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ON THE SCENE REPORT OF THE
AMERICAN STATION WAGON OWNERS ASSOCIATION 2000 CONVENTION |
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The 2000 A.S.W.O.A. Convention
took place in Pittsburgh, PA at the Greentree Holiday Inn, just about 4 miles southwest of Downtown Pgh. Being a native 'yunzer' -- as in 'yunz guys' which is Pittsburghese for 'you guys', I didn't have to travel far so I don't have any good road trip stories in this report.
Weather was sunny and fairly warm
that weekend, good for car show
participants, judges, spectators and
air conditioner repairmen. There
was a decent cross-section of wagons present, from a '29 Model A woody to a new Mercury Sable. 49 wagons hit the tarmac behind the Inn, ranging from showroom-new condition to everyday beaters.
It was a nice change to see
everyday cars and their owners attend a car show. True wagonheads just love their car, no matter what it's condition.
A few were under construction...
some really nice modified wagons that sounded like they were built more for haulin' ass than haulin' groceries. Restored beauties shone in the bright sun, a couple of which I'd like to drive home to my garage. |
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The cars were judged by fellow
wagonheads and they took their time & really checked your ride out. As most wagon owners know from experience, a wagon normally doesn't get noticed by car show judges -- unless it's a mint tri-five Nomad or a really radical custom. You know what I'm talking about, fellow long-roof owners. Wagons were meant to tow the REAL car to a show, not be in one by itself. Well, those days are changin'.
This being the case, I went to
extraordinary lengths the night before the show to get the Big Kahuna; my ' 71 Pontiac "Surfin Safari" wagon, prepped for this show: I washed & waxed it (that's it to left). I entered it in the original unrestored category, which it is and made sure to let the judges know that the dirt on the engine was ORIGINAL dirt that was on there when I found & bought the big brown Poncho last December.
It was all for naught. Didn't win
anything but had a great time swappin' warwagon stories with the other participants.
Friday night some of the
showfolks headed to a Pgh. tourist favorite; Mt. Washington. This is a section of the 'burgh that is on a very high hill that overlooks the downtown area -- the Golden Triangle. Lit up at night it is a very impressive site and a great spot to check out when you are visiting Pgh. |
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Sat. nite we wagon trained down
the Parkway to Quaker Steak & Lube,a local restaurant chain with a real gearhead theme & interior decor. Inside automobila of all types hang on every wall & there's real street machines, actual race cars, and motorcyles suspended from the ceiling or up on garage lifts, right in the dining area. It's like the garage you've always dreamed of: full of cool cars with food & beer served to you while you watch TV & work on your car.
Sunday AM was a breakfast get-
together followed by award ceremonies. Tons of door prizes were given out, all good stuff.
Sharp looking plaques awarded to
winners of different classes, and mention of next year's convention scheduled to take place in Detroit area. You will see details on this website as soon as I get them. If anything like this years event, make sure you be there next year for a great wagonhead gathering. |
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This years Best of Show winner
1953 Pontiac owned by Joe Wheat.
Sandal-clad foot at bottom of pic also owned by Joe Wheat . (Freiberger influence?) More pix & interview about car & owner coming soon. |
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Moon eyes, torq thrusts, lowered & flamed + 3
deuces: 'nuff said. Note proper placement of decals on side rear glass. |
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Surfboard on top found at flea mkt.
in Pgh. - is older than car. |
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Joe Wheat's daily driver.
See below for his other ride.
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O.K. drive both of these to my place & leave the keys, please.
Great looking woodwagon belongs to John Vermeersch. Yes, as in Ford
Racing -SVO's John Vermeersch.You blue oval guys know who he is. |
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Pictures do not do this Chevy justice. Won 1st in
everyday driver category -- original black plate California car. |
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Which way to the beach, man. 1929 Model
A woody from Pittsburgh. "Surf the Point "- popular 'burgh saying. |
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Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-Batman!!
Fighting evil with a built 383 Mopar.
POW! BAM! ZOWIE!!
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This Safari was
incredibly nice.
Even more so
because it's an
Ohio car.
They don't call
Indiana, Ohio &
Pennsylvania
the Rust belt
for nothin'....
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