Region Rides - October 2013

PINK!! in Support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Save Second Base

Benefit Ride

October 2013

Volume 1 • Issue 5

Andy Rinkovsky’s

‘32 Highboy

Curly’s Custom Cycles Hoosier’s Hottest Garage

The Harmans’

’49 Ford Region Renegade Lake County Customs

FREE $

$

Our Team

Founder • Publisher Mark Halliar Publisher Rolando Martinez Contributing Writer Marisha Massee Contributing Writer Ray Saez Jr. Contributing Photographer Jerome Hindmon Contributing Photographer Jessica Halliar Publication & Ad Design Designs by Mark

Got a Cool Ride?

Rides@RegionRides.com

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In This Issue Region Rides Classifieds Works of Art in Progress

4 6

True Blue

Dave & Jennie Harman’s Custom Ford 8

Driven Passion

Andy Rinkovsky’s ‘32 Ford Highboy 12

Unlimited Dreams

Calvin Hamilton’s Custom Chopper 16

Lowered Lincoln

Manuel Magaña’s ‘81 Mark VI

Hoosier’s Hottest Garages Curly’s Custom Cycles

Region Renegade Lake County Customs

20 24 28

Valpo Free Car Show 32 Save Second Base

Ride & Charity Benefit

34

White’s Pit Stop

US 30 Dragstrip Reunion & Car Show 36

Visit RegionRides.com to See Extra Content!

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.

CLASSIFIEDS Sales@RegionRides.com • 219.200.3877

1971 Chevelle SS

$ELL YOUR RIDE

350/350, 10blt rearend, flowmasters, cust. int, TONS of new parts 219.313.6750 - $20,950obo

Three Lines or Three Lines Plus Full Color Image. Your Choice!

219.200.3877 • $25

1995 F150 5.0 Ext Cab

$ELL YOUR RIDE

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

e l p m Exa Three Lines or Three Lines Plus Full Color Image. Your Choice!

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THE PERFECT

HANDOFF.

Stacked logo with gold drop and slight gradation on red

Stacked logo with gold drop and no gradation on red

Horizontal logo with gold drop and slight gradation on red

Horizontal logo with gold drop and no gradation on red

Horizontal 2 color Stacked 2 color

St

Works of Art in progress

The Man Who: Larry ‘Harley’ Hawkins Age: 37 Where: Valparaiso, IN

The Ride

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Got a project you’re working on?

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

Year: 1949 Make: Willys Jeep Model: Wagon Paint: Black/Red + Other Accents Body: Steel Suspension: A$$ Up/Nose Down Engine: 455 cubic V-8 engine Trans: Turbo hydramatic 400 transmission Interior: Power Bucket Front Seats, Bench Mid Seat, + the Original ‘Mother~in~Law’ Seat in the rear.

Purchased: I bought this with the Original Engine/Trans in 2008 as a Gift to myself after I returned from my deployment to Baghdad (2007/2008) Modifications: Upgraded to a Ford Posi-trac Rear Axle, Added 72Inch Chrome Side~Pipes, Upgraded the Complete Wiring System to 12 Volt, fabricated a custom motor mounting cross-member doubling as a Frame Brace to add more strength to the belly of the Beast.

Time Spent: 2008 to Present Future Upgrades: Most likely would be Power Adders: Turbos, Super-Charger. NOS, Roll Cage, I intend to have adjustable suspension to get better access for the tailgate. Plans to replace All the Windows with Up to Date Glass. Plus some wicked plans for the Interior.

He Says: “When I came back from my deployment, I found this truck in Valpo. I made payment arrangements with the owner(Bob) of a local vintage car restoration shop called ‘Yesteryears’ until it was paid in full. He gave me a great deal on it, and it actually Mostly was in pieces but was almost all there. I could have easily just kept it stock with all the original parts that came with it. BUT, when I looked at this thing, I Knew it deserved Much More than a little 90hp putter 6cyl. I want this thing SCREAM just sitting still. This Willys is actually the very first ‘Frame-Off’ build I have ever done. It seemed to be a Lot like getting my first Tattoo! I’m Hooked!

True Written By: Ray Saez, Jr.

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Meet Dave Harman and his awesome 1949 Ford F1 custom pickup. Or maybe we should say his WIFE’s custom pickup. I know, I know, you Regioin Riders all sitting there thinking this is a farce, but no. Dave’s wife, Jennie, is fully

supportive of his car hobby, and she’s got quite a knack for cool cars herself.

Dave is a life-long gearhead, like many of us here at Region Rides.

When he was a kid, his dad belonged to an Alfa Romeo club

in Florida, and the club raced the cars together as well, so he was exposed early – and often. His dad’s Alfa Romeo racing cars inspired his own choice of vehicle in high school, a 1961 Alfa Romeo. Dave says that having

Blue Photos By: Jessica Halliar

the Alfa around turned his thengirlfriend Jennie into a car fan just from the exposure. Like many Italian car fans, he says the key to good Alfa ownership is “a toolbox

in the trunk at all times!�

The Ford, though, was a joint venture. Dave recounted the story of his 1949 Ford that he owned while he was in the army. At the

same time, Jennie was looking to buy a hot rod (really, she sounds like the best wife ever).

They stumbled upon THIS 1949 Ford pickup and knew they had

to have it. It wasn’t perfect, but after already having a frame-off restoration of a 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass SX under their belt, the Harmans were more than willing to tackle the task.

The truck needed a refresh.

Nothing major, but just regular engine maintenance (and, you

know… a slightly hotter camshaft, like any true car enthusiast). Dave insists, though, that this truck is a cruiser and a driver through-andthrough. Dave and his wife drive over 2500 miles per year with the truck going to local events, and he does all his own wrenching.

In fact, Dave claims that this sweet

little blue truck can get between 23 and 25 miles per gallon on the open road consistently. Along with the good gas mileage, there’s also power steering, power brakes, a GM tilt steering column, and a vintage air setup. You really could drive across the country in this truck.

Ride Specs Who: Dave & Jennie Harman What: 1949 F1 Custom Pickup Where: Portage, IN Engine: Small Block Chevy 350 – Mild Street Camshaft Brakes: Disc front, Drum Rear Sourced from 1978 Camaro Z28 donor car

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Interior: Stock Seats, Tweed Seat Covers, Tweed Wrapped Door Panels, Stock Dashboard with AutoMeter gauges, Grant steering wheel Wheels: True Spoke Wheels in a Staggered 16” Front 18” Rear Configuration Paint: Sky Blue with Raspberry

Trans: 700R4 4-speed Automatic

Tinted Clearcoat – Pinstriped Flames, Custom Tailgate Pinstriping Flames and V8 Ford/ Chevy Hybrid Emblem

Front End: 1978 Camaro Z28 subframe with a 4” drop

Body: Removed Front and Rear Bumpers

Rear End: Stock 1978 Camaro Z28 Rear with a set of gears

However, that doesn’t mean it’s done. As Dave said, “No project is ever truly DONE.” Future improvements include a sweet metal wood rail kit for the natural oak wood truck bed, and possibly raising of the front end to make it a slightly more comfortable highway cruiser.

Dave is a refreshing kind of car guy. He’s not in it for the notoriety, the trophies, or any of that. As he says, “I like it because I like it – and I like to drive it.” When we approached him about a feature for his car, it was back in May at the Free Car Show and swap meet in Valpo, and Dave wasn’t even

entered. He says he’s never entered the truck in any shows, and has no plans to in the near future. He does, however, plan to continue driving it with a smile on his face, and Jennie at his side. - RR

Driven Pas Written By: Ray Saez, Jr.

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ssion Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him, Andy Rinkovsky raced almost anything with a motor at the now-defunct South Lake Speedway. His racing obsession began with go karts at the age of eight. His grandparents owned a local go kart track, so he had, as he called it “grandfathered sponsorship.” Even before that, though, he noted that his mother would find him in the garage working on the race cars with his father when he was as young as two.

About a year ago, Andy bought his ’32 Ford Highboy. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking we’ve lost our minds over here, but Andy’s the real deal. He bought his new toy after spending 25 years in the hot rod scene with his parents and their 1947 Ford Coupe – which they still drive today. Also to his credit, he completed a full frame-off restoration on a 1967 Camaro. After completing the Camaro resto, Andy drove it for fifteen years. He’s not new to the scene by any means, he just had an itch for something different.

The car came from Michigan, and is powered by an awesome 350 small block Chevy mated to a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. Up on top of the Offenhauser intake is a sweet looking triple deuce carburetor setup, chrome coated headers and engine accessories, and matching Offenhauser valve covers and an oil pan complete the appearance package under the hood. The suspension is a complete kit from Super Bell Axle Co. and there are power assisted Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners – giving this Highboy unparalleled stopping power. In front of the brakes are 16” Billet Specialties wheels with HUGE 285/75 tires in the back. There’s no power steering, though, and Andy says the car is easy enough to drive without it. As far as we’re concerned, that’s just extra horsepower freed up. Much better.

As you might have guessed, this 24/7 open air cruiser doesn’t have air conditioning, but it does have heated seats. The fully customized camel tone leather interior was done by Time Machines Unlimited of Ellsworth, MI, and the details, all the way down to the stitching, are flawless. There’s also a full audio system, with the centerpiece being a modern Sony head unit that’s sure to provide enough power to hear the music over the always-open road. To monitor the vital signs,

there are full instruments from Classic Instruments in the dashboard as well – and they look killer!

For paint, this ’32 stayed with a Ford color, but went a few decades newer. From the 2006 color catalog, the “Screaming Yellow” paint job fits the personality of this literal HOT rod quite well. In addition, the underside, chassis, and frame of the car are also painted. There’s a depth to this

particular shade that just isn’t seen in regular yellow hues, and it accents the painted on red flames quite nicely. The colors shine brightly under the clear coat, and with the bright chrome, this is one ride you’re sure to notice as it goes past you on the street.

That’s exactly where it will be found, too. Andy drives his hot rod regularly, having put over 3000 miles on it

during his short ownership. There are 10,000 miles (and counting) on the build. As he says, “You always gotta drive it. I don’t like just looking at it.”

His wife, Deb, also loves driving the ’32 just as much as he does. Andy summed up his automotive obsession best when he said, “If it has wiring for veins, oil for blood, and fuel in its heart, I either want to drive it, own it, or look at it.”

As a member of the Hoosier Headhunters club, he goes to many events. In fact, his car had a cameo appearance in the group feature of our September issue, so you might even recognize it! Andy can also be found riding around with his kids, Ethan, Josie, and his youngest son Chase (who, apparently, is still a little torn up about the loss of the Camaro), going to car shows, or cruising the streets on his 2011 Harley-Davidson Streetglide. - RR

Who: Andy Rinkovsky

Rear End: Ford 9” Rear

What: 1932 Ford Highboy

Interior: Fully Customized Leather from Time Machine Motorsports

Where: Hebron, IN Engine: 350 Chevy with Offenhauser Triple-Deuce Intake Brakes: Wilwood Front & Rear Disc Transmission: Muncie 4-speed Manual

Ride Specs

Wheels & Tires: 16” Billet Specialties Vintecs with Spinner Caps Paint: 2006 Ford Mustang “Screaming Yellow” with Red Flames

Unlimited

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d Dreams Written By: Ray Saez, Jr.

Every car or motorcycle enthusiast has passion. You have to be passionate to be in this hobby. Turning wrenches at 2 AM, changing parts in the rain on the side of the road, spending just as much time cleaning the grease off your arms as you did repairing whatever just broke… it takes dedication. For

Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

Calvin “Thumper” Hamilton of Knox, IN, the passion and dedication come from many sources.

Calvin is a U.S. Army veteran who has been into bikes for as long as he could remember. When most children were barely riding bicycles, at six years old, Calvin had already had his first taste of motorcycle bliss. As they say, the rest is history. Calvin and his friends rode their dirt bikes around the neighborhood and at a local track in his hometown.

Then the toys grew larger with street bikes, Harley-Davidsons, and now, in this case, custom choppers.

The bike featured in this article is Calvin’s second custom motorcycle, so he’s no stranger to the hobby.

He purchased his 2005 Unlimited Dreams chopper from a car dealership in 2009 and he truly had unlimited dreams for it. “I rode it home, dude, and started tearin’ it apart.” Parts were removed. New and custom pieces were ordered within a week of getting the bike into his garage. He wasted no time. Calvin was a man on a mission.

You see, this bike was done as a tribute to his fellow soldier and friend Bobby M. Ware who was killed in combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Calvin knew he wanted to do the bike after seeing his friend’s name on the Middle East Conflict Wall memorial in Marseilles, IL. His name is front and center, along with the names of other fallen soldiers, on the rear fender of the bike. It’s a tasteful tribute and a way for Calvin to stay connected to his friend, his past, and embrace his future and his hobbies. You can’t ask for much more than that.

The bike is seriously cool, too. The tail lights look like bullets. The pegs are chrome pistols. The airbrushing on the gas tank is phenomenal. Even the

custom chrome hand grips look like revolver cylinders loaded with .44 mag.

Calvin embraces the coolness of this bike daily, having put over 20,000 miles on it, including one massive road trip from Liberty Tunnels, to Washington D.C, to Rolling Thunder in Raleigh, NC, a ride on the legendary Tail of the Dragon, and back home.

He rode 2800 miles in just six days.

There are bikes that barely travel that distance in a year’s time out there.

To this bike’s credit are numerous trophes, a state fair invitational ribbon, and a 2011 Valparaiso Fest Best in Show award. Calvin says he has no plans to ever stop riding.

In 1989, he was rear ended by a dually pickup. He broke three ribs and punctured a lung. He hung up

his helmet until, in 2000, he couldn’t fight the itch to ride anymore. He says he felt “absolutely miserable,” when he was without his bike.

These days, when he’s not riding to work or to a show, as a disabled veteran, Calvin can be found doing rides for Wounded Warrior, the Patriot Guard, or with the local chapter of the American Veteran Motorcycle Riders Association – which he founded – doing fundraisers. When asked about his connection to the fundraisers, Calvin said, “It’s all about the community.” Calvin may also be found at his home, or riding dirt bikes with his 13 year old son, who is sure to catch the same bug that his father, and all of us here at Region Rides, have been bitten with. - RR

Ride Specs Who: Calvin “Thumper” Hamilton What: 2005 Unlimited Dreams Chopper from Raleigh, NC. Bobby M. Ware Army Tribute Motorcycle Where: Knox, IN Engine: 95 ci S&S V-twin Transmission: Baker 5 speed Frame: Redneck Engineering Hardtail Springer Fenders: Jesse James Gas Tank: Jesse James Handlebars: Custom with Choppers Inc. Grips Front Wheel: 21” 80 spoke Rear Wheel: 18” 80 spoke, 240 Rear Tire Brakes: Performance Machine Paint: Fully Custom Job from Mike Woodling – Pittsburg, PA area.

Lowered

Written By: Ray Saez, Jr.

Lowrider owners, and their cars, are some of the most unique and interesting characters in the custom automotive scene. Manuel Magaña of Gary, IN and his 1981 Lincoln Mark VI are no different.

His passion for cars stems from his three older brothers. However, he credits his one brother, Luis, with most of his automotive affections. Manuel fondly reminisced about his brother’s

slammed mini truck and all the modifications that were performed – including making it a convertible.

Manuel loves the lowrider scene. Ever since he first saw a copy of Lowrider Magazine at a local store when he was fifteen, he was hooked. He knew he had to have one, and that’s exactly what he did. After selling his first car, a 1991 Lincoln Town Car, he picked up a 1973 Caprice convertible

that had hydraulics installed by the previous owner. After that, he picked up another Lincoln Mark VI, but then he stumbled upon his current car and knew he had to have it.

We can see why. When he bought it from an older gentleman in Hobart, the c a r

d Lincoln

Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

only had 36,000 original miles on it. It was literally a time capsule.

Originally, the car started life in Arizona, so it was rust-free too – the type of car buying adventure most enthusiasts salivate over. A lowmileage rust-free car? You might as well have found the Holy Grail. To Manuel, though, he found a blank canvas. The first thing he did

was install a three pump hydraulic suspension system. With three pumps, six batteries, and four switches, this car is ready to go. It’s not a stripped out hopper, though. He’s left the interior completely stock and intact, and plans to do a full button-tufted leather upholstery treatment in the future.

Fortunately, the hydraulics have very little impact on the ride quality of this luxurious Lincoln. When asked, he said, “It rides damn near stock on the street. You only notice any difference at all over high speed bumps.” All the

functionality and cool factor of hydraulics AND a pillow-soft ride?

Sign us up. Manuel doesn’t drive the Lincoln very far, though. He says he puts about 200 miles per year on the car, and thus far, the furthest he’s driven it is to Chicago in June.

He’s owned it for two and a half years, and intends to keep the miles off to keep it looking as pristine as possible. The handsome two-tone Dark Champagne Metallic over Light

Fawn Metallic paint finish is mint, and has only been accented with pinstriping done by July 2013 Region Renegade, and local pin-stripe-artist, Jody Clark. The only other exterior modification is the classic lowrider style 13 inch Dayton wheels and wide whitewall tires.

When not driving his classy Lincoln lowrider, Manuel still gets a taste of the low life thanks to his 1996 Chevy pickup, which has been lowered

Ride Specs Who: Manuel Magaña What: 1981 Lincoln Mark VI Where: Gary, IN Engine: Stock 302 – Underhood Chrome Transmission: Stock Rear End: Stock Interior: Mint Condition Bone Stock Future button tufted leather interior Wheels & Tires: 13” Daytons with wide whitewall tires Suspension: 3 pump hydraulics, six batteries, four switches (Front, Back, Side, Side) Paint: Factory two-tone dark brown over gold.

Custom bone white pinstriping, by Jody Clark pinstriping. (Region Renegade - July 2013)

on springs. He can be found in his garage, at work on a construction site, or with his wife, Eva, and their kids, Manuel Jr. and Evelina at a weekend car show. His son will likely follow in his father’s lowrider footsteps if his current ride is any indication – a custom tricycle with spoke wheels, whitewalls, and pinstriping. Keeping the enthusiasm in the family; that’s what we’re all about here at Region Rides. - RR

LANCE “Curly” Waugaman is living the dream at his shop in Chesterton, Indiana. Every single person who has motor oil running in their veins has always dreamed of opening their own shop. Admit it – you probably wouldn’t be reading this right now if that wasn’t you.

Curly opened Curly’s Custom Cycles in 2008, after tinkering with his own cars and bikes for his whole life. His

father, who passed away when Curly was just 12 years old, used to race Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Despite this, he never stopped working with motorcycles. His interest remained strong, and he eventually bought his

first bike, a Harley-Davidson Springer Softail.

After working for US Steel for 11 years, Curly took a leap of faith and quit his job to open up his shop. He calls Curly’s Custom Cycles a “onestop-shop” for anything y o u r

motorcycle needs. The guys in the shop do it all – their own paint, airbrushing, custom fabrication, engine rebuilds, and all of the motorcycle frame work is done personally by Curly himself, so you know you’re getting the best work in the area.

That’s not all, though. Curly stressed that nearly anybody with a bike can take advantage of the services and products his shop has to offer.

They’re parts dealers with all of the major motorcycle brands, they sell tires, perform general service, build

engines, and so m u c h m o r e .

C u r l y ’s Custom Cycles even has their own line of one-off custom parts you can’t find anywhere else that includes saddle bags, floorboards, speaker grilles, and more.

A bike from Curly’s is sure to bring attention wherever it goes. The bagged look, raked frames, and huge wheels stick out like nothing else on the road today. Couple that with the amazing eye-popping paintwork

coming out of their shop, and what you get is some of the best looking cycles money can buy.

Getting your motorcycle done at Curly’s Custom Cycles puts you with some pretty exclusive company, too.

Not only have creations from Curly and his staff been featured at Daytona Bike Week and Sturgis, but even celebrities stop in to this small-town shop to get their V-twins some extra flair, or even for repairs. Forest Lucas, of Lucas Oil notoriety, contracted Curly’s Custom Cycles to modify his custom trike, and

UFC fighter Eddie

Wineland had the shop put together his one-off bobber cycle.

Curly’s Custom Cycles has already gained quite a bit of notoriety, the least of which, of course, includes this feature article. Their badass bikes have been featured in American Bagger magazine multiple times, Road Iron magazine,

and more. Curly says that this is “just the beginning” for the shop, though.

The shop has been recognized by a number of custom motorcycle heavyweights such as John Shope, R i c h

Region Renegade

Lake Coun

Written By: Ray Saez, Jr.

Here we have a true blue Region Renegade in Jeff Halon and his inhome shop, Lake County Customs.

If there’s anyone who truly

understands the love, passion, and brotherhood of the custom car and bike scene, it’s definitely Jeff.

Jeff is one of those guys who, as soon as he

begins to speak, you know that he enjoys what he does, and he knows his stuff. He didn’t answer the phone the first few times I tried to get a hold of him, and when I asked our magazine founder, Mark Halliar, he chuckled and said, “yeah, if he doesn’t answer the phone, it’s probably because he’s under a car or in the paint booth.”

You see, Jeff is disabled.

Jeff was a heavy equipment operator, and a part of the IUOE Local 150 union. After spending his life working, he was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, which put him out on disability. For those that may not know, Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that affects one’s balance and hearing.

After being put out on disability, Jeff was bored.

He needed something to do to occupy his time, so he turned to his hobby: automotive restoration.

When I asked how Jeff made the leap from

nty Customs heavy equipment to automotive restoration, you could hear the tone of his voice change as he began to smile as he recounted tales of his older brother, Jerry.

Jeff says, “If it wasn’t for him… I don’t think I would have anything to fall back on today. I attribute a lot of my mechanical skills and knowledge to him… and to me being a little pain in the butt in the shop.”

Jerry wasn’t a mechanic by trade, though. He worked as a mill rite mechanic, but in

Jeff Halon

his spare time, he fixed and maintained his own vehicles. Jeff grew up watching him, and took a shop class in high school. As they say, the rest is history, and in 2004, Lake County Customs was born.

But LCC isn’t your typical shop. Due to Jeff’s disability, it isn’t his full time job, and deadlines sometimes take a back seat to his health. As he puts it, the shop is “…just enough to get by. It’s a hobby first and foremost.”

Some of you, our regular readers, might recognize Jeff’s name and shop. He did the sidecar for Tyler Vargo, which we featured in our September 2013 issue.

He’s got a passion for custom paint, flames, body work, motorcycles, and race cars, and it shows in each build that comes out of Lake County Customs. He’s also built several show winning cars, trucks, and motorcycles. To his credit, thus far, are six

best-inshow trophies for various events.

For himself, he personally rebuilt a 1970 1/2 RS Camaro, fabricated a roll cage and built a 350 to take a shot of nitrous. The car runs the quarter mile in 11 seconds.

On the other side of the spectrum, Jeff took a 1995 Harley-Davidson Road King from a very close friend of his and cut the whole bike in two. No, not as some sort of sick joke, but rather to add 19.5 inches of stretch to the frame, fabricate

custom fenders, and fit a 300mm wide rear tire on the back of the bike. Jeff is the real deal.

Despite his disability and his devotion to the shop, his wife of 22 years, Donna is extremely supportive of his efforts. A cancer survivor herself, Donna likes to go for rides on motorcycles and even, from time to time, attends events

and shows with Jeff.

Their kids are no different. The oldest, 20 year old son Jacob, is into cars and trucks, but more on the cosmetic, electrical and musical side. He’s more of a cruiser than a racer, and drives a bagged Chevy S10. He’s also got a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Daughter Amber, 17, is also a lifelong enthusiast.

Jeff built her a custom 49cc mini chopper when she was 12 that’s pink with roses. When he was explaining Amber’s interest in vehicles, Jeff said, “I would build my daughter a 10 second car before I’d build one for my son.

Figure that one out.” We figure… that’s awesome. Here at Region Rides, we can appreciate all types of enthusiasts – from cruisers to racers to hydraulic hoppers.

Anyone who shares our passion is a-okay with us.

As you can imagine, Jeff is constantly keeping himself busy.

LCC’s Custom 1995 Harley-Davidson Road King stretched 19.5” with a custom built fender to fit the 300mm tire.

In fact, he dropped hints of a new motorcycle build that he’s starting, and it sounds awesome. If you want your car, truck, or bike, worked on by Lake County Customs,

you won’t find the shop in the phonebook, or on Facebook.

You’ll have to catch Jeff himself, and then you can become a part of the LCC family. He likes it that way. - RR

Valpo Free

Written By: Marisha Massie

This 1908 Model F Buick has been in the Obermeyer Family since it was new.

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The semi-annual Valpo Car Show, Swap & For Sale Corral was held on Sunday, September 8th at the Porter County Fairgrounds. A wide variety of car lovers showed up ranging from the youth and their modified imports to classic hot rods and the whole spectrum of muscle cars, from vintage to modern. The show was

free for those who entered to compete and only $5 for everyone else. The organizer and life long NWI resident, Mario Alvarez, couldn’t of asked for a better day. It was sunny and 80 degrees without a cloud in the sky which made it hard for anybody to stay inside. The event had a large turnout with four hundred cars

entered, giving the spectators plenty of eye candy to drool over.

The show’s awards included the Top 50, Best Paint, Best Engine, and Best in Show. Something a little different about this car show is that each car owner who entered was also given a ballot, making everyone part of the judging process. But this event wasn’t

e Car Show

Photos By: Jerome Hindmon

just a car show, over 200 booths were set up with people swapping and selling car parts as well as a for sale section where 50+ automobiles were available for car enthusiasts to purchase. If you showed up hungry there were plenty of food vendors to make sure you left with a full stomach no matter what you craved. The

plates were full of American food to Mexican food, root beer floats and even italian ice made for the perfect refreshing treat while enjoying the sights.

Mario’s next organized car show will be held on May 25th 2014, the Sunday before Memorial Day. This winter he also will be

hosting the event, Holidaze SellA-Bration Arts and Crafts show on November 23rd and 24th located inside the Porter County Expo Center.

For more information call 219-4649918. - RR

Written By: Marisha Massie

Come on out and party for a good cause with Calumet HarleyDavidson who is hosting it’s 3rd Annual, “Saving Second Base Ride & Charity Benefit” on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 9 am to 4 pm in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Proceeds will be donated to Community Cancer Research Foundation in Munster, IN. A $25.00 donation will pay for a single rider with a $35 donation for a rider plus a passenger. Tickets include food and one beverage each as well as a quality black shirt. This ride isn’t just for motorcycles so fire up your custom cars and join in on the festivities!

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Rock, Country, Blues and Pop. Food will be available to appease your appetite and cold beer will be in abundance to quench your thirst! Plan on entering to win a $500 gift card and other awesome raffle prizes! Licensed products will also be on sale so there will definitely be something for everyone. While you are there be sure to check out the HarleyDavidson Pink Label Clothing Line.

A unique and stylish collection that was created and inspired by fighters of breast cancer.

Registration kicks off at 9 am with the first bike hitting the pavement at 10:30 am for the 70-mile escorted ride. The trek starts at Calumet Harley-Davidson located at 10350 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN. The trip will roll along the beautiful Kankakee River and then conclude at the store. The roads in the area boast a colorful landscape this time of year, decorated by natures’ colorful fall leaves, making it a perfect backdrop for an autumn ride. Pit stops will be made for gas fill ups and restroom breaks.

The event will be rockin’ rain or shine so plan on helping raise awareness no matter what the weather forecast calls for.

The Community Cancer Research Foundation is making an extremely important difference in the lives of local citizens impacted by cancer. The Foundation sponsors over 30 clinical trials and research in the quest for life saving and advanced treatments for area residents.

This takes place at the three hospitals making up the Community Healthcare System which include Community Hospital in Munster, St. Mary Medical Center of Hobart and St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. The strides that are being made are profound thanks to their tireless work, care, resources, and outreach. Information can be found at the website www.myccrf. com regarding their ongoing efforts.

Non-riders are also welcomed to hang out at the store and be entertained by live bands who will be playing an assortment of music which will cover everything from

Last years event raised almost $5,500. This year the ante has been raised and the goal is $6,000! So, make sure to mark your calendars for the opportunity

on Saturday, October 12 to make a difference while showing support and having fun “Saving Second Base!”

To donate a monetary contribution, a raffle item, or to become a sponsor for the event contact Anna at Calumet Harley-Davidson by calling the store at (219) 9346366. Donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible.

Check out their website at

CalumetHarley. com for more details.

Calumet HarleyDavidson’s next upcoming event will be on November 9th for Veterans Appreciation Day. - RR

US 30 Drags Written By: Marisha Massie

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The 5th Annual US30 Dragstrip Nostalgia Drag Racers Reunion went down Saturday September 21st, organized by White’s Pit Stop at the Fox Run Plaza in Schererville, Indiana. One could call it a “throw back” event put together with “old school” car junkies in mind giving them a chance to stroll down memory lane, see their old buddies, and

reminisce on the past while enjoying the present. It would be impossible to pass up the scene without taking a second or third look. Even a crowd from a near by wedding reception couldn’t resist taking some time to stop and admire the coolest and fastest cars in the Midwest. License plates from Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan were all accounted for.

The weather was gorgeous which brought herds of gear heads and their families and even some canine companions made it out to celebrate. Gear head or not, everyone was eager to feast their eyes on a multitude of vintage race cars, hot rods, Harleys and custom choppers, modified vans, as well as some rare models.

“Cars started piling in as early as 7am.

strip Reunion Show Photos By: Jessica Halliar & Jerome Hindmon It was a really nice turn out,” exclaimed Langels Pizza owner Rodney Langel who provided some of the food options at the show. Cookielicious was there serving up the delicious goodies and pastries for those with a sweet tooth. Classic Rock and Oldies made for a perfect soundtrack and was pumped into the air waves by St. John’s DJ Paul from Dunc Inc. The fans

were by no means camera shy and were lining up to take photos in front of their favorite cars, trucks, vans, and bikes.

Pictures weren’t the only souvenirs for you to take home, valuable raffle and door prizes made many audience members lucky winners.

The day was jam packed full of memorable moments. National Hot Rod

Association Hall Of Famer, Kenny Hirata was mingling with the crowd and signing autographs. Dale Creasy of Creasy Family Racing gave the crowd a taste of what his NHRA Funny Car sounds like.

No one could deny it is one bad piece of machinery. A giant collection of US30 memorabilia was on display courtesy of Dave Heacock. The audience was hyped

hanging with Captain Kidd’s Nostalgia Dragster and the Messino family’s Shake Rattle & Run 57 Chevy.

White’s Pit Stop was established in Dolton, Illinois by the White family in the 1960’s. Five years ago brothers Steve and David White moved the storefront and set up shop in NWI. It is truly a family run business as their sister (Cathy) and mother (Carol) manage the office and many day-to-day operations.

The area welcomed them with open arms.

Despite health complications the duo continues to conquer challenges with courage and perseverance. The brothers want to give back to the race culture and community, that is just one of the many reasons why they put the annual show on for free.

According to the dictionary the definition of a pit stop is, “where a racing vehicle stops during a race for refueling, repairs, mechanical adjustments, a driver change, or any combination of the above”. But White’s Pit Stop means a lot more than that to the region. It has been a popular place for automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts in the Chicagoland and NWI area to purchase parts, accessories, apparel, and memorabilia since 1967. White’s Pit Stop isn’t just a shop for customizing your cars, trucks, and bikes. It’s also a hot spot for enthusiasts to network. Check out their website at www.wpsracing.com to sign up for the 2014 event or check their Facebook page for videos and fan photos. During warmer months Wednesday Cruise Night brings out some rad sights to White’s Pit Stop’s parking lot located at 330 East.

US 30 in Schererville, Indiana.

Call the store at 219-865-3337 for more info. - RR See more pics on our website & facebook page! - RR

KICK OFF EVERY SUNDAY WITH A COLD ONE.