All posts by Route 66 Pub Co

Smart Straw from WD-40 Helps Habitat for Humanity

March 12, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Admit it. We’ve all done it. After using a can of WD-40 spray to loosen a rusty nut you misplaced the small red straw. Oh you thought you taped it back to the blue and yellow can. Or maybe you slid a rubber band on the can to hold it but somehow it disappeared. Heck I’ve even kept a few spares after the can is used up! WD40’s Smart Straw solved that issue.

Smart Straw

Well WD-40 solved that issue when they came out with the Smart Straw can. The straw is a permanent part of the can and just flips up when needed. So no more misplaced red straws. Another great solution from WD-40.

Habitat for Humanity Donation

But if you need another reason to try out this innovative product, Lowe’s and WD-40 have hammered a partnership to help out Habitat for Humanity International. Through April 30, 2020 when you buy a 12 ounce can of WD-40 with the Smart Straw at Lowe’s, the folks at San Diego, CA based WD-40 will donate 50 cents to Habitat for Humanity. That’s pretty generous of the people at the Blue and Yellow can and they maxed out their donation at $50,000.

The folks at Habitat for Humanity are out there in your neighborhoods helping to make a new home a reality for everybody. So now you can grab a can of WD-40 (you know you need an extra can right?) and help out a wonderful cause at the same time while shopping at Lowe’s.

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Car show, Uncategorized

Got Flames – NHRA’s Arizona Nationals

February 25, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The action was red hot at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, near Phoenix, AZ when the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) showed up on Friday February 21 through Sunday, February 23, 2020. The Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park is south of Phoenix and a short hop down the freeway from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Technically it is on the Gila River Indian Community. Despite rain on Saturday, it did not dampen the spirits of racers or fans and NHRA squeezed in a round of pro qualifications for the Arizona Nationals between the rain storms.

Rain Shortened Qualification

So with two rounds of qualifications on Friday to lead the race ladder, the full field was set for a sold out crew of race fans on Sunday. By now you probably know that Erica Enders, Tommy Johnson Junior and Steve Torrance won in the pro ranks. Plus there were plenty of winners in the sportsmen classes as well.

Flames

One of my favorite times at a drag strip is when the skies get dark and the exhaust flames shooting out from the headers are more visible. While the Arizona Nationals are generally run in the day light, the lighting gets dark enough to see some flames. We always enjoy hanging around taking some shots as sunset approaches and checking out the flames. Hope you do too!

Jet cars

Plus of course if you are a race track promoter you have to have jet cars! At the end of the day’s races, what better way to close out the night but to have not just one or two jet cars but THREE jet cars zoom down the track? The heat these engines throw off is actually felt in the stands as the jet cars belch white smoke and streak down the track.

The races ran smoothly and how many racetracks can claim a sold out show? So NHRA must be doing something right, huh.

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Car show, Uncategorized

Leg Show T-Bucket

February 5, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The Grand National Roadster Show wrapped up the three day show, announcing the winner of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) on Sunday January 26, 2020. The winning entry is certainly an awesome Arizona build and I admire the craftsmanship.
But (and you knew there would be a but right?)

Leg Show T-Bucket

I could not take my eye off a T-bucket that seemed to be a tribute to the original Leg Show T-Bucket. This roadster was as outrageous as the original and just screamed at you. I had commented to others that this bucket was the hit in my youth but was too far out there to be the final AMBR winner this year.

Craftsmanship of Leg Show T-Bucket

But hats off to the owners, Walter and Thenia Sigsby. This T-Bucket had some great workmanship and the paint and shiny pieces glowed under the lights in Pomona, CA. The Jaguar rearend was easy to see in this design and the Dan Fink grill was top notch. Due to the stanchions, I couldn’t see much of the Ron Mangus interior but what we could see was awesome. Turns out the gas tank was done by Jim Babbs who had also worked on the original Leg Show T in 1970.

Leg Show T-Bucket Legacy

The original Leg Show T-Bucket made the cover of Rod and Custom in 1971 and was an instant hit. Here’s hoping this one does the same.

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Auctions, Uncategorized

Worldwide Auctioneers Ready for Arizona Auction Week

January 14, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Arizona Auction week is in full swing and next up is Worldwide Auctioneers with their Wednesday night show in Tempe, AZ. They are setting up shop on a grassy plain and stressing quality over quantity with a nice collection placed inside one spacious tent.

The new site is near two freeways and offers some calm and relaxing vibes. So while they may not have the volume of cars that others will offer, they offer distinctive cars with volumes of documentation.

Worldwide Auctioneers and American Muscle

For this article we’ll focus on some classic American icons that caught our eye.

We’ll bend the rules by including the 2009 Bertone Mantide, since it was based on the Corvette platform. Hard to believe that all this effort was made with only one unit being produced.

1971 ‘Cuda at Worldwide Auctioneers

A big star will be the 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda. Not only is it a restored convertible but has the ownership provenance of owner/hockey star Ed Belfour. It should prove interesting to see where the market prices a ‘Cuda these days.

Close behind in popularity (at least with MOPAR guys and gals) will be the 1970 Plymouth Superbird. We love the NASCAR background on these winners and this one has been verified by Galen Govier – the master. Nice color and great looker.

I’m guessing there are more 1969 Camaros flying the Indy pace car colors than were ever actually produced and it seems that every auction has to have one. So check out this RS/SS convertible with all the authentics.

C-10 Chevy Truck Selling at Worldwide Auctioneers

Hey I even love the 1965 Chevy C-10 they brought out. Nicely restored “work” truck with newer internals that can show or go.

There are plenty of others in the slideshow and in person at the auction so check them out.

Care to name a favorite or guess a final price point?

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Cars and Coffee Perks Up for the New Decade

January 7, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The weather was better than for three fourths of the country as the first Cars and Coffee car show for the decade in Phoenix, Arizona fires up. Scudderia Southwest runs a pretty cool show the first Saturday of each month in north Phoenix (though some mistakenly call it Scottsdale).

Cars and Coffee

Cars and Coffee refers to a casual group meet up of cars early on a weekend morning. Get a chance to see some cars and show off without too many rules or issues. Then tear out of the parking lot as the merchants open up for the day and continue on to YOUR chores or perhaps another car show? We have covered this show before and enjoyed the displays. Okay we have been covering this event for years like this entry on a hybrid Porsche.

They changed up the format last fall a bit for this version of Cars and Coffee and reserve their spaces for their desired nameplates/entries but even the general public parking lot ends up with some interesting iron to review. They had outgrown the last spot (actually in Scottsdale) and the size of the “entries” mushroomed last year until the group changed up the rules.

McLaren Dealership

At times the reserved parking spots looked like a McLaren dealership on steroids but the star of the moment was a new Senna McLaren. Hard not to notice it or part the crowds standing around looking at it. Plenty of other McLarens and Porsches were on display as could be expected. Today was a chance for the boys (and girls) to show off their new toys.

Arizona Classic Car Auctions

And with the Arizona auctions right around the corner it was the perfect excuse to bring out the horsepower and let ’em rip. Even Drew Alcazar from Russo and Steele was out checking things out and promoting his auction.

So which was your favorite at Cars and Coffee?

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Auctions, Uncategorized

Barrett-Jackson Auction is Gearing up for Gearheads

December 10, 2019 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

It may not yet be Christmas but the auction houses are already gearing up to bestow upon us some gifts. Besides site prep and advertising, the houses are still accepting consignments and promoting specific cars. Barrett-Jackson will have the most cars and most days of auctions naturally, but plenty of action will be available in January.

Last month at the Fall Nationals car show in Scottsdale, AZ sponsored by Goodguys Rod and Custom Association, the Barrett-Jackson folks rolled out a few cars to review. We are big fans of the winged supercars and Barrett-Jackson didn’t disappoint by bring out two of these beasts.

1970 Plymouth Superbird Limelight Green

This restoration included a matching numbers engine and transmission duo. It packs a 440 six-barrel carburetor along with a Hurst 4 speed manual transmission. Plus it includes an eight track stereo. The Limelight Green color can be spotted a mile away and this car has less than 50,000 miles clocked on the odometer.

1970 Plymouth Superbird Lemon Twist Yellow

If you looked quick you might not recognize the differences in this model, other than the color. The power train is a twin with a 440 CI six barrel engine and Hurst four speed. But besides the color difference this version has slightly more miles at 55,000+, but the white interior still looked flawless.

We’ll be curious if these two rockets hit it out of the ballpark next month.

If that was not enough they also rolled out a customized 1963 Black Split Window Corvette. It features a new LS3 engine with a 4 speed automatic. The ride is smooth thanks to an Art Morrison chassis and includes creature comforts like air conditioning and power steering, brakes, windows and even a power hood opener. Plus they have those thin red line tires for a period correct look.

Or how about a red 1967 Corvette convertible? It has similar components as the 1963 but is topless.

For a change of pace they also brought out a Factory Five 35 truck that is a Barrett-Jackson “limited edition”. You still build it the way you want but the kit truck will bear the BJ name. But if you want a classic truck you should check out this 1951 Chevy 3100 pickup. The five window truck was customized with a C6 Corvette suspension and power train. The bed is extended and everything was smoothed over.

So hopefully these will stoke the fire until the auction rolls around. Can’t wait, can you?

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Manufacturer news

NASCAR Paint Schemes for ISM Race

November 16, 2019 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

NASCAR races are always colorful and exciting. Beyond the roar of the engines and the cars chasing around the ovals (or in the case of ISM Raceway the dogleg), one can sense the crowd’s anticipation as they follow their favorite drivers. While three manufacturers, Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota, are sponsoring cars in the NASCAR Monster Energy Series these cars bare little resemblance to the cars on the showroom floors. Many people complain that the NASCAR cars are “all the same” and no longer do they “buy on Monday, what won on Sunday.”

NASCAR Color Schemes

But one way to differentiate the cars is by their color scheme. Some teams will keep a consistent scheme for their sponsor but with a mix of sponsorships and style many cars will change up their colors on a constant basis. Which if you collect the racer’s models means you need to buy multiple sets too.

At the recent NASCAR Monster Energy Bluegreen Vacation 500 race held at ISM Raceway in Avondale, Arizona the Chevy cars did not have an impressive day, with Denny Hamlin (Toyota) winning and the highest Chevrolet finisher was Kyle Larson in fourth place. But we still opted to check out the cars and their colors for the day.

A special nod to Ty Dillon, whose sponsor Geico noted their government and military basis by adding “military” under their brand. Very fitting since the day after the race was Veteran’s Day.

Color Schemes

Of course calling these “paint” schemes might be tad misleading since now days most of these colors are vinyl wraps. Much easier to apply and swap out as the needs arise.

Alex Bowman’s continues the rainbow scheme that Jeff Gordon used with DuPont/Axalta.

Notice how many sponsors’ names are splashed on the hood to show up and yet Monster Energy drink is happy with just their logo on Kurt Busch’s car. We’ll miss Monster’s title sponsorship of the top tier in NASCAR.

So what do you think? Which color scheme garbs you?

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Uncategorized

NASCAR Driver’s Walk at ISM Raceway

November 13, 2019 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

One of NASCAR’s charms is the approachability of drivers and nowhere is this more apparent than at Phoenix’s (okay Avondale’s actually), Arizona ISM Raceway. The renovated speedway is a fan’s paradise and it is most apparent along the “driver’s walk” on race day.

Infield access

For the price of an infield ticket NASCAR fans get unique access. Along with watching the garages and being at Victory Lane, the fans can camp out along a pathway that NASCAR drivers must walk for the mandatory driver’s meeting. But get there early as often the throngs can be five or ten deep and only a select few will get right up along the fence line.

NASCAR Driver’s Walk

Typically the driver’s will walk in with some helpers and assistants. Someone in the crowd will often yell out which driver is approaching (and hopefully they are right). Fans might shift for a better view or swap out memorabilia that they wanted signed. Drivers, depending on their mood, will stop and pose for photos, chat with their fans and sign autographs. Yes William Byron actually was signing a water bottle!

Drivers aren’t the only celebrities that walk the line. Crew chiefs naturally will amble past and even the occasionally car owner.

Once the NASCAR Driver’s Meeting is over the procession reverses itself, but at times the drivers and others are more focused and determined to get back to their garages and get the last minute details sorted out.

You may see the NASCAR Driver’s Walk on television, but until you see it in person you can’t appreciate it. That ability for fans to say they saw, talked with or got a treasured autograph from their driver is unmatched in most other sports. And ISM Raceway helps make it exceptionally fun and accessible. Buy a ticket to a NASCAR race and pay the upgrade for infield and you are guaranteed to have an awesome event.

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Car show, Uncategorized

Art Cars Are Part of Houston’s Day of the Dead

November 5, 2019 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Art Cars Come Alive

Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos, has been a long standing Hispanic tradition. It comes the day after Halloween, which in the Catholic faith is All Saints Day. Generally it extends for the two days after Halloween, concluding on November 2nd. In Mexico it is an actual official government holiday. It became a day for remembering loved ones that had passed away. Often it included the opportunity to clean the gravesite of family members.

Houston’s Art Cars

In recent years it has morphed into more of a festive celebration but still focused on remembering those who have passed away. This year Houston, Texas held a celebration at night at Discovery Green in downtown, not far from Minute Maid Park. Yep that place where the Astro’s lost game seven of the World Series.

Art Cars

Beyond a wide variety of music and vendor booths were several touted “art cars”. One even had been painted with chalk paint so that people could use the provided paint to “write” on the car. Pretty cool use of chalk and the art cars were always attracting crowds of folks. Always nice seeing how the love of automobiles extends into other events.

How did you celebrate the Day of the Dead?

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Car show, Uncategorized

Lowrider Guadalupe Style Down and Low

October 8, 2019 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

A while back the Intimidators Car Club sponsored the Guadalupe Car Show. The dusty streets of Guadalupe, AZ were shut down for this event filled with lowriders of all dimensions and plenty of fun activities.

Lowrider

We’ve always been enchanted of the craftsmanship involved in these rides. Whether it is old school or a newer vintage car and truck the workmanship is spot on. Of course you expect some awesome, vivid paint jobs and terrific stances from these lowriders. But best of all is the camaraderie and friendship that the owners exhibit amongst themselves and the various car clubs. Guadalupe Car Show

Guadalupe

It is an interesting venue as Guadalupe may be one of the poorest and most disadvantaged towns in the Phoenix metro area, but for this one day that doesn’t matter. Guadalupe Car Show

Low Rider Old School

Personally we favor the old school Impalas, but this show proves that any car is a contender for the lowrider lifestyle. Mix in some paint, a killer suspension, maybe some engraving and plenty of compressors and battery power and you are set to jet! It may seem that we hit a number of lowrider shows but hey, we have eclectic tastes and always enjoy the rides and friendships. Guadalupe Lowrider Car Show