WINTER 2013 | TUCKINLOW.COM
PICKLE + FRICKLED
MAKING OTHER CAR GEEKS
GREEN WITH ENVY FOREVER GRIEVING A WICKED DAKOTA FOR A BELOVED BROTHER
SCRAPIN’ THE COAST IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? AISSUE Publication by TuckinLow, LLC. 02 | TUCKINLOW.COM
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Editorial
24 Frickled Pickle
5 Fall City Road Rage
27 Street Rod Nationals
By Josh Jenkins
Text and Photos by Josh Jenkins
8 Blue Deville
Text by Josh Jenkins Photos by Angie Caranto, AC Images
12 Frog Follies
Text and Photos by Butch Pate, P8 Photography
16 NOMAD
Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
20 Slamily Reunion
Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
Text and Photos by Josh Jenkins
30 Forever Grieving
Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
33 Scrapin’ the Coast Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
36 Shades of the Past Text and Photos by Butch Pate, P8 Photography
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EDITORIAL Resolutions, we all have them, some are lofty, and some are more realistic. As a gearhead, I’ve always found myself making non realistic goals for project vehicles, and well, they almost NEVER work out. So, this year I am taking a new approach at my goals for the year, both personally and professionally! Some of you know that I have my own project vehicle that is a 63 Belair 2 door that I have been working on off and on for about 3 years, and at the beginning of every year I always say that “this year will be the year I finish it.” Does that ever happen? No, because the amount of work it needs and the time I actually have to do it is never taken into account when I make my sky high goals, and my extreme disappointment sets in around the first of November when I realize that I didn’t do what I set out to do at the beginning of the year.
My goal this year? Just drive the car at some point! I’m not far off from that goal right now, and only need a few parts to complete the task. Unfortunately, with life there is always something that will pop up and throw a stick in your spokes and bring momentum to a screeching halt! Whether its bills, health or time, it’s gonna get you at some point, so at the beginning of 2013 I urge you to sit down and evaluate all your goals, and “resolutions” in all aspects of life and ask yourself can you realistically complete those tasks? If the answer is no, then tweak your plans to make sure that you have goals and tasks that you can complete! At the end of the year you will have no regrets, and go into 2014 with a completely different outlook on your projects, and every aspect of your life! Josh Jenkins
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Fall City Road Rage Text and Photos by Josh Jenkins Presented by Gateway Classic Cars
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> Fall City Road Rage Held at the historic grounds of the Lanesville Heritage Park in Lanesville, IN, the Fall City Road Rage brings out pre-1972 kustoms, traditional rods, gassers, muscle cars and trucks, and vintage and new-school kustom motorcycles. This year’s event featured a vintage racecar corral, delicious food, and vendors such as Progressive Insurance, Timebomb Kustom Pinstriping, and Gateway Classic Cars, this year’s sponsor. This was the second annual Road Rage event, and organizers are already planning for next year’s show. You can keep an eye out for the third annual Fall City Road Rage at www.fallcityroadrage.com.
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BLUE DEVILLE Text by Josh Jenkins Photos by Angie Caranto, AC Images
Cruising down a local road known as Preston Highway, a young Jason Caranto laid his eyes on a thing of beauty. There stood a Chevrolet Monte Carlo laced with hydraulics – the first of its kind in the area. Eager to take the Monte Carlo for a spin, Caranto put the car to the test. And before long, Caranto knew he had to have one. Years later, Caranto had several. Thanks to his rendezvous with the Monte Carlo that fateful day, Caranto’s life-long infatuation with lowriders began, later intensifying through his role as head installer at Cool Cars in Louisville, KY. There Caranto worked with some of the best installers around, installing several hundred custom setups in an eight-year span. Leaving Cool Cars in 2002, Caranto decided to continue installing setups in his home garage. Unfortunately, over the next few years, the infatuation that Caranto had for lowriders could not be said for many others. The phenomenon was slowly dying, fading into the background of the automobile landscape. But luckily, the lowriders disappearing act didn’t last for long. With the sudden passing of a veteran lowrider, co-worker, and dear friend Fernando Garcia in August of 2008, the phenomenon was reignited, sparking Caranto’s urge to get people back into lowriding, including himself, and to keep the memory of “Fernie” (as everyone knew him) alive. A Lincoln and Cadillac enthusiast, Caranto began ISSUE 02 | TUCKINLOW.COM
searching for the perfect lowrider for him and his family. After an extensive search, he found a Cadillac Coupe DeVille in Lebanon, Indiana and immediately purchased the coveted automobile. The build process then began with Kandy Koated Kustoms kicking off the bodywork by putting in long hours of block sanding to ensure all the panels were straight and also removing the vinyl top for the “bald head” conversion. The New Albany, IN-based custom shop then applied the PPG Pearl White base and clear. The car was then put into the care of Josh Culver at Culver Customs in Louisville, KY for him to apply his magic. Using House of Kolor Oriental and Cobalt Blue Kannies, Josh patterned the roof and then added silver leaf and pinstriping to the entire car. Once the car was back in Caranto’s hands at the LAB, he built the pump and battery rack and color matched it to the trunk. Caranto then got in touch with Bryan at CCE Hydraulics to get a totally custom one-off CCE Turbine kit. All of the aluminum parts were powdercoated kandy blue, and all of the stainless was polished out to a mirror finish. The heart of the amazingly clean setup included five group 31 batteries, four Italian dumps, and four aircraft air coolers, which were mounted remotely on a stainless steel plate. The trunk is paneled off and color matched with pinstriping and LED accented plexiglass. The entire front suspension is re-enforced and uses a pair of 8 inch cylinders with 2 ton CCE springs for lift, while the rear end has been re-enforced and shortened to ensure the car lays low,
has an old school coil under set-up with 10 inch cylinders, and 650lb springs to get it up off the ground and allow the car to ride smoothly. The comforts of the Caranto family ride were kept clean and simple. Thanks to a Clarion DVD/ Navigation Head Unit, playing through Rockford Fosgate amps and speakers that are housed along with LCD TVs in color-matched consoles, the Caranto family never misses a beat. The finishing touches to the car included all new glass, composite headlight conversion, and a full LED light kit. Top Notch Polishing polished all of the exterior aluminum and stainless trim. And lastly, a super clean set of 14”x6” white spoke candy blue nipple knock off wheels with 175/70/14 white wall tires completed the work done on this amazing cruiser. Caranto wanted a new car for his family, and he got one. But his intricately customized Deville is more than just a car. Caranto’s new car gives way for new memories to be made with his family, and it traces back to old ones made along Preston Highway. But it also represents a token of devotion towards his mother, father, grandmother, and his dear friend and inspiration, Fernando “Fernie” Garcia.
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> Blue Deville
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W W W. C O O L C A R S . O R G
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Frog
Follies Text and Photos by Butch Pate, P8 Photography
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For a fun filled weekend for the whole family, you can’t go wrong with Evansville Indiana’s own Frog Follies. Celebrating its 38th year, the highly anticipated car show is always during the last weekend in August. The event is an all-day affair, featuring several activities, including a model car contest, one blind racer, sack races, club volleyball, clothes pin drop, trike races, balloon toss, and of course the valve cover and oil pan races. How they pack so many rods, vendors, and a huge swap meet into the Vanderburgh 4-H campgrounds, along with thousands of spectators, is simply amazing. The Host club, E’ville Iron, claims that this car show has always been and will always be pre-49 Street
Rods only. Street driven cars have been the standard all others are judged by, and there are an amazing number of rods that are still driven after many years. Frog Follies attracts rodders from all over the country and most have that one spot, whether it be under their favorite tree or right out on the main road, that they treat like a second home. There’s also plenty of room for car clubs to park together and display their banners. Concession stands keep the showgoers happy during the car show with our personal favorite being “The Haystack,” which is something we look forward to every year. Did I mention family fun? From “The Early Bird Gets The Worm” to the header toss, there’s fun for all ages and plenty to do all three days. If you’ve never had the pleasure of attending a Frog Follies, make plans now. See you next year!
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> Frog Follies
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NOMAD There is nothing like being able to drive and enjoy your trophy winning show truck every single day. Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
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When building a custom vehicle, the builders usually have one of two intentions. One is to only drive it on nice days, weekends, or on special occasions. The other is to drive it just as you would any other vehicle. Active military and custom truck enthusiast Rob Jones of Waterloo, NY (currently love in Killeen, TX) is a proud member of the second group. Rob first ordered his 2007 Ford F-150 Supercab from the factory in November 2006. After driving it around for a couple years, he decided it was time to take his not-so-common modified truck to Ekstensive Metalworks in October 2008, who then tore into it to make it lay rocker on 24” wheels. Up front they took the suspension off a Chevy Silverado and modified it to work on Rob’s Ford. Out back, they narrowed the rear end with a 2-link, keeping things simple. During Rob’s second deployment in January 2011, he had Demented Cus-
toms make the paint pop a little more, which was sponsored by Dan Ward of Truckin’ Magazine. He then upgraded his old 24” Sarus SA14 wheels and bolted up some staggered billet 24/26” Raceline Blast wheels. Since the car’s completion, Rob has skated (driving an inch or two off the ground) over 25,000 miles in his body dropped F150 from October 2011 to November 2012 going as far as New York and back. He has taken it to over 12 shows with over half of them being out of state, which explains why his club, Aftermath, calls him a “nomad.” There is nothing like being able to drive and enjoy your trophy winning show truck every single day. Rob’s future plans include some more interior and stereo work along with a new paint job.
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> Rob Jones -F150
OWNER > Rob Jones RIDE > 2007 Ford F-150 Supercab HOMETOWN > Waterloo, NY CLUB > Aftermath WHEELS > 24x9 & 26x10 Raceline Blast TIRES > Sunny 275/30-24 & 305/30-26 SUSPENSION > Stock floor body drop performed by Ekstensive Metalworks with a 2- link in the back and Chevrolet front suspension BODY MODS > Grant Kustoms 3 piece rollpan; shaved door handles; gas door; tailgate; and all emblems PAINT > 2-tone House of Kolor Black/silver performed by Demented Customs and pinstriping done by Robert Johnson of Big Johnson Pinstriping INTERIOR > Factory leather seats; red suede headliner, and few interior pieces color matched STEREO > Pioneer head unit, rest of the stereo sponsored by Rockford Fosgate: 4 12” P3, 3 component sets, 2 P1000-1BD, 1 P500-4, and 2 Kinetic HC 1800 ENGINE > Stock 5.4L with a throttlebody spacer, K&N filter and Edge Programmer SPECIAL THANKS > “Bill and his crew at Ekstensive Metalworks for the awesome work on the suspension, Darryl Tracy for the kickass rendering, Jerry from Drag by Customs for the help with the rear end for the billet wheels, Demented Customs for the paint, Jesse Gonzales from Last Minute PaintWerx for the awesome body work on the speaker box, and last but not least Steve and everyone at Brass Customs for the help with building the stereo and helping on the truck when ever it had issues. “ ISSUE 02 | TUCKINLOW.COM
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Slamily Reunion
SLAMILY REUNION Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
FOR MORE INFO ON THE UPCOMING 5TH ANNUAL SLAMILY REUNION SHOW, CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE WWW.SLAMILYREUNION.COM OR ON FACEBOOK.
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Since the conception of Slamily Reunion back in 2009, the guys at KEG Media, along with their friends and family, have put on one of - if not the best – family-friendly shows in Arkansas. With a switch to a new venue at the Kay Rogers Park Fairgrounds, the 4th annual show presented by California Fab Shop was solid once again with just under 400 custom rides and about 3,500 spectators from all over the country. This show has always been notorious for its HOT weather, but this year was a little different. Possible rain the whole weekend made for cooler temperatures with a slight drizzle Saturday afternoon and a little downpour Sunday afternoon.
Some highlights of Slamily Reunion included a $1,000 cash prize for ‘Best of Show,’ Top 125 awards, and the ‘Best Of’ trophies, along with events such as a sweet tea chug, a tattoo contest, and a coloring contest for the kids. This year’s sponsors and vendors included Injected Speed Shop, J. Pauley Toyota, Audio Addiction, ESD, Breeden, Arkansas Customs, Street Performance, Slosh Tubz, Wilson Auto Body, DeArmond Chassis & Paint, Mad Gear, and Solo Films.
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> Slamily Reunion
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Frickled
Pickle Frickled Pickle
Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
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Since his days in middle school, Kyle “Pickle” Garza has always been into custom cars. Before he could legally drive, Garza knew one day he would have a full custom show ride. Starting off small with a hatchback that his parents gave him, Garza got into the import scene when he acquired an SUV that would introduce him to the truck scene when he joined a local club. With a few bagged rides in the club, Garza’s eyes were opened, prompting his desire for bags of his own. After almost dropping his SUV to the pavement, he came across a Chevy Colorado that he decided to purchase while getting his life together. As a lot of people know, trying to balance life and building a truck is no easy task, which meant no shows and little progress for a few years. When Kyle was able to start going to shows again, he caught the ‘bug’ that many car enthusiasts catch. The first thing Garza had done to the truck was the interior by Interiors By Design. Garza later got some new wheels and minor bolt-ons. It wasn’t until he met Dan Dattalo of Dotlow Rides that he made the decision to cut the truck up and lay the frame. The goal for the initial finished product was set for Tex Mex 2011, and they literally pushed the truck there to make it. The great
response from his friends and others encouraged him to push the truck even further. After seeing a few other built Colorados, he knew he had to make his stand out. He called up Raceline Wheels and ordered the newest billet rim they had available at the time, the Explosion, and had them wrapped with some Nitto tires. After only a couple months, it was time to make the rockers kiss the ground. He took it back to Dan and Mark with Dotlow Rides who built a 3/4 frame and changed up a few things to make it lay body in about 3 weeks for Lone Star Throwdown 2012. From there, Polk Audio helped out with a banging stereo system, Trenzition Paint & Body sprayed the DuPont Synergy Green paint, Gary’s Rhinolining laid down the bedliner, and Robert Johnson added the finishing touch with some pinstriping. Garza’s plans to add some graphics down the side, a rear disc brake conversion, and possibly a custom dash, door panels, and add a few more horses under the hood. Garza also plans to continue hitting car shows, showing off his enhanced ride.
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> Frickled Pickle
OWNER > Kyle “Pickle” Garza RIDE > 2004 Chevrolet Colorado HOMETOWN > Pearland, Texas CLUB > Aftermath WHEELS > 22x8.5 and 22x10 Raceline Explosions TIRES > Nitto Invo Tires 245/30/22 & 295/25/22 SUSPENSION > Bagged and Stock floor Body Dropped 3/4 Frame that’s also the air tank, 2-Link setup in the rear, Dallas Hotrod Parts Control Arms, 3” Drop Spindles made by Max Fish. Stock Narrowed Rear Axle, all work done by Dotlow Rides in Alvin Texas. Helix Air Compressors, Firestone airbags, GC valves, and an AVS switchbox. BODY MODS > Upside down 94-99 Cadillac Taillights thanks to “Indychus” for the idea, Grant Kustoms Tailgate skin and Rollpan done by Carlos with Bernal Auto Designs. Xtreme headlights and DRL’s. GMC Canyon Grille with Street Scene Gen 1 bumper with Speed Grille inserts. Shaved 3rd brake light and fuel door. Street Scene Sport mirrors. PAINT > DuPont Paint, GM Synergy Green all done by Felix Lucio Jr. & Gerardo Vargas with Trenzition Paint & Body. Pinstriping by Robert Johnson. Colormatched bedliner by Rhino Linings done by Gary’s in Katy. INTERIOR > Custom Bucket Seats and chopped rear bench. Wrapped by Julio with Interiors by Design in Rosharon Texas. Custom Center Console made by Dotlow Rides in Alvin Texas. STEREO > Polk Audio MM6501 Mids and Highs and Polk Audio MM1040 Subs All powered by a Polk Audio PA-D5000.5 Amplifier. With a 1 farad capacitor and an Optima Yellow Top Battery. And a JVC headunit. ENGINE > K&N Cold Air Intake, Flowmaster Exhaust. ISSUE 02 | TUCKINLOW.COM
SPECIAL THANKS to my wife Jennifer for being supportive and understanding. Huge thanks to Dan with Dotlow Rides for even starting on the build. Also thanks to all my friends who helped: Mark Knapp and his wife Melissa, Chad Moss, Will Parker, Abe Solis, Steven “Doosh” Dashney, Shawn Robinson, Rob Valentine, Jonathan Robinson, Josh Robinson, Benny Botello, Chris “Porkchop” Wallace and his wife Nicole, Eric “Eazy E” Latigo, George Rodriguez with The Setup and everyone else who I didn’t mention.
STREET ROD NATIONALS Text and Photos by Josh Jenkins
The 43rd Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals was held once again at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. The show began on Thursday with quite a bit of rain and thunderstorms, but that didn’t deter the show’s participants and spectators from having a grand ol’ time. In 2011, the NSRA expanded the show’s submission criteria with a new 30-year rule. Now, any vehicle that is 30-years old or older is allowed to be in the show, which not only treats the showgoers to a much wider range of cars but also to different genres of customizing. Over 30 of the industry’s top builders were featured inside in the foyers of the convention center - all of which were top-notch builds that drew large crowds all weekend. Over 9,000 custom vehicles were showcased at the show, and with the celebrity appearances, indoor and outdoor vendors, we think the NSRA continues to provide an enjoyable experience for all ages!. If you haven’t made a trip to Louisville to attend the show, put it on your to-do list, because it is definitely a show that you don’t want to miss!
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> Street Rod Nationals
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See? Told you it was a good question! hellonimbus.com 1.800.645.9841 hello@hellonimbus.com ISSUE 02 | TUCKINLOW.COM
Forever Grieving Text and Photos by Koapono Patrick, KP Concepts
Teddy made a promise to both his brother and himself that he would build the Dakota in his memory. And that is exactly what he did.
Teddy Romeo Dodge Dakota
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Like with any other collectible, owners of custom rides grow attached, forming a resilient bond solely based on joy and excitement. But it is when someone builds a truck in memory of a fallen family member that such attachment becomes that much stronger. Teddy Romero and his older brother Justin of Port Arthur, TX were always into custom cars and trucks growing up. In 2001, their grandmother bought a brand new Dodge Dakota right off the showroom floor for Justin as a graduation gift. Justin drove the snot out of that mid-sized truck but had never modified it, even though he would always talk to Teddy about sprucing it up by adding air ride, Boyd wheels, and a custom paint job. Sadly, Justin passed away in 2007. But before Justin’s passing, Teddy made a promise to both his brother and himself that he would
build the Dakota in his memory. And that is exactly what he did. The build process started in 2009 with Teddy laying the truck out on 22x10” Gianelle wheels with a traditional 3 3/4” body drop but later re-flooring the cab. He then took it a step further and stepped out of the box by adding a new Dodge Ram front end and taillight conversion. Teddy handcrafted the front bumper with a 3” pipe and a flat head hammer he made which took nearly 2 weeks. Once all the bodywork was ready, he had the talented Patrick Reid lay down the slick flames that wrap around the whole truck. After the truck got it last paint job for Showfest in May 2012, Teddy went and showed it to his grandmother. She nearly collapsed. Crying tears of joy, Teddy and Justin’s beloved grandmother
was so happy to see the truck that she bought for her grandson transform into a commemorative work of art in honor of Justin. One of the finishing touches on the Dakota, which also happens to be the most touching part of the build process, was the aluminum piece Teddy made, which is located in the bed. It reads, “In life there are things that are said and things that are done. One thing that was talked about was Justin’s truck, all the custom work, the air ride, and Boyd wheels, all stuck in my head. After all the grieving was set to the side, time for talk was over. Our brotherly love will forever shine. I miss my bro…1983-2007. Hope the truck is how you wanted it!” For Teddy, the whole build process was well worth it. There will always be that special bond between Teddy and this wicked Dakota, and it’s all because of Justin.
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> Forever Grieving
OWNER > Teddy Romero RIDE > 2001 Dodge Dakota HOMETOWN > Port Arthur, TX
The Inside Scoop
WHEELS > 22x10 Gianelle wheels TIRES > Falken 235/65/22 SUSPENSION > Air ride including in house control arms, 2-link with track bar rear setup BODY MODS > 2010 Dodge Ram headlights with fenders & hood hand shaped to fit; hand built sheetmetal bumper; shaved gas tank lid; drip rails; third brake light; antenna; California combo; and 2008 Dodge ram taillights PAINT > All paintwork done by Patrick Reid INTERIOR > Stockish with a subtle console STEREO > CD player and 2 - 5 1/4 speakers ENGINE > 3.9 liter magnum V6 with cool air intake and programmer SPECIAL THANKS > “I’d like to thank Patrick Reid for busting it on the paint and body. Justin Marks for the help and the dent he added (haha). My wife for putting up with all the long hours and washing all the dirty clothes. But most of all, I want to thank my brother James Justin Pittman for leaving me with his beater to fix up to his liking, while I dealt with the grieving of his loss. Things in life just happen, so ride the waves and hang ten!” - Teddy ISSUE 02 | TUCKINLOW.COM
SCRAPIN’ THE COAST Scrapin’ The Coast is known as one of the premier custom car and truck shows in the country. And with this year marking the show’s 10th anniversary, promoters pulled out all the stops to make the event unforgettable. Hosted annually at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, MS, Scrapin’ The Coast brought tons of rides from all over the country to the beach Friday, June 22 through Sunday, June 24. A potential storm brewing in the Gulf Coast threatened the highly anticipated weekend, but thankfully, the show was spared with warm temperatures and a nice ocean breeze . Admiring attendees packed the show – both indoors and outdoors - eager to view the hundreds of custom vehicles. Ed Williamson made custom painted surfboards for this year’s trophies, while Pacific Coast Customs also got in on some of the fun by creating the 100% handmade Best of Show trophies, which were made with a “woody” theme.
In addition to the remarkable automobiles, spectators were also treated to food vendors and live entertainment, which have become a staple of Scrapin’ The Coast. This year’s entertainment was provided by none other than legendary rap group, 2 Live Crew. But the fun didn’t stop there. The nightlife that follows Scrapin’ The Coast is often just as memorable and action packed as the show and this year was no different. As in previous years, the roads were packed with cruisers up and down the coast as spectators lined the streets - the party continuing well throughout the night. Scrapin’ The Coast’s 10th anniversary show definitely packed a punch and will be back again next year. For more info, check out their website: www.ScrapinTheCoast.com.
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> Scrapin’ the Coast
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Shades of the
Past Text and Photos by Butch Pate, P8 Photography
One of our favorite car shows, Shades of The Past’s Hot Rod Roundup, just so happens to also be our favorite nearby vacation spot. The Hot Rod Roundup always draws some of the top builds and top builders from all over the country, but the show’s recent move to Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, TN had some rodders scratching their heads. Once located on club-owned farmland, the roundup can now be found on a paved parking lot and on the side of a hill. If you work your way up the hill first, just remember, it’s all downhill from there. Many cited a better layout as one of the advantages of the new move. The club was then allowed to spread out, and the space allowed room for growth in all areas. But it didn’t take long for the new site to fill up. As a result, another move was soon added. All Top 25 winners are now located in the water park area, which makes for some spectacular shots and again allows for more room to spread out. At this annual event, everyone is welcome, whether you are more of the “drive it and enjoy it crowd,” the “it’s almost finished crowd,” rat rodders, or find yourself somewhere in between. Regardless of your niche, there’s plenty to look at and enjoy. For example, the swap meet and vendors’ area carries a wide variety of items, including wagon loads of new parts or vintage items from years past. In its 30th year and as one of my favorite events, I hope to see Shades of The Past carry on for another thirty and way beyond. Make plans to be there next year. You’ll be glad you did.
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> Shades of the Past
At this annual event, everyone is welcome, whether you are more of the “drive it and enjoy it crowd,” the “it’s almost finished crowd,” rat rodders, or find yourself somewhere in between.
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