Done and In the Sun 2008 Tour.....Big Olds does Southeast Michigan

This past Saturday I had plans to stay in the Metro Detroit area instead of attending the Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green as was the normal this weekend for many years. This year I decided to attend the Oldsmobile Homecoming in Lansing Michigan. The last time I attended was in 1997 and I drove Dad’s red ‘50 Holiday coupe and he drove his black ‘50 Holiday Coupe.

I was really excited to take Big Olds since he is “done”. Dad drove his ’56 this time. We met up with some members of the local Motor City Rockets Car Club at 6:45am then hit the road with plans to meet another group of club members about 45 minutes down the road. I was bummed that my running buddy Megan wasn't riding shotgun.

My mom packed me homemade banana nut muffins for breakfast.


I love following Dad and looking at his car going down the road


Met up with the second group like planned and I walked around and introduced myself.


I was the last one to pull out. I like being able to watch the cars in motion


I really like traveling in the rear of the pack and having the opportunity to pull along side the cars and photograph them then fall back in line.
The only other single female in the bunch. I’ll fill you in more about her shortly






I tried to distract this guy while in the gas station parking lot but he noticed the screwdriver in my hand and wouldn’t allow me near his Fiesta spinners.






I took a front and a rear shot but because the way the sun was the front shots didn’t turn out that great




There were a lot more cars with us but most of them would not even come close to being of interest on here. I consider them daily drivers myself but to each his own.

So we get to the event, register and park. This event was like none I have been to since the last Oldsmobile Homecoming. Even though it’s not a judged event they have classes and they have certain parking areas for the classes. Obviously Dad and I weren’t in the same class and they wanted me to park in this one section that did not have another car in it at all at this point. My Dad had already driven to his section and was parking the ‘56. The lady was telling me I needed to go to the left and I told her no, I wasn’t going to park over there all by myself, how much fun would that be? I pointed to where my Dad was and told her I wanted to park over there. She actually had to go get someone and get it ok’d. Give me a break.

This parking arrangement did not lend itself to car clubs parking together therefore I really did not get to know any of the Motor City Rocket club members. Very different then what I am use to in the hot rod world.
Anyway, parked Big Olds next to Dad then we headed over to the swap meet.

 

I had one thing on my mind…..finding a set of 53-55 Olds Fiesta spinners. Nothing really there to get excited about EXCEPT this one fender skirt for a 1947 Olds. It is something I will need if I go for the tail dragger look for Rusty Olds BUT I am not prepared to spend any money on him this year. The emblem on the skirt is GREAT though.


I did pick up a few license plates and a small scripted chromed Oldsmobile that I’ll use in a scrapbook at some point. While walking the swap meet we ran into Dad’s pal Bill who is an Oldsmobile guru. Chatted with him for awhile and found out he has a set of Fiesta Spinners that have been hanging in his garage forever that he is willing to part with. Plans are to stop at his place in Ohio on Sunday on my way back from Indy and check them out! Keep your fingers crossed


It’s an Oldsmobile decked out cart that Bill cruises around in. He’s had some health issues so if riding around is what he needs to do, so be it. GREAT guy


Walked back to the cars to put my stuff away and found this little gal admiring Big Olds. Asked her if she’d like to sit in him and she jumped at the chance.


Dad and I then decided to take a walk and check out some of the other 500 or so Oldsmobiles that were there.


I really liked this wagon








Might not be everyone cup of tea but the owner of this wagon designed this wheel and had them made for the wagon




Dad feel in love and tried to buy. His very first car was a ‘49 Olds. Haven’t seen the last of this car in my world I think.


Has the special dealer hood that comes up in conversation on here from time to time.

 

By now there were a few cars in my “class” so we walked over there to check them out



‘46




And a ‘41 four door convertible that I guess I forgot to take a photo of. I did remember to shoot the dash though. The owner was an older gentleman that I had a nice long conversation with. He did not have any extra convertible only sun visor brackets.




These were in the 1st class






Dad and I then decided to head back to the cars and have lunch. We brought our own picnic supplies. While eating this young lady was admiring Big Olds so I offered her a seat.


Shortly thereafter a couple of friends of Megan’s from back in Ohio stopped by to say hi and chat abit. Elvis and “Leather Pants”


Sonnie then walked over and introduced herself to me. She’s was the single lady in the red 442 convertible that I mentioned earlier. She was a blast and really friendly and outgoing, really into the Oldsmobile scene. If I did attend any of their club functions it would be because I really liked her. She represented the club well.


Then HAMB member Deuce Phaeton stopped by and said hi. Nice seeing ya again bud. I enjoyed our chat


Dad and I then walked around alittle more




Stopped and chatted with some old Oldsmobile friends of Dad and Linda was having lunch with them and was kind enough to pose for a photo with me.


Funny story about Linda that ChevyGirlRox shared with me after seeing this photo.
“One time Bob (my boss) and I were at the Boiling Springs Dragstrip which is near Carlisle PA during a one of their events. Linda Vaughn was making a celebrity appearance at the Carlisle event. Bob jokingly told some guys at the dragstrip I was her daughter she had with him. Next thing we knew they were announcing on the loudspeaker “We are pleased to welcome Miss Golden Shifter Linda Vaughn’s daughter Megan to our races tonight” it was hilarious!

 

This belongs to a local pal…


And he does not have any extra spinners that he’s willing to part with








All cars I saw except this one were all Oldsmobiles. This was Olds powered so I guess that’s why it was there.


Linda did sign autographs for the masses


Self explanatory


I was walking back to Big Olds and this young lady was checking out Big Olds and her boyfriend was getting ready to snap a shot of her standing next to Big Olds so I walked up and opened the door for her to sit inside. After she got out and was thanking me I said “Oh no problem, the owner won’t mind I’m sure” and I started to walk away from the car. She gasp, her face dropped and turned white. I let her off the hook right away and assured her I was the owner. Pretty funny though.


So it’s about mid-afternoon and I’ve had my share of Oldsmobiles for the day so we decide to head out


One the way home we ran into this guy


I’m getting lots of practice taking one handed, over the shoulder shots

 

Shortly after I got home I got this awesome phone call from the HAMB’s very own little angel Danyelle. She was at the Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green and was missing me. I was so happy she called cuz I was really bummed I missed that show and all my pals that normally go there.

I then call Beatnik and talk him into cruzn Woodward Ave with me. Swung over to his place, picked him and headed to a BBQ place for dinner then Woodward. It was in full swing. I handed him the camera to snap some photos…..Louise he ain’t.

Going north on Woodward….
The Shell station at 13 ½ mile road welcomes cruisers








We stopped to check this Olds out closer












Not too many cops around hassling folks unless you do something stupid


Similar car types seem to park together

 

See the green ‘52 Olds convertible there?










After cruisen up and down the main area a few times we decided to pull into the Shell station to park for a bit and chat with folks






Shortly after parking StinkyFinger stopped to get gas and milk, spotted Big Olds and tracked us down. It was nice seeing him and chatting

 

By now it was getting late and I had an early morning so we headed for home. I dropped Beatnik off and parked Big Olds and turned in knowing that I needed to pick my Dad up bright and early Sunday morning.

The main reason why I stayed in Detroit this weekend instead of heading to Bowling Green was because Big Olds got invited to the Eyes on Design concourse event at the Edsel Ford Estate in Grosse Pointe, a very prestigious event in this area. I felt every honored to have been invited and even though the HRR is one of my favorite events and Beech Bend is my most favorite race track, I felt attending the Eyes on Design event was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

So….up early, showered, and was out scrubbing my whitewalls at 6:45am. Picked up Dad and headed to the east side of town. Once I pulled onto the ground of the estate we were directed to my spot and backed in. Every car has it’s own designated spot with plaque in front describing the car and it’s owner.

I was in the class called “The Art of Redesign-Custom”


Dad and I…what a great way to spend Fathers Day huh?




I learned a small wisk broom worked better then a vacumn








Some of the others in my class

 

The Hot Rod Chassis and Cycle truck














Chad, Me, Kevin and Meagan. WONDERFUL seeing you guys again. I really enjoyed being able to hang out together in this laidback atmosphere.




TimeBombJohn’s award winner 1950 Ford. He actually won the pick in our class. Congrats bud, well deserved, the car was beautiful.






Dad really like this one, 1954 Plymouth Belvedere




With a change of wheels and tires this one would be a stunner

 

The following were all in the first class but I forgot what it was called






















1942 Packard


1923 Jewett Roadster

 

Ran into Kevin AKA WideWhiteWalls and his lovely bride Wendy. Great seeing you guys again.




1956 Chrysler 300B




1957 Chrysler 300C




1962 Chrylser 300H


1964 Chrylser 300K


1965 Chrysler 300L




This Class was labled "Eyes Wide Shut"
1969 Oldsmobile Toronado





This class was Windshield Wrapture

 

1960 Oldsmobile Super 88


My friends Dad, John Reinhart designed the 1956 Continental Mark II


Ran in Bill and his lovely girlfriend. Nice seeing ya again bud. Congrats on


1956 Chrysler New Yorker




1957 Imperial Crown

 

Everyone remembers these 1967 Plymouth Barracude Hurst Hemi Under Glass Wheelstander. I'm not sure if these are two different years or what but the taillight treatments are different.
















Ran into ProjectTruck. Nice to meet you bud. Tell Aaron I said “hi” next time you see him.


Certainly not everyone’s cup of tea here but this thing was slick. We’re wandering through the Pro-Touring-New Tech in Muscle class now

 

1960 Jaguar XK150 Fixed Head Coupe


1963 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Special




1967 Maserati Ghibli Coupe


1969 DeTomoaso Mangusta Mid Engine-Chevrolet








1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL


Dad and I had breakfast with the owner of this sweet ride. 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster


\

Now were in the 100 years of GM area

Talk about dubs…..43 inch wheels on a 1911 Oldsmobile "Limited"

 

1949 Oldsmobile 88 Indy 500 Pace Car








Rudy AKA Roadstar lead the charge on the frame off restoration on this beauty. It was #24 off the line and the very first proto type super charged….he can add more, I’m getting too old to remember everything. It does belong to Ken Lingenfelter.






My old pal Rod Dotten’s 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible

 

It’s no secret I’m a huge Corvette fan and if I was going to spend a large chunk of change on a new daily driver it’d be a new Corvette for sure.


They had large tents with automotive artwork for sale


And a display of the Titanic in scale. Very impressive


The next area was Exterior Design

1936 Ford Deluxe Allegheny-Ludlum


1960 Thunderbird Allegheny-Ludlum


1966 Lincoln Continental- Stainless Steel


This class was Driveline Technology



1902 Oldsmobile




This dude was SWEET! I loved the plaid on the door....1930 Willys Knight




1931 Marmon V16


1936 810 Cord


One of my long time local favorites, 1959 GM Firebird III Gas Turbine




1963 Chrysler Turbine

 

Interior Design Technology

1959 Plymouth





1937 Chrysler Airflow



More Exterior Design

1947 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon


If I had to pick a favorite for this event, I think I’d be this one. 1954 Kaiser Darrin














After awhile we took a break from walking around. I got my love of reading from my parents


I hung out and chatted with the Hot Rod Chassis crew. Scott, the owner of the new truck, is on the left.


At around 2pm we were discussing the incoming dark clouds and shortly after that the tornado sirens went off in the area. A police car then drove thru the event and stated that a bad storm with hail was coming and for folks to take cover. Well that ended that.

The general public started heading in droves for the exits, vendors started securing their wares and exhibitors started putting up their tops and packing up their stuff, me included, BUT I kinda hung around for abit deciding if I was going to go cuz I didn’t want the day to end. I was one of the last to leave the field. There were a few sprinkles but when I headed west on the highway the dark clouds were to the north and south and there was a clear path of blue skies that I followed all the way home. I was totally bummed that they called the event like that, I would have so enjoyed a couple more hours there like planned.

Once home I parked Big Olds in the driveway, leaving the garage available for the Hot Rod Chassis crew’s bikes. They were about an hour behind me as they had to secure the truck in the trailer. The owner Scott, his father-in-law and two of the HRC&C guys headed for home but the others wanted to hang out for the night and relax. Passed out beers once they arrived then the guys decided they needed a nap before dinner. They all found beds and Meagan AKA: ShoeboxMags and I had a wonderful girlie chat while relaxing in the living room.

Boys woke up a couple of hours later and we all headed out for a nice steak dinner in celebration of them completing the truck. Congrats guys for a job well done! Once again you out did yourselves and should be very proud. It was a pleasure hanging out and I’m looking forward to doing it again this weekend!


All in all a most perfect Fathers day weekend spent with my pops and some friends. Maybe next year I can talk dad into attending the Hot rod Reunion in Bowling Green cuz that's the only way he'll see me next year on this weekend.

 

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What less than a 100 photos! no wonder no one has responded. We expect more LOL. Thanks for the pics. Looks like you had a blast.
Todd.

 

"I said “Oh no problem, the owner won’t mind I’m sure” and I started to walk away from the car."
Mind if I use this, sometime? That's some funny stuff. Looks like a great show.

 

sweet!
very nice pictures..
you were all over the east side of michigan and you didnt stop by..wahhhh?
bummer.
looks like a boat load of fun.

Seems that Little girls and even grown ones gravitate to your car for some reason..Chey Loves the Color

 

If that is the case... do you mind if I borrow Big Olds for a weekend? I wouldn't mind having some of the grown ones gravitate to me.

John

 

Being a Olds owner, thanks for sharing the photos from the all Olds show. Nice to see what others are driving. Can't believe you really like that 58 Wagon. 58's were plenty ugly (guess I'm a little prejudiced owning a 57).

I went to an all Olds show once in Hershey PA. Because mine was kustomed they wanted me to park with a bunch of 442's instead ofthe 50's crowd. I won't tell you what I told them, but I did go where I wanted to park. Haven't been back to an All Olds show since.

 

Looks like another fun weekend without me

Big Olds looked great at the Eyes on Design show. You're right, it is an honor and you should be very proud!

I'm glad you were able to spend the weekend with your dad. You know what that would have meant to me.

 

great post denise,the big olds looks great!!

 

Wow, looks like they had a lot more cars this year.

 

Wow, there were some great cars at the Eyes on Design show!! Great way to spend the Father's Day weekend. Thanks, Denise.

Malcolm

 

damnit! a lot of fine olds cars! wish i had been there. glad you were to take pictures though.

 

Hellava post Denise, Hellava post!

What a smorgasbord of automotive culture in one post. Not to mention Linda Vaughan and Custard Dairy, I'm in love...

Joel

 

Great photos Denise. I like the one of you and your Dad. Also enjoyed the Curved Dash Olds photos. I sold mine a few years ago to a guy in Michigan. I delivered to him and visited the Gilmore Museum near Kalamazoo. It was a good time.

 

Excellent coverage Denise!! (as always) Thanks for puttin' up the great pics. Looks like there was something there for everyone. It's nice to have such a wide variety of designs in one place. It's hard to imagine the total span of thought and creativity in that group of cars. Keeps ya thinkin'.......!

 

xcellent coverage and photos,thanx.