I have to build a HOT ROD!!!!!!! someday...

If you could go back in time to the mid-1930s', knowing all you do about today’s performance cars, which car or truck would you buy? Just remember, whatever you choose it will undoubtedly be almost new - then.

Jump back to the here and now; How would you restore that vehicle so it represents a little of the period, but has all the hardcore performance add-ons a builder might want? Would you first begin with the largest cubic inch V8, topped with dual quads, or fuel injection? Perhaps a 5 or 6-speed manual or automatic transmission might be complimentary to your resto. Plus, equip the exterior with OE style trimmings making it your car.

Ford • Chevrolet • Pontiac • Dodge • Chrysler • Plymouth • Buick • Oldsmobile, and a few more brands were built at that time, so lots of choices.

OK, this car will be special; no expense will be spared in creating an authentic, correct, exact replica of a car that an American automobile manufacturer built. If you want people to gather round and gaze in wonder at your latest creation, take the time and spend it on those one of a kind details.

It’s no secret that any custom restoration needs extra attention with prep and metal finishing before the paint goes on. Going above and beyond the call of duty is how you produce an awesome project resto, but being anal slows you down so think first. Good paint work gives off a reflection without ripples, waves or orange peel anywhere, and the shine carries from one panel to the next. Everything on the car must be consistent, even, and super-straight. Show-quality is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit, but the finish and fit of any resto car rivals the best even the industry can ever produce.

The same holds true with the chrome and stainless trim. In the 30s', there wasn't a lot of chrome, so add it to enhance your overall scheme. Attention to the smallest of details makes it unique; a true custom. Although safety glass carries a soft tint that looks original, remember this era didn't have any of those "yet to be invented" items commonplace today. Take nylon for instance February, 1935 was its birthday.

If you think the bodywork is important, now is when you should look under the hood. There is room for a built V8, equipped in either early or late model tech. Valve covers can be a focal point for the personal touch. Polished, painted or even plated, the finish here is probably the first “stand-out” area seen when opening the hood.

Cars have always been a labor of love, not just monetary investments. Wouldn't you hate to be the guy or gal who owns that car parked next to you at a show? You built this one!

Hooo-Ha, Toys are FUN

Some were concerned about personal Credit ratings or scores for quite some time. What DOES it all mean? We are told it matters, but with our AAA-+ now just a lowly third world rating of ‘AA’, does life still go on the same as usual?

Here at John’s Lake Joy ToY, I needed some distraction from all that is going on in the world. I thought a short BREAKTIME from reality was called for. Why not look back at some of those good times in my work life. I forgot that meant browsing through 2tb, (TERRA-BYTES) of photos I have taken over the years. Golly gee, it was fun! Here is a collection of pic’s spanning only 15 years of shop operations. I present to you some of the toys I get to play with. Turn the sound on, it took time to compose...

So what is ARTICULATION anyway

Here are some shots from Pete's Club Grill - Hot Rods and Harleys

 + 4X4's, July 4th 2011 in Carnation, WA. The exhibition these wheelers put on was a Kodak moment. Instead Matt Petree used his Blackberry! If you weren't there have a look...

H&H Extras

There is enough art work to generate one or more kick-@$$ calenders. 2012 is going to be a special year because it is a leap year. Read some of the cute customs as related to a leap year. My photographer thinks the calender would be "neat" and I agree.

Retro is currently in and that means time to get all my ducks in a row. I need to recruit investors, incorporate, estimate print costs, find the market and get motivated.

So 1950+ to 1967 will be a very good span. Lots of change without money worries or stress.....

July 4th - Three days after...

This quote is what made 2011's show work; "Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now."
— P.T. Barnum
as well as;
"The noblest art is that of making others happy"
— P.T. Barnum
Something I once read;
"Give your audience more than they expected and you will entertain them."

For 2011's HandH show I planned five different events that could occur at any time during the days show. By simply putting the materials needed in strategic places at the Hot Rods and Harley's event; the public could entertain themselves if the circus-show atmosphere began to lull. Two of these events were not possible because of the current economy, but that will change.

The H&H Ladies were fantastic, beautiful, and so colorful;

Perhaps you found a copy of this on your seat while at The Rock in Duvall;

My entire body aches from running around almost the entire day. But, I did volunteer didn't I?

Hot Rods and Harleys plus 4X4s 2011

Hot Rods and Harleys + 4 x 4s

Once again, on July 4, 2011 my wife Gail and I will be bringing you this car show. There are some changes this year.

First

The well-known high-performance guru, Mr. Jim Green of Jim Greens Performance Center will be in the parade. Instrumental in the street-rod and drag racing world for over forty years; his talents helped him win the 1968 NHRA World Championship, and the 1973 NHRA Funny Car World Championship and in 2005, he was named to the NHRA Division 6 Hall of Fame

At this years show he has also entered some hot rods of his own creation. Jim Greens Performance Center recently relocated to the nearby city of Monroe, Washington.

Rumor is that Mr. Green may demonstrate what three 604-cid Ford Boss 429 blown funny car engines sound like; so be ready. There will be warnings as we count down to ignition. This will happen after the parade and car show audience has had their chance to look at the infamous shotgun!

Second

I am announcing the introduction of a four-wheel-drive division with six classes to the 2011’ show. It seems to me that the time is long overdue for the inclusion of these talented local 4X4 builders. To have all this talent come together in one place will be awesome.

We are working on an RTI as a part of the H&H show. Bragging about the articulation abilities of an off-road vehicle comes down to “YaY” or “Nay” with this event.

Third

Six classes have been properly renamed. The classes in this division definitely mean Harley Davidson. These awards are for best in class.

With the introduction of the H&H Ladies pinup posters, which began in May, sponsorship has really grown. The H&H Ladies, who appear on these posters, will be at the show, and in the grand parade atop the Shotgun. The Ladies will be available for photos with you and your entry. Your generous donations from the photos will go to the Colon Cancer Alliance.

2011's main sponsor is Pete's Club Grill. He chose to sponsor H&H, and be involved as long as his strength would last. I admire him and his wife Karen for what they are doing, considering the circumstances. We will miss Don, but the show will go on as we all intended.

H&H and Carnations Fourth of July Calebration

I would like to thank Carol Ladwig of the Valley Record for this article. Information within this write-up contained & shared much about coordinating a car show. Which only a few people really are aware of; motivation. To attempt explaining exactly what a small American town like Carnation does on the fourth of July with your readers, this was needed. Thank You

PS - There is one error that must be corrected, it was the extremely talented Hannah Marie Schmale of hannahmariephoto.com whose eyes saw these pin-up pictures BEFORE the click of the cameras shutter. She was a motivator for me. She did this photo-shoot out of love for the unique artform she offers to others.
Your generous donation for a photo of you, your entry and the H&H Ladies at the July 4th event will be given to the Colin Cancer Research Alliance in memory of Don Lovett. And just think. you'll have that picture to remember the day.

The legacy of the late Don Lovett lives on in Carnations Hot Rods and Harleys + 4X4s show.