Seems this year lacked a bit on the customs but, perhaps made up for that with plenty of cool roadsters and pickups that were 2 inches off the ground. There were some great cars with crazy paint jobs to catch the eye however, it was the burgundy Desoto and Cole Foster's 36 Ford that really caught the eye. I was walking along looking at cars with paint and accoutrements that screamed, LOOK AT ME! I kept walking and thinking, Yep, cool car, hmmm, that's nice. Then by Foster's car. I just stopped and stared. I remember thinking how it was funny that there were so many great cars but, the one that immediately catches your eye is gloss black and aesthetically subtle. I just stared for 5 minutes saying wow, over and over. What a beautiful car. Here are my 5 favorite and link to more pics: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mugsys54poncho/album?.dir=8a81scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos -David
That's funny that you think it lacked in Kustom attendance. I thought It lacked in Hotrods. I remember years past when the corner down by the new theatre was overflowing with clubs like the Deacons,Lucky Devils,Shifters,Them,Immortals,throttlers and more. It seemed like there was only a few of each if any at all. I think overall there was less cars in town this year.
There was no shortage of hot rods. There were at least 10 rods I'd never seen before and many more than that I had. I'm surprised I haven't seen any pics of the drive in from Friday night. That place was hoppin as it is every year. I think alot of people who attend don't even realize they are missing one of the best parts of Paso. Mugsy,I fully agree with your picks!
Yeah that is the one of the best parts. I was there and I gotta say I missed the Hot Rod Trio. They are always the icing on the cake. Also no Hot Rod where was he? Last year cars were literally spewing out of every nook and cranny over there. I took pics of about 15 cars just in the dirt alley behind it.
I was at the drive-in early on friday. We had our cars stuck there till about 10 pm. The whole lot was packed all the way to the street. The cars were 4 and 5 deep. I did manage to get 4 cars in the parking lot all right next to each other. I didn't see most of the cars from the drive-in at the show on Sat.No pics though..Too busy just looking and hanging out... .EVILT
I thought the same thing. I always go to the old A&W and there was way less hot rods than in years past and it seems like more customs. There was a really nice 28-29 roadster with a flathead with 2-2's that I really liked, it was black, all black.
From the shop owners and CHP/ Police I talked to.. They seemed to think it was actually a bit bigger. As far as number of cars from clubs and such.. My personal point of view..... The show is expensive. There are a lot of smaller shows springing up all over the west coast now. You can do a bunch of $10 buck shows and have fun for the cost of one Paso show. Paso used to be the only big draw... Now you have.. Jalapoy showdown, Viva, Long Beach, primer nats, mooneyes, blessing of the cars, etc....Just my two cents....EVILT
I had the impression that the number of customs to hotrods was up vs. previous years and overheard a few conversations of people who seemed to notice that also. Which I guess is good since Paso really is supposed to be a customs show. There were definitely far less of the full on, no floor, bare bones rusted out true rat rods than some previous years. I think the warnings that the cops were going to crack down on those kind of rides discouraged many. I hate to see them go away, because I think of them as a real art form just like customs, but then again I guess that leaves more entries open for the custom guys. I couldn't agree more regarding the 36 that Cole built. This was the first time I'd seen it in real life and it's understated beauty was more powerful than anything else there. That's what's so cool about it. No need for flash when you can achieve that kind of quality. Did anyone else notice the bumper brackets? I mean, for god's sake...even the bumper brackets were art.
I was happy to see that there were less of the "rattier" rods than there have been over the last couple of years. My theory was that most of the **** that was built for Paso maybe a few years ago has either been sold for big bucks on ebay or has flat out broken down and was a one show poney. I also agree with EVILT that Paso has become too expensive when compared to a lot of other quality shows that are popping up. I noticed that this year here on the HAMB there were a lot more post about people looking to get rid of a room at Paso.. or people not going becuase of the money crunch. In years past it was all about looking for a room and alternative camp sites at Paso. This year it seemed to be more about selling off that manadatory 3rd night stay. With that said. I already have my room reserved for next year!!! IM(not so)HO
I think Cleatus is 100% agreement with me. This year did seem to have less of the real ****ty "rat rod how outrageous can I make it" type. My wife's favorite show is Paso, because of the customs. Paso is a fun show to attend and see the beautiful customs. I like seeing the nicely done rods as well, just do not get so excited about the real outrageous ones.
That is my buddy Laurie Peterson's truck of "Canada Customs & Hot Rods". It is a 37 Ford. He goes by ratstu on here if you have any questions.
"No need for flash when you can achieve that kind of quality. Did anyone else notice the bumper brackets? I mean, for god's sake...even the bumper brackets were art." That's what I'm talkin' about Cleatus! I didn't mean the kustoms lacked in number, as in attendance. I meant the overall aesthetic aspect was lacking. And I don't mean the high dollar, afraid to drive it, Merc's. I mean the cool, cl***ic, customs like The Deacons used to drive (I remember them having more customs than rods, maybe I'm wrong). The ones that would stand the test of time. The ones that will still look bad *** 50 years from now as opposed to the ones where somebody in 3 years goes, "Wow, why did I paint it like that and why did I do that? What the hell was I thinking?" As for the cost, yeah, I spent a small fortune. A small fortune on gas alone. I was gettin' maybe 9 or 10 mpg. Still had a great time. -David
The number of cars here this year was exactly the same as last year. 800 no more no less I know this because I worked the gate. . . . . However We turned away over 100 folks that got all the way to Paso, with rooms and everything, and had not pre registered. I'm sure they stuck around even if they didn't get to park in the park. Not to mention the other 200 or so cars that show up with no intention of registering. Thats what makes this such a good show. As for Kustoms vs. Rods, I think there were more Kustoms this year. I heartily agree with Cletus that the Rat turds are being replace by safer, better built rat rods. With more of an eye on origality than crustiness. I especially liked the truck from Canada. Just my 2cents Craig
Hey FONZi...you were in Paso this weekend????.......Damn...I would been looking for you if I had known........I was there too, with the F-1.......I met up with the other Fonze........... My truck is still there in Anaheim...I'll be back for the Aces show in Santa Ana next week....
Hay Guys you are so lucky over there so don't get to caught up in debating if it was better than the year before or not just lap it up you lucky *****'s we are so jealous down here........ I hope to make it over for next year's paso and it will be a trip of a lifetime..
Hey Craig - just wanted to thank you & every one involved in putting on such an amazing Custom & hot rod show. Got hooked up will lots of cool people, & had the best time of my life. Thanks again from all the Canadians . Laurie (Canada Customs & Hot Rods)
Craig did I hear it correctly that the Labor Day Paso show is no longer happening? As a local I preferred to enter into the labor day show over the slow (I mean slow) memorial day cruise. But with the low turn out in the past I could see this day coming.
I've got a bunch of picks to post still and quite a few are from the cruise and the drive-in........as soon as I have time to resize them, they'll be up...
You are correct. The Labor Day show is no longer. We just couldnt get enough people to attend, and the cost is just as high as Memorial Day. Craig
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