the time to chat about your car, explain all the little details and even what you’d do differently.  I appreciate the guys like you who are willing to talk to the younger crowd and teach us a few things about this passion we call Hot Rodding and share your stories.  I just soak it in.

Hechtspeed

Full Tilt Built Comet Street Rod

We were sent this story and being Comet/Falcon lovers, we had to post it.  Anytime I hear or see a Mercury Comet, I smile.  My dad owned a ’64 Comet Cyclone.  ’61 Comets are not your typical hot rod platform, but you wouldn’t know it from seeing this particular purple rod.  It was built by Full Tilt Street Rods in Grand Junction, Colorado, and they had this to say about the project on their website:

“Clay and the Full Tilt Crew started with a bone-stock 1961 Comet, tore it down to the frame and installed a couple of tons of the finest street rod parts available.  The ’61 features Full Tilt’s complete Hub-to-Hub Mustang II IFS and Full Tilt’s Parallel 4-Bar rear with ShockWaves.  Full Tilt also did the body work, applied the dive-in-deep “Full Tilt Purple” base coat/clear coat paint and fabricated the custom upholstery.”

Of all the views of this rod, I like this rear 3/4 shot.  The painted bumper, custom frenched tails and the big 335/35/17 meats give this ride the perfect street rod stance.  Super low and the just the right amount of rake.  Too bad Mercury designers didn’t give the rear window a little more angle. 

Can you believe the custom hood scoop is made from front fenders?  Rad!  The painted bumper street rod look works great for the look.  Dig this front view yall.  Very nice work from the Full Tilt crew.

This front 3/4 view gives us a better look at that custom hood scoop hiding an injected 351 stroked and poked Windsor.  Also dig those early 60′s rear fins.  Why doesn’t detroit bring back the fins?!  They could make a killer stealth fighter inspired hot rod don’t you think?  I personally like the dual horizontal headlight look of the early to mid 60′s Mercs.  Gives it that wide purposeful look

One more beauty shot before we hear the story behind the Comet.  Check that injected V8.  Boom!  Custom leather upholstery on stock seats and suicide doors make this a comfy cruiser.  This shot was taken at the 2009 SEMA show. 

Now on to a history lesson…from Kathy, the original owners daughter.

In 1961 Warren & Beverly Jones purchased the Mercury Comet.  As the family grew, the Comet went everywhere, even pulling a teardrop camper.  In 1991 I ran into Kathy, her saying to me “you don’t remember me do you”? She was our newspaper girl. I married the girl next door.  While telling Kathy, the Comet would make a great street rod, whenever the subject came up, her dad would say, “When we bought the Comet, the salesman told me it would do 80 mph”!

Behold the humble beginnings.  Ha ha, I’m sorry.  Is that even the same car?  You betchya!  All I can say is nice work Full Tilt Street Rods for resurrecting/reincarnating this family haulin’, grocery gettin’ Mercury.  Another example of how some wheels, stance and paint can transform almost any car (I know there was much more put into it than that, but just sayin’).

As the years went by, the Comet was fading into a dull, lifeless car. My wife was diagnosed with a brain tumor; the tumor was operable, and a success. I knew I had a promise to keep.  I headed for Full Tilt Street Rods with the Comet. Clay Mullis listened to my story. Clay and his men worked tirelessly to finish the car for SEMA, a lot of it on their own time.  We lost Kathy’s dad unexpectedly during the project, but we all believe he can see it and is smiling.

The Comet made its debut at the 2009 SEMA Convention. Kathy was brought home in the same car 46 years ago to the day.

Vehicle was built at:   Full Tilt Street Rods, Grand Junction Colorado

Condition of vehicle at purchase: My father bought the car new in 1961.  Purchae Price:  $1600

Frame: Custom by Full Tilt

Rear end: Strange Engineering, posi, narrowed with Strange 4:11.  Custom chromed four link with air ride shock waves in the rear and a Mustang 2 style custom front end with pro shocks on air ride bags.  Brakes are GM discs in front and ford racing discs in the rear.

Wheels are Boyd Coddington 17×7 fronts and 17×10 rears

Tires are 215/50/17 BFG’s, rears are 335/35/17 Dunlops.

 

I love these in process shots like this.  Hours and hours of grinding, welding, wrenching.  It’s the heart of the hobby.

Engine:  Mid 80s 351 Windsor bored, stroked and balanced and runs Imagine Injection, Crane cam, TRW pistons and rings, Crane crank, Cloys rods and timing chain.  9.5:1 compression with Edelbrock RPM heads, a March pulley system and Flowmaster muffs.  Spark comes from a Compu-tronix unit and makes about 500 horsepower.  All engine work is credited to BC Engineering.

To put all this power down on the old Merc’ hot rod is a Full Tilt built  Performance Transmission and trans cooler with a 3k stall converter, Drive Line Industries (Grand Junction, CO) driveshaft.

Man!  These 2 engine bays can’t be more different. 

Body work includes suicide doors, front tilt hood, cut and filled bumpers, steel hood scoop made from 2 front fenders and custom guage cluster on the bell housing.  Paint is a custom purple hue and was completed by Full Tilt.  Lights are stock with billet aluminum housings, custom frenched turn signals in the front and rear bumpers.

Interior uses ultra leather vanilla, stock customized seats, EZ wiring harness and Dakota Digital instruments.  Steering gear is a Water Fall Flaming River unit with B&M paddle shifters and the always trusty Vintage Air a/c.

Kathy emailed this note.  “Tho’ the comet has great sentimental value to our family…. we never dreamed anyone else would have an interest. Nor did we ever dream she’d come out so cool.”

Thanks to Kathy for sharing her Comet story with us.  It definitely came out COOL!

What a cool tribute to Warren Jones, original owner of the Comet!  I think he’d be very proud.

Full Tilt Street Rods