Cruising - Spring #1 2024

• 5:00 PM WELCOME GATES OPEN

• 6:30 PM GATES CLOSE

• 5:00 - 9:00 PM CAR STATIC DISPLAY - STROLL THE AVENUE, ENJOY THE SHOW, AND VISIT THE MERCHANTS

• 9:00 PM Event Ends-All Traffic Laws Enforced

RULES

• PARTICIPATION IS FREE - NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!

• NO MOTORCYCLES OR BIKES

• PERIOD CORRECT CARS WITH REGISTRATION & INSURANCE ID

• NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

• NO VEHICLES MOVED ONCE PARKED

• NO PARTIALLY PRIMED VEHICLES

• NO TRAILERS IN SHOW AREA

• NO SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS

• ALL VEHICLES MUST BE DRIVEN THROUGH GATE

• ALL VEHICLES MUST DISPLAY OFFICIAL WINDOW CARD DURING EVENT

• ALL NJ MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS WILL BE IN EFFECT & ENFORCED BY VINELAND POLICE DEPARTMENTS

•

•

• NO CRUISING AT END OF EVENT. HOWEVER

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One of the many colorful Jeeps to turn out for last fall’s show in Ocean City,

400 of the iconic American ride were on display. Photo by Ben Notaro

SNEAK PEEK HOT SHOWS

Mondays: Mighty Joe’s Cruise Nights (beginning April 1)

Joe’s Exxon, 1231 Rt. 206, Shamong, NJ 08088; Between 4- 4:30pm start

Info: 609-268-0303

March 23-24: Mid-Atlantic Indoor Nationals

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456; Sat: 9am-8pm; Sun: 9am-4pm

Info: 717-269-2625; midatlanticindoornats.com

March 24: 52nd Annual Swap Meet & Car Corral at Salem County Fairgrounds

735 Rt. 40 (Harding Hwy.), Woodstown, NJ 08098; 8am-3pm

Info: Chuck @ 609-221-5435; sjraaca.com

April 13: Del Rods Kick-off Event

Green Tree Shopping Center, Rt. 8, Dover, DE 19904; 10am-2pm

Info: 302-674-5365

April 14 & May 19, : Soul Riders Auto Club Sunday Shows

VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734; 3-7pm

Info: Tony Lewis @ 302-998-5951

April 20: VFW Spring Car Show

815 Turkey Point Road, North East, MD 21901; 10am-3pm

Info: 410-642-2847

April 27-28: DelRods Car Show at Dover International Speedway Leipsic Road, Dover, DE 19901; Sat: 9am-1:30pm; Sun: 8am-2pm

Info: 302-674-5365; delrodscarclub.org

April 17-21: Spring Carlisle

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 1000 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013; Wed-Sat: 7am- 6 pm; Sun: 7am- 12pm

Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

May 4: Delaware Tech Car Show

Delaware Tech Stanton Campus; 400 Stanton-Christiana Rd., Newark, DE 19713 2-6pm

Info: 302-453-3016; bthornga@dtcc.edu

May 4: Buena Spring Festival

Buena Historical Society, 201 Kennedy Dr., Landisville, NJ 08326 10am-4pm

Info: 856-466-4654

May 5: First State Mustang & Ford Club Spring Show

Porter Ford, 600 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711; 10am-3pm

Info: 302-218-2703; grl5252@comcast.net

May 10-11: Import & Performance Nationals

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 1000 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013; Fri & Sat: 7am- 6pm; Sun: 7am- 12pm

Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

May 18: Chariots of Fire Spring Fling

Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Rd., Morgantown, PA 19543 10am-3pm

Info: 610-322-1622; pastorweed@hotmail.com

May 19: 51st Corvette Show

Milltown American Legion, 4 JFK Drive, Milltown, NJ 08850; 9am-3pm

Info: spiritof53.net

May 31-June 2: Ford Nationals

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 1000 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013; Fri & Sat: 7am-6 pm; Sun: 7 am-12pm

Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

June 8: Cruise Down Memory Lane Landis Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360; 5-9pm

Info: Marvin Askins @ 856-697-6306

It Wears The Miles Well

A surprise encounter with a 1964 Dodge Dart and the history behind it

YBy Frank Adkins

ou could call me a technological knuckle dragger. Being a senior member of Generation X, I wasn’t born into the era of modern technology.

I find video games frustrating and non-productive. The thought of buying a home computer once seemed frivolous to me, for I honestly believed the internet was a passing fad. As one of the last to embrace cell phones, for many years I carried a basic flip phone that lacked the ability to text. Social media? Not for me — at least not initially. I signed up for a Facebook account only after learning it could serve as an effective communication tool. In many ways I am like my Silent Generation parents, and I’m not ashamed of that.

I made a career of diagnosing and repairing newer vehicles laden with computers and other electronic gadgetry, and I now teach young aspiring technicians how to do the same. Out of necessity my brain has gone digital, but my heart remains analog. I often stop to look at the older vehicles I run across in my travels, and sometimes I strike up conversations with their owners or leave notes on them if nobody is around. It’s surprising how often these chance encounters lead to friendships or networking opportunities.

And so it was that one evening in November I was contacted via Facebook Messenger by a nice woman named Laurene who owned a ’64 Dodge Dart GT.

She explained that approximately 20 years earlier I had left a business card with a note asking her to contact me if she needed parts or if she ever decided to sell it. That was long ago, and since then my wife, Kristy, and I have moved, our phone numbers have changed, and so have our email addresses. If not for Facebook, Laurene likely would have never tracked me down.

Oddly, I have no memory of her car, and she doesn’t remember where it was parked when she discovered my note tucked under her wiper blade. Regardless, we set up a time for me to stop by and see it. Like every old car, her Dart has a story.

A business card I left two decades ago led to me becoming the owner of this '64 Dodge Dart GT. Photos courtesy Frank Adkins

Laurene’s husband Jerry was in the United States Air Force, and in the early 1990s he was stationed in California. They were looking for a car for her, and initially she fell in love with a blue ’64 Barracuda. “I was born in 1964,” she said. Then they found the Dart, and because it was in better condition, they settled on the little Dodge.

Sold new in California, after a number of years the original owner had given it to his sister. She also drove it for many years, but as she grew frail, the manual steering became too cumbersome for her to operate. Upon acquiring the Dart, Laurene used it for daily transportation, though she kept it covered when not in use to shield it from the hot California sun. Soon they added rear seatbelts, and they strapped in a pair of car seats for their young daughters. When Jerry was transferred to the Dover Air Force Base in the early 2000s, the family moved east and they brought Laurene’s Dart with them. Once settled in Delaware, she retired it from daily use. She still drove it occasionally, but it spent nearly all of its time parked in the garage.

Though her love of the Dart never waned, as the years passed, she used it even less. Nowadays, she cannot tolerate the summer heat. Because it lacks air conditioning, the car is too hot for her to enjoy during most of the warm weather season here in the Mid-Atlantic.

“It makes no sense to leave it sitting in the garage all the time and to not use it,” she said.

Ever an animal lover, Laurene grew up in rural New York, and she has an affinity for horses and greyhounds. With new housing developments now springing up near their home, she craves open space where she can once again have a horse, and the Dart doesn’t fit into her plans.

Speaking about the car she said, “I would love it if she went to someone who appreciated her.”

The body is rust-free with the exception of a tiny blister on the left quarter panel. Both valences and both bumpers are bent. I didn’t ask, but I assume that damage was caused by a previous owner. Ditto for the distorted right headlight bezel and the dings in a few of the other moldings. Laurene said the Dart was rear-ended once, which damaged the trunk lid and broke both tail lights.

“The insurance company wanted to total it, but I wouldn’t let them,” she said. “We found the trunk lid on a car in a junkyard in California’s high desert, and we found the tail lights in Connecticut. We had to have them shipped across the country.”

I found shards of red plastic from the original tail lights inside the lower quarter panels. There is also a small spot of damage on the right side near the rear bumper.

“The original owner’s son borrowed the

car, and he was hauling a transmission in the trunk,” she explained. “He went around a curve, the transmission slid, and the output shaft punched a small hole in the body.”

The lower molding on the trunk lid shows damage caused by an errant chain on a wrecker, but Laurene had acquired a replacement molding which she had stashed in the trunk. The paint appears to be original, and it still shines, though there are a few scratches and nicks here and there — typical for a 60-yearold car that was once used regularly. Unfortunately, the accent stripes did not survive their time in the California sun, for surface rust has begun to invade the area once protected by the faded gold paint.

Jerry is not an old car fanatic, but he is an aircraft mechanic. Consequently, he kept the Dart in excellent mechanical condition, and he had also acquired copies of the factory manuals. A few years ago he removed the seats and had them reupholstered, not in reproduction vinyl, but in comfortable velour. The carpet was replaced long ago, but it shows heavy wear. The headliner is original, though it has a split seam.

On a sunny Saturday a couple of weeks later, Kristy and I drove the Dart, and we agreed to become its next caretakers. With hand crank windows, no electronics, and only a basic AM radio, this car is a delightful throwback to a simpler time.

It wears its years well, and we intend to keep it that way. I have installed new tires on later factory rally wheels for better driving and handling, but of course I’ll keep the original wheels and wheel covers. I plan to make a few additional improvements in the name of safety, and I’ll address its more serious cosmetic issues, but nothing more.

Not every car warrants a full restoration. Some cars should be preserved with evidence of their histories remaining intact. I think Laurene would agree.

Laurene's Dart wears its years well and is a delightful throwback to a simpler time.

TLou Sitaras

HEROES OF OUR HOBBY

The men and women who strive to make our hobby better

By Lou Sitaras

his year, Cruising Magazine will honor the classic car enthusiasts who go far above and beyond to make sure our hobby not only survives but thrives. What does it take? Enthusiasm! Excitement! People willing to step up and devote their much-needed time and energy! We also need events to attend, the knowledge to work on our cars, and a source of parts to keep our vehicles on the road. The people who provide these are the “Heroes Of Our Hobby.”

With all the love we have for classic cars, they do provide a challenge for us at times. Probably the biggest challenge to keeping our cars on the road is finding parts. If you own a popular car, reproduction parts are always an option, but for many of us with unusual or low production cars, there are no repro parts. We’re left to find them on our own.

There was a time not so long ago when salvage yards littered the landscape. If you couldn’t find what you needed at one junkyard, you drove down the street to the next one or the one after. Over the years, I’ve done just that … usually with a carload of buddies and a toolbox stuffed with gadgets to help us remove the parts we needed.

Our favorite destination was Gunzenhauser’s Auto Salvage in Honey Brook Pa. John Kearns, the owner, was a great man who loved, appreciated, and saved old cars. Sadly, both he and the yard are gone now, as are many other salvage yards throughout the country.

For some, it was the rise in real estate prices that led to their demise. For others, the owners passed away and the children weren’t interested in taking over the business. Sometimes local government would shut the operations down. Either way, finding a quality junkyard with older cars in it today is proving to be a difficult challenge.

I had heard stories of Custer’s Used Auto Parts in the Shenandoah

Frank Custer is a man proud of who he is. He doesn’t need or want any fancy accessories. What he cares about most is in the photo — his Harley Davidson motorcycle and the American flag. Photos by

Valley of Virginia and in November of last year, I gathered up a caravan of car friends including Cruising Magazine’s own Frank Adkins, and we went in search of this heralded yard. We pulled off the main road onto a one-lane dirt road that became longer and narrower as we progressed. We were basically climbing up a mountain and had no idea what we would find at the top.

As we rounded the last curve, Custers appeared in front of us…an automotive junkyard Utopia! The dirt lane continued through the yard to a parking area on the other side. Once out of our cars, we were free to roam through a collection of cars that had been set aside many generations ago.

International Scouts, Dodge Darts, Ford Galaxies, ‘60s and ‘70s vehicles that looked like they were parked when Jimmy Carter was president. It left us grown men and women giddy with excitement as we traipsed through the grass surveying the area for our favorite vehicles and a few coveted parts. This was better than any amusement park our country has to offer!

Frank Custer is a very imposing figure. At 68 years old, he still works the yard every day and has great pride in his collection of old cars. Unlike many yards that just crush everything that comes in, Frank is a true car guy who wants to give back to the hobby he loves so much. He firmly believes in keeping these cars so that others can use the parts to keep their cars on the road.

I watched a father and son as they removed a few parts from a 1971 Mach 1 that they needed, paid their bill, and headed out … just like the old days. I did notice a few of Frank’s old tow trucks and flat beds in the yard and wondered why he didn’t just sell them instead of junking them. Frank explained to me that you don’t sell your old equipment because then you open yourself up to competition. Makes perfect sense!

You may wonder how Custers Used Parts manages to keep a good inventory of older cars on hand. It’s because he doesn’t crush the old cars and the residents in the valley know it. If an old estate needs to be cleaned out of old cars in the yard, they call Frank because they know he’ll save the cars and use them to save other cars. Other companies won’t do that. Frank Custer has built a wonderful, trustworthy name for himself and his business. The yard has been in his family for several generations and Frank has kept it going for the past 45 years or so.

S o, what does the future hold for Custers Used Parts? Frank is hopeful his daughters Lisa Marie or Ashley Nicole will someday keep it going. Or maybe his granddaughter Reanne, who has a commercial pilot’s license, or his grandson Dylan who is also learning to be a commercial pilot. Time will tell. But for now, Custer’s is a must-visit location for any and every classic car enthusiast. Because of this, Mr. Frank Custer is this month’s “Hero Of Our Hobby” for Cruising Magazine.

Top: Scattered across a mountaintop in the scenic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia lies a collection of old cars, most parked decades ago. Middle: Parked along the edge of Custer’s Used Parts is an early 1950s Chevy DeLuxe along with a 1967 and 1970 Chevy Impala. Bottom: Vintage station wagons are coveted today and here are two with plenty of spare parts left over to save other wagons.

Car Clubs Donate to Veterans

Representatives from the South Jersey Cruisers Association Car Group and Nostalgia Knights Classic Car Club presented a $5,000 check to the New Jersey Veteran Memorial Home. This donation represents contributions raised from the “Salute to the Veterans Car Cruise” jointly stage by both clubs as well as the Nostalgia Knights Classic Car Club’s various monthly car cruises.

— Text & Photo: Ben Notaro

Pictured l-r: Ben Notaro (Spokesman South Jersey Cruisers Association), Matt Daher (ACEO), Allyson Bailey (CEO), Bill Nese (President, Nostalgia Knights Classic Car Club), RJ Morrison (Volunteer Services Assistant).

Cruisin’ In Winter

During the off season of car activities, cruisers usually look for something automotive to keep the “juices” flowing. A few cruisers got together and made an appointment to go for a tour of a professional restoration facility. They agreed that watching a show-quality ride being constructed and being able to ask the proprietor questions can be a very motivating thing.

Cars and Coffee Cruise

Winter weather has a tendency to slow car-gathering activities as bringing out one’s ride is not necessarily a practical idea. But sometimes Mother Nature cuts the car community a break and makes taking out the ride an opportunity one cannot resist. Back in mid-February, the weather was a bit mild for a few days and that is the shot in the arm cruisers needed to start the season early.

Enter Tom Rightler who is the owner/operator of Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars located in Bridgeton, NJ. Rightler is no stranger to restoring muscle cars and has animpressive list of clients and accomplishments. It’s also safe to say his passion for the Chevelle served as special inspiration.

Mr.Bill’s restaurant and ice cream stand located in Hammonton, N.J. held a cars and coffee cruise in the midwinter time and this break in the weather brought out many cruisers and their rides.

While at his shop, one guest (Jim Solomon) presented Rightler with his watercolor artwork depicting Rightler’s reconstructed General Lee. A walk-through had guests checking out an area that had an original contemporary Shelby Cobra frame ready for the body (as well as related parts) and assembly to be completed.

Parking their cars outside and enjoying a great breakfast made springtime seem not too far away. By the way, Mr. Bill’s is no stranger to cruises and you can check out their hospitality with their upcoming events. Oh, and make sure you check out their French toast — it ’s high octane delicious.

Visiting a shop that specializes in classic and specialty rides is a great way keep the spirit alive and get to see another side of our hobby. Check out Mid-Atlantic Muscle Cars at midatlanticmusclecar.com

— Text & Photo: Ben Notaro

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Text and Photos by Ben Notaro

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Fort Mott Car Show

Preserving the historical heritage of our great country is important for future generations to learn from and appreciate. One such site is located in the town of Pennsville in the southern part of the state of New Jersey. The location is called Fort Mott (located on the banks of the Delaware River) and its roots in serving the country got started right after the Civil War ended. A car club that has chosen to help in the preservation needs of this site is the Salem County Road Knights of South Jersey. The Road Knights held their car show back in November and over two hundred cars, trucks and motorcycles participated in this fund raising event. There where also great tunes provided by Cruisin’ 92.1 FM radio personality Pepper Paul. The Road Knights donated proceeds from this show to the Fort Mott Park Association. Preserving our nation’s past and classic cars always go hand in hand.

— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki

Jersey Jeep Invasion

The iconic Jeep is as American as apple pie and baseball. Its origins date back to the second World War and its development has not stopped since then. It’s a blank-canvas vehicle that can be modified in an infinite amount of ways. There were 400 Jeeps at the Jeep show that was held in Ocean City, New Jersey last fall. Truly it was a treat to see how this vehicle can be given so many ideas and custom touches.

The thing I noticed immediately was the flurry of American flags attached to these rides. There are several Jeep invasion events at the Jersey shore each year. Check them out on the various websites and enjoy the fun. USA proud and ready to go on or off road!

— Text & Photo: Ben Notaro

Monaco Cars and Coffee

How many of our fellow cruisers remember the first time they were exposed to the world of go-karting? The fun of driving a low and fast machine must have been a profound influence on many a car enthusiast. This experience is now one that the public can enjoy indoors as well as outdoors. The Monaco indoor karting track in Berlin, N.J., along with Broken Motorsports, held a cars and coffee on a cool late autumn day. Cruisers got to enjoy a cup of coffee to warm up outside and then head on inside to indulge in a “cruise” driving some fun, high-tech gocarts. Cars, coffee and karts are a winning combination all year long.

— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki

Moonshiners Cruise

As the car season of 2023 wound down, there were events that took place on very special days. The Blacktop Villains Car Club held their Veterans Day Car Cruise at the Moonshiners Bar and Grill in Mays Landing, NJ on a date of special significance. The cruise took place on November 11th and on that special day we honor those who have worn the uniform in the service to our country. As you may know, the 11th is Veterans Day. The Villains cruise brought many fine rides to a neat event on a special date.

— Text: Ben Notaro / Photos: Robert Sliwecki

Smithville Corvette Show

The Corvette faithful gathered at the historic community of Smithville & Greene located in Galloway Township, N.J. for their annual all-Corvette show. This October event is a Vette owners pure fiberglass candy day where nearly 300 Corvettes from every generation of design converge. The fine members of the Original Garden State Corvette Club present this event entitled the “John Jack Memorial Rendezvous At Smithville” as part of their show series that benefits local charities. With more than 80 trophies, plenty of door prizes and a great DJ, the crowd had a great brisk autumn to enjoy a car show Corvette style.

— Text & Photo: Ben Notaro

THE CAR CLINIC

“Where you are treated like a patient, not a victim”

302.421.9100

| 59 Germay

| Wilmington, DE 19804

EVENT LISTINGS

Area CRUISES

Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. ►

Every Monday year-round starting April 1

Mighty Joe’s Cruise Nights

Mighty Joe’s Gas Grill & Deli, 1231 Route 206, Shamong, NJ 08088

Lineup between 4-4:30pm

Good food, good friends, cool cars. Info: 609-268-0303

Every Tuesday through November starting April 2

Millsboro Dairy Queen Cruz-N Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 129 Main St, Millsboro, DE 19966 6-8pm

Info: Rusty 302-934-7377

Every Tuesday through October starting April 2

Rita’s Ice Kent Island Cruise

Rita’s Italian Ice, 210 Kent Landing, Kent Island, MD 21666

5pm- until…

Weather permitting. Come on out to Rita’s Ice on Kent Island and see what rides show up!

Every Tuesday through October starting April 2

Street Rollers Cruise Night

Wood Lanes, 1173 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098 5:30-8:30pm

All are welcomed: hot rods, trucks, classics, motorcycles. Whatever your passion is, bring it, show it off! A place to make new friends. Info: Cyrus Zaluske 856-628-7350

First Wednesdays through October starting April 3

Salem County Road Knights Cruise Night

Pat’s Pizzeria 102 South Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070 5-8:30pm

Second Fridays through October starting May 10

Every Friday through October starting April 5

Street Survivors Friday Cruise Nights

To the left of Burger King by Tractor Supply, Park 97 East Park Shopping Center, 7988 Crain Highway, Glen Burnie MD 21061 5:30-9pm

No Entry Fee. All vehicles allowed. Plenty of parking. Music and 50/50 every week. Car show flyers and club shits and sweatshirts are available at the trailer. Food available at nearby establishments.

Info Tom Pattan 443-838-0948 or Rick 443-829-5658 streetsurvivorsofmaryland.com

Every other Saturday through November (March 24, April 7, 21, May 5, 19, June 2, 16, 30)

Mr. Bill’s Cruise

Mr. Bill’s of Winslow Township, 453 Route 73 South, Hammonton, NJ 08037 9am-12pm

Great food, custard and friends. Cruise in for a fun time.

Info: 609-878-3829

First Saturdays through October starting April 6

Corvette Club Monthly Car Show & Cruise Fox Run Shopping Center, Bear, DE 19701 4-8pm (April & October show hours: 3-7pm) Street Rods, classic, antique, race, trucks and motorcycles. Bring whatever you have! No entry fees. Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music. Rain date the following Sunday.

Info: Bruce Norman: (908) 342-4293 vetteclub.org

First Saturdays through October starting May 4

Chesapeake Classic Car Club Cruise-In Westlake Village Shopping Center next to Chick-Fil-A, Easton, MD 21601 5pm

302.421.9100

Grotto Pizza Presents Cruise Nights Grotto Pizza, 309 Auto Park Drive, Middletown, DE 19709 5-9pm

Come out and show off your ride and enjoy food and drinks. Rain date 3rd Fridays.

Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com; (302) 983-6966

Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, All Vehicles Welcome.

Info: info@ccccofeaston.org ccccofeaston.org

First Saturdays starting April 6

Chesapeake Cars and Coffee

357 Pier 1 Road, Stevensville, MD 21666

9-11am

Open to all makes and models. Info: sales@showclip.net

First & Third Sunday through November (April 7 & 21, May 5 & 19, June 2 & 16)

VFW Cruise-In

Veterans of Foreign Wars, 355 Glebe Rd, Easton, MD 21601

9-11am

All car enthusiasts are welcome and invited to join us for a couple of hours of cool cars, great people, and good conversation. Always free to participants and the general public and a cup of hot coffee can be had for a small donation to the VFW. Dust off that classic, antique, hot rod, custom, or what have you and plan on joining us. Info: Don 410-463-0542

2nd & 4th Wednesdays through September (April 10 & 24, May 8 & 22, June 12 & 26)

Back Road Cruisers Classic Car Get Togethers

2nd Wednesdays at Woodstown Diner, 16 East Avenue, Woodstown, NJ

4th Wednesdays at Mullica Hill Plaza, Rt. 77, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

5-7pm

All vehicles welcome. Bring your friends and family for a fun time, great food, a 50/50 and door prizes. The Back Road Cruisers is a VMCCA chapter classic car club.

Info: Lavern 856-308-5921; John 856-468-5107 backroadcruisers.net

2nd & 4th Fridays through September (May 10 & 24, June 14 & 28)

Historic Smithville Car Cruises Smithville Village Greene, Smithville, NJ 08205

5-8pm

Cruise on down to Smithville and hang out! Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene and near the red covered bridge, you will see orange cones set up. Move a cone and park your car.

2nd & last Saturdays through October 12 (April 27, May 11 & 25, June 8 & 29)

Del Rods Cruise Nights

Green Tree Shopping Center, Route 8, Dover, DE 19904

5-8pm

Fee, Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, All Vehicles Welcome, Trophies. Sponsored by Hardees.

Info: delrodscarclub.org

Second Saturdays through October starting April 13

Cruise Nights at the Bobcat Creamery

The Bobcat Creamery, 117 South Main Street, Manchester, PA 17345 4-8pm through August; 3-7pm Sept & Oct

Presented by Motor Menders Rod & Custom.

Rain date is the following Saturday. All vehicles welcome. Dash plaques, 3 trophies, 50/50, Oldies music. northeastwheelsevents.com

Third Wednesdays through September starting April 17

South Jersey Region AACA Cruise Nights

Bobbit Auto, 595 Salem Quinton Road, Salem, NJ 08079

5-7:30pm

Snacks and beverages (provided by Hitchners Furniture) for all drivers who bring their special auto every night. Music by Ed Counsellor.

Info: Ron Scott 856-629-6085 or Martin Erdner 856-935-0537; sjraaca.com

Third Thursdays through September starting April 18

Delaware Valley Road Runners (DVRR)

Cruise Night

Falls Township Community Park, 9061 Mill Creek Road, Levittown, PA 19054

6-8:30pm

Rain date is the following Tuesday. Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, All Vehicles Welcome, 25 plaques each cruise night. Come out for a great time! New members welcome.

Info: 215-510-6629, lenpribish@hotmail.com; delawarevalleyroadrunners.com

Third Thursdays through September starting May 16

Bourbon & Brews Cruises 2001 Delaware St., Paulsboro, NJ 08066 5pm start

All vehicles and newcomers welcome.

Info: Laura 856-599-0732

LauraGilmore200@yahoo.com

Third Saturdays through October starting April 20,

Yesterday’s Chevrolet Club Cruisin’ 2024 Fox Run Shopping Center, Routes 40 & 72, Bear, DE 19701

April: 3-6pm, all others 4-7pm, October 10am-2pm

No bowtie required. All makes, models and years are welcome but please remember, we are a family-friendly event. No burnouts please! Music by DJ RIV.

Info: Mike Wills 302-757-3664 or Warren Shanks 302-540-5604

EVENT LISTINGS

Area SHOWS

Cruising Magazine makes every effort to ensure all listings are correct. However, event listings are subject to change. Please call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. Check www.CruisingMagazine.net for rainout updates. ►

March 23 & 24 (Saturday & Sunday)

Mid-Atlantic Indoor Nationals Car, Truck & Bike Show

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456

Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 9am-4pm

Fee, Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids 10 & under free, Music, All Vehicles Welcome, Trophies, Vendors Welcome

More Information: Info: 717-269-2625 midatlanticindoornats.com; motoramaproductions.com

March 24 (Sunday)

April 7 (Sunday)

26th Annual Metro Petro Show Rain or shine

8AM-1 PM

Pompton Lakes Elks Lodge, 15 Perrin Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

Featuring Automobilia, petroliana, vintage advertising, license plates, old toys; hot rod, racing and motorcycle memorabilia; garage art; rec room décor; man cave items; and more fun stuff! Indoor and outdoor vendors. Free parking, free admission. All welcome. Easy to access from I-287 Exit 57.

Info: Chris- 551-404-4046; metropetroshow@gmail.com

52nd Annual Swap Meet and Car Corral Salem County Fairgrounds, 734 Harding Hwy. (Route 40), Woodstown, NJ 8am-3pm

Event held rain or shine. Tailgaters welcomeplenty of parking and will be police directing traffic. 350 vendors in 2023! $20 pre-registration; all spaces $50 day of event.

Info: 609-221-5435

April 6 (Saturday)

13th Annual Steakouts Car Show 85 Harding Highway, Elmer, NJ 08318 1pm

Registration starts at 10:00am; show starts at 1pm. Pre-registration fee: $10; Day-of fee: $15. First 50 cars get a commemorative dash plate. Full day of entertainment featuring live bands Cry Wolf and Steel the Sky. Spectators free.

April 6 (Saturday)

Morrisville Senior Servicenter Car

Rain date April 7

31 E. Cleveland Avenue, Morrisville, PA 19067 9am-2pm

Presented by the Bucks County Stangz. $20 to show; free for spectators. Music, 50/50, 100% of all money collected will be donated to the center. Top 20 trophies will be awarded. No alcohol permitted on the premises.

April 12-14 (Friday-Sunday)

42nd Spring Englishtown Swap Meet Raceway Park, 230 Pension Road, Englishtown, NJ 07726

Fri & Sat 7am-6 pm; Sun 7am-4pm

Hundreds of cars, vendors and car parts. Adults $12; kids under 12 free. Free parking, no pets. Saturday & Sunday- any year show vehicle welcome. Car show registration from 8am-12:30pm. Top ten trophies each dat. Dash plaques to first 100 each day. Info: Paul at 732-446-5154; swap@racewaypark.com

April 13 (Saturday)

Del Rods Spring Kick-Off Show Rain date April 14

Greentree Plaza, Route 8, Dover, DE 19904 10am-2pm

Registration closes at noon. Registration Fee: $15. All makes and models welcome. Profits to benefit local charities. Food Available, Trophies, Door Prizes, DJ. Info: (302)674-5365 & rsludge47@aol.com Delrodscarclub.org

EVENT LISTINGS

April 14 (Sunday)

28th Annual Harrisburg National Spring Swap Meet & Bike Show

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110

9am-5pm

Jam-On Productions National Swap Meet antique & custom motorcycle show. The largest indoor Swap Meet with 70,000 square feet packed to the gills with parts. No-reserve parts auction at 2 pm. Unsold items will be sledgehammered. $300 cash door prize at 4 pm- must be present to win. Classes for all motorcycles. Set up on Saturday from 2-9pm and Sunday 5-9am.

Info: 240-367-7509; motorcycleswapmeets.com

April 14 (Sunday)

Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Show

VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734

3-7pm

Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, Trophies.

Info: 302-998-5951; Day of: 302-858-3672

April 17-21 (Wednesday-Sunday)

Spring Carlisle Collector Car Show & Auction

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Show (Fairgrounds): Wed- Sat: 7am-6 pm; Sun: 7am-12pm; Auction (Expo Center) April 18-19 Kids under 12 free! Event held rain or shine. While exploring the grounds and 8,100 vending spaces, you will marvel at one of the largest automotive flea markets in the world. Carlisle is the place to purchase any of the 2,000 vehicles within the car corral and deal directly with the car owner to work out the best price. Spring Carlisle also includes a twoday collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions.

Info: 717-243-7855

CarlisleEvents.com

April 20 (Saturday)

2024 Spring Kick-Off Car Show

Rain date April 21

Chickie & Pete’s, English Creek Shopping Center, 6055 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 10am-3pm

Sponsored by the South Jersey Mopar Connection. Open to all makes and models of cars and trucks. Registration from 9-11am. Day of show registration fee: $20. DJ, trophies at 2:30 pm, dash plaques to first 100 cars, discount food coupons, door prizes.

Info: 609-226-3814

April 26 (Friday)

CruiseNite Presented by Greenhill Car Wash

Rain date May 3

890 Middletown Warwick Road, Middletown, DE 19709 (across from 301 Truck Plaza)

5-9pm

Presented by Car Show for Non Profits and Greenhill Car Wash. Come out and show off your ride and enjoy BBQ served up by Bucky’s BBQ. No burnouts or you will be banned.

Info: carshows4nonprofits@gmail.com and 302-983-6966

April 20 (Saturday)

VFW Spring Car Show

Rain date April 21

VFW Post 6027, 815 Turkey Point Road, North East, MD 21901

10am-3pm

Cost: $18 pre-registration by April 13; $20 day of show. Car Show is located right off the North East River in the parking lot of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 6027). Spectators are free. 11 classes of vehicles, 22 Trophies plus 1 Best of Show, Truck Class and also VFW Post 6027 Commander’s Choice Award. All vehicles of interest are welcome: Old & New, Street Rods, Classics, Trucks, Customs, Pro-Street. Dash plaques given to first 70 cars registered. The VFW is a non-profit charity that supports our veterans and also local charities, including scholarship programs for local high schools.

Info: Bruce Edwards at 410-642-2847; 443-206-1588 (cell); Bruceqmstr@aol.com

April 20 (Saturday)

Reach One Teach One Car Show

Delaware State University, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 10am-2pm

Hosted by Living the Dream Corvette Club. Car of all makes and models. Car entry fee: $20. Live DJ, food trucks, vendors, bouncy house, 50/50 raffles, silent auction, gaming truck. More than 50 trophies awarded.

Info: 302-547-4647

April 27 (Saturday)

16th Annual Classic Car Show

Rain Date April 28

Olde Stone House Village, 208 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ 08080

10am-2pm

13 classes of trophies, including Chairman’s Choice, Best in Show and Best Club Participation. Music, food, basket auction, historic house tours. Dash plaques to first 100 registered cars. Free to spectators. Registration from 8:30-10am at the railroad station. Registration fee for vehicles- $15 before April 15th, $20 day of show.

Info: 856-981-3096; OldeStoneHouseHistoricVillage.org

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210 CLINTON AVENUE

PITMAN, NJ 08071

EDWARD BUELOW

P: 856-228-ROD1

F. 856-582-5770

www.rod1shop.com

April 27 & 28 (Saturday & Sunday)

Del Rods Car Show at Dover International Speedway — Pre-Registration Shows

Dover International Speedway, Leipsic Road, Dover, DE 19904

Sat: 9am-1pm

These are PREREGISTRATION ONLY SHOWS. Registration: $25. Registration includes two (2) tickets to the NASCAR races that day. Food is available.

Info: Rich Selg 302-674-5365; rsludge47@aol.com delrodscarclub.org

April 27 & 28 (Saturday)

Brews, Cruise & Crafts

Rain date: April 18

Glasstown Brewing Co. 10 Peterson St. Millvile, NJ 08332

11am-4pm

Open to all vehicles. No registration fee. Food, music, craft vendors.

Info: Bill at 609-805-1709; events@glasstown@gmail.com

April 28 (Sunday)

40th Annual Spring Car Show

Rain date May 5

VFW Post 5118, 355 Glebe Road, Easton, MD 21601 9am-3pm

Presented by the Chesapeake Classic Car Club. Registration from 9am-noon. Award presentation at 2:30pm. Show fee: $20 per entry. 50/50 raffle, door prizes, independent judges, food and beverage available at the VFW. On-site membership information and CCCC merchandise available. Fun for the whole family!

Info: info@ccccofeaston.org ccccofeaston.org

May 4 (Saturday)

DelClassics Car Show 2024

Rain date May 5

Delcastle Technical High School, 1417 Newport Road, Wilmington, DE 19804 8am-1pm

Open to all collector cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles. Gates open at 8am; judging begins at 10am. Official DelClassics Dash Plaque with every registration. 100% of funds benefit vocational-technical school activities. Please bring a non-perishable donation for Ministry of Caring. Free admission for spectators. Flea market, food trucks, DJ/Music. $20 registration.

Info: Tony Tiberi: 302-995-8117, tony.tiberi@ nccvt.k12.de.us or Tina Ramsey: 302-995-8110

May 4 (Saturday)

Harmony Lodge No.13 Annual Car Show

Willis Chevrolet, 2707 S. Dupont Blvd., Smyrna, DE 19977

10am-2pm

Registration fee: $20; pre-registration fee: $15 until April 20. Top 20 and Master’s Pick trophies. Free t-shirt with registration.

Info: David Lewis 302-218-8515 or Cory Polkinghorne 302-222-7288

May 4 (Saturday)

2nd Annual Buena Spring Festival

Rain date: May 5

Buena Historical Society, 201 Kennedy Drive, Landisville, NJ 08326

10am-4pm

Co-hosted by SJ Mustang Club

Dash plaques to the first 200 vehicles! The annual Spring Festival is held on over 5 green acres grounds, with over 100 crafters & artisans, antique dealers, home & garden, food trucks, wineries, horse & carriage rides, a kids zone offering pony rides, super slide, bounce, athletic activities, games, crafts, face painting, magic acts & more. Tour our museum, see displays, exhibits or check out our incredible gift basket auction with amazing prizes. Music and WVLT-92.1 live broadcast and tons more. Garden centers booths with flower baskets, potted plants and lush greeneries. Info: Debra Casazza 856-466-4654

May 4 (Saturday)

Draggin Wagons Car, Truck & Bike Show

Honeybrook Gardens, 3940 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344

10am-2pm

Check Facebook for any changes, $15 vehicle registration at gate. Category plaques awarded and Club President’s Choice, music, 50/50, gift basket raffle, food & drink. All proceeds support local charities in the tri-county area. Please bring a non-perishable food donation.

May 4 (Saturday)

Delaware Tech Car Show

Delaware Tech Stanton Campus, 400 StantonChristiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 2-6pm

Join us for the inaugural Delaware Tech Car Show immediately following the Delcastle High School show! Free for everyone. No judging and classes- park with your friends, but please no pets. The Culinary Arts students will prepare a variety of food and there will be 2 food trucks.

Info: Bruce Thorngate 302-453-3016; bthornga@dtcc.edu

EVENT LISTINGS

May 4 (Saturday)

Pitman Methodist Church Car Show

Pitman Methodist Church, Broadway and Lambs Road, Pitman, NJ 08071

10am-3pm

Activities, food trucks, trophies, contestants’ choice voting. $10 registration fee. Info: Walt Friedrich 856-589-8426; wgssr@aol.com

May 5 (Sunday)

First State Mustang & Ford Club Spring Show

Rain Date May 19

Porter Ford, 600 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711

9:30am-3pm

Registration starts at 9:30 am. All cars must be Ford family and Ford powered. Charity auction, 50/50 raffle, trophies, dash plaques to first 100 vehicles, food and live DJ. No refunds on registration. Preregistration fee $15; $20 day of show. Pre-register online at firststatemustangandford.com by April 21.

Info: George Long 302-218-2703; grl5252@comcast.net

May 4 (Saturday)

Annual Spring Fling Show

Western Tire & Auto, 1406 Main Street, Stevensville, MD 21666

9am-2pm

Open to all vehicles. Everyone is welcome. Top awards by year/class. $15 registration fee. $2 toll rebate for western shore folks! Cash door prizes at trophy time. Must be present to win! Charity lunch benefit, store specials, 50/50.

Info: 410-643-5572; kentislandcruisers.com

May 10-11 (Friday-Saturday)

Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Fri & Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm

This exciting event welcomes nearly 2,000 Imported vehicles from around the world as well as domestics, kit cars, motorcycles and trucks, and high-end performance vehicles.

Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

May 11 (Saturday)

7th Annual LKQ Car Show

Keystone Automotive, 39 Phoenix Drive, West Deptford, NJ 08086

10am-3pm

Top 40 judged show. Cost; $20 per vehicle; no pre-registration. All makes and modelsdomestic and foreign cars. 50/50, basket auction, free giveaways to all registered vehicles. Food and drink available. Benefits local animal shelters and children in need. Judged by the South Jersey Camaro Car Club. Info: Linda: 609-206-9765

May 11 (Saturday)

Cars and Coffee

Delaware County Veterans Memorial, 4599 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073 8-11am

Cars and coffee gathering of all vehicle types to get some java and walk around and talk about all the different types of cars and trucks.

Info: Thomas Manning 610-329-2830; 610-328-2289

May 18 (Saturday)

Chariots of Fire Spring Fling

Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA 19543

10am-3pm

Great variety of all vehicles. Car photos, door prizes and great food!

Info: Pastor Lawrence Weed: 610-322-1622, pastorweed@hotmail.com chariots-of-fire.org

May 18 (Saturday)

Street Rollers Show of Shows

Wood Lanes, 1173 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098

9am-2pm

Whatever your passion, bring it, show it off! Hot rods, trucks, vans, motorcycles, Jeeps, classics/antiques- all are welcomed. Food, swap meet, vendors, music, trophies. A great way to make new friends.

Info: Cyrus Zaluske 856-628-7350

May 19 (Sunday)

Soul Riders Auto Club’s Car Show

VFW Hall #3792, 5695 Summit Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734 3-7pm

Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music, Trophies.

Info: 302-998-5951; Day of: 302-858-3672

EVENT LISTINGS

May 19 (Sunday)

27th Annual Ambler Auto Show

Rain or shine

Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002 1-6pm

Registration opens at 11am. Awards at 5pm. Over 200 of the finest examples of autos and trucks from both yesteryear and today will be on display. Visitors can stroll Butler Avenue, go to the restaurants and shops or grab a bite from one of the local food vendors.You’ll find specials at many of our eateries and shops. The show benefits Ambler Main Street.

May 19 (Sunday)

51st Annual Corvette Show

Milltown American Legion, 4 John F. Kennedy Drive, Milltown, NJ 08850 8:30am-3pm

Presented by the Spirits of ’53 Corvette Club. Judging starts at 11am; trophies at 2:30pm. Registration is $20 in advance; $25 day of show. Benefits the Ronald McDonald House. Trophies awarded In these classes: Street Stock, Modified and Full Custom. There will also be awards for paint, engine compartment and Bet in Show. Show dash plaques to the first 100 Corvettes registered. Host cars ae not included with participant class judging.

Info: spiritsof53.net

May 26 (Saturday)

43rd Annual Chester County Mustang and Ford Car Show

Rain date May 27

Kimberton Fairgrounds, 61 Firehouse Ln, Phoenixville, PA 19460 9am-4pm

Awards for the top vehicles in each classPresident’s Award and Kid’s Choice Award. Huge Chinese Auction. $15 pre-registration; $20 day of show. Handicap Accessible, Food, Kids, Music. Rain or shine.

Info: Robert Parsons: 215-290-3682, thevfmc.org/springshow

May 31- June 2 (Friday- Sunday)

Carlisle Ford Nationals

Carlisle Fairgrounds, 100 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Fri- Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-12pm

The Carlisle Ford Nationals is the largest all-Ford-themed car show in the world. The National Parts Depot Showfield features Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Euro Fords and welcomes more than 3,200 show cars and over 55,000 guests worldwide! Ford cars, trucks, and performance products will be onsite, with offerings ranging from installations to special displays. From special guests and displays to activities and competitions, this event has it all!

Info: 717-243-7855; CarlisleEvents.com

June 1 (Saturday)

Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company Car Show and Beef & Beer

5-11pm

Join us for our annual Car Show and Beef & Beer. Car show entry is $10 or free with the purchase of a Beef & Beer ticket, which are $35. Live entertainment will be provided by Jim Mitchell and the Repeat Offenders.

Info: Tyler Bill 856-364-8447; tbill0511@gmail.com

June 8 (Saturday)

Annual Cruise Down Memory Lane

Rain date June 9

603 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 5-9pm

Stroll The Avenue, enjoy the show, visit the merchants! Open to all domestic vehicles 1974 and older. Free admission.

More Info: Marvin Askins: 856-697-6306

* Shows After June 8 will appear in next print edition on streets May 20 and are viewable online at CruisingMagazine.net

SHIFTIN’ GEARS

By Ben Notaro • red63vetnj@comcast.net

First and foremost, I would like to extend to everyone a belated and most Happy New Year. I truly hope everyone is ready for the new “Endless Summer of ‘24.” Each new year brings with it memories of the year before and anticipations for things to come.

As I reflect on 2023 going into this new year, one thing that stands is the great electric vehicle revolution. It seems everything automotive was destined to become branded with the “EV” sign on it. Every automaker rushed to jump on the bandwagon of plug-in rides. Cars like the Mustang, Challenger and Corvette were all ready for the Eveready Bunny. As you may know, Mustang already has a plugin ride. There were even classic cars including the time immortal Project X 1957 Chevrolet that was fitted with an electric motor.

Last year was nothing but glow in the dark LED, UL extension cord cars on every commercial in television. And then something happened.

The vast majority of consumers got tired of EV charging stations and limitations to the range of these rides. When the winter came in strong, the inherent weakness of the EV became apparent that they were here but not fully ready for primetime. My first observation of the EV’s decline in mass appeal was in the TV commercials. One immediately saw fewer electric rides being touted and an edging toward hybrid rides. Some manufacturers even started talking about cars with (gulp) internal combustion engines. The new year now is in full gear and all the government environmental studies and mandates are slowly backing off the EV push.

There is a place for nearly every mode of motivation in a car and it seems that the new year brings with it a slowdown on a not-so revolutionary concept. A concept that, no doubt, is here to stay but needs to evolve, like the transition of the horse to the motorcar.

So, as we advance into the car show and cruising season of 2024, it is safe to say that the new idea of electric energy mode has yet to usurp the old combustion engine.

Moving on into my New Year comments, I see a pattern of a strong emergence of cars and coffee gatherings. I really believe this is a great idea as it is usually an early event that does not consume a large amount of time and, pretty much, is devoid of trophies. It also has the advantage of a participant spending money on food instead of an event fee.

Now this is not a slam on car show fees, it’s just another option that allows the car guys and gals more events to enjoy.

The most important thing to remember as we go into the endless summer of 2024 is the hobby is always about enjoying classic and unique rides. It’s about people and their passion for preserving, modifying and individualizing their rides.

Department of Energy: Are there many EV recharging stations in Alaska?

Department of Energy II: Are there electric hearses? Do they have a dead battery or is the battery deceased?

Department of Fun: If you enjoy the hobby, you are definitely having fun.