For those of you in the Tampa FL area, check out the car show and parking lot party at Racoon's in Valrico.

Starts at Noon on 3/17 - live music, food and drink specials, raffle and more.

The editors of Hot Rod are in the process now of building this '68 Chevy Van for the 2012 SEMA Show in affiliation with eBay Motors. Working with Mackey's Hot Rods of Huntington Beach, CA, they not only sourced the love machine, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors.

 While they would love for you to vote for them, the key to this campaign is that you can be the winner. Vote for your favorite, even if it isn't the Gasser Van and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 dream garage.

So whether you're into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com.

The editors of Hot Rod, Lowrider, european car, and Four Wheeler are in the process now of building SEMA projects sourcing not only the car, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors. Best of all, you can vote for your favorite and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 Dream Garage.

 The effort is BUILT from eBay® – A web series that takes four automotive magazines and their selected garages and creates a competition to showcase eBay Motors amazing selection. Each team starts with the purchase of a niche-enthusiast vehicle, and then searches out and purchases each and every part to go with them. Whether those parts be new, retro, performance or new-old-stock, these four teams are being tested to pull it off.

So whether you’re into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com.

Every Friday night throughout the summer, Grand Avenue in So-Cal's Escondido sees cruisin just like the old days.

Situated in north San Diego County, about 30 miles inland, Escondido's Grand Avenue hosts a weekly cruise night throughout the summer months. Officially sanctioned, with DJs, bands and raffles taking place alongside the cars cruising and parked up, Grand Avenue's restaurants, bars and antique stores get busy from mid afternoon as cars arrive from Orange County to the north and San Diego to the south.

There are even special nights when one of the side streets is lined with front engined Fuellers which perform a cacklefest - always fun to watch as the unsuspecting public aren't used to nitro fumes! - or A/FX cars. Every Friday's a good time though, so if you're in the area prior to September, make it a point to visit.

One of the coolest happenings at the LoneStar Roundup is the mini bike races in the barn.

Laughs and spills aplenty as the mini bikes - and this year, a trike - thrash around an oval course on loose dirt. Wanna join in? Just bring your steed along next year!

 A couple weeks back we headed to Aerotect Protective Films in La Verne, CA, to check out all the newest 3M automotive parts.

 The first product demoed for those in attendance was the 3M Crystalline Automotive film. The window film is different from traditional window tint film, in that it is nearly clear, yet still allows 40% to 90% of the sunlight into your car. The Crystalline Film also rejects 97% of the sun's IR rays and 60% of the heat coming through your windows. The film allows you to keep a near stock look on your car while still having the benefits of tinted windows. The film is also non-metallic, so it won't interfere with radio signals or other high tech goodies.

Next we checked out the Scotchgard Paint Protection Film (PPF). The colorless urethane film is the ultimate paint protection. This durable film protects even the most high dollar paint job, from rock chips or any other road debris. PPF also comes with a 5 year warranty.

3M VentureShield Matte Finish Film is one of the coolest products that demoed for the group. The Film allows you to give any paint job a matte finish, for one of the most current looks in the automotive aftermarket world. The crew from 3M transformed the fender of a Cadillac in a matter of minutes. The film can be washed and waxed as easily as your normal paint job which is a definite plus of traditional Matte paint jobs, while also offering some protection for your paint job.

Next up in the demo, the crew from Aerotect applied the new 3M Scothprint wrap film series 1080. This film is currently available in four matte colors (black, white, silver and military green) and five brushed finishes (aluminum, titanium, steel, steel blue, and gold). The film is long lasting, yet easily removable. The film can be layered to create unique designs, such as the dual layer flame design the guys put on the Cadillac they were doing the demo on.

Last for the day, 3M showed off the Headlight Lens Restoration System. This innovative 3-step process allows you to remove scratches and restore plastic headlights, and taillights. The system uses a standard household drill for sanding and buffing. The benefit of the kit goes beyond restoring ugly headlights, but also increases the amount of light, making night driving safer.

It's a truck - and gets used as one!

I believe in using my '46 pickup as a truck; consequently it gets used to haul all sorts of junk, from motorcycles to concrete. I recently picked up a complete, but broken down into seperate panels, Model A phaeton body for a friend. Kind of two cars in one...

Steven E. Young, Chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation’s Board of Directors, announced today that the Museum Foundation has received a gift of approximately $100,000,000 from Margie Petersen and the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

The donation is comprised of a substantial unrestricted financial gift, a matching challenge, the 300,000 square foot building that the Museum has occupied since it opened in 1994, and an important collection of cars assembled by the late Robert E. Petersen during his lifetime, all as part of the Museum’s gift.

This gift ensures that the Museum will continue to grow in importance as one of Los Angeles’ premier museums, and the largest and most acclaimed automobile museum in the nation.

“I am thrilled to make this gift which continues what Mr. Petersen and I began two decades ago, to build the most important automotive museum in the nation.  My intent in doing this is to provide the Museum with the necessary resources to continue to enhance its collections, curatorial expertise and exhibitions so that generations to come will be able to forever know the history of the automobile and its role in the evolution of our nation’s transportation system,” said Margie Petersen.

“I am fulfilling a vision that Mr. Petersen and I shared and planned to do someday.  I am so happy that this day has come and that I can launch the Museum into a new era of growth and expansion.  While I expect the resources of the Museum to be available to the world, this gift is especially designed to the benefit of the Los Angeles community where we made our lives together,” stated Margie Petersen.

A program of special importance to Mrs. Petersen has been the Museum’s Free School Bus Program.  Since 2005, the Museum has funded transportation that has enabled approximately 8,000 students per year from the Los Angeles Unified School District, grades K through 12, to visit the Museum.  Teachers use the automobile to inspire student thinking about science, art, design, engineering, fuel supply, transportation and urban planning.  Many teachers have stated that without this program the children would not have the opportunity to explore learning outside the classroom at all during the school year.

“The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation Board is honored to acknowledge this gift as it launches a campaign to enlarge the Board and expand the reach of the Museum.  We are committed to make the Petersen Automotive Museum the most important automobile venue in the world,” said Board Chairman Steven Young.

“We are ecstatic to receive this extraordinary gift from Mrs. Petersen.  The generosity that she and Mr. Petersen have shown has been legendary and the entire Museum staff is overjoyed by this gift,” remarked Buddy Pepp, Executive Director of the Museum.

More than 150,000 visitors a year tour the Petersen Automotive Museum which is located on Museum Row on Los Angeles’s Miracle Mile.  In addition to the automobile and motorcycle collections of Margie and Robert E. Petersen and the Petersen Foundation collection, the Museum also displays important cars from many other car collectors who donate or loan their vehicles to the Museum.

Robert E. Petersen founded Hollywood Publicity Associates in 1947.  His love of cars let him win a contract to publicize a hot rod show at the Los Angeles Armory.  He quickly recognized the market for a publication about hot rods which he parlayed into the legendary Hot Rod Magazine launched in 1948.

He grew his business into a publishing empire with more than 36 monthly magazines and over 50 annual publications and became a household name among car enthusiasts.

In 1963 he married Margie McNally, a model and actress from New York.  Together they built a life of business, collections and philanthropy as one of Los Angles’ most prominent couples.

The Petersen car collection is renowned as one of the largest and most diverse collections in the United States.  The Petersens are also known for important collections of wildlife and western art.

The couple’s considerable philanthropic activities in Los Angeles include The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, The Margie and Robert E. Petersen Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood, The Music Center, The Thalians, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, St. John’s Health Center and the John Wayne Cancer Institute among many others.

 A number of prominent organizations have formed the "Save the Salt Coalition" to protect the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) from continued deterioration due to salt brine removal from potash mining. The Coalition is now working with government officials, mine operators and others to develop a permanent program to replenish the salt.

 Founding members of the Coalition include the Bonneville Nationals (BNI), Save the Salt Foundation, Source Interlink Media, Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), SEMA Action Network (SAN) and Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA). Doug Evans, Executive Vice President, Source Interlink Media, has been named Chairman of the "Save the Salt Coalition."

"The Bonneville Salt Flats is an essential element of American motorsports heritage," said Evans. "Since 1949, Hot Rod Magazine has covered the August speed trials and worked with government officials to permit continued racing. The legacy of land speed racing covers every imaginable type of vehicle, from hot rods to jet cars, electric cars and motorcycles. These efforts are a proving ground for new technological achievements in power plants, composite materials and aerodynamics."

The BSF is a unique geological formation that is also central to the history of motorsports and the industries that support motorsports. Scores of world land speed records have been set on the densely-packed remnants of a huge prehistoric lake. The area is so flat, it is possible to see the curvature of the earth. The BSF has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Decades of salt removal by an adjoining potash mining operation have damaged the BSF. Between 1963 and 1982, an estimated 11 million tons of salt was withdrawn. By the mid-1990s, the historic raceway had lost over 18 inches of salt crust. Originally 96,000 acres in size, the BSF has been reduced to about 30,000 acres and those lands are threatened unless the salt removed to extract potash is then returned to the BSF. The potash operation is located on federal lands leased by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The Coalition is seeking to protect the BSF and permit continued mining. One solution is to pump brine water back onto the salt flats during the winter and spring, when the basin is naturally covered with water. As the water evaporates during the summer months, the salt flats will increase in thickness and hardness, and the underground aquifer supporting the salt crust will be replenished. A five-year test program begun in 1997 demonstrated that the solution will work. The Coalition is now seeking an equivalent, permanent program.

For more information, please visit the "Save the Salt Coalition" website at www.savethesalt.org.

 Washington, D.C. (April 15, 2011) -- The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 154 (S. Res. 154) at the request of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils designating July 8, 2011 as "Collector Car Appreciation Day."  The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

 S. Res. 154 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).  Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 154 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars.  The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America's ever growing love affair with the car and motorsports.  The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for motorsports.  

"Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day at our request," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation's automotive heritage. SEMA's commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.  We look forward to even more celebrations this July 8 and in the years to come."

In recognition of the day, collectors and enthusiasts will be hosting events across the country.  ARMO Chairman Laura Bergan said, "On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country.  We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day."

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect said, "The industry endeavors to preserve our nation's automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide.  Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports."

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate America's time-tested love affair with the automobile.  Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Ashley Ailsworth, SEMA Research and State Affairs Manager at ashleya@sema.org or 202-783-6007 x. 39.

Somewhere in New Mexico en route to Austin. Just before the speeding ticket...

Nothing like that south-western desert sun to bake the still-wet primer on the front end and passenger door! Despite a four hour delayed start to the trip, the roadster pickup made it straight through to Austin, with just one speeding ticket and two cautions for a dead tail light (the second as we were pulling into the first gas station we came across to fix it!). 1500-odd miles in 25 or so hours. Then back again three days later!

So we're leaving for the Lone Star Roundup in Texas in 11 hours.... hmmmm....

You know what they say about the best laid plans? I fully intended to have the roadster pickup painted (yeah, shiny!) in time for the Lone Star Roundup, but life got in the way again. So... 3 hours sleep in the last 48 resulted in what you see here. We're leaving in 11 hours, and 'all' I have to do is finish the filler work, prime it, change the engine oil, and axle oil, have the alignment done, pack, gas up and hit the road. Oh, and write two stories for the magazine before I go. Remind me why we're supposed to enjoy this again!

Rolling fender lips with Eastwood tools

Adding 1-inch narrowed tubular control arms to the '82 Caprice front suspension in my '46 roadster pickup allowed the tires to clear the fenders on full steering lock, but the addition of wider tires meant the problem returned recently. The solution? Rolling the fender lips to gain a little extra clearance. Eastwood offers a tool for just such an application, which was put to good use on the truck.

It can even be used to roll lips on painted fenders if you apply a little judicious heat using an electric heat gun to soften the paint so it doesn't split when force is applied using the tool. Simply bolt the tool to your hub, adjust to suit the vehicle, and roll it around the fender lip a few times, increasing pressure on each pass to roll the return lip of the fender up and towards the outer fender.

This past weekend saw the annual Big Three swap meet held in San Diego.

Despite not-so-great weather forecasts, I actually managed to get sunburnt on Friday at the Big Three, which covers around half of the huge parking lot of the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Saturday was apparently not so good but I'd found all I wanted to buy, and managed to sell some surplus parts, though not my '46 roadster pickup unfortunately, which was my main reason for going. Thus I was at home Saturday watching the rain at 6.30am through my living room window!

The Big Three is one of my favorite swap meets, as there always seem to be an innordinate amount of good early parts and cars for sale. It's one of the few swaps where genuine bargains can still be had, especially on the Sunday if you're prepared, or brave enough, to wait it out. It also has one of the most amusing website names if you read it wrong - www.big3partsexchange.com

It's amazing what still turns up in modern junkyards!

I hit my local Ecology yard yesterday in search of a power steering hose that the autoparts store didn't keep in stock, and, as usual, I walked the entire yard to see what had turned up since my last visit. A couple of mid-'70s Dodge vans and a mid-'60s C10 pickup caught my eye but had been stripped almost clean, though the set of slot mags still remained on an old F150.

While these didn't surprise me even though the yard is a late-model yard, the slant six-equipped Dodge Dart raised an eyebrow, then I saw it! A '54 Olds. The roofline gave it away above the ten year old commuter-mobiles, and apart from a missing front fender, hood and the motor it was almost complete, though the floors had rusted away. However, the grille was still there, though definitely past its prime. I'd been toying with the idea of using one of these on the rear of the Purple Pig '49 Chevy project, and having the exhausts exit through the oval apertures, but wasn't about to stump up the price usually wanted for such a desirable part.

A quick word with the girl taking the money told me "that old grille" would cost me $30. So I returned today with the necessary tools and it's mine. Oh, and she decided that as it was so rusty she'd give me a discount. How does $23 sound? Made me smile for the rest of the day I can tell ya!

Flower Power takes on new meaning with this Rosester

Seen on one of the floats at the Rose Parade in Pasedena on New Year's Day there's a lot of work in this very realistic "Model B"

Masterson Kustoms' annual Fire Party at the old Barris Kustom shop in Lynwood once again celebrated the anniversary of the fire that destroyed the old shop.

Every year Brad Masterson of Masterson Kustoms hosts a party on the closest Saturday to December 7, the anniversary of the night in 1957 when the Barris shop burned down. Brad's shop (which is actually Dean Jeffries' old place) is next door to the old Barris premises, the store at the front not only housing Barris memorabilia but also the old "Animal Hospital" signwriting on the wall that can be seen in almost all old photographs of the front of the Barris Kustom shop.

This year Brad turned the lights off, the whole place filled with eerie light from hundreds of candles. A continually revolving car show took place as people came and went throughout the late afternoon and evening, with food courtesy of photographer Tim Sutton and his meat smoker. While some parked out front on Atlantic Avenue, yet more lined the alley out back, evoking images seen in numerous books and magazines, especially as the surrounding buildings are almost identical now to how they were half a century ago. It's about the closest we'll ever get to going back in time...

A lazy Sunday morning in overcast Huntington Beach

Roy Fjastad over at West Coast Street Rods hosted a get-together today at his shop, with free barbeque and drinks all day. If that's not guaranteed to draw a bunch of hot rodders out on a cool overcast Sunday morning, I don't know what is. Additionally, Lady Luck Clothing were in attendance and selected a number of hot rods present to appear in their calendar, shooting them with a model inside the shop while Roy busied himself at the barbeque outside.

We made a weekend of it, dug the hot rod out, cruised up to Brad Masterson's Fire Party in Lynwood the night before, stayed in the area and hit Roy's shop on the way home. All low key, like minded people with no big show hassles, entry fees, or public in attendance, just good clean fun with rods and customs. That's what they're for right? 

The Roth Boyz' latest creation - The Streetnik Bandit - is finished and on tour.

With final assembly, paint, upholstrery and chrome all done, the Streetnik Bandit is done and gone. Gone on tour that is. Debuting at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, the latest from the second generation of Roth crazies is now out there.  So what's next Boyz...?

 Dear Fellow Car Enthusiast:

It is with great pleasure, and a sense of excitement, that I write to introduce myself as the new Director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN).

 As a lifelong gearhead with roots tracing back to the Motor City, I am very proud to take on the responsibility of leading America's premier automotive enthusiast network in the battle to protect our cherished heritage.  In an era of increasing governmental involvement in the hobby, it is imperative that we remain organized and stand together.  We must continue to ensure that lawmakers, both on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the nation, hear our voices loudly and proudly.  We will not stand idly and allow America's automotive traditions to be legislated out of existence.  In addition, we will promote pro-active policies that benefit the hobby.  As I assume the mantle of this great organization, that is my pledge to you.

I come to this job abundantly aware that the fight to defend the hobby from aggressive regulation may not be easy, but it is a necessary one.  For 14 years, the SAN has staved off attacks from forces seeking to create obstacles to our responsible enjoyment of this hobby and made strides towards ensuring its future.  Continue to stay informed.  Respectfully let your legislators know where you stand on the issues.  Most importantly, spread the word.  Let your friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts know the vital importance of SAN's mission and to join the cause.  As always, joining the SAN at  http://www.semasan.com/san/join.aspx  is FREE and carries no obligations.

I look forward to meeting each of you at events across the country and working together towards the preservation of our hobby.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at miked@sema.org.

Very Respectfully,
Mike Dingell

Our Project '49 Chevy exhaust gets ceramic coated by Embee Performance

While a stainless steel exhaust is very nice, especially on a car where it'll be seen, our Chevy is so low to the ground that's not an issue, plus it was easier to fabricate the system using mild steel tubing. This does mean it required a protective coating if we didn't want it to rust - this will be a driver after all - and a quick rattle can high-temp coating wasn't an option.

We entrusted the exhaust system to Embee Performance, who ceramic coated it and turned the job around in three days. It looks great, will stay cooler thanks to the thermal barrier properties of the coating, and is now protected from the elements. With a background in the aerospace and oil industries, Embee offers ceramic coating in numerous colors, as well as powder coating, anodizing, chrome and cadmium plating. You can see the full story in an upcoming issue.

The recent Long Beach Motorama featured a Showcase of Kustoms.

You'll be able to read all about the Motorama and the Showcase of Kustoms in the March issue of Rod & Custom, but here's a teaser from the main floor, as well as a couple of oddities that were displayed outside. Bill Hines built The Maharaja in '59, starting with a '51 Ford convertible, then added a wraparound Chevy windshield, quad tail lights, a Russian bearskin interior and 18 coats of Swedish pearl paint made from real fishscales! The Merc with the crazy full length glass roof was recently unearthed from storage.

Following the Ventura Nationals, Dan Collins threw open the doors of his Old Gold Garage for an Open House.

There's usually no reason to hang around after a show on a Sunday afternoon, the time better spent crawling home in Sunday evening traffic, but after the recent Ventura Nationals, we headed over to Dan Collins' Old Gold Garage, where he was hosting an Open House, with food, live music, a raffle and the chance to wander around his shop, which combines a workshop with a car/bike display area and art show. We weren't the only ones either, as the place became increasingly busy as the late afternoon sun went down, with cars and bikes coming and going providing a constantly changing show. Very cool Dan, and thanks for providing a reason to hang around and miss that heavy traffic!

Latest from Planet Roth

Dennis "L'il" Daddy Roth just got done painting his latest car, and fired these pics over to us at R&C today. Built using the same techniques as the late Ed Roth used - fiberglass over plaster - it's taken a while for the body to reach this stage, but now it's in glorious orange 'flake and ready to hit the upholstery shop prior to going on display at the SEMA show.

The van craze is allegedly coming back, but we're sure it won't be anything like this one!

Spied at the Born Free motorcycle show in Long Beach California, a few weeks ago was this insane chopped van. Sporting a rear mounted motor and a boat V-drive, it was siad to pop wheelies on demand. A few weeks later at the LA Roadsters show it could be seen in the parking lot over by the Pomona drag strip doing just that. Sir, you're barking mad, but I for one salute you!