Suede and Chrome

Scottsdale Favorite Five

2012-01-26T16:58:00.000-05:00

I received this interesting article in an email today and thought that I would share it with Suede and Chrome readers....Enjoy!

Scottsdale Favorite Five

Team Cutters!!!

2012-01-24T20:03:00.000-05:00

Man, I absolutely love it when I get feedback from readers! And I really dig it when they send me pictures and/or links of their rides and the stuff that they think is cool! Thanks to Team Cutters for sending me the following links to their website and facebook page. You guys truly know what is KOOL! Great site and awesome pictures!!! Best of all, sounds like these guys are doing things in life for the right reasons! Keep it up guys!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/TeamCutters

http://www.teamcutters.net

These guys host some awesome events....and they do it all for a good cause!!!

MG & The Gas City 3....VOTE!

2012-01-23T09:40:00.004-05:00

Hey Suede and Chrome Readers!!! Some of my buddies are in a contest to be able to open for Jane's Addiction and The Roots at a Super Bowl tailgating party in a couple of weeks. These guys are "local" and really know how to kick out some great Rockabilly/Rock and Roll. Do me a favor and follow the link below and give these hardworkin' guys your vote!

Vote for MG & The Gas City 3

New Event Dates for 2012

2012-01-19T08:24:00.002-05:00

I posted lots of new events for the 2012 season on the event page of Suede and Chrome this morning. To view them, click on the "Event" tab at the top of this site.

If you have an upcoming event you would like to see listed on Suede and Chrome, email the information to me at scruffyratrods@hotmail.com

It's That Time of Year Again...

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, it's hard to believe, but it's winter again in the Midwestern United States. That means that the car shows in the greater Indiana/Ohio/Michigan/Illinois/Kentucky area are pretty much over for the year. And while I took lots of pictures in 2011, I have "officially" depleted everything I had in reserve.

That means that for the next couple of weeks, posts will be slim, if any. Our car club does plan to attend the Indy Autorama/Motorama 1962 hosted by the Road Rockets, which will be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Feb. 10th - 12th. However, until then...not much to post.

If readers have pictures of their current project, photos of their current rides, or photos of their pinstriping work, low brow art, or custom bikes, etc. PLEASE send them to scruffyratrods@hotmail.com. We would LOVE to feature them in the coming weeks.

Until then...keep the shiny (or patina'd) side up, and stay warm.

My Amazing Friend Rob

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am truly blown away sometimes by the talent of some of my friends. Whether it's the ability to turn out some INCREDIBLE home-built hotrods, customized bicycles, amazing artwork, kickin' music, or down-right amazing pinstriping....I've got lots of friends with lots of talents.

Take for instances my friend Rob Riley. Avid Suede and Chrome readers may remember some of the features I've posted on Rob in the past. His kool custom, motorized bicycles, to his incredibly detailed scratch-built scale models...the guy has a real "gift". So why should I have been surprised to learn that he picked up some One Shot and some brushes over Christmas break and tried his hand at pinstriping?! The truly amazing part was the results....Here are the pictures he sent me of his FIRST 6 ATTEMPTS!!!

You are truly amazing my friend!!! Can't wait to see what you do once you "get the hang of it"!!! hahahaha

Last Post from Packard Museum, and a stop at DaddyKatz

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Lots and lots of cool vintage Packards to check out at the Packard Museum.

Another shot of the convertible prototype.

Cool vintage Edmund intake manifold and dual carb set-up.

Since the museum had originally been a Packard dealership, there were lots of cool vintage parts and advertisements throughout the place.

This was a pretty cool carb display.

Love the vintage neon sign that stands on the corner of the museum building.

You know that ANYTIME I'm in the Dayton area, I have to make a point of stopping to see Bill Winger and the folks at DaddyKatz!!

A couple of cool vintage Chevrolet "more doors" for sale in the parking lot. I believe they belong to the owner of the tat shop that is in the same building as DaddyKatz.

Still More from the Packard Museum !

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize Packard built bicycles!!!

More from the Packard Museum

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

The second building of the museum was literally packed full of all kinds of cool "Packard stuff"...Early speedsters, race cars, an ambulance, a couple of woodies, and several marine engines built by Packard during WWII, just to name a few.

Happy 2012!!!!

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Another cool photograph at the museum.

This Packard had a pretty cool background story. Apparently, it was a convertible prototype Silverhawk, created the last year of the Silverhawk (note the "Packard" name badge). Car historians may remember that Packard and Studebaker merged to avoid bankruptcy. The story goes, that the convertible was never built, and when the prototype's designer retired, he got the car as part of his retirement. Pretty cool.

Packard Museum Post # 5

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Still more pictures from the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio in the days ahead. I hope everyone has a safe and happy 2012!!!

Packard Museum Post # 4

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

This was a framed picture at the museum that I thought was pretty cool. It shows the Packard assembly line.

The volunteers at the museum were very knowledgeable. My father and I spent some time talking with them.

Dayton Packard Museum Post # 3

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Packard Museum Post # 2

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

My father checking out a cool Packard speedster.

What is an Austin Healey doing in a Packard Museum you ask? This little "bug" was shipped from Hawaii and had just arrived the day we were there. Apparently the museum is going to restore it for someone.

Man....check out the "tires" on this old Packard log truck! That had to be a spine jarring ride! And how about the sweet Shell gas pump and globe in the foreground!

Dayton Packard Museum Post # 1

2011-12-27T16:14:00.000-05:00

After our visit to the Taj Ma Garaj banquet facility, my father and I drove down the street and stop to take a tour of the Dayton Packard Museum. The Packard Museum is housed in a downtown building that actually used to be a Packard Dealership. The collection is located in two separate buildings, and for a mere $5.00, you can visit and spend as much time as you would like. I'll be posting picture from our visit over the course of the next week or two. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Taj Ma Garaj Post # 6

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

When is the last time you saw a restored VW Thing?

A cool slot car track that was housed upstairs in the "office space" of the Taj Ma Garaj.

The upstairs also housed a cool game room with a full bar, pool tables, vintage pinball and video games, and a pop-a-shot.

Some of the participants in the Open House even drove their Porsches and VWs.

Taj Ma Garaj Open House Post # 5

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

This was an actual restored, factory built "training chassis" used by Porsche to train assembly workers and mechanics.

Taj Ma Garaj Post # 4

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Until I toured the Taj Ma Garaj, I was unaware that Porsche had built tractors at one point in their history.

Taj Ma Garaj Post # 3

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Taj Ma Garaj Post # 2

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

This cool little "Wedding Beetle" was all hand-built, and actually fully functional.

Some more of the cool murals at the Taj.

Taj Ma Garaj Open House Post # 1

2011-12-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

I got an invite a month or so ago from my buddies down at DaddyKatz in Dayton, Ohio to check out an amazing banquet facility that was having an open house for charity. So...I packed up my dad and rolled down to the Taj Ma Garaj. This place was really cool! It houses the owner's private collection of Porsches, Volkswagons, and memorabilia.

The owner actually ordered this beautiful gray Porsche from Germany. It only has the 20 miles put on it on the German test track. The interior still has styrofoam and plastic wrap!

Lots of really cool murals...many with historical hollywood and political significance grace the walls of the Taj.

Final post from the 2011 Blanket Run

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, this post brings an end to the pictures I took at the 2011 God Speed Blanket Run. We had a heck of a time, and even brought home the Club Participation Trophy! Thanks to Thom Ophof, God Speed Rides, Walt's Hot Rod Shop, McKinney Corporation, the Road Kings, the Cluster Busters, Ray Skillman, and XXX Root Beer for an EXCELLENT event. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the event, and Thom promises it will be the biggest and best yet, including some pretty exclusive stops, live music, and an indoor car show....CAN'T WAIT!

More Ray Skillman

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Another shot of the 1970 Super Bee.

The window sticker said this was the original paint, but I question that...

Still More from Ray Skillman Collection

2011-12-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

A buddy of mine had one just like this in high school! Brings back some cruisin' memories!

One of the wrestlers I coached got a Super Bee like this when he turned 16!!!! Of course he let his coach take it for a test drive after practice one day!!!!

Ray Skillman Motorcycles....

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I was equally impressed with the vintage motorcycles in the Ray Skillman collection.

Ray Skillman Post # 6

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Very interesting....a Chevrolet stepside bed, and International cab and grille, and are those PT Cruiser headlights?!?!?!

Loved this Polly Gas pump...but couldn't get the old man in front of it to tell me much about it!

Awesome Pontiac Safari wagon!

Loved this 1958 Chevy Convertible!

Ray Skillman Auto Museum Post #5

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Edsel convertible!

Did I mention there were LOTS and LOTS of vintage Corvettes?!

Loved this Pantera!

More from Ray Skillman Auto Museum

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I could have literally made a day of my visit to the Ray Skillman Auto Museum. There was just too much to take in....oh, did I mention that everything (at least the vehicles) was for sale?

I WANT A BIG BOY!!!!!!

Ray Skillman Post #3

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

There was a set of stairs that lead up to a balcony and some office space...the "photographer" in me thought...this is a "no brainer"....I just had to go up and snap a few shots to try to get the "big picture" and wrap my head around this place! Truly unbelievable!!!

Ray Skillman Auto Museum Post #2

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Man....this place had more "eye candy" than you could shake a stick at...it was truly "visual overload"! It was like someone crawled in my head and pulled out everything I thought was cool, and put it all in one place!

this restored vintage bicycles had me salivating!

How many 1954 Kaiser Darrins have you ever seen close up?

Ray Skillman Auto Museum

2011-12-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you live in Indiana, and you've never been to the Ray Skillman Auto Museum, you are truly missing out on an amazing treat! This place is PACKED full of cars, neon, gas pumps, and other collectibles...to put it simply....this place is 100% COOL!

Another Blanket Run Stop: Ray Skillman

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

After lunch, the Blanket Run map took us to Ray Skillman Ford. For readers who live in East Central Indiana, the name Ray Skillman is familar, for everyone else, Ray Skillman owns several large car dealerships in the area. Behind his Indianapolis Ford Dealership, he has a complete restoration shop and an Auto Museum.

From these pictures, you should be able to tell the the restorations happening at Ray Skillman are incredible!

You will want to come back tomorrow, as I will begin posting pictures from inside the Ray Skillman Auto Museum....VERY COOL!

More from the 2011 Blanket Run

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Lunch time always allows for more talkin' with fellow gearheads, and more gawkin' at all the cool vehicles in the parking lot.

Thank you Cluster Busters!

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Lunch was once again provided by the Cluster Busters Hot Rod Club in Indianapolis....The chili was great guys!!!

Blanket Run Post #4

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

More pictures from McKinney Corporation...the first stop on the 2011 God Speed Blanket Run.

With the number of participants growing each year, it's not uncommon to have a car or two have some mechnical issues along the way. Fortunately, there are always several "car guys" willing to help out.

McKinney Corporation

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Another thing I like to do every year before heading out on the "run" is to go right next door from God Speed to "Walt's Hot Rod Shop". Walter always has some cool stuff going on in his place, and this year, had this cool little bobber in the front.

Our first stop on this year's journey took us about 40 miles from Indy to McKinney Corporation in Lafayette, Indiana. McKinney Corp. hand builds Top Fuel and Dragsters. The folks at McKinney were incredible hosts, letting us tour their facility and answering any questions we had. They even had some cheese and sausage for us, and a complimentary, ice cold bottle of XXX Root Beer. Yum!

2011 Blanket Run Post #2

2011-12-05T08:18:00.001-05:00

One of the things I like to do at the Blanket Run is to get there a little early, get my coffee and donut, and then head outside and check out all the cool vehicles that participates drove to the event.

Scott Linder's "Krylon Special" has become a fixture at this event. Even year's when the snow is falling heavily, Scott can be seen behind the wheel dressed in his Carharts, ski mask and gloves!

Milder weather brought many more hot rods to this year's event.

2011 God Speed Blanket Run

2011-12-04T22:58:00.001-05:00

For the past four years, I've been traveling to Brownsburg, Indiana on the first Saturday of December to participate in the God Speed Blanket Run. This was the 9th year of the event, and owner Thom Ophof always organizing an amazing day for everyone.

The idea is simple. Organize a cool get together for friends and gearheads while making a difference for some area shelters. For the "cost" of a new or gently used blanket, participants are given a map and then lead on some really cool tours of area automotive related businesses and collections.

The day always starts out with coffee and donuts at God Speed Rides in Brownsburg, Indiana. It's always cool to see old friends and mill around Thom's shop to see the kind of cool work he is up to. Here is an example of the kind of quality metal fabrication happening at God Speed.

Come back in the coming days to view pictures and commentary from this year's event.

Last Post from Daddy Katz

2011-12-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

My friend Lit'l Bill laying down some stripes

Lit'l Bill's "Lacy Lucille"

Had a great time at Daddy Katz! Heading down to the annual Blanket Run at God Speed Hot Rods in Brownsburg, Indiana today. Hoping to bring back lots of good pictures and great memories.

More from DaddyKatz

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

DaddyKatz Post #2

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Two more bikes built by Randy Blackledge

My friend Lit'l Bill's Bike.

2011 Bicycle and Mini Bike Show @ DaddyKatz

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's always a great time when we can go over to Dayton, Ohio and visit Bill Winger and crew at Daddy Katz. This is the second year that we've been able to go the their annual bicycle show.

To of the bikes my friend Randy Blackledge built.

This mini bike is all original. Marketed in 1975 to girls.

Cool custom

check out the baby side car on this one.

Last Post from Richmond Show

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Vintage Wheels Post #10

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Vintage Wheels Post # 9

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Vintage Wheels Post #8

2011-11-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Still More Vintage Wheels Pictures

2011-11-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Vintage Wheels Post #6

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Vintage Wheels Post #5

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Vintage Wheels Post #4

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Still More From Richmond Vintage Wheels Show

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

More From Vintage Wheels Show

2011-11-21T11:06:00.001-05:00

2011 Vintage Wheels Show

2011-11-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, it is really hard for me to believe that it's November already. But with the fall weather in Indiana, comes one of the last car shows of the year in these parts. The Vintage Wheels car club out of Richmond, Indiana hosts a really nice indoor event on the first weekend of November. The event is a fundraiser in which they use the money to sponsor needed children in the community. The show always draws a variety of very nice vehicles from the greater Richmond area, and I usually see some cars and trucks that I haven't seen before mixed in with some that I've become familiar with.

Final 2011 Ducktail Post

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ducktail Post #4

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ducktail Post #3

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

2011 Ducktail Run Post #2

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ducktail Run, Gas City, Indiana

2011-11-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

After the James Dean Festival. We drove down the road to the Ducktail Run in Gas City, Indiana. Gas City is less than 10 miles from Fairmount. I'll be posting from the Ducktail Run for the next several days. Come back to Suede and Chrome for more in the days to come. Also want to wish my dad a Happy Birthday today!

Final Post from the "Birthplace of Cool"

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

James Dean Post # 8

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

JD Post # 6

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

More from James Dean Days

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

James Dean Post # 4

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's really hard to believe that we've been attending this event since 1984. Time certainly flies by. Also hard to believe that I'm another year older today. Hahahaha....where have the years gone?

James Dean Festival Post #3

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dean grew up on his Uncle's farm outside of Fairmount, Indiana.

A replica of the car that Dean was driving during the fatal crash.

Mercuries are the "featured" cars at the James Dean Festival. A special "Mercury Corral" at the front gate showcases them.

I think I can see the ghost of James Dean in the window of my friend Brian's car!

James Dean Post #2

2011-11-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

2011 James Dean Festival

2011-11-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

An event that has been on my "must attend" calendar since the early 1980's is the James Dean Festival in Fairmount, Indiana. Fairmount has two famous "sons", actor James Dean, and cartoonist Jim Davis (of Garfield the Cat fame). Both grew up in Fairmount, and both graduated from Fairmount High, which is now part of Madison-Grant Schools.

Lost Hillcroft Post...

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

You can see the Nifty50 in this picture, as well as my 20 year old son with Williams Syndrome "giving out hugs". hahaha

One last "lost" post that I found in the "draft" folder. These pictures should have been included in the Hillcroft Car show pictures back in April. Hillcroft works to provide services for developmentally challenged adults in Delaware County, Indiana. Each spring, they have a car show in which all profits benefit their programs. Always a nice turn out for a very worthy cause.

Lost Post from Indy Goodguys

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Found this post in the Suede and Chrome archives....looks like I saved it in "draft" form and it was never posted. OOPS! Thought I'd go ahead and post as you can see we were able to get right up close and personal with the Indy cars that they were running that day. For $400 - $500 bucks, you could ride in a two seater with a driver around the track for a few laps. for a few grand, you could take classes and drive a single seater!

Can You Believe It? More from the "Lost" Photo File

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

I ran across yet another post that somehow made it's way to the "draft" folder instead of being posted. These photographs were taken at the Ducktail Run back in 2010. That this Crosley wagon was unique enough that it deserved to be posted more than a year later....enjoy!

I remember seeing this unique little Crosley last year. From the exterior...it looks like a "normal", nicely restored Crosley. But under the hood...it has a Catepillar diesel engine.

Final Post from 2011 Blacktop Bash

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

And so ends another album from the Annual Blacktop Bash in Lewisburg, Ohio. I was disappointed to learn that the local law enforcement put a stop to the annual burnout contest that usually takes place in front of the shop right on US 40. But other than that, I'd say that this was one of the best Bashes to date! Thanks to Porkchop, his crew, and the Road Devils for hosting another great event!

Bash Post #7

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

More from the Blacktop Bash

2011-10-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Bash Post #5

2011-10-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Bash Post #4

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Bash Post #3

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Blacktop Bash Post #2

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

I attend A LOT of shows, get-togethers, and cruise-ins in the Midwest United States, and very few have the atmosphere, number of traditional hotrods, quality of live music, etc. of this event. And to top it off...there is NO registration or admission fees! Just great times! Oh, and did I mention the "famous" BBQ Bologna Sandwiches?

Eric Culbertson's mint green hotrod.

2011 Blacktop Bash Post #1

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

October always means a VERY cool traditional hotrod get-together in Lewisburg, Ohio. "Porkchop" Walker, owner of Sinister Hotrods has hosted the Blacktop Bash at his shop on US 40 for the past several years. I've been attending the event for the past 4 years, and in that short time, I've seen attendance double.

Erin Whitenack's sweet little rat rod.

Mike Lawerence's cool Chevy.

Daniel Brown's incredible artwork.

Final (I mean FINAL) Hunnert Car Pileup Post

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

The Art Adams Band played an incredible set of vintage Rockabilly!!!

After the Art Adams Band....Junior Brown took the stage!

Man...what I ride! Thanks again to the Chrome Czars Motor Club for 10 GREAT years of the Hunnert Car Pileup!!! I am so thankful I could be a part of the last 3 years...definitely will be hard to replace this event!

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #10

2011-10-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

My friend Craig's sweeeeet traditional hotrod!

Jo Kerr's incredible hot rod.

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #9

2011-10-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #8

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #7

2011-10-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #6

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

2010 Millville Run Awards

2011-10-18T15:25:00.000-04:00

I ran across these photos in the Suede and Chrome archives and realized that somehow they were overlooked when I posted from the 2010 Millville Run. Wanted to make sure I posted them and pointed out the SWEEEET trophies we gave out that year. Handcrafted by Righteous Rodders Motor Club member Bill Ridge, and chrome-plated by Righteous Rodders members Jim, Jimmy, and Josh Canfield of Custom Metal Finishers, Inc. in Hagerstown, Indiana. I think they came out looking pretty cool.

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #5

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #4

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #3

2011-10-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hey! It's the Nifty50's older sibling!!!

Hunnert Car Pileup Post #2

2011-10-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

2011 Hunnert Car Pileup

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Well, I've got to say that it is with great nostalgia and a bit of sorrow that I begin posting pictures from this year's Hunnert Car Pileup. Hosted by the Chrome Czars Motor Club, the Hunnert Car Pileup has grown over it's 10 year history into one of the most incredible traditional hot rod shows in the Midwest United States. Over the past three years that I've attended, it quickly became one of my favorite events of the year. This year, I was saddened to hear that the Chrome Czars had made the decision to make this year's event the 10th and final one.

Ten years ago, the Chrome Czars jokingly named the event the "Hunnert Car Pileup" (Hunnert...the "chicago" pronunciation for "hundred") because they thought they would be lucky if they pulled in 100 vehicles. Ten years later, this event has grown to over 1,200 cars and trucks!!!

Having only attended one show (the 7th year) at the Morris, IL. location, I didn't get wrapped up in the whole "controversy" in the decision to move the event to Decatur, IL. I do know that we sat on the interstate exit ramp for over an hour and a half to get into the show in Morris, and we had only gotten inside for about 30 minutes before the Illinois state police shut the entrance to the show down due to the traffic jam it was causing. The Decatur venue on the other hand, had much better access, parking space, and over all area for show cars, vendors, and swap area....granted, it lacks the small, fairground "feel" and shade trees....but it was MUCH easier to see all of the vehicles and vendors in Decatur.

Last Post from Speedway Goodguys

2011-10-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Goodguys Post #9

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:00