Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday -- the best days of the week. We won't get an argument on that viewpoint. We spent three of those best days in the latter part of August at the 18th Texaco/Havoline West Coast Nationals, held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California, and produced by the Goodguys.

Dry, sultry heat in the triple digits welcomed spectators and participants throughout the event. No worries. We all kept cool in the shade, sipping vendor-supplied beverages, when the hot sun and hot rods were simply too much to take. The event showcased over 3,500 rods, customs, and classics through 1954. More vintage hotted pickups of high quality were displayed this year than last. At such a large venue, one never knows whether an awesome truck is going to slip past one's attention. Fueled by the prospect of finding the coolest custom in the nation, we tirelessly walked the show each day.

We were rewarded with meeting many nice hobbyists who have the same high regard for the hot-rod hauler hobby that we hold. Within the swap meet and cars for sale corral we had to admonish ourselves from spending non-existing cash on some rust-free pickup projects. We were even more tempted by the multitude of new and perfect components on display at the vendor and manufacturer exhibits. Despite the high heat, both the exhibits outside and within the air-conditioned buildings were well attended. Meguiar's, an outside exhibitor, had the intelligence to provide a water-misting tent throughout the show. Kids had their own play area and could put together scale model customs right outside the model, pedal, toy, and miniature race car display. As with every year, an arts and crafts festival captured the imagination of those inclined to working with their hands and hearts, but not necessarily on hot-rod haulers.

There was the Friday Night Hot Rod Bash, which included the Spot Light Cruise and Dance Party, featuring live rock 'n' roll. Never one to miss a cruise or party, CCT's editor, with his comely wife, attended the night's festivities. Unfortunately, CCT's feature editor wasn't there to shoot some photos. Thankfully, he was on hand for the awards presentation on Sunday. Some seriously sweet custom vintage trucks picked up several awards, most of which you'll find in the following photos.

Like in years past, Pleasanton was a most pleasant one, show that is. Being vintage hotted car and truck nuts, we couldn't think of any better way to spend the three best days of the week. If you weren't able to attend, that's of no concern. We have captured some of the coolest/hottest haulers on display those three August heatwave days. Get yourself an ice-cold beverage from the fridge and drink in all the classic creations. If we haven't quenched your thirst for Pleasanton's pleasing pickups, you can visit www.good-guys.com for more coverage of the 18th Texaco/Havoline West Coast Nationals. We hope to see you next year in Pleasanton. Remember, it's sure to be a pleasant one. CCT

Green over white looks right on Louise and Leo Nixon's lusciously low '53 Cornbinder, or International, for those not familiar with the nickname of these well-built pickups. These Nixon's live in Montesano, Washington. We don't know if there's any relation to the former president.	Cruising down from Osoogos, British Columbia, Canada, in their '51 Mercury M-1 Pro Street pickup were the Launier's, Kristin and J.F. We'll supply the full story in a future feature.	Janna Fox of San Jose, California, owns this foxy '48 Chevy truck.
Bright orange and brilliant blue are the two hues that cover the '41 Chevy panel delivery that James Limbaugh of Larkspur, Colorado, owns. The familiar Chevy combo 353/350 powers the delivery (353 ci must mean the engine's bored out to that dimension).	If this early '60s Chevy Pro Street pickup were reposing on asphalt, as opposed to a glass shelf, you would think it's the real article.	Flames and an iron cross make this Model T model truck look like a late '50s to early '60s hot rod.
A master modeler must have made the late '40s Chevy panel delivery pictured here. But it doesn't make us hungry for pork skins.	Claiming the Cool Commercial prize were Mary Lou and Al Reichmuth of Livermore, California, for their 350/350 Chevy-powered '46 Ford truck.	Gloss black looks great on Wayne Robison's '54 Studebaker truck.
Another visitor from well north, Bill Nichol, of Port Mooly, British Columbia, Canada, came down in his 350/400 Chevy-powered '46 Ford truck.	Throughout the three days, modelers of all ages were building some pretty cool customs.	Sporting several shades of suede, a nicely done '39 Chevy COE, owned by Teresa and Bobby Castello of Thousand Oaks, California, wore wide white tires.
CCT readers will certainly remember this rare '29 Fageol owned by Gayle and Jerry Jeffries of Southern California. We featured the Mopar-powered ride in the May '04 issue.	Stockton Wheel is located in Stockton, California. Frank Mauro, Jr. is the current caretaker of a just-finished '38 Chevy pickup. Guess what else he owns? You guessed it, Stockton Wheel.	SIC Motorsports and Grant Fabrication have an awesome '67 Chevy Fleetside under construction. We hope to bring you a feature soon.
Yet another nice Ford truck, circa 1940, wearing a bright-yellow paintjob. Steve Griffin of West Sacramento, California, found a place in the shade for his fine Ford, which has 350/350 Chevy power.	Once you've met Jessica Rabbit, you'll never forget her. Remember Bill Osiakowski's Jessica Rabbit? She's a '34 Dodge pickup. We featured her in CCT.	Relaxing in the shade with an ice-cold beverage in hand, Glenn Stanford of Palmdale, California, sat next to his Downs fiberglass-bodied '37 Ford pickup.
Winning the Long Distance award were Joan and Rich Molinaro. They drove all the way from their home in Westfield, New Jersey, in a most comfortable '34 Chevy sedan delivery.	Bette and Chris Addington, of Bakersfield, California, took home the Trick Truck award for their tasty '40 Ford pickup.	Casey Tollini, from nearby Redwood, California, claimed the Young Guys pick for his '48 Chevy truck.
Under Construction honors went to Paul Turner of Sunol, California, for his '32 Ford truck.	Taking home the Timeless Traditional trophy was Pachi Bengochea of Winnemucca, Nevada, for his iridescent-blue '32 Ford truck.	Garnering the Mopar Pick was Brian Anderson of Fort Bragg, California, with his maroon-over-silver '33 Dodge truck.
A well-known hot rod around the country is this low-down electric-blue '30 Ford roadster pickup owned by Cliff Hansen of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Cliff coveted the Real McCoy award.	Throughout the three-day Goodguys show, jazz guitarist virtuoso Steve Oliver entertained audiences. We were so impressed with his music, we purchased his latest CD, Steve Oliver 3D.	The Heidt's Hot Rod Shop booth attracted crowds throughout the event. You can find out more about them by visiting their website, www.heidts.com.
We wonder whether this blue '58 Chevy for sale in the swap meet section sold. It was one of many fine project pickups available. If we only had the cash, we could have hauled it home.