Killer Rides #61_Jan 2024 by killerrides

s e d i KILLERR ISSUE #61 - JAN 2024

THE ! P M A CH

Australia’s Street Car Community!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE!

34TH CRAKK RUN SUMMERNATS 36 KINGPINS NYE SHOW NSW ALL AMERICAN DAY FRESH STYLZ LOWRIDER MEET BLOWN XM FALCON COUPE BLOWN LSA HR UTE SOUTH OZ VAL UTE and more...

ICE & O H C ES PEOPL MPION A H C 36! S GRAND T A N MER M U S AT

ALL NEW VIDEO FEATURES!

From the Desk WELCOME TO 2024! WHAT A YEAR ITS GOING TO BE! If you’ve skipped ahead to check out the features I have assembled this month for you, you would have already noticed one massive change in this Issue. Killer Rides is now a true Video magazine, giving us a big point of difference from other online and printed magazines. Our feature cars are now video’s! Yep, you’ll see them moving, hear the engines running and get a different perspective of what a feature car is. Of course, we’ll still be shooting cars set up on their show stand, which won’t include and movement or engine noise, but you will get a different view and will also hear from the owner themselves too. I’ve been testing the waters over the past few months by adding Video features to each issue and by all accounts, you guys love them. I’m keen to hear what you think. I’ll still be doing the traditional event coverage that we have always done, but when I can, I’ll also be adding video clips to those too!

started with – entry by invitation only and you can’t enter two years in a row! We also held the Street Machine Nationals in 2010 (Rosehill Racecourse) and 2011 (Sydney Dragway) as well as many cruise nights, monthly meets and more. This year, you can expect not only Killer Rides Live, but also the Hot Rod & Harley Expo, along with a couple of new events that we are currently working on behind the scenes. Yep, it’s going to be a big year alright. I hope you stay on board and enjoy the ride… Lastly, I want to dedicate this Issue to Marie Bray, who we lost last month. I am proud to say that Marie, Victor and Benny had become close friends of ours and we are deeply saddened by her passing. Our sincere condolences go out to the entire Bray family and to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting this amazing woman. RIP Marie.

2024 is somewhat of a personal milestone for See you on the street, me too. This year marks 30-years of staging custom car events. Way back in 1994, my brother Rod and I walked into the Illawarra Hockey Centre, back then known as the BHP Sports Stadium, to enquire about staging an indoor car show. The venue operators couldn’t understand what we wanted to do and promptly said no. But perseverance paid off and we managed to stage the first Hot Car Titles in July 1994 with some of the best cars in the scene on show. Fast forward 30-years and a few name changes, Killer Rides Live #6 still retains the same deal we

Paul

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s e d i KILLERR

Australia’s Street Car Community

Issue No.61 Jan 2024

2024 CRAKK RUN

28 SUMMERNATS 36

In This Issue! 10 18 20 28 36 46 56 60 68 74 82 90 100 102

WHATS HAPPENING News, views and things of interest HAVE YOUR SAY Got something to say? MAXIMUM IMPACT 604ci Blown Injected Dodge Charger HOT IN THE CITY Summernats 36 heats up Canberra POWERING THROUGH THE AGES Blown, tubbed XM Falcon CRAKKING ON The 2024 CRAKK Run in Canberra GARAGE GOALS Is it time to give your garage a makeover? 68 BLOWN LSA HR HOLDEN UTE US FORCES The NSW All American Day HIGHLY REGARDED A tricked up, smoothed out HR Ute GETTIN’ CULTURED The Fresh Stylz Lowrider Club Roll Out NATURAL PROGRESSION South Oz’s smoothest Valiant Ute ONE FINAL HOORAH Kingpin Kuztums see out 2023 in style PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Need a product or service? COMING EVENTS What’s on, where and when!

KILLER RIDES MAGAZINE Po Box 165 Oak Flats NSW 2529 PUBLISHING EDITOR Paul Beck (0432) 795336 paul@killerrides.com.au WEBSITE www.killerrides.com.au

60 nsw all american day

garage makeover ideas

BUILT FORD TOUGH XM

20 SUMMERNATS 36 GRAND CHAMP CHARGER 90 KINPINS NYE SEND OFF! 82 val ute south oz style 74 FRESH STYLZ YEAR END CRUISE

HOT ROD VW BEETLE Don’t think a humble VW Beetle can be made into a world class Hot Rod? Check out ‘AUDACITY’, a full custom ’67 Beetle built by Metal Morphisis Customs in Alabama. Featuring a host of body mods including a roof chop, suicide doors, grafted rear oval window, custom smoothed dash, widened fenders, custom bootlid and bonnet, there’s over 1400 hours of labour gone into the one-time stock body. After the body was completed, the exterior scored a few coats of ‘Piss Off Pink’ and to really make the colour pop, the interior metal was coated in Aquasphere. Blue and Pink together? It doesn’t sound right, but it works. Working with the new interior colour, the seats and door trims are covered in a matching leather and Porsche Plaid trim that gives the VW’s internal space a life of its own. The interior makeover also includes a roll cage, billet steering wheel and digital Dakota dash. There’s also an 8-speaker sound system controlled by Bluetooth.

Don’t think a humble VW Beetle can be made into a world class Hot Rod?

Powering the trick Beetle is a brand new, as in zero-miles, 1915cc engine with dual Weber carbs, Porsche fand shroud and insane detailing. Thanks to the Airride suspension, the Beetle slams down over the Schott 18x8 and 20x12 rims. With the air pumped up, the powder coated and painted chassis, narrowed front beam and four-wheel discs come into view. This one-of-a-kind VW has been a huge internet sensation, with modified car lowers giving the thumbs up and sending the purists into fits of rage! Either way, the Beetle gets attention! The car will continue to be shown in the USA until May 2024 when it will be handed over to a new owner. The current asking price is $75.000USD. Are you the ultimate VW fan? This could be all yours…

WHAT’S HAPPENING CRAGAR GUITAR

Built by Stephen McSwain Guitars to celebrate Cragar’s 50th Anniversary, this oh-so-cool, one-of-a-kind, chrome-plated wheel guitar is without doubt one of the coolest I have ever seen. A tribute to the ever-popular S/S wheel, this stunning guitar features a 50th Anniversary Limited Edition cap, embossed body, and CRAGAR S/S 50th Anniversary inlaid into the neck. Unveiled on the Cragar stand at the 2015 SEMA show, the Guitar was offered as a prize for fans who registered to win, and from over 16,000 entries, it was won by Sherri Hudgin from Atlanta Georgia. Yes, I’ve done a google search on it and no, I haven’t found it for sale anywhere…yet!

Peter Fitzpatrick - 1934 Ford Coupe

st be e th e us to e lik ys wa al d an rs ea -y 50 er ov r fo rs ca I have been building ! rs ca y m l al in n sio en sp Su lls ve Lo e us I y wh ’s at components I could get, th 12

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WHAT’S HAPPENING SECRETS ABOUT VIN DIESELS 70 DODGE KILLER CHARGER FROM FAST AND THE FURIOUS!

Video

Video by Volo Museum

Don’t forget to checkout the website!

www.killerrides.com.au BEST OF KILLER RIDES PRINT MAG NOW AVAILABLE

Issue numbers 1 and 2 of the Best of Killer Rides is now in stock and ready to send out via Australia Post, 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 14

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! KILLER RIDES CRUISE WITHOUT CARS!

Have you booked a spot for the first annual Killer Rides Cruise without Cars? If not, best you do so now! These cruises tend to sell out, so to secure your place for the first one, book a room now! Here’s what you need to know; Date: July 4th - 8th, 2024 Cruise: Carnival Splendor out of Sydney Sydney - Tangalooma / Moreton Island - Sydney To book a room, from an Interior room to a Balcony suite, you can contact your own travel agent and use the reference: Z8W1B4. Alternatively, you can use our agent: Le Sharn Bard at Flight Centre Figtree. Call her direct on (02) 42516000 and tell her it’s for the Killer Rides Cruise, and she will make it happen for you. Can’t wait to see you all upon the Carnival Splendor, Thursday July 4th! More information can be found at www.killerrides.com.au

CRUISE without

CARS

EXTREME PROJECT X STUDEBAKER LIVES!

It’s alive and finally out there being used and abused! After going through many different garages since I sold it, my old Pro-Street ’51 ‘Bullet Nose’ Studebaker is now in the hands of Joe Gosschalk who has finished it off with a tunnel rammed big block Chev and has been entering it into a few burnout comps in Qld. It’s so cool to see what was the Extreme Magazine Project X, finally out strutting its stuff! Project X how it was back in the Extreme Magazine Days!

IT’S OFFICIAL! HEMI CHALLENGER, CHARGER AND 300 DEAD!

It’s the day Mopar fans have been dreading. The life of the Hemi-powered Charger, Challenger and 300 has no come to an end. Whilst it means Mopar fans will never be able to hear that familiar Hemi rumble in a performance sedan again, the future of hot Mopar’s are not so final. There’s plans in place for a twin-turbo V6 replacement package to find its way under the bonnet in the very near future. It may not sound as good, but I’m sure the new engine program will certainly pack a punch!

HAVE YOUR SAY Got something to say? Send it to paul@killerride.com.au or message us from the Killer Rides Facebook page.

ELECTRIC CARS SUCK

Hi Paul, I thought I would take up an offer to buy a cheap Tesla recently. Sure it was fun for a while, but it didn’t take too long for the novelty to wear off. A minor issue took a considerable amount of time to fix because no one could pin point the issue. Once I did get it back, the problems persisted to the point it was in the shop more than it was on the road. The bill to fix the battery problem was worth more than the car itself, so I cut my losses and parted ways with it. Never again will I fall for this electric vehicle bullshit. Petrol engines for ever!!!! Daniel K – Brisbane.

G’day Daniel, I hear this a lot mate. There seems to be some issues that Tesla need to overcome with their vehicles. I guess time and research will be great for the whole EV movement, but for me, it’s definitely a last resort. I’ll stick to my petrol-guzzling, ozone-layer-depleting big block Chev for now. I’m sure I’m not alone. 18

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR AT EVENTS!

G’day Paul, Like you, I’m over these so-called car enthusiasts doing stupid things in their cars at events. Is it any wonder why Police attend these events and hand out defects? What is wrong with people. Are they not concerned about having their car defected, impounded or even worse, crushed? I just don’t get it… Aaron H - Dandenong G’day Aaron, It seems that these guys thrive on making a spectacle of themselves, without a care in the world about the consequences. More often than not, someone will have footage of them doing the wrong thing, and post it on social media without their plates covered. It’s an open invitation for the authorities to take action – which they do. It’s no secret that Police spend time looking through social media pages hoping to find this stuff. Eventually, they will get the hint and settle down…hopefully.

BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU CRUISE!

G’day Paul, I’m hearing a lot of people complaining about being hit with a letter to present their cars to the RMS for a full pit inspection. Do the Police still target modified cars just for the hell of it? It doesn’t seem fair. Surely there must be something we can do as a group to stop this ‘random targeting’ of modified cars by the Police, EPA and RMS? If we don’t act now, how long will it be before the powers that be stop all modified cars from being on the street? Oliver J - Parramatta

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE STREET MACHINE NATIONALS?

Hi Paul, I was googling events recently and came across the Street Machine Nationals held in Wagga Wagga. I then started looking around and found that you have run the Street Machine Nationals at Rosehill Racecourse and Sydney Dragway quite a few years ago. What ever happened to that event? To be honest, I’ve been to six or seven Summernats in my time, and it just doesn’t do it for me. I want to see an event that focusses on the cars first and foremost. Is there any chance you’ll ever bring the Street Machine Nationals back? And if you do, can you please make it chrome bumpers only? By the way, love Killer Rides! Keep up the great work. Simon B - Penrith G’day Simon, I tried to get the Street Machine Nationals back a couple of times, but the workload was just way too much for me and my small team of workers. I still believe there’s room in the event calender for the original “Nat’s” and would love to work with a group to make it happen. But with a busy schedule already, who knows if it will ever happen…

G’day Oliver, I too have heard the rumours circulating about the RMS sending out letters to car owners. Realistically, there’s nothing we can do about it, other than choose carefully where you cruise, and when you do cruise, do the right thing and above all else, keep your car as legal as you can. Good luck with it all… 19

m u m i x a M IMPACT

The Top 60 Show at the Summernats always produces a variety of cool cars, for number ‘36, nothing could match the impact that Joe Bauer’s wild Dodge Charger was packing!

Jaws dropped and camera’s were clicking away when the covers came off Joe’s Charger for the first time, sending the internet into meltdown. After a massive build that took just 16-months, Joe’s candy coloured Charger won a swag of awards, including the coveted Peoples Choice and the much sought after Grand Champion sword! If you get a chance to see Joe’s 3000hp 604ci Hemi Charger at a show, you won’t be disappointed!

JOE BAUER - 1968 DODGE CHARGER

WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck

OWNER: Joe bauer

Yes it’s a ‘68 model - Joe grafted the ‘69 rear end onto the earlier model body!

VEHICLE: 1968 DODGE CHARGER ENGINE: BLOWN INJECTED 604CI HEMI, CUSTOM 18/71 SUPERCHARGER, BUILT BY VICTOR BRAY HORSEPOWER: 3000hp TRANS: TURBO 400 REAR END: SHEET METAL9-inch, 3.5-gears COLOUR: HOUSE OF KOLOR BRANDYWINE THANKS TO: VICTOR BRAY FOR THE ENGINE. SHANE AT IMAGE TRIMMING. OZ RODS GARAGE.

SUMMERNATS 36_EPIC, CANBERRA_JAN 4-7 WORDS / VIDEO - PAUL BECK PICS – KATHY BECK

E H T N I HOT CITY

In garages all over the country, the dreaded last-minute thrash to get all kinds of cool custom cars ready for the annual trek to Canberra was on in earnest. We’ve all been there, and to this day, I’m sure many Christmas lists include parts and accessories needed to finish off cars to get to the Nation’s capital. For 36-years, Canberra has hosted the groundshaking event with more than 2700 cars passing through the gates this year at EPIC for four days of showing, cruising and of course burnouts – lots of burnouts! Apart from these three main attractions, there was also some heavy hitters in the music industry taking to the stage each night along with all the thrills of the lawn mower racing, the earth-shaking Tuff Street show and an abundance of traders peddling all kinds of gear.

Whilst people in Australia were celebrating Christmas and the New Year, those with high-octane fuel running through their veins had other ideas. It’s Summernats 36 time!

In the Top 60 Pavilion, there were 23 new cars that were revealed to the world on Thursday evening in front of an appreciative crowd. There was something for everyone and no doubt the internet will be flooded with pics of all the new stuff in no time. Or you can check out our coverage and video here too. One of those cars, Joe Bauer’s ’69 Dodge Charger was an instant hit. From its candy covered body to the Victor Bray-built, 3000hp blown injected 604ci Hemi, this Charger had a crowd around it all weekend whilst on show. History now shows that amongst its trophy haul over the weekend, Joe managed to secure both of the main trophies – People’s Choice and the coveted Grand Champion

after blitzing the driving events and beating the other 16 entrants lined up for a crack at hoisting the sword. One of those favourites, the FORGED XY Falcon not only took home Top Judged Elite, abut also first place in every category it could. Even though he didn’t win the Grand Champion, owner Dan Moreton, couldn’t be disappointed too much with the weekend. When we entered the Top 60 Hall on Saturday morning, it was jam packed with people, making it difficult to get pics and video, but seeing that Saturday passes had sold out, this was always going to be the case. Outside was just as busy with the Top 50 Street cars also on display. Then there’s the cruise route…

From the shade of the elevated eBay Garage stand, we watched as the cruising happened under the watchful eyes of thousands of punters. We were amazed that after last year’s fiasco on the cruise route, just how smoothly things were happening. Finally, I thought, it had sunk it to those that usually cause problems in that area. Sadly, that didn’t last long. After we left to get a spot in Bradden, I started getting sent videos from mates of

people resorting back to their own ways and turning the top section of the cruise route into a burnout pad, with many people jumping the barriers to boost their egos. Then it got really bad with videos of the Crowd Control team taking on the boisterous crowd with the fists and more. It got really ugly, really quickly. But enough of the negative stuff, there’s too much of that on the internet and prime time news shows if you want to see it.

A quick walk through the Trader’s pavilions unearthed a lot of companies from all over the country showcasing their latest and greatest products from blowers to wheels, polish and clothing. By mid-arvo, we were on our way out of EPIC to head to Bradden where it was like taking a trip down memory lane, like the Summernats of old. It was all about the cars, with the people there just happy to enjoy the cool carorientated atmosphere. For me, it was the best part of the Summernats.

With so much to take in over four days, number thirty-six will go down as one of the largest and most controversial yet. Everyone is going to have an opinion about what needs to happen for the event to move forward and I’m sure some of those points will be valid. I would suggest sending the Summernats team an email via the website. Here’s a snap shot of what we saw for the time we were there! Enjoy…

POWERING

THROUGH THE AGES!

It started with his Grandfather’s daily, then it got handed down to his Dad, before ending up in his garage. One day, Brendan Wright will hand the keys onto his son…

Brendan Wright

1964 XM FALCON COUPE WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck

For a family predominantly interested in Holden’s, none of them would dare part with this XM Falcon after Brendan’s Dad bought it back from the brink of being scrapped. This tough Falcon’s future is securely mapped out to stay in the family and seeing that Brendan’s son is just two now, it will be hanging around for many years to come. Now located in the south west of Sydney in the high horsepower Thirlmere region, there’s a fair chance the blown, tubbed and tough as hell Falcon will be getting plenty of use both on and off the street. And I reckon Brendan’s Grandfather will be watching from above with a massive grin as that blown Windsor shreds those big rear tyres … 36

The engine bay is smoother now thanks to the Rod Shop independant front end!

OWNER: BRENDAN WRIGHT VEHICLE: 1964 XM FALCON COUPE ENGINE: 364CI DART WINDSOR, BDS 6/71 BLOWER, TWIN 750 HOLLEYS, E85 FUEL HORSEPOWER: ENOUGH TRANS: REID-CASE POWERGLIDE REAR END: TRUETRAC 9”, 4.11-GEARS COLOUR: PEARL WHITE

THANKS TO: HIGH-TORQUE PERFORMANCE FOR THE ENGINE. ANDY @ FIREBALL KUSTOM FABRICATION FOR THE DIFF. CRAIG AND PAT @ SILKE FABRICATION FOR THE POWER STEERING, FUEL AND BRAKE LINES AND EXHAUST. TROY @ TNS AUTO FOR THE REWIRE. MOST OF ALL MY GRANDFATHER AND DAD FOR KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE.

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CRAKKING

! N O

For 34-years, the Canberra Rod & Kustom Krooze has been one of those events that you have to do at least once. And when you do, you’ll have so much fun that you’ll be back time and time again! The CRAKK Run has gained a huge reputation over the years for being an event that offers so much to keep you busy enjoying yourself for four days, or can be a relaxing weekend away watching hot rods, customs and now muscle cars, cruising the grounds of the Capital Country Holiday Park with a bunch of likeminded people sitting in the shade of a tree or around the pool area. Either way, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere and comradery that events like this are well known for.

PHOTO BY JON SMOOTHER

34TH ANNUAL CRAKK RUN_CANBERRA - CAPITAL COUNTRY HOLIDAY PARK_JAN 25-28, 2024 WORDS – PAUL BECK PICS/VIDEO – PAUL BECK & KATHY BECK 46

Officially, the CRAKK Run kicks off Thursday afternoon with registration for entrants and then a Meet and Greet for Sponsors before everyone can kick back and enjoy a supplied sausage sizzle. As a sponsor, it’s so nice to be acknowledged for our support in front of an appreciative crowd. By this time, cars were already stickered up and cruising the picturesque parklands that surround the venue. It’s a popular past time at the CRAKK Run with many entrants having to refuel often to keep racking up the miles of smiles…

WINNER

Killer Rides

Show Standout With Australia Day falling on the Friday this year, the show and shine was switched to this day instead of the usual Saturday. I think everyone was thankful the weather was overcast and much cooler than last year for the cruise from the Park to the show and shine held under the trees in Queanbeyan for a few hours. More than 200 cars of all styles and colours filled the area giving the lush green grass a lift of colour and chrome. The great thing about events like this is every single car is different in its own way! For me, it was one of the best Show and Shines held at the CRAKK Run for as long as I can remember. After a few hours, the entrants headed back to the Park for an afternoon of cruising, swimming and more. Friday was also put aside for the kids to get involved too with a water balloon battle, a Kidzone area and more. Day two was capped off with live music from the Meteor’s Band and drinks well into the night. 48

Saturday sported clear blue skies – just the thing for a day of cruises. Option one, which is one of my favourite parts of the CRAKK Run, was to the local Skid Pan near Queanbeyan where entrants were able to punt their cars around the wet concrete pad two at a time. With six minutes on the clock for each pair, it was a case to relive your youth (well for me it was anyway!) and go out and have fun getting sideways, backwards and sometimes even going in the right direction! Everyone had a ball and I for one can’t wait to go back and do it all again! Thanks to Jon Smoother for capturing us hanging the back of the ’62 out in the wet. Check out the video and see just how loud Kathy was in the back seat!!!! Option two was to head over to Questacon and again, everyone that took part on this cruise had a great time! Option three was to the Arboretum, a local scenic spot well

worth the look too! As you can see, there was plenty to see and do. After lunch, the cruising once again took over the roadways within the Holiday Park and continued until dark when it was time for the DJ to supply the music. Also happening during Friday and Saturday were hands-on demonstrations at the Kustom Korral where Lucky’s Speed Shop were performing a roof chop on a 36 Ford Coupe and nearby were airbrushing courses from Air Brush Venturi, welding classes held by Les Rice and also lessons on painting by Bruce Hopper at Fast Colours. And if you were lucky enough, you could have your car pinstriped by legend striper and sign man, Alan Smith – who was kept busy laying down lines on all kinds of cool things.

But all good things must come to an end, and after the pancake breakfast was had, it was time for the trophy presentations and drawing of the raffles etc. Once again, it seemed that the entrants of the CRAKK Run took a liking to our Chev and we were awarded one of the Top 3, Pre ’66 awards – another cool Bowling Pin trophy to add to the collection! It was also a chance for me to give back to the scene as well, with the first Killer Rides Show Standout award for 2024. I joked about giving it to a very shiny red ’32 Roadster last year, but this year, the shiniest part of this car was the number plates! Our award went to Ezio Cacciotti for his oh-so-tough ’34 Ford Hi-boy coupe. Check out the pic in the feature and you’ll understand why it grabbed my attention!

After the awards were handed out and the huge array of raffle prizes were won, it was time to enjoy the Hot Dog lunch, bid our farewells and hot the road home, bringing to an end another amazing weekend at the 2024 CRAKK Run. I can’t thank the organising team, their helpers and everyone involved for a job well done. We’re already planning our return trip and once again, Killer Rides will be there to sponsor what we regard as one of our all-time favourite events. See you there over the long weekend in Jan, 2025…

GARAGE GOALS With the Chev away getting rewired, it’s the perfect time for me to clean out the garage and make it more appealing. I’ve been looking at ways to make the garage a nicer area to hang out in with my car mates and found some cool ideas on the web. Hope these inspire you as much as they have me...

Of course, how elaborate your set up is will depend on how much space you have to play with, how many cars you need to house and most importantly, how deep your pockets are... 56

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FORCES US

41ST ALL AMERICAN DAY_MACARTHUR SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE_CAMPBELLTOWN JANUARY 21, 2024 WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – PAUL BECK

Each year in January, owners of all kinds of American cars converge on Macarthur Square Shopping Centre in Campbelltown showing just how big the US car movement is.

Spread over two big areas, the variety of cars on display is second to none. Owners of modified, restored, original, rare, daily driver, old and new Fords, GM’s, Mopar’s, and more gathered to not only show off their pride and joy, but also raise funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation at Westmead. Hosted by the Mustang Owners Club of Australia, the 2024 All American Day is the 41st held, and by all accounts, one of the biggest held yet. And it was certainly one of the hottest on record! I can tell you first hand, the heat was almost unbearable and it was no wonder plenty of entrants spent time “hiding out” in the shopping centre.

The heat didn’t stop people from attending, but it did cause some to leave early...

For just $20, you get to park your US-built car in the show area in amongst hundreds of likeminded guys and girls. By the time I idled the Chev into the car park, it was filling fast and in no time at all, just about every available parking spot was taken, making for one hell of a display of muscle cars, cruiser, commercials and classics. There really was something for everyone – including a new electric Mustang which gained plenty of curious onlookers.

All American Day is the 41st held, and by all accounts, one of the biggest held yet. And it was certainly one of the hottest on record!

This year the organisers mixed it up a little and instead of us Chev/GM guys getting our usual spot under cover in the main carpark, we were moved up to the other level where all the Mustang guys park each and every year, giving some Bowtie goodness to the Blue Oval brigade. The heat didn’t stop people from attending, but it did cause some to leave early – including

me as the sun bouncing off the white concrete carpark was really getting to me. Still, it was better than pouring rain I guess! Until next year…

By the time I idled the Chev into the car park, it was filling fast... 66

ED D R A EG LY H IG H R

Dale Millican had big plans for his humble HR Ute. The team at Southern Rod & Custom made those dreams a reality! When the HR arrived at Southern Rod and Custom, there’s no denying it had potential. Between Dale and Shane Rowe, they worked out a game plan that saw the early Holden smoothed out, reworked and repowered into one of the smoothest street elite cars we’ve seen - just as we’ve come to expect from the team at SRC. When unveiled at Summernats 36, the HR had jaws dropping. Not only was it smooth all over and coated in a custom mix SRC Olive Grey Pearl, but it also featured a stunning interior transformation as well as a built LSA small block that had the factory blower swapped over to a larger Harrop version that sits inside the smoothed engine bay.

DALE MILLICAN - 1966 HR HOLDEN UTE

WORDS / PICS / VIDEO – Paul Beck

OWNER: DALE MILLICAN

The LSA engine had the factory blower swapped over to a bigger Harrop item!

VEHICLE: 1966 HR HOLDEN UTE ENGINE: 6.2-LITRE LSA SMALL BLOCK WITH HARROP SUPERCHARGER BUILT BY FRANKSTON ENGINE CENTRE HORSEPOWER: PLENTY TRANS: POWERGLIDE REAR END: STRANGE 9” WITH FLOATERS COLOUR: CUSTOM SRC OLIVE GREY PEARL THANKS TO: SOUTHERN ROD & CUSTOM, OPTION AUTO TRIM, CHASSISWORKKS AUST, UNITED SPEED SHOP

G ETT IN’

CULTURED

LOWRIDER

FRESH STYLZ LAST ROLL 2023_GOLD COAST, QLD - SUNDAY DEC 31ST Words Paul Beck Pics – Chez Images

STYLE...

After some of the worst weather on record, the Gold Coast put on clear blue skies for the annual Fresh Stylz Lowrider get together…

Just over 70 lowriders of all makes, models and colours attended the Fresh Stylz Lowrider Clubs sixth annual Roll Out, making it the biggest gathering yet. Entrants came from as far away as Sydney, Newcastle, Bathurst and even one from Melbourne to cruise with

cars from across Queensland. It was quite a spectacle when all of the cars arrived at the meeting point at Macintosh Island. With some cars raised in the front, dropped in the back and up on three wheels, the line-up showed just what being part of the Lowrider scene is all about.

Even though this event was club run, it was opened up to everyone – club members, other club members and solo drivers. When first started six years ago, the Roll Out kicked off with a massive BBQ at a club members home before cruising down to Macintosh Island, continuing on through Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise before cruising through Broadbeach and eventually ending up at Coolangatta. After growing too big for the original plans, the Club decided to change the meeting point to Sanctuary Cove before heading along the same route. A further increase in entrant numbers saw that plan go out the window too.

What started out as a Club get together has quickly grown into a Community event where the Club feels privileged to be able to give something back...

So now, those rolling in from up north meet at Top Golf before heading into Macintosh Island by 11am to put on a free show and shine for all to enjoy. As well as the Lowrider display, the club organises giveaways, food and lots of entertainment for both the young and the young at heart. There’s a free BBQ and drinks, and a club member, DJ Dave was providing the tunes all day and night! This year, for the first time, the club gave away a Lowrider bike and get this, tickets into the draw were free! Yep, all you had to do was be under 16 and you could win a cool Lowrider pushbike! After the festivities had completed, the crew hit the road for the usual cruise through Cavill Ave and down to Broadbeach before heading to the Fresh Stylz HQ located in Searanche where Club President Wiremu hosted a New Year’s Eve party and anyone who wanted to attend.

Entrants came from as far away as Sydney, Newcastle, Bathurst and even one from Melbourne to cruise with cars from across Queensland.

What started out as a Club get together has quickly grown into a Community event where the Club feels privileged to be able to give something back in the way of the huge show and shine. Being a free event, it attracts a lot of spectators and the club is known to pick a few random people to have a cruise in a car to feel first hand just what it’s like

to be part of the Lowrider scene. It’s a great initiative which will no doubt see the event grow each year on the last weekend of each year. To find out more about the Fresh Stylz Lowrider Car Club, its future happenings, and to see pics of the members cool Lowriders, jump onto their Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/freshstylzlowrider

l a r u t Na

progression

Before Loui Vassos turned his VE Ute into the stunning show piece it now is, it was used as a work hack. Thankfully, those days are now over!

WORDS - PAUL BECK PICS - JOE CRISPIN

Loui Vassos

1967 VE Valiant Wayfarer Ute

These days, tradies treat their work Utes exactly how they were built to be treated. More often than not, they are used, abused and then put out to pasture. Loui on the other hand, had no such intention for his classic Chrysler VE Wayfarer. No one is going to miss a well-used Hilux, Rodeo or Ranger, but a rarely-seen Valiant Ute? Now that’s a different story. When the time came to relieve the banged up and beaten from its daily duties, Loui knew it was time to bring his childhood dream to life! The plan was simple. Take the worn-out Ute and turn it into a typical South Oz tough streeter with a stout driveline and perfect stance!

It’s the gun-barrel straight panels and silkysmooth paint that grabs your attention initially. Before any work took place on the exterior, Loui had Walker Chassis modify the load area to accept larger wheel tubs to fit the 15x10 Centerlines wrapped in 275/60 rubber. Nestled in between the rear wheels sits a 4.11-geared Dana TruTrac equipped Borg Warner diff that includes 31-spline Currie axles to ensure longevity. Koni shocks, relocated 7-leaf springs and drum brakes complete the rear end package. Up front, the factory torsion bar front end has been retained and also has Koni shocks added along with VG Valiant vented discs and VH calipers. Giving the Ute a Pro-Street look is a pair of 15x5-inch Centerlines. Not wanting to mess with Chrysler’s original body style, Loui instructed Andre Jenkings at Old Yankee Imports to eliminate any imperfections in the sheet metal before handing the reworked Ute over to Tony Surace at Elite Paint and Paint to lay down the PPG Black paint. The end result? Stunning, comes to mind!

The glossy black paint continues into the engine bay, where it surrounds a street-friendly LA small block sporting 360-cubes, producing 470hp.

The glossy black paint continues into the engine bay, where it surrounds a street-friendly LA small block sporting 360-cubes, producing 470hp. Built by Nick Taddeo and Brenton Marusic, the small block uses a standard-spec crank, rod and piston combo – showing just how good the factory Chrysler products are. The guys added a Lunati Voodoo cam, Comp Cams lifters and a Mellings hi-volume oil pump to the toughened bottom end before capping it off with a pair of Edelbrock Performer alloy heads and a single 750dp Holley mounted to a Victor Junior intake that’s been match-ported to the heads for optimal flow. An ICE 7-amp ignition system lights the fire and burns the Premium fuel pushed into the hypo 360-cuber. Backing the engine is a 904 Torque Flite auto that now features a reversepattern shift kit, manual valve-body and 3500rpm converter. Gear changes are done via a B&M Stealth shifter.

Inside, the factory look has for the most part, been retained with the bench seat and door trims retrimmed in red vinyl back to 1967-specs, with the factory dash and steering wheel still occupying the same space it left the showroom floor with. Even the original radio kept its spot! And whilst the original style is cool, Loui needed to add a few crucial items including a small, column-mounted AutoMeter tacho with external shift light, with a row of switches and three more AutoMeter dials for Loui to keep a watchful eye over.

With his lifelong dream completed, Loui plans to keep cruising and enjoying one of the slickest Valiant’s in South Oz! 86

It’s taken Loui some 15-years to get the VE Ute to the point where he is finally satisfied. During the build, he lost count on the dollars the Ute has consumed, but when he attended the 2019 Chryslers on the Murray, the Ute was awarded the Best VE in Australia trophy, making any hassles encountered along the way seemingly insignificant. Since that day, Loui has had his tough VE Ute at many events held in Adelaide and its surrounding areas, always managing to draw a crowd and turn heads at each time. With his lifelong dream completed, Loui plans to keep cruising and enjoying one of the slickest Valiant’s in South Oz!

No one is going to miss a well-used Hilux, Rodeo or Ranger, but a rarely-seen Valiant Ute? 88

THANKS TO: Andre Jenkings – Old Yankee Imports for the bodywork. Tony Surace – Elite Paint and Panel for the paint and panel work. Nick Taddeo and Brendan Marusic for the engine build. Frank and Rob Bergamin for the electrical and engine tuning. John Skorpos for advice, help and the headers. Eileen and Mia for their love and support. Anthony Degoia for help with the build behind the scenes. 89

KINGPIN KUZTUMS NEW YEARS EVE PARTY_STAMFORD HOTEL_ROWVILLE Words – Paul Beck Pics – Olskool Photography & Classic Cars

ONE FINAL rah! Hoo

Kingpin Kuztums have had one hell of a big year with so many great events, so what better way to cap off a big year with one massive get together!

As the main man behind the Kingpin Kuztums Events and Social Club, Rob Bellio is always looking at suitable venues to stage his well-attended Pre’78 Car Show and Music events. During 2023, Rob and his team held many successful events and lots of great venues attracting hundreds of cars to each. And whist the ‘normal’ people around Australia are having BBQ’s and preparing to watch the midnight fireworks, those in the greater Melbourne area who are in to cars, were heading to the Stamford Hotel in Rowville for the last show on the 2023 calender.

Situated east of Melbourne City, the Hotel offers a great space with both bitumen and grassed areas to house the show cars, not to mention the facilities inside for the bands that were booked to perform including Kid James and Kieron McDonald who played for an astonishing four hours combined. Both supported by Jalopy Demons who had everyone up dancing the year away. Pic by Paul Wan

Pic by Paul Wan

You can tell the entrants that had other plans for NYE, they were the ones that stayed for a short visit...

The cars and bikes started rolling in early and for the first few hours, the Hotel’s driveway was a revolving door or Hot Rods, Customs, Bikes and Muscle cars as an estimated 1000-plus cars and bikes made their way into the car park and show area. You can tell the entrants that had other plans for NYE, they were the ones that stayed for a short visit whilst others stayed for the long haul, making the most of everything on offer, which also included a cool collectables fair and ample food and drink.

Situated east of Melbourne City, the Hotel offers a great space with both bitumen and grassed areas to house the show cars...

The New Years Eve party capped off a massive year for the Kingpins group, and as you’d expect, Rob and the team will enjoy a short, but much needed break, with the next event planned for Mid-February at the Somerville Hotel for the 2024 Rats, Tatts ‘n’ Pinups show. This one will kickstart the 2024 Kingpins Kuztums Calendar. For more information and to keep up to date with the clubs happenings, click on this link - https://www.facebook.com/ kingpin.kuztums

The New Years Eve party capped off a massive year for the Kingpins group, and as you’d expect, Rob and the team will enjoy a short, but much needed break...

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