My Awesome Austin Adventure

Took a very early flight outta Detroit on Thursday morning with a short stop in Chicago bound for Austin Texas. Was really looking forward to spending time in some warmth and sunshine after a long Michigan winter, and when that warmth and sunshine surrounds a traditional hot rod and custom car event with cool bands and amazing artwork, well I’m in heaven.

I was told you don’t get to see the Chicago skyline very often from the airport.


Spent the whole flight from Chicago to Austin sleeping. I was whipped from a late nite baking and packing. Once in Austin had alittle trouble at the Dollar Car rental counter. They seem to think that a mini van is “similar” to a Dodge Magnum. Didn’t feel like getting escorted outta the airport in a police car so I just let it slip BUT I certainly won’t ever rent from Dollar again.


Went straight to S. Congress and spent some time shopping, something I didn’t get a chance to do last year. Ran into OldBobSign, Deadender60 and Rod Powell in front of the Continental Club. Juan and Rod had just arrived in the wagon from California. It was AWESOME meeting you two and hanging out.



Me and Rod


This cool little setup was also an early arrival on S Congress.


Checked in then headed over to Reggie’s for his BBQ. Always a pleasure seeing Reggie and having the opportunity to check out his projects. We should have arrived sooner as most of the food was gone. Guess we learned our lesson….no shopping, must get to Reggies early.








Wasn’t long before the Dirtys arrived. Man o man had Danyelle grown since last summer.



After hanging out awhile we headed over en masse to Billy’s for the Thunderbolts Thirsty Thursday.








Billy's place, it was great seeing you again sweetie.

 

FltBlk’s truck, great seeing ya again bud


Laura, Mrs DW and her new ride, very new ride. Congrats sweetie! I can’t wait to go for a ride at the Drags. Per usual it was AWESOME seeing you again.


The Sock Fuckers are always fun to hang out with.






Thanks so much to Billy for allowing all us out of towners to join in the fun. I’ll see ya in August!

Headed out to find some dinner. Lots of folks had mentioned that Rudys had great BBQ so we stopped at the one in Round Rock on the way to SASS. Extremely delicious. Thanks to all who recommended the place.


Once our bellies were full we headed over to the South Austin Speed Shop to see what was going on and say hi to some pals. Ran into Dennis and friends in the parking lot and out of the corner of my eye I saw his car. Made a beeline for it and got a “tour” of the STUNNING interior from DamitDave.






Lots of cool cars and projects in the shop.
Slick50 and Vicki’s Caddy in for interior. The fresh paint on the Caddy was breathtaking. It was wonderful seeing both Ken and Vicki again and hanging out. It wouldn’t be the same Roundup for me without those two.


Dr Dan's AKA Skullcracker on the HAMB and one of the owners of SASS. Dan, it was nice chatting with you on Saturday afternoon, even though it was short. I look forward to doing business together in the very near future and returning next year driving Big Olds sporting a Fat Lucky interior.


Ran into HAMBer John Joyo AKA JunkieVonJoyo and had the opportunity to check out his Merc truck while Scratch was laying some lines. It was wonderful to meet you. Your truck is bitchin and you should be really proud.






Fat Lucky stitched seat which DID get installed before the RoundUp.

 

Headliner and visors


OldBobSign and Fat Lucky discussing the fine points of this Dearborn Deuce


Headed back to S. Congress to see who was hanging out. Ran into lots of HAMB folks




Said goodnite and headed for bed knowing it was going to be another early morning.

In the morning we headed to Reggies for a kick ass garage crawl. Reggie's street was PACKED with cars on both sides, hot rods and daily drivers both. Didn’t seem like the rain stopped anyone from attending. Because their Caddy was out of commission, Ken and Vickie then hopped in the mini van rental. It did work out really nice though as we got to spend the day together chatting and catching up on stuff.


First stop






He’s been working on this Ford convert for YEARS. I sure hope I’m around when this thing gets completed.




Finally got to meet my HAMB pal ScottyBaccus. It was a pleasure sweetie.


I was having a hard time hearing but I think our host was given a Thunderbolt drag plate. Inducted into the club??




Kustom52 and his son


Folks pulling out

 

Second stop was Reggies shop. Thanks so much sweetie for once again organizing the garage crawl for all of us. It takes alot of time and effort to plan something this large and I just wanted you to know that we all appreciate it. As always it was a pleasure seeing you and I'm glad we got the opportunity to sit and chat abit about the Austin scene.




Third stop, always something cool to see here and I just LOVE the old buildings in Taylor.




Finally got the chance to meet my hotel hero BrokenSpoke. He hooked me up with his extra room at the Austin Motel where I really, really wanted to stay but it was sold out months ago. Thanks again bud! Very much appreciated. It was wonderful meeting you and your lady friend and hanging out.


Fourth stop had SpeedAddicts ride in attendance


Some of Scratchs artwork on the deck lid. It was nice to finally meet Scratch in person at SASS and have the opportunity to see lots of his work on different cars in attendance.


and was the best shop to take a Hokey Ass Group Shot


This belonged to a guy named John from KS that I was introduced to. Very nice fellow and I ended up chatting with him and his buddy about his car for quite awhile.


4th stop was Gary Howard’s and probably my favorite. He ALWAYS has something special that he is either working on or just finished up or BOTH and this year was no exception. In one of the garages was Jimmie Vaughn’s just completed ride. Gary did an OUTSTANDING job, it was flawless.










Even though it isn’t a Fat Lucky interior it’s still very nice.

 

He also had a few projects in the works. Last year we saw the start of this and Gary mentioned that he’s just now got the chop “right”. I’m sure it will debute at the RoundUp next year.








I LOVE the Dirty’s coats


By now it’s about lunch time and everyone was getting hungry so we headed over to a BBQ place.


All the folks in the photos were on the garage crawl






Once Danyelle was finished eating I gave her a present that I made, a purse with traditional hot rods and customs all over (some even HAMBers cars) and her name hand painted on it as well, thanks to OldBobSign.


She is the coolest little girl on this planet.


We hit one more stop after lunch, SpeedAddicts shop

You can kinda see Geeman51’s freshly primed car in the very corner of the photo. I can’t believe I neglected to take a full shot of it in the shop BUT you can see a couple of photos of it at the show later on in this thread.


This was still in the paint booth, very cool roof treatment




We then headed back over to SASS to see what was going on and chat with Marty, Dave and Sean regarding an interior. This little ’59 was way cool.


and in it was of course a Fat Lucky interior

 

From there we headed to S. Congress. Got to Jo’s parking lot just in time to hear this get fired up. Can’t wait to see it cruz down the track at MoKan again in Aug.


Headed to the upper level of the Continental Club to check out the art show. Was completely blown away by the pieces.




Keith Weezner’s


These pieces were all Rod Powell’s. Very, very cool.


Looking out the window down on the sidestreet next to the club




Looking north up Congress


Looking south


Wingnuts shouting that he’ll catch me.


It was early yet there was lots of cruzn already


Headed out to an Italian dinner with Slick50 and his lovely wife Vicky and back to SASS to check out the band….


then back to S Congress to hang out and catch up with pals

DW and Laura, it doesn’t get an better then these two as pals.


On the left is Mr and Mrs BenD with their son Grey in the checkered shirt, Mr and Mrs Zenor in the middle and Plowboy in the gay purple shirt. It was great seeing and hanging out with ya’ll.


Tiffany AKA Mrs DamitDave, Bellm, Me and Nads


LuckyStrike, Me and RichardD


All over on the streets are these giant art guitars. That’s Slick50 having some fun.


About this time it’s starting to lightening in the distance and folks started heading out. We decided to call it a nite and headed back to the “Penis Motel” as Brush called it.

 

The next morning, Saturday, SHOW DAY!, we made plans to hook up with Ken, Vickie and Jerry. Jerry kindly offered to haul all our stuff, and us, into the show. Ken and Vickie might not have been able to drive their Caddy to the show but they did bring their freshly painted matching cooler.


We were kinda just standing around watching the cars arrive. I love seeing them in motion


Billy Gibbons Copperhead was a site to behold
















Blake’s ride, it was wonderful seeing you again bud and meeting your wife. Congrats again on the new garage….I mean house. I’ll see ya at the HAMB Drags.


with a bitchen Fat Lucky interior


By this time Dennis is parked and settled in. His new interior looks even MORE striking in the bright sunshine.

 

His Beatnik brother, sorry I didn’t catch his name


A few more on our way to the vendor area




Right away ran in Alex Gambino, it was great to finally meet you in person. I’m glad you enjoyed the cookies that “ThreadKiller” brought to your shop.


Short story to go with one of my highlites of the event. We were walking in the vendor area and OldBobSign spots this painting. HOLY SMOKES it’s an Oldsmobile. I’m checking it out and chatting with the artist and it didn’t take long before I knew it had to be mine, after I picked it up I never set it down again, I knew. Anyway, it got paid for, wrapped up and we were on our way.

Fast forward to TODAY, Wednesday, at work. I get a HAMB pm from LowCab asking if it was me that purchased the Oldsmobile painting?? I got goosebumps reading it. WHAT?? I shot him back a PM confirming it was me. I can’t believe I actually have an original LowCab painting and of an Olds to boot! I’ve got plans to take it to my framer on Saturday….I’m so thrilled! It was wonderful to meet you Bernie and I’m really looking forward to seeing your work next year. I do believe there will be an annual purchase from you. Whoever got that redish A Coupe got a hell of a deal. I really should have bought that for Doc. Next year for sure.


It wasn’t much longer and we ran into Keith Weezner. It was a pleasure seeing you again bud. Thanks for personally signing my print. It’s also going to the framer on Saturday.


Always a pleasure seeing VonFranco and his very lovely wife Katie. It doesn’t get any more down to earth then these two. Thanks for making me feel like a long lost pal.





We had hung the banner between a couple of trees early in the show and commendeerd a picnic table in the shade for the Meet & Greet. Made it much easier to pass out the name tags, stickers, sign the shirt, banner, etc. It was a perfect location, right in front of the Jalopy Journal canopy, easy to spot.


Folks started arriving and mingling. Dakota (TP's son), TP and LowMaster. It was a pleasure meeting you all.


I think the name tags made it real easy to folks to walk up to one another and say “hi”. Thanks so much to Larry, OldBobSign for suppling us with not only the name tags but the cool Meet & Greet stickers and the awesome banner.



HotRodRoadster, Me and HotRodArtist in a HRLC sandwich. I enjoyed hanging out with you two and chatting.


60Coupe, Me and CooperCruiser, nice meeting you two. Thanks for making it to the Meet & Greet.


Me and Slonaker. Thanks for coming bud. I really enjoyed meeting both you and your wife.


Mrs and Mr RacyRedHd signing Alex Gambino's HAMB banner (he's in the background). Slick50 and Vickie are near the T-shirt that everyone was signing for the HAMBandy auction.

 

It took a couple of shots to get everyone in. Thanks so much to Mrs InDaShop for offering to climb on top of the picnic table to take the shot.




HotRodRon, it was a real pleasure finally meeting you in person sweetheart. MY hats off to you guys for making the long trip in your hot rods. I'm looking forward to seeing you at the HAMB Drags in Aug.


Me and InDaShop. Quick story goes with this photo. A couple of months ago InDaShop PMs me asking what I still need for my hot rod kitchen. I reply nothing, as the kitchen is almost complete and I'm just finishing up a few little things, thanks anyway though. He then PM's again saying come on, there must be SOMETHING that you need or want. So I thought about it for awhile and replied with an idea of something I was planning on making myself but hadn't found the time yet. I told him that I really don't like vistors coats lying around on chairs and stools and I was planning on making a coat rack outta a vavlecover and hanging it next to the door. Well he LOVED the idea and ran with it. After he made it he sent it to Caffine for striping. He then presented it to me at the RoundUp. I absolutly LOVE it! Thanks SO much sweetie!


I made Rusty’s little girl McKinley a hot rod purse as well and gave it to her at the show. I think she liked it.


Me and 53Choptop, nice meeting and chatting with you bud.


My good pal Dennis. Great seeing ya again bud. Xoxox


Klaus AKA KuztomKlaus and Magnus AKA Magnus on the board. It was GREAT running into you two here in Texas after reading about your cross country adventures. My offer stands, if you get anywhere near Detroit, you’ve got a place to crash.


Their cross country transportation, '58 BelAir that they picked up in NJ


If you want to read about the boys US adventure, go here
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167995&showall=1

Hung out at the Meet & Greet for about 1 ½ hours. Folks kept coming up, it was very cool meeting so many HAMB folks for the first time. Sorry if I didn’t/couldn’t remember everyones name.

Headed out to check out more cars
















I can easily spot an AWESOME Fat Lucky interior


A couple of Num skulls……I mean Norm skulls

 

Ran into another Swede who actually shipped his car over.








Saw this truck cruzn S. Congress but couldn’t whip my camera out quick enough to snap a shot so I’m glad I had the opportunity at the show.




The boss’s ‘38. Per usual it was great to see Ryan and Marcie again. I sure was bummed though that I didn't get to lay eyes on PJ but I completely understand Mom and Dad needing an adult day out.




The Cochran/Tardel Coupe. Simply amazing. Keith outdid himself. I'm looking forward to seeing it blast down the track at Mokan.






It was great seeing Bass’s coupe and the Green Grenade in person together.




Ran into the “Bigs”, BigTony and BigKen. It was GREAT seeing you two and having the chance to chat and catch up.
Looking forward to doing the same at the HAMB Drags






The Fat Lucky interior in that wood boat that the white ’59 ElCamino was pulling

 

The Merkt’s rides. It was great meeting Bob Sr, his little roadster was awesome. I’m looking forward to seeing it painted. A Bleeds shop truck rocked!


JohnnyCola’s


MaxWedge’s


MilesM, always great seeing you and catching up and we'll do more of that at the Drags.


Malcom and his lovely girlfriend


GeeMan1951’s, it looks great bud! I'm looking forward to seeing it in shiney paint next year and you actually having the time to relax and hang out before the event.




AussieSteve’s, always a pleasure sweetheart.


BenD’s, loved hanging out with you and the family. I'll probably see you at teh end of May. I'll be in touch.


The Dirty’s, your thrashes should be an insperation to everyone that with a little hard work and dedication, anything is possible. You both ROCK!


Danyelle taking a power nap so she’s ready for the nitetimes activities


Bass’s frame, finally was able to get a clear shot of it toward the end of the day. Nice chatting with you Brian. I Also really enjoyed chatting with your Dad during the meet & greet. He's a very friendly and outgoing fellow. I enjoyed his company.


Low and behold, caught Keith in the barbers chair.


Jimmy White’s latest, I should have stopped and said hi when I was walking by but I was having a brain fart and didn't put two and two together till afterwards.


Steve’s Caddy, what do you say to such as awesome man? Thanks just doesn't seem like enough. You and the rest of the guys continue to pull off one of thee best, if not THE best, traditional hot rod and custom event in the whole country. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU so much for everything you do to make sure folks like me, and everyone else on this board, have a venue to gather, meet, share ideas, show off our cars and just generally have the best time possible. S. Congress rules and you are the KING!

 

Headed back into town. Grabbed some pizza at the BEST pizza joint in town

Then headed to Jo’s parking lot to hear High School Caesars for the very first time. WOW! They rocked the lot. After seeing their great show I'm bummed I never made the effort before. Thanks to Hank Cash for the personal invite. There was no other place I would have rather been that nite. AWESOME music, great friends, cold beverages, hot rods, perfect temp, and stars in the sky. Wish you would have played all nite.

Hank Cash, ALWAYS a blast hanging out with you and your lovely wife. We certainly have to do more of that soon.


BoomBoom, GREAT to FINALLY meet you in person. I really enjoyed the show


That’s BubbaLove as the lead singer. You were AWESOME!. Xoxo


George


BoomBoom


The parking lot was PACKED for the free show. It was nice to be able to listen to live music under the stars instead of in a smoke filled, crowded bar. I am bummed though that I didn't meet Hamilton. I was having another brain fart and forgot he was the drummer. After some quick congrats to MOST of the band members after the show we ran off with Hank Cash to his room at the San Jose for cocktails. Next year sweetie, BUT instead of putting your equipment away come down the steps and say "hi" real quick first.


There was alittle smokey action in the parking lot though, but it was the kind I really enjoy.


Hung out with Tyler AKA Outlaw and his pal. Great seeing ya again bud!




LuxBlue, Me and Sciflyer72, great hanging with you guys, thanks for the laughs. See ya at MoKan.




Mark, AKA ChaletShacker, it was awesome to finally meet you in person sweetie. After our disappointed non-meet in Florida I'm glad we got the opporunity again so soon. You and the Florida crew really need to make it to the HAMB Drags. It was GREAT seeing DJ again too and as many times as we hugged I can't believe no photos of the two of us were taken.....am I forgiven DJ??

 

Had breakfast the nest morning with the Sock Fuckers




Then headed out to Flyrite’s for their Open House BBQ. Thanks so much to Jason, EvilFordCoupe and his crew for throwing such a great party to end the weekend with. Awesome cars, awesome bikes, cool people, what more could a person ask for on a Sunday afternoon. Great seeing ya again bud!




A very special thanks to the Dirtys for the gift of the cap. Means ALOT to me that you consider me special enough to wear your swag, and wear it proudly I will. I enjoyed your company immensely. You're a great family and I'm honor to be able to call you friends.


Said our goodbyes to everyone at the BBQ and headed to the airport to catch our flights. We had AussieSteve's gal friend Alanea with us and ran into KevinLee while checking in. Heard BenD's Missy wasn't far behind. Next year we all have to communicate and plan alittle better and perhaps save a couple of trips to the airport......oh wait, I think a few of us plan on driving next year instead of flying right??!!

A HUGE THANKS to the Kontinentals for putting on one hell of an AWESOME event. It one of my all time favorites and on my not to be missed list. Texans sure know how to make out of towners feel special and like a member of the family.

 

Wow. Nice pics and commentary, Denise.
Looks like you really had a good time.
Killer post.

Lance

 

GREAT pictures

 

Thanks for the cookies they are what everyone says they are and more. that pic of you and me and is great and I saved it. Great coverage on some of the stuff that I did not get too. It was really cool meeting you in person.

 

I can't believe I missed the meet and greet...good seeing ya again Denise!

 

Great photos, as usual...wish I could have made it this year.....word on the street is you're gonna be in Omaha this summer...gimmee and Mrs Rocky a call...we'll do "famous Daves BBQ" again

 

WOW FANTASTIC PICS, AND COMMENTS DENISE. THANK YOU.






RAFA.

 

We've never met,but from your event coverages,i'm beginning to think that knowone has as much fun as you do!!! Your pics with commentary(and names)are the best.Hopefully i'll get to meet you and the many other HAMB'rs at an event some day.Thanks Very Much for sharing your adventure with us all. Don

 

Thanks for the ride Denise, it was almost like being there again. You're a lot of fun. Hope to see you at the drags. Gary

 

I finally got to meet Denise, what a gal!! Thanks for the pic and the good times!! See you again next year............Mark

 

Denise. Whose black and gold chevie is that in the SASS? Can't wait to see pics of that when completed and if it is HAMB owned. KNUX!

 

Love your coverages Denise. This is one of the bests so far. Thanks alot for putting all time and effort! --mika

 

The best post ever....It was a pleasure meeting Denise...I enjoyed the cookies....Thanks...Bill

 

Thanks for the coverage. I feel like I was there............Well kinda anyway !!

 

Spectacular coverage of a spectacular event! Denise, you have outdone yourself - your unique ability to create a story with captioned photos is nothing short of amazing. Your beyond-professional presentation is without a doubt the single best coverage this event is likely to receive, in print or otherwise. Congratulations and thank you!

 

All I can do is be repetitive. This must have taken you as long as your flight from Chicago.

Excellent pictures and coverage of the event. Would seem appropriate to have an auction to help cover expenses for coverage like this.

 

Wow. Just Rub It In Some More Why Don't You. It Never Fails I Miss It Every Year For Some Reason Or Another.

Looks Like Everyone Had A Great Time. Next Year It Is On. I Want To Hook Up With This Crew. It Seems You Know All The Ins And Outs...