"Fun" in the Indiana Snow....

Well, today is the 3rd day straight that we haven't had school due to the snow fall. According to the Indianapolis television news, this is the 7th largest single-day snowfall in recorded Indiana history. Muncie, Indiana got 13 inches of snow overnight on Tuesday evening.

That may not sound like a lot to some of you, but combined that with limited snow removal equipment and wide open farm fields and you've got some real road drifting issues.

Yesterday, I saw a woman trying to get down our road in a minivan. She got to our driveway, stopped and began backing back down the road. As I watched, I saw her get "squirrely" and get the van sideways across the road. I went inside and told my wife to get some warm clothes on and we both went out and got some shovels. By the time we went back outside, the lady had gotten her van back on the road and was still backing down the road to find a place to turn around.

When we looked the other direction on our road, we could see 5 stranded vehicles within the next 2 or 3 miles. My wife and I ended up walking about a mile and a 1/2 to get a friend's truck out of the ditch, (my friend wasn't happy with me, but I snapped a picture with my cellphone! He's an avid Suede and Chrome reader...so he knew immediately what I intended to do with the picture.) then we walked back toward our house to get another minivan out of a drift, finally, we walked a little closer to home and helped our neighbor get his Impala out of a drift and back into his drive. While we worked on these vehicles, someone else helped the other two vehicles further down the road get out of trouble.

All in all, we spent about an hour and a half out in the cold helping the neighbors. This morning I went out and it looks like there has been some more drifting snow. We still haven't seen a county snow plow since early Tuesday evening when the snow first started.

By the time we got home, I was "chilled to the bone", but felt good about being able to help my neighbors.

I think my 3 oldest children (who are all teenagers) are getting a little "stir-crazy" today. They seem to think that we should get out and go 'somewhere'. They don't seem to understand how bad the back roads are.

Kool Link....

Regardless of your political views or affiliations, you've got to check out this site. One of my old college buddies that I've reconnected with on Facebook sent me this link. It allows you to make some poster art similar to that used by President Obama.

http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/


You can upload any photograph from your hard drive and with a few easy clicks create some pretty sweet looking "art". If you'd like, you can even order prints, mugs, tee-shirts, etc.


If you're snowed-in like Ol' Scruffy, check out this site and try your hand at some obamicons.

A follow up on the 54 Handyman....

Well, I've always said the world is getting smaller...the explosion of technological advances in the last 10-20 years has really made that statement true. I've been reminded of how powerful the Internet is over the past week. I've already mentioned in a previous post that I "broke down" and signed up on Facebook last week. Since that time, I've reconnected with over 40+ high school and college friends. Folks that I had lost track of over the last 25 years.

Well, tonight, I've seen another example. About a month or so ago, I posted some photographs and a link to a SWWEEET 1954 Chevrolet Handyman wagon that I had found for auction on eBay. I even emailed the owner, who lived in Ohio and told him about http://www.hubgarage.com/. Well, tonight while surfin' through the latest posts on the "hub", a photo of THE VERY SAME CAR, pictured in "new photographs", caught my eye. I quickly clicked on the photo, thinking to myself, "I bet he didn't sell the car, and now has posted it on the "hub". Well, what I found was EVEN KOOLER!

First, I learned that the car had indeed sold, and now "lives" in Newnan, Georgia. Secondly, there was a post on the new owners online garage from the original owner in Fairborn, OH. It was very kool for Ol' Scruffy to see the "trail" (if you will), of how this story has played out. And to think that I might have had a little something to do with it....well, it makes Ol' Scruffy feel all "warm" inside. :)

The best thing is that there are a couple of new "hubheads" in the hubgarage family! If you haven't checked out Hub Garage, I would STRONGLY encourage you to do so. I am a member of the H.A.M.B. also, but the Klimate and Kulture at the "Hub" is MUCH more welcoming. The "Hub" is like family man...and it feels good.

Thanks for the Joke Jesse!

An avid Suede and Chrome reader took me up on the challenge to send in some car related jokes. Thanks Jesse for your contribution and your support of this blog!

"A guy is told by his wife that for the 20th anniversary she wants something chromed and able to do 0 to 200 in 4 seconds flat.

He buys her bathroom scales."

Well, again, not alot happening that is "car related" in Ol' Scruffy's world. I am looking forward to the Indy Autorama that is coming up on February 14th. I've got a few of my car club buddies that have committed to the date as well. And...we've got some good lookin' tee-shirts ordered for the show as well. Only car related "happenings" recently, my 14-year old daughter has began "talking 1st cars". About a month or so ago, she said, "Dad, I'd really like to have a 1968 Mustang when I turn 16." I replied, "Heck....I'd like to have a 1968 Mustang before I'm 50."

This week, she's been hinting around for me to contact my uncle who has a 1986 Camaro in his barn. It was my cousin's car when she was in high school. Last time I saw it, I think my uncle had rebuilt the 305 engine, did some body work, and repainted the car. The car has been sitting inside for several years. My daughter seems to think that an '86 Camaro would be a "reasonable compromise" if she can't get a 1968 Mustang. (too funny)

1993 Olds Old School and an Aerostar Army Truck?!?!

Well, sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Not much happening in the middle of an Indiana January related to cars. And...I haven't had much of a chance to surf the Net for interesting car items because a buddy of mine "introduced me" to Facebook. WOW! Over the past couple of days Ol' Scruffy has reconnected with several childhood and college chums. Pretty sweet.

Anyway, I decided that I would try to surf for something interesting this evening and ran across the Maberry Hotrod Connection website. http://maberry-hotrod-connection.com/

I got there through a link from a 1950 Chevy he currently has listed on eBay. What I found was several sweet hotrods and a few VERY unique creations. Thought I'd post a few pictures of these unique rides.

The first started life as a 1993 Oldsmobile, and is now a flat black rat rod with attitude. Hey...you either like it or you don't. The second started life as a Ford Aerostar van and is now a cool "military vehicle". Bet this thing is a "hoot" to cruise around in during the summer months.

You can see more pictures of both of these vehicles as well as great descriptions of how they were built at the Mayberry Hotrod Connection website listed above. You can also see photographs of several other vehicles that he has built and/or sold.

Great Product!

Well, every now and then, Ol' Scruffy will run across a product that he really likes. When this is the case, I like to tell others about it. One such product is Lugz boots. (HEY....this blog is about traditional rods AND ANYTHING KOOL....& these things are kool!)

Now mind you, I'm not writing this endorsement because I'm bound contractually through some blog writers site that pays bloggers to write about this product and that one. No, I just think Lugz make a great, comfortable pair of boots.

Up until a couple of years ago, I knew very little about the shoe. Being an educator, I would see an occasional "gansta-want-a-be" trying to look "fly" wearing the crotch of his pants to his knees and sporting a "hip" pair of Lugz....(by the way, we don't allow folks to wear their pants 'slung lo' in our district, so those who try to wear their clothing in such a fashion find themselves sitting in front of my office before the end of homeroom).

I actually "discovered" Lugz brand through the endorsement of the guys from OCC. I enjoy "TiVo"ing American Chopper, and back in 2006, Paul Sr. and the boys picked up Lugz as a sponsor. It was shortly after that, I was at an Athletic Shoe store in our local mall with my wife (she is an avid walker and a shoe freak. Heck, you might even call her a "shoe collector"). At any rate, while my wife tried on a few pair of shoes, I went to the men's side of the store and noticed the Lugz display. I ended up trying on a pair that I thought I could wear to school on "casual Fridays" and was amazed at how comfortable they were.

Well, today, a few years later, I was in that same store with my wife and bought my 4th pair of Lugz. And the truly amazing thing is....I'm still wearing the other 3 pair. I've got a pair for casual Fridays, a pair of "Paul Jr." boots for everyday "stompin", another pair of "Paul Jr's" for going to car shows, out with my wife on "date night", etc. The shoes are so comfortable that I bought a new pair today that are a bit dresser that I can wear to school on other days of the week. So basically, whether I'm out messing with my Chevy in the garage, hangin' out at a car show, or takin' my wife out for a romantic dinner...there is a real good chance I'll be wearin' a pair of Lugz.

Tonight, I went to the Lugz website for the first time. Thought I would drop them an email and tell them what I'm telling you. While I was there, I ran across a page in which they are selling off the chopper the OCC boys built for them. Now, Ol' Scruffy can't afford the $500,000.00 asking price, (50% does go to charity), but I thought maybe some Suede and Chrome readers might have that kind of dough lying around, a real interest in the bike, and a big heart for charity. :)

You can learn more about the Lugz OCC chopper and the great line of Lugz products at: http://www.lugz.com/.

p.s...If ya decided to buy the chopper, can Ol' Scruffy take a ride?

Car Jokes?

A reader sent me the following "car joke" today. I got to thinking....I wonder if anyone else has any car-related humor. Anyway, hope you enjoy this one:

I went to the store the other day, and I was in there for only about 5 minutes. When I came out, there was a motorcycle cop writing a parking ticket. So I went up to him and said, "Come on, buddy, how about giving a guy a break?" He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. So I called him a pencil-necked Jerk. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires! So I called him a Gutless pig. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket! This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote but I didn't care, my car was parked around the corner.

Not Stock Photography

This pics got it all...kool traditional rod backed by an industrial setting with the juxtaposition of a church...very kool.

I personally love this kind of stuff. The Caddy is sic, and the black and white background really focuses the eye on the car.

Well, I've always had a thing for redheads...'nuff said.

One of my buddies on the "Hub" (http://www.hubgarage.com/) does some ABSOLUTELY incredible photography work. I spent some time looking at the photographs in his online garage and then followed the link to his business website. John...GREAT STUFF! Hope ya don't mind I've posted some of my favorite shots here on Suede and Chrome and provided folks with a link to your site: http://www.notstockphotography.com/

This is a great shot! I love the robin egg blue metalflake and wide whites. The bleachers in the background remind me of going to the local dragstrip with my dad as a kid.

Ah yes...traveling on the open road in a sic rod. Can life get any better than this?

From Worldwide Readers to Neighbor's Cars...

Well, it's ALWAYS incredible to receive an email and/or comment about this blog from someone outside of the United States. It's very kool to know that gearheads all over the world are reading this blog and sharing ideas....makes the world a much smaller place doesn't it?

This morning, I received a comment from a gearhead in Sweden that contained a link to his blog. He is a "Pontiac" man, but his site has ALOT of kool car related stuff for any motorhead. The blog is in Swedish, but with the kool Google translator widget in his sidebar, you can read it in English. Check it out at: http://grandprix63.blogspot.com/ It's a great blog and contains several links to other bloggers in Sweden.

On a MUCH more local level, my next door neighbor has put her 1961 Ford Falcon 4-door up for auction on eBay. She's had the car for a couple of years and it has been her daily driver. Thought I'd bring a little traffic to her auction and maybe even help her sell the car by posting it to this site. Follow the link below to check out this little mint green grocery getter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Falcon-1961-Ford-Falcon-Mint-Green-Flames-GORGEOUS-4-Door_W0QQitemZ220345691008QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item220345691008&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Finally, thanks to my Swedish reader, I found this REALLY kool guestbook widget that I've added to the bottom of this blog. The widget allows visitors to sign the guestbook AND post a picture of THEIR vehicle....Now that's KOOL! Please check it out and upload a pic of your car! It will be great to see what projects/hot rods/etc. readers have in their garages.

Hotrodd Kulture Furniture and Cabinets....

WOW! Ran across this guy's stuff on http://www.hubgarage.com/ . I don't know if this is a regional "thing" but Cornhole is a "big" deal in the Midwestern United States. You can't go to any family reunion, party, or even flea market without seeing a few sets of Cornhole games. If you don't know what "Cornhole" is...think of horseshoes played with bean bags. Now living in the midwest, I've seen "custom" sets with everything from Ohio State, IU, Purdue, and Tony Stewart (an Indiana boy!). But I've never seen a set as KOOL as these flamed beauties! For more information you can drop the Toledo, Ohio based company an email at: hotroddkulture@bex.net. They also build custom cabinets for you "man cave" and do some serious custom graphics on guitars!

Thank You!

Some time last evening, Suede and Chrome passed the 20,000 page view mark! Thanks to all of you all over the world who have made that possible!

Lookin' Forward to February and March!

Well, stuck at home again today. We haven't had a full day of school this week. Two mornings of 2 hour delays, 1 early dismissal and no school for the past two days have really taken their toll on what was planned as "exam week" to end our first semester. This frigid Midwestern weather has really made finishing the second nine weeks of school a real interesting adventure.

Thought I'd use my day off in a productive way. I called to make reservations in Detroit, Michigan for the Detroit Autorama in March. Last year was the first year my wife, youngest son and I went north to the show. It was absolutely incredible! Being anti-trailer queen, I REALLY enjoyed the traditional hot rods in the basement of the Cobo Center. Look back through the archives of Suede and Chrome to check out the many pictures I took while there.

You can also follow the link below to learn more about the Autorama Ol' Skool Rodz show planned again for this year's show.

http://www.autorama.com/casi/olskool/detroit/entryinfo.htm

I am also looking forward to Saturday, February 14th. Our newly formed car club "The Righteous Rodders" is planning a trip down to the Indy Autorama. Not only will this be our first "official" club activity, but I am also excited about some of the exhibits that will be there. Most notable are Chip Foose's P32 Traditional Rod that has been featured in Street Rodder magazine, and George Barris' Hirohata Merc! Heck...even the Fonz will be making appearances throughout the weekend!

I'm sure some Suede and Chrome readers plan to be at one or both of these events. Please drop me an email or leave a comment and let me know.

Brian Setzer's Only 2009 US Appearance!

Hey Kats and Kittens, Ol' Scruffy was just informed that Brian Setzer is planning ONE U.S. appears in 2009 and it will feature The Stray Cats! Yep, Brian is celebrating the BIG 5-0 and will be putting on a Birthday Bash concert at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, MN on Friday, April 10th. For more information check out www.briansetzer.com or www.straycats.com

Incredible 1/6th scale V8

Wow! Wow! Wow! This is unbelievable! You have got to see this link! Thanks to my friend Rocky for sending this link to Suede and Chrome! This thing is kool!

http://www.moyermade.com/chevyV8.html

This is a RUNNING 1/6th scale Chevrolet 327 cu in V8! The head and block began as billet aluminum that have been painstakingly machined on a Bridgeport-style mill.

This thing is incredible! After you check out all the pictures and information about the project on this link, make sure you watch the youtube videos of the mini V8 running!

Thanks again Rocky for sharing this really kool link!

I Miss the "Good Ole Days"....

Well, I'd like to thank my father for the following. He shot me this email today and being an educator for the past 20 years, I found it humorous. It's not car related, but it is a great comparison of the differences in the world we live in today and the time in which some of the greatest automobiles were built. Vehicles aren't the only thing that has seen major change in the past 50 years. The sad thing is that this email isn't too far from the truth! Hope I don't offend anyone with this one! HAVE A GREAT WEEK! (and hopefully a good laugh or two!)

Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.

1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.

2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.

1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.

2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.

1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.

2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.

1957 - Ants die.

2007- ATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Floor Mats, Car Club, A sic Pickup, and a cool Catalina....

Well, not a lot happening in the Ol' Suede and Chrome garage. I spoke with Vinylynn today from www.crankshaftclothes.com to finalize the custom design on the new floor mats I bought from her for the '50. We decided that a kool blue pinstriped design would look better than a red or orange design in my car. I've posted a preview below. Thanks Lynn....this design is very kool! Can't wait to see them resting on the floorboards!

Lynn also "tweeked" the design the Righteous Rodders picked out for our club shirts and stickers. She sent me a preview of it as well. (See below). Watch for us this Spring and Summer at area events!
I ran across a couple of kool "Indiana" vehicles currently for auction on eBay tonight. The first is a sweet looking 1966 Pontiac Catalina limo. According to the owner, it is 1 of only 20 made. Most Suede and Chrome readers know I have SEVERAL kids. How sweet would this Catalina be with some wide-whites, spyder hubs and chrome lugnuts and beauty rings? I'm sure the kids would love cruisin' around East Central Indiana in this!

You can check it out at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330298327510&category=6418&viewitem=

Another sic vehicle currently on eBay is this awesome looking taildragger Chevrolet pickup. You can check it out at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p3907.m29&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2&item=260344470808&category=39409&viewitem

Well, no plans for the weekend. The weather forecast is calling for some freezing rain followed by 3 to 5 inches of snow in this part of the state...Maybe I can get out to the garage and get the front and rear bumpers off of the Chevy to take to my chrome plating buddy!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Scruffy