Event Coverage Thelma & Louise.....I mean Denise & Megan do the GNRS and other cool places

A couple of weeks ago I was surfing Orbitz like I do a lot, checking out airfares to different cities that are having hot rod related events. I punched in Detroit to LAX and the time frame for the Grand National Roadster Show. Megan and I had gone last year and had a BLAST but had no plans whatsoever to attend this year. Anyway, the airfare was $185.00 roundtrip plus tax, less then $220.00 total. I emailed Megan with the news of the very cheap airfare asking if she might want to go. She then made a couple of phone calls seeing if we could share a room with Malcolm, TJ and Lisa at the Sheraton right there at the Fairplex. Within an hour we had our airfare booked, room planned and itinerary started. A week after booking the tickets we were on our flight headed west to SoCal when our part of the mid-west was experiencing record cold temps.

Since Megan and I hadn’t seen each other in months we had a lot of fun just fooling around on the plane and catching up. Some might remember Megan has a sweet tooth with one of her favorite candy being gummy bears. I found something for her that was a little more grownup.


Once in the air she wiped out Anastasia to see how fast we were going.


We landed in town Wednesday evening, picked up our rental car and headed over to CrazyBackyardBuilder’s place in North Hollywood. Once he realized we were once again coming into town he offered up his guest room to us girls. Since we had plans for the first couple of days in his area we were very grateful for the hospitality.
Brian’s very cute art deco styled house that both Megan and I fell in love with.


Once inside we got the grand tour. I’m bummed I didn’t have time to bake some yummy cookies on this baby! Maybe next time.


After checking out all the nooks and crannies inside the house, and spending some time catching up, we bid each other good-night. Megan and I feel asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows as it was almost 3am Detroit time.

The next morning, after I towel dried my hair cuz there wasn’t a blow dryer to be found in the whole house……yep a bachelor pad for sure. (hint to all single dudes....even if you are bald, keep a cheap blow dryer tucked away under the sink just in case you ever get lucky and some chick takes a shower at you place the next morning ). We received the grand tour of the garage and projects scattered around the yard. I think I remember Brian telling us there we 11 cars/projects in total around the yard.




This one wasn’t far from being a running, driving car.


This Porsche belonged to Brian’s father and I believe Brian said it was a ‘59? It’s my favorite of all the cars he’s got laying around and I really hope he gets it up and running so I can get a ride the next time we come out to visit…..pressures on sweetie!


Once the tour was over we headed over to Dupar’s for breakfast. We were having such a good time chatting and stuff I forgot to take a photo of the pancakes and French toast we were eating.

We then took Brian back to his place so us girls could do a little shopping. We all made plans to hook back up at the Petersen with the Omaha folks that were flying in a little later. Megan and I headed over to the Rodeo Dr area.


Both of us LOVE architecture so we spent some time just driving around.






About the only thing I could afford was a drink from Starbucks…..and I had a gift card for that! Lol


We found a scrapbook store but since Malcolm wasn’t with us we didn’t feel like we should stop.


About now it was time to head over to the Petersen and meet up with Brian, Nick, TJ and Lisa who were just arriving in town.

 

Once inside we found out our host was still at lunch so we set off on our own to check out the first two floors. The display that is in the lobby is usually an indication of a special display elsewhere.


I know Nick posted some of these same type photos and I posted some of these from my coverage last year but I really don’t have the time to search out both those posts and not post duplicate photos so bear with me if your bored with some of the same views of the same cars and stuff.

Whenever I see board racing I think of my HAMB pal Jess who designed and built the board track display at Speedy Bills Museum. This is a smaller version of a similar one at the Petersen.


For those that have never been, the first floor kinda has these little vinyettes thru the years with cars and backgrounds.






I always think of my good pal Earl Schieb when I see gas pumps cuz he likes them so much










I should have put some effort into printing this photo right away since I knew we were heading to Dean Jeffries place tomorrow.








We then headed upstairs to see what was new up there

 

They had a special display of campers and house cars




1927/35 Holt, started in ‘27 and completed and registered in ‘35


1929 Gilkie


1935 Curtiss, one of the first fifth wheel travel trailers in the world


1934 Thompson House Car




1937 Hayes Tavel Trailer


1935 Chevrolet House Car




1939 Lindbergh


1936 Mystery Trailer


1936 Masterbilt Travel Trailer


1940 Hunt House Car

 

1936 Mullins Teardrop Tent Trailer




We then started to check out the rest of the cars on this floor












They have a section of motorcycles


Then low and behold they had some of the treasures of the vault out of the basement and displayed on the second floor.




It’s so hard to get good shots of the dark cars with the lighting there
1925/34 Rolls-Royce


1948 Tucker, serial #30


1954 Plymouth Explorer by Ghia

 

1953 Muntz Jet


2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4


1957 Teverbaugh & Kirkland Bonneville Special




Sniper


1947 Cisitalia 202 coupe by Pinin Farina (sucky photo)


Ran into some car pals from back home.


1939 Bugatti Type 57C by Vanvooren
(another sucky dark car photo)








At this point our tour host then rounded us up and ushered us downstairs to the vault in the basement. Because so many cars were on display at the GNRS and upstairs in the museum, the board that holds the keys was kinda empty




My favorite roadster of all time was front and center in the basement. It was nice to be able to walk up close to it. Last time we were here it was upstairs and behind stantions.

 

Real wood on the sides but painted on the back






Used in an Elvis movie I think


Frank Mack T roadster, won Best in Show at the first Detroit Autorama in1953. Frank actually lived just a couple of miles from me and next door to one of my close friends. My pal Al has some stories about Frank. If your interested in them remind me to introduce you to AL at my Detroit Autorama Mingle












TJ can elaberate on this “car”. I was still checking out Frank’s roadster when Leslie was talking about this.

 

The tour just keeps getting better and better

 

Some engines here and there














Clone of course


I do believe this is a clone as well




The 1966 Mercury D-25 Prototype (Beldone)

 

One off Oldsmobile

 

About this time we had seen just about every car left in the Vault. We bid our friend Leslie a fond farewell thanking him immensely for sharing his time and extensive knowledge with us. We headed back upstairs to the second floor to finish off checking out the “movie cars”

 

At this point we decided to head down to the Santa Monica Pier to watch the sunset and grab a bite to eat.


From the pier looking back


We got real lucky, just as the sun was setting the clouds parted. It was really cool




Nick just fooling around


We went to that same place for dinner as last year. Yeah, yeah, creatures of habit


The HAMB Meet & Greet sticker I placed on the pillar near the booth we ate in last year was still there. We placed another HAMB sticker at the pillar that was near our booth this year


Back to our cars which we park on the wooden boardwalk. We bid Brian farewell with plans to call him tommorrow when we were on our way to Dean Jeffries where he was going to catch up with us.


We headed to Pomona and checked into our hotel, thru our bags in the room, then headed out the back door.......we had a plan! Hop the fence and check out the cars during setup. I went over first and just as I was climbing down the other side this guy walks up and says ”I remember this from a photo last year”. I started to laugh and said to him you must be on the HAMB huh? He told me his name was Juan and I introduced myself. He told us that they were kicking folks out of the buildings and starting to shut the place down. Oh well, we’d try anyway. Megan and everyone else made it over without incident and we headed into building 5.

Sure wish I could have seen this Caddy with the hood closed










Even if there is something specific about a car that I might not care for I usually stop and reflect to myself about how I would change this or change that and then the car would suit my tastes better. The work that went into this car was amazing.

 

We all got a good chuckle outta this


And we’re absolutely blown away by this. I thought the car was made outta alumium till later in the bar when ElJefe and I were talking about it and he mentioned it was paint. Totally bitchen and I’m looking forward to seeing more of this car around this year.














Limey Steves very cool roadster. It was wonderful seeing you again bud and congrats for being nominated for the HAMB pick. Well deserved for sure.








It was neat being able to see the Orbitron up close and personal. Hat's off to Bo, Dave Shuten, and crew, including Advanced Plating, for a job well done.

 

We then headed over to building 4, the “main” building.

 

Congrats to Troy and the fellows at Hollywood Hot Rods for undoubtedly hitting one out of the ballpark with this car and display.


















The guys at Circle City Hot Rods certainly know how to build a traditional styled hot rod. Congrats to Jimmy and the boys for their nomination from the HAMB as well.

 

AMBR winner

 

This was a really neat display




Lots of wonderful artwork for sale


And of course some of our most favorite vendors. Missed seeing Jay Ward AKA JiveBomber.




After finishing up building 4 we heard thru the grapevine that the Suade Palace was still open cuz the security guard didn’t have the keys to lock up the place so we headed that way.

May Cause Dangerous greeted us as we walked in the door. What a wonderful paint scheme.

 

I met the guy that owns this setup at Walden’s shop party on Saturday night. Great guy, really enjoyed chatting with him about it.


Before we could finish the last isle in the SP the security guard approached us and said he’d gotten the keys so he was locking up. We thanked him for allowing us to stay late and left. I can’t remember what building we hit next but there was an overhead door open so in we walked.

 

This is all we got to see in this building before we got asked to leave. By now it was quite late so wee decided to head over to the bar at the Sheraton for a couple of cocktails. Lots of friends from all over the country milling around.


ALWAYS a pleasure to see my pal Steve Tracy from Advanced Plating. Thanks for the cocktails sweetie.


Ran into Jesse. GREAT seeing you again bud!


Norm was there as well hanging out with the boys from TX


This HAMB guy came up and introduced himself. It was a pleasure meeting you sweetie and having the opportunity to chat even if I can't remember your name.


We all had a great time hanging out and socializing. We closed the bar and headed upstairs knowing it was going to be an early start.

Friday morning we knew we had to be on the road toward Burbank by 8:30 in order to see everything we had planned. We had a LONG day ahead of us. Even though we had five folks sharing a room we worked out the shower/getting ready situation like pro’s. It’s a good thing we have experience traveling together, things went real smooth.

Got to Leno’s on time.


Per still had the wagon from last year. Glad to see he drives it, even in the rain.




Just like last year, photos are still not allowed to be taken inside but Bob did pose with us for one. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Bob for once again treating us like visiting royalty. He’s a real sweetheart with a mind like a steel trap.


Once we left Leno’s we traveled less then a ¼ mile to Groucho Performance also located in Burbank.


Interesting sign hanging near the entrance


After a hug and “stuff”…




Groucho gave us the tour of his cars

 

I am JEALOUS as hell! Looks like TONS of FUN!

 

Each had a story




This was certainly my favorite in his collection. Hard to get a good shot as it was really tucked away.






I’ve gotta add is was a pleasure to finally meet John AKA Groucho in person. He’s much nicer in person then he appears to be online. Thanks sweetie for FINALLY inviting me over to visit your shop and hang out….after FIVE visits to SoCal in FIVE years. Hopefully we weren’t too much of a burden to your busy day.

Our next stop was Tom Mcintyre’s private collection which was located in an industrial area and kinda resembled a warehouse….I use that term loosely. Rich Venza arranged for the “Old Farts” to visit Tom’s collection at 10am but since our plans overlapped this time frame I didn’t think we’d be able to join them but once we left Groucho’s I called Rich and since they were still there we headed on over.

We were great by Rich and Tom and there were introductions all around.


The “Old Farts” were just finishing up their tour but Tom readily agreed to show us his collection which started in his office……


And moved to his lounge area. Tom’s really into mid-century modern furnishings.


When we got out to his “garage” area I couldn’t hardly believe my eyes. There was a wonderful cross section of automobiles and memorabilia. Tom started at his real AC Cobra.


If I remember correctly it’s a 1967 that he purchased in 1970 and has been racing ever since. This is not a garage queen or fair weather cruiser. This beauty is raced on the track on a regular bases and there is a huge poster size print on the wall with Tom behind the wheel to prove it….not to mention the hundreds of stone chips on the nose piece. A true race car being used for it’s intended purpose. Very refreshing.


Next to the Cobra was the Williams Brothers roadster, a B’ville Salt Flat record holder. The story of how he found it was really a dream come true.

 

He proudly showed us all the memorabilia that went along with the roadster.


We were all trying to soak up every little detail










By this time my mind was spinning with all the details so I’m kinda foggy on the rest so just enjoy the shots and if someone can add some insight into the different cars please speak up.




Some one off motor that was supposedly destroyed but was found under a workbench in a racecar drivers shop??

 

Lisa helping put the hood back on


The Golden Rod

 

Words can’t describe how AWESOME Tom’s collection is and what a wonderful man he is….so willing to share his cars and stories with us, complete strangers. I could have stood there all day and listened to him but alas he had plans to head to Pomona to meet up with some friends so we bid him a fond farewell with many thanks attached. We came as strangers but left as friends.

Our next stop was Dean Jeffries shop. At this point I called CrazyBackYardBuilder and made plans for him to meet us there. When we arrived we were warmly great by Dean himself and shown into his office area.


There was ALOTS of car photos all over the walls


We mentioned the HAMB to Dean and since he had never heard it we not only explained the message board but showed it to him as well.


He had just gotten a laptop and AOL dialup and was really unfamiliar with the internet and how to maneuver around so I gave him a quick lesson, registered him on the HAMB, bookmarked the site for him, wrote down some info for him and since we weren’t sure he’d be able to get back to Ryan’s blogs about him, I printed them for him.


Keep your fingers crossed he makes his way back to the HAMB and adds his personal stories and insight to this great community.


Dean then took us out to his shop and gave us the grand tour


The only GT40 roadster in existence

 

We all had fun taking turns posing with Dean and the GT


After out tour we thanked Dean for the hospitality with promises to stop again the next time we’re in town. We then headed the short distance to George Barris’s shop.


The wall at the end of the side street




George wasn’t there but his son let us in and showed us around


Lots of memorabilia around


And a couple of Batmobiles
An original


And a copy that he let us play in and make batcalls! I called Jerry Dixey and breathed heavy on a voicemail.

 

Not sure why this awesome little number was here at Barris’s shop instead of Dean’s shop. Maybe someone on here knows?


Not a big fan of this


Ran into a couple of HAMB folks from overseas, Lowtech and his beautiful gal. It was a pleasure meeting both of you. I'm glad we got a chance to chat even if it was short.


We bid Brett goodbye and head to the Old Crow Speed Shop where our pals Bobby Green and Lucky Burton are having an open house. As soon as we pulled up we ran into Sue and Dennis O’Brian. Was wonderful to see you both again!


There’s always cool stuff out front of the shop






and even cooler stuff inside






Lucky’s current project. Looking forward to seeing it run on the Salt in Aug


Old Crow Speed Shop’s current B’ville Salt Flats record holder

 

Just as Nick was getting ready to present the guys with a bottle of Old Crow the bottom fell out….literally….the bottom of the brown paper bag let loose and the bottle drop to the ground and smashed. It traveled all the way from Omaha in his suitcase with no issue then ended up in a million little pieces all over the floor. We all helped pick it up and Lucky got a mop. Stuff really smelled.


We took a group shot …
L2R, Megan Lucky, TJ, Brian, Denise, Bobby, Nick, Lisa


…then all headed over to Bob’s Big Boy for the Friday night cruz night. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Bobby and Lucky for their warm hospitality. We always have a great time when we stop to visit, thanks guys!

As we were getting ready to leave we noticed that the guys next door at Hollywood Hot Rods were still slaving away so we stopped in to check the place out.










Even though it was almost quiting time the guys were still hard at work




And even though the guys were hard at work they were still very friendly and readily answered questions that we had.








Hollywood Hot Rod is a wonderful shop filled with great hot rods and projects and I feel fortunate that we were able to visit.

We then headed over to Bob’s

 

Were there was only a few classic cars in the parking lot probably due to the dampness….just like last year on this exact date.




We went inside and got a booth, ordered malts and burgers. While we waiting I did alittle socializing with HAMB folks that were sitting elsewhere. After we ate we hang out and chatted in the parking lot.


Met James and his buddy who actually drove down from up north. It was nicing meeting ya bud and having the chance to chat and hang out abit.

James and Nick


A Bob’s Big Boy HAMB Group Shot in front of James' car


We left Bob’s and headed back to the hotel to freshen up. We had plans to hit The Rodders Journal party at the NHRA Museum. We were all exhausted but we knew if we sat or laid down for even a minute we’d never get back up so we walked next door to the museum.

This is the display that greeted us at the door




And this display is on the right hand side as soon as you walk in


Right away we ran into Terri AKA BornAhotrodGal. GREAT seeing you again sweetie! I had a BLAST catching up with you.


Spent some time checking out the displays

 

It was nice to see Jenny from Trophy Queen fame. We had a nice chat and I’m really looking forward to doing business with her in the very near future.








We had a wonderful time at the party mingling and socializing with everyone. The band was GREAT as well. The party came to an end too soon for my taste so we made our way to the bar off the lobby in the hotel and did some more mingling there

We all had some laughs over this Fonzie button


I also had the pleasure of meeting Troy owner of Hollywood Hot Rods for the first time. If you ever met him before this won’t be news to you but for those that have never met the man you are in for a special treat. He’s one of the humblest, genuine, polite, down to earth guys I have ever met. What a nice surprise in todays world. It was a true pleasure hanging out with him.


Also had the opportunity to meet a couple of Scott’s, “devil Scott “from Hot Rods as a Hobbie(?), and Dynamatt Scott. also from HubGarage.com fame. Both were A LOT of fun to hang out and drink with.


We closed the bar and headed upstairs. I was kicking myself the whole way cuz we were getting up sooooo early the next morning to head to the donut thing and I should have been asleep long ago…..but I guess I can sleep when I’m dead.

A couple people in our room were smart enough to set their alarms. I was not one of them but they woke me up and we were in the car pulling out of the hotel parking lot at 6:04 AM heading for Huntington Beach IN THE POURING RAIN.


All the way there I kept thinking to myself what the hell am I doing? I should still be sleeping BUT once we got there the rain had stopped and believe it or not there were cars and folks milling around, lots of folks actually.

 

Wasn’t long before we ran into some AZ HAMB folks. Left 2 right…….Mike and his lovely girlfriend, (great seeing you both again),Terry AKA: T McG, BJ AKA: Brian W (with the hat), Then Nick AKA: Malcolm, Lisa, TJ AKA: Junkboys, and Megan.


I gotta tell ya, just having the opportunity to meet Terry after all these year was well worth walking up extra early for. I didn’t realize he was coming, it was a wonderful surprise. Terry and I are very special HAMB pals. For the last 4 or 5 years Terry was diligently searching for a stainless door trim piece that I needed for Big Olds. I can’t thank him enough for all the trouble he went thru on my behalf. Thanks for your friendship Terry, and thanks for bringing BJ with you. You guys together make such a fun hot rod duo. We really enjoyed spending all the time we did with you two.

We walked around a bit and looked at some cars








We then headed over to the Anti-donut HAMB gathering. Bad Bob was the only one who drove his car. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Bob for organizing this. I know you do it every week, We realize that because of the show that maybe some folks wouldn’t come to the breakfast thing and would head directly to Pomona. We really enjoyed having breakfast with you guys and appreciate the effort everyone made to attend


All the usual HAMB Saturday morning suspects were in attendance
Left side Dirt and Crazydaddyo. Right side Bigdaddy's Dad and Bigdaddy.



Left side, the Brudwich and Hoovs42. Right side Derek Mitchell and Scootermcrad.


GREAT seing ALL you boys again. LOVE sitting around and shootin the breeze with ya.

I got the pleasure of sitting next to Terry who wanted to borrow my purse cuz it matched his coat.


We hung out a chatted awhile


We then headed back to Pomona to hit the show. On the way back I got a phone call from longtime pal WasAsedan who said he had some three day passes for us. Yipeee! We made plans to swing by the fence right by where he was inside the show. Thanks bud! Really appreciate you thinking of us. Hi to your Dad from me please.


Parked our car in the Sheraton lot and went up to the room to freshen up then headed back to the lobby to visit with a few friends that were mingling around. Got a HUGE hug from JohnJoyo and SkullCracker. Nice seeing you boys again. Looking forward to catching up at the RoundUp.


Also ran into Normie-poo who is ALWAYS a hoot to visit with no matter if his date is with him or not.


We walked out the back door of the hotel. The red gate to the grounds is right there. We had passes so we didn’t have to scale the fence. I think we walked into building 6 first
At this point I’d like to add I take photos of the cars I like or find interesting period. If there is a car you don’t care for, or you think doesn’t belong on the HAMB, go ahead and keep it to yourself cuz I’m writing this post to reflect what I saw and enjoyed at the event.

If on the other hand your got something positive to say regarding certain cars, or a certain car, by all means please share that information, IE, who built the car, who is belongs to, any little tidbit of info is welcome.


I don’t see that many low-riders and bombs among my circle of friends. They were a refreshing change of pace.