Double nickel red...

Sizzlin' hot colors to match the namesake and first impression of Pete Kee's '55 Nomad!

Catch and Release...

Custom ride owners come in all shapes and forms... meet Spot. Spot, owner of a 1929 Model A pickup complete with dog catcher accessories, has successfully trained Denny McCoy of Temecula, CA to drive him in and around Temecula to the delight and pure enjoyment of anyone fortunate to come across them on the road. Spot can be "caught" being chauffeured around town by Denny during Old Town Friday evening Axle Dragger gatherings, parades, fundraisers and special events. One thing for sure, all ages are drawn to this one year old American bulldog with his friendly tail in constant motion.

According to Spot, his ride is powered by a four cylinder gas model B motor with aluminum heads...dogpower unknown.

When he was adopted and given his name of Spot little did anyone realize that this Dog Catcher vehicle purchased around the same time by Denny would have a name of "spot" etched into it's hood as well. On most occasions Spot will bring along his partner-in-crime, Socks, the McCoys' four year Australian shepard for company.

If you are fortunate to come across the McCoy's on the road, do yourself a favor and stop by to meet some very nice company whether they are two or four legged!

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." --Roger Caras

CAR-B-QUE 2009...

If you are in need of a guaranteed good time complete with good friends, terrific food and and an over abundance of laughs then attend a BBQ at the Wittmans. Sheree and George Wittman opened their home to their friends this weekend for a great evening get together. Guests knew going in that with George no one was safe from his sense of humor...as expected, he didn't disappoint. A high five to Sheree and George for a great party and a very sincere thank you from everyone for inviting us into your home.

Below is a sampling of smiles from the Car-B-Que 2009.

Temecula Fall Rod Run 2009...

Sonic Drive-in, Murrieta, CA...

Veterans Car Show 2009

First Baptist Church Car Show, Hemet, CA...

Ford Owner: Built Tough

It's easy to recognize Dennis Peterson at any Axle Dragger gathering, he's the individual that goes out of his way to introduce himself to first time visitors and say hello to his fellow club members. A conversation with Dennis is time well spent. His demeanor and positive outlook is always a welcomed addition. One distinctive trait is his dry sense of humor...trust me, I have learned that first hand. That welcomed humor is supported by his sister-in-law and partner-in-crime, Carol. These two certainly have each other's back as Carol gladly rides shot gun in Dennis's pride and joy 1929 Ford.

Dennis's first set of wheels given to him even before he was of legal age to drive was a 1953 Studebaker with instructions to learn the car inside and out. His love of cars involved owning a '55 and 60 Chevy, eventually leading to the '29 Ford.

Dennis has always enjoyed sports but takes extra pride in his thirty years with the BPO Elks of the USA, handling the honor of Exalted Ruler for his Redondo Beach Lodge. A reading of the Elks Mission Statement will demonstrate a blueprint of this man. When asked about why he joined the Axle Draggers three years ago both Dennis and Carol were quick to say it was the friendly members and easy going nature of their bylaws. Wayne Ruehling, fellow club member and friend, credits Dennis for introducing him to the club.

For those that know me know that I gravitate to individuals with a sense of humor and those ready for a good laugh. For that reason, if Dennis and Carol are around, you'll usually find me hanging with them.

Oh, the golf ball. Dennis has accomplished much in this life of his..when you get a chance, ask him about the three hole-in-ones that he can lay claim to!

"It Just Smokes a Little..."

Gil Losi Sr, obviously proud of his recently renovated 1970 Pontiac Trans Am, is shown treating his fellow Axle Dragger friends to an up close demonstration of monster horsepower while in park!

Wild, Wild West...

Darell Farnbach, pictured here, was one of many in attendance recently at Dayton and Pam Taylor's annual Hot Rod Western BBQ. Each year Dayton and Pam gather their hot rod friends and put on one terrific party...complete with live music, food and beverage of choice. Although most wore western attire, the prize of "Best Dressed" has to go to Darell and his authentic attire!

Dayton and Pam, great party...thank you!

"Wheel of Fortune"...

Owned by Gil Losi, Murrieta, California, this driven art is a ’33 Ford Boydster by Boyd Coddington. Called the Ratster, it has a dark gray matte color and red leather interior. It is powered by a Chevy LS6 350 c.i. engine. The name and gray suede finish implies a link to the rat rod world, but it is exquisitely designed, painted and detailed.

1/6 Scale Chevy Engine...

Check this out...and it runs!

Hand made 1/6 scale chevy 327 engine.
This is almost beyond comprehension. This man has talents bordering on the supernatural. Goes beyond what most of us can only dream about.
And he did it all on a Bridgeport milling machine.
After viewing all of the pictures, be sure to catch both of the film clips of it actually running.

Thanks to Pieter Timmer for sharing this amazing story with us. Click on the link below. Watch BOTH videos.

http://www.moyermade.com/chevyV8.html

If you like that, you'll be even more impressed with the Italian built Ferrari on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeUMDY01uUA&feature=PlayList&p=CF99DB93B23D56E9&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=58

"789"...

This little Chevy is definitely different! The car was built by N2A Motors (No Two Alike), a subsidiary of Kanter Concepts, Santa Ana, CA.

Cost is $40,000 over the cost of a new Corvette C6 (MSRP $44,000). The company is planning a production run of about 100 vehicles. It sits on a Corvette C6 chassis, front styled like a 57 Chevy, side like a 58, rear like a 59. Hence the designation '789'. Thanks to Sheree Wittman for sharing these images.

Want to know more about N2A Motors? Visit their web site at: www.n2amotors.com

"The Candy Man"...

Nicknamed "The Candy Man", John Candelaria, a successful major league pitcher wore the uniform for more than twenty years, won twenty games in 1977 and threw a no-hitter the same season...wait, I have the wrong "Candy Man"! The real Candy Man is actually Larry Candelaria, 49' Merc owner and valued member of the Southside Axle Draggers.

"You won't find a nicer more considerate gentleman than Larry", claims fellow Axle Dragger member Bob Carlson. "Larry is the quiet source responsible for keeping us organized and informed", said Carlson. Attend any gathering of the Axle Draggers and you will find Larry and his wonderful wife, Mary Ann. Larry is the "quiet man" with the camera around his neck. He records all of the events, feeds the images to the web site, maintains the roster and informs the entire club membership of upcoming car events.

Larry purchased his '49 Merc in 1998 during an auction in Lake Tahoe. The custom candy apple color makes his ride a guaranteed stand out at each car show he attends. Larry and Mary Ann relocated to the Southland after spending many years in Santa Clara where Larry's career was spent in management for Pac Bell over twenty five years. It was his roots in the Bay Area that led to his love of the San Francisco Giants. From childhood to this very day, this man knows his Giants...and they know him. Encouraged by Mary Ann to attend the first Giants Fantasy Camp in 1987 as a once in a lifetime experience has led to Larry putting the Giants uniform on for sixteen years competing with and against the Giants former greats! That experience has afforded him invaluable memories and friends with the greats of the game...including an invitation to throw out the first pitch at Candlestick Park prior to a Giants home game.

Now you can understand my confusion when it came to the "Candelaria's". Whether he's known as the Quiet Gentleman or Candy Man, both he and Mary Ann are without a doubt, Most Valuable Players to their many Axle Dragger friends!

In closing, if you think his athletic skills are reserved for the baseball diamond...ask him about his bowling talents.

What's on your plate today?...

All the credit goes to Sheree Wittman and Gerry Gamet for their discovery and capture of these creative vanity signatures.

2009 Temecula Spring Rod Run Images...

Year...'59

One of One...

1972 Harley/Ness Chopper

Work in progress...