Yes I'm planning to go as long as life does not get in the way. It's usually a good swap meet and car show. Mostly Ford oriented but some vendors have other makes as well. I was a vendor there the past two years but could not get myself prepared to do that this year so I will likely just go for fun and shopping. I have a few little things I'm looking for to complete tasks on the roadster.
2 Sluggo's Garage
- Thread starter rmalkow2
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Yes I'm planning to go as long as life does not get in the way. It's usually a good swap meet and car show. Mostly Ford oriented but some vendors have other makes as well. I was a vendor there the past two years but could not get myself prepared to do that this year so I will likely just go for fun and shopping. I have a few little things I'm looking for to complete tasks on the roadster.
My thoughts exactly about going back to re-do the passenger side. I have different thoughts on cutting the corner folds now and if they work out better on the driver side I should have enough material to re-cut the passenger.
Some of my real teachers in the past were morons too but your point is well taken. I usually search multiple video sources on any given topic. Many times people seem to just like to hear themselves talk about useless drivel and have very little to say that's useful. When I find a good source I subscribe or save the link for future use.
xtremek
Well-known member
I hear you on the life thing. I'm hoping to go so I can see if I can find some parts for the cabover.
I so hear you on the "hearing themselves talk" thing.
One of today's activities was attending the Ford/Mercury Restorer's Club big swap meet and car show. It's an annual affair and usually brings out a fair amount of vendors and about 100 nice vehicles for the car show. Prices were pretty good from most sellers but by 1:30 pm the heat and humidity was really slowing things down and many started packing up. I did manage to find a few goodies I will use.
Found a couple cheap deals on 1938 Ford rear view mirrors. I hope to make one good one out of the two and modify it to use in my '29 Roadster. I figure that's what any hot rodder in the 50's or 60's would do except they would likely get their parts from the local junk yard.
Also found a Hurst shifter handle and a nice simple shifter from an early Ford V8 with the knob still on it. They were cheap so they get added to the parts supply for future projects.
And a couple NHRA decals just because I'm a sucker for stuff like this.
Found a couple cheap deals on 1938 Ford rear view mirrors. I hope to make one good one out of the two and modify it to use in my '29 Roadster. I figure that's what any hot rodder in the 50's or 60's would do except they would likely get their parts from the local junk yard.
Also found a Hurst shifter handle and a nice simple shifter from an early Ford V8 with the knob still on it. They were cheap so they get added to the parts supply for future projects.
And a couple NHRA decals just because I'm a sucker for stuff like this.
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Roadster updates…..
After coming home from the car show I had to get a few productive things done in the garage. It was tough because it rained a little bit which actually cooled the temperature down to about 79 F but the bad news was it increased the humidity to about 75%. So I could again only work out there in short intervals before coming back in to cool off and dry off. But I did get a few tasks accomplished.
The Lokar shifter in this thing had come with a really badly made boot to cover the shifter but it never stayed secured to the floor. I had bought from CL earlier in the week an older rubber boot and was able to combine the two boots to totally cover the shifter mechanism and not pull loose from the floor. I also replaced the crappy original gas pedal with a nice chromed spoon type from Speedway Motors.
And then replaced the original diamond plate metal sill plates with these more original Ford logo metal plates that I had painted a nice dark silver color.
Side Story: When buying the rubber shifter boot I got to meet the seller at his home and he invited me into his garage. What a treat and pleasure to meet Gerry. He had a fully equipped shop in about a 3 car garage and was a retired guy older than me but still an avid car builder and hot rodder. He had a bubble top Impala with a 409 big block that ran Super Stock. He still occasionally raced it too. His cruiser was an early 60's Chevy Belair station wagon also with a 409. Various engines and parts neatly arranged. One of the cleanest garages I've ever seen and yet very productive. It was a pleasure to talk with him and swap some stories and to meet a fellow enthusiast. Sometimes you actually meet nice people through Craig's List.
After coming home from the car show I had to get a few productive things done in the garage. It was tough because it rained a little bit which actually cooled the temperature down to about 79 F but the bad news was it increased the humidity to about 75%. So I could again only work out there in short intervals before coming back in to cool off and dry off. But I did get a few tasks accomplished.
The Lokar shifter in this thing had come with a really badly made boot to cover the shifter but it never stayed secured to the floor. I had bought from CL earlier in the week an older rubber boot and was able to combine the two boots to totally cover the shifter mechanism and not pull loose from the floor. I also replaced the crappy original gas pedal with a nice chromed spoon type from Speedway Motors.
And then replaced the original diamond plate metal sill plates with these more original Ford logo metal plates that I had painted a nice dark silver color.
Side Story: When buying the rubber shifter boot I got to meet the seller at his home and he invited me into his garage. What a treat and pleasure to meet Gerry. He had a fully equipped shop in about a 3 car garage and was a retired guy older than me but still an avid car builder and hot rodder. He had a bubble top Impala with a 409 big block that ran Super Stock. He still occasionally raced it too. His cruiser was an early 60's Chevy Belair station wagon also with a 409. Various engines and parts neatly arranged. One of the cleanest garages I've ever seen and yet very productive. It was a pleasure to talk with him and swap some stories and to meet a fellow enthusiast. Sometimes you actually meet nice people through Craig's List.
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1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob thanks for sharing your swap pictures there is some sweet cars there..
The kick plates and gas pedals look good.
You should have invited the seller of the rubber boot to join the GJ.
The kick plates and gas pedals look good.
You should have invited the seller of the rubber boot to join the GJ.
xtremek
Well-known member
Looks like I missed out on a good meet. Some nice rides. Glad the diamond plate is gone, my personal opinion is it only belongs on work trucks. Love the mods.
Bob thanks for sharing your swap pictures there is some sweet cars there..
The kick plates and gas pedals look good.
You should have invited the seller of the rubber boot to join the GJ.
You're right 1/2 Cup but DOH!
I totally never thought of mentioning GJ. We were so caught up in talking drag racing and car shows and then I had to get home. Oh well, good suggestion though for my next opportunity.It's usually pretty good. Never totally full but still enough to have a variety of parts. And almost exclusively private sellers with original parts not ta bunch of repros from China. The car show is not huge but there were some very nice quality vehicle there. It's primarily Ford stuff but a good mix of other brands as well. When selling there I like their process as you can bring your stuff the night before and the club members stay overnight to provide security. Then it's much easier to get ready to sell at 7:00am the next morning.
Next year will be their 50th anniversary.
Strouty
Well-known member
The mods look great!
I have met a couple interesting people like that through Craigslist purchases, most are not like that at all though.
I have met a couple interesting people like that through Craigslist purchases, most are not like that at all though.
I got a couple more recent opportunities this summer to actually have fun with the roadster and show it off a little.
Our annual employee car show at work was on the 13th and I was able to take the roadster in for the first time. It's a 35 mile drive and lots of bad traffic on the way home so I ended up trailering it and unloading there. That was in itself a good practice for me to load trailer and unload all by myself with no issues.
It was a fun show, probably about 750 cars and some invited special displays as well. A trio display of all the different vintage Shelby GT 350H Mustangs was cool. One guy had replica's of the Batmobile, Munster Coach and, Green Hornet car.
Some cars from the Gilmore Museum and even some cool old tractors. I even found a kindred spirit of sorts discovering a co-worker with another '29 Roadster that was an old hot rod body set on modern replica '32 rails. Had that rough around the edges look but underneath the skin a solid drivetrain with big block Chevy that would go like hell!
One of the more interesting vehicles was an old Bronco that was completely skinned in cherry wood. All individual pieces fastened and glued together to accurately form the original shape. The half size vehicle he also had was a pretty good scaled down (golf cart size) Bronco but the full size truck was absolutely amazing in its craftsmanship. Talking to the owner I was surprised that it was actually about 300 lbs lighter than the all steel version.
Some pics below of only a small sample of cars.
Our annual employee car show at work was on the 13th and I was able to take the roadster in for the first time. It's a 35 mile drive and lots of bad traffic on the way home so I ended up trailering it and unloading there. That was in itself a good practice for me to load trailer and unload all by myself with no issues.
It was a fun show, probably about 750 cars and some invited special displays as well. A trio display of all the different vintage Shelby GT 350H Mustangs was cool. One guy had replica's of the Batmobile, Munster Coach and, Green Hornet car.
Some cars from the Gilmore Museum and even some cool old tractors. I even found a kindred spirit of sorts discovering a co-worker with another '29 Roadster that was an old hot rod body set on modern replica '32 rails. Had that rough around the edges look but underneath the skin a solid drivetrain with big block Chevy that would go like hell!
One of the more interesting vehicles was an old Bronco that was completely skinned in cherry wood. All individual pieces fastened and glued together to accurately form the original shape. The half size vehicle he also had was a pretty good scaled down (golf cart size) Bronco but the full size truck was absolutely amazing in its craftsmanship. Talking to the owner I was surprised that it was actually about 300 lbs lighter than the all steel version.
Some pics below of only a small sample of cars.
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The second opportunity to have some fun with my roadster was today at an event put on by Hagerty Insurance which I use for the car. As part of the Concours of America this weekend in Plymouth there was a Saturday morning Cars and Coffee event and a seminar with panel discussion on the topics like, The car sold with regrets, the one sold at the wrong time, and other fun stories of past classic car adventures by the panelists which included Wayne Carini, Jeff Long and a couple exerts from Hagerty. It was a candid and fun time this morning with a massive amount of great cars coming out. I got there 45 minutes after it opened and the huge front lot was already full. I ended up parking in the back overflow lot with a bunch of really nice cars.
Plus this was about a 18 mile trip and the furthest I've driven so far. The car performed great so I'll keep expending the range of travel as my confidence grows.
Plus this was about a 18 mile trip and the furthest I've driven so far. The car performed great so I'll keep expending the range of travel as my confidence grows.
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1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Thanks for sharing you outings Bob
Great to see you getting out and about in the roadster and its going well.
Great to see you getting out and about in the roadster and its going well.
xtremek
Well-known member
The car looks great out in the sun. Were you there yesterday?
don long
Well-known member
Bob
Your tours of a few car shows are very encouraging for me.
I need to pull my 31 roadster out and find a place to show it off.
You seem to have found a few good ford shows. we don't have many around me.
Your tours of a few car shows are very encouraging for me.
I need to pull my 31 roadster out and find a place to show it off.
You seem to have found a few good ford shows. we don't have many around me.
Thanks Don,
It has been fun to actually get out and enjoy the car more this summer. It seems like I could spend every spare hour working on some detail but I bought it to be a driver so I'm finally enjoying the chances to get it out and use it a little. Good fun with cars!
You should definitely get that 31 out of the garage and hit the streets a little. Or, a certain red Corvette when it gets its new paint job completed.
Bob
It has been fun to actually get out and enjoy the car more this summer. It seems like I could spend every spare hour working on some detail but I bought it to be a driver so I'm finally enjoying the chances to get it out and use it a little. Good fun with cars!
You should definitely get that 31 out of the garage and hit the streets a little. Or, a certain red Corvette when it gets its new paint job completed.
Bob
I completed another car related project a couple weeks back, this time on my 1999 Mustang GT. This is my summer daily driver and I thought it would be a good place to learn about applying vinyl stripes. It's another one of those things that I've never tried and wanted to learn how to do myself. I've read the instructions and watched all the Youtube videos but at some point you just have to learn by doing. Maybe make your own mistakes and learn how to fix them.
I bought the stripe kit from American Muscle and it came with what I rate as very good quality 3M vinyl. It was easier than I imagined but you do have to learn the "feel" of it and when to use heat to either stretch or shrink the vinyl in a certain direction. Compound curves on bumpers were interesting and a little heat from the hair dryer helped a lot.
I also learned the hard way how important preparation if the paint underneath is. I clay barred all the places where vinyl was going and in rough areas like the nose of the hood I had previously filled stone chips and wet sanded. But in a few spots I didn't sand enough as every little small blemish shows through. All part of learning I guess. Luckily me having a convertible and the kit being somewhat universal, I have plenty left over if I get the urge to replace.
All in all I enjoyed learning something new and Like the finished look. Still deciding what to do on the rear spoiler. I may still add the stripe to it or I'm investigating a hydro-dip finish.
I bought the stripe kit from American Muscle and it came with what I rate as very good quality 3M vinyl. It was easier than I imagined but you do have to learn the "feel" of it and when to use heat to either stretch or shrink the vinyl in a certain direction. Compound curves on bumpers were interesting and a little heat from the hair dryer helped a lot.
I also learned the hard way how important preparation if the paint underneath is. I clay barred all the places where vinyl was going and in rough areas like the nose of the hood I had previously filled stone chips and wet sanded. But in a few spots I didn't sand enough as every little small blemish shows through. All part of learning I guess. Luckily me having a convertible and the kit being somewhat universal, I have plenty left over if I get the urge to replace.
All in all I enjoyed learning something new and Like the finished look. Still deciding what to do on the rear spoiler. I may still add the stripe to it or I'm investigating a hydro-dip finish.
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1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob the strips look fantastic, well done.
jon72vega
Well-known member
Westward Hooooooooooo!!!!
Well, when your vehicle of choice, the most comfortable riding one you have, is 70% packed for a road trip to Spokane Washington by way of Salt Lake City and Bonneville and then you come outside to see this puddle of red fluid under it you are definitely not a happy traveler.
This just happened today and I'm thanking the good Lord for it happening in my driveway and not on I-80 at 75mph in Nebraska. Looks like a rusty trans cooler line popped a hole and pukes fluid every time you start the vehicle. I had it all ready including a car top enclosed luggage carrier to take off at 5am tomorrow. So with no time to fix this properly a buddy of mine came over and helped me unpack the Expedition and repack everything into my F150.
So one way or another I'm off for a road trip adventure with next week spent on the salt at Bonneville Speed Week and then further west to celebrate my son's wedding.
Hmmmmm, there might have to be a little picking happening as well in different cities along the way. See if I can find some long distance treasures to put in the back of that truck.
Well, when your vehicle of choice, the most comfortable riding one you have, is 70% packed for a road trip to Spokane Washington by way of Salt Lake City and Bonneville and then you come outside to see this puddle of red fluid under it you are definitely not a happy traveler.
This just happened today and I'm thanking the good Lord for it happening in my driveway and not on I-80 at 75mph in Nebraska. Looks like a rusty trans cooler line popped a hole and pukes fluid every time you start the vehicle. I had it all ready including a car top enclosed luggage carrier to take off at 5am tomorrow. So with no time to fix this properly a buddy of mine came over and helped me unpack the Expedition and repack everything into my F150.
So one way or another I'm off for a road trip adventure with next week spent on the salt at Bonneville Speed Week and then further west to celebrate my son's wedding.
Hmmmmm, there might have to be a little picking happening as well in different cities along the way. See if I can find some long distance treasures to put in the back of that truck.
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1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob that's a blessing in disguise.
All the best on your trip, I must say I am just a little envious of you heading to Bonneville.
Regards
All the best on your trip, I must say I am just a little envious of you heading to Bonneville.
Regards
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,Westward Hooooooooooo!!!!
Well, when your vehicle of choice, the most comfortable riding one you have, is 70% packed for a road trip to Spokane Washington by way of Salt Lake City and Bonneville and then you come outside to see this puddle of red fluid under it you are definitely not a happy traveler.
This just happened today and I'm thanking the good Lord for it happening in my driveway and not on I-80 at 75mph in Nebraska. Looks like a rusty trans cooler line popped a hole and pukes fluid every time you start the vehicle. I had it all ready including a car top enclosed luggage carrier to take off at 5am tomorrow. So with no time to fix this properly a buddy of mine came over and helped me unpack the Expedition and repack everything into my F150.
So one way or another I'm off for a road trip adventure with next week spent on the salt at Bonneville Speed Week and then further west to celebrate my son's wedding.
Hmmmmm, there might have to be a little picking happening as well in different cities along the way. See if I can find some long distance treasures to put in the back of that truck.
We are going to Sacramento in about a week for a visit with my daughter.
Be sure to take plenty of pictures of your trip!
Have a safe trip.
xtremek
Well-known member
I've heard Fords are dogs. Was it just marking it's territory? Sorry, I couldn't resist. Enjoy your trip.
don long
Well-known member
So we won't be seeing you on the GJ for a few days is my guess.
Looking at your Mustang stripe project I remembered how challenging it is to get them on straight and even.
Nice work there Bob
Enjoy your trip. And good luck on the hunt
Don
Looking at your Mustang stripe project I remembered how challenging it is to get them on straight and even.
Nice work there Bob
Enjoy your trip. And good luck on the hunt
Don
Strouty
Well-known member
Make sure and get some good pictures of the trip. Fingers crossed that the ATF was the final issue.
My first major stop of the day yesterday was to get to Le Claire, Iowa to Antique Archeology, the American Pickers store. It's such and easy jump off I-80 I like to stop in there. Pretty cool to see some of the things I see on their TV show but up close and real. Gives a better feel why they picked some of the things they did.
Mike Wolfe sure has a pretty nice collection of really old motorcycle items that are tagged Not For Sale. But I bet for the right price…….
I'm sure they also act as good trading currency for something needed from another collector.
A very cool twin engine Land Speed Record bike from the early 70's that went over 190mph.
An equally cool very old and well preserved race poster for Indian Motorcycles that brags how their guy won five races at one event.
And proof that my trusty F150 with my chopper on the back made it that far.
It was a warm but beautiful day for traveling. More to come.
Mike Wolfe sure has a pretty nice collection of really old motorcycle items that are tagged Not For Sale. But I bet for the right price…….
I'm sure they also act as good trading currency for something needed from another collector.
A very cool twin engine Land Speed Record bike from the early 70's that went over 190mph.
An equally cool very old and well preserved race poster for Indian Motorcycles that brags how their guy won five races at one event.
And proof that my trusty F150 with my chopper on the back made it that far.
It was a warm but beautiful day for traveling. More to come.
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Stop number two of the day is north and west of Le Claire up in Anamosa Iowa, at the National Motorcycle Museum. If you love bikes of all brands and types this is a must see destination. Everything from the earliest examples, to board track racers, to extremely rare brands, streamliners, drag racers, movie bikes, Even Knievel stuff and thousands of other small items. They advertise at least 475 bikes on display but right now they had 515. It's not just rows of bikes either, but dioramas set up and many informational displays. Very cool place.
Here's a few pics.
A replica of the worlds first know motorcycle design, mostly made in wood.
Various display bikes. From old to wild.
Steve Mcqueen's personal and favorite bike. A 1947 Indian Chief. Between movies when he wanted alone time he'd sneak off on this beater and ride and camp. It still has his original sleeping bag on the handle bars.
Here's a few pics.
A replica of the worlds first know motorcycle design, mostly made in wood.
Various display bikes. From old to wild.
Steve Mcqueen's personal and favorite bike. A 1947 Indian Chief. Between movies when he wanted alone time he'd sneak off on this beater and ride and camp. It still has his original sleeping bag on the handle bars.
Attachments
Last stop of the day yesterday was at a certain restored 1935 Sinclair Gas Station we all know and love. About 3 hours south and west of Anamosa is Perry, IA. Beautiful farm country to ride through on the way there. I was hoping to catch Joe working on the Customline. Unfortunately it was late Saturday evening and Joe was not around but I did take some of my own pictures as proof of visitation.
And, I did get to meet one very famous Dino the dinosaur.
Joe truly has done a remarkable job transforming this place in the heart of a down town that is also doing well to foster art and revitalization in the area.
And, I did get to meet one very famous Dino the dinosaur.
Joe truly has done a remarkable job transforming this place in the heart of a down town that is also doing well to foster art and revitalization in the area.
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1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob that's just awesome..
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing
don long
Well-known member
I was dead wrong About not seeing you for a while on the GJ
Thanks for bringing us along for the stops along your wqy
Thanks for bringing us along for the stops along your wqy
xtremek
Well-known member
Lots of nice info and pics. Thanks for sharing.
Trying to catch up on the weekend travels west. I've been using the APP called Roadside America to find strange and interesting sights along my travels. On Sunday there were two that were somewhat interesting. The first was Buffalo Bills Trading Post in North Platte Nebraska. A very well stocked tourist trap complete with giant Buffalo Bill out front, The ghost town in back that included yet another sighting of "Muffler Man" but this time in native American garb. Inside was every possible souvenir you could think of plus a 20,000 piece hand carved miniature version of Bill's legendary Wild West Show.
And somewhere along the way I stopped for gas and met the western cousin of Perry, IA's Dino. This one was complete with saddle.
And somewhere along the way I stopped for gas and met the western cousin of Perry, IA's Dino. This one was complete with saddle.
The last attraction of the day was a bit off the interstate path but got to travel through some beautiful Nebraska countryside to see Carhenge!
Truly a marvel that started out simply as a family project one year by a resident of the area who had lived and worked in England for a time. Upon coming home he decided to build an exact replica of Stonehenge but using junk cars. It's quite amazing and now is also attracting other metal art.
See if you can find your favorite car in there.
Truly a marvel that started out simply as a family project one year by a resident of the area who had lived and worked in England for a time. Upon coming home he decided to build an exact replica of Stonehenge but using junk cars. It's quite amazing and now is also attracting other metal art.
See if you can find your favorite car in there.
jon72vega
Well-known member
Very cool pictures Bob!
I see they have a Chevy Vega Kammback (wagon).
I see they have a Chevy Vega Kammback (wagon).