Killer Rides #50_Sept/Oct 2022

From the Desk

I WAS EXCITED TO PUT TOGETHER AN AUSSIE VERSION OF THE HOT ROD POWER TOUR.

Back in Issue #36 when I announced the first Performance Street Car Road Trip was going ahead, I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to make this happen. To be able to put something together that could possibly see hundreds, if not thousands of cool cars cruising down the blacktop together was something that I had thought about for a long time. And being able to do it whilst raising money and awareness of Men’s Mental Health made it that much more appealing for me.

What started out as a six-day cruise from Wollongong to Ballarat got shortened to a threeday cruise from Wollongong to Albury due to rapidly rising fuel costs and then the interest rate increases that put the fear of god into everyone who is paying off a mortgage. It seems though that even by reducing it to just three days, wasn’t enough to entice car owners to come along – even though initially I was getting calls from as far away as SA and WA who were looking at trucking cars to Wollongong to take part in this event. But, the closer we got to the entry cut off deadline, the more evident it became that this event just wasn’t going to happen. I was always adamant that this event was going to happen, even if it’s just a few of us. But with numbers not quite reaching 15 cars, the excitement of holding this event quickly faded. So, sadly, the Road Trip has been cancelled… To say I am disappointed is a gross understatement. Will I try again? That all depends on you… After the success of Killer Rides Live, I am now putting my focus on the first Hot Rod & Harley Expo to once again, be held inside the Illawarra Hockey Centre on Nov 12/13. This is shaping up to be a great event that shouldn’t be missed.

Finally, I’d like to dedicate this issue to two great guys that I was lucky to call mates, that recently passed away. Larry O’Toole was the man behind Australian Street Rodding magazine – Australia’s longest running modified car magazine. Larry was the person who gave me my first start in the magazine world and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Likewise, I’m struggling to believe my old mate Gordon “Pinky” Fellows has also retired to that big car show in the sky. Pinky was more than just a car-related acquaintance, he was a true mate. Beyond being an announcer any my events, Pinky was the MC at my Wedding and about his own style to proceedings, making it a night to remember. I’m going to miss both Larry and Pinky greatly and send my condolences out to their families and friends left behind.

Hope you enjoy Issue #50 of Killer Rides…

BATTERIES-LUBRICANTS ACCESSORIES

POWERED BY Optima YELLOWTOP ® 1962 Chevrolet Coupe, Oak Flats NSW owned by Killer Rides’ Paul Beck.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

QLD HOT ROD SHOW TO RETURN IN 2023

years, Brisbane car enthusiasts converged on

annual

held in the one big pavilion

Show. The early years

always

in

move to a larger, more user friendly venue across the street saw the event expand, using multiple buildings and the area’s

them. Those days came to an end when the venue

the show

put an end to

Rod

to different spots

come April 22 and

Street

and Trade Stand forms

early November.

is going to be one

won’t

KILLER RIDES T-SHIRTS

BACK IN STOCK!

you got one of the cool Killer Rides T-Shirts yet? Available in sizes from Small to 10XL, these high-quality t-shirts are just the thing to wear with the warmer weather coming. With prices starting at just $35 plus postage for shirts up to 3XL, (bigger sizes are a little more expensive), these won’t last long! Check out our ad on page 58 of this issue for sizes and prices as well as ordering information.

POWERCRUISE STREET OUTLAWS TOP

VALE : LARRY O’TOOLE & GORDON “PINKY” FELLOWS

As I was working on this Issue, the sad news came through that we’d lost another couple of good guys from our collective car community. First came the news that Magazine publisher Larry O’Toole had succumbed to a hard-fought battle with an illness, and at the same time, everyone’s mate Gordon “Pinky” Fellows lost his battle with Dementia.

I’m proud to say that both Larry and Pinky were friends of mine and will be sadly missed by everyone in the scene. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends that have been left behind...

“I’ve been around tough cars all my life and one thing that I have learned is never to compromise on quality. That’s why my Mustang is fitted with Lovells Springs! INSIST on Lovells for your car too!”

Jake Myers - Burnout Champion!

WHAT’S

WHAT’S HAPPENING

COOTA400 2023 DATES RELEASED

Thursday April 27th will see a bunch of high-horsepower Street Cars owners depart the servo at Pheasants Nest for a cruise down the Hume Highway to Cootamundra where the following two days will be spent on the airstrip, taking their cars to the limits side by side in an effort to be the last car standing and therefore owning the bragging rights to being the Coota 400 Champion. Previous years has seen a big contingency of tough cars make the trip from Victoria – a trend that will continue in 2023 when the rivalry steps up a level. For more information, check out www.coota400.com.au

BEND DRAGSTRIP TAKES SHAPE

The newest part of the Bend Motorsport Park, the world class Drag strip is quickly taking place with the strip, spectator mounds and pit area’s certainly visible from this pic. The Drag Racing fraternity in Australia is anxiously awaiting the completion of the facility which will bring top class racing to Adelaide along with a resurgence in the general motoring scene in the southern state. I for one, can’t wait to make the trek across to the opening round of racing. More information can be found at www.thebend.com.au

Mailed to your home

business

HAVE YOUR SAY

Hi Paul,

ROAD TRIP STALLED!

Hi Guys,

Got something to say? Send

to

from the Performance Street Car Facebook page.

or message

2022 - THE SADDEST YEAR YET

Hi Paul,

What is it with this year? I can’t believe those highprofile people in the scene that we have lost this year. Its staggering! Jim Broadley, Chic Henry and more recently Larry O’Toole and Pinky! I know where are in a time where those making things happen in our scene are at an age where illnesses play a part in everyday life. Sadly, some of those illnesses don’t play fair and “our stocks of those goodguys” in the scene are dwindling because of it. It’s a real shame we don’t have a National Place where we could have a “Hall of Fame” where these people can be immortalised forever. Somewhere where general car people could visit at any time. Anyway, lets hope there’s no more bad news for the rest of the year! Thankjs for all you do Paul, whether its the magazine or events...

Raymond H - Coffs Harbour, NSW

I just read on your Facebook page that the PSC Road Trip has been cancelled! What? Why? Although I wasn’t able to be part of this as an entrant this year, I was really looking forward to being at the final leg leading in to Albury. What a shame. I truely believe this could have the makings of being one of the biggest modified car events in the country. Are there plans to make it happen next year?

Stuart G - Wagga Wagga, NSW

G’day Paul,

I can’t believe I just read that the Performance Street Car Road Trip is no longer happening due to low numbers. What is wrong with people? My wife and I were making arrangements to head down from Ballina in our daily driver to follow the cruise, in preparation to be part of it in 2023 when our XY Falcon is completed. I hope you continue to push this event and also hope the street machining fraternity jump on board and support all your hard work. Loving Killer Rides by the way.

Rick J - Ballina, NSW

G’day Paul,

Well, that just sucks. Hearing about the cancellation of the Road Trip has really got me wondering what is going on in this scene at the moment. If I was in NSW or VIC, I would have definitely been an entrant. Why wouldn’t you enter when its on you’re own doorstep? It seems the car scene today is more focussed on Cars and Coffee type meets than it is on actually car events! Bring back the old days where everyone spent their time cruising in their cars - and not just Sunday morning for two hours. Hope you manage to get it going next year.

Tony T - Perth, WA Paul,

I feel for you mate. All the work you must have put into getting the Road Trip sorted, only to have to pull the pin because you couldn’t get the support to make it a worthwhile venture. I can’t imagine how disappointed you must be in not being able to make this happen. Hope you can make it happen in 2023 and beyond.

Aaron L - Bendigo, VIC

Hi Raymond,

It certainly has been an ordinary year in regards to the amount of people we’ve lost in the scene - and not just the higher profile people - the hundreds we’ve said goodbye to along the way also. Yes, we are at the stage where it will be happening more and more, and I agree it would be great to keep these people alive in our hearts. Thankfully, social media does a great job of bringing up memories on special occassions.

Yes I am disappointed, and yes there was a heap of work that went in behind the scenes, not only by me, but by people like Greg Carlton who was constantly pushing the event as well. Thanks mate, I’m sorry we just couldn’t get it there. I’m also very sorry to the good people at Gotcha4life, the charity I was hoping was going to benefit greatly from the event. Hopefully we can do something for them in the future...

GETTING READY TO

MARK RENDALL 1963 RAMBLER COUPE WORDS - PAUL BECK PICS - MARK RENDALL

Rambler...

There’s no denyng that the American motoring designers either had brilliant imaginations or were on some pretty hardcore pills to come up with the designs they did year in, year out. Unlike today where similar styling cues are used across a wide range of manufacturers, the US designers from the 50’s and 60’s were definitely not looking over each other’s shoulders during those early design days. Take for example the ’50/’51 Studebaker, ’59 Cadillac and this ’63 Rambler – all very different and none of which I reckon would be loved back then by one buyer in particular. Mark got this

Rambler delivered from the USA back in 2012. And before any work could be started on it, Mark had to fix the factory problem by cantering the rear wheels into the wheel arches. For some reason (maybe those pills!) the engineers set the rear axle assembly offset further forward than what you would naturally assume it should be. After doing the deal on the Rambler, Mark spent his time waiting for it to arrive by working out a game plan for when that time came. Initial plans were to fit a Toyota V8 driveline, along with a trans tunnel, and radiator support from a Soarer donor car.

/ EFI

SMALL BLOCK CRATE ENGINE

400 AUTO

Even though the Rambler was a good solid car, the planned V8 conversion meant that the firewall and inner guards needed to be reworked and fabricated to suit. Keen eyes will notice the Rambler “R” logo that was removed from a hubcap and added to the firewall before the logo itself was polished. It was at this time that Mark and the Rambler parted ways. Mark had figured that he would never see that project again, but was proven wrong when the Rambler popped up for sale again some 12-months later. Seeing this as an omen, Mark couldn’t resist the temptation and bought the Rambler home to its prior resting place where Plan B was put into place.

A set of replica Halibrand wheels measuring 15x4.5 and 15x8-inches now fill the wheel openings perfectly –offering some Nostalgia to the styling at the same time.

This time around, the Toyota driveline was to become a distant memory with a blown, injected big cube, small block Chev was to fill that custom engine bay, backed by a Turbo 400 auto and a narrowed Hilux diff. The engine of choice is a 396-cube crate engine that is topped with a 6/71 blower and Enderle bugcatcher hat that has been converted to EFI by Joe Blo. Gear selections will be made via a cool Kilduff shifter, which will be adapted to the factory console where the twin-shifter set-up once lived. The Toyota diff is located via a 4-bar set-up that incorporates a full airbag set-up to get the Rambler sitting low. Other underside additions include chassis connectors. With the new work performed on the underside, Mark had good mate Juice from Juice Customs fire up the spray gun and laid on a couple of coats of a custom candy Burgundy.

Mark didn’t want to mess with the factory bodylines too much, opting for some subtle mods including filling all the seams and unnecessary gaps, rounding the bottom of the doors and adding a flushmounted pop-up fuel cap behind the rear window. The front guards are now welded into place, eliminating the need for the bolts, with the front and rear bars being narrowed, smoothed and contoured for a much sleeker look. Juice’s co-workers, Nigel and Erica took care of the body mods and fabrication in preparation for the new colour scheme. The body colour will

eventually be matching the engine bay and underside with the candy burgundy being offset with a champagne stripe –which is the colour the running gear will be covered in. And just because he can, Mark is having the roof covered in Burgundy Mercedes convertible cloth! A set of replica Halibrand wheels measuring 15x4.5 and 15x8-inches now fill the wheel openings perfectly – offering some Nostalgia to the styling at the same time. Once completed (check out the finished artwork!), I reckon more people will come to appreciate just how cool the little Rambler can be.

KILLERRides Rides ADRIAN HAYNES

Words / Pics - Paul Beck / Chad Silvey

Making its debut at the 2022 Sydney Hot Rod and Custom Auto Expo, Adrian Haynes’ Torana Hatch certainly got a lot of attention. When Adrian and his Torana arrived at Killer Rides Live just a few short months later, the Hatch was more refined, better finished off and was looking like a car that had seen plenty of work between the two events. And that was shown by the large number of awards Adrian took home to Canberra including the coveted Show Car Master – the number one award at the event!

The Torana features two-tone Spies Hecker “Rouge” paint laid on by the team at Exclusive Customs to their usual high standard, covering an aging body that had a makeover by Barry at Split Decision Restorations before being fitted with the familiar bodykit. Inside, Shaun & Josh at Trims by Shaun added a four Recaro seats trimmed in a combination of Lamborghini leather and Alcantara with matching headlining, door trims and dash which flows into a custom centre console. Speed Hut gauges replace the factory dials.

Adrian has dedicated this build to his Dad, Robert, who taught him everything he knows about cars...

Powering the Torana is a mild LS3 engine featuring a billet Plazmaman intake, 102mm throttle body, custom air cleaner, a Crow cam and custom 4-into-1 headers that flow into a dual, 3-inch stainless system. A 6-speed Tremec box backs the engine with a 9-inch diff taking up position between the 18x11.5-inch Boze wheels. The fronts measure 18x9-inches.

Adrian has dedicated this build to his Dad, Robert, who taught him everything he knows about cars and assisted with the build for as long as he could…

KILLERRides Rides ROD GARNETT

Words / Pics - Paul Beck

When I first saw Rod’s Pickup, I was driving into the carpark at Rouse Hill for the Coffee & Cars event. The bright yellow paint certainly stood out in the morning sun. The closer I got to it, the more intrigued I was. The Nostalgia-spec 12-spoke wheels spark my interested and as I looked towards the bigger rear rubber, there it was! Surrounded by chequer plate sheeting was a fullyexposed LS3 engine mounted smackbang in the middle of the load area!

After a little searching online, I found out that Rod’s had this radical cruiser for quite a while and that it actually started life as an ’82 Mitsubishi L300 Van that received the motor and box from a written off VE HSV GTS, along with the wiring and computer. But before installing the HSV-spec LS3, Rod took to the body with a big grinder, converting it from a van to a pickup, inspired by the world famous Little Red Wagon wheel-stander in the US. With the transformation complete, Rod sourced the Fargo front badge from Canada and the unique grille etc from the US.

It may say FARGO on the front, but this is a full-tilt custom Mitsubishi L300 that’s been chopped, sliced and diced!

Built as an Individually Constructed Vehicle, Rod wanted nothing more than to legally cruise his wacked-out L300 whenever he wanted, and after the engineered ticked the right boxes, Rod was on the road enjoying his one-off, street-legal HSV-powered Mitsubishi L300 / Fargo!

Doin’It With

DAD!

For some, celebrating Father’s Day means a family BBQ or dinner together. For car Dad’s in Victoria, it means getting out the cool ride and cruising down to St Kilda with a bunch of car-lovin’ mates…

The beachside suburb of St Kilda is one of the more popular tourist destinations just south of Melbourne city. With easy access via trams, it’s no wonder tourists and locals flock to the café strip in Acland Street every weekend. With Luna Park just next door and the beach within easy walking distance, St Kilda is the ultimate playground for all ages.

For one day each year though, the shop front windows in and around St Kilda vibrate to the sounds of thousands of horsepower idling into the suburb to take part in the annual Father’s Day show and shine that all but consumes St Kilda, filling every parking spot, side street, grassed area and anywhere else the cars can be driven onto to park, setting up what could be considered the largest gathering of modified, collectable and classic cars seen in Victoria.

The cars start rolling in from every direction very early in the morning, hoping to get a great spot in the show and shine. The sight and sound of these mechanical monsters really is something to behold, even if some of the local residents probably don’t appreciate the early morning rumble disturbing their sleep. For everyone else though, this is a great way to spend Father’s Day! Being free for the public to enjoy,

the event regularly attracts tens of thousands of spectators to check out the cars on display, and this year was no different with an amazing variety of cars on offer. There were the usual show favourites in the form of Falcon’s, Torana’s, HQ Holden’s and all kinds of cool US muscle cars, classics and hot rods. And let’s not forget the bikes that also make up the entrant list!

For one day each year though, the shop front windows in and around St Kilda vibrate to the sounds of thousands of horsepower idling into the suburb...

The day isn’t just about the cars however, with Elvis and his crew ensuring there was a carnival like atmosphere in and around St Kilda. Along with Luna Park and the local eateries all offering plenty to do, eat and drink, there was Live Music during the day, along with extra kids rides and other forms of entertainment, and for the power-hungry people in attendance, the were some highperformance engine fire-ups to show the crowd just how much muscle was on show. It’s all about creating an experience that people aren’t likely to forget in a hurry…

With Luna Park just next door and the beach within easy walking distance, St Kilda is the ultimate playground for all ages.

This year’s event was a full day of hardcore car-porn, that transformed the bustling beach front in to a car-lovers paradise that was nothing short of spectacular. No matter which way your turned, there was something cool waiting to greet you. By the time 6pm rolled around, St Kilda was getting back to some form of normality, where the latte-sipping set could once again take up residency on the Acland Street strip.

The day isn’t just about the cars however, with Elvis and his crew ensuring there was a carnival like atmosphere in and around St Kilda.

KILLERRides Rides

Words - Paul Beck

JOHN MCCONNELL

1966 Dodge Charger Pro-Tourer

First generation Dodge Charger’s aren’t usually the “chosen one” for Moparlovin’ car crafters to start with. Those wanting a tough Charger in their driveway, usually opt for a 68-70 version instead.

Some people though, like John McConnell, don’t follow trends – they create them and that’s exactly what he did when he collaborated with the guys from Garret’s Rod Shop where they hatched a plan to convert the ’66 Charger into a show-winning, one-of-a-kind Mopar. The idea was to build the Charger the way the factory would if they were going to redo the ’66 era body style. I reckon they got it right too!

Originally, the HK left the factory covered in Silver Mink with red trim – one of the most desirable colour combinations for this model. The first thing Pete did was to remove the panels (including the complete front end) and then sandblast the underside to clean it up and make sure there wasn’t any nasty surprises waiting for him. When the dust had settled, the bare floor proved to be in great shape and it was at this stage that Pete added a 3.55-geared Detroit Locker diff as well as HQ drum brakes and all new lines and bushes. And with a big horsepower engine upgrade planned, Pete dropped the HK off to Brett at Wicked Industries to add some chassis connectors and minitubs – just the thing to through those 15x8-inch Auto Drag Centerlines under complete with the 28x10.5inch Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pros. Completing the underside makeover are HQ disc brakes, 90/10 shocks and lowered Lovells springs on the front end with 15x5.5-inch rims and 640-15 Excelsior tyres. The rear end now sits lower too, thanks to reset leaf springs and Koni adjustable shocks.

This Charger has a long history with John’s family. Bought new in ’66 by his Grandfather, the coupe was then handed down the line, going through several owners before being stolen. It was recovered sometime later and that’s when it was shipped out to Garrat’s Hot Rod Shop for its makeover. From the factory, the ’66 Charger was a unibody, but John’s now features an Art Morrison chassis after the floors were cut out and rebuilt to accommodate the change. Now, the body has been channelled 3-inches giving it a much tougher stance. And just to get it that much lower, there’s a quartet of airbags fitted to slam the body down over the 20x8 and 22x10 Evod one-off wheels. The cool custom paint was handled inhouse at Garrets by Chris Hays. Inside is a full custom fit-out by Tracy Weaver at the Recovery Room, where you’ll find lots of leather surrounding the custom dash insert, reshaped seats and ample Kenwood sound system.

After a massive four-year build, the Charger emerged from Garret’s Hot Rod Shop to great applause and has been turning heads everywhere ever since.

A tough custom Mopar needs a tough driveline and for this style of car, they don’t come much tougher than a Arlington Engines-built 440-cube stroker 6.4 Hemi topped with a Kenne Bell blower making a considerable amount of horsepower. Backing the pumped engine is a GM 4L80 6-speed auto adapted to the Hemi and utilising paddle shifters. The power then goes to a four-linked 9-inch diff with 4.11-gears.

The idea was to build the Charger the way the factory would if they were going to redo the ’66 era body style.

After a massive four-year build, the Charger emerged from Garret’s Hot Rod Shop to great applause and has been turning heads everywhere ever since. After proving just how good the ’66 Charger can look, I reckon this car will start a whole early Charger revolution! Bring them on…

KILLERRides

On ShowKILLERRides Rides PETER STROJEN

Words / Pics - Paul Beck

Whilst America will always remain the home of the finest custom cars ever created, there’s a bunch of Aussie-built cars that are just as impressive. No one could ever forget the world class custom Cadillac’s that Australia’s King of Customs, Mario Colalillo created, making waves through the custom scene’s worldwide. There’s no denying that Cadillac’s certainly lend themselves to the full-tilt custom treatment, just check out Peter Strojen’s ’60 Caddy! Building a wild custom starts with a wild imagination and some inspiration from some of the most legendary car builders such as Barris, Roth, Winfield, Foose, Coddington and more – all of which who always took their car building to the very edge. Peter followed in their

Not wanting to upset the purists by chopping up a pristine classic, Peter opted to take a well-worn ’60 coupe that had seen much better days.

Not wanting to upset the purists by chopping up a pristine classic, Peter opted to take a well-worn ’60 coupe that had seen much better days. The Caddy sheetmetal has had plenty of changes made to it during the construction time including a massive 7-inch roof chop with both front and rear screens replaced with VW glass –early windscreens in the front and rear quarter windows to the rear. The quarter panels have been widened with side scoops added, the front guards have had no less than 5 red lights added to each and then there’s the abundance of chrome spikes in the grille and air cleaner. And, if you haven’t noticed, those usually sedate ’60 Caddy fins have

been enlarged too – emphasising the roof chop as well. All that work made to the body has been covered in PPG Vibrance black and white paint with the unique Madusa artwork adorning each side. The smoothies wheels are painted to suit and measure 15x15 and 15x13inches. The wheels are tucked way up inside the guards thanks to the self-leveling suspension. Inside, it’s just as wild, with the black and white theme continuing across the door trims, seats and dash, with a welded steel and painted headlining and custom styled steering wheel being amongst the highlights. The Caddy engine is long gone, now replaced by a modern LS with 4-speed auto providing ample cruising power!

After a long build period, Peter showed his cool custom Cadillac for the first time at the Sydney Hot Rod & Custom Auto Expo. Soon after, he had the car on display at the Killer Rides Live show where Peter took home the Best Custom Award as well as the Chic Henry Memorial “Dare to be Different” trophy. And let me tell you, they don’t come much more different than this…

Building a wild custom starts with a wild imagination and some inspiration from some of the most legendary car builders such as Barris, Roth, Winfield, Foose, Coddington and more...

COFFEE, CARS & CATCH-UPS

There’s no denying the popularity of the Coffee and Car Meets and one I recently took in was at Rouse Hill in Sydney’s west. You can get your car fix early in the morning, and still have time to do the family thing…

The guys that organise this meet, actually hold two meets in the area each month. On the 1st Sunday of the month, they congregate at The Fiddler hotel, and two weeks later, its at the Supercheap car park in Commercial Road. Both events attract quite an array of cool cars.

When I arrived, the carpark was moderately full, mostly with American Muscle Cars, but that’s not to say there wasn’t a great mix of cars on offer. In amongst the Mustangs, Camaros, Trans-Am’s and Corvettes were HDT Commodore’s, early Holden’s and Falcons, Torana’s, Valiant’s and even a Ferrari! This is where I also found the LS-powered L300 (Fargo) Ute featured elsewhere in this issue!

After a quick run around the cars snapping away, the entrants started departing, bringing an end to the meet. But, as I found out by one of the guys leaving, there was another two similar meets happening in suburbs close by. If you attend a meet near you anywhere around the country, grab some pics and send them in!

HOLDENONTO

Tradition

Technically, Queanbeyan is in NSW, but it’s close enough to the Nation’s Capital to forgive that and its showground facilities are perfect for the event with plenty of parking for both show entrants and spectators. After a forced year off (we all know why!), the 2022 event was always going to be a big one, and as I drove passed the front of the showground, I could see I had plenty of walking ahead of me.

Holden may have departed our shores a while back, but that doesn’t mean the GMH faithful can celebrate what was Australia’s Own Car!

Like previous years, the organisers decided to raise money for a charity, with all money raised through the gates and from the BBQ going to Rise Above Capital Cancer Relief. And with spectators charged just a gold coin to check out the machinery on display, the group was able to hand over in excess of $4600! A great effort by all involved. When walking through the gates on the edge of the showground, you are greeted by more than 430 Holden’s ranging from mild and wild customs, pro-street, restored and muscle-bound modern rides. There really was something for everyone and that showed with a verymuch varied age-group wondering around checking out the cars on the oval.

When walking through the gates on the edge of the showground, you are greeted by more than 430 Holden’s ranging from mild and wild customs, pro-street, restored and muscle-bound modern rides.

There were quite a few standouts for me on the day. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying the Panel Van movement is making a huge comeback (some would argue it never went anywhere!), and there was one custom that deserved a second and third look. At first, this EH van’s engine got me in. A quick glance would have you think it was just another Holden red six-pack, but 186’s were never that big! This was a 265-cube Hemi six-pack! But it wasn’t just the driveline that had me intrigued. Someone had added a unique side window treatment to the onetime windowless Van. With the curved top flowing from the door frame, the feature certainly drew plenty of attention. Another to impress was a tough as, black HQ Monaro Coupe, rolling on big billets with a big cube big block providing the power. The stance and attitude were first rate!

But it was a Torana Hatch that took of the big prize! Fresh from his impressive haul of trophies at Killer Rides Live, Adrian Haynes had his candy coloured Torana out in the bright sunshine, showing off just how damn good that two-tone paint job actually is!

The

Holden Day

great event. From the huge amount of quality cars on display to

shown from

sponsors and car clubs

saw, there’s no doubt this event will continue

the

Holden had done the

KILLERRides Rides STEVE STERJOVSKI

SHOW

Words / Pics - - Paul Beck

Steve has had his Calais for many years, and during that time, it’s been through a few makeovers – each one getting more adventurous and featuring more horsepower than the previous guise. After a long period of building, thrashing, braking and then building again, the VL suffered some fatal engine damage during a tuning session. The Calais was towed home and relieved of its driveline, so Steve could pull it down and see where the problem was. But soon after, interest in the whole deal was lacking and the Calais sat idle for more than five-years. Having already had Wild Fab install the tubs, 9-inch conversion, four-link, roll-cage, chassis connectors, the now two-seater Calais looked tough as hell and was begging for a new engine to be installed.

To some, the VL Calais is the be all and end all of the Commodore model range. There’s no denying that their popularity has seen a myriad of modified versions hit the show scene, street and burnout pads around the country, painted in all kinds of colours, sporting all kinds of driveline packages. Then there’s Steve Sterjovski’s ITSWAR Calais…

After the fabrication was completed, the body was blasted to remove the original paint before Yugi at YES Smash Repairs in Port Kembla added the super shiny gloss black and silver colour combo. Inside, the Calais couldn’t be any further removed form how the Holden designers had desired. The mass of roll-cage encloses the full custom trim that now features a custom dash filled with AutoMeter gauges, custom front seats, pedestal mounted shifter and wall to wall leather. Nestled nicely in the rear is a polished nitrous bottle, giving the game away that this is one serious Calais.

Steve isn’t an exhibitionist by any means and would have preferred to have had the turbo mounted below the bonnet line...

When the time finally came for Steve to get back into the project, he went straight to Alex from Birrong Automotive. Alex is well-versed in extracting massive amounts of horsepower from the RB26/30 combo that Steve had planned for ITSWAR. The fire-ringed bottom end was fitted with a 3.2-litre stroker Nitto crank, matching rods and pistons. Knowing all too well that there was big boost on the horizon, billet main caps were also fitted. The RB26 head was treated to a Birrong-spec CNC port package whilst a pair of their custom cams were added to the mix. A CPC Billet plenum and 100mm throttle body hangs off one side of the engine and is balanced by the opposing hardware in the shape of the Billet Turbo 94mm Pro-Mod turbocharger.

Steve has had his Calais for many years, and during that time, it’s been through a few makeovers – each one getting more adventurous and featuring more horsepower than the previous guise.

Steve isn’t an exhibitionist by any means and would have preferred to have had the turbo mounted below the bonnet line, but because of the lack of space from the location of the dry sump tank, the turbo had to head upwards. Personally, I like it! The tough six-pack has a JW-cased Powerglide auto fronted with a 6800rpm converter and filled with only top shelf internals. Down the back, there’s a braced 9-inch with Romac floaters, 35-spline axles, Strange alloy case and a full-spooled 3.7-geared centre. For the record, on a run in tune with just 20psi, the pumped six-pack made 720hp and a lot more in store!

With the Summernats fast approaching, Steve had Cruz Restorations give the paint the once over before it was all hands-on deck preparing the Calais for its maiden Summernats showing. The Calais had never looked so good. The 19-inch FR Simmons were replaced with the super-impressive Gold-plated 22x8 and 22x13 Simmons and the underside scored some detailing as well as the boot area. Steve made the Top 60 Elite showdown where he was amazed by the amount of people wanting to chat to him about the car. More recently, Steve had the VL on display at Killer Rides Live where he not only won the Runner-Up Best Sedan award, but also the desirable People’s Choice award, where he took home a wrapped Bar Fridge, signed by the entrants of the show. Now it’s time to cruise…

For the record, on a run in tune with just 20psi, the pumped six-pack made 720hp and a lot more in store!

Comes a new Strength! OUT OF EVERY TRAGEDY

The senseless loss of young lives was the catalyst for the team at Finer Detail Industries to call on the greater car community to help out the grieving families affected…

There’s one thing that modified car owners do better than any other group – and that’s come together to support a great cause. Like many, I was horrified when I heard the news of the accident in the NSW Southern Highlands that took five innocent young people away from their families. It was devastating to say the least. In the small community, where everyone knows everyone, it didn’t take long for the word to spread about the incident. Jack and Laura from Finer Detail Industries decided to get together to raise some money for this families that lost their loved ones, and after a few phone calls, it was on!

Situated in an industrial complex in Picton, Finer Detail Industries not only have access to a large carpark to stage the show in, but also have some high-profile customers more than willing to help out where need ed. Those guys included Tristan “MINCER” Ockers and Mick Duggan, to name just a couple. With those guys having a long list of followers and mates in the scene, it was always going to be a huge event.

There were so many cool cars in attendance, showing just how big the custom car community heart is!

Officially set for an 11am starting time, Kathy and I rocked up in the Chev around 11.30 to find the carpark already full, and the street leading into the complex quickly filling. Yep, this was always going to be big, but I doubt anyone could have imagine just how big! With a spot found half way up the long road, and with the dark clouds forming over Picton, we decided to get into checking out the show and getting as many pics as we could before the wet stuff fell. That happened about ten minutes into snapping away, but thankfully the showers were brief and irregular. And still, the cars kept coming in!

There were so many cool cars in attendance, showing just how big the custom car community heart is! The event attracted so many cars in fact, that the local Police had to handle the traffic control coming in and out of the street and at one stage, had to stop cars coming into the show to allow those needing to leave, the space to do so. Raising the funds came from car owners paying $25 per car to be there and then there were raffles, BBQ’s and obviously donations made by spectators and companies more than willing to put their hands in their pockets to help out as much as they could. At the end of the event, more than $58,000 was collected, giving each family in excess of $11,600. We know the money will never replace a loved one, but if it eases the burden of a funeral, then we have all done a great job – especially Jack and Laura!

At the end of the event, more than $58,000 was collected, giving each family in excess of $11,600. We know the money will never replace a loved one, but if it eases the burden of a funeral, then we have all done a great job – especially Jack and Laura!

Finally, it really hit home for Kathy and I when we found out that one of the young guys in the accident was the nephew of a car family I have been close to for many years. Talking to one of the brothers really had an impact on us. You couldn’t help but tear up. I can’t imagine the grief the families are going through, and will continue to go through for a long time. If you have kids that have just got their license or is in the process of getting one, please sit down with them and explain the dangers of over-loading your ve hicle and driving erratically. You only get one life, live it to the fullest as long as you can! Please be careful on the roads people…

HITTIN THE

Kingpin Kuztums are undoubtedly one of the most active groups in the Victoria car scene, and most recently, they took a bunch of cool cars and headed to the Queen Victoria Markets for a Father’s Day Display.

Any guy will tell you that more often than not, when their partner says they want to go to the markets, the response is, “have fun, see you when you get back!” Let’s face it, there’s very few of us that want to be dragged through jam-packed market stalls whilst their wive checks out every handbag, every dress and every pair of earrings twice, only to go back to the very first stall to purchase something they looked at four hours before!

Thankfully, Father’s Day at the Queen Victoria Markets in downtown Melbourne are different. With a bunch of cool cars on display from Kingpin Kuztums, maybe it’s the Dad’s that are itching to get out the door and to the market area, where he and the family part company to do their own thing! Rob Bellio and his team are familiar sights at the Markets and for Dad’s day this year, he organised some cool cruisers, hot rods and muscle cars that entertained the crowds all day.

The line-up of cars offered up the opportunity to have a break from shuffling through the abundance of market stalls...

Predominantly Hot Rod’s and Customs, there were some tough Aussie muscle cars in the mix along with a couple of cool Studebakers, a Patinaclad blown 40 Willy’s coupe, low slung Caddy’s and one of the finest ’50 Buick’s you’ll ever see. The line-up of cars offered up the opportunity to have a break from shuffling through the abundance of market stalls that the Queen Victoria Markets are well known for.

With a bunch of cool cars on display from Kingpin Kuztums, maybe it’s the Dad’s that are itching to get out the door and to the market area...

COMING EVENTS

SEPT

25 ACT ALL HOLDEN DAY

Queanbeyan Showgrounds

29/01MONARO NATIONALS

Toowoomba, Qld monaronationals.com.au

OCT

01 GARY PEIRCE MEMORIAL CRUISE

Albion Park Showgrounds 9.30am.

10am cruise to Kiama via Jamberoo

02 CANBERRA TUFF DAY OUT

EPIC, Canberra

08 SUNDOWN CAR FEST

Penrith Homemaker Centre www.carsunderthestars.com

08/09T-BUCKET NATS / HOT RODS / MUSCLE CARS

Hawksbury Showgrounds www.carsunderthestars.com

09 SHOALHAVEN CARS & COFFEE

Masters Car Park, South Nowra

8am-10am

14-16 AUTO RUMBLE 2

Riverbreeze Caravan Park, Moruya

15 CARS UNDER THE STARS

Wetherill Park 0 T22/46

16 NSW ALL CHRYSLER DAY

Museum of Fire, Penrith

16 LOWRIDER SUNDAY

Marine Parade, The Entrance

22 POWERCRUISE STREET OUTLAWS

Sydney Motorsport Park www.powercruise.com

26 KILLER RIDES MID WEEK MEET UP

Oporto Albion Park Rail

From 6.30pm

29 HARRYS LIVERPOOL END OF MONTH

Liverpool 5.00pm

29 FUZE CAR SHOW

Cnr Karimbla & Kiora Rds, Miranda

5.30pm-9.30pm Steve 0425 338341

30 JAMBEROO CAR SHOW

9.30am - Kevin Walsh Oval

NOV

02 DRAG-ENS MID WEEK RUN

Heathcote Pub T22/22

Eric - 0499 452417 / Ken - 0414 513132

04/06BRIGHT ROD RUN

Bright, VIC

05 COOMA MOTORFEST

Cooma Showground www.coomacarclub.com.au

06 GHOSTS AND CARS

Hurley Street Car Park, Campbelltown 9am-2pm www.carsunderhtestars.com

12/13HOT ROD & HARLEY EXPO

Illawarra Indoor Hockey Centre Unanderra (Wollongong) www.killerrides.com.au

Please check closer to the day to see if any of the events have been cancelled due to Covid.

Grand Grand Christmas Christmas

Street SParade treet Parade

December

at 3pm.

Berry Showground, up Albany St, then along Queen St.

Rods and Vintage cars

Showground

DECORATE YOUR VEHICLE IN A CHRISTMAS THEME.

be

Prince Alfred St from Queen St

will be

CELEBRATION FESTIVITIES IN APEX PARK

THE PARADE