The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the largest rod & custom association in the world with over 70,000 members, will stage twenty-three events in 2010. The event lineup features nineteen national events for rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage as well as four “Get-Together's” in California which welcome all years, makes and models of specialty vehicles.

The season gets started March 12, 13 & 14 with the brand new Spring Nationals at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. The season also wraps up at Westworld in Scottsdale November 19, 20 & 21 for the season-ending 13th Southwest Nationals.

Notable date changes include the 4th Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together which will move from its traditional March date to May 15 & 16. The 5th Nashville Nationals at LP Field has been moved up to Memorial Day weekend May 21, 22 & 23. All other dates will remain on the same weekends as 2009.

The year eligibility has been changed for the 24th West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton. The event now welcomes rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage.

Vintage drag racing is featured at select 2010 events as is the popular Street Challenge Autocross. Vintage drag racing will be held at the 22nd Hot Rod Nationals in Indy, the 9th Blue Suede Cruise in Norwalk and the 3rd Nostalgia Nationals in Bowling Green with Friday Night Drags in Columbus, OH, Puyallup, WA, Spokane, WA, Joliet, IL and Charlotte, NC. The Street Challenge Autocross will be held at thirteen of the twenty two events including a new course at the Colorado Nationals in Loveland.

 Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
2010 Event Schedule

1st Spring Nationals
March 12, 13 & 14 - Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

28th All American Get-Together
March 27 & 28 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Indoor & outdoor car shows, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, West Coast Custom of the Year award & much more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

10th Del Mar Nationals
April 9, 10 & 11 – Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, Street Rod ‘Elegance award, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

4th Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together
May 15 & 16 – O.C. Fair & Expo Center Costa Mesa, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, vendor exhibits, autocross, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

5th Nashville Nationals
May 21, 22 & 23 – LP Field, Nashville, TN
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

17th Summer Get-Together
June 5 & 6 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, autocross & much more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

13th Colorado Nationals
June 4, 5 & 6 – The Ranch @ Larimer Co Fairgrounds, Loveland, CO
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

22nd Hot Rod Nationals
June 11, 12 & 13 – O’Reilly Raceway Park, Indianapolis, IN
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Hot Rod of the Year award & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

19th East Coast Nationals
June 25, 26 & 27 – Dutchess Co. Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

19th Heartland Nationals
July 2, 3 & 4 – Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, fireworks & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

13th PPG Nationals
July 9, 10 & 11 – Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH
The biggie! Over 6,000 1972 & earlier rods, customs, classics and muscle cars! Car show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, street rod of the year award, street machine of the year award, live entertainment, Friday Nights Drags and so much more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

23rd Pacific Northwest Nationals
July 23, 24 & 25 – Puyallup Fair & Expo Center, Puyallup, WA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Friday Night Drags & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

9th Great Northwest Nationals
August 13, 14 & 15 – Spokane Fair & Expo Center, Spokane, WA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Friday Night Drags & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

9th Blue Suede Cruise
August 20, 21 & 22 – Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, OH
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

24th West Coast Nationals
August 27, 28 & 29 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod award, live entertainment & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

9th Mid-Western Nationals
September 3, 4 & 5 – Kansas Speedway Kansas City, KS
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

4th Peak Chicagoland Nationals
September 17, 18, & 19 – Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise, Friday Night Drags & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

6th Great American Nationals
September 24, 25 & 26 – Pocono Raceway, Pocono, PA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

18th Lone Star Nationals
October 1, 2 & 3 – Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth, TX
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

3rd Nostalgia Nationals
October 15, 16 & 17 – Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, KY
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

17th Southeastern Nationals
October 29, 30 & 31 – Lowe’s Motor Speedway Charlotte, NC
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise, Friday Night Drags & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

21st Autumn Get-Together
November 13 & 14 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, autocross & much more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

13th Southwest Nationals
November 19, 20 & 21 – Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, & more! Info (925) 838-9876 www.good-guys.com

Coming out on newsstands Tuesday September 15 is the October issue of Custom Classic Trucks so get to your local grocery and book store and pick up your copy.

 Only two things come to mind when Tuesday rolls around. One is new movies on DVD which is not cheap to buy anymore and the second is new magazine issues. Luckily this Tuesday another great issue of CCT is out to keep you rolling and keeping you inspired.

With the recient wild fires running though Californa Meguiar's is offering some important tips on how to not let the harmful chemicals from ashes destroy your paint job...

“The elements in wood ash include calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are inert and have no effect on finishes in their dry form,” says Barry Meguiar. “There is, however, a serious risk of chemical etching on automotive paint finishes when these elements are mixed with water. Leaving an ash-covered car outside on wet nights or foggy mornings may very well result in chemical etching and, in some cases, serious damage to a vehicle’s painted surfaces.”

Potassium when mixed with water has the potential to form potassium hydroxide, which has the same corrosive characteristics as drain cleaner. To combat the potential ash hazard Meguiar’s suggests the following precautions and remedies:

• Keep all vehicles in a secure garage when not in use and be sure vehicle windows and sunroofs are closed to minimize any residual exposure to the ash.
• If a garage is not available, the next best option is a fitted car cover to protect vehicle surfaces and keep excessive ash residue off of painted surfaces, wheels, and tires as much as possible.
• If a vehicle must be left outside in an exposed area during the fires, owners can minimize or eliminate the threat of paint damage by carefully washing and then thoroughly drying their vehicles each day until the ash threat subsides.
• Once the fires subside, owners should give each vehicle a comprehensive cleaning, first washing away any remaining ash residue with a product specifically designed for autos.

 John Buck Enterprises, producers of the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS), announced that Pirelli Tire has signed up as the Trophy Sponsor for the 2010 Grand National Roadster Show, which will take place at the historic Fairplex in Pomona next January. "We're thrilled to have Pirelli Tire on board to sponsor the trophy," says John Buck.

Adding to the prestige and uniqueness of the GNRS is the announcement that the cash award for winning the biggest prize at the show: "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" (AMBR), has been doubled to $10,000 for 2010, making this one of the top car show cash awards in the country. Not only has the cash award been increased, but a set of Pirelli tires, and additional prizes to be announced, have been added to the overall AMBR award.

 Significant rules changes for the AMBR title come with the announcement by John Buck that contenders will have to be competing for the first time to be eligible. "Contenders will still be allowed to have shown their roadsters at events like the SEMA Show and media parties before coming to the GNRS, but not in previously judged events," says Buck.  

In addition, the number of contenders for the AMBR title will now be limited to 12 per year. All potential contenders are reviewed as in previous years based on criteria submitted to the GNRS for the roadster and display.

The 61st Annual Grand National Roadster Show, the world's longest running car show,  will take place Friday-Sunday, January 29-31, 2010, at the historic Pomona Fairplex, 1101 West McKinley Ave., Pomona, California.

email: info@rodshows.com
URL: http://www.rodshows.com
Phone: 1-877-ROD-SHOWS

Here is a list of the 10 top traded in vehicle for the Cash For Clunkers program. Also listed inside is the 10 top new vehicles purchased. The results may shock you...

 Top 10 Trade-in Vehicles
1. Ford Explorer 4WD
2. Ford F150 Pickup 2WD
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD
4. Jeep Cherokee 4WD
5. Ford Explorer 2WD
6. Dodge  Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD
7. Chevrolet Blazer 4WD
8. Ford F150 Pickup 4WD
9. Chevrolet C1500 Pickup 2WD
10. Ford Windstar FWD Van

Top 10 New Vehicles Purchased
1. Toyota Corolla
2. Honda  Civic
3. Ford Focus FWD
4. Toyota Camry
5. Hyundai Elantra
6. Toyota Prius
7. Nissan  Versa
8. Ford Escape FWD
9. Honda  Fit
10. Honda  CR-V 4WD

After you take your vehicle to the dealership and get your $4,500 credit and roll of the lot you may wonder what are they going to do with my clunker. I found the answer and it's not pretty, infact it's brutal.

 Most likely some of the most disturbing footage any automotive enthusiast can witness which you can find in the next paragraph. Check out these step-by-step instructions the government has given dealerships to follow on how to disable an engine. The sad thing is if the dealership does not follow they get a $15,000 fine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waj2KrKYTZo&feature=player_embedded

WARNING: this is only to be instructive and educational, do not try and do this before you turn in your car.

Here are the instructions: 

THIS PROCEDURE IS NOT TO BE USED BY THE VEHICLE OWNER

1. Obtain solution of 40% sodium silicate/60% water. (The Sodium Silicate
(SiO2/Na2O) must have a weight ratio of 3.0 or greater.)
2. Drain engine oil for environmentally appropriate disposal.
3. Install the oil drain plug.
4. Since the procedure is intended to render the engine inoperative, drive or move the
vehicle to the desired area for disablement.
5. Pour enough solution in the engine through the oil fill for the oil pump to circulate
the solution throughout the engine. Start by adding 2 quarts of the solution, which
should be sufficient in most cases.
CAUTION: Wear goggles and gloves. Appropriate protective clothing should be
worn to prevent silicate solution from coming into contact with the skin.
6. Replace the oil fill cap.
7. Start the engine.
8. Run engine at approximately 2000 rpm (for safety reasons do not operate at high
rpm) until the engine stops. (Typically the engine will operate for 3 to 7 minutes. As
the solution starts to affect engine operation, the operator will have to apply more
throttle to keep the engine at 2000 rpm.)
9. Allow the engine to cool for at least 1 hour.
10. With the battery at full charge or with auxiliary power to provide the power of a fully
charged battery, attempt to start the engine.
11. If the engine will not operate at idle, the procedure is complete.
12. If the engine will operate at idle, repeat steps 7 through 11 until the engine will no
longer idle.
13. Attach a label to the engine that legibly states the following:

This engine is from a vehicle that is part of the Car Allowance Rebate System
(CARS). It has significant internal damage caused by operating the
engine with a sodium silicate solution (liquid glass) instead of oil.

Everyone wants to keep there vehicles safe from mother natures wrath and the careless people that walk with there head up the #%&. Heacock Classic's has come up with 10 great tips that should keep your truck a little safer...

1. Always Choose Covered Parking Whenever Possible

Though it seems like an obvious choice, many owners may not realize the importance of this decision. Covered parking provides protection from extreme heat and harsh sun rays, and other undesirable elements such as rain, hail, sleet, snow, bird deposits and tree sap - all of which can lead to a deteriorating paint job and possible other damage.

2. Try and Choose a Parking Spot that is Visible From Your Destination

Parking in a spot that you can see from your destination will allow you to witness any possible danger, before it happens. Because it also gives the impression that you are nearby, potential troublemakers will be more likely to stay away from your collectible or treat it with the respect it deserves.

3. Don't Park Under a Tree

If you must park in open space, avoid parking under a tree. Bird's live in trees and are not nearly as careful with your collectible as you are.  Furthermore, parking under a tree may subject you to tree sap - a collector's worst nightmare, since dripping tree sap can degrade a custom paint job.

4. Make Sure People are Aware of Your Collectible

If you frequently attend a particular special event or place of recreation, try to become friendly with any parking attendants or as many event regulars as possible. Feel free to tell them about your car, or even take them out for a spin. Giving them a reason to love your car as much as you do will help in the long run, because may ensure that they will look after your car, even when you may not be around. And don't forget, giving the valet a bigger tip may make certain that he looks out for you.

5. Install an Anti-Theft Device

Any sort of sounding alarm can help ward off those who may be looking to damage or even steal your classic. Whether it is an in-car system or portable device, being prepared for the worst is always a good move. You may also consider having a tracking device such as Lojack installed for extra security.

6. Recognize a Compliment

Many other people may appreciate your car, so remember to politely acknowledge every compliment you receive. A simple courteous response can prevent future harmful actions to your collectible from someone who may have felt slighted by you. In addition, people who appreciate your car can also lookout for its safety. And remember, the kid you insult today is the car collector of tomorrow.

7. Cut Your "Ding Factor" by 50%

Whenever possible, park at the end of a row to prevent accidental dings done by lazy or careless drivers. If an end spot in not available, your best bet is to avoid any tight or compact space. Do your best to pick a space big enough for you and your car to move in and out of comfortably.

8. Try not to Take Up Two Spots

By taking up more than one space in an effort to protect your collectible, you could actually hinder someone else from parking his/her vehicle, which may ultimately lead to a driver taking out his/her frustrations on your prized classic.

9. Don't Forget Your Car Cover as a First Defense

Your car cover is your collectible's best friend and should be used whenever possible. Not only will it protect your classic from everyday elements such as extreme weather conditions, but it can also block hard objects such as bouncing balls, skateboards and shopping carts wheels from scratching the surface of your car.

10. Consider Street Parking

Just because there might be a parking lot available at your destination doesn't mean you have to take it. Parking parallel to the street in a good area means that you avoid most of the congestion that comes with a parking lot, thereby avoiding numerous door dings and/or scratches.

It comes with no surprise that July is the perfect month to get out the grill and fry up some hot dogs and burgers but who gets to decide when it get to be a National Month event....

 Is there some sort of committee that gets to decide what is make the cut for a national month? If thats the case why cant we have national classic truck month or national Ford or Chevrolet month...I'm just saying it sound a little ridiculous.

 After a hard days work of managing this site I went to the store to pickup a few things and I saw this truck in the parking lot my jaw just dropped.

 At first I couldn't believe that someone would take the time to put all these stickers on there truck instead of getting a paintjob, but then again I've seen worse. I think this is a Chevy Truck and you can correct me if I am wrong. I want to assume that it's a GM truck with that Cadillac emblem sticking out of the hood but I really don't know. Anyways where's the classic truck police when you need them.

Now give your honest opinion would you ever do this to a truck you owned?

Cash For Clunker is once step closer to becoming a reality. As some think this is a solution to stimulate our economy; I have real doubts that this will do nothing but cause headaches and cause more trouble then good, but I would also like to hear your thoughts on the story. Click the titles or the image to read the fully story and leave your opinion.

 Here is a press release that shares a more positive view on the Cash For Clunkers topic. Let me know if you agree or disagree.

The American International Automobile Dealers Association today applauded news that the House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a scrappage, or "Cash for Clunkers" bill. The bill, H.R. 2640 - the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act, was sponsored by Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio). If it passes through the Senate, it will provide consumers with up to $4,500 for trading in an old vehicle for a new, more fuel efficient model.

"For months, while Congress has debated a scrappage program, consumers have postponed their automotive purchases," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "However imperfect, if this bill clears the Senate, dealers can look forward to a true stimulus program that will incentivize customers to buy. International nameplate dealers view this legislation as a big step toward an industry-wide recovery."

Elsewhere, similar scrappage programs have seen great success, with countries such as Germany achieving a 28 percent increase in vehicles sales. To date, autos sales in the U.S. are down 36.5 percent from 2008.

 The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) urged Congress to include two additional provisions to controversial legislation that would provide a government voucher to consumers who buy a new car in exchange for scrapping a less fuel-efficient vehicle.  The provisions would 1) require that scrapped vehicles be less than 25 years old and 2) permit the engine and drive train to be recycled if they have been disassembled.

The recommendations were proposed in a letter to the Congressional leadership as lawmakers finalize an accelerated vehicle retirement program known as "cash for guzzlers."  While SEMA has supported vouchers toward the purchase of fuel-efficient new vehicles as a mechanism to direct new car sales to the automakers and dealerships, the association has steadfastly opposed tying these vouchers to a vehicle scrappage requirement.  SEMA offered the amendments as a means to improve the legislation.

 Under the draft legislation currently circulating in Congress, the program would last up to one year and potentially scrap one million older cars and trucks.  The scrapped vehicle must get less that 18 mpg (15 mpg for heavy pick-ups and vans).  The car buyer would receive a $3,500 voucher if they bought a new passenger car that was at least 4 mpg higher than the older vehicle, or a new pickup truck/SUV that was at least 2 mpg higher than the old truck.  They would receive a $4,500 if the passenger car was at least 10 mpg higher and the truck/SUV was at least 5 mpg higher.  The program would mandate that the engine block and drive train be destroyed.

"SEMA is working with lawmakers to mitigate some of the legislation's unintended consequences and its potential damage to the automotive aftermarket," said Chris Kersting, SEMA's President & CEO.  "These commonsense proposals will make sure the government is not spending $3,500 or 4,500 on a vehicle that may only be worth a few hundred dollars but may have potential value to vehicle collectors and to promote the benefits of parts recycling."

A vehicle that is 25 years old or older is rarely driven, does not contribute to the nation's dependence on foreign oil, and is worth far less than the government voucher.  A 25-year exclusion would also guarantee that older cars that have an historic or aesthetic value are not inadvertently crushed.  These vehicles are valued by hobbyists or may be a source of recyclable parts for use on restoration projects.    

The letter to the Congressional leadership noted that recycling the engine and transmission is environmentally sensitive.  "If the legislation simply requires that the equipment be disassembled as the vehicle is scrapped, it would fulfill lawmakers' intent to prevent an engine/drive train from being directly installed into another vehicle," Kersting added.  "The responsible recycling of parts is a better solution for preserving natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions than crushing the equipment."  

Rebuilt engines require an estimated 80% less energy to produce than a new engine and cost 30-50% less since the core has been salvaged.  Critical internal parts are replaced so the final rebuilt product is one that meets or exceeds original equipment performance standards.  The engine/transmission can even surpass new car technology with the simple addition of new-technology retrofit equipment.  

SEMA's recommendations are intended to reduce the damage a vehicle scrappage program would impose on thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers and recyclers, customizers and their customers across the country.  SEMA will continue to promote alternative incentive programs that will help clean the environment, provide for vehicle and parts recycling, and preserve collector cars for future generations.

Nothing looks better on a freshly detailed vehicle than tires with a deep, dark shine. Now Meguiar’s®, the world leader in surface care technology, has a great new way give your tires ncredible gloss and protection without the messy application process of traditional tire shine products. The new Hot Shine™ Tire Gel Kit includes Meguiar’s cutting-edge concentrated tire shine gel, a convenient storage container and a foam applicator with finger guards for even application without the mess.

 Hot Shine™ Tire Gel is developed specifically for people that crave intense, long-lasting shine. Meguiar’s proprietary formula minimizes “sling” and will not run or drip during application. This thick, rich formula not only creates dazzling shine, it also stops tire browning and conditions the rubber for long lasting results that can withstand rain, snow and repeated washings. The kit’s new mess-less applicator allows for controlled application of the gel on tires, not your hands, and creates a smooth even shine. The thoughtfully designed applicator includes finger guards, which prevents the dressing from touching your hands or spilling, and the included container is a great place to keep your applicator clean between car washes.

Meguiar’s® new Ultimate Compound™ is a breakthrough product that has an exclusive first ever “scratch less” abrasive system. This means that stubborn surface defects such as oxidation and scratches will be smoothed away without using any fillers.

The Ultimate Compound is the quick and easy way to cut defected surfaces and achieve results that surpasses the performance of both conventional rubbing and polishing compounds. This product features micro-abrasives that are strong enough to remove stubborn imperfections such as water spots, but contains a technologically advanced formula that doesn’t induce newer and smaller scratches.

The benefits to this compound is that with just one single step, below surface defects are safely removed and no harm and all types of paint and clear coats are preserved. Since this product can be applied using hand or a DA Polisher it is the perfect ally to achieve quality results from home with a finish that looks like it came from a professional detailer.

When applying Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound make sure to apply it to a freshly washed and dried car that is cool to the touch. After the product has been worked into the surface make sure to remove it immediately with a Meguiar’s Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel.

 I was slated to head over to Super Steve's yesterday and help Steve pull the '53 F-100 cab off the chassis, but I twisted my back working on my '79 Chevy C10.

 It's good to have friends, Tony the specialist swung by Super Steve's and dug right in. Tony pulled it all apart short of lifting the cab off the chassis. As soon as my back heals up I'll be working on the '53. Here's some flicks Tony took while he was there. A special thanks to Steve and Tony.

 You guys have been seeing the '56 Ford F-100 chassis with the Volare frontend showup in the magazine's tech features in such hits as "Rust is Creepy" to name one. Well, now

you get to see the '53 Ford F-100 body that's going on top.

 Tony AKA "The Specialist" helped me haul the '53 F-100 out of my old truck dungeon located somewhere on the Newport Coast (Yeah, I know it's a high rent district, but I gotta store my trucks somewhere) and haul it over to his buddy "Super" Steve's bodyshop where we'll be blowing the cab off the frame and hauling it to Orange County Sandblasting where Don and his crew will make the old girl look like a brand-new Delorean. Then we're hauling it back to "Super" Steve's and burying it in Summit Racing's epoxy primer designed to go over bare steel. its a DTM. Okay, little shavers I got get outta here and finish the July 09 issue, but check out the photos Tony shot for me so I could show you guys what's happening around the CCT digs.

Talk to you all later,

John

 The Petersen Automotive Museum announced today that legendary Grammy award-winning musician, Brian Wilson and his band, will perform at the Museum's annual charity Gala on May 7. The Museum will celebrate its 15th Anniversary this year during the "California Dreaming" themed event that will honor Thomas V. McKernan, Chief Executive Officer of the Automobile Club of Southern California, with the 2009 Petersen Automotive Museum Icon Award..

Brian Wilson's performance will include a live show featuring some of his most well known hits including "Little Deuce Coupe," "409," and "Fun Fun Fun." As a founding member of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson's music evokes memories for classic Americana and a simpler more fun-loving time.  His numerous hits embody the California dreaming lifestyle of cruising and surfing, reflected in the theme of this year's Gala. Wilson's musical talent and passion for the popular Southern California culture make him the perfect addition to this year's celebrity-filled Gala.

 The Museum will honor Mr. McKernan because of his many contributions and dedication to the automotive industry throughout his forty years of service. Tom has played a key role in guiding the organization's growth, and his commitment to promoting safer roads, vehicles and drivers appeal to the very spirit of the Petersen Museum. Today, the Auto Club insures over 2.5 million vehicles.

McKernan is also a devoted car hobbyist and avid car collector. He has a number of vehicles in his personal collection representative of the hot rod and muscle car eras.

"As we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Petersen Automotive Museum this year, it is with a sense of pride for the unique cultural traditions of California," says Dick Messer, Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. "Through his work with the Auto Club, Tom McKernan represents the same dedication to Southern California and American values that the Petersen Museum strives to uphold."

Legendary racing commentator, David McClelland, will serve of master of ceremonies and all proceeds raised from the evening will fund the Museum's world class exhibits, educational programs and efforts to preserve rare and historic automobiles.

The annual Gala is the Museum's biggest fundraiser of the year, promising an exciting night for all, including VIPs from the automotive world, entertainment industry, politics and business. Stars of movies, television and sports also attend each year. This year's signature event will include a cocktail reception, a silent and live auction, and an elegantly catered dinner. The Museum welcomes additional charity auction donations - from auto memorabilia and artwork to cars and collectibles. Individual tickets and reserved tables for the 2009 "California Dreaming" Gala are available in advance. For additional information on the Gala and charity auction, please call the Gala Hotline at (323) 964-6366.  

The Petersen Automotive Museum, founded in 1994, in one of Southern California's most treasured cultural institutions. As part of this year's Gala, race cars and vintage auto club cars will be on display for attendees. Serving as an educational and historic home for the conservation of numerous extraordinary vehicles, the Petersen Museum is a forum for adults and children to learn about the rare and remarkable vehicles it houses. Presently, the museum is featuring a 1932 Ford "AAA" tow truck on display for all visitors.

 Here's a proverbial boat load of more shots of us hauling the '68 Jimmy out of the orange grove in Riverside, CA.

 Okay little shavers if you guys are looking at a bunch of photos with us hauling the Jimmy out then we were finally successful at posting images with my blogs. That said I'll get back on here tomorrow and babble some more.

   The Goodguys 2009 Goodtimes Yearbook is hot off the press! The full gloss, full color coffee table keeper was designed in house by the award-winning Goodguys Gazette art department.  Weighing in at 180 pages, it's a spectacular photographic retrospective of the 2008 Goodguys event season bringing all twenty-four events to life in full, blazing color.

      Each 2008 event is relived with several never-before published images along with some favorites from the Goodguys Gazette coverage. Also included are layouts of each major award winning automobile from last season including all "Terrific 12" winners. Goodguys 2008 Woman of the Year Lynn Nace of Intro Wheels is featured, as is JF Launier - the 2008 "Trendsetter" award recipient. A special Autocross gallery is also included for your viewing pleasure.

Mama's little baby loves shortbeds! Here's the '68 Jimmy on my tandem trailer getting hauled out of the orange grove and headed to its new life as a shortbed.  

      You guys all know the Specialist from the forums, his name is Tony and it was the first time we met in person when he offered to help me haul the '68 home. There were no keys for it, but Tony has a bunch of vehicles, so he pulled out a collection of keys that would make a car thief proud, and his Astro Van key worked! Since we couldn't fit the trailer through the gate into the orange grove, we had to either drag the GMC out with a chain, or if luck would have it, start it up after not running for four years and drive out. We dropped in a new battery, poured a little gas into the carb, and the GMC fired right up. When I told my girlfriend about it, she said "that's a GMC for you!" I'll be back with more later and let you guys in on what we have planned.

If you did not have an opportunity to go to the Pomona Swapmeet, don't worry. We got a couple of photos that are sure to ease your pain.

Photos By: Anthony Convine

Save money and get the parts you need for your Chevy & GMC Truck with the Brothers Old School Truck Sale going on until the October 14th.

Save tons of money on the restoration parts you need for your classic truck. Some items include front and rear bumpers, truck covers to protect the upcoming winter and so many other parts and accessories. Check them out at the Brother Truck Parts Sale.

Here is a great picture for a good laugh, the Ferrari Smart Car.

Nothing like other car companies jumping on the smart car ban wagon. Just kidding folks this is not real just in case you thought is was.

This is the first week that I've been back in the office in over 3-weeks, and now it's time to eat lamb and honey like a Pagan god raising up out of the asphault working at Wal-Mart in the plus-sized woman's department... Whatever that means.

This trip with the exception of Reno was entirely in California. I have about 3,000 photos to sort through and prepare a plan for future edit in upcoming editions of Custom Classic Trucks. That said, I do have some stuff that will appear on here as web exclusive material because its stuff I want you all to see right away. Oh, and what's the blue screen of death all about? According to our IT guy my poor little Dell computer is about to crash. I'm hoping the company will pop for an external hard-drive, we'll see. Did you guys see the cow that kicked the bear's ass because he didn't want the bear getting to his apple tree? I'm not making this up, it's true. Well, my dog's just came into my office wagging their tails and expecting me to feed them, i've gotta go. I'll be on here later today and check out the forums.

Let's see what kind of goofy Google ads pop up with one. One thing is for sure this is the last time I drink coffee before I go to bed.

Why write a truck feature when I can get on here, and blog about something that no one will read. This one is only going to be up for a few hours, I just wanted to see what kind of ads would pop-up. Hey remember that old expression "too-pooped to pop?" ... Or was it, "too popped to poop?"

Nope, I didn't get fired. I've been on the road for 3-weeks that's why I haven't been around on this here website thing... Is that proper English... whot cares?

I' just got in from Fresno yesterday, and I've got a provervial crapper full of neat things to share with you guys. It all started about 3-weeks ago when I headed out for Louisville, KY. My truck's covered with bugs and she has a few more leaks and hell of a lot more chips. It's parked in my front yard and that's where she'll stay for the weekend because I'm on a plane to Oakland for the weekend. After I have a good nap I'll be back with the leg-wettin' details of the last 3-weeks.