AutoRama... my 2 cents

"NOT GOING BACK? Say it ain't so.....Maybe we'll just roadtrip to Chealsea for Coney's instead!

It was my first time to Autorama, and I have to say I too was a bit dissapointed. Granted, there was more cool shit there than Cheater Chis had time to mention - he had to take a shit, and is afraid to go in public restrooms, plus, I think he may have had his VELCRO'S too tight! The Trepanier 36 was mind blowing, who cares how much money the guy spent, the proportions, attention to detail, and overall flow of the car was unbelievable. Far better built than anyother car there, by far.

The one thing I did notice while walking through the upstairs with the Cheaters is that there were some awsome hot rod history on display, so-cal belly tank and coupe, this frickin awsome roadster posted below, and some others I forget at the moment, but people were more interested in the 78 caddy with 30" wheels. People were walking right by, nobody was even looking at these - It kinda bummed me out.

There were some fuckin' cool cars downstairs, but lots of shit too! The Suicide Axle built Zenor coupe was hands down my favorite car there. Great work Andy, you raised to bar fuckin' high on this one! The details, oh the details! The roadster next to the Zenor coupe was rad too, but I was afraid to go over by it cuz Plowboy's bulge in his pants was just too large for me to handle. There were other sweet cars down there too, but I'm tired and going to bed now. Great to see the Aceholes and the boys from Minnesota. Tuck, good talking to you and glad everything got straightened out. Titus, your wifee' got some serious skills! BobK, you rule as always!Anyways, here was my second fav car, it was upstairs.

out

 

You summed it up perfectly. Car shows, and automotive events in general, are not always about the "cars" in attendance, but rather, they are an excuse to reconnect with those people we may not see otherwise.

-Ryan

 

I had a great time, and there was tons of amazing cars there. It was cool meeting Brush, Mike Zenor, Plowboy, Kutty noteboom and of course Mr. Winfield in person. I will be back for sure regardless of the quality of cars.

 

I just posted this in Hatch's thread about "Indoor car shows" but I figure I'll go ahead and post it here too:

Well, there seem to be a lot of people bitching about this show...

I can't really say if this show sucks compared to other shows, or compared to shows "back in the day", because I'm not a "Car show guy"! I'm just a "car guy"!
I don't go to shows to be "Wowed"... I go to look at cars, and hang out with car people.


I had an absolute blast at Autorama...

I got to see some cool cars; picked up a few ideas that I will probably use in future builds; I saw how NOT to do a lot of things; I met a ton of really nice, cool people; I made connections with A BUNCH of people that have "old cars" in the barn that they want to get rid of...

And on top of all of that, it gave me an excuse to drive the '55 during a time of year that is pretty much DEAD as far as car stuff goes.

80 miles each way, with a tunnel-rammed smallblock, open fenderwell headers, and a 5.13 gear.

It was 15 degrees when we rolled down on Thursday... I couldn't feel my fingers or toes, but I had huge grin the whole way...


Like I said, I had a great time at the show... so I guess fuck everybody that didn't, right?

 

What he said. Good to see you, and congrats on best display.

 

The highlight of the show, besides HRLC's party, was Cheater Chris's detailed explanation of how he bagged a killer pair of velcro-sneakers from Wal-Mart for $10.42 including tax...he's always setting new styles in Traditional Hot Rod clothing...

hehehe

 

The best part of the show was the velcro sneakers.

 

Amen Brother!!!!!

 

The show was a blast , the stripers raised over $56,000. for sick kids, and to all the guys that say it was a disappointment, or there was nothing "good" there, don't go, and why don't you tell us just what the f%*@# you expected to see? Is the show supposed to be just what YOU think is good ? What was wrong with the cars in the SoCal booth, or the A-400, or that real straight 60's Balvedere, or........................

 

I've gone to just about every Autorama since I was born and every year the quality of the cars has surpassed the last. Sure some of the cars downstairs were what could only be termed ratrods and I'm not into the tuner or donk thing but there were tons of other really nice cars to check out . Sure beats the 70's era Autoramas with wall to wall Corvettes and Camaros. Met some really nice people, heard some good stories, sorry to hear some people had a bad time but like anything else it's only as much fun as you make it.

 

I think the real problem this year was there were a few cars that just drew so much attention that it took away from the rest. Best exaple. During the awards downstairs they announced a 49 Ford winning something. I looked at one of the boys and asked where it was. I couldn't remember a 49 Ford. It was right next to the really clean 34 5 window. I was so awstruck with the 34 I didn't even see the other car. I'm sure the same was happening upstairs. That 36 set the bar so high the rest of the cars just couldn't compete.

I was a little dissapointed in the 32 area. I was expecting some really cool cars. Most looked like the local street rodder's cars. I did like both the stock touring car and the hot rodded one. They dropped the ball not putting them side by side.

I think the show guys did a great job. Remember they have to try and please everybody. Just cause I don't like tuners doesn't mean they don't deserve to be there. I just wish they would be in another area away from the hot rods but we were OK cause we didn't have to be close to them.
Clark

 

good times with great friends!

can't wait till the showdown to see veryone again

I'll tell you though, if I heard the lifted ford expediton deflate his airbags one more time I would have sliced them just so he could have it dropped for good.

 

To me the Autorama is more for the people. Some of the highlights...

Inkorekt talking to a GIRL and actually getting her number.
Talking to Fay Butler, the A-brothers, and Bill Whetstone.
the Foose crew being a fan of Uranus and buying a few shirts.
The "Bearded Clam" show rod
Zenor telling us about Marvin Mushman and his flaming bag
The Blue handbuilt custom that I later found out once belonged to HAMBer Allison.
Hugging Littleman again.
Pressed ham on the window of the bar.
Troys' 36 and the work that HAMBer 100mphwheelspinner had in it.

The lowlights....

All of the people that I missed...I see from the posts that there were quite a few. Missing Denise's party because we got too loaded at the show. Two days after Saturday night and I still can't talk!

I am sorry I brought down the property values with the Sea Hag. ha ha ha. I promise I will do better next year!

 

I missed the show...I had to work.

I did at least sneak into Performance World here in toronto...

 

I have been to many many Autoramas in Detroit {since 1966} it has its good and bads every year for the most part the high dollar cars do not impress me a bit! I think the true meaning of the Riddler award is long lost to the rich and famous. This year was an off year as far as im concerened I agree with the 32s mostly being streetrods, I like the rat rods but they also are loosing thier "roots"
Ive seen them both here and on the west coast, most of the cars I seen at Bonneville were Dead On as far as roots of rodding 9 out 10 were far better than what ive seen here "sorry guess im kind of closed minded about Hot Rods" but as alwasys i will return to the show every year to admire innovation and metalwork,
Thanks for listening
Jerry

 

I had a really great time and thought the bands were awesome.

 

I want to add to my last post. And apoligies to rudy for bad mouthing the show. I do not see it as the promotors/ organizers fault. i see it as the hobbys fualt for the cars. I dunno really what im trying to say here but i guess ive just grown tired of the same cars. Dont get me wrong there were some amazing things to look at. just like with any show there are cars that you dont like and you like. I was sad to not see very many customs this year. Seems every one wants a hot rod right now so thats what there building but im a custom fan and they were missed this year. all though the few that showed up were great. i would have liked to see more but i guess thats not what guys are building right now. Im going to for sure have a custom in next year. Any way im going to go chop my top cause i feel like working on my chevy just so you guys have a cool car to look at next year and maybe we will have one less thing to bitch about.

 

It was my first time at Autorama, so I can't compare it to previous years. All I know was I was very impressed by the cars, more that I've ever been at Chicago World of Wheels.

Regarding the whole indoor show thing: it's a regional phenomenon. I understand how West coast and Southern types might roll their eyes at the idea, but how many of you 'hardcores' have ever driven your hot rod in -10F temperatures? On a salty, icy road that's cratered worse than Fallujah?

For most of us who grew up in the Midwest "back in the day", the midwinter car show was THE biggest annual car thing. Sure, the cars got goofy and cartoonish and silly in the 70s, but hot rod history is incomplete without acknowledging the show car scene. For every Edelbrock and Thompson and Koughaz and Xydias, there's a Roth and A-Bros and Starbird and Cushenberry. Yin and Yang, you know?

 

Disappointing!!

I took my ailing neighbor who was a real 50's rodder (had a flattie 30 ford coupe) and wish I hadn't. I was trying to perk him up by letting him see some nostalgia cars (while he still could).


He remarked the cars were "way rougher" and "dirtier"than they ever were in the 50's and have a cartoon caricature resemblence of how they really were. He remarked many of the cars looked just plain silly.

A comment was made by another poster the cars upstairs were over the top. The same thing could be said for the cars downstairs.

When rat rods first came out some years back they were presentable and fairly accurate.

What are some people thinking?

If this keeps up the nostalgia trend will be relegated to the trash bin.

 

streetfreak....you mean Mikey's coupe didn't get his heart jumpin?? Flatty powered A coupe?
Clark

 

Jay, thanks for the props.....Nice to hear at least one person like my coupe! Seriously, I don't understand the complaints? Ok, some of the complaints. Zenors coupe is out standing. Drew is a superman. Nicks car was a time machine. Scotts coupe ruled. What is not cool about Johhnyjeanjacket's coupe.....I am hearing complaints about the way people dressed????did you see my hat and I aint got no tatoos....Two complaints I agree on: If you are gonna show a pile of shit, it should at least run. If it is going to be a nice car and is not finished, I get that. 80% of the cars were different this year from last year? not so sure. Seemed like more. The Choppers have a every other year or 2 rule. It also seemed like the tuners had more cars this year? ( yep, I walked through to crop dust and people watch) Maybe less bitching and more hard work to get more cars...... I had a great time this weekend just like last year. Most of the people I talked to, and that was plenty, enjoyed the show. I dont give a shit about awards or trophies, but they were cool. I am sure the people that won them were stoked. Just not sure why a car with retread slicks for front tires would get consideration for anything. The royal Canadian air force did kick our ass though! The only thing that I did not like about this show was Evel did not make it! I can't wait till next year! Nice job Bob and Roadstar and whoever make the show happen!

 

Hahaha I wish I would of made it,,but shit Next year i'll
drag out my coupe...Did you have the hat on with the flaps??haha

I crop dust people all the time..

I saw the 32..it was cool you got it DON.

 

I missed Pierocakes really bad.

Jonny lost his voice.

Overall the show was a little less exciting.... I think seeing all the historical cars at the GNRS kind of set the bar too high for me.... i think that was the coolest collections of hotrods at one place EVER!

But that ridler 36 ford was CRAZY I can't even beileve it. and Zenors coupe.... AWSOME!!

It seems the nice cars in the basement are getting nicer, while the rat rods are getting wierder..... its a strange dynamic.


The fun times and friends were, as always..... PRICELESS.

It was really great to see everybody.

It really is all about the people.


The Don was on the bar.

 

my flaps rule.......

 

The Twistin' Tarantulas were the best! I'd love to get them to the Showdown next year. Great choice.

 

This was my first Autorama, and I had a BLAST!

I got to meet Littleman(finally!), Brush, Marcy, Bobby and his fantastic pinstriping girlfriend, and SO many other wonderful people!

I had a great time. I think that it's all about what you make of it. Even if you think that there are "sucky" cars, people, music--or whatever you thought "sucked," you can still make it a good time. It's all up to you.

Jen and Titus are rulers. I can't thank them enough!

Doku Hebi!

-Jolene

 

It is a long 4 days at that show but the up times with freinds make up for the downtimes. I needed to smell bondo to be able to crap hahaha. it was a great time and rudy and dennis did a awesome job the trophies were awesome poorboys.. They made me talk in front of everyone about my freind charley. I am gay. everyone prolly hates me because we painted a car and put those weird things on it. "fenders" Zenors car was great to build. Even if you guys hate me for saying this bringing a car to that show helps your buisness if you are in this buisness it's cheap advertisment. and when you are starting out it helps. Hopefully we will see more finished cars in the years to come if so we will have to swap the upstairs with downstairs. There are so many insane builders downstairs that make some of the upstairs stuff look pretty lame. maybee I am bias to the styler that is downstairs. And I think Chris is just not into the mad max beyond thunderdome style car. there are a lot of those out there now and that what alot of people want to see there is a lil someting for the reader of ol skool, ckd, rod n custom,you name it all of them try to follow a theme and thats why people are readers of those so they will keep building cars such as they see in those mags. Does this make any sense prolly not but autorama is a pretty cool show in my book just long hahaha I am tired. and thanks to the cheaters not wearing any underwear and velcro's remember "ain't no half steppin in the 815"

 

I think it was a great time, i liked every bit of it, especially the peoples, i got to see alot of freinds and met alot of new ones too, me and Jen had a bad ass time and will come again, maybe not as passsengers but with a car. cant wait till next year, oh yeah it also lit a fire under my ass to work on my 32 coupe, i brought her in the garage and started welding on it some more!

thanks to Tuck and Joleen for letting us ride along and not annoy them too bad!

thanks triple J for letting us stay at your place again too.

great to see and meet everyone.

jeff

 

For what it's worth...here is my 2 cents;

I had an absolute blast all weekend long. Got to meet The Reverand Horton Heat, hang with Chip Foose while he made his "Pick" and met way too many other true legends to mention. Also got to renew relationships, (albeit briefly) with some really cool HAMB members and got several hugs from Denise. That being said, I have to agree with the statements made in several posts.

Last year I stepped to the side at the request of Bob Larivee Sr. to allow other outside people to handle the registration for the Trad side, while I shifted my primary efforts to the Tuner side. The ultimate goal is to have a 50/50 split with half devoted to the Traditional Rods and Customs and the other geared toward the Tuner crowd. Whether you like this or not, the goal is to draw more of the younger crowd to our show with BOTH sides, thus securing not only the future of MY job, but also of our series of shows in general.

The goal is great, but in my opinion, the result has somehow lost its' focus over the past two years.

Certain people who are involved seem to think that they must "fill" the floor to keep the Ricers out and thus, have accepted EVERY SINGLE "Trad" side entry that is sent in with a $50 check. Since I feel the 50/50 Trad/Tuner mix is one to stick with, I do not agree with this years outcome and obviously, the Trad side has become somewhat of a dumping ground for those who have sub-par vehicles and know they would never be accepted upstairs. The assortment of hacked together junk and unsafe vehicles was disgusting. YES...there were some really cool rides and for those of you who brought them I say THANKS. The historically significant vehicles were also an awesome addition, (like Couches former Championship truck), but the junk pulled out of some field or the cars and trucks that were in no way "Traditional" had no place in this or any other show, in my humble opinion.

Not that anyone here cares, but on the "other" side, the quality of entrants was 100% better then previous years, with the obvious exception of the one club with the spray-can painted cars. I turned away quite a few entries on the Tuner side so that we would raise the bar with higher quality entrants. (Just remember; pictures DO lie, and some cars that appear nice in photos are actually, shall we say, not so nice). For this oversight, I apologize as those particular vehicles didn't belong in the show. On the other hand, did anyone check out the 680 whp 9 second street driven pump gas Supra or the Twin Turbo WRX that the Tuning Factory had on display? How about the candy blue S-10 that was converted into a true panel truck? Some real engineering going on over there, not just a bunch of bolt-ons, neon and vinyl graphics.

Anyway...that is my 2 cents worth and take it for what it's worth. In MY opinion, the front half of the basement needs to be for true Traditional Rods and Customs, NOT junk and sub-par examples of unsafe wheeled vehicles.

(Steps off of soapbox, and shuts up)

Thanks;

Bob Ashton aka autoramabob
Championship Auto Shows, Inc.
Show Manager