Hot rodders must face up to reality

Hot rodders must face up to reality
David Grainger, CanWest News Service

In a typical case of killing the messenger, I received some pretty nasty e-mails in response to a recent column about the vulnerability of hot rods and custom cars to environmental legislation.

Rather than it being taken as a cautionary tale, it was misinterpreted as my personal condemnation of hot rods and the custom car culture. Some comments were amusing but, by the time I had finished responding to some of the doorknobs, I was starting to think that putting them out of business isn't such a bad idea.

Several points were raised that I would like to address:

First claim Hot rods are fuel efficient and environmentally friendly: Sure, a 427-cubic-inch, big-block Chev with two Holly 750 double-pump carburetors, headers and cherry bomb mufflers is positively tree hugging, a real exercise in environmental awareness.

full article here:
http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=264440e9-bcd4-409a-9c0d-f75ed8d86606


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HOT ROD Power Tour Rolls Through the Midwest in 2007!

HOT ROD Power Tour Rolls Through the Midwest in 2007!

The HOT ROD Power Tour is easily considered one of the best automotive tours in the world and is a rolling testament to what HOT ROD magazine is all about. The seven-day, seven-city tour will wind its way through the mid-west and will generate a nationwide buzz in the automotive enthusiast market!

full article here:
http://www.hotrod.com/powertour/

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007: Aston Martin DB5

James Bond has probably driven more different vehicles than any handful of other screen characters in cinema history. From the Sixties cool of a Sunbeam Alpine and Aston Martin, through the Seventies and Eighties with svelte Lotus Esprits, to the Nineties chic of BMW sportscars, and speeding into the 21st Century with Aston Martin’s beast of a car – the Vanquish. Take a look at the files of just a few of the cars in which James Bond oo7 has created more screen destruction, havoc, mayhem – and motor vehicle madness than a
posse of short-sighted pensioners on the M25 or an Interstate Highway!

Aston Martin DB5 - Goldfinger

When Bond's old Bentley could no longer cut the ice, 'Q' Department came up with this classic British sports car, fully loaded with optional extras...

Front and rear extending over-rider rams.
Front firing .30 calibre Browning Machine. Machine guns behind the front indicators
Retractable tyre slashers
Retractable rear bullet proof screen
Radio telephone concealed in secret door compartment
Radar scanner in racing type wing mirror, tracking screen in the cockpit
Passenger ejector seat - roof panel jettisoned just before the seat is fired
Oil slick ejector from nearside rear light cluster.
Triple spiked nails (calthrops) from the offside rear light cluster.
Cartridge for smoke screen released through the exhaust pipes.
Revolving number plates (BMT 216A - UK, 4711-EA-62 - France and LU 6789 - Switzerland)
Armaments draw under front driver seat
Bullet-proof front and rear screens.

http://www.007.info/Cars.asp

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The Black Beauty

This is the most complete history to date; there are gaps of information, however, if you have factual information that can be corroborated with documentation I welcome your input.

Dean Jeffries created both cars in 1966. One car, the number #1 was created first some time in June or July. They were both used on the set of the show and first appeared together in the episode "Corpse of the year" on January 13, 1967. On March 24, 1967 the last episode of the Green Hornet aired. After the filming, both cars moved to undisclosed locations.

Some years later George Barris acquired one car. From that car he made a reported (3)Copies for promotion. Later he sold the original to JJ Born of the Chicago Historical Antique Automobile Museum Inc. in Highland Park Ill. After some time Born sold the car to a Chicago area Dentist. It sat for a few years and then was resold to Vintage Motorcars Showplace in Cleveland, Ohio. During the time that it was there, it was rented out for parties and special events. It appeared at the Chicago Hero Convention in March of 1991 were it was supposed to be auctioned for sale. There were no buyers. At that event Van Williams and Wende Wagner signed the desk in the rear of the car. Later in 1991 the car was put up for auction at the Kruse fall Auburn event in August. At that event it was purchased by Miss Opal Wall of Sturgis Michigan. At that time she was 78 years old. She was a unique lady with a passion for black cars; she owned three when I met her. She said she liked The Black Beauty's color and style. In 1992 she put the car in Gilmore's auto museum in Kalamazoo Michigan.

Full article at :

http://www.theblackbeauty.com/historyii.htm

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The Fear Factor 1970 Hemi-Powered 'Cuda

The Fear Factor 1970 Hemi-Powered 'Cuda
Reality-Show Host Joe Rogan Commissioned Rad Rides by Troy to Build the Hemi-Powered Sick Fish 'Cuda

As the shenanigans of each episode of Fear Factor draw to a close, host Joe Rogan enlightens viewers by announcing to the winner, "Evidently fear was not a factor for you." That line has been repeated enough over the past five seasons to become a catch phrase of sorts that reflects the show's success. In the cutthroat world of reality TV, that's an awfully long time to survive, and it has no doubt imparted its host with some monetary flexibility with which to buy steel-crafted toys of hedonism.

Most Hollywood celebs opt for blinged-out Hummer H2s, Bentleys, traditional wanker exotics, and (gag!) trendy gas-electric hybrids, but Rogan did the right thing and had Rad Rides by Troy build him a '70 Barracuda. The car means more to him than the average ego-carriage, as it pays tribute to a clunker Mopar his mom gave him before he made it big. In a way, it symbolizes how far he's come since the days of touring the country as a fledgling stand-up comic.

No doubt, the car had to be truly unique to capture the sentimentality it represented. Few builders are as well known as Troy Trepanier. Being the darling of the automotive press and a fixture on the hit TV series Rides has a way of doing that, and his list of celebrity clients grows by the day.

We already broke the news that Troy's working on a drop-top '67 Lincoln Continental to sweeten that World Series trip for Boston Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez. In addition to the inherent stress of delivering a hallowed E-body that justifies the six-figures-and-then-some price tag, the crew had to work within a tight six-month timeframe to coincide with its scheduled debut on Bud Brutsman's Rides show on TLC. That was the bad part. The good part was a relatively big budget to exercise creativity, with the only criterion being "make it cool." Ah, the beauty of a double-edged sword.

A big part of making that deadline was starting out with a car in relatively good shape. Again, it was a rather laissez-faire process for Joe. He told Rad Rides what he wanted, and they went out and bought a car to start with for $13,000-one that was mostly rust-free and straight, save for a pair of dinged-up quarters. In trademark Trepanier fashion, the host of subtle visual cues aren't recognizable at first glance, but their individual elements become more prominent upon closer study and more innovative when considering the craftsmanship they required. It ultimately hits you as a brilliant artistic statement. The most obvious change is the AAR 'Cuda hood, not often seen in shiny paint, and the cotton-gauze air cleaner peeking out from its flared scoop. Further enhancing the hungry-look theme is a custom front lower valance that integrates a scoop of its own surrounded by more AAR-like winglets on both sides. Widened and mounted flush, the front bumper is from a (forgive him) '69 Camaro.

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/113_0501_1970_plymouth_barracuda/

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1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe - Foxy Blue

1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe - Foxy Blue

It's always nice to see cars such as this '39 Chevy Master Deluxe owned by Mr. Harold Ferguson of Compton, California. You see, Harold has been a lowrider since the early '60s, longer than many of you have even walked this Earth, let alone driven, but we digress. "I've been lowriding since I was 13 years old," says Harold. "My first car was a '54 Chevy sedan."

After tooling around town in that '54 for a while, Harold came across his second ride, a '64 Chevy Impala, and then his third ride, a '65 Impala Super Sport. As time passed and the mid-sixties crept up, so did the Vietnam War. Harold did his patriotic duty when he was called in for service. During this time period, radical changes were happening within the social and political climates back home.

So to keep his mind off of "things," Harold came to know a few new friends and was introduced to a more vintage version of steel. One person whom he'd met owned a '42 Chevy Fleetline and, as soon as he returned to the States, Harold got the bug and went out to buy a '46 Fleetline. But the car that would eventually capture his eye would be a '39 Master Deluxe.

Harold would see these cars that were in The Duke's Car Club stable and figured that he'd get that next. "My dream finally came true when I bought my '39 Chevy," recalls Harold. "I had the color of the car in my head way before owning it, as well as the interior." Talk about pre-visualization!

"This is the result of the love that I have for old cars," Harold adds. "The car turned out exactly how I had it in my mind." Yes, well, we can attest to the fact that some of these vintage jewels can catch the eye, just as can a pretty lady. That's probably why Harold chose to call his Chevy "Foxy Blue." "I can't express the feeling that I have when I drive my '39," Harold tells us, "but I can appreciate her and all of my Chicano brothers who helped me out along the way!"

Foxy Blue Owner: Harold Ferguson

Vehicle: '39 Chevrolet Master Deluxe

City/State: Compton, California

Engine/Drivetrain: A '71 General Motors 250-c.i.d. 6-cylinder engine was transplanted by "Bule" from East Los Angeles, California, who handled the transmission as well. The exhaust system was also done up in East L.A. at Atlantic Muffler.

Body/Paint: The beautiful finish was achieved by the talented John Frausto at the Black Jack shop in Hawthorne, California. The car sports a candy blue finish that's a real eye-catcher. The shiny stuff was handled by Danny at the Bumper Shop in Los Angeles, where the bright chrome work was done.

Interior: As far as the inside goes, Harold wanted to keep it clean and traditional so he took the car to Joe at California Upholstery in Bell Gardens, California, where the factory seating and panels received a dapper-looking burgundy velour finish offset by some tasty pinstripes. Look overhead while sitting in the car and you'll fine more of the rich color in the form of a headliner and recovered visors.

Sound System: As for some sounds, Ed Lopez of La Puente, California, hooked up a Pioneer CD player and a few "stealth" audio items in and around Harold's pride and joy.

Suspension: We thought that the bomb was either on bags or lifted, but we were wrong. Harold drives the slammed '39 at the same height all of the time by the use of modified coils in front and lowering blocks out back.

Tires: P185/75-R14 Sumitomo radials

Wheels: 14-inch OG wires with Chevrolet knockoffs do the job for Harold

http://www.lowridermagazine.com/features/0704_lrmp_1939_chevrolet_master_deluxe_foxy_blue/

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Knight Rider car Kitt being sold

BBC NEWS Entertainment Knight Rider car Kitt being sold:

"Knight Rider car Kitt being sold

Hasselhoff played crime-fighter Michael Knight in the programme
One of four 'talking' cars used in TV series Knight Rider is being sold for $150,000 (£76,000) in California.
Known as Kitt - or Knight Industries Two Thousand - the Pontiac Trans Am was driven by actor David Hasselhoff during the American drama in the 1980s.
It has been restored, complete with the red 'scanner' light on its bonnet.
But fans of the show must accept that the actual car has no voice and cannot drive itself or soar into the air, even though these were Kitt's trademarks.
And the vehicle's new owner will not be able to take it on the road, as it is missing a number of modifications required by US law, such as controls on the amount of pollution it emits.
The car currently belongs to Tim Russo, who bought it 10 years ago at an auction and who has been restoring it since.
The dealer, Kassabian Motors of Dublin, California, is keeping it on display until it is sold. "

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1953 Chevrolet Handyman - Family Dream

This Chevy Wagon Puts The "OG" In The "OC" Just Like Back In '53.

"When I was growing up, my Uncle Ray would let me sit behind the wheel of his '51 fastback while he was working on it," says Eli Balandran of Anaheim, California. "I always dreamed that one day I would have an old Chevy of my own. Then I saw this '53 wagon for sale. It was like nothing I'd seen before and I knew that it had to be mine."

So began Eli's '53 Chevy Handyman project. He actually drove it around in primer for a while before deciding with his wife, Rhonda, to completely restore it. Another uncle, Uncle Tony, helped out with rebuilding the engine and transmission and getting the vehicle in running order. While Orange County shops like Ron's Autobody in Garden Grove and Advanced Carburetor in Santa Ana worked their magic with the body and mechanicals, Eli and Rhonda spent "countless weekends" at SoCal swap meets in Long Beach and Pomona trying to find all of those hard-to-find accessories.

Eli and Rhonda christened their '53 "Family Dream" and began to display it with other Good Times Car Club (Orange County chapter) vehicles at various SoCal car shows. Eli claims seven First Place trophies and five Second Place trophies, with the highlight being the Second Place class award won at the 2006 Lowrider Magazine Super Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Being family oriented, Eli thanks his wife and their daughters Gabriella and Lilliana for their support in "pushing me to complete the dream when I wanted to give up." He also credits his "Pops" for all of his knowledge and advice, as well as his Good Times C.C. familia.

Eli tells us that all of those trophies don't mean that his Family Dream machine can't be improved upon in the future. He plans to tear down the wagon, and add airbags and some chrome to the engine. It seems that the '53 wagon has become a member of the family and will be around for the long haul.

Family Dream Owner: Eli and Rhonda Balandran

Vehicle: '53 Chevrolet Handyman

City/State: Anaheim, California

Club: Good Times C.C.-Orange County

Engine/Drivetrain: Eli and his Uncle Tony rebuilt the original 235-c.i.d. engine and fitted the car with a 9-inch glass-pack exhaust system.

Body/Paint: After Eli added bumper guards and fender skirts, Ron at Ron's Autobody in Garden Grove, California, applied Sherwin-Williams emerald green paint with refrigerator white for the top. Frye's in Garden Grove added the pinstriping. Diego at Advanced Carburetor in Santa Ana, California, provided the chrome plating. Jac Bat Glass in Santa Ana cut new green windows.

Interior: West Coast Upholstery in Garden Grove created the pleated green velour interior in "OG fashion." Like any older vehicle builder/restorer, Eli will tell you how much fun he had finding those vintage interior accessories, items like a tissue dispenser, flashlight, fan, compass, shaving kit, ice chest, picnic basket, Presalite cigarette lighter, "beehive" ashtrays and Smokey Bear "snuff-it."

Sound System: Eli kept it simple, installing a Kenwood head unit and a few discreet speakers.

Suspension: Stock

Tires: P175/75-R14 Hercules

Wheels: 14x7 reversed Roadster

http://www.lowridermagazine.com/features/0704_lrmp_53_chevy_handyman_family_dream/

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Dadillac - 1990 Cadillac Brougham D'Elegance

Dadillac - 1990 Cadillac Brougham D'Elegance

Anyone known as "Big Daddy" had better have a ride worthy of that monicker. What would be the appropriate vehicle for an individual with such a name? A Hummer? Hmm! Maybe a monster-size pickup or SUV? Well, this Big Daddy is a lowrider with Legends C.C. out of Moreno Valley, California. Given that information, there could only be one ride for Big Daddy... a Cadillac. Perfect!

Big Daddy's "Dadillac" is an Ice Blue '90 Cadillac Brougham D'Elegance that was completely reworked from top to bottom, front to back. The price tag for the luxury lowrider? Well, that's not so easy to figure. "I'd been looking for a Cadillac, but had not found the right one," Big Daddy explains. "My wife had a Ford Explorer and on Father's Day, she traded it for this Caddy. So I got the Caddy for Father's Day, but the surprise was that I had to buy my wife a new car!"

Construction time is also a bit of a mystery. You see, Big Daddy's built up the Cadillac twice. He estimates that the car was rebuilt twice in about three years. Many top shops and individuals worked on the project at one time or another, and Big Daddy thanks everyone involved, as well as God, his fellow Legends C.C. members, and especially his wife for showing such patience and giving him the Cadillac in the first place.

Does Big Daddy have any future plans for Dadillac? "Wait and see," he says. "There's a surprise coming!" Whoa, Big Daddy, take it easy. You've gotta leave a little something for the competition.

http://www.lowridermagazine.com/features/0704_lrmp_dadillac_90_cadillac_brougham/

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Car club keeps thumping, jumping

Tulsa World:

A Tulsa group works for a positive image for lowrider cars and owners.

The music was thumping with the rap song, 'This Is Why It's Hot.'

The car was jumping.

It's a bright-green 1984 El Camino with enough hydraulics in the back to lift its long body more than a foot off the ground and enough boom-boom in its speakers to lift the hairs on your neck.

What's that? Oh, that's the Sprite Can, said some bystanders.

And it does look like a Sprite can, all the way down to the thin white-and-yellow stripes cascading across its sleek, glittery sides.

It's the first lowrider Kelvin Reynolds has owned. He dug the car from a salvage yard four or five years ago and turned a jalopy into the envy of lowriders and lowrider wannabes.

There's a difference.

Wannabes aren't members of Individuals, a lowrider car club of which Reynolds is a member.

In Individuals, you must have a car. And a four-door Ford straight off the lot won't cut it.

The car has to have hydraulics, a hip speaker system and enough character to pass muster during inspections done on the cars every other week when the local group meets. "

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Knight Rider: KITT

KITT was designed by customizer Michael Scheffe. The convertible and super-pursuit KITTs were designed and built by George Barris.

KITT (an acronym for Knight Industries Two Thousand) is the name of a fictional computer that controls the high-tech Knight 2000, a black Pontiac Trans Am T-top automobile in the science fiction television series Knight Rider. The voice for KITT was provided by St. Elsewhere and 1776 star William Daniels, who requested that he not be credited for his work.

In the television show's fictional history, KITT was said to have been designed by the late Wilton Knight, a brilliant but eccentric billionaire and founder of the Foundation for Law and Government, (commonly shortened to "FLAG"), and its parent the Knight Foundation.

KITT's main cybernetic processor was first installed in a mainframe computer used by the United States government in Washington D.C.However, Wilton saw better use for "him" in the Foundation's crime-fighting crusade and eventually the system was installed in the vehicle. KITT was in fact the second vehicle built by Knight Industries with artificial intelligence. His predecessor was KARR, the Knight Automated Roving Robot. KARR was programmed for self-preservation, but this proved to be dangerous to the Foundation's interests. KARR was later deactivated and placed in storage while KITT was given to his new operator, Michael Knight (the new identity of Michael Long).

Unlike KARR, KITT is programmed primarily to protect Michael at all cost as well as all human life (referring to Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics). This is made clear in the pilot episode where Michael asks Devon Miles if KITT will protect anyone driving it. Devon's answer is that KITT's primary function is the preservation of human life, and Michael's in particular.

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