2004 Fort Worth Rod and Custom Show

Texans are a hearty bunch to be sure. Some 300-plus entries from all over the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex filed in on "move-in" day, one by one, in spite of the fact that a couple of mini-tornado's had touched down that afternoon in surrounding counties. We have to say that the guy with the cleaning rag and car polish concession that wet Thursday evening probably made enough money to send at least one of his kids off to college. Nobody wanted to miss out on the festivities. After all, this year marked the 30th anniversary of one of the best independently staged indoor car shows in Texas.

The Texas Show Car
Association-sanctioned, and Christian Classic Cruisers-hosted Ft. Worth Rod & Custom Car & Truck Show (sponsored by Painless Performance Products,) always features a wide variety of awesome Chevrolet's. In fact, this year, a total of 12 Bow-Ties would walk away with major honors in the Texas Show car Association's Special Awards categories, not to mention winning their fair share of gold in a total of 85 classifications!

In honor of the event's 30th anniversary, this year's show featured a special "Memory Lane" section from past events "People's Choice" winners, including the likes of Dick Coupe's '64 Corvette Stingray. Dale and Stacy John's '59 Chevrolet two-door station wagon. Larry Hoaldridge's '56 Corvette. Pat Cummings' '41 Willys. and Steven Farr's '57 Corvette "Fuelie."

It was interesting to note that on this 30th anniversary, there was a changing of the guard. Stepping down from the Texas Show Car Association's Director's post after a 30-year term was Bob Burks who will remain in an advisory capacity. Assuming the controls at the 2005 Ft. Worth Rod & Custom Car & Truck Show will be Gary K. Nevins, and some big things are in the works including the possibility of more show space. We know we'll be there next year. Will you?

Susie Kidwell displayed her immaculate, two-tone '57 Chevrolet Bel Air on a rotator so the fans could get a good look at this show restoration. Susie and her Bel Air hail from Hurst, Texas.
Susie Kidwell displayed her immaculate, two-tone '57 Chevrolet Bel Air on a rotator so the
They say "less is more" as witnessed by this white '72 SS 454 owned by Burleson's Charles Dell. Clean and mean, man!
They say "less is more" as witnessed by this white '72 SS 454 owned by Burleson's Charles
Vintage El Camino fans really enjoyed looking at this orange-hued beauty.

The only Gen II Camaro in the entire show was Sonny Bransom's maroon and black '70 Z which captured Second in the Semi-Hardtop "B" category.
The only Gen II Camaro in the entire show was Sonny Bransom's maroon and black '70 Z which
This beautiful metallic green and white '56 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is owned by Cleburne's Dick & Emily Hansen. The '56 captured First Place in the Postwar Convertible class.
This beautiful metallic green and white '56 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible is owned by Cleb
Dave Frank's Austin, Texas-based resto-rodded '61 Corvette roadster really wowed Corvette fans. The Vette featured a fully built small-block, trick upholstery, and plenty of red paint. Dave's Vette captured First Place in the Mild Sports category.
Dave Frank's Austin, Texas-based resto-rodded '61 Corvette roadster really wowed Corvette

One of our favorites was this genuine 409 Tri-power '61 Chevrolet Impala SS owned by Mike Watkins, from Sanger, TX. Nicknamed "She's So Fine," Watkins beauty captured Director's Choice, and First Place in the Custom Semi-Hardtop class.
One of our favorites was this genuine 409 Tri-power '61 Chevrolet Impala SS owned by Mike
Another regular at the Ft. Worth show is Rueben Flores Ft. Worth-based candy-blue '67 Chevelle SS.
Another regular at the Ft. Worth show is Rueben Flores Ft. Worth-based candy-blue '67 Chev
Another former People's Choice winner at Ft. Worth was Steve Farr's Colleyville, TX-based turquoise '57 Fuelie. What a car!
Another former People's Choice winner at Ft. Worth was Steve Farr's Colleyville, TX-based

This awesome big-block-powered silver and white '56 post is owned by Roc Stricklin from Ft. Worth. Worth. And Roc's oh-so-fine '56 captured First in the Full Custom Sedan class.
This awesome big-block-powered silver and white '56 post is owned by Roc Stricklin from Ft
This metallic blue and ghost-flamed '55 post belongs to Jerry Weir from North Richland Hills. Featuring a built and highly detailed Chevrolet 350, Jerry's Chevy captured Second in the Full Sedan class.
This metallic blue and ghost-flamed '55 post belongs to Jerry Weir from North Richland Hil
The '59 Chevrolet two-door mild custom station wagon owned by Dale and Stacy Johns (Van Buren, TX) was last year's big winner in the People's Choice category, and was displayed this year in the "Memory Lane" special 30th anniversary section.
The '59 Chevrolet two-door mild custom station wagon owned by Dale and Stacy Johns (Van Bu

Mike and Toni Bayham's Dallas-based '68 Chevelle SS 396 as a regular at the Ft. Worth show, and this year the SS captured Second in Group-II, Semi-Hardtop Class.
Mike and Toni Bayham's Dallas-based '68 Chevelle SS 396 as a regular at the Ft. Worth show
Tommy Payne's '55 Chevrolet Bel Air absolutely wowed 'em at Ft. Worth with its fully detailed small-block, and beautiful red and white soft leather Bow-Tie insignia interior. Tommy's '55 captured both the Outstanding Custom Interior award, as well as First in the Mild Custom Hardtop class.
Tommy Payne's '55 Chevrolet Bel Air absolutely wowed 'em at Ft. Worth with its fully detai
Ricky Bright's magenta-hued '66 Pro Street Chevy II, "Quik '66,") is a past SUPER CHEVY feature car, and it won Outstanding Street Machine honors at this year's event.
Ricky Bright's magenta-hued '66 Pro Street Chevy II, "Quik '66,") is a past SUPER CHEVY fe