Goodguys 22nd Grundy Worldwide Insurance East Coast Nationals Part 1

 I went to the GoodGuys East Coast Nationals in West Springfield, Ma. on Saturday, June 15th with my buddy Charlie. One of the first cars we saw was the GoodGuys Giveaway car and we both wanted it immediately - What a beautiful car. After arguing which one of us was going to win it, we decided either of us would be OK. After renewing our memberships we made a dash back to the car to unload the membership packets and then got down to the business of taking pictures of all the fantastic cars that were there. On to the inside the building portion of the show and lots of vendors. We met up with Bill & Linda Yorker and saw their exceptional new ride - A fenderless '33 Willys with so many mods that it has to be seen to be appreciated - Yes, it's Hemi-powered with side draft Webers. Also inside we saw Dave Ciappa with his new Old ride - It's a '32 Roadster that he built and never wanted to sell but got talked into a few years ago. He managed to get it back after 4 years - a few new changes and better than ever and this time it's staying with him. Talked with Charlie (The one-Armed Bandit) and if you ever want first class pinstriping done, he's the guy to see. Talked with Artist Scott Fisk and checked out many of his new works of art - Luv 'em! Then spent some time yakkin' with Jimmy Wilkos from Wintek Fabrication & CoolFlex as we do at many meets.

Outside we met up with fellow HOTRODHOTLINE photographer Tom Poremba and shot the BS over a cold brew. Then we were off again taking pictures. We'll be meeting up with Tom again at the Syracuse Nationals and the Adirondack Nationals and spending more time together over food and brewskis.

Saw a lot of old friends and made some new ones. My buddy Donnie Allen's '31 Chevy coupe was there but I never ran into him. Saw Jay with his T-Bucket, Gary Cunningham with the new Upholstry he did in his '32 (Great job Gary, now I know where to get My Coupe done, if I ever manage to get one), and Bruce and Debbie Packard with their '56 Nomad, new '32 Coupe and classic Chevy Pickup that's now owned by John Yagman. Brothers Tom and Jack S.(still don't know how to spell your last name Guys) were there with their 33/34 Mopar coupe and original '40 ford coupe respectfully. Also ran into Dave and Sandy Mamulski with their new ride - a beautiful '56 Ford convertible with every option that was available back then.

I met a great couple (George & Krista) a couple of years ago and was very pleased to see them again. George raced many, many years ago at Orange Airport; After 20+ years away from Street Rodding he got back into it with a '34 Olds roadster a few years ago. As aoon as they saw me they wanted to feed me. When I look into the mirror I don't appear malnourished; Just check out the picture of the 2 Polack picture takers and you'll see what I mean; Tom's on the left and I'm on the right - Sorry Tom, didn't want to go that one alone - HHHAAAaaa!!! Krista makes excellent cookies but I resisted 'cuz I probably wouldn't know when to stop eating them; I think I'll go off the cookie wagon and bring a Doggie bag to Burlington and see how many make it back home with me...

Too many really nice cars to comment on - I'll have to let my pictures do the talking for me. Oops, there goes Pete Bozo in his gorgeous flathead powered Model-A roasdter - How did I ever miss getting a picture of it; Oh well, if you've ever looked at my pictures from other shows then you've seen it multiple times.

Our buddy Carl wasn't able to go with us as he was drag racing at the Divisional Points Meet at Lebanon Valley Dragway. His '55 Chevy is a showpiece and runs well below his class index, not surprising if you know Carl.

Had a great day and can't wait till next year! The East Coast Nats has been one of my can't miss events; I've attended every one from Rhinebeck, NY and now West Springfield, Ma. Boy, it's hard to believe how fast 22 years have gone by.

If you see an Old Polack at a NorthEast show wearing a HOTRODHOTLINE shirt, say Hi and I'll get a picture or two of your car in my event coverage. Ya can't know too many car people!!!

Hope you enjoy my pictures. Take Care and Keep on Cruisin'!!!    Walt

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