Regionrides april

April 2014

Volume 2 Issue 1

We’re back!

Marcelo Pintado’s

502 V8 Boss Hoss Jack Crump’s

Evil SS Camaro

Hoosier’s Hottest Garage

Wild Imports

Region Renegade:

Thomas Woods’

1955 ‘Papa Smurf’

Carrot’s Rod & Customs

FREE $

$

April 2014 This month’s cover, Marcelo Pintado’s 502 V8 Boss Hoss Choppers, were shot by Jerome Hindmon.

Our Team

Founder • Publisher Mark Halliar Publisher Rolando Martinez Contributing Writer Ray Saez Jr. Contributing Photographer Jerome Hindmon Contributing Photographer Jessica Halliar Publication & Ad Design Designs by Mark Visit RegionRides.com or our Facebook page to see extra content!

Got a Cool Ride?

In This Issue Letter from the Editor Works of Art in Progress

Papa Smurf

Thomas Woods’ ‘55 Chevy Custom

One Evil SS

Jack Crump’s 2011 Camaro SS

5 7 8 12

Size Matters

Marcelo Pintado’s Boss Hoss Choppers 16

Region Renegade

Carrot’s Rod & Customs

22

Hoosier’s Hottest Garage

Wild Imports of Griffith 26

Bringin’ Back Blue Top The Return of Blue Top Drive-In

What is a Rat Rod

30

Bob “Rainbow Lungs” Special Article

32

Summer Schedule

34

Rearview Review

A look back at the 2013 Season

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Send pics to Rides@RegionRides.com

Interested in Advertising?

Sales@RegionRides.com or Call: 219.200.3877

Region Rides is a monthly publication by Region Rides LLC. All rights reserved. Production without permission is strictly prohibited.

All photographs & articles submitted become the sole property of Region Rides Magazine.

LETTER

from THE

WELCOME BACK to Region Rides Magazine! We’re so excited to be back on the newsstands in 2014.

We apologize for not being able to bring you RR through this cold hard winter, however, for business reasons we took a brief winter hiatus. With the way the car show/cruise night season works here in the Region, we only have about 6-9 months of really good weather and for that reason, Region Rides will be published from April to September. We’d like to be able to publish the magazine for a full year, but it’s just not feasible at the given time. We’re working on it tho... that’s why, we’re going to make every issue, bigger and better than the last!

If you follow us on Facebook or on our website, you’ll notice that we’re featuring the same guys in this issue that we did in our December issue. However, since we never printed the December issue, we felt it was only right to give these guys their moment in the spot light, so enjoy!

We have an awesome summer ahead of us! FIRST, let me thank our loyal advertisers from last year, who agreed to advertise with us again this year, in alphabetical order: Calumet Harley Davidson, Cartronix of Valparaiso, Classy Chassis, Color Craft, and Deviant Design & Fabrication. Plus, we have a few extra that have joined in on the fun... HiPerformance Dentistry, Pat’s Frame & Axle, Schepel Cadillac Buick GMC, and Valpo Trailer. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to bring you Region Rides and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

EDITOR Twenty-fourteen is a VERY exciting year for the Region for a couple reasons. Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a part of the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour, but it never came near here. Well finally, my dream has come true. On Wednesday, June 11, 2014, the Hot Rod Power Tour is stopping in Crown Point, our very own front yard! Who’s excited?! This guy right here!! If anyone sees David Freiburger before I do, tell him I’m looking for him. A video on youtube by Hot Rod Magazine was the inspiration for me to start Region Rides Magazine and I want to thank him.

SECOND... Region Rides is proud to announce we’ll be sponsoring the free car shows in Valparaiso this year!

And THREE... we were all saddened by the news when Blue Top Drive-In of Highland closed it’s doors... however, John Golfis and Dennis Muniuck are proud to say they’re bringin’ back Blue Top and have plans for cruise nights, EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK! So that’s it for now. We hope you guys all have your projects nearing completion and are ready for this exciting year. We’ll see you around at the cruise-ins and car shows. Make sure to stop by our booth and say hi!

We’re Back!

Mark Halliar Mark@RegionRides.com

Your Ad Here!

219.200.3877 Sales@RegionRides.com

Works of Art in progress

The Man Who: Mike Gucciardo Town: Westville, IN Age: 35

The Ride

Got a project you’re working on?

Send us pics and a brief description to: Rides@RegionRides.com

Year:1987 Make: Ford Model: Mustang Paint: 2000 GM Nassau Blue Metallic Body: Notchback Suspension: Front: Racecraft k-member, Team Z control arms, Strange coil overs and Strange 10 way adjustable struts, Strange race brakes. Rear: complete UPR Pro Series tubular rear suspension with AFCO double adjustable shocks Engine: 308 Small Block Ford. All motor Trans: Promotion Prepared Tremec TKO600 Crashbox (yes it’s a stick shift car) Interior: Auto meter playback tach, autometer liquid filled pro comp gauges Other: Custom cage and chassis work done by DT Racecars, Holeshot wheels, full MSD Ignition, Custom Spec clutch, 3 inch stainless exhaust with x pipe and Dynomax Race Bullet mufflers, 5.14 gear (yikes!... its a blast to drive!) I would love to thank my wife Amanda, my parents, Justin at JPC Racing, and so many more people. Without them, absolutely none of this would be possible!

Future Plans: To improve on what we have, look for future sponsors to help us with the 2014 race season, and be on our quest for the 9’s. Car has run a best e.t. so far of 10.42@ 129.9 mph.

Please feel free to check us out on facebook (Mike”The Goose” Gucciardo/Halfsack Racing, or contact me at goose@vsihp.com

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Papa Smurf Written By: Ray Saez, Jr.

8

murf

Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

Thomas Woods is, quite frankly, the type of auto enthusiast I want to be when I grow up.

Thomas is a retired steel mill worker who, when not driving the awesome ’55 you see before you, tools around in a more “plain” 1972 Buick that he picked up in 2004 from a co-worker. He’s the second owner, and the car is still bone stock with almost 100,000 miles on the odometer. He’s even left the factory 8-track stereo in place.

Thomas’ truck, nicknamed Papa Smurf, is not only cool, it’s almost a part of his identity. I guess that happens when you own the same vehicle for over 30 years.

That’s right. Thomas bought this ’55 Chevy all the way back in 1978. He was tipped off by his cousin in Alabama who also has a love for vintage trucks, but in a different way. His cousin is an all-original kind of guy (not that there’s anything wrong with that… we just prefer the custom stuff here at Region Rides). Anyway, long story short – Thomas asked his cousin to help him find him a truck, and he did.

Before Craigslist, eBay, AutoTrader, and even the advent of the Internet itself, Thomas was buying his truck from halfway across the country from a mill worker in Montgomery, Alabama. To top it off, he bought the truck right before he was supposed to be going on vacation with his wife of 44 years, Patricia, and she was not only OKAY with that, she WENT WITH HIM! It’s a good thing, too. Thomas’ truck was previously owned by an over-the-road truck driver, and his wife was getting tired of looking at it. Had he not intervened, her plan was to take the truck and turn the bed into a rose garden. After rescuing the truck from its fate, Thomas began to restore it, and completed the initial restoration in 1983.

Like all true enthusiasts, though, that wasn’t enough.

The paint job you see today, of course, is not from 1983, but is from 2008 – and it’s the third respray for this very special ’55. The interior pattern was designed and chosen by his wife Patricia, and she also stained and shellacked the wood in the bed, so this truck is truly a joint effort.

My favorite part of this restoration story is the engine, though. The 327 cubic inch engine under the hood was built in the mid-1990s, and is still running strong. To put that in perspective: there are BONE STOCK cars from the mid-1990s that are barely managing to stay on the road.

He’s not done with the truck, though. Like any true car guy, he’s always thinking of ways to make the truck better when he’s not soaking up his retirement going on trips with his wife. The next plan, he says, is to re-finish the bed in some nice stained oak. In the meantime, Thomas is enjoying the truck as-is, taking it to as many local shows and gatherings as he can. -RR

Ride Specs Who: Thomas Woods What: 1955 Chevy Pickup nicknamed “Papa Smurf” Where: Gary, IN Engine: 327 SBC Trans: TH350 3-speed auto Rear End: ’68 Nova posi rear.

Interior: Custom blue Leather with Diamond Upholstery Pattern Wheels: 15x8 and 15x10 Cragar S/S wheels Suspension: 1969 Camaro front subframe with Disc Brakes Paint: Gloss Blue with hand-painted Pinstripes

One Evi

Written By: Ray Saez, Jr.

il SS

Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

You’re probably expecting to see some sort of hot rod here. A chopped and channeled lead sled, a T-bucket, or maybe a sweet ’34 Ford is what you’re probably thinking should be gracing these pages, but no. This is a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro – but its story is just as interesting and important as anything else we’ve featured here.

Jack Crump of Kouts, Indiana is the proud owner of this Synergy Green Chevy. Aside from its exceptionally loud factory paint job (which we love, by the way), when you open the door, you’ll notice that there’s some sort of foreign looking machinery attached to the pedals.

In 2000, Jack was working on a job site as a union carpenter when he fell from some scaffolding – 45 feet in the air. He was injured badly in the incident. His spine was severed by five inches, both of his lungs were punctured, and he spent four long months in the hospital. To top it all off, as a result of the accident, Jack is paralyzed from the chest down. What you see on the inside of his Camaro is a set of hand controls from The Wheelchair Shop. Despite his injury, he’s able to pilot the Camaro as he pleases.

It’s no surprise to us that Jack kept his interest in cars after the accident.

His father was a mechanic who also raced dirt cars and competed in demolition derby events, and Jack helped out in the shop as much as he could. He could do a complete brake job by the time he was 12, and by age 14 could disassemble an entire engine. As he put it, “Part of this has always been in my blood.”

In fact, Jack has restored cars as a hobby for most of his life.

He started with a 1969 Pontiac Firebird that he prepped for paint, but after the accident, he ended up selling the car. He says that was his biggest mistake. Instead of putting himself down, Jack has a very positive outlook on life. In his words, when it comes to car restoration, “I can still do these things, I just have to do them differently.” He carried his positive

outlook into a full restoration of a ’69

Camaro, then a 1969 GMC Pickup, and finally a 1978 Trans Am. But then, to ease the work load, he bought a 2010 Camaro – a white one with orange stripes. He enjoyed it… until one day he saw the green beast that’s laid out on these pages. He had to have it, not just for the awesome one-year-only paint, but

the addition of the Heads Up Display.

Like any hot rodder, Jack just couldn’t leave well enough alone. After having the hand controls fitted to the car so he could drive it, he redid the stitching on the interior in green to match, added some green LED lighting accents over the car, painted the shifter bezel and more. He’s

added a nice and subtle ground effects kit, a cowl induction hood, and some underhood bling to accentuate the 400+ ponies contained within. There’s also a wicked sounding exhaust system with high flow catalytic converters (because, hey, it IS green, after all).

His wife of 20 years, Angela, frequently

asks why he’s tearing apart and modifying a brand new car, to which Jack replies, “Because I can. I could have bought a Corvette…” Their two children Dylan and Jayla, also have their dad’s gear head blood flowing in their veins. Dylan is interested in sport compact tuner cars, and Jayla has an interest in 4x4s.

If this particular Camaro looks vaguely familiar, you may have seen it in our September 2013 issue. Jack is a member of the Headhunters car club, and his ride can be seen in the background in several of the photographs used. When not taking the car to shows, or out with the club, Jack can be found with his friend Dave from The

Wheelchair Shop. Together, they started a support group to help people who are struggling with their way of life after their injuries. No matter what he’s doing, one thing is for sure: Jack is going at it full throttle, with no plans on stopping. - RR

Ride Specs Who: Jack Crump

Rear End: Stock

What: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Custom

Interior: Hand Controls from The Wheelchair Shop

Where: Kouts, IN

Wheels: Painted stock wheels with Synergy Green Accents

Engine: 6.2L with PCM tune, Exhaust, and Cold Air Intake Trans: 6-speed auto

Suspension: Stock Paint: Synergy Green w/vinyl striping

Size Ma Written By: Ray Saez, Jr. We’re no strangers to craziness here at Region Rides, but Marcelo Pintado and his pair of Boss Hoss custom motorcycles just may take the cake… in the best way possible. Just look at these things. This isn’t your grandfather’s Goldwing. These are

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street legal missiles for the blacktop.

The black bike, named Amanda, has been in Marcelo’s stable since 2009.

It’s powered by a re-worked 502 cubic inch big block Chevy motor. That means there’s 645 horses sitting between his legs

at any given time… and that’s before the 100 shot of nitrous. Coming in at around 1600 pounds, this rocket ship can sprint from 0-60 miles per hour in a little less than 3 seconds. It took you longer than three seconds to read that sentence. That’s

atters Photos By: Jerome Hindmon how fast these bikes are. Marcelo isn’t COMPLETELY insane, however. The second bike, Red Tail, “only” has 525 horsepower.

How does a person get interested in motorcycles like these? Well, for Marcelo, his Boss Hoss customs are just a continuation

of his lifelong hobby. He’s been riding motorcycles for 34 years, and owns a few other collectible bikes. However, he’s 6’5” tall, so that means he needs a big bike. Well done, my friend. It doesn’t get any bigger or badder than these two rig ht here. When

asked what drew him to the Boss Hoss, he chuckled and said, simply, “I like speed,” before briefly discussing his other project – a 1972 split bumper Camaro with a 383 stroker.

Originally from Italy, but raised in

Argentina, Marcelo has been around engines and workshops for as long as he could remember. His father was a racer in Argentina in a circle track series not all too unlike our American NASCAR. When Marcelo was younger, his father would take him for ride along laps in the race car.

Even after getting his Ph.D., the enthusiasm never left. In fact, looking at these two bikes here, I’d say it grew even stronger.

Back to the motorcycles, though. Marcelo has a laundry list of people to thank for making these two street beasts possible.

Among them are Lanny at Accurate Engines, who did the motor work on Amanda, Dawn and Brenan and Lumen Exports, who made a custom harness for the exterior LED lighting on Red Tail, Raving Psycho, a shop that did a great deal of custom machine work for mounts for his iPhone, radar detector, and more, Chopper City, who helped custom build the automobile tire on the rear of Amanda, and last but not least there’s Siron, from Bloomington IL, who assisted with electrical troubleshooting. It takes a great deal of time, effort, and dedication to put together a bike like this… and these people did two.

Chopper City also handles the maintenance on these bikes. That might not sound like much, but on a Boss Hoss, it’s quite an undertaking. To access the engine for repair or maintenance, the modified frame actually splits into two separate pieces.

Then, once the bike is disassembled, you can get to the heart of the beasts before surgically reattaching the two halves.

Having a shop that’s able to handle this kind of work is essential, especially when there were only 642 Boss Hoss big block motorcycles produced during their six year run.

When not tearing up the pavement on the bikes, or taking them to shows (where he has already won 11 trophies and counting), Marcelo is hard at work in the medical field, or spending time with his family at home. His wife, Joni, likes to ride motorcycles too – but not the Boss Hoss pair. She says they’re too big for her. His nine year old son, Lorenzo, rides his own 50 cc mini chopper and goes to every bike show with dad. He’s anxiously awaiting his turn at the Boss Hoss – and he just may get it, but not before he’s 18, says dad. - RR

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Amanda

Red Tail

Ride Specs

Who: Marcelo Pintado Where: Crown Point, IN What: Boss Hoss Custom Motorcycle - “Amanda” Engine: 509 CI Big Block Chevy w/ 100 shot nitrous Transmission: Boss Hoss 2-speed with reverse Wheels/Tires: Custom one-off 275/65 18 automobile tire Suspension: Adjustable heavy-duty hydraulic spring suspension Brakes: Brembo six-piston calipers custom made for Boss Hoss Paint: Custom airbrushing by Kenny Dean @ Razor

What: Boss Hoss Custom Motorcycle - “Red Tail” Engine: 502 CI Big Block Chevy w/ Holley 850 Transmission: Boss Hoss 2-speed with reverse Wheels/Tires: 300mm rear tire Suspension: Fully adjustable air bag suspension Brakes: Brembo six-piston calipers custom made for Boss Hoss Paint: Custom airbrushing by Kenny Dean @ Razor

Region Renegade - Larry Hausen

Carrot’s Ro Written By: Marisha Massie

Upon approaching Larry Hausen’s shop, Carrot’s Rod and Custom in La Porte, IN - I felt like I was going to an underground party. There were no flashing sign’s or marquee indicating the location but I knew I was in the right place from the custom made Chevrolet bench sitting outside.

It was cold the day of our interview but inside the shop was toasty. There were multiple intriguing sights that caught my eye which I couldn’t wait to ask about.

Larry’s demeanor was calm and he gave off a vibe of an intelligent guy who eats,

breaths, and dreams cars. (It was immediately evident why the shop is called, “Carrot’s Rod and Custom” - from Larry’s hair color!) Once he began talking it was apparent he has been around the block and his background confirms that. His custom car work has been featured in high profile publications such as NSRA StreetScene Magazine, Car Craft, and Chrysler Magazine (and now Region Rides!) Not only can you see his work on the roads, there is a chance you can see it in the sky as he has used his skills to customize planes too!

At age 5 his life path was dramatically changed when he met a childhood babysitter’s boyfriend who drove a dark blue 1965 GTO with aluminum wheels.

Larry muses, “That car is what tripped my trigger.” From that day forward Larry’s love at first sight would bloom into a full blown passion. Granted, he couldn’t drive yet but his time would be spent obsessing over car magazines, toy cars, and car related media as well as reading articles by hotrod legend Lil’ John Buttera.

Around age 13 he used his allowance to

n

Rod & Custom by a copy of Peterson’s Publishing “how to” guide on cars and his fascination went off the charts. By 15 years old he found a local body shop that would further fuel his fascina-

tion. “I would ride my bike up there and just sit and observe. At one point, they asked me what I was doing and I let him know, just watching.” He ended up getting hired for $1.50 an hour and his dream career began just like that.

By the time high school body shop class started Larry was already accustomed to the car world. However, he had never painted one and there at La Port High School was where he learned that he was a natural at spraying coats of paint! He even ended up teaching some of the class and had painted three cars by the time graduation rolled around. Naturally, as you may have expected by the time he was 17 he had a 1969 Chevelle. (He has the hood from that original car hanging as art in his shop!) Then, he joined the

Air Force where he specialized in body work and lettering for transportation support vehicles.

Nowadays he spends his time going to car shows pretty much every weekend and his weekdays are spent doing custom body work fabricating, chopping tops, painting, repairing trim, cutting/installing glass, collision work and fixing upholstery. While I was there a young man came in and sheepishly thanked Larry for helping him jump his car the night before.

He shared that he had a bad night that could have ended worse but thanks to Larry he made it home safe. The shop is also filled with very unique art structures like a Studebaker grill made into a wall hanging as well as custom furniture. I also spied a birdhouse he was working on. Even

the shop is custom, he turned a 3 bedroom house into his garage by gutting the whole thing, adding a heated floor and up-cycling beams for reinforced support.

Carrot’s Rod and Custom is ran on word of mouth as he has no website, Facebook, or the likes. But, it doesn’t matter because his work speaks for its self and the business has reached success on a bigger lev-

el than Larry could have hoped. His word is worth its weight in gold. He delivers what he says he will, when he says he will. The work that he produces has won heaps of trophies and awards. It stands out because it is seamless and it is super obvious he takes pride in what he does.

His grandson Mason is two years old and his granddaughter Abigail is three. Larry

exclaimed, “They are already car nuts! I hope they can be wrenching with us in a few years!” Considering Larry’s son was 6 when he started welding it just might become a reality!

Carrot’s Rod and Custom can be reached at 219324-5053.-RR

Carrot’s Rod & Custom • 219.324.5053

The hood from Larry’s first car - 1969 Chevelle

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Hoosier’s Hot

Wild Im Written By: Marisha Massie

Griffith, IN

Since the year 2000 Wild Imports in Griffith, IN has been providing quality work for the Chicagoland and NWI’s import scene. Shop owner, Jeff Kovecsi not only sells the parts you need to make your import the fastest and best looking car, he also provides the installation services - making it a one stop shop. You may have seen Wild Imports featured in the DVD, Under The Hood which was distributed in the region. Next door to the shop Jeff also owns a used car dealership.

Kovecsi Auto Sales is the temporary home to all types of automobiles as well as some of Jeff’s custom work.

Specializing in turbos, Jeff is no stranger to speed and his turbocharged 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage with an impressive 550 horsepower and Eagle Talon pushing nearly 700 horsepower are proof of that!

But, performance modifications aren’t the only thing Wild Imports provides. Customers can also purchase body kits as well as many other stylish parts like carbon fiber wraps, hoods or trunks to spruce up your ride. If you don’t have the knowledge or time to install the body kit yourself, Jeff can do it for you.

Not only does his shop cars have a lot to look at under the hood, the exteriors are immaculate as well with blazing graphics to in-house paint jobs. While there is a monster selection of turbo parts for sale, do not get it twisted. Jeff doesn’t only care about helping you with the performance on the race track but also making the overall ride a work of art. So, even if you prefer to cruise the speed limit and just want a “looker”, Jeff offers custom paint and body work that’s sure to make people look twice when you roll by.

Jeff didn’t start with imports though, his first car was a 1969 Plymouth GTX, followed by a Prostreet 1969 Chevy Camaro. Although Jeff never went to automotive school, growing up with his five brothers who loved to build and restore classic cars gave Jeff lots of hands on experience which helped him develop his talent from a young age. Eventually the hobby led to Jeff purchasing his first import, a Mazda MX-6 which was mostly just a show car with a body kit and bolt on parts, then it took off from there, literally. His first shop car built at Wild Imports was a 1991 Honda CRX with custom fitted Ford

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ttest Garage

mports

Focus headlights and Acura RSX tail lights as well as a full custom interior.

Some advice Jeff offers newbies that are interested in building their first car is, “Do a little homework and make sure they make parts for the car you would like to build. I have many customers with cars they don’t

make parts for so make sure they sell what you need to build your ride.” Regarding how he came up with the shop’s name Jeff said, “When people looked at the cars I had at the time, a common thing they would say is, ‘that’s wild!’” So, he thought the name Wild Imports seemed fitting and

we agree!

When you are ready to begin your next custom project, make sure to pay a visit to Wild Imports at 503 East Main Street in Griffith, IN or give them a call at 219922-0864. - RR

Jeff says this AWD Talon is around 700hp and runs 10’s in a 1/4 mile

Bringin’ Back B Written By: Ray Saez, Jr.

If you’re reading this magazine, there’s a good chance you know what the Blue Top Drive-In is… or was. For decades, the Blue Top Drive-In was THE place to go for hot rod and muscle car guys and gals, and everybody knew. Many people stopped there on their way to the US 30 drag strip. Teens would visit on Friday nights with their dates, and everyone had

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a grand old time at the Blue Top. Unfortunately, the Blue Top Drive-In was closed in 2008. With it went a piece of local automotive nostalgia and history.

Fast forward five years and two automotive enthusiasts later, and now the Blue Top Drive-In is coming back!

John Golfis and Dennis Muniuck are bringing the building back. They plan to re-open in April, and to bring it back to its former glory. “I came here as a boy up until it was shut down last year,” John says.

I spoke with John and got the inside scoop on the resurgence of the Blue Top. It’s going to be bigger and better than ever – the perfect spot for people like you and me to showcase our rides.

The Blue Top Drive-In is going to keep its 1950s feel and atmosphere.

Just like in the movies, there will be carhops, roller skates, burgers, and ice cream. John and Dennis are working on a new menu that captures the vintage

feel – and from what I heard, it sounds like a place the whole family can enjoy.

Of course, it wouldn’t be in Region Rides if it wasn’t about cars. John has a collection of his own that encompasses 13 different vehicles, and his pride and joy is a 1969 Dodge Charger that’s… been modified (let’s just say that there’s a blower… and some other bits). The goal is to have a place where people can come down with their cars, hang out, eat some good food and enjoy themselves.

When I asked John what HIS thoughts were on the new Blue Top, I could hear the excitement in his voice. He’s not the only one excited, either. People have been coming out of the woodwork

Blue Top Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

with stories of the Blue Top – people who met their first crush there, and even some guys who are restoring their cars again JUST to be there. John said, “It’s a dream. That’s what it is.”

We agree. There’s nothing better than taking your favorite car to your favorite restaurant to show it off on a Friday night. We at Region Rides wish John, Dennis, and the rest of the Blue Top crew the best of luck.

Be on the lookout for the Blue Top Diner. They’re planning to open on May 1, and of course, their location is still 8801 Indianapolis Blvd in Highland. - RR

Editor’s Note - Blue Top plans on hosting a cruise night every night of the week! Watch the Blue Top and Region Rides Facebook pages for updates on the grand opening!

What is a Written By: Rainbow Lungs

I am sure a hundred times over the question has been asked, “Define what a RAT ROD is.” The question can be posed to 100 different people and you will receive 100 different answers. Ask a 100 different Rat Rodders what a rat rod is and you will find out just a bit more info on the dream they had, the cloud nine creation that became reality, the epitome of rolling cool. With passion and a smile they will describe the entire build in detail.

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So really, what is a rat rod? A rat rod is built for FUN. An idea pops in your brain and starts your wheels turning. You continue to think about this idea, adding more ideas, to create your ultimate dream. Then one day you see that old body resting and waiting for it’s resurrection with weeds protruding through the hood, a tree branch impaled through a cracked window, it’s perched on breathless tires in a farmer’s field, or it could be in an old barn covered with masses of dust, sitting just the same way

the old boy parked it 30 years ago, and you say to yourself. That’s it! That’s the rusted piece of steel I need to make my dream a reality. You tow it home.

It sits in the garage.

Every day you stare at it, mentally adding the ideas form your head onto your steel canvas. You see your vision starting to take shape.

Your next journey is parts collecting. It is a mission to acquire the exact same parts were in your dream. These parts are the paints for your steel canvass. You name the rat, it is your signature.

Ratters are the guys that can grab something

a RAT ROD at a flea market and make it functional in there ride. Why do they add these grotesques’ objects? Somewhere down the line it had a special meaning to them. It may have been something as far back as the first car they owned or a special event that has happened in their lives. Another reason is funding. Less is best but safety is always first. They bring these heaps of steel back to life.

RATS are the cars people stop and look at during the shows and cruise night

because of their

uniqueness You will never see two rats the same, why? Because no one has the same imagination when building a rat. You build a completely safe drivable ride to the vision you conceived in your head that first day. You find odd items to personalize your ride. Be it a boy scout bugle for a working horn, a glass door knob for a traffic light reflector, that farm sickle shifter or any other piece you add from your dream to complete the car or

truck.

A RAT ROD is a poetic license in car creations; it is a true art form as seen by its creator. It is an idea one day that grows into a sculpted piece of rolling art.

I don’t own a RAT ROD……I own an ART ROD! - RR

2014 Car Show/Event Schedule All Car Show times and registration fees are subject to cancel or change. If in doubt, call appropriate phone numbers to confirm

May 2014 Mill Street Cruise & Show

July 2014 Mill Street Cruise & Show

FREE Valpo Car Shows Sponsored by Region Rides

Christenson Chevy Car/Truck Show

Saturday, May 3 5pm to 9pm • Lowell, IN

Porter County Fairgrounds & Expo Center Sunday, May 18th 9am to 2pm • Valparaiso, IN Car Show • Swap Meet • Prizes 50 Awards • Vendors • More Must Register by 10:30am Call Mario for More Info - 219-464-9918

Highland Car Cruise/Show Saturday, May 31st 2pm to 6pm • Highland, IN

June 2014 20th Anniversary Hot Rod Power Tour 2014 Wednesday, June 11 Crown Point, IN Lake County Fairgrounds

Regional Streeters 38th Annual Rod & Custom Car, Truck & Bike Show June 7 & 8 NEW LOCATION Cedar Lake American Legion 13050 Washington Street Cedar Lake, IN 46303

Monster Truck Throwdown

South Bend, IN • June 29 St Joseph 4-H Fair MonsterTruckThrowdown.com for Info

Mill Street Cruise

Saturday, June 7 5pm to 9pm • Lowell, IN

Schepel Buick GMC Charity Car Show for Elim Christian Services Saturday, June 21 3209 W Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, IN Registration: 8 to 10am Show Begins at 10am Awards Presented at 2:30pm Additional Info Contact: John Mucha 219-769-6381

Finnegan’s Pub Car Show Sunday, June 22 12pm to 6pm • Dyer, IN

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Saturday, July 5 5pm to 9pm • Lowell, IN

All Makes & Models Welcome!

Sunday, July 20 • Rain or Shine 9700 Indianapolis Blvd • Highland, IN Registration: 8am to 10am This is a Judged Event • Awards at 2pm $20 Early Registration • $25 After June 1st First 75 to Register Receive a T-Shirt, Dash Plaque & Goodie Bag All Proceeds to Benefit Humane Society of the Calumet Region and VA Fisher House For More Info Call 219-765-1933

Boot Campaign Charity Car Show

Show your Appreciation for American Troops!

Registration Begins at 3:30pm July 26 • 4pm to 8pm $10 Donation Per Vehicle • 50/50 Raffles Finnegan’s Pub 1074 Joliet St Dyer, IN 46311

5th Annual Winfield Ace

Hardware Car Show

Saturday July 26th • 9am to 2pm 11702 Randolph St • Crown Point, IN Registration 9 to Noon 14 Vehicle Classes!!

Judging Begins at Noon $15 Entry Fee Food & Refreshments Available More Bob for More Info - 219.663.7676

August 2014 Mill Street Cruise & Show Saturday, August 2nd 5pm to 9pm • Lowell, IN

Pick-Ups Bar The Big Blowout Saturday, August 2 21000 Torrence Ave Lynwood, IL 60411 708-757-6758

Mill Street Cruise & Show Saturday, August 30th 5pm to 9pm • Lowell, IN

28th Annual Midwest Corvette and Chevy Show

Porter County Fairgrounds & Expo Center August - TBA Live Entertainment, Hooley Auction, Swap Meet, Bow Tie Display, Car Show & Judging Midwest-CarShows.com for Info

September 2014 Community Baptist Church Car Show Saturday, September 6 8651 W. 93rd. Ave. • St. John, IN 10am Registration • Free More Info Call 219-662-8336

FREE Valpo Car Shows Sponsored by Region Rides

Porter County Fairgrounds & Expo Center Sunday, September 7th 9am to 2pm • Valparaiso, IN Car Show • Swap Meet • Prizes 50 Awards • Vendors • More Must Register by 10:30am Call Mario for More Info - 219-464-9918

Iron Horse 4x4 Truck Show Sunday, September 7 Schererville Buddy & Pal’s

Finnegan’s Pub Car Show Sunday, September 21 12pm to 6pm • Dyer, IN

Cruise-In/Bike-Night Schedule All cruise-in/bike nights are subject to cancel or change. If in doubt, call appropriate phone numbers to confirm

Monday Night

Wednesday Night

Starting June • 5pm to 8pm Great Prizes weekly • No entry fee

330 E US Hwy 30 • Schererville Every Wednesday Night 4pm to 8pm

Chesterton Applebees & Advanced Auto Parts Zels

Rt 30 & Cline Ave • Merrillville, IN Starting May • 5pm

Blue Top Drive-In

8801 Indianapolis Blvd • Highland, IN Starting April • 5pm to Close

Tuesday Night Southlake Auto Mall

Every 1st and 3rd Tues May thru Sept • 4pm to 8pm with Burnout Contests!

Hebron Cruise Nights

Starting in May • Every Tuesday Patz’s Market Parking Lot

Downtown Monticello

Starting May • 5pm Around the Square Call Ken • 574.583.1101

Cheers

1942 45th St • Munster, IN Starting May • 6pm to 9pm

Michigan City Ind. Al’s Supermarket

Friday Night

Whites Pit Stop

Simon Sez Cruise Night

2250 W 81st Ave • Merrillville, IN 7pm to Whenever!

Blue Top Drive-In

Valpo Harley Davidson Cruise Night

8801 Indianapolis Blvd • Highland, IN Starting April • 5pm to Close

1151 US 30 • Valparaiso Live Entertainment, Beer Garden, Lighted Parking Lot, Food by Susies Café

Thursday Night

Blue Top Drive-In

“Full Throttle Thursdays”

8801 Indianapolis Blvd • Highland, IN Starting April • 5pm to Close

Shenanigans Pub Starting May and Every Thursday 2:00 PM till Midnight 6121 Melton Rd • Portage, IN 46368 All cars and bikes welcome!

Full menu & drinks available Big parking lot and outdoor dining For more info call Chastity at 219.309.4550

Ryans

4461 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN Every Thursday night • 5:30 PM FREE FOOD!

Crown Point Square

Every Thurs Night • 5pm to 8pm More info to come

Blue Top Drive-In

8801 Indianapolis Blvd • Highland, IN Starting April • 5pm to Close

Saturday Night Simon Sez Cruise Night

2250 W 81st Ave • Merrillville, IN 7pm to Whenever!

LaPorte’s Cruise In @ Staples Parking Lot Starting May • Every Saturday Night Hwy. 2 E. • 5pm to 9pm

Downtown Lowell Mill Street Cruise

First Saturday of the Month May through September New this year if rained out cruise will be 2nd Saturday of the month time 5pm til 9pm Paul 219-730-4314 John 219-789-0494

Lansing Cruise Nights

212 E. Us Hwy 20 • Mich City The corner of Barker & Franklin 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Starting in June 6pm to 9pm • 119 Street in Lansing For more info call Norb 219.384.7147

Blue Top Drive-In

Blue Top Drive-In

8801 Indianapolis Blvd • Highland, IN Starting April • 5pm to Close

8801 Indianapolis Blvd • Highland, IN Starting April • 5pm to Close

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Let Us Know! - Events@RegionRides.com

Review wAeLook ivrBackaateRthe 2013 Season

CLASSIFIEDS Sales@RegionRides.com • 219.200.3877

Sell Your Ride Here!

Four Lines for only $20 Four Lines Plus Image - $30 Call Today! 219.200.3877

1971 Chevelle SS

350/350, 10blt rear-end, flowmsters, cust. int, TONS of new parts 219.313.6750 - $20,950obo

1995 F150 5.0 Ext Cab Rebuilt Motor, GT 40 Heads, Bored .40, SprChrgr, TONS News Parts 312-391-1998 • $6,000 OBO

Sell Your Ride Here!

Four Lines for only $20 Four Lines Plus Image - $30 Call Today! 219.200.3877

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Sell Your Ride Here!

Four Lines for only $20 Four Lines Plus Image - $30 Call Today! 219.200.3877

Sell Your Ride Here!

Four Lines for only $20 Four Lines Plus Image - $30 Call Today! 219.200.3877

D’ya Like Region Rides?

Sell Your Ride $20 - 4 Lines • $30-4 Lines Plus Full Color Image All ads must be pre-paid. Hurry, deadline is the 20th of each month!

Get Your Exclusive Region Rides Gear, Now!

CafePress.com/RegionRides Men’s T-Shirts

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+ tax & delivery

Women’s & Kids’ Sizes Also Available!

Mail classified form and check to Region Rides LLC, 6212 US HWY 6 Suite 170, Portage, IN 46368