The editors of Hot Rod are in the process now of building this ’68 Chevy Van for the 2012 SEMA Show in affiliation with eBay Motors. Working with Mackey’s Hot Rods of Huntington Beach, CA, they not only sourced the love machine, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors.

While they would love for you to vote for them, the key to this campaign is that you can be the winner. Vote for your favorite, even if it isn’t the Gasser Van and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 dream garage.

So whether you’re into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com

The editors of Hot Rod, Lowrider, european car, and Four Wheeler are in the process now of building SEMA projects sourcing not only the car, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors. Best of all, you can vote for your favorite and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 Dream Garage.

The effort is BUILT from eBay® – A web series that takes four automotive magazines and their selected garages and creates a competition to showcase eBay Motors amazing selection. Each team starts with the purchase of a niche-enthusiast vehicle, and then searches out and purchases each and every part to go with them. Whether those parts be new, retro, performance or new-old-stock, these four teams are being tested to pull it off.

So whether you’re into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com

 Check out Classic Instruments retro-fit unit for  '53-'55 Ford trucks.

 Original fit, original styling better than original features!

Classic Instruments lends its style and quality to 1953-'55 Ford trucks. Classic's newest offering is a complete retro-fit unit, incorporating a tachometer and LED lighting while retaining an original look.  The '53-55 F100 package features a dual layer design, 12-volt electronic movements, and push button calibration,  The unit is available in factory style, grey. white, black and tan. It comes fully assembled in a billet aluminum bezel and all the appropriate sending units.  "Halo" hig beam indicator and turn signals come standard in this package.

www.classicinstruments.com

All Antique, Classic, and Automotive Hobby Related Items

Friday July 20, & Saturday, July 21, 2012

                              Los Alamitos Race Course

4961 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA. 90720    East parking lot behind Costco
Admission  $6:00 per person, under 12 free with paid adult
Hours   Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00PM,   Saturday 7:00AM to 4:00PM

                                       Free Parking
Sellers spaces available -Call Jeff Hood 562-597-5936 evenings

Spaces are 27’ wide X 18’deep, two days-$40.00 advance, $50.00 day of event

Jan. 27-29, 2012 at the Fairplex in Pomona

Over 500 show vehicles and motorcycles will compete for awards inside all of the Fairplex buildings. Another 400-800 vehicles will join the event Saturday and Sunday for the 7th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In sponsored by Rod & Custom and Street Rodder magazines. 

Vehicles will park between buildings as part of the show. The featured building celebrates the 1932 Ford, the 80th Anniversary of the "The Deuce". Watch and bid on artwork created by the best pinstripers in the nation at the Grand National Roadster Show Pinstriper’s event. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to nearby charities. Listen to live music all three days inside Bld 10 and outside, and see celebrities throughout the show. The GNRS Awards Ceremony starts at 4:00pm on Sunday night where the 2012 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster and America’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle will be crowned, along with many other awards.

2012 Event Information is online at www.rodshows.com

When it comes to the BLM assuming its responsibility to preserve and protect the Bonneville Salt Flats, it seems they will never do the right thing.  We must lead them in the right direction.

The Bonneville Salt Flats have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It has been designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.  It is a special place.  It is so vast and flat, one can see the curvature of the earth.  It is an important part of the beginning of motor sports.  Even beyond the clear statutory obligations on the Bureau of Land Management to preserve and protect this special place, there is a moral obligation to assure that this national landmark’s life is perpetual.  Unfortunately, despite the legal and moral obligations on the BLM, in its 60 years it has done nothing.  Certainly, we cannot assume the BLM will do the right thing on their own.  Therefore, they must be shown the proper course by the Congress.

Save the Salt is undertaking a major effort to show the Congress the feckless efforts of the BLM to meet their obligations.  It will call for hearings and legislation to require that the BLM promptly engage programs to restore the BSF to its historic size and quality.  The size of the Salt Flats has decreased to a small percentage of its original dimensions.  Its thickness used to be measured in feet.  Now it is measured in inches.  This cannot stand.

We are contacting every member of Congress to inform them of the state of the Bonneville Salt Flats and we hope you will as well.  Our congressional representatives must hear of the value of this national landmark and its demise under the jurisdiction of the BLM.  They must be told that it is critical that the BLM engage in aggressive efforts to restore the BSF.

You can find the people who represent you in the Congress by going to www.contactingthecongress.org.  Type in your zip code and click "submit it."   This will provide the information you need to e-mail or phone your representatives.  Do it today.

The Bureau of Land Management would have you believe that they "own" the Bonneville Salt Flats and we are allowed through their largess to "use" it.  Actually, the BSF belongs to the people and the BLM exists only to preserve and protect it.  Well, what has it done?  Nothing.

For its 65 year life, it has had a mission of preserving and protecting the lands under it jurisdiction.  How has it done this?  In the case of the BSF, it has conducted enough studies to cover the entire area with paper.  What else?  Nothing!  The Bonneville Salt Flats have gone from 90,000 to 30,000 acres to even less today.  It used to be 6 feet thick.  Now it is measured in inches.  This is pretty alarming!  What has the BLM done?  Nothing.

This cannot continue.  The BLM must make amends for its total failure to protect the BSF.  They must use funds they collect from users to find salt and return it to the BSF.  It must be brought back to historic size and quality.

If it were not for private enterprise, the BSF would be in more serious jeopardy.  Intrepid Potash has stepped up where the government has failed.  They have proposed that they return as much or more salt than has been removed.  This is important in leading the way forward.

    We applaud Intrepid for their action and encourage them to continue to work with Save the Salt in efforts to restore the BSF.  Intrepid has done the right thing.  Will the BLM follow their lead?

We are contacting every member of Congress to inform them of the state of the Bonneville Salt Flats and we hope you will as well.  Our congressional representatives must hear of the value of this national landmark and its demise under the jurisdiction of the BLM.  They must be told that it is critical that the BLM engage in aggressive efforts to restore the BSF.

You can find the people who represent you in the Congress by going to www.contactingthecongress.org.  Type in your zip code and click "submit it."  This will provide the information you need to e-mail or phone your representatives.  Do it today.

The millions of people who view the Bonneville Salt Flats as hallowed land that is a major part of our motor sports history, owe Intrepid our enduring appreciation for their efforts to preserve the BSF.  They have voluntarily agreed to engage in a salt replenishment program in which they will return to the Salt Flats as much or more salt than has been removed.  This will stabilize the BSF and stop its decline.

Even more is needed, however.  Save the Salt will be encouraging the participation of Intrepid in efforts to restore even more salt to the BSF.  This cooperative effort would involve STS in partnership with Intrepid and others to bring the BSF to its original size and thickness.  This will be a major effort and we will need the assistance of corporate sponsors, racers and the millions of people who value the BSF as a historical national landmark.

Intrepid has stepped up in a major way and we must follow their lead to assure the viability of the BSF.  Join with Save the Salt at they seek government involvement in restoring the BSF after having abrogating their legal obligations for the last 60 years.

We are contacting every member of Congress to inform them of the state of the Bonneville Salt Flats and we hope you will as well.  Our congressional representatives must hear of the value of this national landmark and its demise un der the jurisdiction of the BLM.  They must be told that it is critical that the BLM engage in aggressive efforts to restore the BSF.

You can find the people who represent you in the Congress by going to www.contactingthecongress.org.  Type in your zip code and click "Submit It."  This will provide the information you need to e-amil or phone your representatives.  Do it today. 

 For many years the Bonneville Salt Flats have been challenged as a result of the failure of the Bureau of Land Management to protect and preserve the BSF as they are required to do by law.  For the second time in recent history, the private sector stepped in to fill the void created by the BLM.

 Ten years ago, Reilly Industries stepped up and volunteered to replenish the salt by pumping millions of tons of salt on the Salt Flats.  BLM studies showed that the actions of Reilly stabilized the Salt Flats and arrested the loss of salt from the famous crust.

    Ten years later we have Reilly’s successor, Intrepid Potash, to thank for protecting this national landmark.  They have volunteered to permanently return to the BSF as much or more salt as has been removed.  Going further, Intrepid has agreed to meet with the Save the Salt Coalition to find even more ways to restore the BSF to its historic dimensions.  We all owe Intrepid our appreciation for its unique steps to recognize the importance of this area that has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    Save the Salt will continue its efforts to restore the BSF.  We will be seeking a return to the Salt Flats all user and license fees received by the BLM.  The BLM must engage in efforts to restore the BSF and they must start by using fees they receive from users to find salt that can be added to the BSF to compensate for the salt that has been lost over the last 60 years.     We will also seek legislation to mandate the BLM to engage in remedial efforts to restore the BSF that have suffered as a result of BLKM deficiencies.

    We are asking for your help in forcing the BLM to do what is right.  Please join us in this important effort.  We are contacting every member of Congress to inform them of the state of the Bonneville Salt Flats and we hope you will as well.  Our congressional representatives must hear of the value of this national landmark and its demise under the jurisdiction of the BLM.  They must be told that it is critical that the BLM engage in aggressive efforts to restore the BSF.

    Your can find the people who represent you in the Congress by going to www.contactingthecongress.org.  Type in your zip code and click "submit it."  This will provide the information you need to e-mail or phone your representatives.  Do it today.

Diamond Bar, CA - With the participation of SEMA-member performance parts manufacturers and legendary engine builder Ed Pink, the SEMA Scholarship Committee will have a complete dyno-tested 302 Ford engine, based on a Dart block and cylinder heads, up for auction on eBay concurrent with the upcoming SEMA Show. Proceeds will benefit the SEMA Scholarship Fund. Simultaneously, a customized Dodge Charger and Dodge Avenger will also be auctioned to benefit the SMSF.

 Each year the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund distributes between $100,000 to150,000 in scholarships to deserving students who plan a career in the automotive industry. These include awards for vocational school, 2-year, 4-year and postgraduate work., with a percentage designated for the families of employees of SEMA member companies. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program to help repay student loans for employees of SEMA member firms.

The engine is targeted to produce in excess of 400 horsepower, but will have excellent street-ability and designed for long-term durability. It is applicable to many niche markets, including street rods, Cobra kit cars, custom classic trucks, Mustang restomods and other street performance applications. 

In announcing the promotion,  SEMA Scholarship Committee member and Project Coordinator Bill Holland said, "Ed Pink Racing Engines is exceptionally well qualified to perform the build, and will bring tremendous cache to the project. While 'The Old Master' is probably best known for his exploits with fuel-burning SOHC Ford and Chrysler Hemi engines, the company has expanded beyond its drag racing roots and has built many highly successful engines for IndyCar, Midget, Sprint Car and Endurance Road Racing applications. Ed, EPRE General Manager Frank Honsowetz and owner Tom Malloy have a cadre of highly qualified, experienced technicians who will assist in the building and testing of this engine at the Ed Pink Racing Engines facility in Van Nuys, California."     

For ongoing updates on the project please visit www.sema.org and pass the word to your friends and fellow enthusiasts.

The 20th annual California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, Oct. 21-23, 2011 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., is a 3-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm.

Produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum (www.museum.nhra.com), presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, and located in Pomona, Calif., the Reunion is part of the museum’s "living history" philosophy, which works to bring to life the sights, sounds and people who made history in the early days of drag racing, land speed racing and the golden age of American car culture.  

Unique among motorsports events, the Reunion honors some of the top names in hot rodding from the past and features a fabulous array of cool drag cars, street rods and customs of the historic and present-day hot rod eras.
Daily general admission tickets/pit passes will be available at Auto Club Famoso Raceway gate, (www.famosoraceway.com). The cost per person per day is just $25.  Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Auto Club discount is also available at the gate. Purchase 3-day credentials prior to Oct. 14 and receive a ticket discount and "goodie" bag. Ticket available online at www.nhratix.com or by phone, 1-800-884-6472

The Reunion features a wide variety of activities and events, including:

• NHRA vintage drag racing, featuring some the sport’s most famous and historic cars and drivers, racing in such classes at Nostalgia Top Fuel, Nostalgia Funny Car, Fuel Altereds, Gassers, AFX, Hot Rods and others. It’s the grand finale of the NHRA’s Hot Rod Heritage Series.

• Hundreds of gleaming pre-1972 hot rods, street rods, custom cars, rat rods, classics and muscle cars.  Hot Rod Deluxe Memory Lane will have a display of nostalgic race cars.

• British motorcycle and music icon Ace Cafe London will erect a party tent at the 20th California Hot Rod Reunion, offering beverages, snacks, live music and memorabilia. If you love speed and rock n roll, then you will want to visit the temporary Ace Cafe London at the Reunion.

• California Hot Rod Reunion Reception, held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bakersfield, Fri., Oct. 21, from 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Open to everyone at no charge, it’s a tribute to Reunion Grand Marshal, Honorees and the Justice Brothers Car Care Products Reunion Spotlight. The reception offers a chance for fans to meet some of drag racing’s heroes.

• A Colossal Cacklefest on Saturday and Sunday, where nitro-burning historic, front-engine top-fuel dragsters and other classic race cars are push started just like in the "old days."

• The Swap meet and Reunion Midway filled with hot rod and automotive related vendors. Something for everyone!

Information, including a full activities schedule, entry forms and tickets, is available through the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum at http://museum.nhra.com. For general Reunion information, please call the Museum at 909/622-8562.
 
Proceeds of the California Hot Rod Reunion benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif. Founded in 1998 and named for the founder of the National Hot Rod Association, the Parks Museum, presented by Automobile Club of Southern California houses the very roots of hot rodding. Scores of famous vehicles spanning American motorsports history are on display, including winning cars representing 60 years of drag racing, dry lakes and salt-flat racers, oval track challengers and exhibits describing their colorful backgrounds.

National Landmark Needs Salt Replenishment Program

A number of prominent organizations have formed the "Save the Salt Coalition" to protect the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) from continued deterioration due to salt brine removal from potash mining. The Coalition is now working with government officials, mine operators and others to develop a permanent program to replenish the salt.

Founding members of the Coalition include the Bonneville Nationals (BNI), Save the Salt Foundation, Source Interlink Media, Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), SEMA Action Network (SAN) and Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA). Doug Evans, Executive Vice President, Source Interlink Media, has been named Chairman of the "Save the Salt Coalition."

"The Bonneville Salt Flats is an essential element of American motorsports heritage," said Evans. "Since 1949, Hot Rod Magazine has covered the August speed trials and worked with government officials to permit continued racing. The legacy of land speed racing covers every imaginable type of vehicle, from hot rods to jet cars, electric cars and motorcycles. These efforts are a proving ground for new technological achievements in power plants, composite materials and aerodynamics."

The BSF is a unique geological formation that is also central to the history of motorsports and the industries that support motorsports. Scores of world land speed records have been set on the densely-packed remnants of a huge prehistoric lake. The area is so flat, it is possible to see the curvature of the earth. The BSF has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Decades of salt removal by an adjoining potash mining operation have damaged the BSF. Between 1963 and 1982, an estimated 11 million tons of salt was withdrawn. By the mid-1990s, the historic raceway had lost over 18 inches of salt crust. Originally 96,000 acres in size, the BSF has been reduced to about 30,000 acres and those lands are threatened unless the salt removed to extract potash is then returned to the BSF. The potash operation is located on federal lands leased by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The Coalition is seeking to protect the BSF and permit continued mining. One solution is to pump brine water back onto the salt flats during the winter and spring, when the basin is naturally covered with water. As the water evaporates during the summer months, the salt flats will increase in thickness and hardness, and the underground aquifer supporting the salt crust will be replenished. A five-year test program begun in 1997 demonstrated that the solution will work. The Coalition is now seeking an equivalent, permanent program.

For more information, please visit the "Save the Salt Coalition" website at www.savethesalt.org.

SEMA SECURES U.S. SENATE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING JULY 8th AS "COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION DAY"

Lawmakers Acknowledge Importance of Collection and Restoration of Historic and Classic Cars

Washington, D.C. (April 15, 2011) -- The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) at the request of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils designating July 8, 2011 as "Collector Car Appreciation Day."  The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

S. Res. 154 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).  Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 154 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars.  The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever growing love affair with the car and motorsports.  The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.  

"Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day at our request," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.  We look forward to even more celebrations this July 8 and in the years to come."

In recognition of the day, collectors and enthusiasts will be hosting events across the country.  ARMO Chairman Laura Bergan said, "On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country.  We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day."

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect said, "The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide.  Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports."

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile.  Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Ashley Ailsworth, SEMA Research and State Affairs Manager at ashleya@sema.org or 202-783-6007 x. 39.

Here's a sneak peek at the newest project truck for Custom Classic Trucks Magazine....   

we've got big plans for this one so stay tuned to upcoming issues for the full story!

Hop on our forum and let us know what you think we oughta do to it...

Check out Bobby's Bomber Project going together over at http://www.fiygarage.com/home/fiy_garage-truck.php

The truck's going to be auctioned off at the end of the year with the proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The Editors of both CLASSIC TRUCKS and sister publication CUSTOM CLASSIC TRUCKS (in conjunction with our friends from LMC Truck) have worked diligently to produce an additional issue for all you truck lovers out there--a special newsstand-only magazine by the name of AMERICAN TRUCK

If you’ve missed last year’s issue of American Truck you’ve got to check out the 2011 issue that’s on the stand as we speak. American Truck magazine is a great mixture of in-depth useable tech and how-to articles and some way-cool feature trucks that one may not see in our monthly magazines. The reason being is American Truck magazine allows us to share with you a mix of not only early classics, but a bunch of nice later model pickups as well! And since these post-classic pickups are destined to become the classic trucks of the future we figured we’d take advantage of the opportunity and give you a preview of the cool trucks the future holds. Above and beyond that, American Truck magazine allows us to showcase LMC Truck’s huge late-model pickup parts and accessories too!

So, if you’d like yet another modified truck fix while you ‘re waiting for the next issue of your favorite classic truck magazines we hope you’ll swing by the newsstand and grab a copy of AMERICAN TRUCK--all of us guys who put it together for you are sure you’ll enjoy it!

 Dear Fellow Car Enthusiast:

It is with great pleasure, and a sense of excitement, that I write to introduce myself as the new Director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN).

As a lifelong gearhead with roots tracing back to the Motor City, I am very proud to take on the responsibility of leading America’s premier automotive enthusiast network in the battle to protect our cherished heritage.  In an era of increasing governmental involvement in the hobby, it is imperative that we remain organized and stand together.  We must continue to ensure that lawmakers, both on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the nation, hear our voices loudly and proudly.  We will not stand idly and allow America’s automotive traditions to be legislated out of existence.  In addition, we will promote pro-active policies that benefit the hobby.  As I assume the mantle of this great organization, that is my pledge to you. 

I come to this job abundantly aware that the fight to defend the hobby from aggressive regulation may not be easy, but it is a necessary one.  For 14 years, the SAN has staved off attacks from forces seeking to create obstacles to our responsible enjoyment of this hobby and made strides towards ensuring its future.  Continue to stay informed.  Respectfully let your legislators know where you stand on the issues.  Most importantly, spread the word.  Let your friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts know the vital importance of SAN’s mission and to join the cause.  As always, joining the SAN at  http://www.semasan.com/san/join.aspxis FREE and carries no obligations.

I look forward to meeting each of you at events across the country and working together towards the preservation of our hobby.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at miked@sema.org.  

Very Respectfully,
Mike Dingell

The Super Chevy Show announced its 2011 schedule today, featuring 12 events, with stops at four new facilities, including an international visit to Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

The national touring series, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this season with events in the Southwest, Midwest, South and Northeast, will broaden its reach in 2011 with races at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Fla., Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, N.C., Spokane County Raceway in Spokane, Wash. and Castrol Raceway in Edmonton.

2011 SUPER CHEVY SHOW SCHEDULE

Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, Fla, April 8-10

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nev., April 29-May 1

Virginia Motorsports Park, Petersburg, Va., May 20-22

Texas Motorplex, Dallas, June 3-5

Maple Grove Raceway, Reading, Pa., July 14-17

Bandimere Speedway, Denver, Colo, Aug. 19-21

Spokane County Raceway, Spokane, Wash., Aug. 26-28

Castrol Raceway, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Sept. 2-4

Bristol Dragway, Bristol, Tenn., Sept. 23-25

Royal Purple Raceway At Houston, Baytown, Texas, Oct. 14-16

Rockingham Dragway, Rockingham, N.C., Oct. 21-23

Firebird International Raceway, Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 28-30

 Don't let this happen to you!

 From the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum...

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1002473-one-less-56-in-the-world.html

Voter Registration Deadlines Approaching!

Click here for state-by-state info on voter registration and absentee ballots.

Remember that the general Election Day of November 2nd falls during the SEMA show so be sure to request your absentee ballot now!

It’s an exciting time for the auto enthusiast, be it muscle cars, hot rods, or in our case, classic trucks. Never before has there been such a vast industry to support our hobby with technologies that rival the latest to come out of Detroit, Germany, or Japan. A massive reproduction industry also exists, making it easier than ever to restore that ’53 Chevy back to its original condition, complete with all the badges, trim, and options. Heck, those Advanced Designs trucks cabs are even being reproduced, so to say that there’s a healthy interest in the classic truck market is to put it lightly.

Unfortunately, there also exists a fairly strong resistance seeking to destroy that industry and with it our hobby as a whole; ill advised and poorly conceived government intervention. More than ever before, decision makers in Washington are being pressured to pass restrictive legislation geared to save the planet from those horrible, gas guzzling, ozone depleting, hoopties we like to call classic trucks. Under the banner of “global warming” (or is it “climate change” now?!), it seems that more energy is being expelled to reduce one’s carbon footprint than was being expelled in the first place.

It’s this “sky is falling” scenario that has prompted some of the most dramatic legislation and regulation in years concerning the classic automobile hobby. The misguided Cash for Clunkers program brought the “problem” of old, pollution-riddled cars to the national spot light, albeit for all the wrong reasons. What were painted as smog-inducing eye sores by the mainstream media in reality are the classic cars and trucks that reside in our garages, pampered to a point beyond that of our children, and driven less than a few thousand miles a year. Not exactly the gross polluters they’re made out to be.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association, SEMA for short, knows this all too well and has worked for years to defend the classic car hobby as well as the industry it supports on both a national, state, and local level. And while there is no doubt that our hobby is in danger of becoming embroiled in bureaucratic red tape that causes one to wonder if such a lifestyle will even be available for future generations to enjoy, SEMA has cultivated a following of a fair number of sympathetic lawmakers who have introduce positive legislation that will relax even the most pessimistic gearhead.

The future of our hobby depends on you. The ballot box is one venue for making your views known. We also urge you to work collectively with your fellow enthusiasts. How? Join the SEMA Action Network (SAN). The SAN is a partnership between enthusiasts, car clubs and members of the specialty auto parts industry in the U.S. and Canada who have pledged to join forces in support of legislative solutions for the auto hobby. It’s free to join and the SAN keeps you informed about pending legislation and regulations, both good and bad, that will impact your state or the entire country. It also provides you with action alerts, speaking points, and lawmaker contact information if you want to support or oppose a bill.  Join now at www.semasan.com.

We’ve put together a number of topics that concern the classic truck hobby when it comes to the possible changes in laws and legislation that may have an effect on all of us. They range from the moronic to the mundane, but without the fight that SEMA and the SAN puts up for our benefit, they all have the possibility of gaining support from representatives more interested in votes than voters.

Keep an eye at our blogs here at www.customclassictrucks.com and when you get a chance, cruise over to www.carinitiative.com and check out what's going on over there as well. Both sites will be updated constantly witih information on what you can do to keep the truckin' candle burning.

 Here's the Beef! Not bad for $895.00, I had the pros at Gearstar Performance Transmissions in Akron, Ohio rebuild and beef the TH350 that came out of my '79 C10 Big10, so I can install in my '53 F-100.

All Gearstar transmissions come equipped with internal parts that are improved over stock. For anyone that wants a custom built Turbo Hydramatic 350 transmission for under a thousand bucks, my friends at Gearstar are running the sale of the century. Not only is the price way below what one would normally expect to pay, they didn't compromise on the quality. The beefed internals of the Level 1 Gearstar TH350 are still the same made in USA, Alto frictions, and the work is being done by the same technicians that build Gearstar's higher end Level 2-4 transmissions. To learn more please checkout the web exclusive story I wrote on the TH350 that's going into my '53 F-100.

23rd Annual Show-Me F-100 Ozarks Run July 9-11th For more information, visit: www.showmef100s.org  

 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464834

 Check out the thread and help in any way you can!

Join us as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Super Chevy Show at Texas Motorplex! 

We'll be in Ennis, Texas on the weekend of May 21-23rd for the show, handing out awards and scouting for that next feature for CCT, will you? Bring your truck out and enter it in the Autocross and give those muscle cars a run for their money! Or just come out and hang with us in the sun. Either way, it's guaranteed to be a good time for all! Check out the details at: www.superchevy.com. See you there!