A couple of friends and I will be visiting SoCal this easter. We're looking for cool places, meets, shows to visit while we're there. We're planning to go to GoodGuys Nat. in Del Mar f.eks. - But would also like to visit som customcar/Hot Rod shops, speed shops etc. to see some builds going on. Any leads or suggestions ?
if just going to be in San Diego area try contacting: sandiegorodandcustom.com, hotrodscutomstuff.com, Jalopy Shoppe, Hot Rods by Josh - also, ask vendors at show.
When you say SoCal, does that mean the Los Angeles area too? There's a bunch; off the top of my head: Hollywood Hot Rods in Burbank, Old Crow Speed Shop in Glendale, SoCal Speed Shop in Pomona, NHRA Museum I think in Pomona, Peterson Museum in Los Angeles, F&H Flatheads in Glendale, All American Speed in Van Nuys, Performance Automotive Warehouse in Chastworth, Team C in Downey, Hawaiian Speed in Simi Valley and Blairs. There's a ton more but these seem to stand out. Have fun!
Some good suggestions already, but just to clear up a couple things in Sting Ray's post. Old Crow is also in Burbank, they are right next door to us at Hollywood Hot Rods. And Performance Auto Warehouse no longer has a showroom, they are exclusively doing Internet business now.
...and if you try Blair's in Pasadena, make sure it is still open. Phil Lukens had it for sale a while ago, have not seen an update....
WOW - Thanks guys. There is alot of great suggestions !!! We have to expand our trip from 2 weeks to 4 ;-) We are going to be mostly in the southern area of CA, from L.A to San Diego. But also have to visit my friend in Nuevo (Steve at Wilk Worx) and a quick trip to Las Vegas. So we're not only in SoCal, but most of the time we will be. Thanks again. I really appreciate it...
Keep in mind that the LA region is huge and congested. You think in terms of how many minutes or hours a place is away from you rather than miles or kilometers. Also, commute hours will lengthen a trip. So maybe schedule your stops based on where they're located. For example, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Los Angeles proper are grouped together. Pomona is east, maybe hit that on your way to Vegas. Sounds like the Big Fun, can I tag along?
SR: Yeah, it have to be planned very good. I know the traffic in the L.A area ****s. This will be a great trip. That's for sure !!!!
The Donut Derelicts car show in Surf City, Ca.---Huntington Beach, Every Saturday morning from 5:30AM to 8:30AM. The BEST FREE car show on the West coast. 250 cars and trucks of all vintages. Located at the corner of Adams and Magnolia. You have to trust me on this. People come from all over the world go to this event every Saturday.
For car shows, see --> http://socalcarculture.com/ . Click on "EVENTS". Jimmy Shine has a new shop in Orange near Angel Stadium and Honda Center. --> http://jimmyshine.com/ Chip Foose also offers shop tours --> http://www.chipfoose.com/ws_display.asp?filter=Contact A note about Donut Derilicts --> if you get there after 7:30AM, you are too late. Most cars are leaving by that time. I found 6:30 is a good time for me.
5.30 AM !!!??? Man, we're still drunk at that time of day, haha - But it sounds like something to see !! Thanks ;-)
Also, there is the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo, Ca. This is only about 1.5 miles South of the LA Airport at 610 LAIRPORT STREET (correct spelling). Don't be put off by the plain drab brick facade and lack of large signage. This is a nice museum that is non-profit. A donation of $10.00 is requested at the door. This visit will be worth your time.
Early Rodders Saturday morning gathering from 6:30-8:00a. Great variety of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, and sports cars. Many founding SCTA / SEMA members and OG hot rodders have been meeting here weekly (since 2001). Typically 50+ cars attend. Location is the United Artist Theater, 919 Verdugo Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. Hope to see you there!
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