Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Rocky's At it Again!






Just ran across another vehicle for sale on eBay posted by the former owner of my 1950 Chevrolet.

This week he has listed this cool Cadillac camper. It would make a cool rod and is sure to get lots of attention cruising, camping, or at rod runs and car shows. To check out the cad and the auction, check out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/rat-rod-cadillac-gasser-hot-rod-rv-camper_W0QQitemZ190218487504QQcmdZViewItem

Can You Say..."More Ivy Tech Photos"?



This beautiful Chevrolet was my pick for Spectator's Choice. This car was very clean and had the right stance and look with chrome reverse rims and wide whitewalls.

Well you can tell we are nearing the end of another school year. My life has gotten pretty busy over the past couple of weeks. This week we are administering the Ohio Achievement Tests so the "stress" level in the building is a bit elevated.
Well, if you are a regular reader of Suede and Chrome, you know that I have a preference to old Chevys.....but WHO can resist a nice Mopar with a BIG Hemi?!?!? This Roadrunner was beautifully restored.
Haven't had much chance this week to upload the rest of the photos I took last Saturday at the 2008 Ivy Tech Car Show in Richmond, Indiana. Thought I'd try to get a few posted this evening. It will be the weekend before you know it, and I'd like to get to a cruise-in in Greensfork, Indiana on Saturday. I'm not sure if it will work out, I've got to chaperone another middle school dance on Friday night, then attending an alumni banquet Saturday evening, but hopefully I'll feel like getting to the car show on Saturday morning.
This little Nash wagon was probably the most unusual car at the show. Believe it or not, the two pictures above are of the SAME car. The owner customized the driver's side of the car to resemble a 57 Chevy Belair. The passenger's side of the car however, resembles a ratrod woodie complete with a cloth awning. The car drew a lot of attention.





O.K....not a big fan of the HIGH dollar roadsters....but this Ford was pretty slick.



This nice VW bus rolled in toward the middle of the show. The VW came from "across the border" in Ohio. Note the custom mural above the windshield.

More pictures of some late arrivals at the 2008 Ivy Tech Car Show in Richmond, Indiana.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Still MORE photos from the Richmond Ivy Tech Car Show


This late 30's Chevy coupe was a nice example of the time of "hot rod" built in the late 80's. Lots of chrome on a late model power plant. Unique paint color combination with matching custom interior and a set of billet wheels with matching steering wheel.

Here are a few more photographs taken at the 2008 Ivy Tech Car Show held in Richmond Indiana on April 26, 2008.

This beauty looks like it was recently pulled from a time capsule. Very vintage looking customizing. The interior included rolled and pleated vinyl, including covered bomber seats. Wide whitewalls and spun aluminum hubcaps set off the cars exterior.

I would once again like to thank all those who read my blog. Whether you are a one time "fly by" or a regular visitor, I certainly appreciate the chance to share my interest in cars with you. I would especially like to thank those who take the time to leave comments. Positive feedback is ALWAYS welcome (heck if you've got ideas to make this blog even better...I'd appreciate that too.)
I'll have to be honest...I had to look at the tag in the window to realize this is a 1946 Nash. The car has been heavily customized and finished with a "manhood shrinking" custom pink paint job.

And a special "shout out" to Mike! Thanks for the tip on the leaded vs. unleaded gasoline question I posed last week. Also thanks for the info about Hagerty Classic Car Insurance.

Here is a 1958 Chevrolet Del Ray. The Del Ray did not have all the "bells and whistles" of the more expensive Impala, but still was a great looking car.

Here is a picture of a nice restoration of an early Model T truck. For some reason I'm thinking they called these "Hucksters" Am I right? There were actually TWO of these trucks at the show. The other was painted black.

Thought I would take the time to clarify my interest in cars. Please don't get me wrong. I certainly enjoy restored classic cars. I also equally enjoy seeing old cars that have been re engineered with all of the upgrades, technology, and goodies of today. But I have a real interest at this point in my life in the "traditional hot rod". Cars that highlight what a creative guy can do on a shoe string budget, in a small garage, working on weekends with his buddies. I like cars that have very unique features...not that there is anything wrong with some old iron with a late model Chevy 350 under the hood, but to me that is pretty common. I would rather see a guy bring something to a show that isn't the "norm". That's why I think I plan to hop up the straight six-cylinder under the hood of my 1950 Chevrolet vs. looking for a more powerful, modern power plant to cram between the frame rails.

When I saw this truck pulling into the show, I thought it might be a Shay A reproduction. However, I was quite pleased upon inspection that it was the "real deal". I commented to my father, "This thing is 'barn fresh'!" As you can see from the photos, the truck was covered with dust. Whether it was due to this being the first show of the season, or the owner just liked the barn fresh look....the bottom line is that this truck was "Suede and Chrome" worthy!

Well...that's it for this post. Still have several photos from the show that I will try to get posted this week. Have an AWESOME last week of April. For those of us that work with kids in the state of Ohio it is state achievement testing week....so this week will be busy for me! I'm looking forward to finishing the week and enjoying another beautiful Indiana weekend. Rumor has it that there is a car show in a little berg near Hagerstown, Indiana next Saturday. Maybe I'll be able to get the Chevy over there! If so, I'll be sure to take the camera!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
Scruffy

Saturday, April 26, 2008

More Pictures from the 2008 Ricmond Ivy Tech Car Show















Ivy Tech Car Show, Richmond, Indiana April 26, 2008


This 1951 Buick was one of the first cars at the show. It was a nice example of a car restored to original condition.

Well, today marked the being of this year's car show circuit for my family. My father, my 16 year old son, my 2 year old son, and I drove to nearby Richmond, Indiana for the annual Ivy Tech College Car Show.
Hudson pickup trucks are unique in themselves, however the owner of this Hudson made his pickup even more unique be giving it a rat rod look. (one really unique feature was the use of Bud Light cans as exhaust tips.)

The show was from 9 am to 2 pm. I had originally planned to take my car, but since I just had the VIN inspection done at 11:00 pm last evening, I haven't had a chance to get it plated yet.
This early Chevrolet two door sedan was a bit "Boydsque" for my tastes. However I was truly amazed at the detail and work that went into the car. ESPECIALLY when you look at the pictures the owner provided of the car when he started! Unbelievable!



The day started with overcast skies and a chilly wind. In fact, we received some rain last evening and as you can see from these pictures taken early in the day, the weather kept many car owners at home this year.



We have attended this show annual since about 1999. The show isn't huge, but it usually brings in a nice mix of vehicles.

I'm not a big 50's Ford guy, but this one was a nice example.



As the day progressed, the sun began to peek out from behind the clouds and the temperature seemed to respond. We stayed around until about 12:45, and cars continued to flow in throughout our stay.
O.K....I know I just said this, but I don't care for early Fords. However, that being said, I do like this Ford pickup truck.

I took about 65 pictures throughout the morning, so I will be posting more periodically throughout the week.