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From the Desk
I REALLY THOUGHT I WAS DONE AND DUSTED.
Have you ever been in a rut? A time in your life where you are doing some soul searching, wondering if there’s something more out there for you to do and thinking about what the future holds for you? Sound familiar? Well, for the past few months, that’s been in the back of my mind every day.
I was at a point in my life where I felt like it was the right time to hang up my Camera’s, switch off the computer and leave the car scene altogether. I wasn’t enthusiastic about cars anymore and I was struggling to get motivated. There’s no doubt I was in a massive rut. Was it time to change careers in my 50’s? I really did think so and I had promised myself that I would see it through till after Killer Rides Live and cap it all off with a big August issue before closing the chapter on that part of my life.
I spent plenty of time looking on Seek.com for another vocation, but there was nothing on offer that excited me. Every day I looked to see if that miracle job had popped up, but it just wasn’t to be, and I couldn’t see myself jumping into a full-time job that I really had no interest in. It was depressing and with the August deadline fast approaching, it was really getting me down. I’ve been part of the car scene since I was in Year 10 at school and in the magazine game for almost 30-years. It’s really all I know. Truth be told, I don’t have anywhere else to go. This is it for me. It went from a hobby to my career very quickly and has consumed my life ever since.
The turning point for me was after setting up Killer Rides Live #6. After everyone had left and I was alone in the building, I stood at the top of the stairs looking out across the display of cars and bikes, and something just awoke inside of me. I don’t know how to explain it, but I felt like the weight of the world had lifted from my shoulders. When I walked back into my office the day after the show, it was like a fire had been lit underneath me. The passion was always there, it was just hidden under some negative shit that was doing my head in. I realised right then and there that I’m not done just yet. I had already put plans in place for a number of different things I wanted to be a part of Killer Rides moving forward, some of which will be announced very soon.
So, if you ever find yourself in this position, take some time out to re-evaluate everything. Chat to those closest to you and get their advice, you may find things will work out just fine. Hope you enjoy Issue #67 of Killer Rides! Onwards and upwards!
See you on the Street,
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DESIGN
EXCITING NEWS COMING NEXT ISSUE!
WHAT’S HAPPENING SURVIVORS
CUSTOM PINBALL MACHINES
After viewing all of the cars on show at the recent NSW All Holden Day (see the feature and video this issue!), Kathy and I made a trip through the traders pavilion, which was overflowing with all kinds of cool stuff for sale, from DieCast cars to motoring books, hoists and flags. But there was one trader that really stood out for us – the Custom Pinball machine stand. With a few automotive inspired machines on show and playable for all to try, including an ultra-cool Peter Brock machine, these personalised pinball machines would be the ultimate man cave accessory. As a boutique (Small Volume) pinball manufacturer based in Australia, the team at Vector Pinball have been creating brand new (commercial grade) custom branded pinball games since 2016 using industry standard parts and can also produce quantity for prizes, branding/merchandising purposes. Prices start at less than the cost of many new mass-produced models and offer excellent value for a unique, one off (or more) piece of playable art that you can keep using year after year! Hmmm, a Killer Rides Pinball Machine would be very cool… More details can be found at www.custompinball.com.au
You never know what will turn up to an event these days. And at the recent NSW All Holden Day held at the Hawkesbury Showgrounds in Clarendon, (see the feature this Issue!) there were a couple of cars on show that I hadn’t seen for quite a while. The family of the late Darryl Smith had his HG sedan, affectionateely known as The Hulk, at the event, lookig just as it did when first built with the chrome 12-slotters and Shaker still attached. When I first got my license back in the mid 80’s, the HG was one of the toughest street cars going around and was everywhere!
The other car, also a HG, was Steve Hodges amazing Pro-Street Ute. I had spoken to Steve a little while before the All Holden Day after I heard he had purchased it back. When he sold the Ute many years ago, it ended up having a hard life on the drag strip in Perth, but when the opportunity become available to buy it back, Steve jumped at the chance. Still looking almost how it did when first built (with the exception of the reverse cowl bonnet), the Ute still impresses. One week later, Steve had the Ute at Killer Rides Live, fittingly, 30 years after being at our very first show in 1994! It’s so good to see these older, iconic cars return to the scene!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
KILLER RIDES CRUISE WITHOUT CARS #2 DATE SET
With such a busy event schedule in 2024/25, and after careful consideration, the decision was made to do the same cruise for the 2nd Cruise without Cars as we did the first time around. If you’re keen to come with us, and I’ve had quite a few people messaging me, the date for the next Killer Rides Cruise without Cars is July 3-7 onboard the Carnival Splendor. We leave Sydney and travel up the coast to Tangalooma/Moreton Bay for a day of various adventures before heading back to Sydney. Those that jumped onboard for the first Cruise without Cars had an absolute ball. So if you’re keen, book now! These cruises tend to sell out quickly! See you there!
NO PREP RACERS AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES
Johnny Habib is no stranger to Pro-Street style drag racing, his nitrous big-block Torana is well-known for its wheels-up antics on tracks up and down the East Coast. He was also one of the founders of the APSA who ran Pro-Street meets around the country some time ago. With the popularity of No Prep racing around the globe, Johnny has taken the reins and launched the No Prep Racers Australia group, bringing together a bunch of like-minded racers eager to compete in the No-Prep deal. In coming months, the group will make announcements of events. Trust me, this is going to be huge!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
KILLER Video
SOUTH AUSTRALIA PRO STREET CARS
WESTSIDE REVS
Video By Zotti Motorsport Media
WHO’S UP FOR AN EPIC ROAD TRIP?
I was devastated when I had to make the call to cancel the first (then) Performance Street Car Road Trip. With all that was happening in the world at the time, it was always going to be a struggle. But times have changed, and we have our freedom back again. So its back - the Killer Rides Road Trip! You’ve got plenty of time to get holidays sorted, save your pennies for fuel and get your car ready for three days of cruising from Wollongong to Albury with a bunch of likeminded car guys and girls. I’ve scheduled this to take place late October, 2025, with the exact cruise route and dates to be advised soon, so accomodation can be booked and locked in. And if there’s only a dozen cars set to leave Wollongong for the cruise, so be it. We’ll be going anyway. We have to start somewhere right? So, who’s coming along? Send me an email with your details and a pic of the car you’re bringing and then get ready for the coolest car cruise ever - Killer Rides Road Trip!
or you can pick up direct from us at any event we attend to promote Killer Rides. No matter where we are, we will have copies with us. To order your copy, simply email me at paul@killerrides.com.au
GET CRAKKIN’ IN 2025
The annual Canberra Rod & Kustom Krooze (CRAKK) returns to the main base of the Capital CountryHoliday Park in Sutton over the Australia Day long weekend in January. Open to all ASRF class vehicles (including Pre ‘78), there will be plenty to do both in and out of the cars. Cruising is a big part of the CRAKK Run with dedicated times cruising the venue as well as to various places of interested around Canberra and Queanbeyan. There’s major Entrants prizes, giveaways, a Charity Auction and also a big show and shine. With lots of live music, games for kids of all ages, and more, the 2025 CRAKK Run is one not to be missed. Online entries are available now at www.chra.org.au/CRAKK
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KILLER RIDES SUPPORTS
INDY PRO-STREET INVASION
The 2nd Indy Pro-Street Invasion happens in Indianapolis from Sept 5-9 bringing together the toughest, wildest, most insane Pro-Steet cars in the US, in what promises to be the biggest gathering yet. Killer Rides very own Greg ‘Beach’ Ball is heading Stateside again taking in the event (and others) for us to feature in the magazine. On top of that, I have sent a Killer Rides Show Standout trophy to the event with Beachie that he will award to a car that both he and I will pick from the show. Stay tuned for the event feature next Issue!
GOT SOMETHING IN THE BUILD?
WE WANT TO SEE IT!
Everyone loves to check out new cars in the build, that’s why I have implemented a section at Killer Rides Live so people car see just how much work goes into creating the final masterpiece. Its also one of the most popular sections in the magazine too! So if you’re currently up to your elbows in a new project, send me some pics and info to paul@killerrides.com.au
For more information, phone Vicki (0412 183235) or Les (0417 824018) or send an email to: crakk@chra.org. au For entrant enquiries, reach out to Graeme (0400 854851). The CRAKK Run happens Jan 24-27, 2025.
COVER YOUR NUMBER PLATES!
With the RMS, EPA and Police conducting registration blitz’s more regularly, it’s become obvious that they are sending out ltters to owners of cars that they not only see on the road, but also from scanning social media pages where people are posting pics of cars they see at events. Whilst you can’t stop people from posting photo’ s and video’s, you can help to keep your identity more private by either removing your rego plates or by covering them up with dummy plates or show plates. It’s pretty sad that it has come to this...
HAVE YOUR SAY
Got something to say? Send it to paul@killerride.com.au or message us from the Killer Rides Facebook page.
SHOW VS. STREET
Hi Paul,
I get to as many car shows and events as I can, and it always annoys me when it comes to the presentation, that three or four cars take all of the awards, leaving everyone disappointed. I’ve heard people complaining, saying they will never attend certain events again due to the trophy categories suited only to those cars that never see the road and just come on and off the trailers. It really sucks that the average Joe can’t get a look in. This problem needs to be addressed or the majority of the entrants simply will stop turning up.
Stuart J – Melton, VIC
Hi Stuart,
This problem has been around as long as there has been elite style cars on offer. Most events these days will have street class awards on the trophy list, so if your local show doesn’t maybe it might be a good idea to contact them and suggest they do. It’s hard for genuine street cars to compete with the show only guys. I know with Killer Rides Live, I have street car trophies for Best Paint, Interior, Engine Bay and then Best Genuine Street Car 1st and 2nd to give those guys an opportunity too. It’s hard to get right though. Please keep supporting events though, we don’t want them to disappear…
COFFEE OVERLOAD
Hi Paul,
Is it just me, or are there way too many Cars and Coffee events on the calender these days? I live in Blacktown, western Sydney and it seems that on most weekends, there are two or three of these meets happening within close proximity of each other. Do these groups talk to each other? Or is it a case of “mine is better than yours”? Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy getting my Falcon out for a cruise most weekends, but how much better would it be if these clubs or groups got together and combined their meets? Imagine how big that could be!
Johnny F – Blacktown, NSW
G’day Johnny, I agree with you. Even in Wollongong and a little further down the coast in the Shoalhaven, there are lots of these types of get togethers happening, and sometimes several on the same day. But I guess it’s the same on just about every Friday and Saturday night. We are definitely spoiled for choice. At least we’ll never be bored…
CONGRATS KILLER RIDES
G’day Paul,
I just wanted to send you a message to congratulate you and your team for a job well done on the recent Killer Rides Live #6 in the Hockey Centre. I live in Ulladulla and always make the trip up to your event, knowing that I’ll see a bunch of quality cars and bikes, and this year was no exception. Another aspect of the show I like is that no matter who you speak to, they are friendly, whether it’s an entrant, trader or someone on your stand. It really is an enjoyable day out for me. I hope you continue this event on for many years to come. Thank you for all you do for the car scene!
Andrew T – Ulladulla, NSW
Hi Andrew, You’re more than welcome, and thank you for your support of our event. There’s a lot that goes into making the event happen and hearing that people enjoy what we do, makes it all worthwhile. The show will continue on, Killer Rides Live #7 will take place August 9th & 10th, 2025. See you there!
PRO-STREET FOREVER
Hey Paul,
Thanks so much for keeping the Pro-Street movement alive and kicking with all the tough cars you feature in Killer Rides. Trends may come and go, but the styling that is ProStreet will never go away. Sure, they may not be the most practical cars in the world to drive on the streets in Australia (if only we had the same rules as the US!), but the rush these cars must give you when you fire them up and hit the road makes the worry of a possible defect worthwhile. Keep the tough cars coming…
Jason B – Coolangatta, QLD
G’day Jason,
I’m with you on that one! For me (and many others) there’s nothing better than an overtyred, over-powered street car that looks like a race car cruising down the street! We can only live in hope that one day we too can cruise the wild stuff on the street!
COMING ATTRACTIONS
6-PACK TO GO!
CURRENT ROLL CAGE TO BE REVISED!
We don’t often see LJ Torana sedans built as race cars, but when you have a mega horsepower RB six-pack up front, who cares how many doors you have?
These days, its more common to see LC/LJ Torana’s with a V8 conversion rather than an inline six. But with so many six-pack options on offer, it certainly makes sense to consider to consider the options. If you’re the patriotic type, you’ll stick with the Holden six-pack that came from the factory in the Torana, but its performance limits are easily reached. You could always go to the ‘dark side’, but for those that can’t stand the thought of dropping a Ford Barra six into the Holden’s engine bay, there are other choices. Everyone knows just how good the 1J and 2J Toyota inline sixes are, and there’s the mighty RB Nissan, made famous in the all-conquering GTR Skyline. And that’s exactly what is sitting in this more-door LJ, under construction at Cruz’n Performance in the Illawarra suburb of Albion Park Rail.
DRY-SUMP RB26
BILLET BLOCK, HYPERTUNE INTAKE
MINITUBS INSTALLED
AL'S RACE GLIDES TURBO 400
FABRICATED TURBO MANIFOLD BIG ARSE TURBO EST. 2500HP RADIATOR & INTERCOOLER MOUNTED BEHIND GRILLE
If you know your stuff when it comes to the Nissan six-pack engine, you’ll have an idea of just how special this RB engine is. With a billet block filled with only the very nest components, matching to a cylinder head that’s just as impressive, the basis of this combo is what six-pack dreams are made of. Add to this the fabricated turbo manifold, sizeable turbo and billet Hypertune intake manifold and you just know, this is all about making mega horsepower. Estimations are sitting at around 2500-ponies. There’s a combo like this currently running 6’s in a Commodore, so if they can get the LJ to hook up, once the planned rear-end is installed, it should be running some impressive numbers too! And if the engine doesn’t give you any clues as to the performance levels expect, the twin chutes out the back, certainly would!
There’s a combo like this currently running 6’s in a Commodore, so if they can get the LJ to hook up, once the planned rear-end is installed, it should be running some impressive numbers too!
These days, it’s more common to see LC/LJ Torana’s with a V8 conversion rather than an inline six.
Backing the tough six is an Al’s Race Glides built Turbo 400 auto, built to handle anything the RB tries to push through it. The rear end is yet to be done, but you can expect some bigger rubber, and lots of fabrication under the LJ’s rear when that time comes. Inside, the current roll cage will need attention too, especially with the numbers the Torana is expected to run. There’s still plenty of work yet to do before the Torana hits the track, and at this stage, there’s no deadline to work towards – it will happen as it happens. The Torana was part of the Cruz’n Performance stand at the recent Killer Rides Live show, where it was awarded the “People’s Choice In the Build” award.
Family Affair
It’s was Summernats 10 that Rhonda Zelukovic’s Pro-Street 1960 Studebaker made its debut and showed there was more to the street machine scene than just Holden and Ford!
WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck
Rhonda Zelukovic
Not only was the Stude a Pro-Street car, but it was also a full custom, the like of which had never graced the Hall at the Summernats before. If you don’t know what a standard 1960 Studebaker looks like, it’s far from the Zelukovic version. In fact, Rhonda also has a stock version and when you see the two side by side, the changes are more than obvious. After purchasing the car in their home town of Orange, NSW, the coupe was taken directly to the family shop – John Zelukovic Smash Repairs, where the family got stuck into creating one of the wildest cars ever seen in Australia. Not that it started that way, but all know how quickly things escalate! It just so happens that Rhonda’s brother-in-law Ron, is a master metal man and set about making the Studebaker’s body a true, one-off custom. Unless you’re a Studebaker fan, you wouldn’t notice the roof chop, extended doors to replace the sill panels, custom tailights, flush fitting glass, late-model Honda door handles, laid back windscreen and a reworked front end, to name just a few of the mods Ron performed on the body. Ron also reworked the factory dash that now flowed into the custom console to give the Stude a unique look. With the metal work all done, it was time for colour. A build like this deserved a colour that made people take notice, and being the
90’s, pastels were all the go, so “Rhonda’s Apricot” was added to every metal surface on the body, interior and smoothed out underside. There’s no chrome to speak of, with just the polished wheels being the only shiny metal. Whether you like it or not, there’s no denying it’s in your face! The white leather, four-seat interior compliments the body colour perfectly.
Whilst the body and paint were being sorted, John spent time preparing the driveline. Being a drag racer, there was no way John was going to let Rhonda’s Stude keep a Studebaker engine in place. For that matter, a Chev or Ford wasn’t going to cut it either, so for John, there was only one option – a Hemi! John pieced together an ex-Top Fuel Dragster 392-cube old-school Hemi that he topped with 8-stack EFI which at one stage ran on Nitro, but was switched over to pump fuel. A 727-Torqueflite trans is mated to the tough Hemi with the narrowed 9-inch diff located via a four-link sitting between those massive Mickey Thompson tyres.
Not only was the Stude a Pro-Street car, but it was also a full custom, the like of which had never graced the Hall at the Summernats before.
Most recently, the Studebaker made a reappearance at Killer Rides Live #6, some 27-years after it was last on show in the Illawarra Hockey Centre at the Hot Car Titles 4 in 1997. Those that remembered the car, were amazed at just how well it has held up, seeing that its exactly the same as it was when it was first built. And, when our Judge, Summernats and MotorEx main man Drago Ostric gave the Stude a thorough look over, awarded it numerous awards, including the coveted Show Car Master award! It just goes to show, when they are built right the first time, time is no problem…
OWNER: RHONDA ZELUKOVIC
VEHICLE: 1960 STUDEBAKER
ENGINE: EX-TOP FUEL 392 HEMI, 8-STACK EFI INJECTION, BLOCK AND HEADS DEBURRED, CUSTOM HEADERS
TRANS: 727 TORQUEFLITE AUTO
REAR END: NARROWED 9-INCH DIFF, FULL TUBS, COIL-OVERS, FOUR-LINK
COLOUR: ppg RHONDA’S APRICOT
WHEELS: 15X5 / 15X16 weld billet
THANKS TO: RON ZELUKOVIC, JOHN ZELUKOVIC, BEN ZELUKOVIC, JOHN ZELUKOVIC SMASH REPAIRS.
...for John, there was only one option – a Hemi! John pieced together an ex-Top Fuel Dragster 392-cube old-school Hemi...
YEARS 30STRONG
In 1994, I launched the first Hot Car Titles inside the Illawarra Hockey Centre, then known as the BHP Sports Stadium. 30-years later both names have changed, but the concept remains the same…
KILLER RIDES LIVE #6_ILLAWARRA HOCKEY CENTRE 10/11 AUGUST 2024
Words/Pics/Video – Paul Beck
I still remember it like it was yesterday. My brother Rod and I walked into the Centre one Thursday night looking for the right person to speak to regarding hiring the venue. When we mentioned we wanted to stage a car show there, it was met with “there’s no way in hell you’ll be parking cars on our floor!”
I saw that as a challenge and after a number of meetings and jumping through many hoops, the date for the first show was locked in. Fast forward thirty years, and the event is still going strong, bringing cars and bikes to the Illawarra that would never have the opportunity to be displayed here. The concept behind the show remains the same as it did in the beginning. Entry is by invitation and no car can enter two years in a row, unless major changes have been made. For us, it works. With space for around 50 cars and 8-10
bikes, changing the line up each year keeps the show fresh and inviting for spectators. For the 30th year, I wanted to mark the occasion by inviting back some cars that had not only previously graced this floor space, but also hadn’t been seen for some time. Both Steve Hodges (HG Ute) and Steve Bubas (XC Falcon) were entered in the very first event in 1994. Whilst the Ute still retains much of the same styling, the XC is far from how it was back then, having progressed from an aspirated streeter to a blown, graphic’d version. Rhonda Zelukovic’s ’60 Studebaker was another amazing car returning, having been at Hot Car Titles 4 in 1997. Others included Ben Sargent’s Summernats Grand Champion HQ Monaro; Mick Galea’s Capri and Rob Belsito’s LJ Torana – all still great cars, looking great under the Hockey Centre’s lights.
With each car hand-picked and invited to be a part of the show, the entry list isn’t just about full-tilt elite show cars, even though they make up a big part of the show. I’m a big believer of having a variety of styles, makes and models on show to cater for as many tastes as possible. This year we once again had some of the best show cars currently on the scene including the stunning ’56 Ford F100 built by Viking Hot Rods in Bomaderry, which not only made the Killer Top 3, but also took home Entrants Choice, The Tony Roberts Memorial Award, RunnerUp Best Body, Runner-Up Best Interior and Best Ute/Pickup. Another car making the cut for the Killer Top 3 was the RIVAL XE Fairmont owned and built by Younan and Eddie Khazi. In its last showing before being fitted up with some race ready wheels and tyres and hitting the strip, the XE took home Best Sedan, Best Paint 1st, as well as the one everyone wanted –People’s Choice, the trophy being a Bar Fridge wrapped with the event logo and signed by all of the entrants of the show making it a true, one-off award!
The third member of the Killer Top 3 club was Rhonda’s pro-street 60 Studebaker. In its first appearance in around seven years, the unique coupe certainly still impresses with its muchmodified body, fabricated trim and EFI oldschool Hemi, the Studebaker also scored Best Coupe/Tudor 1st, Best Underside 1st, RunnerUp Best Engine Bay, Best Body 1st and the big one, Australia’s Showcar Master! For a full list of who won what, check out the Killer Rides Live #6 page at the website - https://www. killerrides.com.au/killer-rides-live-6
Along with the show quality rides, Killer Rides Live 6 also featured some tough burnout cars. There’s no denying that the quality of purpose-built skid cars and gone through the roof now, to a point where its almost a shame to put them through so much pain! I managed to get some of the coolest burnout cars on the scene to the show including ‘Burnout Veteren’ Phil Kerjean’s Commodore Wagon, that took home the Best Burnout Car award, nudging out the BOILED Subaru, Steven Lee’s VS Corsa Ute, Dom Luci’s LITMUP GTS, and Shane Gatt’s VW Beetle. Those that love their drag cars were treated to a few great cars too with Dave Andrew’s COME Racing LJ Torana on show, mixing it up with Troy Smith’s wild, blown Hemi-powered A Model Tudor and Paul Watt’s chopped Escort Super Sedan – the eventual winner of Best Competition Vehicle.
Once again, I added three in the build cars to show people what goes in to building a completed Killer Ride. Cruz’n Performance had two cars on show – a tubbed and caged RX7 Mazda and an LJ Torana sedan with a turbo billet RB Nissan six pack on board. And for the V8 guys, Paul Young bought along his blown, injected bigblock 61 Chev Impala. This section of the show has become popular and will remain a feature of future events, as will a big BMX bike display. The BMX movement is massive and the work that goes into these bikes is nothing short of amazing. To make it easy to award trophies, both the
In the Build and BMX sections were decided by Peoples Choice. As with every Killer Rides Live event, we have some Memorial awards in memory of some close friends of ours. To honour our mates that have passed on, we’ve asked the families of Steve Davitt, Tony Roberts and Chic Henry to choose a car or bike that the guys would have liked and then they get to hand the award over to the winners. For Killer Rides Live #7, we will be adding some more people to the list and will be doing these awards separate to the main presentation, to give them a more personal touch. Stay tuned for more on those additions soon.
With so much on the same weekend, we still managed to get a great crowd through the doors, showing just how much the people of the Illawarra and beyond really appreciate the show. Sure, it’s not the biggest event on the planet, but by personally selecting the cars and bikes, and making sure the quality and variety is there each year, more than makes up for that!
Without the help of many people and companies, this event just wouldn’t be possible. First up, my event sponsors who never even blinked an eye when it was time to get the ball rolling for this year. The same goes for the trophy sponsors – your generosity ensures our awards are amongst the best out there! Big thanks to the Killer Rides A-Team for helping with the set-up and pull-down after the show! Gary and Rob from the Illawarra Hockey Centre for their help in the process of keeping the event going. And last but by no means least, my family – my wife Kathy, our daughter Montana, her boyfriend Danyon, my sister-in-law Lydia and my Mum Jean for all that they do each year. Thank you one and all! Now the dust has settled on the 30th Anniversary, it’s time to think about Killer Rides Live #7, set for August 9th and 10th, 2025. Keep an eye on our socials and website for all the details!
WEAPON OF CHOICE
Michael had been looking for a new project when his cousin, George Kollis, found a wellworn HT Monaro in Adelaide that had no motor or gearbox, but was only $3000. This was back in 2004 when prices for such cars was still affordable for anyone. The original owner had added minitubs and a full cage as plans were for this car to be used for drag racing primarily. With the rolling shell now in his garage, it was to sit there untouched for many years until a visit to the Summernats in 2016 ignite a fire inside Michael to get the ball rolling on the Monaro build. The original plan was to have the car at MotorEx in 2020, but then the world stopped with Covid. The Monaro was then readied for its debut in 2022, in which it received the Runner-Up Best Street Modification. The Monaro then made the Top 60 at Summernats 35, Top 5 Street Machine at Showcars Melbourne and then Runner-Up Best Paint at MotorEx this year! Fans of tough Aussie muscle cars were in for a treat when they walked into the Show Pavilion at MotorEx and stumbled across Michael’s Monaro. While the purists who frown upon any modified classic, may shake their heads in disbelief, those of us that love tough cars, loved what Michael had done to the HT. Whilst the body, covered in Daytona Bronze paint, retains the classic Monaro styling, it has been made that much cooler with the addition of the polished Centerline Convo Banshee rims that fill the HT’s wheel wells perfectly.
After spending many years building his HT GTS Monaro, Michael Tardio finally got it finished in time for Meguiars MotorEx 22.
Michael Tardio
Opening either door reveals an interior that oozes 1970 muscle car. Refurbished by The Trim Shop, Michael has kept the interior space just how the Holden designers intended. From the black vinyl low back seats to the large threepiece steering wheel, factory radio and faux timber facias on the dash and console, this interior reminds everyone just how cool the Monaro was back in the day. It’s no-nonsense styling helped make this car iconic.
It’s a different story however under the bonnet. The factoryfitted small block is long gone, with a 434-cube, Pavtek-built version now bolted in place. With much more horsepower onboard than Holden ever-intended, Michael’s Monaro gets moving a lot quicker when the need arises. And it doesn’t look half bad either, with all that alloy set again the black engine offering a better visual than it did when stock. Backing the engine is a Coan Extreme Turbo 400 fronted with a 4800rpm SDE converter that sends the power rearward to a DetroitLocker 9-inch diff with full-floaters and 4.11-gears. All that power is bought to a stop via a quartet of Wilwood discs and calipers. After spending lots of time on show, Michael now plans to enjoy driving the Monaro around the streets of Melbourne with his mates in their equally tough rides…
OWNER: MICHAEL TARDIO
VEHICLE: 1970 HT GTS MONARO
ENGINE: 434CI SMALL BLOCK CHEV BUILT BY PAVTEK PERFORMANCE, APD 1000CFM DOMINATOR CARB, 11.8:1 COMP, STREET SOLID ROLLER CAM, DART BLOCK, SUPER VICTOR INTAKE MNIFOLD
TRANS: COAN EXTREME TURBO 400, 4800RPM SDE CONVERTER, FULL MANUAL INTERNALS
REAR END: MINI-TUBS, 9-INCH DIFF, DETROIT LOCKER, 4.11-GEARS, FULL-FLOATERS
COLOUR: FACTORY DAYTONA BRONZE
WHEELS: CENTERLINE CONVO BANSHEE
THANKS TO: MY WIFE SHEONA AND OUR KIDS, STEVE PIRGOUSIS, ALI IBRAHIM @ SPOT WELD PANELS FOR THE PAINT, GEORGE KOLLIS, PAVTEK PERFORMANCE, MARC @ NORTHERN EFI, MARIO @ J&M OLD SKOOL FOR THE BODYWORK, JAMIE @ FULL FLIGHT ENGINEERING, DANNY @ REFINED DETAILING, THE TRIM SHOP, JOHN @ MELBOURNE MUSCLE, PAT (ASSEMBLY), DANNY KNIGHT, AND ANYONE ELSE THAT HELPED WITH THE BUILD...
SHUTTER SPEED
Photo: Paul Beck
OLDSKOOL COOL!
The Oldskool Muscle Car Cruises crew recently held their Winter Appeal Show at Bangarribee Park in Western Sydney, helping those in need in the best way possible.
OLDSKOOL MUSCLE CAR CRUISES_AUGUST BREAKFAST SHOW ‘ SHINE BUNGARRIBEE PARK, DOONSIDE WORDS / PICS - PAUL BECK
The OMCC gather at the picturesque venue each month to stage their Breakfast meet, bringing in all kinds of cool and collectable cars to put on a show. Kicking off at 7am and finishing 3 hours later, the meet is a great way to kick start a Sunday morning. For their August 25th get together, they crew decided to help out the Hawkesbury Helping Hands association by staging a Winter Appeal show and shine. The usual car owners were invited to bring along any new Doonas, warm cloths, gift cards, non-perishable foods etc to donate to the group so they could distribute them where needed. It was so great to see their Van filled with donations. Once again, the modified car community cruised in for a great cause.
As we’ve come to expect from this great meet, every parking spot was filled with cool cars...
For their August 25th get together, the crew decided to help out the Hawkesbury Helping Hands association by staging a Winter Appeal show and shine.
As we’ve come to expect from this great meet, every parking spot was filled with cool cars whilst the OMCC guys were kept busy on their stand with their merch and promoting their sponsors as well as looking for winners of their monthly trophies up for grabs. Though the sun wasn’t shining during the course of the show, the clouds didn’t deter some of Sydney’s toughest and coolest street cars from coming out to support the 2024 Winter Appeal in droves. We’ll definitely be back for the September event…
HOLDEN IT
TOGETHER
The 36th NSW All Holden Day was once again the largest gathering of the brand ever held, showcasing all kinds of cool, custom and collectable Holdens!
The event actually kicks of on Saturday with a massive, much-anticipated swap meet –one of the largest in NSW. Swappers started arriving on Friday to get their spots setup in readiness for the onslaught that would take place early on Saturday morning and again on Sunday as the car show entrants flowed in and set up. Some 850-plus Holdens from all eras were scattered around the expansive showgrounds, many set up in Clubs, whilst others entered with mates or as individual. Walking through the rows and rows of cars revealed some very interesting cars, such as the replica V8 Supercars, an EK Ambulance, a dual-axle one tonner, and the Green Hulk HG sedan that was roaming the streets of Sydney when I was a P-Plater. The original owner/ builder Darryl Smith has passed on, but the car still retains the same look all these years later, thanks to Darryl’s dedicated family!
36TH NSW ALL HOLDEN DAY - HAWKESBURY SHOWGROUNDS, CLARENDON - AUG 4, 2024
WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – PAUL BECK
Another very familiar car on show that no one has seen for quite some time was Steve Hodges HG Holden Ute. Back in the early-mid 90’s, Steve’s tubbed Ute was an all-conquering show car. Featuring a tough small block Chev, the roll cage that went from the tray through the back window and a Commodore dash, Steve’s Ute was very well known. After Steve parted company with it, the Ute ended up in WA where the new owner raced it over the quarter mile. When the opportunity presented itself, Steve bought it back. In fact, it was one show at my first event in 1994 and made a return to the Hockey Centre 30-years later! Steve also had his slick, LS-powered Torana Hatch on show as well!
Lots of cars, thousands of spectators enjoying the show, plenty of support from the automotive industry and a big swap meet!
Another very familiar car on show that no one has seen for quite some time was Steve Hodges HG Holden Ute.
There were lots of tough Commodores on show including quite a few VK’s with lots of different engine combos from turbo LS’s, twin-carb Holden and LS, LSA’s and of course those that love the whine of a blower! Those that love all the mod-cons were also well catered for. Each year, the number of VE/VF modles seem to double and this year was no exception. From the stock HSV’s to the highly modified versions, these ‘last of the marque’ V8 Commodores were front and centre on the HSV Owners Club stand – with an impressive lineup of red GTS versions on show. The 36th All Holden Day also housed many current and former high-profile show cars with David Sammut’s stunning Statesman; Frank Micallef’s PRO-056 FE sedan, and Michelle White’s blown HX Kingswood to name but a few. Blown engines were everywhere with a surprising amount of pumped Holden V8’s along with the usual big and small block Chev’s, LS’s and even a couple of Holden red six-packs!
After checking out all the cars on show, we ventured into the trader pavilion where it was jam-packed with all kinds of business’ offering products and services to car owners and spectators alike. All the stands were kept busy selling diecast cars, books, memorabilia, metal polishing and even custommade Pinball machines! These were amazing and I have no doubt there will be plenty of people keen on ordering on of the cool Peter Brock versions they had on show for people to play.
There were lots of tough Commodores on show including quite a few VK’s with lots of different engine combos...
plenty of support from the automotive industry and a big swap meet! It really was Holden heaven. Bring on number 37!
SECOND TIME AROUND
John bought the fibreglass ’34 Chev coupe from Tasmania in 2019. It was a home-built Rod that was based on a Fibre Chev body. After a brief period of ownership, John took the ’34 to Johnny Z’s shop to have a damaged steering wheel taken care of. That was the third and final time John was to drive his newly acquired Hot Rod for a number of years. Whilst in the shop, Jack found the chassis wasn’t up to scratch and needed to be rewelded to make it safe. This was the turning point that saw the Chev get a major makeover from home-built driver to show car stunner. Johnny Z’s are well known for their expertise in creating oneoff custom cars, and this ’34 Chev was to be no different. John decided to update the suspension on the reworked chassis, with a full Airride system installed. A set of one-off custom wheels measuring 18x8 and 20x10 were also bolted up.
Sometimes a simple fix can turn into a major rebuild, just ask John Cavasinni, who just wanted a damaged steering wheel fixed and ended up opting for a full show car rebuild!
Words /Pics / Video - Paul Beck
1934 Chev Coupe John Cavasinni
As is usually the case, the rebuild snowballed to include an allnew interior, and extensive body mods and fresh paint to ensure it was 100% when it left Johnny Z’s shop. The fibreglass body was subjected to hundreds of hours of reworking with the Chev body emerging looking better than ever. Jack himself handled the body, smoothing off the underside so the finish looked as good as the top, whilst making many one-off changes to make this ’34 Chev unique to all others. With the body work complete, the custom mix Pearl Orange paint was then applied. In complete contrast to the bright exterior, the new interior was covered in dark blue leather including the moulded door trims, late model bucket seats and centre console. The dash and door frames were coated in a matching flat paint. The interior makeover also included a new gauge cluster mounted to the middle of the dash for John to see with ease from the driver’s seat. There’s also a billet column and wheel, B&M shifter and digital stereo head unit.
That was the third and final time John was to drive his newly acquired Hot Rod for a number of years.
As far as the driveline goes, just the engine block, turbo 400 trans and Winter’s Quick-Change diff survived from the original build. The big block was torn apart and everything tossed in the bin, making way for the new internals that were needed for the 8/71 Weiand blower and twin 600 Holley carbs that were to top the 454-cube big block Chev. It’s yet to be dyno’d, but it’s estimated the street-friendly blown engine makes around 600hp on pump fuel. The transformation from driver to show standout took around 4 years to complete. I spotted the Coupe at MotorEx earlier this year where it absolutely glowed under lights. And since he only drove the Coupe 3 times before it was subjected to the rebuild, I think it’s fair to say, John is itching to make up for lost time…
OWNER: JOHN CAVASINNI
VEHICLE: 1934 CHEV COUPE
ENGINE: 454CI CHEV, 8/71 WEIAND BLOWER, TWIN 600 HOLLEY CARBS, SANDERSON HEADERS, CUSTOM JOHNNY Z EXHAUST
TRANS: TURBO 400
REAR END: WINTERS QUICK CHANGE
WHEELS: ONE-OFF CUSTOM BILLET 18X8 / 20X10
COLOUR: CUSTOM MIX PEARL ORANGE
THANKS TO: JACK & THE TEAM AT JOHNNY Z’S, MAX THOMSON, ANDY FENECH, GERMA TECH PAINTS, FRANCES FROM AUTO BLING AND OF COURSE MY WIFE CONNIE!
KICKIN’ IT IN Kentucky
Kentucky may be famous for the ‘Derby” each year, but for Hot Rodders, it’s the other kind of horsepower that takes over Louisville each August that interest them…
It was the 55th running of the National Street Rod Association Street Rod Nationals this year, which drew in thousands of entrants and spectators marking the occasion with a massive hot-rodding celebration inside the Kentucky Exposition Centre. Before the Nationals made Louisville its permanent home in the 1990’s, the event, which was started by the editors of Rod & Custom Magazine in 1970, was a travelling event, much like the Australian Street Rod Nationals, with a new home each time it was held. With its base held at the Exposition Centre a locked in deal (since 2010), the NSRA can not only keep their well-laid plans in place, but can also implement new ideas within the complex to help keep the event fresh.
The Nationals is an event that brings together more than 10,000 street rods from all over the USA, but also includes a Swap Meet, Kid Zone, Live Entertainment, Autocross action, Indoor Manufacturer’s Midway, arts and crafts, hands-on demonstrations and seminars as well as the much-anticipated Builders Showcase held inside the Centre’s lobby where 40 of the most well-known builders showcase their latest creations. There really is something for everyone.
But it’s the cars that are the stars at the Nationals and with so many entered, you’d be hard pressed to see them all. The Kentucky Expo Centre is a massive area of over 300 acres with an abundance of air-conditioned indoor and outdoor space, perfectly suited to this type of event and for the 55th Nationals, every part of the venue was filled with Street Rods, Muscle Cars and Custom Classics of all makes, models and styles. And to make it affordable for all to enjoy, the ticket prices are just $45 for a family! With so much on offer, that’s incredible value! I wish it was the same here in Australia, maybe we’d see more families getting involved in our sport. All in all, the 55th NSRA Street Rod Nationals was once again a huge success and proved to be one of those ‘bucket list’ events for hot rodders around the globe. You can keep up to date with all the NSRA event news at the website – www.nsra-usa.com
BAD
FISH
Rodney Neindorf’s ’67 Cuda grabbed plenty of attention at the 2024 Chryslers on the Murray, mainly due to the wild engine combo!
The annual Chryslers on the Murray event is one of my favourites each year. The variety of cars on display is never short of astounding and ranges from the pristine, faithfully restored rides to some that looked like they had been dragged out of a creek and had some rego plates slapped on them! At the end of the day, they are all appreciated for what they are. Rodney’s Cuda, wearing the BADFSH rego plates, was one of two Hemi Cuda’s he had at the event. And it was easily one of the toughest cars amongst the almost 1000 cars in attendance – just how we like ‘em in Killer Rides!
1967 Plymouth Barracuda
Rodney Neindorf
It was the tunnel-rammed Hemi that first got my attention – as they do! With twin 1600cfm EFI Hardware dominator throttle bodies mounted to the Indy intake, it was hard not to be drawn in for a closer look! There’s no denying this Cuda is all about raw horsepower. The engine, the wheel combo and the race-spec interior – this Cuda is built to run numbers down the quarter mile. So back to that Hemi engine. Built by Pro Race Engines, the Hemi sports no less than 611-cubic inches, but that’s only the start. The 4.5-inch Siamesebore World block houses only top shelf components. The rotating system comprises of a Callies crank and rod combo with 11.1 forged Arias pistons joining the party. There’s a solid cam
and lifter kit from Crower, custom Jet Engineering pushrods and a Keith Black billet oil pump and gear drive. The tough bottom end is capped off with a custom Russell sump. The heads are Millenium Stage V with stainless steel rockers, Keith Black stands and chrome-moly shafts. A pair of carbon fibre rocker covers complete the package. Firing the engine into life is left to the ICE ignition, with a Haltech 2500 Elite controlling the electronics.
On a strict diet of MS109 fuel, the mega-cube Hemi made 1000hp and if that’s not enough to impress you, Rodney has a complete, 800hp
Nitrous kit on the shelf ready to join the Cuda! That should give those rear tyres something to think about!
Rodney has a complete, 800hp Nitrous kit on the shelf ready to join the Cuda!
Backing the engine is a transbraked 727 built by Paul Rogers that uses light weight internals and a billet input shaft. There’s a 5500rpm converter inside the JW Bellhousing, with gear selections handled via a Precision Performance shifter. The power gets sent through to the Pro-9 sheet-metal 9-inch with 35-spline Dutchman axles. The rear end also features a triangulated four-link, adjustable coil-overs and Wilwood discs inside the 15x9 double bead-locked, Weld wheels wrapped in 275/60 Pro Radial tyres. The front wheels are 17x4.5-inch Welds with Viking coil-overs, and Wilwood discs.
At this stage, the Cuda’s body is coated in a patina’d red, with the engine bay having been repainted in Chrysler Velvet Red by Exotic Customs, giving some hint at a possible colour change on the body down the track. In fact, the Cuda could cop a 70’s style paint scheme at some stage. The factory styling has been retained, but Rodney has added mini-tubs, enlarged the trans tunnel and added a tailshaft loop and sub frame connectors – all needed with that monster Hemi upfront! And just ensure Rodney pulls up fine after a quick pass down the 1320, there’s a parachute out the back. You can never be too safe, especially when the Cuda has run a best of 9.58@143mph so far. Inside, it’s all business. There’s a full cage thanks to PSIDUP Fabrications, a pair of Kirkey seats with Simpson belts, a Motion Race Works/MPI removable steering wheel that sits in front of the IC7 Haltech digital dash. If it’s not needed to go fast, then it’s not found in this interior space. Rodney’s tough Cuda has come a long way from its days languishing in a Cranbourne yard with a lowly 273-cuber up front. There’s been two years worth of work and around $120K invested into the Cuda, and Rodney isn’t finished just yet. As with most pro-street cars, the goal of going faster equates to even more investment, but when you own something this cool, do the dollars even come in to it?
OWNER: RODNEY NEINDORF
VEHICLE: 1967 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA
ENGINE: 611CI HEMI BUILT BY PRO RACE ENGINES, INDY TUNNEL RAM, TWIN 1600CFM EFI HARDWARE DOMINATOR THROTTLE BODIES, STAGE V HEADS, WORLD SIAMESE BORE WORLD BLOCK, CALLIES CRANK AND RODS, ARIAS FORGED PISTONS, SOLID CAM AND LIFTERS, ICE IGNITION, RUSSELL SUMP, TTI EXTRACTORS, CUSTOM EXHAUST, 2500 HALTECH ELITE ECU
TRANS: 727 AUTO BUILT BY PAUL ROGERS, 5500RPM SHOT GUN CONVERTER, JW BELLHOUSING, PRECISION PERFORMANCE SHIFTER, LIGHTWEIGHT INTERNALS, BILLET INPUT SHAFT
UNDERSIDE: PRO-9 DIFF, GJ DRIVELINES TAILSHAFT, COIL-OVERS, FOURLINK, WILWOOD BRAKES
COLOUR: PATINA CHRYSLER RED
WHEELS: WELD ALUMASTAR 15X9 DOUBLE BEADLOCK / 17X4.5”
THANKS TO: MY WIFE LISA, SON DANIEL, DAUGHTER SARAH. TYSON WOLL. CON SAGIARIS FROM PRO RACE ENGINES. PISIDUP FABRICATIONS. RACE WIRES. QUICK BITZ. RACE RADIATORS. EXOTIC CUSTOMS. VAL SPARES. ELKO PERFORMANCE. PAUL ROGERS PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSIONS. SHOT GUN PERFORMANCE. G&R TOWING. EFI HARDWARE. ICE IGNITIONS. ALAN JONES FOR HIS CUSTOM CMC MACHINE WORK.
Kiama - Steve 0450486682
7
Leeton, NSW - 0407 816467
Michael - 0419 248574
St Lukes Anglican Chruch Liverpool showinfo@ambassadors.org.au
Maitland NSW toranafest.hvtc@gmail.com
