True automotive enthusiasm doesn't just happen. Most enthusiasts developed their passion for custom trucks and hot rods as they grew up. Being surrounded by the sounds of rumbling camshafts and cackling headers and the sight of gleaming paint and chrome pushes enthusiasm under the skin and into the bloodstream. I-like many enthusiasts-developed my passion for custom vehicles during my youth while going to hot rod shows with my dad in our '29 Model A Roadster pickup. A few years ago, my pops decided to sell the hot rod and take a breather from it all. Naturally, when he decided to let the ride go, I was bummed-so many great memories. But, my personal enthusiasm has continued with my newest custom truck venture known as Red Rocker. Done up in hot rod flair with flames, billet wheels, and air suspension, Red Rocker is the key to the hot rod scene I left behind, the one I dived into as a kid, the one that fueled my passion.
Recently, I attended the Good Old Days Show in Temecula, California, with resident Tech Editor Bob Ryder, and it took me back to a time when my enthusiasm was just starting to brew. Picture a small downtown area with lots of shops and restaurants and an old-town ambience. Then, picture that quiet scenery alive with custom trucks, hot rods, and musclecars, cruising until the fuel needle dips into the red. The staff of the Good Old Days blocked off Front Street in downtown Temecula and opened it only to show attendees. Smiles from ear to ear glowed from the interiors of those cruising machines, as drivers nudged the throttles and tapped on the air suspension controls. I drove to the show in Red Rocker and spent the better part of Friday evening hosing the truck off and cruising my heart out. I would stop from time to time and join other enthusiasts and their rides curbside for a bit of bench racing, but once I and the truck had gotten a chance to cool down, it was off to the pavement again to roll low and enjoy the view from both directions. Rolling custom images permeated Front Street, and the sharp note of exhaust sounding out the sweet rumble from various powerplants filled the air with high-octane enthusiasm. It felt like I had traveled back to the '50s and was enjoying a time when automotive adrenaline was at an all-time high, a time when what a guy drove said a lot about who he was.
Once the sun came up Saturday morning, I headed down to the parking lot, uncovered the truck (just like my Dad and I had done with our hot rod at many events in years past), hopped in the driver seat, and brought the small-block Chevy to a dull roar to get the day going. Front Street is a great setting for a car show. Since my hotel was only a few blocks away and I was extra excited to start the day, I dropped the truck into gear and headed to my parking spot. When I reached the show, I discovered that I was showing right between a '56 F-100 pickup and a '38 Dodge Coupe. During the morning hours of cleaning and socializing, I had a chance to get acquainted with my neighbors and made some new friends in the process. The rest of the day was filled with walking the show and enjoying all of the automotive art on display.
The Good Old Days event was, without a doubt, the best time I have had at a show in a long time. The venue, the mix of people, and the quality of the vehicles made it a home run event and allowed me to add a few more show-going memories to my collection. Until next month, keep hitting those switches, cranking good tunes (such as Big Country or Boston), and cruising until your heart's content.