Just got back from Billetproof, TX

You live in cypress correct?

 

Hey Merc, don't get me wrong. A lot of the cars there that had radials, AC, tilt column and all that were ones that I really loved. However, our particular trophy was for Best Hot Rod, and in the spirit of Billetproof, we were trying to find a really traditional car. You would have been more than welcome and had a lot of thumbs up, I'm sure. Maybe your car could have taken a different award, just not this particular one. That's all I was saying. The show over all had a lot of nice cars, a lot of shitty ones and a bunch in between.

As for the operation of the show, it was the first time at this venue and in this state. I've run shows before, myself and it takes quite a bit to do it, even if you already know the lay of the land and you're buddies with guys in 12 different bands and have a sizable car club to help you out. Let's see what next year brings. There are always bugs to work out the first couple of times. Personally, I had a blast.

 

We had a great time there. That park is the absolute best place for a car show-lots of trees and little buildings and SHADE. Nice drive from Hutto, too. There just weren't many Mopars around, except for a good lookin' blue and white '56 Dodge that was hiding (probably scared it'd catch a bad case of rust from some of the rattier stuff). Congrats to Bob B. for taking 2 awards with his Oldsmobile. See ya there next year, especially if they have it in a cooler month like the guy said at the awards presentation.

 

wow, arent we quick to judge people... Carnies working the front gate? I'm sure they will be glad to hear that.

Very poor form. Do you know the people at the front gate and know which cars the brought? By your comments I'm guessing no. You've just insulted some pretty active people in the traditional hot rodding scene.

Thats the first time I've ever heard anyone describe the LeRoi Brothers as a mediocre cover band. But hey, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

absolutely not true. Plenty were turned away at the gate. There were parked in the spectator lot. Billetproof has never turned away glass bodied cars. We dont stand at the gate with a magnet checking cars, nor do I know of any show that does. The CJ6 came really late and I dont think there was anyone at the gate when he came in (the gate isnt staffed all day).

There was no one parking cars... true. Thats part of what many people like about Billetproof, you park where you like, no parking nazi's telling you where to put our front tire. I guess some people prefer that. We had 10 people working at the show, certainly not in disaray. There was never a line more than 15 or so cars deep waiting to get in, no one had to wait at the spectator line, no one waited to park in the show, the bands were on time , the beer was cold, the food was good (although we were short one food vendor that simply didnt show up), there were enough bathrooms to service over 5000 people with no lines, the Texas Timing Association put on a great show with the nitro cars....

Dont know what more could have been done to set the place up for you to have a good time.

That being said I never begrudge anyone their choice of whether or not they liked the show if they have valid criticisms... Not everyone likes every show and thats fine. Its your time, effort and money you spend to come. I do all I can to set the stage for you to have a good time, and dont think I missed fired on any front for this show... the rest is up to you.

But calling people that volunteered their time to work show names and stating things that simply arent true I will not abide by.

VERY Poor form all around.

 

Hi Mawster,

To be clear, this is not my car. He passed me as I was heading home. My post is a little confusing.

 

Just for the record it is not about the awards, I just did not want to show up to a car show and be turned away to a dust filled sub lot.

I know this has happen at other shows in other parts of the country.

I don't personally like that.

It is not the same as being in the "other" lot at the LA Roadster show, it literally was an era outside with the daily drivers.

I'm glad ya had a blast and I might give this show a go next year.

As for choptop, I had no idea the Leroi Brothers were playing and I remember looking for a list of bands back when I saw you band post. I could not find one.

If it was listed someplace and I just missed it sorry, but that was one of the things I was also going to judge if I was going or not on...the bands.

I like live music, and I just would suggest the info be a bit more "out there" next year.

I hope you understand what I am trying to say. I also understand shows are hard to do.

Good luck with next years show.

 

It is funny you mention that, at first glance I though "hey, is that a Chevy with a Ford front end?"...then I realized it was two cars in similar colors.

 

Ooops, I thought it was the same car. I don't know my wagons at all.

 

the wife and I took the 53 Chevy on it's first roadtrip to Billetproof (first roadtrip for us in that car) I finished the car the night before a little after midnight.
It was a great drive headed there, the show was very cool. Good people, no attitudes, lots of good stuff to look at.
Other than the heat, and the car not running great on the way back, we had a very good time. thanks for putting on a show like that.

 

The Elrusto Billetproof Review

I came as a spectator, but only because my plans changed at last minute.
I thought the park that the show was held in was a good choice. More that enough places to get out of the sun.
NOW,the cars. It was exactly what I expected. YES there were some "Ratrod-a-rific" cars but by comparison no more than I saw at ROUNDUP.
I hate to say it but to alot of "car" people "traditional styled" means rat rod, so it was to be expected. I think if next years show date doesn't conflict with Salina or any other of our kinda shows the traditional car presence will be greater.
Sorry I can't comment on the bands, I don't go to car shows for music.
Would I go again? YES
Would I recomend it to others? YES

 

I do think that MERC brings up a valid point that touches on my only criticism of the show. The exhaustive list of entry criteria and the 'Don't cry if we turn you away - tears stain billet' attitude is a bit of a turn off, and it was the one thing that almost kept us from coming to this show. Fortunately, we decided to come anyway... at the very least, just to catch up with old friends. Now, after seeing the mix of cars that actually made it into the show, laying out these rules in such a way seems downright silly.

The mix of cars in this show was typical of any car show in this area... some rusty rats, some really high end rods, some semi-restored... plenty of radial tires, A/C, and electric fans. This tells me that the caustic 'no-billet' attitude didn't make this show any more pure than any other traditional, HAMBer-type car show, but that this same 'no billet' attitude likely kept a lot of other really nice cars (and people) from showing up.

That observation aside, the show ended up being a typical, medium-sized, central Texas summer car show... no better or worse than others, but plenty of fun just the same. We had a good time, and we'll do it again next year... and I'm still proud as hell that my little '29 almost won Best Hot Rod at this event!

 

Very well said.

 

Well, since this was the first billet proof show in Texas and only had a basic idea what to expect the wife and I decided to bring a couple of rods if only to support the first time event. It was a little warm but we managed to locate a lonely oak tree and that provided the relief from mother natures wrath. The turn out was good as I see it with a wide variety of cars and something for every one. We travel many states and cover many shows and never with the intention of winning any thing. Our intentions are to see different cars and meet new friends and possibly some different ideas on what our next build will be. Over the years we have won many events with class wins and a couple with best of show. The accolades are always nice to receive but not necessary. Our rewards at billet proof were well met with seeing our new friends from Austin like Blake, the Hotrod13 group and many we still don't know there names but working on it. We did miss DW and Buzzard,Mr Ford but will see them again at some point. I say the show overall was a success and we had fun and met additional new friends so how can you call that not a success? If and when the folks plan another of these events I will again support it and no doubt meet additional people and get more ideas for future projects and have a good time driving there and back. To us that's what it's all about. That's how we see it.

 

It's too bad you decided not to come just because of a few parts on your car. Especially as there were plenty with the same mods on them. Hell, there was even one car with no hood and an LS1. Of course, plastic valve covers aren't made of billet Point being, it was a pretty eclectic mix of cars out there. Just what you would expect for an inaugural event when nobody knows what the deal is.

Now as for the bitching about the rat rods, don't just complain, do something about it. People build those because it's what they see. Influence by example and bring your nice "traditional" ride out so people can make a judgment as to whether they want one or not. There were some beautiful customs out there that surely inspired many people who saw them.

Now as to the CJ6, whatever. It's Texas, what do you want? Personally, I hope they come back next year and bring a bunch of their flat fender brethren. There was plenty of room on that field for both. The same GI's that were building the first "traditional" rods were also goofing around with surplus jeeps and finding how fun they can be.

It was a good time, and it shows a promising start for Billitproof TX.

 

Ray - As always, it was great to see you and Amy....enjoyed finally seeing the coupe in person! Wow!

 

What I will say is this. . .

Registration: $35, with goodie bag, and a getting a passenger in for free

Goodies, Gas, Freezer Pops to stave off the heat: $26.50

18 cars rolling in from Austin, stretched as far as the eye could see:

Priceless.

The cruise in alone, made the day for me. . .although we did have a few "issues" coming back. . .LittleJanieJohnson lost her carrier bearing on the ride back and had to make some quick phone calls, a tow, and Lux to the rescue she'll be back on the road in no time. . .

We had a hellavua good time, catching up with everyone, seeing people from all over the state we don't normally get to see, and hanging out with folks who are the salt of the earth. Got to see some cars I truly love (Adrian's from the Cochinos, the 1960 wagon which has already been mentioned, GeeMan's beauty, etc. . .). . .and some new ones I hadn't seen before. . .

My suggestions for next year have less to do with "what cars are 'acceptable'" to more pragmatic issues: FOOD. This is Texas. We are, by and large, carnivores. The boys around here survive on large slabs of meat products. There simply wasn't enough food, of any variety. As much fun as we had, the major complaint I heard was about there not being enough food, running out of food, and there being not much more than cupcakes and kettle corn. Sorry guys, but Texas folk can't survive on that. We wither away in the heat without meat.

 

Maybe shows like this should be advertised as "Billet & Rat Proof". If the producers can pull enough cars to cover expenses, and maybe even make a profit, I'd love to see totally billet and rat proof events all over the country.
Don't worry about radials, disc brakes and tilt columns, those are all improvements on the stuff available in the 50's, but not the 70's.

 

Evidently some people aren't prone to abject criticism. Take everyones two cents and try make a better show for next year. Seeing how quick you are to defend and say that I have bad form and nit-pick my entire post apart makes me think you made a lot of money on the show with MINIMAL effort and you have to defend your conscience. Remember this is just one persons opinion! Now I do apologize for insulting your friends, Texans aren't particularly know for their political correctness.

Of course it was good to meet up with some old friends and this show did allow for that. Of course its good to get out in the cars and open them up every now and then and this allowed for that. I just had to rant after all the posts about how Wonderful of a car show this was! This just wasn't BILLIT-PROOF!

 

I enjoyed the show. Met a few new people. The flathead didn't overheat on the way home, even though I did. I'll be back.

However... I missed the advertised 'burnout contest', and never found the promised '18-foot waterslide' - and yes, the food vendors were thin, in fact, I thought the 'vendors' period was a little thin - not that *I* come to the shows to shop, but my passenger expected a little more.

All-in-all, I think a successful show. Certainly kinks to work out, but I expected that from a first-time show. And as I said, I'll be back - my vote of confidence based on year 1.

 

I do wish there had been more vendors, especially parts related vendors, but having put on a few shows myself, I know that it's damned difficult to get vendors to come out for a small show. They still have to sell enough goodies to pay their expenses. Most of them have plans to go to bigger shows in other states, knowing that they'll sell a boat load of junk there. At one show, I offered a vendor a free space and a place to stay and still couldn't get them to come out. Fuel alone eats up their profit margin. Once the show gets bigger, you'll see plenty of booths with neat stuff to buy, I'd bet my bottom dollar.

Frankie hit the nail on the head. Just cruising out there in a caravan of friends and their respective rides was worth the price of admission. It was pretty cool to look in my mirror and see a dozen or more cars behind me and a few more in front of me. Something about that just gives me a case of perma-grin!

As for food vendors...right again, Frankie. Tiny little meat chunks wrapped in a tortilla for $4 just won't do. ChopTop, if you get a pizza truck out there next time, the crowd will make it worth their time for sure.

 

Alright my coverage is up now too!
www.mawsterstudios.com/carshow.html

 

I'm with Frankie and Dart, the cruise from Austin and friends made it all worthwhile. After hearing about Billetproof's 'rules' and seeing the actual cars that showed up, I could really care less. Yeah, I don't like Eagle wheels on a Merc but i'm not gonna raise a fuss about it. The rat guys are still enthusiasts and they're filling up the show too and making it successful. I know I was a fussy at the Roundup about all the unsafe junkyard crap, but it's never gonna go away. I got over it, everyone else should try it too. I'd rather have a smile on my face hanging out with good friends and meeting new ones than to bitch and moan and turn this into a negative experience.

My only complaint is the food and vendors. It's not really even a complaint...it'd just be cool to have more but I can understand why there wasn't. Besides, it was pretty awesome seeing tattoo'd dudes eating pink cupcakes.

And Frankie rules all for the Fla-vor-ice. How you kept those frozen, I donno, but you rule.

 

We will be back next year, hopefully so will Billetproof Texas. Had a good time, some of the ladies made a run into town to Whataburger, that solved the food problem. If only cars that met the fine line purist traditional description in MY mind only about 20 or 30 cars would have got in and that would have been a waste of time and no one would have shown up, and my car with radial tires and a GM steering column certainally would have not made the cut. I had Marcy look at my car @ Roundup, she said other than the steering column shouldn't be a problem. Sent pics to Choptop, explained what I got that I thought might keep me out,got approved to preregister, otherwise I would probably been in Fredricksburg @ the swap meet all weekend,
I'm an old fucker, I figure I got maybe tops about 20 more years that I can do this stuff, especially on 102 degree days, so I go to everything hot rod I can and try to have as much fun as I can. To me car shows are about seeing old friends, making new friends, looking at all kinds of cars but mostly trying to have fun, not nitpicking everyones car and finding fault with what someone else brought to the show.
I'm glad THE RULES got bent, otherwise I wouldn't have been there.

 

we had a few cars out and had a really good time. only thing i can complain about was the lack of a cool breeze in the afternoon. it wasnt bad in the shade. GOOD SHOW.

 

the ride out with the Creatures and Dolls from Frans (Dans?)was a blast, nice long line of cool cars at a comfortable pace.................. all the way thinking, "are they gonna' let me in with this ugly assed IFS on my '29?"
I had seen the flyer, and almost didn't go, but figured, WTF, it's about the drive and the people anyway........... the first guy at the gate said no way, but I kinda' forgot to get out of line, and after my fellow LOOSER, Skinny, did some fast talking, the other guy said I could back my car into the show, just leave the IFS OUTSIDE .
Anyway, for my two cents, it was a pretty darn good first time show, that most likely will just get better, I'll be back next year, WITH A DROP!
My only suggestion would be to order up some cooler weather, I fried like an egg with no top! jb

 

wow, arent we quick to judge people... Carnies working the front gate? I'm sure they will be glad to hear that.

Very poor form. Do you know the people at the front gate and know which cars the brought? By your comments I'm guessing no. You've just insulted some pretty active people in the traditional hot rodding scene.

It is NOT my intent to get caught up in the my opinion bullshit and the flaming game that this thread has turned out to be,however i want and need to say that i know the lady personally that was up at the front gate

I have been to quite a few shows that included Houston Autorama in witch i witnessed her pouring it out around the clock to help quite a few of the car clubs in our area get and keep our shit together at such a large event.I spoke to Deanne for a few moments before the show ended Saturday

I ask her why she busted her ass at all these shows and her comment was...QOUTE...,I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING,AND I ENJOY BEING AROUND ALL THE CARS AND THE GOOD PEOPLE .

In my book she has a heart of gold and is a DAMB good person and did not deserve a slap in the face like she got.I guess it is so easy to judge people you don't know when sitting behihd a keyboard...... Merc.....You owe the lady an apology !!!Just my two cent worth!!!!!!!

 

Here is the deal... I do everything I can to set the stage for people that come to have a good time. As long as those bases are covered its up to you. Sounds like you didnt have a good time and thats fine, but calling people names, making false claims... poor form. It sounds you just want to be contrary.

Is Billetproof business? Yep, it makes a profit, just like Edelbrock, just like Austin Speed Shop, just like Round Up... we all make a profit. I'm not one ounce guilty over that, business is business. Nor is putting on a show MINIMAL effort on any physically, effort wise or financially. I've put a ton of money into the business, risked my home to run it and put countless hours into it. I'm not ashamed or guilty about any aspect of it. You are WAY out of line for suggesting so.

Perhaps your perception of what Billetproof is and the reality of what Billetproof has been for the past 13 years is a little different. The rules are there for a guideline to help clue people in as to the traditional hot rod style. Billetproof has never turned away cars with electric fans, radial tires, or glass bodies. If there werent enough cars there of the style you personally like there is nothing I can do about that. I think its funny you are telling me and the rest of the world what Billetproof is about.

Again, valid critisms of things that could have made the show better, GREAT, all for them, glad to have them because I use them to make the show better... duh. But stuff like this? Personal insults and found less accusations? Wow.. .I really dont know what to say, except for that I consider it poor form. You've apologized for insulting the workers at the show, but gone on to insulting me. If you would like to call me a discuss it my number is 916-207-4645.

 

There was a shortage of food vendors... you are correct. There was indeed a shortage. Something that will be solved next year. Completely my fault. I tried to get a couple more in, but its a tough sell for a first year show. One chose not to show up at the last minute, nothing I could do there. But now that the show has been established there will be more vendors waiting to get in.

as for the rest of it.. .I'm not mad at all. I dont get mad... its a waste of time. As to my overall attitude about it, reference my signature..

Relax, its just a hot rod show.

 

Hey Choptop I hope you will still consider putting on this show again next year despite the B S you've had to put up with.I think everyone I know really enjoyed themselves and the show,I did for sure.But being a Texan myself you have to keep in mind when it comes to Texans you can give them a bag of gold and someone will complain about the bag it came in.Good luck with the rest of your upcoming shows and Im looking forward to next year already.Javier

 

I agree !!