R&C Book ClubIf schools offered classes in Pinstriping 101, "Herb Martinez's Guide to Pinstriping" would be required reading. Herb is one of today's prominent 'stripers and 'striping teachers, and his new book covers styles and varieties of brushes, paints, chemicals, and other tools, along with techniques for laying down 'stripes-from finding the correct bodyline to holding the brush. Other chapters teach how to create good designs, paint flames, use gold leaf, and produce more elaborate contemporary styles. You'll learn how to draw traditional designs as well as how to develop your own unique style. Martinez provides practically everything for becoming a great 'striper except the materials. Even if you never wanted to be a pinstriper (you're kidding, right?!) but have an enthusiast's interest in this art form, this book will provide plenty of enjoyment and a little education.
"Herb Martinez's Guide to Pinstriping"By Herb Martinez176 pages, $24.99www.krausebooks.com
Hot Rod SneakersIt's time to retire those flamed high-tops you've been walking around in. Robert Williams' "Hot Rod Race," the most famous hot rod painting ever, is now emblazoned on some cool new sneakers from Vans.
We got to go to the Vans party for its new Robert Williams shoes, where we celebrated surrounded by local hot rodders, rods owned by Robert and Suzanne Williams and members of the Burbank Choppers, Williams' artwork, the artist himself, and of course, those sneakers.
For info on footwear featuring "Hot Rod Race" and other Robert Williams art, go to http://vault.vans.com.
Goodguys Hot Rod of the YearNext month we'll reveal the Rod & Custom HRotY, but for now we'll whet your appetite with Goodguys' choice. It's Larry Brunkala's '32 Ford coupe, picked at the GG Hot Rod Nats in Indy in June. Larry's five-window is a traditionally styled knockout that, according to Goodguys staffer Kirk Jones, "sounds really wicked and scares kids." While scaring kids is not part of the official judging process, 130 miles of street driving, eighth-mile acceleration, and a lap of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are. "It's a million times better than sitting around in a chair looking at it," Brunkala said.
The coupe features an Enderle EFI-fed Chevy 355 with DART heads and Keith Black pistons, plus a Super Bell-drilled dropped axle and hairpins, spindle-mounted Halibrands with rear ET 3s, deep black finish, black leather upholstery, and an ominous attitude. Scares kids? Hell, it scares us-but in that cool way we love.
'Speedy' Bill Smith Honored for Lifetime AchievementWe did more than just race golf carts at the latest Americruise. On Sunday, Rod & Custom magazine recognized Speedway Motors founder and owner "Speedy" Bill Smith with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In presenting the award, Rod & Custom Publisher Tim Foss (center) discussed Speedy Bill's many achievements and contributions to the rodding and racing communities. He also noted that, in a hobby seemingly dominated by influences on the nation's coasts, Smith had the ingenuity and tenacity to make significant impacts while remaining rooted in his hometown of Lincoln. Editor Kevin Lee (left) remarked on Speedway Motors' rich history, pointing out that the business, which got its official start in 1952, is one of only a handful of automotive aftermarket companies that predate Rod & Custom.
When the award was presented, Smith received a standing ovation from the large crowd gathered in the State Fair Park open auditorium. In accepting his award, Speedy Bill recognized the importance of specialty publications like Rod & Custom in keeping rodders informed and enthusiastic about the hobby. He said it was a passion for racing and performance that drove him to start Speedway Motors more than five decades ago, and a similar passion within car enthusiasts that has fueled the company's success through the years. "Despite obstacles like the 1970s gas crisis, emissions controls, and government regulations, dedicated enthusiasts have always found ways to pursue their passion," Smith said. "As long as rodders continue that pursuit, Speedway will be there to serve them."