Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is mostly known for its plush 120 executive golf courses and silk sandy beaches, but in early August, it is invaded by custom truck enthusiasts ready to rumble at the Bash at the Beach. The two-day show attracts custom trucks from up and down the East Coast, including the southern and midwestern states.
After spending all day flying from the West Coast to the East Coast by way of Charlotte, we hustled a rental car then cruised over to Hooters to meet with Mr. Show 'n' Shine, Jay Christian, and his staff for their pre-show meeting and grub. Thanks, Jay.
The prestigious Bash at the Beach show was held at the Bier Mall in North Myrtle Beach. During early registration, vehicles were categorized and could be judged (optional) during the drive-through judging phase or during the show. Pre-show registration was held from 3-9 p.m. on Friday for early arrivals.
Show-goers were greeted to early morning sunny skies with scattered clouds on Saturday, and we were told it was typical August weather with triple-digit temperatures, extremely high humidity, and the possibility of showers. An endless line of vibrant-colored, low-slung, and high-flying custom trucks rolled into the Brier Mall's massive parking lot, staking out their display area real estate. The show vehicles displayed license plates from all over: Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee, and New York.
Some 70 clubs were represented, and a total of 320 vehicles took part in the show and its festivities. Many local vendors were present to display their latest goodies, such as Drop Em Wear?, Hot Wires/Custom Performance Products, Lo Gear, and Showcase Photo.
The usual pre-show cleaning ritual commenced as competitors used their favorite polishes, waxes, and tire dressings, cleaning, rubbing, and buffing every inch of their custom rides. As the show carried on throughout the day, competitors mingled, complimenting each other on their craftsmanship, and an enormous crowd of spectators appreciated the beautiful, flawless custom show vehicles.
As the sun disappeared somewhere out west and the show grew dark, it became a neon light show, since many of the vehicles were illuminated in neon for judging. Late in the evening, many folks cruised over to a well-known watering hole, Suck, Bang, Blow. The name is an interpretation of a motorcycle engine's physical mechanical stages to produce power - Suck (intake), Bang (combustion), and Blow (exhaust). This huge biker bar is complete with 50 pool tables; it seemed like the bar was the length of a football field, with a stage, indoor motorcycle burnout pit, and a gift shop.
The show continued Sunday morning, and the organizers were hoping to get the show in before it rained. Unfortunately, the rain began to fall, but to our surprise, it didn't bother the attendees - they're used to it. The awards were presented regardless of the wet conditions. As everyone packed up and headed for the exits, we herded up feature vehicles to capture on film for future issues of Truckin'.
Show Results:
Street Division Winners
H Outstanding 2WD Full -
Ricky Authur '62 Chevy pickup
H Outstanding 4x4 - Jeff Darruda '93 Ford F-150
Show Division Winners
H Outstanding 2WD - Tim Barr '91 S-10
H Outstanding 2WD - Keith Barr '93 C1500
H Outstanding 4x4 - Sam Henne '90 Chevy Crew Cab
Show Overall Champion - Jim Shumate '98 Tahoe
Pro Division Winners
H Outstanding 2WD - Shane Craighead '92 Mitsubishi H Outstanding 4x4 - Tom Lyons '83 Toyota