Hot Rods Buffalo NY to Bakersfield Ca... Hot Rod Reunion 2016... AA/GS 1933 Willys

Well it's a very long overdue trip... but we made it! My father and his crew chief made the trek with The original Ron Bizio AA/GS 1933 Willy's pickup and brought it back to the west coast... We'll be attending the 25th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion! The car is an original California AA Gasser built by Chuck Finders in the 1960's running a blown Chrysler 392 Hemi. It was Restored by Tom Wilford in the 1980's. Back to Bakersfield 50 years later for a cross country trip! Stop by and say hello! Looking forward to meeting new people, and hearing all the stories people must have about the truck from back in the day! Always looking for some original home movies from the 1960s of the truck too... Hopefully we can make a few passes and maybe even participate in the cacklefest! Looking forward to it!

 

I wish I could make it....I saw the Bizio Willys at Lions at night when it first ran, in black primer, unforgettable sight! Very glad it still lives...


Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

So cool!! That was it's first version called the Cal Automotive Special. Would have been awesome to see that! You're one lucky guy! Haha I wasn't even born yet!!!

 

Nice work!

 

Congrats Have a Great Time and dont forget to enjoy the weather we both know whats comming!! Hobo Jim

 

Thanks guys! I'll try to post some pics as the weekend goes on!

 

Ugh, one more reason for me to kick myself for not making it this year. Absolutely love the truck and had the cash in my pocket to buy it when it was up for sale. Good to see you boys doing it some justice. Tell Marty Strode hi for me, I'm sure he'll be checking in on things.

Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

My dad knows Marty. He touched base with him and said he will definitely be coming by to say hello. Yeah we definitely enjoy the truck and love taking it out. It's one of my all time favorite Gassers.

 

Well I'm at the San Francisco airport waiting to get to Bakersfield... flights were delayed last night and got stick in Chicago spending the night... in the meantime my dad sent me this pic. They are getting Tech'd in this morning, and hopefully will make some exhibition passes!

 

Outstanding job on the truck, really looks great.
Hope you have a good time this weekend and get to make a few passes.

 

Ask Marty about the story of shoes flying across the pits at Woodburn Dragstrip. Saw it first hand. The Jackson brothers should still have videos of the truck from back in the day. My absolute favorite gasser as well

Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Thanks! Spent long nights polishing up those magnesium halibrands! Haha talked to my dad, he was talking with Marty earlier. I'll have to meet him! I just landed in Bakersfield so time to head to the track!

 

Jeff and son,
What a trip to take ! You are indeed fortunate. Hope all goes well at the HRR. Be sure to include lots of pictures of the reunion on this site. Be careful and ENJOY !! ....Craig (1948 Austin P.U.)

 

Glad to hear you finally made it! Hope all goes well at the track.

Maybe you could take an extra 3 or 4 days off work and drive something cool back for me.

 

looks like it gonna be a fun trip.

PS, you owe me a Tuesday night.

 

Here's a few pics from yesterday... We were able to make 2 full passes. The Second pass was our best pass ever! 8.18 at 163mph! First we ran Chuck Lipka in his blown olds powered 40 Willy's coupe, and second we ran Tod Barker in his blown Anglia...

 

I will take better photos today...

 

Larry Anderson... here is a pic of Marty Strode with my father Jeff, and his crew chief Jerry....

 

Craig, my dad said to say hello and thanks. We are having a blast! He said to tell you we met Rob Stuart from Austin works.

 

Thanks for the pic bud. I've got a few more that Marty may have or have not passed along to your dad. Awesome to see what you boys are doing with it. Every now and then I catch her on YouTube

Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Yes, beautiful race truck & great story

Sent from my VS985 4G using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Man, this Willys is stunning going down the track, same way when parked.
Saw it run yesterday.

Larry
If your leg gets tired from kicking yourself, I'm more than glad to take over, once I've recovered that is, legs will be real tired when I get back home.

 

Thank you guys for bringing that beautiful truck out !! Watched it run yesterday runs as good as it looks!

 

Probably the best looking willys drag truck EVER! It sure is my favorite. Congrats one the passes made. And thanks so much for posting the pics. The truck is stunning, what a great piece of drag racing history.

 

Checked the Willys out in the pits and run on the track. Awesome truck. Thanks for bringing it out.

 

Found this one on Facebook.


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

What a treat to see the old truck again, and meet Jerry & Jeff ! This is what I started with, when I restored it 30 years ago. The second shot, is final prep for it's re-debut at Fremont in '87. I am at the front, Bobby Mead is wiring the mag-switch, and the painter, Dan Leuthold is at the rear fender.

 

We drove straight home yesterday morning, I got home at @ 2:00 AM. Here are some shots from CHHR. Bonus pic is my Brother Jerry, building the headers !