Big Olds Does the NSRA Nats North

Friday morning started off very chilly and foggy. We cruised west in Big Olds all bundled up for alittle over an hour then stopped for breakfast. It was actually quite pleasant after breakfast and the rest of the ride to Kalamazoo was coat free.

The host hotel was packed with lots of our friends and even some family members. After registering we walked around the parking lot abit, took some photos and chatted.

Ran into my long time pals Bill and Debb in their pair of ‘32’s (no, Jessie, Bill’s Vicky is not for sale but I did ask him for you)


This fellow was from the Toronto area. Nice chap


Beatnick had mentioned last Thursday that he was looking for a set of Merc hubcaps. We found them for ya bud but the owner really his eye on us.




Lots of Plymouths at the show. Could Plymouths be the next hot trend? This one belongs to Pat.


Got to the fairgrounds and parked Big Olds around the RRT encampment. All the regulars were there along with a few surprises






Mark, AboneCoupe31


After our hellos and hugs Roadstar and I headed to the swap meet. For those that have never been to it it’s large and always as a treasure or two buried.

 

We ran into lots of HAMB guys in the swap area. We stopped and chatted with Plowboy and Dave Shuten (Mysterion Clone creator)and checked out the stuff they found.
Left to right; Plowboy, Dave, Roadstar




Dave uncovered this gem which was striped along time ago by the HAMB’s own Safariknut, Ray Smith.


Me and Dave Shuten


Once we had our fill we headed back inside the main area and checked out some rides on our way back to Big Olds.




It wasn’t long before it was time to join some pals for dinner at a resturant downtown. On our way there we ran into Mark cruz’n down the road.


We had a great group of friends and family at dinner. Thanks Todd for everything. It was a great way to end the summer show season. xoxo


The next morning was very foggy but cleared up by mid-morning. I hadn’t wiped off Big Olds since the HAMB Drags so HotRodGal and I got busy and had him looking spic and span by the noon meet and greet. Thanks sweetie for all your help. Very much appreciated.

CharlieChops1940 and the RRT's very own HotRodGirl


Charlie's old faithful, but we're all really looking forward to seeing his new roadster pickup cruzn the fairgrounds one of these days......not that we don't love his ragtop.


The noon meet and greet was a HUGE success! Folks just kept coming and coming.




I was having such a great time mingling that I almost completely forgot about a Hokey Ass Group Shot but Plowboy reminded me. Thanks bud!


Me and Kzoo


Phat Rat, great seeing ya agin bud. Have fun out west.


Here's a shot of PhatRat's (Jack) ride, you might remember it from Ego-Rama fame. What a GREAT chop!


31Apickup


PhatPat


LimeyKid


(I'm having trouble remembering some names. If you were at teh meet and greet pls PM me and tell me what you were wearing so I can label the photo of you and post)

 

While I’m chatting with a couple of HAMB folks this guy stops in his tracks, looks at Big Olds, and says in a loud voice, “This is a ’47 Olds convert. I have one, a 66 series”. I turn to him and reply. “This is a 66 series!” and in slow motion he starts walking to me with his arms stretched out and I start walking toward him and we hugged right in front of Big Olds. I asked him where his car was and he told me it was at home and that he was a vendor this weekend. He said “I’ve never seen another one at a show” to which I replied “Me either, and this weekend is no exception”. We both laughed. He lives south of Chicago. I told him about the HunnertCarPileup and gave him all the info. We’re going to meet there and get to know each other better. I’m thrilled I made a new lifelong car pal.

Me and my new pal Howard (I’ll fill him in on the HAMB too next month)


After a yummy BBQ lunch at the RRT trailer a few of us went for a cruz in Big Olds. Saw Denny Leskey, owner of the Ionia Hot Rod Shop, with his now world famous Regret. I say world famous now because Regret is on the cover of Alan Mayes new book and inside there is a wonderful multi-page spread of Regret and it’s Michigan hot rod history. Denny, always a pleasure seeing you and having the opportunity to chat.


Story gets good here. We’re just about in front of the Gennie Shifter booth and Roadstar hops out of Big Olds to spend some time with Race. As he closes the door this guys runs up and asks to go for a ride. I say sure, “hop in” which he does. Low and behold he’s a HAMB lurker and Big Olds fan from way back. We spent the rest of the day together chatting and joking like we’ve known each other for YEARS. It was a great feeling.

Me and my new pal “Lurker Larry”


After a bit Lurker Larry and I headed over to his ride. Totally awesome with some fantastic artwork on it.


Lurker Larry is a sign painter by trade. Here’s some of the striping on his ride.




Those heading to the HunnertCarPileUp will be able to check out his car in person.

One of Larry’s pals, Tom Kelly, owns this survivor…while not a “survivor” of the 50’s or 60’s, it is a survivor from 1983…..the 1983 Detroit Autorama where it competed for the Ridler Award. A timeless car which still looks great 23 years later. A great guy. I'm glad I got the opportunity to meet him.


Saturdays evening meal at the RRT’s BBQ trailer. Lots of great food and even better company.


Roadstar and I just “snacked” with the RRT crew because we had plans to head to a pizza place with Race and his friends to celebrate Race’s birthday. What a blast! Hanging out with a bunch of 20 something year olds really made me feel young that nite.




HammerHank on his new bike in the pizza place parking lot


The kids headed out to where young kids hang out these days and we headed across the street to check out some cars and watch the mayhem.


The Kzoo police “allow” burnouts in a certain area till about 11pm then shut it down for the nite.


I took a lot of nitetime photos just checking out the different settings on my new camera

 

Jakes a HAMBer but I forgot his screen name


Rudy built this convert quite a few years ago. It’s nice to still see it being driven around.






This was one bitchen ‘40


Me and Starliner


Starliner’s grandpa’s, Bill Whetstone’s






Called it a nite but we were back at the fairgrounds bright and early cuz I was MAKING FRENCH TOAST on the RRT grill! It’s become a tradition at the NSRA Kzoo show for me to cook breakie for everyone and this year was no exception. My camera was in my pocket so I don’t have any photos so your just gonna have to believe me BUT if your at the show next year you’ve GOT to stop by to check it out for yourself.

I was just about through slaving away when part of the grill stopped working. Some of the guys didn’t get “seconds” on the French toast so they opted for the next best thing….strawberry cake! Brent, thank your mom once again for bringing TWO yummy cakes this year!

Roadstar and CharlieChops


The RRT “Cake Lady” (FlamedFink’s mom) and Enjenjo.


PurplePickup


OhioBlueTip, the RRT's imfamous chief....hey Kenny....what'd ya do with your cake???


I smell lavender in the air


After breakfast Roadstar and I walked around a bit and checked out more rides

 

As we’re walking thru the award winners area…..WOW! I stopped dead in MY tracks! The nicest ’36 I’ve ever seen. I was totally mesmerized.


It gets better. Roadstar and I were walking around the car checking everything out and low and behold he recognizes a piece (glovebox door latch with key) on the Merc dash and so he starts a conversation with the owner. Guess what, he’s a HAMB guy! TimeBombJohn! (John St. Germain)


What a great guy. We probley spent over an hour chatting with him and asking all types of questions about the car. When we were asking about the seats he opened the door and insisted we sit inside. I was in heaven. It was GREAT to meet you John and I look forward to seeing both you and the car again at Cobo in March.




I have a lot more photos of John’s ’36 with a bunch of details and plan on doing a detailed post on the car in the near future.

Next stop was Streamline to say our goodbyes and pick up a Duval windshield for Roadstar's new roadster pickup project. Thanks Todd for the SMOKIN deal bud. We appreicate the discount. Keep an eye on your mailbox sweetie.

While hanging out at the Streamline booth a guy that was also milling around asks about the HAMB Drags swag we're wearing. Come to find out both him and his buddy are HAMB members. We chatted about the Drags and how they just HAVE to make it there soon. Great guys, nice meeting you both.

Blown32


FlattyV8


We headed back to the RRT group checking out cars on the way and running into friends.

Roadstar, Hot Rod to Hell and his lovely wife and cutiepie daughter














Did alittle more hanging out with friends around and under the canopies.


Slowcro


JusJunk and his lovely wife Sue



Before long it was time to pack everything up, say our goodbyes and head for home. All in all a perfect Michigan weekend with blue skies, comfortable temps, cool hot rods and AWESOME friends. Thanks to all you guys for making it a special weekend.

 

What a great lady you are. A shining example that with a smile and a proper attitude, the world is yours.
Always enjoy your posts and look forward to saying hello again at the Autroama.
Keep up the great life.

 

Sure was a great weekend.

Thanks sweetie

 

Thanks for the great pics. I feel like I was there. See ya at the Hundret!

 

I am constantly astounded by how you continue to top yourself. Great event coverage, almost like being there. Thanks, Denise.

 

Denise,

I always look forward to your coverage of the events you go to. Regardless of what the event is, you seem to find the best in it and bring the zest for life you have to all of us as well. Thanks for the photo's and the narrative.

J.

 

Great pictures.

Ya need to grab your camera and head down to Sam's Town in Tunica for this weekend's Delta River Crusing.

 

What a FANTASTIC post, Denise!

Great pics, people and cars. I'm so glad ya had a chance to meet Larry Hansen! Super high quality person and a legend in Chicago signpainting history.

When ya see him at the Pile Up, ask him about his 1964 California trip with his best friend. The historical ramifications of just the plan, never mind also executing it is mind boggling. A real hotrod and custom treat!

Big hug on October 14th!

Joel

 

John St Germain?? Same guy that owns the nicest shoebox Ford on the whole planet????

 

Glad you got a new camera, you've been slacking, but you're back.

 

Hey Denise! It was good seeing you out there along with Roadstar, Race, J Dub, Pete, Plowboy, and everyone else! Thanks for the hospitality, and the close up of my ugly mug, too! Great pics and coverage, as always.



^^ I am in love with this car! One of my all time favs...

 

You always have the greatest event coverage. Better than in any magazines ive ever read.

Im so ready for the pileup its not even funny.

 

Hi Denise great Photos ,lookin out the window at a wet Irish monin your posts brighten them up.

 

cool thread

Its cool to be able to put names to faces.

I dont get out much. Thanks

 

Yes, one in the same. We chatted about his shoebox as well. Really a nice guy.

Glad everyones enjoying the coverage.

 

Nice pictures Denise, It was nice to put faces with names. Great coverage too. I will have to get to the burnouts next year. In the group picture I am the fat one to the far left with sun glasses on and shorts. Gary M.

 

Great job! Thanks for posting

 

Nice picts !!!! Thanks for sharing.

 

Hey Denise thanks for the pics on the roadster you look great in it.It was a real pleasure talking to the custom people that were there.I was feeling a little left out until you guys showed up on sunday. Made the show for me,having never been to an NSRA show before. I`ve always been to custom shows.Anyway the roadster and the shoebox will both be at Cobo this March.I know I will see you there and meet some of the other HAMBER`s..

 

I think you're right! I have never seen so many Plymouth hot rods as I did that weekend. I also never saw so many nailheads and early hemis as I did at Kazoo. We counted 8 nailheads in one walk-around and lost track of all the early hemis. I don't even count flatheads any more because there's so damn many LOL

Looks like we might have passed by each other a few times. Next time I go to one, I'll be sure to wear a "Hot Rods from Uranus" shirt.

I recognize Plowboy and crew... I remember wondering who let the farm boy into the swap meet. <snicker> Man... I wish I had broken free and found y'all.

 

Then this should be you! It was nice chatting with you on Saturday afternoon.

 

Nice pics Denise, looks like everyone had a Blast!!

 

rudy's sooo dreamy...but that john deere hat makes the plowboy look hawt!

 

Thanks for the pictures Denise, looks like a great time! See you and everyone else in a few weeks!!!!!

 

Denise always good to see you and Rudy. Dave and I had a good time in the swap meet all weekend.

Monsterflake, you know how to turn a guy on.

 

was I the only one who noticed the guy in the red shirt totally eye-f*cking the chick at the table?