Hi Inliners,
Last weekend, the GoodGuys Great Lakes Nationals were held in Waukesha, WI. The weather was perfect, no bugs, and some great cars showed up.
On Friday, 1200+ cars showed up and some real nice Cars in the corral and swap meet. I almost bought my next project. A 1927 Track-T in parts. Price was right but timing was not. On Saturday, I arrived at 6:45AM in the morning to reserve 6 spots for some Inliners and Streetrod Buddies. I was amazed that they were letting cars in that early and most of the choice spots were already taken. Gael(Chevyman1937)and his friend Irwin and Brian(Gearhead) showed up along with 3 of my hotrod buddies. I had just finished cleaning the car off when this guy came up was inspecting my car rather closely. After a good 10 minutes, he came up to me and asked if this was my car and would I tell him about it. As any Inliner, I went into an extensive "Brief" history of the modifications on the Chevy along with my book of photos. He then asked if I was going to be here on Sunday. I said I wasn't sure. He then said that he would like to Pick my car for the "Preacher's Pick" sponsered by the Christian Hotrodders. I have been to their Sunday services in the past and they are non-denominational but Christian based and very nice. I said, I would be honored to be picked and I will be back on Sunday.
After he left, I sat down, in shock, and could not believe my good fortune. Believe me when I tell you, there were hundreds and hundreds of Rods much nicer than mine and costing 2-3 times more. Actually the official figure was 2153 cars. I asked Bruce, the GoodGuys Rep, what attracted him to my car and why he picked it. He validated everything I had planned for 7 years and designed into the Chevy. He said that the "Look" and "Stance" of the car caught his eye and that it has parts and modifications done to it that are unique and different from all of the other rods. The engine was the focal point and the paint, smoothing, chop, interior, pipes, and overall theme was right on the classic Hotrod look. He said I "Nailed it" on look and sound. Yes, I started it up for him so he could hear the Six in Heat! He smiled alot.
So on Sunday, I was placed in the Winner's Circle and drove my car into the awards presentation to accept my award. I must say that I was humbled and proud at the same time. Of course, I rapped the pipes as I exited the presentation area to hear the announcer say on the speaker system say, "Now that's a real Hotrod!"
It looks like our Inliners group has broken down some barriers once again and everyone can be proud of it. If it wasn't for this website, club, fellow inliners, and vendors, this could have never happened. I thank everyone in our Club for their support and feedback to make my car be the best it can be. Special thanks go out to; Tom Langdon, Patrick Dykes, Jack Halton, Brian Davis, Gael(Chevyman1937), Luke Lucas, and especially my wife Liz who found the car for me and started the dream 9 years ago.
Bob Malin
RapRap
1940 ChoppedChevyCoupe
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God doesn't like ugly.
