Toy Drive Featured at 22nd Autumn Get-Together

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has teamed with the Livermore/Pleasanton Fire Department to conduct a “Toys for Tots” toy drop on Saturday, November 12th at the upcoming Goodguys 22nd Autumn Get-Together which runs November 12 & 13 at the Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive a coupon for $2.00 off general admission. All toys collected will be distributed as holiday gifts to needy children in the local community.

The 22nd Autumn Get-Together features over 2,500 souped up American cars of all years, makes and models sprawled throughout the fairgrounds. Highlighting the event will be a display featuring two generations of the Batmobile, an indoor truck exhibit featuring “The Patriot” Monster Truck and more specialty vehicles. On Sunday, Goodguys, J Rockcliff Realtors and CBS5 will give away a 1969 Chevelle muscle car. Attendees can stop by the “Live 105” booth Saturday or Sunday to register to win the Chevelle. Other event attractions include a Goodguys AutoCross (electronically timed vehicle agility course), a swap meet and car corral, vendor exhibits, a pin striper’s “brush bash” featuring pin stripe artists and other activities of automotive interest.

The 22nd Autumn Get-Together is the final Goodguys event of the 2011 season and event organizers wanted to reach out to the Tri-Valley community with the Toys for Tots toy drop. “We felt our Autumn Get-Together would be a great opportunity to help some needy children and kick off the holiday season,” said company president Marc Meadors. “With the help of our friends at the fire dept, we look to have a successful event and bring some smiles to the little ones. I urge all attendees to bring a toy and make someone’s holiday a little brighter.”

For more visit www.autumngettogether.com

Video Rewind – Goodguys 2012 Schedule Release Announcement!

In case you missed Tuesday’s live press conference announcing the Goodguys 2012 event schedule, here’s a look back at all the sights and sounds. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry – you’ll be changed forever!

Put a little Goodguys on Yer Tree!

Just in time for the holidays comes the all new Goodguys limited edition holiday tree ornament! If you’ve got a little motor oil in your veins this is THE ornament your tree needs! The silver shatter-resistant ornament comes with the colorful Goodguys logo printed on one side and is guaranteed to put a little extra horsepower in your holiday tree!

The ornaments are $10.00 plus shipping and handling! Get yours while supplies last! Last year’s ornament sold out quick, so don’t miss out- Get yours now – click here to order today!

2012 Event Schedule Now Available!

Pleasanton, CA – The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will stage twenty-one dynamic events in 2012 welcoming a wide range of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks and classic cars to the country’s premier event venues. California, Arizona and Texas will host multiple events while the biggie – the Goodguys 15th PPG Nationals returns to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio July 6-8.

Click here to download the Goodguys 2012 event schedule

There’s a brand new home and event date for the Goodguys East Coast Nationals, formerly held in Rhinebeck, New York. The 21st East Coast Nationals will take place Father’s Day weekend June 15-17 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts marking the first time Goodguys will hold a National event in the Old Colony State.

Eighteen of the 21 events will feature a Goodguys AutoCross which is FREE to all registered Goodguys event participants. New for the 2012 season will be the Goodguys “Super Sunday Get-Together” program which welcomes all years, makes and models of American made or American powered vehicles to 17 Goodguys national events on Sunday-only. The Super Sunday program made a successful debut at select 2011 events.

For vintage drag racing fans, three popular Friday Night Drag programs featuring sportsman and exhibition cars will be held July 6th at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, OH, July 27th at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA and August 10th at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL.

Click here to download the Goodguys 2012 event schedule

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association 2012 Event Schedule

MARCH
-March 9, 10 & 11 – Scottsdale, AZ
GOODGUYS 3rd SPRING NATIONALS
WestWorld of Scottsdale. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together , AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-March 16, 17 & 18 – Fort Worth, TX
GOODGUYS 2nd SPRING LONE STAR NATIONALS
Texas Motor Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-March 24 & 25 – Pleasanton, CA
GOODGUYS 30th ALL AMERICAN GET-TOGETHER
Fairgrounds – Pleasanton. All years American Powered Cars & Trucks. AutoCross, Vendors, Huge Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-March 30, 31 & April 1 – Del Mar, CA
GOODGUYS 12th MEGUIAR’S DEL MAR NATIONALS
Del Mar Fairgrounds. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

MAY
-May 18, 19 & 20 – Nashville, TN
GOODGUYS 7th BRIDGESTONE NASHVILLE NATIONALS
LP Field, Tennessee Titan Stadium. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

JUNE
-June 2 & 3 – Pleasanton, CA
GOODGUYS 19th SUMMER GET-TOGETHER
Fairgrounds – Pleasanton. All years American Powered Cars & Trucks. AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-June 8, 9 & 10 – Loveland, CO
GOODGUYS 15th COLORADO NATIONALS
The Ranch Events Complex. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-June 15, 16 & 17 – West Springfield, MA
GOODGUYS 21st EAST COAST NATIONALS
Eastern States Exposition. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-June 29, 30 & July 1 – Des Moines, IA
GOODGUYS 21st HEARTLAND NATIONALS
Iowa State Fairgrounds. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

JULY
-July 6, 7 & 8 – Columbus, OH
GOODGUYS 15th GOODGUYS PPG NATIONALS
Ohio Expo Center. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Friday Night Drags, Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-July 27, 28 & 29 – Puyallup, WA
GOODGUYS 25th PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONALS
Puyallup Fair & Events Center. Rods, Customs & Classics thru ‘72. Friday Night Drags, Super Sunday Get-Together, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

AUGUST
-August 10, 11 & 12 – Joliet, IL
GOODGUYS 6th CHICAGOLAND NATIONALS
Chicagoland Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Friday Night Drags, Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-August 17, 18 & 19 – Spokane, WA
GOODGUYS 11th GREAT NORTHWEST NATIONALS
Spokane Fair & Expo Center. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-August 24, 25 & 26 – Pleasanton, CA
GOODGUYS 26th WEST COAST NATIONALS
Fairgrounds – Pleasanton. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-Aug. 31, Sept. 1 & 2 – Kansas City, KS
GOODGUYS 11th MID-WESTERN NATIONALS
Kansas Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together , AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

SEPTEMBER
-September 21, 22 & 23 – Indianapolis, IN
GOODGUYS 2nd WIX FILTERS SPEEDWAY NATIONALS
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

OCTOBER
-October 5, 6 & 7 – Fort Worth, TX
GOODGUYS 20th LONE STAR NATIONALS
Texas Motor Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-October 26, 27 & 28 – Charlotte, NC
GOODGUYS 19th SOUTHEASTERN NATIONALS
Charlotte Motor Speedway. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

NOVEMBER
-November 10 & 11 – Pleasanton, CA
GOODGUYS 23rd AUTUMN GET-TOGETHER
Fairgrounds – Pleasanton. All years American Powered Cars & Trucks. AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-November 16, 17 & 18 – Scottsdale, AZ
GOODGUYS 15th SOUTHWEST NATIONALS
WestWorld of Scottsdale. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday Get-Together, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

-November 23, 24 & 25 – Del Mar, CA
GOODGUYS 2nd FALL DEL MAR NATIONALS
Del Mar Fairgrounds. Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars & Trucks thru ‘72. Super Sunday, AutoCross, Vendors, Swap Meet & Car Corral.

18th Southeastern Nationals Visits Charlotte Motor Speedway This Weekend!

The Goodguys 18th Southeastern Nationals returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this Halloween weekend bringing over 2,500 of the South’s hottest rods and coolest customs to the heart of NASCAR country. The three day event features a giant show & shine, Goodguys AutoCross, vendor exhibits, swap meet & cars for sale corral, Saturday night track cruise, NASCAR rides, model car show, Super Sunday Get-Together for American powered cars of all years, makes and models and lots more fun for the entire family!

The big weekend starts Thursday with the popular Poker run to NASCAR shops and a final stop at Fatman Fabrications for an open house! Plus Friday’s TGIF Party/Open House at Detroit Speed! Don’t miss this auto lover’s paradise! For a full lineup of weekend activities, past event photo galleries etc., visit: www.southeasternnats.com

Event Hours
Friday, Oct 28th – 8am to 5pm
Saturday, Oct 29th – 8am to 5pm
Sunday, Oct 30th – 8am to 3pm

General Admission:
Adults $18
Kids (7-12) $6

Vehicle Registration:
At Event Weekend Registration Fee: $75 (includes the car and two people)
At Event Sunday Only Registration Fee: $40
Super Sunday Registration: $30 with coupon. Click here to download

Swap Meet & Car Corral:
Swap Meet Check in Starts Thursday the 27th at NOON
Swap Meet & Car Corral Spots: $65 at the gate

Official Event Website: www.southeasternnats.com

Super Sunday Get-Together Added to 1st Fall Del Mar Nationals!

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is proud to announce a “Super Sunday Get-Together” promotion Sunday, November 27th in conjunction with the 1st annual Fall Del Mar Nationals Nov 25-27 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Goodguys Super Sunday Get-Together, which welcomes all years, makes and models of American made or American powered cars and trucks has opened a new avenue for car guys and gals of all ages to get in on the fun of attending a Goodguys National event!

All Del Mar Super Sunday Get-Together participants are welcome to participate in all phases of the event including the show and shine as well as the AutoCross! The electronically timed Goodguys AutoCross is FREE to all registered event participants. Participants will also be eligible for show awards as the Goodguys staff will select 10 or more awards from the Super Sunday Get-Together cars.

To register for the Super Sunday just drive your show car to the Del Mar Hilton across the street from the Fairgrounds Sunday morning November 27th and register. From there you just head into the event gates! To save $10 bucks on registration, download the coupon below! That’s a full day of showing your car, plus two adult general admission tickets and a full day of fun for just $30 bucks!

See you in Del Mar!

2012 Event Schedule to be Announced Live Right Here Tues Oct. 25th @ 3pm PST

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association’s 2012 national event schedule will be presented during a live streaming webcast Tuesday afternoon, October 25 @ 3pm PST (6pm eastern) at http://www.good-guys.com. Goodguys Communications Director and Emcee John Drummond will discuss the 2012 event schedule and all the details live with Goodguys President Marc Meadors and Sponsorship Sales Director Ed Capen.

The live streaming webcast will occupy the home page of http://www.good-guys.com throughout the duration of the live event. “It’s an exciting way to launch our 2012 event schedule” said Meadors. “This is something we’ve never done before. As the technology becomes available, we look forward to expanding our online presence.”

Surf Culture Meets Vintage Car Culture at The Goodguys 1st Fall Del Mar Nationals Nov 25-27!

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association is thrilled to return to Del Mar Fairgrounds with the debut of the 1st Fall Del Mar Nationals giant car show on Thanksgiving weekend November 25-27! Featuring over 1,500 candy-colored vintage hot rods, muscle cars and trucks, the high-octane Goodguys Autocross, vendor exhibits, a mega-swap meet, live musical entertainment, interactive fun for the kids and more, it’s the perfect way to get-away from the frenzied holiday madness and enjoy a great day out with friends and family!

We’re also happy to announce that we’ve added a very special and historical “Surf Woodie” exhibit to the show in association with San Diego Woodies Car Club. The special exhibit will feature over 40 classic woodies, live retro surf music on Friday and Saturday, surfboard shaping demos and more!

What is a “Woodie” you ask? A Woodie is a vintage car body style, especially a station wagon, where the rear bodywork is constructed of wood framework with infill panels of wood or painted metal. In the 60’s, Surfers, especially in and around Southern California, began buying the disregarded Woodies for pennies on the dollar, using them to haul gear and surfboards, and some even took up residence in the wooden wagons in the quest for the perfect wave instead of working a 9-5 job. Today, Woodie wagons and surf culture are joined at the hip. Hundreds of Woodie car clubs are thriving in different regions of the United States and there are many great woodie-only events throughout the country including Woodies on the Wharf, Wavecrest, L.A. Wood and many others!

For a complete look at the Goodguys 1st Fall Del Mar Nationals visit http://www.falldelmarnats.com/

New Must-Have Goodguys Merchandise!

With the holidays just around the corner, we thought you’d like to get the latest details on some cool new merchandise as well as some discount specials!

New to the Goodguys store and just in time for Christmas is the men’s “Ya Gotta Drive Em Watch!” This slick new timepiece makes a great gift or stocking stuffer! It’s a stainless steel/genuine leather band stunner packaged in a watch case. All this for just $30!

Click here to order

And don’t forget about the 2011 event items on sale! This is your Last chance for GREAT DEALS on 2011 Events items! Sale ends Halloween day Oct. 31st so act now and save big!

Click here to find the discounted 2011 event merchandise

Detroit Speed to Host Open House, Select Builder’s Choice Awards in Charlotte

Kyle and Stacey Tucker along with the whole team at Detroit Speed are readying for the Goodguys 18th Southeastern Nationals weekend October 28-30 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Detroit Speed crew will be busy over the weekend as they host their 6th annual Open House Friday evening, then on Saturday they’ll will select the “Builder’s Choice” awards honoring the 18th Southeastern Nationals top cars.

The Detroit Speed Open House is Friday, October 28th from 5PM – 9PM at their Mooresville headquarters. A BBQ dinner will be available to all for $5.00. One hundred percent of the proceeds for the Open House dinner will go to The Todd Gartshore Memorial Fund which donates to the Victory Junction Gang. Music, games, and chances to win great prizes will be taking place throughout the evening. Guests can check out all the shop’s new builds as well as all the other cool cars that will be in the parking lot. They’re also offering a rod repair for anyone that needs a little help with their hot rod.

As for the Goodguys Builder’s Choice Awards, those will be selected Saturday, October 29th at Charlotte Motor Speedway. To be eligible, you must have your car parked inside the Builder’s Choice Parking Area from 7am-Noon. Shine ‘em up and show ‘em off!

Detroit Speed is located at 185 McKenzie Rd., Mooresville, NC 2811 (704) 662-3272. To visit their website, visit www.detroitspeed.com

Don Prudhomme Racing to Host Open House, Display Vintage Trucks at 1st Fall Del Mar Nationals

The man they call “The Snake” is in the news! For the first time in nearly 10 years, Don Prudhomme Racing will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, Nov. 5 (10am-3pm) with FREE ADMISSION at his shop in Vista, CA near San Diego. Fans will get the opportunity to see Snake’s incredible car collection and other nostalgic race cars and hot rods, get autographs, tour the shop, win door prizes and meet surprise guests!

Prudhomme will also be connected to the Goodguys 1st Fall Del Mar Nationals November 25-27 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The “Mongoose and Snake” Hot Wheels ramp trucks, complete with their original 1970s Funny Cars will be featured in a special exhibit inside the Pat O’Brien Hall. Restored by Prudhomme and his team, these vintage Funny Car haulers are the exact same vehicles Mongoose and Snake used to tour America’s drag strips in the 1970s! Don’t miss your chance to see a part of drag racing history!

Half Off Good Deals Classified’s For a Limited Time!

Selling your rod, custom muscle car or classic? We’ve got the spot for you! In fact, we’ve got two places to help you move your ride.

For a limited time, Goodguys is offering all association members a special half price “Good Deals” ad. For just $25 per month (instead of $50) you’ll get a color classified listing in the Good Deals section of the Goodguys Gazette. The ad can include up to 50 words and a color or black & white photo. Mail your ad to Good Deals, PO Box 9132, Pleasanton, CA 94566 or email your ad to gooddeals@good-guys.com.

For those that prefer a digital/web based alternative, register online at http://www.goodguysclassifieds.com with three different options for even more savings! Place up to 15 photos and unlimited words to describe your ad.

Get your car sold today with Goodguys!

From Gotham City to…Pleasanton?

Two generations of Batmobiles will be displayed indoors at the upcoming Goodguys Autumn Get-Together November 12 & 13 at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds! The kiddos will be delighted to see the crime fighting super cars up close!

From the Batman and Batman Returns movies (directed by Tim Burton) comes the long, swoopy art deco version of the Batmobile. The jet powered car, complete with side-mounted grappling hook launchers and a central “foot” capable of lifting the car and rotating it 180°, can reach a top speed of 330mph under full boost! Michael Keaton starred as Batman during the Tim Burton era and did most of the driving in this car.

From the Batman Begins and Dark Knight pictures directed by Christopher Nolan we have the tank-inspired Batmobile. Powered by a 600 horsepower 5.7 liter GM V8, this machine carried Christian Bale into battle with Gotham City’s bad guys!

Both Batmobiles will be on display all weekend so make sure and bring the camera! For a complete look at the 22nd Autumn Get-Together and to buy your admission tickets visit http://www.autumngettogether.com/

Super Sunday Get-Together Added to 1st Fall Del Mar Nationals!

Del Mar, CA – The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association (www.good-guys.com) is proud to announce a “Super Sunday Get-Together” promotion Sunday, November 27th in conjunction with the 1st annual Fall Del Mar Nationals Nov 25-27 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Goodguys Super Sunday Get-Together, which welcomes all years, makes and models of American made or American powered cars and trucks has opened a new avenue for car guys and gals of all ages to get in on the fun of attending a Goodguys National event!

All Del Mar Super Sunday Get-Together participants are welcome to participate in all phases of the event including the show and shine as well as the AutoCross! The electronically timed Goodguys AutoCross is FREE to all registered event participants. Participants will also be eligible for show awards as the Goodguys staff will select 10 or more awards from the Super Sunday Get-Together cars.

“We’re really excited to be swinging open the event gates to the late model American made and American powered cars in Del Mar,” said Goodguys VP of Event Operations Harry Daviess. “Our Super Sunday Get-Together’s were a big hit in Chicago and Kansas City earlier this year. We’ve done Get-Together style events for over 25 years in our hometown of Pleasanton, California and it’s an outstanding format for all car guys. The ‘Big Three’ build some awesome new muscle cars and hot rods.”

Daviess also pointed out how well the classic car and old school hot rod & custom guys get along with late model owners. “All Goodguys are car guys at heart. This will further broaden the scope of the events allowing as many as six or seven generations of car people to participate in a Goodguys event.”

How do you register? It’s almost too easy! Just drive your show car to the Del Mar Hilton across the street from the Fairgrounds Sunday morning November 27th and register. From there you just head into the event gates! To save an additional $10 bucks on registration, download a coupon here http://falldelmarnats.com/pdf/super_sunday.pdf. Make sure and bring it with you!

For a complete look at the Goodguys 1st Del Mar Fall Nationals, visit http://www.falldelmarnats.com. To follow Goodguys on Facebook, point your mouse to http://www.facebook.com/#!/goodguysrodandcustom

Fall Clearance Sale on Select Goodguys Merchandise!

For a limited time, Goodguys is offering a special “Fall Clearance” sale on select merchandise! You can now save up to 40% on 2011 event tee shirts (past events only), Henley shirts and metal shop signs! The sale ends Halloween day.

Shirts sizes may vary on availability. They come in a variety of colors including white, blue, gray, brown and black!

Click here and start saving today!

2011 Custom Rod of the Year WInner!

“Sun Cammer,” – the exquisitely awesome 1956 Ford Sunliner Convertible of Bruce and Judy Ricks from Sapula, Oklahoma has been named the Goodguys 2011 Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year. If the car looks familiar to you it should. It was the 2011 Don Ridler Memorial Award winner and a regular participant at Goodguys events across the country this spring, summer and fall.

The mighty machine was a six-year project at Steve Cook Creations in Oklahoma City. One look at the list of carefully executed body modifications gives you some idea of why it was a long and well thought out build. The body has been wedge-sectioned and channeled. The hood was pancaked and the front fenders were slumped and re-peaked! All four wheel openings have been reshaped and a full belly pan was hand fabricated. There are literally hundreds of one-off hand made parts on this car. The handsome plating is nickel and two-toned nickel.

The cars interior started with a set of Ford Thunderbird seats, artfully transformed and trimmed by the late Boyd Coddington’s go-to guy Gabe Lopez. The steering wheel and dash were handmade.

The 600hp 427ci S.O.H.C. Ford Cammer, which sports custom headers, MSD ignition and 2 Autolite 4 barrel carbs on a custom made intake looks like jewelry resting snugly on the custom built chassis (yes a one off unit) produced by Art Morrison. It features a TKO-500 5 speed transmission, Tiger quick-change rear on a four bar and Ridetech’s RidePro E-3 on all four corners. Baer 6-piston brakes get the heavy hitter stopped quickly. The wheels were custom made by Schott.

Nobody can quite remember a car like this coming down the pike. It’s a game changer – a trendsetting custom rod which blends state of the art technology with old world class and refinement. The Ricks and Cook Creations together have built something that has raised the bar yet again.

You can see this car up close along with all 2011 Goodguys “Terrific 12” award winners in the Champions Arena presented by Street Rod Headquarters at the 14th Southwest Nationals, November 18-20 at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Fellow award finalists (this year’s crop was outstanding!) were: Lynn Peterson, Lakeville, MN (’55 Chevy), Dennis and Daryl Ducommun, Cherokee, IA (’50 Ford), Ken Nestor, Rockville, VA (’61 Chevy), Doyle Thomas, Longview, TX (’55 Buick), Dan Coleman, Arvada, CO ’56 Ford

2011 Kustom of the Year Winner!

The Goodguys 2011 Grundy Kustom of the Year has been awarded to Ken and Jan Wall’s ’36 Ford roadster from Mukilteo, Washington. A lover of traditional customs, Ken spent the last 10 years building this amazing customized ’36 Ford.

It began life as a 5-window coupe but was transformed with a custom two-piece windshield, a pair of ’36 roadster doors and a Carson-style top. Body modifications are numerous and include molded ’37 Ford headlights, hidden hinges, a redesigned grille, one-off tapered running boards, flush skirts, smoothed hood sides, and ribbed Desoto bumpers.

The interior sports a ’40 Ford dash with Stewart Warner gauges, a banjo wheel and pleated white upholstery by Jasper Upholstery.

The H.O. 302 is nestled into a modified Art Morrison chassis with air bags, Mustang II IFS, and an 8” Ford rear. Coker whitewalls are dressed in ’53 Caddy hubcaps for the finishing touch. The paint is metallic “Iceberg Blue.”

The Walls’ killer kustom will be on display inside the “Champion’s Arena” presented by Street Rod Headquarters at the Goodguys 14th Southwest Nationals November 18-20 in Scottsdale. The Walls will receive a customized toolbox courtesy of Snap-on while in Scottsdale.

Fellow award finalists included Marc Henry, Lakeside, CA (’47 Mercury), Jim and Vicky Claiborne, Halifax, VA (’49 Merc), Keith Goettlich, Rochester, NY (’37 Chevy), Kevin Anderson, Indianapolis, IN (’36 Ford), Bill McCauly, Manhattan, IL (’56 Ford)

2011 Muscle Machine of the Year Winner!

Gerry Kerna’s beloved “Runt” ’62 Chevy II has been named the Goodguys 2011 Detroit Speed Muscle Machine of the Year. The Muscle Machine of the year is designed to honor a Muscle Car that has been modified to perform at a high level including stance, handling, body & paint and overall engineering. The “Runt” possesses all these attributes and more. When she first envisioned the car in her mind, Kerna wanted something she could “participate” in instead of merely a show queen. She wanted a car that was at home on an AutoCross course but could quickly turn heads at the same time. Mission accomplished!

Built by Curt Ukasik and his team at RPM Hot Rods in Pennsylvania, “Runt” started life as a meek, all white 6 cylinder Chevy II with Government Issue hubcaps. But that changed quickly once RPM got to work. It was designed by RPM to run hard with a custom boxed Roadster Shop chassis featuring a modified Heidt’s Pro-G front suspension, a Currie 9 inch rear end on a parallel four-link, Ridetech single adjustable coilovers and Nextel Cup-style swaybars. Setrab coolers were used for the differential, power steering and transmission circulated by Weldon pumps.

A 650hp 427 LS7 from Thompson Racing is coupled to a Bowler prepped Tremec 6 speed with McLeod road racing clutch and a lightened aluminum flywheel. Twelve and thirteen inch Wilwood brakes are used to stop the Billet Specialties “Throttle” wheels wraped in BFG’s G-Force KDW tires.

Runt’s body features stretched front wheel openings, tucked and smoothed bumpers, a sheetmetal spoiler, new floors and firewall and a custom lower front valence. The interior pulls from high end luxury cars with diamond-stitched brown leather upholstery by Smith’s Custom Seats. There’s also a full roll cage, 5-point harnesses and a “Throttle” steering wheel from Billet Specialties to match the wheels.

The Runt will take its rightful place inside the “Champion’s Arena” presented by Street Rod Headquarters at the Goodguys 14th Southwest Nationals November 18-20 in Scottsdale. Kerna will receive a customized toolbox courtesy of Snap-on while in Scottsdale.

Fellow award finalists included: Paul Alderman, Ellensburg, WA (’70 Camaro), Dave Leisinger, Wall Lake, SD (’67 Camaro), Mark Stielow, Beverly Hills, MI (’69 Camaro), Alex and Jane Stoner, Spring Green, WI (’70 Mustang), Royce Glader, Ft Collins, CO (’66 Mustang), Tom Graham, Tyler, TX (’68 Camaro), Robert Bell, Scottsdale, AZ (’65 Mustang), Todd and Stephanie Foust, Baton Rouge, LA (’65 Mustang), Steve Moore, Rock Hill, SC (’69 Camaro), Mark Rife, Carolina Beach, NC (’63 Corvette), Kim Cook & Barry Bryant, Oklahoma City, OK (’66 Chevy Malibu).

2011 Muscle Car of the Year Winner!

Ted Stephen’s ’68 Dodge Charger RT, the first car to ever score 1,000 points at the Muscle Car Nationals has been named Goodguys 2011 Hemming’s Muscle Machines Muscle Car of the Year. The car was chosen as a finalist for the award at the Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Rare only begins to describe this true icon of American Muscle. Looking back, the entire Dodge B-Body lineup was redesigned by Dodge’s Richard Sias for 1968. The new “Coke bottle” look made the Charger one of the best-looking muscle cars, period, with many considering it the best-looking performance car of the 1960s. The standard engine was the venerable 318. The R/T version (R/T denotes “Road/Track”) came standard with a 440 Magnum, the 426 hemi being an option and that was what Stephens was after. It just so happens that this red beauty is the first hemi car of his collection which consists of mostly survivor cars.

The Charger’s restoration was done by Ken Mosier’s “Finer Details” shop in Danville, Indiana. Mosier and his team scoured and scavenged far and wide to get the car back to 100% stock. This Charger has a 30 year collection of both new old stock, used as well as some reproduction parts on it. The stock 426 hemi features dual quads, Prestolite dual point ignition with dual hemi exhaust from the factory. The 727 automatic transmission is linked to the 8 ¾ rear end housing 3:55 gears. Factory options also include power steering and power disc brakes. The stock 15-inch wheels roll on Goodyear “redline” tires. Inside the roomy cabin are factory buckets and a wood grain steering wheel. The factory dash houses a Rallye instrument cluster and tach. Mosier matched the factory red paint using PPG products.

For his first-ever Hemi car, Ted Stephen’s has a BIG winner. In addition to receiving the first-ever 1,000 point score at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals it also won top prize at this year’s Mopar Nationals and now is the Muscle Car of the Year.

The Charger R/T will be on display inside the “Champion’s Arena” presented by Street Rod Headquarters at the Goodguys 14th Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale. Stephens will receive a customized toolbox courtesy of Snap-on while in Scottsdale.

Fellow award finalists included:
Dick and Jean Berry, St Joe, MO (’67 Shelby Mustang), John and Angie Hill, Goodyear, AZ (’70 Chevelle), Reg Sylvester, Calgary Alberta, CAN (’71 Hemi Cuda), Joel Jackson, Mt Vernon, TX (’66 Chevelle), Tre Mills, Auburn, AL (’69 Camaro), Lenny Ferrari, Newton, NJ (’68 Plymouth GTX), Mark Strauder, Apopka, FL (’70 Chevelle), George Sepulveda, Norco, CA (’70 Chevy Nova), Jerry Garrity, Reno, NV (’70 BOSS 302), Syd Swenns, Lafayette, CO (’69 Camaro), Warren Sturgen, Pratt, KS (’70 Pontiac), Paul and Andrea Goyer, Puyallup, WA (’69 Dodge Charger), Larry Greif, Marengo, IL (’70 Camaro), Tim Lane, Pearland, TX (’69 Camaro), Kevin DeWitte, Fountain Hills, AZ (’65 Chevelle), Jim Germann, Wake Forest, NC (’69 Camaro), Joe Goatley, Louisville, KY (’69 Camaro).

2011 Truck of the Year-Late Winner!

Jason Hill’s Lubbock, Texas based ‘56 F-100 has been named Goodguys 2011 LMC Truck Parts & Accesories Truck of the Year – Late. The award is designed to honor an outstanding ’53 through ’72 vintage tricked out truck. Hill’s two-tone truck qualified as a finalist for this year’s award at the Lone Star Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway.

Riding on a ground-hugging No Limit Chassis, the hot hauler’s cab and bed got a complete overhaul at Jason’s “Hill’s Hot Rods” shop. Body mods include flush mounted glass in front and back, pancaked roof and hood, radiused doors and extensively reworked fenders and roll pan. The eye catching paint is a custom mix of “spiced rum” and cream applied by Hill’s. Jimmy Davis at JD Glassworks stitched up the gorgeous custom leather upholstery as well as the cool leather dash insert.

Under the pancaked hood lies the heart of the beast – a BOSS 302 from Ford Racing with Holley induction, MSD ignition. The sweet thunder comes through a set of Doug’s Headers and 3” Magnaflow exhaust. The trick wheels are 20” Bonspeed “Quasar’s” wrapped in BFG rubber.

Hill’s truck will be on display inside the “Champion’s Arena” presented by Street Rod Headquarters at the Goodguys 14th Southwest Nationals, November 18-20 in Scottsdale. He’ll receive a customized toolbox courtesy of Snap-on while at the event.

Fellow award finalists included Steve and Tammy Richey, Royce City, TX (’68 Chevy C10), Dave Jordan, Lake Ozark, MO (’59 Chevy), Jerry Holbrook, Haymarket, VA (’53 Ford), Hoot Gibson, Phoenix, AZ (’56 Ford), Steve Contris, Hoke’s Bluff, AR (’54 Chevy) and Toby Shine, Spencer, IA (’56 Ford).