"Middle age is when a man turns of the lights for economical rather than romantic reasons." - Lillian Carter

Note: this post may not be appropriate for some readers.
You'll know soon enough if that warning applies to you. If it does, get over it.

I took the morning off to attend the Good Guys Rod & Custom Show over in Scottsdale. That's a HUGE show that's held at about 14 locations around the country throughout the year, and Scottsdale is the first because of our weather in early March. I'd never been to one before (if there's one in your area, GO) so I had no idea what to expect.
Overload.
(click to enlarge any of these pics)

It was held at the same site as the Barrett-Jackson auction and there were hundreds (more than a thousand?) cars, all of which were customized to one degree or another. These cars were done by individuals, not corporations, and each represents the expression of that person. I liked some of them and didn't like others, but you gotta respect the vision and work - and in some cases extreme skill - of the person who created his dream car.

At least 90% of the cars were for sale, and that made me feel good. I'm not the only one who enjoys the journey even more than the destination. (Wanna buy a '62 VW?)

Some were show quality and very radical. I don't know if you drive something like this or just trailer it from one show to the next. I'd be terrified of damaging it in a fender bender. The detail on a build like this is amazing. Everywhere you look it's beautiful and perfect. And the engineering that goes into something like this is equally impressive.

Most weren't show quality, but the few that were drew a crowd. They never sell for the money it took to create them, so if you're in the market for a one-off that will grab all the attention anywhere you go, these make great buys.

These are called "low boys." That's a type of hotrod with the body dropped down so the frame is up inside the body, and they typically don't have fenders. This was as impressive a line-up of low boys as I've ever seen, and there were two professional photographers who seemed to agree.

The show includes a large swap meet that I strolled looking for some of the things the truck is missing. Nada. But I quickly realized I should have known better. Hot rodders aren't looking for parts for a straight-6 undergoing a pretty-much stock restoration. I did, however, locate several late-50's Chevy trucks, like this '59, and gave them a careful inspection. Again, they were rodded, but I could usually pick out something about the layout that helped me understand what I've got and how it's supposed to look.

And I talked to some local vendors. I'll be getting back in touch with Arizona Differentials about the gearing in my diff. The goal is a setup that allows me to drive contemporary freeway speeds. OK, almost that fast. I also got business cards from two outfits that do chrome re-plating.

I spent almost 5  hours at the show and got home pooped and a little sunburned. I could easily go back again tomorrow and Sunday; there's so much to see. Won't, but I'll be there next year!