Low-slung custom pickups, white sandy beaches, and hot babes were the setting for spring break this year in Panama City Beach, Florida. Sound like an incredibly good time? For the Vital Signs Car and Truck Club of Panama City Beach, it was a sensational time because they put on Spring Fling 2001 at the Aaron Z. Bessant Park on April 6-8.
This year's Spring Fling custom car and truck show featured more than 35 classes, so the turnout of radical fullsize and mini-trucks was just plain incredible. Everything from body-dropped, 'bagged, and fully shaved rides to lifted 4x4s practically trampled down the gates of the Aaron Z. Bessant Park on Friday to get the custom truck party started. The Vital Signs crew was busy registering folks for the three-day bash late Friday afternoon as well as getting vendors set up on Vendor Row.
Saturday morning brought in more radical rides for an action-packed, switch-hitting, rocker-dragging weekend when the Vital Signs event staff worked steadily to get vehicles parked and put into their respective classes. Once Saturday registration died down and the dust from trucks continually rolling in settled, it was time to prepare for head-to-head competition. Participants shined their rides for judging most of the morning, polishing wheels, wiping down chrome, and waxing paint.
The dedication to detailing at Spring Fling was impressive; enthusiasts did not stop cleaning until perfection was realized. Vendors including Drop 'Em Wear, Hot Wires, Low Glow, and Air Lift were there selling products and answering questions for several curious customizers. Saturday also featured a dB drag racing event where serious audio buffs cranked their systems to unreal decibel levels. Sponsors of the event included Elliot Brothers Paint & Body, Off the Wall Screenprinting & Embroidery, Pizza Hut, Cellular One, and the People's First Florida Community Bank. DSD Customs sponsored a Best of Show wheel contest.
Saturday night featured an all-out neon contest where some of the most decorated rides put on a bright-light show for the crowd. By the time Sunday rolled around, everyone was looking for shelter from the sun, a shower, and a clean pair of clothes, but that did not stop them from getting revved up for the air-hopping competition. Bill Dermond from Air Lift got the crowd fired up for the airbag-hopping competition where enthusiasts were getting their front wheels off the ground on airbags. A large crowd gathered near the main stage to catch a glimpse of the intense hopping action. Godfather Customs even rolled out its new GMC C3 sitting on 23-inch wheels and sporting wild paint and graphics.
Spring Fling 2001 was a great event filled with sweet trucks, hot products for sale, and a whole bunch of fun activities for everyone. Vital Signs does a great job of putting on an inclusive event with something interesting for everyone. Whether you enjoy showing, cranking up your sound system, or hitting switches, you are guaranteed to have an incredible time at Vital Signs' Spring Fling. For information on next year's Spring Fling event, visit www.vitalsigns.org or www.spring-fling.com.
-
Body-dropped, 'bagged, and blown, this freshly-finished fullsize drew its fair share of at
-
-
-
A few in-progress rides were there, including this fully-shaved, 'bagged, and body-dropped
-
Registration was jam-packed all day Saturday while participants rolled through to get clas
-
More than a few Ford Rangers showed up at Spring Fling. This purple and green mini Blue Ov
-
What could be better than hanging out with some of your best buds while surrounded by hund
-
Godfather Customs brought out this freshly-completed Ford Escape to give spectators a tast
-
Several vendors were there, including Hot Wires, which displayed miscellaneous neon produc
-
An airbag-hopping competition was sponsored by Air Lift and drew quite an impressive crowd
-
-
Drop 'Em Wear was there selling shirts and assorted apparel to enthusiastic participants.