VHRA Hot Rod Show 2010

Hi kids, I'm back!

Also thinking about the 2010 VHRA Hot Rod Show at the World Heritage listed Melbourne Exhibition Building.

We have the same location reserved for us again this year and the same trophies/prizes on offer by VHRA.

So, the question is simple, who is able to help over the weekend and who will be there with models for the contest?

I'll have a van/wagon to transport the tables and other heavy stuff and I'll be around all weekend. Something I thought might be really cool would be to have another table set up where I used to have the striping happening, to show folks how the models are detailed and assembled, we could each bring in a WIP and spend some time working on it rather than just sit round looking bored.

Whatcha all reckon?

I'm up for it!!

.......the extra WIP table is a great idea ,

I can probably make the Sunday. Got other obligations and responsibilities on the Saturday and Monday though.

The show is on January 22, 23, and 24 (Fri, Sat, Sun). I may be able to make it Friday and/or Saturday, if my medical bill of health allows. I take it you want people to man the stand, etc. The model building demo table sounds good to me.

I tend to go one day only - Sat or Sun.
Can't commit until nearer to the day.

Thanx guys,
Not sure about setting up airbrush for painting, might make us unpopular with the show car dudes below.

I'm thinking the perfect table is my old Drawing Table that I use for pinstriping as it is higher than the display tables and folks can see better exactly what's happening.

I figure brush painting is no problem (I've had no issues when doing pinstriping at the show) so we can pretty much do everything except spraying.

As always I'll be at the show every day, but it's nice to be able to get away from the display for a look around and BS with my hot rod buddies, so anybody who is able to help, appreciate if you can give an indication of time so I can knock up some kind of roster to keep track of whos on when and make sure there's enuff tickets for ya all to get in.

Thanx

Friday is looking good for me at this stage. What time is best to get there (for parking purposes).

Earlier the better, if you want to park in the street.  I think the back parking lot will be closed because it's being turned back into gardens as it was when the building was first opened.  However the musum parking lot next door has plenty of space and it's undercover.

Carps wrote: I think the back parking lot will be closed because it's being turned back into gardens as it was when the building was first opened.

well that sucks..................for convenience anyway

Looks like Sunday will now be my day to attend the show. Complications with family (minding grandchildren) will take up the rest of my time that weekend.

I won't be attending this year.
Taking a trip to the nations ar5ehole, errrr capital to visit the War Memorial amongst other things.

So it must be time to dust off the XR and park it out the front of the building some where and take in the sites.

I much prefer the car's out side, than inside theses days. To many of the same cars year after year.

TuffXR wrote:I much prefer the car's out side, than inside theses days. Too many of the same cars year after year.

Have to agree with you there John. That Bedford van has been out the back every year since I was born. I also find these passive events a bit boring now too. Much prefer the active shows like the Picnic or Kustom Nats where you get a bit of sound and action to go with the sights and you get a chance to interact with the owners.

Doesn't look like I'm going to be able to make it now either as the missus has activities planned for the long weekend.

Yep have to agree there. I use to love the way for about 8 years there was Peter Unsworth's T-Bucket in the over sized matchbox display.

There's a few plans afoot to add some life to the show.  

I've attendedevery show held at the Exhibition Buildings.  Believe it or not, the Hot Rod show is the longest running event held in the World Heritage listed Building.

Interesting how we can become complacent as a result of familiarity, yet my American friends can't believe we have a Hot Rod Show in such a magnificent old building.

As for the social side of the event, like any other it's what you make it.

The purpose of the show is to promote hot rodding to folks who might otherwise never see the cars or attend an event. Likewise, when we decided to add the model car show, the purpose was to encourage new modelers, which benefits us all.

As for the same cars being in the show each year, there's also an answer to that, which I'm sure I don't need to type here. Hot rodders complain about the same thing, then give all manner of excuses as to why they can't enter their cars.

Carps wrote:
The purpose of the show is to promote hot rodding to folks who might otherwise never see the cars or attend an event.

Really? So it's all just a big PR exercise?

Now I feel even better about not wasting $50 (including rip off parking and over priced food) to see that same old Bedford van and some guy airbrushing T-shirts out the back.

I've never really understood this need to 'promote' what is essentially a niche interest to the masses. What can possibly be gained from this? It's not like someone who is not already into rods or customs is going to go out and spend $50K plus on an old car just because he happened to stroll past the Exhibition Buildings.

Events like this need to look after the core group of people who make the event possible. Otherwise they risk marginalising their supporters to the point where there can be no show.

I know what you are saying Pete, i go just to catch up with certain people who i don't get to any where else. I now mainly go for the trader area any way, oh and to look at the geeks on the model display stand.

Bryce wrote:Events like this need to look after the core group of people who make the event possible. Otherwise they risk marginalising their supporters to the point where there can be no show.

How do you think it has survived for 44 years?

Likewise how do you think Hot Rodding has survived? A good public image doesn't hurt and it's something that will help us keep our cars on the road for a while longer.

Likewise, how do you think many new hot rods came to be. They got built by folks who never thought it possible until they came to the show, met some real rodders, learned that they are just normal folks and that anyone who really wants, can own a hot rod.

My first rod was built because I met and made friends with some of the older guys at the hot rod show. Hell, if it wasn't for a couple of the relationships created there I'd probably be living in the gutter with the seat out of my pants right now.

It's no different to any other event, the attitude you take in is pretty much what you'll take out.

And as for the Bedford van, at least he's in there showing his car, not criticising those who are above participating for whatever reasons they have.

As for me, I'll have a great time with my car entered or not, never been to one that I didn't enjoy and I've been to each and every one of the 43 so far.

The model car show can also be a draw-card. Heck at the WA show their model car show grew so big that it's now a stand alone event and draws as big a crowd as the WA Rod and Custom show. How many people it's encouraged to take up modelling I don't know, but I'd imagine quite a few.

Heck at last last years show we had plenty of folks wanting to know how to get started building their favourite cars in scale.

Bottom line is simple, if you don't wish to participate, that's fine with me, hot rodding isn't for everybody. But please don't criticise those who do.

Carps wrote:
Bottom line is simple, if you don't wish to participate, that's fine with me, hot rodding isn't for everybody. But please don't criticise those who do.

Fair enough - can't argue with that.

Set-up is next Thursday evening. Anybody going to come along to help fill the tables with models?

Where is it?

I'm sure your aware Carps, but..


THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY TO THE MOVE IN AND MOVE OUT PERIOD

1. Every person entering the building during the “move in and move out” period must wear a
safety vest. NO VEST NO ENTRY
2. Covered footwear must be worn at all times while in the building
3. Strictly no alcohol is permitted during this period
4. No children are permitted during the move in and move out period
5. ALL electrical equipment must have a current testing tag. Please note there will be a qualified
tester on site. Fees will apply.
6. A spotter (person) must walk in front of any moving vehicle, clearing the way.
7. Hoon Laws apply in and around the building and will be enforced. Don’t be the first to have
your pride and joy taken.

there's a few things there that apply to us like Vests and Tagging our lights..........

Thanks Paul I will probobly be there!

Thanx Paul, I have a couple or three vests and some cable tags.

I will probobly be there on Saturday guys