2009 ASRF Nationals

We arrived on the Thursday at around noon. There were already quite a few rods hanging around town. This time, we were staying in a motel close to everything. As expected, all the motels were chock full of rodders from all over the country. We shared ours with many Victorian rodders and we had a great time talking BS over the weekend.

Friday we ventured out to the showground where rods were mustering. We registered at the Goulburn club and had a few beers and more BS with other rodders. The weather at this stage was perfect, but the prediction was not good for Saturday. The cruise night was rain but it didn't deter most of us. Once we figured out the way to the starting point we joined in. There was a lack of direction on the way as many of us just followed the leader and kept getting lost. Luckily the rain kept many rods a bit cooler as we paraded through the streets with eager observers 4 deep with umbrellas. We done a couple of circuits then parked in a side street. We then mad a bee line for something to eat. After that, we gravitated towards the music where the Atomic Hi Tones and Blackhill Ramblers entertained the hardy (wet) crowd.

Sunday was the show and shine. This was held in the show ground and I was unsure if we should go topless ( in the 37 that is) or not. The weather was clearing so we took a punt. We arrived at the grounds at the designated time and the girls jumped onto the buses for the trip to the southern highlands. That left us boys to indulge in our element...rods and more rods. There was uncertainty where to park, so we all parked along the cruise track. Later we were told to move into the centre show ground. We were hesitant to move but finally relented. The roadsters were allocated way out the back outside of the main area. This didn't make sense to many as there was plenty of room in the main area, so we went back to the cruising track. At least we were close to all the action and regular cruising. We done a fair bit as well and enjoyed the beautiful weather. I got a bit sun burnt and was pissed off when I found out Marg had taken my hat out of the boot just before we left the motel. Oh well, if a bit of sunburn is the worst thing that happened, then I'm happy.

Presentation was on Sunday night and meals were provided. The food was very good and organised very well as I usually  avoid queues but this time they moved along very swiftly. The Blackhill Ramblers and Atomic Hi Tones entertained us again with presentation between sets. Marg and I done a bit of dancing then we all were very tired and called it quits and went back to our motel.

Monday, we left Goulburn at around 10 a.m after a hearty breakfast at a local cafe, arriving home at noon. We had a great time and the 37 ran like a top again. I have taken a few pics and as usual, will add some word where I feel it needs.

 

 

 

Gathering rods on the Friday.
This T bucket with the six carbs on a cross manifold and polished firewall was nice.
Now this T had some serious grunt. A 454 and a huge wing and wheely bars. I reckon it would need them. The next pic eays IMRARE on the plate. I wouldn't argue it. I am unsure what it is. Mercury, Lincoln?..it is beautifull whatever it is.
The 28 Morris Cowly blended in quite well. See, you can rod anything and it can look cool.
This mustang crept in for a while. Straight and perfect paint..I don't know about the wheels though. To each his own I guess.
This creation was presented by Elvis of Rod Bods. This is a 32 roadster registered as a truck as it sits on a truck chassis. It does have a load area in the boot, be it very small, it is enough to convince the authorities it is a commercial vehicle. The engine is a 705 cubic inch  v 12 Chevy. I believe it's out of a WW2 half track/multi wheel transporter. I think Elvis is competing with a couple of other rodders in who can create the most outrageous rod. Elvis is in front I think;-) Oh yeah, it's for sale. Just contact Elvis if you are keen.
This 32 roadster is Alfa 4 banger powered. In fact, it is all Alfa running gear and is one nimble little rod. It also has been converted to EFI with a Mega Squirt unit. I am told it is getting a V6 very soon. Alfa of course;-)..It should really boogie with that.

Next pic it that beautifull..er...um...whatever;-)
This 33 coupe had nostalgia all over it. I think it took out top rod as well.
This is my mates 34 roadster. I convinced him to go topless as well. This is the very first time it has had the top down since he has owned it. That is the best way to show a roadster IMHO. It looks fantastic. He also got to meet the original builder/owner who rodded it back in 1983. He was thrilled to get thrown the keys for an cruise around the track. My mate restored it but retained most of the original style and colour.
I have made a new mate, Shane from the Blackhill Ramblers. It is always great to meet up with the boys and this time I got to take Shane for a cruise around the track and had a good yarn with him. He is a rodder from way back and told me about all his rods from years ago. He had a 39 sloper I think. Seems rockabilly and rods do go well together. Next pic is Shane and the boys later that evening at the presentation.
Last pic before we headed back to the motel was Cliff and the boys from The Atomic Hi Tones doing a set. You could not have got any better bands than these two.