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KILLER
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From the Desk
WHAT’S ON THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Like many of you, there’s lots of things I’d like to see and do before its time to depart this world. I lot of what I want to do and see revolves around my family and making memories with them at various destinations around the globe, but in my car world, it’s all about having fun with likeminded people as much as possible. For me, that’s what we do with our event side of Killer Rides. Many people that have been a part of Killer Rides Live, our invitation indoor show, always comment on how friendly everyone is and how welcome they are made at the event. That was the whole purpose of the event when it first started in 1994. We wanted to put on an event where everyone was treated like family, with minimal fuss, no politics and above all else, looked after the entrants as much as we could. 30-years on, nothing has changed and I hope people still feel the same.
Then came the idea of our Cruise without Cars. Bringing together a bunch of car people for a few days of fun together on a cruise ship was always going to be great and I can tell you, the first event showed I was right with a great time had by all. The 2nd Cruise without Cars in July next year will see many more people board the Carnival Splendor for four days of living it up on the high seas. I can’t wait!
Moving forward, there’s plenty of things I want to tick off my long list of entries on my To Do list. Of course, there’s that elusive trip to SEMA and Kathy and I want to do the Route 66 Road Trip at some stage and I’d dearly love to take in the US Street Machine Nats and of course, the Hot Rod Power Tour. I’d better get that Powerball entry in more often I think…
Until that happens, I’ll be bringing back the Killer Rides Road Trip in 2025. I’ll have the cruise route and secure dates in the next Issue, but you can count on it happening late October and it will be kicking off in Wollongong. Until I can tick the Power Tour off my bucket list, I’ll just be content with bringing our own version to the horsepower community of Australia. And that’s just the start of what’s coming up in 2025, with some new, fun, entrant-focussed events about to be announced! Hang on to your hats, the next 12 months are going to be great!
See you on the Street,
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DESIGN
WHAT’S HAPPENING
OUTBACK IN THE MIDWEST
On his recent trip to the USA, Greg ‘Beach’ Ball picked up his US-based Commodore Ute and headed to Indianapolis to take in some events, one of which was the Out back in the Midwest – an event designed to bring together owners of Holdens that are now based in the USA. Primarily filled with late-model Commodores, there were some standouts including a HR Ute! And if you’re wondering why the C10 is parked up amongst the Holden’s, it’s because it’s a C10 body over a Pontiac/Commodore platform. Beachie also supplied the pics of the Indy Pro-Street Invasion feature starting on page 76 of this issue…
Primarily filled with latemodel Commodores, there were some standouts including a HR Ute!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
THAT’S A WRAP!
Check out the wrap on the Ferguson Racing ’55 Chevy Doorslammer that’s just rolled out of the Vinyl Wraps & Graphics workshop. Destined for a life of racing at Perth’s Motorplex (and hopefully the eastern states too), the Chev will get plenty of attention with its rusty wrap and wild corrugated iron wrapped wing!
Jake Myers - Burnout Champion!
“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!”
WHAT’S HAPPENING
KILLER Video
BLOWN PRO-STREET CARS
2023 SYRACUSE NATIONALS
Video By Rodder TV
DAVE KINDIG & KEV DOG RETURN TO ADELAIDE
After the success of the Kindig Show at the 2023 Vailo Adelaide 500 Supercar Race last year, Dave Kindig and Kev Dog are heading back to the southern state, to not only take in the action on the track, but also catch up with everyone and checking out the cool machinery on show. It’s great to have one of the worlds best car crafters back on Australian soil!
KILLER RIDES ROAD TRIP DATES & ROUTE ANNOUNCED NEXT MONTH!
LYGON STREET BREAKFASTS READY TO ROLL
Rob and the team at Kingpin Kuztums in Victoria have just been given the green light for a run of breakfast show and shines on Melbourne’s famous Lygon Street strip. By the time you read this, the September 15th event would have already happened, but you can still plan to head to three more runs. They are scheduled for Oct 13, Nov 17 and the big Xmas show on Dec 15th and are open to Pre ’78 vehicles. These are run with full support of the Victorian Police, Highway Patrol and Melbourne City Council.
I’ve been busy behind the scenes sorting out a suitable cruise route for the first Road Trip, and making sure its more than just a long drive from point A to point B. There will be plenty to see and do along the way with lots of cool photo opportunties along the way for everyone to creat some great memories with their cars! There will be minimal highway cruising as the route will take us through many regional centres each day, offering some of the nicest scenery around. I’ve also made sure there will be lots of opportunities for fuel and food stops along the route as well as many places of interest and time to enjoy them. All will be revealed next isuue!
ROCKET MOVES TO BIGGER, BETTER PREMISES
Located a short stroll down from their previous shop, the new Rocket Industries building recently opened after a complete makeover was given to the complex.
KILLER RIDES GOES INTERNATIONAL!
Congratulations to Kevin Jenkins who was awarded the first International Killer Rides Show Standout Trophy at the Indy ProStreet Invasion held this weekend in Indianapolis. Our good mate (and regular Killer Rides contributor) Greg ‘Beach’ Ball shipped the trophy to the USA in his luggage and sent me many pics of the cars at the event to choose from. Kevin’s stunning ‘58 Vette with its blown 406-cube small block, tubbed rear end and candy paint was too hard to go past! There will be a full feature on the event in the next issue of Killer Rides magazine! Thanks to Brendan at XPIGGY Customs for the awesome trophy!
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
HAVE YOUR SAY
Got something to say? Send it to paul@killerride.com.au or message us from the Killer Rides Facebook page.
THE BATTLE RAGES ON!
Hi Paul,
In regards to Stuart J’s letter whinging about not winning a trophy, I’m wondering if his car is up to the standard of the ones “unfairly” winning all of the awards. At the end of the day, it’s a car show with judges. Of course they will be looking for the best cars to hand the trophies to. If you don’t like it, either stop entering or make you own car better! Whinging about it won’t change anything. Accept it or move on…
Trev – Lavington, NSW
Hey Paul,
Great mag mate, love ya work! I’m not a show car kind of guy, but go and support as many events as I can, when I can, just to be a part of it. I’ll never win a trophy, but for me, that’s not what its about. For me, being part of event and having my car for people to look at and comment on is cool. It’s a social outing more than anything. If you want to win trophies, you’re going to need very deep pockets and be prepared to lose your social life for a number of years and then be prepared to spend every available hour cleaning! And then hope like hell, someone doesn’t turn up with even deeper pockets. Hey Stuart J, how about you just enjoy your car and don’t worry about who wins what!
Robert H – Geelong, VIC
Hi Paul,
I had to have a laugh at Stuart J’s letter last issue of Killer Rides. Do people still have a cry about not winning a trophy? Man, if it means that much to you, spend a couple of hundred thousand dollars on your car to win a $50 trophy. Good luck with that! The rest of us will continue to hang out with cool car people and have a good time!
Kyle K – Manly, NSW
Each to their own I guess…
Hey Paul,
JUST CHILL AND HANG OUT!
Why is it that people don’t hang around at events for very long anymore. While I am building my HJ sedan, I am getting to all kinds of events looking for ideas to incorporate into my build, but more often than not, when I arrive to a show, I’m greeted by a stream of cars already leaving! Sometimes this happens around an hour after the show opens? I don’t get it. Do people pay an entry fee just so they have somewhere to park, then after they have had a look themselves, they pack up and leave? It happens a lot and its getting really annoying. Come on guys, make a day out of it and relax! Or park out on the street and leave the space for those who want to be there.
Mark L – Blacktown, NSW
G’day Mark,
I agree mate, many times have I been close to an event and have passed many cars already leaving the venue. I really feel for the clubs and associations who rely on the income from these events to run their clubs for the year. When people leave early and spectators arrive to half a show, they’d think twice about going next time. Maybe people are stuck in the Cars and Coffee event mode where you turn up, grab a coffee, have a chat and go home…
BRING ON THE ROAD TRIP
Hi Paul,
Great to see the Killer Rides Road Trip is back on the agenda! Like you, I was truly disappointed that the original event was cancelled. Although I didn’t have my car finished (and still don’t) I was planning on following the group anyway just to be an unofficial part of the event. I can’t wait to see the route revealed and will be booking in as soon as I can. I now have a reason to get stuck into the XP Coupe. Hoping to cruise with you all in 2025!
Leanne R – Goulburn, NSW
Hi Leanne,
I’m so happy to be able to bring the Road Trip back. The dates and official cruise route will be announced next issue, giving a full twelve months for everyone to get sorted. There’s been lots happening behind the scenes to make this happen and regardless of how many people are locked in, we’ll be hitting the road for three days of fun in October 2025. See you then, with your XP!
PHOTO OF GOOGUYS HALL OF FAME ROAD TOUR 2024
COMING ATTRACTIONS
MODERNISING A
Classic
WHIPPLE BLOWN LS
REWORKED FIREWALL & INNER GUARDS
I was in Queensland on holidays looking through market place, as all car heads do on holidays, and I came across an EH wagon. It was advertised as an unfinished project from the central coast. It had been cut up in the rear with 20-inch FR Simmons, wheel tubs that needed finishing, and a Castlemaine front end installed. There was something about the wagon that I have always loved, so I messaged the guy and within 20 minutes I had brought the car sight unseen. The following week, I hooked up the trailer and headed up to pick up my new purchase, bringing it back to my shed to take in the project and put some plans in place. The first place I went to was Profab Motorsport, as they have done work on all of my other cars and I regard Joe, Johnathan and Nick the best in
the business. Joe was keen to take on the project and a starting date was made. It was on! I had already brought the wheels and had an idea of what I wanted to build. When the car arrived at Profab, my idea’s were set to come to life, with a full rebuild from the ground up to happen. Profab performed all of the fabrication work under the wagon to make it rolling, and then they moved onto the engine bay, adding a custom fire wall, reworked inner guards and wheel tubs, mounted the custom radiator and heat exchanger, along with hidden tanks. The work carried out was better than I could of imagined, Joe, Johno and Nick would ring me with new ideas and custom modifications during the build too. They were easy to deal with and treated the car like their own.
CHASSIS
- 9-INCH DIFF - COIL OVERS
WHEEL TUBS
20-INCH SIMMONS RECESSED EXHAUST TIPS
I needed to get the engine sorted, so a call to my good friends a Westend Performance got the ball rolling. Johnny and the team have built all of my LS engines,so it was an easy decision to go that way again, this time adding a Whipple supercharger. I have a few LS’s in my other cars, but never had a Whipple supercharger, so Westend rang up America and one was sent over. I then had to get the gearbox sorted. I went for a Reid cased Turbo 400, with billet internals built by Protrans. Profab installed the completed combo and plumbed up everything. The custom chassis also has a four-linked 9-inch with coil-overs, with a fabricated exhaust system completing the underside work. The car has been at Elite custom trims for 12 months, where Simon and Nick Judd are working their magic to ensure a one-off standout custom trim. All the fab work for the custom trim has been completed, and the wagon is coming back to me soon, so Luke Demain at Elite Custom wiring, can wire in the Haltech computer and finish off the loom. After this has been completed, the car will be stripped down and taken up the Mick at Old Skool Restos in Sydney where he will customise the outside of the car and take the body to the next level.
I messaged the guy and within 20 minutes
I had brought the car sight unseen.
I am going to unveil the car at Summernats 2026, and will be going for grand champion, after which I will do the show scene for 12 months and then drive it. The wagon has been built to drive, with quick release panels under the wagon, and will have full NSW registration. Before then though, I am putting the finishing touches to my VK Commodore that was featured in Issue #49 (Aug 2023). The VK will be unveiled at Summernats 2025 and will look completely different with a new colour, new wheels, underside detail and more! It’s been a massive year building two elite level cars, and I’d like to thank my great friends and family for helping out, proving with the right people, anything is possible!
Muscle Mash-Up
This HT GTS Monaro may look like a traditional, tough-streeter that you’d expect to see on the mean streets of Adelaide, but there’s a little technology providing the muscle…
Anthony De Gioia
Anthony De Gioia swapped a 307cube HK Premier and a bunch of cash for an unfinished, but painted HT Monaro shell. 25-years later, he finally has the car he always wanted! For Anthony, this is his dream car, so when the opportunity came his way to finally realise that dream, he made the sacrifice and parted ways with his Prem and some of his hard-earned to make it happen. With the deal done, Anthony headed home with his new project and a head full of ideas of how
he wanted to finished product to be. Having a mate (and brother-in-law) like Louie Vassos by his side (check out his Ute in Killer Rides #61), meant that between the two of them, the Monaro build went more smoothly and when it finally emerged the first time, the engine bay featured a 427-cube big block that gave Anthony some low 10-sec time slips at AIR Dragstrip and years of cruising. Three years ago, the big block was removed to make way for some late-model technology.
1970 HT GTS Monaro
Knowing the benefits of the LS-based engine package, Anthony made the decision to drop a factory-supercharged 6.2-litre LSA into the HT’s old-school engine bay. Whilst that decision may upset those that don’t consider the LSA engine a true performance small block Chev, there’s no denying the power and reliability that the package offers. After some initial teething problems, Anthony enlisted the knowledgeable guys at Horner Performance to help out with tune to overcome these issues. Whilst internally, the engine remains a stock GM Performance crate version, the special tune added to the ECU and a strict diet of E85 fuel, Anthony can now turn the key to unleash 800 reliable, drive anywhere, horsepower! And there’s still more to come! The only aftermarket additions are extractors from Advanced Headers and
blown, injected 376-cube LSA is a purposebuilt Turbo 350 auto fronted with a 3500rpm converter from Altorque with gear selections via a B&M Pro-Ratchet shifter to ensure short, sharp shifts every time – especially when punting down the Bend’s quarter mile strip. As you’d expect, there’s a shortened 9-inch diff getting all those ponies to the blacktop with 3.7-gears, and 35-spline Moser axles. Having all that power meant that the HT’s braking system needed updating too. Anthony fixed that with a complete HQ disc/drum combo adapted to the front and rear ends. A Wilwood master cylinder controls each corner. Whilst attending to the underside, the front end scored a pair of 90/10 shocks, with custom leaf springs with Caltracs were bolted up under the mini-tubbed rear end. The wheels of choice are 15x4 and 15x10 Intensity for
For now though, it’s all about enjoying the Monaro every chance he gets with the rest of the tough car guys cruising the streets of South Oz. And we all know just how tough that scene is…
When Anthony got the Monaro, he basically got a painted shell and little else. But it was a genuine GTS and his dream car. Whilst the body work had been completed and the new paint was laid on, there was no GTS stripes nor was there any mouldings attached to the body. Between Anthony and Louie, the Monaro now has the factory styling restored with the familiar GTS striping and chrome wheel-arch and sill moulds back where they belong on the Mandarin Orange body. To up the ante in the muscle car looks, there’s a reverse-cowl bonnet added. Inside, it’s almost purely factory-spec HT GTS with the original seats, dash and steering wheel still harking back to the glory days of Holden’s performance car era. For added piece of mind, Anthony added a few extra AutoMeter Carbon Fibre series gauges to the GTS dash, and the factory shifter and console have been removed to make way for the B&M shifter. It really does represent the best of both worlds.
After the latest 3-year build, the HT re-emerged better and tougher than ever. Performance wise, back out on the strip (at The Bend), the Monaro dipped into the 9’s with a 9.7 @ 140mph. That was achieved with just 10.5 PSI and in full street trim. Anthony intends to add more boost and bigger injectors to increase the horsepower and lower the ET’s. There’s also plans for a switch to a tubular front end and four-linked rear. But it’s not just on the street and strip where the Monaro impresses, with some show wins under its belt too. Anthony now has trophies for Best Aussie Muscle (Full Throttle Show), Toughest Ride (Gazzanats) and Best Engineered Street Machine (Extreme Auto Expo) sitting on a shelf at home. For now though, it’s all about enjoying the Monaro every chance he gets with the rest of the tough car guys cruising the streets of South Oz. And we all know just how tough that scene is…
When Anthony got the Monaro, he basically got a painted shell and little else. But it was a genuine GTS and his dream car.
OWNER: ANTHONY DE GIOIA
VEHICLE: 1970 HT GTS MONARO
ENGINE: 6.2-LITRE GM PERFORMANCE LSA CRATE ENGINE, 376CI, TUNED BY HORNER PERFORMANCE, LSA SUPERCHARGER, FUEL INJECTION, ALLOY 6-BOLT BOCK, FORGED PISTONS, STEEL CRANK, HI-VOLUME OIL PUMP, CUSTOM CRS SUMP, RON DAVIES RADIATOR, TWIN THERMO FANS, ADVANCED HEADERS, HOLLEY TERMINATOR IGNITION
POWER: 800HP SO FAR!
TRANS: TURBO 350 AUTO, 3500RPM ALTORQUE CONVERTER, B&M PRO RATCHET SHIFTER
UNDERSIDE: NARROWED 9-INCH DIFF, 3.7-GEARS, 35-SPLINE MOSER AXLES, CUSTOM LEAF SPRINGS, CALTRACS, 90/10 FRONT SHOCKS, HQ DISC/DRUM BRAKES, WILWOOD MASTER CYLINDER
COLOUR: MANDARIN ORANGE / BLACK GTS STRIPES
WHEELS: 15X4 / 15X10 INTENSITY
THANKS TO: MY WIFE IDESA AND MY SONS ALEX AND MAX, MY BROTHER-IN-LAW LOUIE VASSOS, ROSS, DAVE, VINCE, VICTOR, JOE & PAUL, TYRE KINGDOM, ADVANCED HEADERS, ALTORQUE CONVERTERS, HORNER PERFORMANCE, TIMS DIFFS, THE BOYS AT OUTLAW SPEED SHOP.
WAY OUT WEST
I’d heard amazing reports about the very first Dubbo Motorfest held last year. 12 months on, we were on our way to see what all the fuss was about…
I’d only been to Dubbo once before, a few years back, when we ventured out to check out the Chev which eventually made its way into my garage. I’d been seeing lots of posts about their monthly Cars and Coffee Meet held in the town centre and how many cars would attend each time. Naively, like many, I thought that Dubbo was a little, isolated town that just happened to have a few car enthusiasts who got together occasionally. How wrong I was. When you look on a map and see how many towns surround Dubbo, you start to understand why their first event attracted hundreds of cars and thousands of people to the showgrounds to check out the event. Bathurst and Orange aren’t too far away, and even for us, our trip from Shellharbour to Dubbo was an easy seven-hour drive through picturesque scenery. Sydney is even closer!
But what did surprise me when walking through the main Elite Car pavilion was the amount of cars attending from out of town. Charley Harley once again made the long trip from Queensland with his amazing ’57 Chev coupe and was kept in great company with Ben Sargent’s Summernats Grand Champion HQ Monaro, having made the trip up from Canberra along with Ben Ambrose’s sweet purple XY Falcon sedan who travelled from Dapto on the NW South Coast. Greg Maskell attended with a customer’s recently completed V12 flathead powered ’28 Tudor.
We have to mention those cool cars in attendance that we more or less local. After scooping the main prize at Killer Rides Live just two weeks earlier, the Zelukovic clan bought not one, but two amazing Studebaker’s from Orange – their killer Pro-Street ’60 and also the completely restored version. Likewise, Gary Rosser showed off his blown 1-tonner with Mark Weekes’ blown LS-powered 56 Chev and Bill Sharkey’s impressive blown ’55 Chev coupe! Add Craig Dixon’s TUF HQ Monaro, Jason McKenzie’s blown injected Camaro, Ben & Bec Crombie’s tuff Rolls, Wendy Stevenson’s Restomod ’58 Vette, Les Lawry’s amazing ‘30 Vicky, Jason McGrath’s RUMBLS Torana, Al Magritzer’s custom Morris, Mark Bartyn’s tuffstreet HK sedan and th MRHDT VK Commodore and you start to get a feel of the quality and variety of the cars filling the main pavilion. Also housed in this building was a number of projects on the go, a bunch of traders and a big showing of BMX bikes. It really was an amazing part of the Dubbo Motorfest.
But what did surprise me when walking through the main Elite Car pavilion was the amount of cars attending from out of town.
Moving outside, the cars, bikes and displays seem to go on forever. Hundreds of cars filled the oval of the showgrounds, allowing those special interest cars to put on a display that kept the thousands of people at the Motorfest entertained. Just on the outside of the oval on the grass between those cars and the Elite shed, were a bunch more cars on show, featuring high quality street cars and hot rods, that wouldn’t have looked out of place inside the main building. Blowers, big wheels, unique paint schemes and more made this area a must see too.
For those who only need two wheels, there were two indoor areas put aside for a variety of custom, restored and authentic bikes – and not just Harley’s!
For those who only need two wheels, there were two indoor areas put aside for a variety of custom, restored and authentic bikes – and not just Harley’s! There were some amazing Japanese and British bikes on show, adding yet another element to the Motorfest, ensuring the big crowd got exceptional value for money. One cool part of the bike section was the opportunity to
experience a wheel stand on a road bike. This ‘ride’ allows riders to jump onto a fixed bike on a trailer, that has the front wheel on a springboard and the front of the bike strapped so that the rider can’t go toppling off the back. It’s not as easy as it looks, but once you had the front wheel up, it was up to you to keep it balanced. Check out the video to see how one rider went.
With lots of food available, Helicopter joyrides, live music, truck displays, a range of new and old Police cars on show and more, the 2nd Dubbo Motorfest was one amazing event. The organisers that I dealt with are very humble and have asked for any feedback to make their event better and bigger each year, something that doesn’t happen very often, but probably should. Planning is already underway for the third event, and I for one will be making the trip back to the Central West in 2025 to take part in the 3rd Dubbo Motorfest, hopefully as an entrant. So who is going to make the trip with us? Maybe we should organise a mini road-trip from Sydney and cruise in together as a group. Keep an eye on www.dubbomotorfest. com.au for information on the 2025 event and get your entry in early!
PULLING A SWIFTY
Jack Mill proves that with the right mods, anything can be cool – even a Suzuki
Suzuki Swift
Jack Mill
Words / Pics - Paul Beck
Burnout Pic - Setho’s Photography
Swift!
There were lots of amazing cars on show at the 2024 Dubbo Motorfest, but there was one that had plenty of people talking – Jack Mill’s Suzuki Swift. Not only was the Swift insanely bright yellow, but this thing was tubbed, caged and sported, of all things, an LS small block for power. Usually seen smoking the hell out of the rear tyres at burnout comps, Jack’s Suzuki didn’t look out of place in the show pavilion with its retrimmed interior and dropped stance thanks to the airbag setup. Jack proved that with the right mods, anything can be cool – even a Suzuki Swift!
spotted - MEGUIARS MOTOREX
TOO COOL TUDOR
Words / Pics - Paul Beck
1930 Ford Tudor
Zac Palmer
Zac’s oh-so-cool ’30 Ford Tudor made its debut at the 2024 Meguiars MotorEx gaining plenty of attention. Dubbed WILDVIOLET, the ‘newstalgia’ style Ford featured an Edelbrock blown small block Chev, an amazing interior space and a chopped body with subtle mods all covered in stunning violet pearl paint. It was definitely one of the stars of the Inauguration pavilion…
Zac’s ‘30 Ford features old-school styling with some modern upgrades added to make it all better. I reckon its ‘Newstalgia’ at its best!
HOTROD
Homecoming!
After a forced break, the Victorian Hot Rod and Street Machine Show returned to the scene with a massive event.
Traditionally held at the iconic Melbourne Exhibition Buildings in Carlton, the Vic Hot Rod Show as its affectionately known, was one of those must-do events, catering for some of the country’s finest Hot Rods, Customs, Street Machines and Bikes. The historic building was a sight to behold on its own, but when it was full of custom cars and bikes, it was just something everyone should have the opportunity to see. And, with a revolving car show situated outside the building around the water fountain, there was as much to see outside as there was on the polished timber floors inside. The downside was that being held over the January long-weekend meant that the weather, more often than not,
was going to be hot. Sometimes the heat was stifling, and seeing that the Exhibition Buildings are heritage listed, there was no air-con inside. Though the organisers placed large fans around the venue, it was hard work being inside the show during the day. Then, the show ended. Like many, I was devastated.
2024 VICTORIAN HOT ROD & STREET MACHINE SHOW_MELBOURE SHOWGROUNDS_AUG 10/11 WORDS – PAUL BECK PICS – LAUREN @ XPOSED PHOTOGRAPHY
Years went by before we all got the news that, under the new committee, the Vic Hot Rod Show was making a return in 2024, with a new venue and a new date. After 55-years, the event was on the move. Before too long, it was announced that the show was to be held in the main pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds – a venue well known for housing custom car events. Plus, it was air-conditioned if needed! The date, 10/11th of August which just happened to be the same weekend as Killer Rides Live, shelving our plans to be in attendance for the weekend. Thankfully, Lauren at Xposed Photography made the trip into the show and sent us lots of pics!
When the doors opened on Saturday morning, more than 300 entered vehicles greeted those that made the trip to the show to see its return.
When the doors opened on Saturday morning, more than 300 entered vehicles greeted those that made the trip to the show to see its return. On top of the indoor show area, the essence of the revolving show that used to circle the fountain, also returned, though this time is was in an allocated space outside of the show pavilion. With a committee of 30 enthusiastic volunteers from the Victorian Hot Rod Association, the new look show was quite different from the previous events. Firstly, there was to be no long trophy list with categories covering every style, make, or year model. To simplify the event, judging was done by 27 individuals chosen from the Victorian Hot Rod & Street Machine
communities. The ‘judges’ simply walked through the show, making their own choices for Top 10. From there, the overall Top 10 were found and awarded their trophies at midday on Sunday. The idea behind the new system was for the diverse group of people would provide an unbiased result. Another big change was the spectator entry fee. There’s been a lot of talk on social media about the cost to enter shows around the country lately, and to combat this for the return of the Vic Rod Show, the committee decided to make it just $20 for adults and free for everyone under 18! You can’t be fairer than that! And proving their decision was a good one, the crowds attended in hordes!
As for the cars on show, it was made up of primarily of Victorian based cars, but the line-up included some of the best on offer from the area. As you’d expect, clubs made up a big part of this show along with lots of individual displays which not only included some of the coolest Hot Rods, Street Machines and Customs but also a number of high-calibre speed boats as well, bringing a new element to the show.
By all accounts, the long-awaited return of the Victorian Hot Rod & Street Machine Show proved to be a hugely successful one. The quality of the cars, bikes and boats on display were as good, if not better, than ever assembled before, and the crowds the were drawn to the Melbourne Showgrounds proved the show had been sorely missed. Seeing just how well the 2024 event was received by all concerned, the show looks like being back on a track for years to come. For updates on the 2025 Victorian Hot Rod & Street Machine Show, make sure you log on to www.vhra.com.au
SEA-SIDE SHOW OFF
Whilst the annual Romans Hot Rod Run actually kicks off on the Friday, it’s the show and shine on Sunday that is the highlight!
Kiama, on the NSW South Coast around half an hour south of Wollongong, is a hot spot for tourists wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. On any given weekend, it’s a hive of activity with thousands of people flocking to the seaside village to take in the shops, pubs and restaurants on offer. But for one weekend each year in September, the Sydney-based Romans Hot Rod Club converges on the area bringing along a bunch of Hot Rod owners with them for their annual Run.
As you’d expect, there were lots of ‘32, ‘33 and ‘34 Ford’s on show, but they were kept in fine company with many other makes, models and styles.
Friday see’s the group get together at the Caravan Park for a BBQ Meet and Greet, before kicking off event on the Saturday with an Observation Run around Kiama, heading to nearby Berry for a coffee break, followed by lunch at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club overlooking Seven Mile Beach. After some free time to check out the area of just relax, the Run finished Saturday with an Entrants BBQ back at the Caravan Park while a slight rainy haze tried its best to dampen the enthusiasm of those in attendance.
But for one weekend each year in September, the Sydney-based Romans Hot Rod Club converges on the area bringing along a bunch of Hot Rod owners with them for their annual Run.
By the time we idled the Chev into the grounds just after 9am, the show arena was three-quarters full, with many more cars coming in after us.
The forecast was much better for Sunday, and being the main day with the Show and Shine at Black Beach, the wet stuff stayed away, though it was overcast and a little on the chilly side. By the time we idled the Chev into the grounds just after 9am, the show arena was three-quarters full, with many more cars coming in after us. Walking around the 150 or so cars revealed a line-up as varied as you’ll see anywhere. As you’d expect, there were lots of ‘32, ‘33 and ‘34 Ford’s on show, but they were kept in fine company with many other makes, models and styles. This show and shine always brings together a variety of cars and this year they ranged from a restored 1909 model, a bunch of dropped VW’s, lots of customs, plenty of cool trucks, a GT40 Ford, the latest model Corvette and even a Lambo! There definitely was something for everyone! Add to this a few trade stands, lots of food outlets and quite a few Harleys and you can understand why the Romans Hot Rod Club members were smiling. All in all, the 2024 Roman’s Kiama Hot Rod Run was a complete success. Can’t wait for No.10 in 2025!
PICKING UP THE PIECES
A mate of Charley Harley’s imported a well-worn ’57 Chev coupe from California with intentions of rebuilding it for his wife. After it sat in the garage stripped down to its bare bones for many years, it was offered to Charley who knew just what to do with it. After sifting through the jig-saw he had just purchased, Charley headed to see Chris Wells at BMV Engineering to work out a game plan for the ensuing build. Chris is a second-generation sheet metal master, who learned his craft from his Dad, and has been adding his skills to many custom rides ever since.
Sometimes, when the right project car appears, you need to drop everything and take it home!
1957 Chev Coupe
Charley
Externally, the essence of the sleek ’57 Coupe body has been retained, or so it would first appear. Those with a keen eye would have picked that both front and rear windscreens are now flush mounted, the door handles have been shaved, the three-piece front bar is now one-piece with the overriders removed and a custom splitter added, the wiper grille has been deleted, the doors feature one-piece glass, the roof and bonnet have been reworked for a smoother look, the sills have been extended, the rear bar and bootlid have been made smoother and the usual fuel filler has been remanufactured to include a manual boot release, master switch and trickle charge point. How’s that for starters? Lifting the bonnet reveals an engine bay that has fabricated inner guards and firewall and a custom radiator support panel with custom bonnet latch. The underside is just as trick with a new flat floor, trans tunnel and fabricated custom chassis complete with independent front end and four-link rear. With the body shaping tools packed away, it was time for colour, so Charley consulted with his wife Kerrina and daughter Brooke to sort out the colour combo. With that detail decided, the Chev was shipped off to Stephen Riek at Nambour Creative Body Works to lay on the PPG Protect Ray
normal, Charley opted to coat all of the bright work in Satin Black. The purists may have a hard time dealing with it, but it certainly sets Charley’s Chev apart from the rest. Likewise, the interior couldn’t be any further from 1957, with Cam Haywood from North Coast Custom Trim doing quite a number on the Chev’s insides. The four-seat arrangement (fabricated from Commodore front seats and custom rear) is kept company with a full custom dash and centre console that incorporates a Samsung touch pad, shifter, cup holders and some necessary switches. The insane wiring by Tyler Wilson enables Charley to operate the Infinity System via Wi-Fi, including the ignition, air-con, lights, windows etc from the touch pad and also his phone! Other inclusions are the Holley digital dash, front and rear dash cams and a full complement of Alpine and Focal car audio equipment. The retrim now sees Black Italian leather used exclusively, including in the boot area.
In a complete snub to what’s considered normal, Charley opted to coat all of the bright work in Satin Black.
Nestled into the sculptured engine bay is a 486-cube big block built by Superformance. As you’d expect, its detailed to the max, but also packs quite a punch thanks to some high-performance bits. The GM Performance block houses a Scat crank and rod combo swinging CP Bullet pistons with Moly rings and the cam of choice is a Lunati item providing a noticeable idle without being too over the top. A pair of aluminium Edelbrock heads top the tough bottom end with a matching Air-Gap intake with Holley Terminator EFI throttle body filling the gap and supplying the 98-octane fuel. Custom headers flow into a dual 3-inch exhaust system to expel the gases with ease. On the engine dyno, the aspirated big block made an impressive 650hp! Backing the big
block is a stage two 4L80E trans with Compushift controller and 3000rpm converter. There’s a 9-inch under the ‘57’s rear end, and is fitted with a Strange alloy case, 3.7-gears and 35-spline axles. Black Atomic wheels sit at each corner, 17x4.5 on the nose and 15x12 where it matters the most. BAER 14”cross-drilled disc brakes and 6-spot calipers sit inside each front wheel, while the rear has 11.5” disc and 4-spot calipers.. Suspension wise, there’s no trace of 1957 to be seen on the new chassis, with the IFS front end wearing a power rack and pinion steering setup, and splined sway bar. A complete HQ Shockwave airbag setup ensures the ’57 rides as good as it looks.
OWNER: CHARLEY HARLEY
VEHICLE: 1957 CHEV COUPE
ENGINE: 486CI BIG BLOCK, GM PERF BLOCK, MOROSO OIL PAN, MELLINGS OIL PUMP, SCAT CRANK, SCAT PRO-COMP I-BEAM RODS, CP BULLET DOME-TOP PISTONS, LUNATI CAM, MOREL HYDRAULIC ROLLER LIFTERS, EDELBROCK PERFORMER ROM ALLOY HEADS, LUNATI VALVES AND SPRINGS, TREND PUSHRODS, EDELBROCK PERFORMER RPM AIRGAP INTAKE, HOLLEY TERMINATOREFI 4BBL THROTTLE BODY INJECTION, HOLLEY ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP, CUSTOM HEADERS, DUAL 3-INCH EXHAUST, HOOKER MUFFLERS, HOLLEY SNIPER DISTRIBUTOR, MSD BLASTER COIL, MSD DIGITAL 6AL IGNITION.
POWER: 650HP
TRANS: 4L80E, HD STAGE 2 SHIFT KIT, COMPUSHIFT CS11 SHIFT CONTROLLER, 9-INCH 3000RPM CONVERTER, B&M STEALTH PRORATCHET 4-SPEED
After four and a half years of build time, Charley has seen plenty of success on the show circuit, with a Summernats Elite Champion and PPG Paint award in 2020, Superstars finalist, 2nd Body work at MotorEx, Top Coupe, Top Engine Bay and Top Interior at 2021 Red Centre Nats and Top Body, Top Interior, Top Custom and Top Engine Bay at Rocky Nats 01, 02 and 04 to name but a few of the awards the Chev has won. The Chev has been well-travelled which doesn’t seem to be slowing anytime soon, as Charley and Kerrina still enjoy getting the ’57 out and about. That’s when they aren’t out cruising of course…
UNDERSIDE: CUSTOM CHASSIS, IFS, POWER RACK, FLAMING RIVER STEERING COLUMN, CUSTOM FOUR-LINK, 9-INCH DIFF, 3.7-GEARS, 35-SPLINE AXLES, HQ SHOCKWAVE AIRBAGS, BAER CROSSDRILLED DISC (14” front, 11.5” rear, BAER 6-SPOT CALIPERS front, 4-spot rear.
WHEELS: 15X12 / 17X4.5 BLACK ATOMIC
COLOUR: PPG PROTEC RAY BLUE / SATIN BLACK
THANKS TO: MY WIFE KERRINA AND DAUGHTER BROOKE, CHRIS WELLS @ BMV ENGINEERING, STEPHEN RIEK @ NAMBOUR CREATIVE BODY WORKS, TYLER WILSON @ RE WIRE, CAM HAYWOOD @ NORTH COAST CUSTOM TRIM.
FAT TYREFun
They came from all over the USA (and even from Australia!) to take part in the largest gathering of Pro-Street cars ever – the 2nd Indy Pro-Street Invasion!
Henricks County Fairgrounds was turned into a stomping ground for some of the toughest and wildest Pro-Street cars in the USA. Travelling from all over the States to be part of the second Pro-Street Invasion, entrants were treated to four days of cruising, showing and generally having a great time with likeminded people and their badass pro-street cars. Once again, event promoter, Terry Scrivner gathered the troops together, bringing more horsepower than ever seen before to the venue, with a variety of makes, models and styles on show.
But don’t think for a minute that this was just a regular static car show, where a blown, tubbed monster would occasionally idle passed you inside the venue! Getting these over-powered street cars out onto the public roads is a big part of what brings the ProStreet family together. Collectively, they put the Street into Pro-Street! Those landing at Fairgrounds early, like our mate ‘Beachie’ got to kick start the event with a cruise night at the nearby Culvers fast-food restaurant where many onlookers were waiting for the Pro-Street parade to take over the carpark. What a sight that must have been to see cars like Bradley Gray’s twin-blown Funnycar, Tony Netzel’s slammed Plymouth, Wendy Beard’s blown Cuda and other’s as they took up every available spot for the night.
Thursday was more of the same, with the entourage leaving the Fairgrounds for a day of cruising to various shops including Walts Hot Rods, Cruze Pedergon Racing, Don Schumacher Racing, AB racing, Morgan Lucas and more. I’m not sure who would have been more impressed – the entrants as they got guided tours around these amazing workshops, or the workers in the shops who got to
see some of the baddest street cars in the land being driven into their carparks! Friday and Saturday were spent at the Fairgrounds where the cars were on show for all to enjoy. Friday did have the Bradley Grey Cruise happen at 11am and on Saturday, spectators and entrants alike were all treated to a Cackle-fest after the National Anthem. What could be more American than that?
At 4pm on Saturday after the cars had finished their cruising the venue, the show and shine awards were handed out, including the Top 20 and the first Killer Rides Show Standout Trophy awarded outside of Australia, thanks to Greg ‘Beach’ Ball for taking it with him to the event. I chose Kevin Jenkins to be the recipient of our trophy for his oh-so-cool candy-coloured ’58 Corvette. Sunday was the last
day of the 2nd Indy Pro-Street Invasion and saw all the entrants have their cars on show until 6pm when the event officially closed, bringing to an end another great event. From all accounts, this year’s Pro-Street Invasion was a successful event that bodes well for the third ‘Invasion’ to be held in 2025. For details on when and where, make sure you log onto www.prostreetinvasion.com
ESCORTService
Wanting to reignite his passion for Drag Racing, Paul Watts found a rolling Escort shell that set him on his path back down the quarter mile!
Paul Watts
1975 Ford Escort
Words/Pics/Video - Paul Beck
Build Pics - Paul Watts
Race Pic - Grant Stephens / Cackling Pipes
Paul sets the scene from the very start. “I purchased this car from Victoria as a roller, the car was last tech inspected in 1992. The 1975 MK1 Ford Escort was a good starting point for a new project to re-ignite a passion in drag racing after previously racing in Super sedan class back in the 90’s in an FX Holden. The car still had original floor pans, roof had been chopped, front chassis to the fire wall and a basic roll cage. From this base I started to strip the car down and discovered the car was bent at the fire wall also revealing several other structural issues. From there I decided to cut the floor pan and the roll cage away to remove the body for access to the roll cage to build a full chassis and roll cage for the car bringing it up to today’s tech standards. The body now bolts to the chassis with bead rolled
aluminium fire wall, floor pan and rear tubs.” Once he had the body sorted, straight and ready for paint, it was handed over to Anthony Bacon to lay on the Lamborghini Pearl Orange paint, ensuring the Escort makes a statement in front of a crowd when lined up ready to race, and whilst on show as it was at the recent Killer Rides Live #6. The changes already made to the body are more than obvious, with the roof chop and extended, lift-off front giving the small Ford a unique look. The front end has the standard issue Mk1 grille, with airbrushed headlights replacing the glass versions. The original front bar is also retained. Moving to the rear, the carbon-fibre rapped alloy wing and parachute dominates the view, matching the twin stripes that roll over the body from front to back.
As you’d expect from a purpose-built race car, the interior space is all business. If it doesn’t help Paul get down the 1320, its simply not needed. The pearl orange and carbon-fibre theme continues with the area confined within the redone roll cage. The new trans tunnel plays host to the electronically-assisted B&M shifter, switch panel and fire extinguisher (you can never be too safe!), with the ignition components mounted to the passenger floor – which is now fabricated in beadrolled sheet steel. Paul straps into the Kirkey race seat with a Simpson belt, with access the basic dash panel that houses just the necessary gauges –most importantly the AutoMeter tacho and warning lights. More gauges have been added to the centre of the dash to keep Paul well informed during a pass.
With the front clip removed, the aspirated small block Chev comes into full view. Sporting no less than 422 cubes, the big cube small block produces 850hp, using only top shelf gear to reach that mark. The aluminium Dart block has a Crower crank swinging Dyers rods and forged Racetech pistons, along with Crower competition cam and Hippo lifter combo. The oil is distributed through the engine via a Wulff 4-stage dry sump system. The heads are 13-deg Dart alloy items filled with Isky valves wrapped in titanium springs. The 1050 Demon carb is mounted to the two-piece, high-plane GM intake giving the perfect delivery of
The ignition incorporates an MSD two-step and launch control to get those 60-foot times low! Backing the tough small bock is a trans-braked Powerglide fronted with a TCE 5000rpm converter. The rear end features a severely narrowed 9-inch diff with Strange gears and axles. After Paul fabricated the new chassis, he added a LHD rack and pinion steering assembly, AFCO springs and QA1 shocks to each corner along with Strange Race Series discs and 4-piston billet calipers, operated via a HZ Holden master cylinder. The wheels are by Weld and measure 15x4.5 and 15x12-inches.
Paul went on to tell us, “I’m very happy with the end result of the build. It’s run in the 8’s over the quarter mile, doing way more than I ever expected, with more developing to come to find its limit with this motor and driveline combination. The only thing I would do differently if the build was to take place again, is an axel upgrade as this has proven to be a weak point. The future I have with the car is to attend nostalgia race days and test & tunes as this is a way for me and my two sons to spend some time together to enjoy our passion of racing and have some fun.”
As you’d expect from a purpose-built race car, the interior space is all business.
OWNER: PAUL WATTS
VEHICLE: 1975 FORD ESCORT SUPER SEDAN
ENGINE: 422CI SMALL BLOCK CHEV, BUILT BY TODD GOODWIN COMPETITION IN THE USA, DART ALLOY BLOCK, CROWER CRANK, DYERS RODS, FORGED RACETECH PISTONS, CROWER CAM, HIPPO LIFTERS, DART ALLOY HEADS, ISKY VALVES, TITANIUM SPRINGS, WULFF 4-STAGE DRY SUMP, CUSTOM HEADERS, MSD TWO-STEP & LAUNCH CONTROL, 1050 DEMON CARB, GM TWO-PIECE INTAKE.
POWER: 850HP ASPIRATED
TRANS: POWERGLIDE, TRANSBRAKE, TCE 5000RPM CONVERTER, ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED B&M SHIFTER.
UNDERSIDE: FABRICATED FULL CHASSIS, LH RACK AND PINION STEERING, 9-INCH DIFF, AFCO SPRINGS, QA1 SHOCKS, STRANGE DISCS AND 4-SPOT CALIPERS, WHEEL-BARS, 4-LINK, HZ HOLDEN MASTER CYLINDER.
COLOUR: LAMBORGHINI PEARL ORANGE
WHEELS: WELD 15X4.5 & 15X12
THANKS TO: JASON @ SOUTHERN MOTOR WORKS FOR DYNO TUNING. DAVID @ RELIANCE BRAKES FOR ALL THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AND ADVICE. RYAN @ SOUTH COAST POWDER COATING FOR ALL THE COATINGS. ANTHONY BACON FOR THE PAINT WORK. MY TWO BOYS LUKE AND KALE FOR HELPING TO PREP THE CAR AND CREWING ON RACE DAYS – WITHOUT THEIR HELP, THIS WOULDN’T BE POSSIBLE!
COMING EVENTS
Ingenia Holiday Park, Moruya Lee - 0419 845890
18-20
Swan Hill, VIC Malleecruisercarclub@gmail.com
Speers Point Rob 0413 078467
Kiewa
