Cruising returns to Van Nuys Blvd

Kent, let's go back a little farther. TV was running a Buick at the drags. A mild custom. He wanted to join the Road Kings, but the Buick did not qualify as it was not a real race car.. It was a sled. Tommy collected parts from the desert and other places and built the T so he could join the Road kings. It was a true street strip roadster. He won many races with that car. Don did some driving in the dragsters Tommy had when Tom was shooting a TV show or movie. He did over 200 movies and was a rising star.

When Don joined the Road kings (1957) both he and Bob Muravez better known as Floyd LippenCott Jr (drove the Frieght Train)were initiated at Bob's Toluca lake the same night. By then, Don was a regular there.

Testing of the rail was also done on the River Road that is now I think Forrest lawn drive.

Kent, come with me to a Road Kings meeting next month and meet some of these guys as my guest. Get some histor from the guys that made it. We also have a club car show at Santa Anita this Sunday and all our memrobilia will be on display and I'll introduce you around.

 

The engine out of the Buick he tried to get into the Road Kings with was the same engine he built for that T. I guess TV Tommy proved a Buick can get up and went.

Can't make the Santa Anita thing, but, maybe I can make the meeting, let me know when, and how we might hookup, thanks.

 

Tommy said that 4 engine job was Don's first time drag racing. This is a later photo given to me by Tom McCourry before his recent passing.

 

Not sure which car Don drove first. 4 motor for a beginner would have been trial by fire. McCoury was an interesting guy. I miss the grumpy guy. He could sure stir up a meeting, but he would sure come alive when Don was there. Those guys were best of friends. TV was tollerated. I think that his practical jokes from the early days went a bit to far at times. Wasn't it McCoury that turned the show boat into the Waggon Master? Saw photos of Tom when he was the man to beat in the real Jr.Fuel racing. He was half the guy he was when I met him, literally.

We had the 4 motor car at out 50th party at Petersen and it was at NHRA for a long time. There was a rumor a few years back the TV and Pepmuller were recreating the show boat, but I think that was more talk then action at their age.LOL.

TV made a pass with the car a few years back and when he came back to the pits was over heard saying he now remembers why he retired from driving. He has been behind the wheel of cars at the cacklefest in B'Field. Still has that star quality smile when the engine is running.

Next Road Kings meeting is the second Tuesday of November at the Elks lodge by Burbank air port. We get there at 6PM to eat, bench race and tell lies. Meetin starts at 7PM.

We will keep in touch till then. October is a busy month for me. Events every weekend in and out of the state.

 

When I was hanging out with Tom he told me he did "body" that car, and made it actually a bit more famous than when Ivo had it. He toured Europe with it too. Then sold it back to Ivo

 

Groucho, I thought Tom did too. There was even a Hotrod Mag Story on it when he finished it I think. That's when the WAGGON MASTER name was given to it I think.

 

Digger Dan is building a new car with Rooman. Rooman is going to drive. My guess would be they'll be out for the March Meet 2010.

 

Glad to hear that. The old car was pretty bent up after the race. Rooman is a good guy.

 

Got an email today from a girl in Germany who will be attending the cruise night on Oct 14th....She wanted to know if anyone would take her cruising...She also sent pics of herself wrenching on her Volvo panel truck...Looks to be about a '59.... Now if I could figure out how to upload photos here....

 

So where does the line start? I got an empty passenger seat

 

what are her stats.? I'll give her a ride heheheh

 

What's a '59? Her or the Volvo?

 

I actually even speak a littlle German (took it back in High School) Let me know so that I can ditch the wife for that one

 

I know some German. Schloben ze nobben?

 

Can you say Fahrvergnugen?

 

No, but I can say fuckingroovin' though.

 

http://www.vcrides.com/main%20flyer%20copy.jpg


The above link is for the Ventura cruise on Main Street. It starts this Friday October 9th, at 6:00 PM, and continues every 2nd Friday of the month, thereafter.

 

Looks like fun i will be there.

 

Well, it's about time to say: "Start Your Engines" cruisin' VN Blvd. is only a week away.

Something else that's coming back soon from the dust of the old Harvey's - Johnie's Broiler in Downey Ca. is the New Bob's Broiler. The story is in the current issue of Rod & Kulture. Next issue: "The Resurrection of Van Nuys Boulevard" will be in the next issue 20

Here's the HAMB link on the broiler, there's a lot to check out here. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153678&page=67

For Van Nuys T-shirts: www.kentbash.com

 

A few from last months cruise nite -

sadly i won't be there for the next one

 

Oct. 14th is almost here. Finally!!

 

Is that girl's name Thierry? cause she emailed me too. I told her to look up the Van Nuys cruise website.

 

the WHEEL OF CONFUSION gang is hoping to get a van night going out at Van Nuys for the Nov. cruise so if you if you have a van(doesn't have to be a show peice,check out the Van Nuys pics)get it out and bring it down hope to see you all there

 

damn...ive heard stories...looks fun!

 

Cruising on Van Nuys
Hubby n I

 

I just saw my adjuster today. Should be getting a check soon and getting my car fixed. I guess I'll go and watch this time.

 

I Guess some folk just don't like having their picture taken

 

Fixed my brakes and radiator today. Hell, I even got the heater working! I'll defiantly be at this one.

Might even get a cousin to ride along.

 

While other people seem happy just to be there

 

3 people, that have been to the cruise night in the past called me this past Wednesday to see if it was cruise night. Hey, do you need instructions with that calendar?