OKAY, Folks! It's time for all North Central, East Central, West Central, South Central, and Central Texas El Caminos to come to their El Caminos' Birthday party. Let's make this show a Texas celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the El Camino!

Texas Classic Car Show 2009
September 12, 2009
Show Hours: 9:00 am until 4:00 pm

The show will be at Rudy's BBQ in Austin, and it benefits the Make A Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas. The show reportedly drew 250 classic, muscle, and antique cars last year. Let's try to get at least 100 (Yes, that's ONE HUNDRED - a one and two zeros!) crucks committed to the show. Remember, you do not have to have a show cruck to attend, meet your brother El Camino owners, and have some good family fun. Just look at the remarks from the Carlisle show in June to see what kind of good clean fun was available. Not to mention the new friends that you will make and old friendships that can be renewed.

Over the next week, I'm going to try and identify at least 300 to 400 El Caminos in the above mentioned geographical area, send PMs, and otherwise try to cajole them into coming to Austin on September 12. Anyone that will assist in the effort, please PM me and we'll coordinate the efforts. I'll contact the promoters, outline our efforts for the 50th, and try for trophies in both stock and modified in generational classes if we can get at least 30 crucks committed.

Give me some response, you folks in Austin, Waco, Houston, San Antonio, DFW, the Hill Country, A & M area, and the other cities and Rural areas. We can make this as big as we want to! Please respond with the generation and whether stock or modified.

I'll also print up some fliers for us to pass out to other El Caminos that we may see, either parked or just other folks that we know. 100 crucks is not out of the question! PLEASE....................Ken

I'm in with a 5th gen!!!:texas:

I dont have a show cruck, or even a running one but hopefully by Sept i will! i'm really looking forward to the show & will print up some fliers to pass around to local elky's i see hopefully they'll show up. or at least get involved in the site!

im REALLY looking forward to it Ken! lemme know what i can do if you need an extra hand!:nanawrench:


:texas::texas::texas:

Ken, thank you for taking the lead on this. Sounds like a perfect venue for a local 50th. Since I am in Round Rock I could possibly do some of the footwork needed on this end. Would be good to contact Leo for any suggestions and hookups for making this one as great as what he put together for Carlisle.

Ken, go for it big fella!, i hope you have great success!, i doubt i will be able to make it, but i cant wait to see the pics and hear about how well you guys do. enjoy yourself. the folks from region 3 will be rooting for you.,,,Wayne :You_Rock:

I am new to the Forum
I just purchased 2 1967 Elk's 1is a true 396 BB car with excellent frame factoryPS,Brakes and A/C the other is a 350 4 speed fact A/C PS Brakes 12 inch rearNew floor pans and all body work done

Won't be done by Sept :dontknow:
Can I bring the 65 Vette/ to the show?
BuffaloBILL
Sugar Land, TX

does it have a truck bed? like this one?


http://pwnedautos.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/050808_3b.jpg

:poke:

Thank you Ken for working on this. I plan on coming. Would be nice to meet some other locals as I am in Pflugerville (right outside Austin) and have yet to meet anyone from here.

Maybe my truck will be a bit more 'presentable' by then ;)

Hey Ken, Great that you are promoting this fantastic event. I have been every year except last year, and enjoyed it every time.
There are a couple of things that everyone needs to be aware of.
You must register prior to 1 September, I would suggest that you register as early as possible, the number of entries they can take is usually limited to 300.
Now that they have the wish-maker entries using 1 1/2 spaces that may reduce the total even more.
You need to make sure to get there early parking for all except wish- makers is first come first served. Even clubs must show up all together if they want to park together.
If you can not stay till 4:00 PM you have to let them know in advance so they will park you in a designated location, other wise you have to stay where you are till the end.
I have attached the web site which has additional information you should review, plus the entry forms for registration.
I certainly don't wish to discourage anyone by brining up some of the requirements, but it is always easier if you know what to expect.
This is a really great show one of the friendliest with fantastic spectator participation. It would be even better if we could get more than three or four ElCamino's in one location for the event.
Thanks again for taking the lead on this fantastic event, is there any chance you could work on cooler weather?
http://www.texasccs.com/

Harald K :texas:

with my 1st Gen....

I am new to the Forum
I just purchased 2 1967 Elk's 1is a true 396 BB car with excellent frame factoryPS,Brakes and A/C the other is a 350 4 speed fact A/C PS Brakes 12 inch rearNew floor pans and all body work done

Won't be done by Sept :dontknow:
Can I bring the 65 Vette/ to the show?
BuffaloBILL
Sugar Land, TX

I'm sure that they would welcome a Vette. And I'm more than sure that we NECOAers would welcome another El Camino owner!!!.......Ken

I am new to the Forum
I just purchased 2 1967 Elk's 1is a true 396 BB car with excellent frame factoryPS,Brakes and A/C the other is a 350 4 speed fact A/C PS Brakes 12 inch rearNew floor pans and all body work done

Won't be done by Sept :dontknow:
Can I bring the 65 Vette/ to the show?
BuffaloBILL
Sugar Land, TX

did u JUST pick those 2X up off craigslist? i saw a guy on there selling the two cars for like $600 each or sumthing for about 2months... man if that is the two U WONT BE READY BY SEPT :???: but hey man gotta put the elco love into something and im sure u could build a really nice car outta em


btw ill see how work looks and bring a 4th gen up(not anywhere close to a show car...its a work truck/daily driver)

Thanks for all the responses, but we need many, many more! Where are all those Austin, Waco, and San Antonio El Caminos that have been waiting patiently for an avenue to meet other El Camino owners! This will be a GREAT opportunity to share common interest areas and get ideas for fiinishing or refinishing your "Cruck".

I'll get back to each one of you after I hear back from the Show sponsors. I've asked if they can handle a large number of "Crucks", and if they will provide both Stock and Modified classes for us, in three combinations of generations, plus a Best in Show for both Stock and Modified El Caminos. I expect to hear back from them in the next couple of days.

When I hear back, I 'll ask each of you to try and generate interest by contacting all of your "El Camino people", and will also need help finding members within 150 miles of the Central Texas area. Tomorrow I'll try to generate a flier for distribution to any El Caminos you may come in contact with, but we should hold it in reserve until the sponsors respond...............Ken :beer:

...

I would love to take my 5th gen up there from SA, but I still need to put on an exhaust system and get it aligned.

Then I got to get comfortable with driving it longer distances. In the past year it has only been driven around the block once or twice.

Now I have a goal! :texas:

That's the Spirit, Harley! Thanks for having the right attitude. I tore the insides of my cruck out 2 weeks before Carlisle, because I knew I'd get it finished as long as the goal was out there. Please contact your El Camino friends and inject them with some of what you've got!.............Ken :beer:

I've heard back from the Show Sponsors. They can handle only 30 or so "crucks", but cannot handle more. They will also agree to furnish one Trophy, for a "Best in Show" El Camino. Since we've already got at least 10 members interested in coming to the show just in the first few days, and before any real efforts to get members interested, we may push well beyond that 30 number.

My question is: Do we continue to plan for this show, on September 12, or do we shoot for a later show, still in the Austin area, that can accommodate a large group and will furnish classes within the El Camino group. I had asked that the show provide both stock and modified classes within the 1st + 2nd generation, the 3rd & 4th generation, and the 5th generation, plus a "best in show" El Camino for both stock and modified. If we bring 30+ cars to a show, with the associated entry fees, I don't believe that that request is out of order. (In their defense, this is a charity show, with ALL proceeds going to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.)Of course, if we have much fewer entries, the classes would have to go away to some extent.

What's the consensus of those already interested? Do we GO for Sept. 12, or plan for a later show? "HaroldK" has suggested a couple of later dates, but we'll have to check other dates and options in the Austin area. Give me some feedback, Texicans............Ken :beer:

I guess it depends on how many firm commitments. I sure would hate to plan on a show saying we will bring 50 cars, and 20 show. What are the other shows? I will go to whatever show we can get the most cars to.:texas:

What's the consensus of those already interested? Do we GO for Sept. 12, or plan for a later show? "HaroldK" has suggested a couple of later dates, but we'll have to check other dates and options in the Austin area.

Now that this has been brought up, I am in agreement with Harold on this. Especially if they cannot accomodate us. It may be better to plan our own event later than Sept or piggy-back at another event.
As those of you know who have atteded past shows at Rudy's it is still very hot out mid September. Not sure if my 83 will be in any shape to show, but I can bring my 87 turd shop truck.

I know the Marriot here in Round Rock has hosted several car club shows this last year, maybe something I could look into if there is interest.

Robert

What's available to piggy-back onto later in the year in the Austin area, Robert? I would be happy to get with the sponsors early on, or someone else can. Although I would like to see the event as close to Central Texas as possible, for ease of travel from San Antonio and other areas, my only interest is in getting as many El Camino owners together as is possible. I know from experience how much fun is possible, and how much information can be exchanged at events where good people of similar interests gather...........Ken

Check HERE (http://www.carshownews.com/national/TX.htm) maybe that will help you find one to piggy back onto. If not, why not just make an all El Camino show of our own. If you can get 30+ Elkys perhaps a parts store such as Advance or a Chevy dealer will donate the lot in exchange for advertising mention. All you then need is someone to sell refreshments and food. I can give you the name of the trophy shop who made ours for Carlisle if you want, perhaps finagle (that's a NY woid) a vendor into sponsoring the trophies.

Great ideas Leo! I have been searching around for local shows with little luck. I think an event of our own would be nice too as we would not be dependent on anyone.
From searching site logs it looks like we have 238 Region 13 (Tx) members all of which have signed on within the last six months... seems they are all active in one way shape or form.

I've been discussing the stand-alone El Camino Show with HaroldK, the Regional Director in the area. If that works out for putting the best possible show together, I'm fully ready to go that route. I'm just trying to do things right, one step at a time. Although, maybe we would need to import some of that Neu Yolk muscle (woik) to make it work. I have the Texas Car Shows list, but there's really not one on there that would work well for location or timing. Thanks for the ideas about the sponsonship and trophies, Leo.............Ken :texas:

Ken,

Glad to see you take this idea and run with it. I agree that if a show is doubtful it can accomodate us, then maybe we should try to have a show of our own.

The Lake Area Rods & Classics Club have their show in Burnet on the same date. Last year there was about 180 cars there, hard choice-have several friends in that club. We'll see!!!!

W Head

59 El Camino 348-3,2s
59 Impala 409-2,4s

Glenn,

Good to hear from you. I thought you may have gotten lost in the hay fields. The stand-alone show is looking better each hour. Robert has suggested a local sponsor in Round Rock. There are great advantages to putting together our own show, although there may also be mine fields. We can designate the classes as we want them, and those members who want to bring work trucks, or those under construction, should feel more than welcome. I want to draw the largest number of El Caminos possible, so I'm open for anything. I would certainly appreciate input from any members who want to chime in. My goal is to show Leo that we can draw a larger group of cars that he did. AND, I'm asking Leo for his help to defeat himself. How's that for a Texas strategy. REMEMBER THE ALAMO..............Ken :texas::beer: :beer: :texas: :beer: :beer: :texas:

I just thought of something - Leo can read my strategy and woik against it! Oh Well............Ken

Welcome to the Forums, and this discussion, W Head! I see that you joined over 3 years ago, and this is your first post. I'm really glad this thread peaked your interest, and I'm really looking forward to seeing that 1st generation El Camino and Impala. I believe that those were some of the most beautiful cars ever made. PICTURES, PLEASE.............Ken :poke:

... We can designate the classes as we want them, and those members who want to bring work trucks, or those under construction, should feel more than welcome...

That's probably the best reason right there to have our own show, although as you said, that creates it's own set of problems. I have very little experience in show organization, but I'm willing to help do what I can.:texas:

About the time I joined I came out of retirement and returned to work for a few years (had to travel a lot) and just forgot I had joined until yesterday. Retired again 2-3 (for the last time) months ago. The El Camino set in a barn in Lubock for 9 years before I found it I have had it for around 10 years. Origional 348/250 HP car, a great driver. The 59 Impala- off frame restoration, I have completed all frame and suspension work and drive train (super T-10 4/speed and 425 HP 409) beginning body work. Need to have body soda or bead blasted, any body have recomendations of someone? Looking forward to getting to know you guys. I was born and raised in Austin (family been there since 1890s) grad of McCallum High School 1961.

W Head

1959 El Camino 348-3,2s
59 Impala 409-2,4s

poppabill is coming to where ever we decide to go. He could be a Great reference for you with his 1960 El Camino............Ken :beer:

The 59 Impala- off frame restoration, I have completed all frame and suspension work and drive train (super T-10 4/speed and 425 HP 409) beginning body work. Need to have body soda or bead blasted, any body have recomendations of someone? Looking forward to getting to know you guys.


poppabil will be coming with his '60 El Camino. He could be a Great source of reference for you............Ken :beer:

..............

Ok guys lets catch our breath for a moment. Having organized a number of shows during my years as a car nut I can tell you it is always much easier to jump into one of these ponds than it is to swim around and avoid drowning in it. So please allow me to be the voice of reason.
I'm sure if you have been on this forum for a while you have seen more than one effort to organize an event which got overwhelming response the first few days or even weeks and as it draws closer to the date more and more fall by the way side. Please don't think I'm wanting to throw cold water on the idea, I just want to make sure you all understand what all is entailed.
My reasons for pushing a piggy back event are numerous. But here are just a few, if you piggy back there is little to no effort on our part, other than getting the word out and encouraging members to come. Locations, trophies, awards , flyers, door prizes, refreshments are all taken care of by the host organization. Many of these things require money, we have no money for any of the previously mentioned areas.
Most shows are put on by organized clubs or civic organizations, reason being they have insurance for these events. While you may think that insurance is insignificant, if you have a spectator injured at an event the organizers of the event are liable.
Since we have never actually pulled off a show the actual number of cars that show will be a crap shoot until they pull in. I have seen people forfeit big bucks in pre-registration fees for all kinds of reasons, such as it was raining, my wife was having our baby, forgot it was today, and on and on.
There are two very good shows in October both are in reasonable driving distance for most all within the central Texas area. Both of these shows are for people like us who actually drive their cars. The condition of the cars that attend these local shows ranges from can hardly make it there to no finger prints allowed and you have to wear shades to look at all the chrome.

The first show is sponsored by the Mid Texas Corvette club, the show is the 3rd of October at Belton lack over look park near the city of Belton. There will be quite a few classes, the entry fee is $20.00 for early registration. Yes I am a member and do have input on classes.
The second show is sponsored by the central Texas street Rodders, it is held on the 24th of October on the campus of Central Texas Collage in Killeen. This show is one of the friendliest around all types of cars are welcome, many door prizes, games and food all day.
My point is , before we get to far ahead of ourselves lets just see have many we can get to go to one were we have very little to do except show up. It will also allow us to meet one another face to face get to know each other and discuss future possibilities. You can not put something like this together through the e-mail or even on the phone.
Thanks for listening. Harald K :texas:

Harald, excellent points and it is obvious you have been down this road before. I would be game for either of these two events.

Harald, very good points. To get everything lined up as you said would be very hard to do in such a short amount of time for a "from scratch" show. Meeting at an established show does have it's advantages if they can accomodate a coordinated effort by our members to make a big showing of Elkies. It sounded like the organizers of the previous show mentioned had their doubts. Harald, if you have input into the Belton show, that is a plus. I'm willing to attend whatever everyone decides on.

Rush, I have a very good relationship with both of these organizations how are putting on the shows . I feel certain that both would welcome as many participants as possible. Very seldom does a show have an ElCamino class, reason being , so few ElCamino show up. By insuring that we can turn out will justify a class now and in the future. Rather than sticking us in some obscure truck class. I will get some flyers for both of these events and post them in the next few days. Then we can start another survey to see what the turn out might be. Thanks to all for the support. Harald K :texas:

Most shows will give you a class if you can promise 6-10 vehicles. A contribution towards the trophies (probably only 3) should insure a class no matter how many show up.

:texas:

Has anyone decided on a show yet?:poke:

Harald K applied the emergency brake really hard back on the 17th, and nobody has pulled the release lever as far as I know. I guess he will take it from there when he talks to his contacts. I haven't decided if I want to get involved again - I'm still out of breath from trying to keep the embers aflame with all the cold water used to douse the fires. I'm just not sure that the members really want to get together, anyway. I sent out over 120 PMs - got 7 responses. Nobody else even bothered to reply. A lot like the last Plano Monthly Muscle effort. I sent out 77 PMs on that show last week - got 3 responses! SO What's the use?

I think that I'm simply going to try to get members to meet somewhere - NO SHOW - just a meeting of El Caminos and their owners. That may be a much better situation. No pressure to have a show type car. What do you think, Glenn (sorry for the rant, this probably should have been a PM)...........Ken :beer:

Well, I feel your pain. These types of things are always hard to get off the ground. The PM campaign doesn't seem to work too well. All the PM's I sent out regarding the June show awhile back, and I got zero replies. Go figure.:dontknow:

Anyhow, that doesn't mean we should stop trying, it just means we should change tactics.

I like the idea of an informal meet and greet cruise in. That may bring out more people. And if only a dozen are up for it...well, those who show up for it will have a good time and help create a buzz for the next time.

Might be good to see if we can have a M & G at some place like Steak n Shake. Bringing Elkies would be encouraged, but not necessary. Maybe from a few informal meets like that we can build the foundation for something more.

I guess I'm willing to give it another try. If we can make it for sometime maybe in mid to late October. My September and first week in October are pretty full. That may give us time to drum up some folks who may be interested. I've got the list of all Texas members, and I can send out invitations to all of them, and South OK, South ARK, and Western LA. We might get 3 or 4 responses..............Ken :beer:

Ken, don't let the naysayers discourage you. If I had let it get to me we would never had had what we did at Carlisle. My recent show in July is another example, everyone told me that we could never do it because we didn't have enough help, not enough time, not enough.. not enough.. not enough... but we had 600 cars and 2,000 spectators and the show was such a huge success we'll have Orange County Choppers there next year sponsored by Sears!

As suggested, see if you can piggyback on another show and get them to make an El Camino class. If you can find a sponsor for a few trophies then the main show surely can't refuse you if they don't have to spend on trophies. All you need is 1st, 2nd, 3rd for all El Caminos for this year. If people want to repeat next year you can expand to classes.

If that's a no go then find a local auto parts store such as an AutoZone or a Sears Auto Center and ask if you can have a small gathering there.

Don't bother with PMs, most people don't respond or don't even know they have one. Remember your PMs about the Carlisle dyno? Most people didn't get it or didn't know they had one. Post in your regional forum and keep it up, people will come around. Also, direct emails and then phone calls are the best way. If you get a half dozen to come to the show then sit back and enjoy the 6, it's 6 more than most shows get!

Thanks, Leo. And congratulations on the success of your latest show! Believe me, your valuable advice will not go unheeded. After sleeping on the idea of a pre-show meeting, I'm already up for the next challenge. Robert is going to furnish me additional contact information. Maybe by that time Harald will have had time to talk to his contacts about the late September show, and will have provided the fliers for the events. We've most likely already ran out of time to generate much of a turnout for the early September show, but I'm ready to go again for a later one. Thanks again...........Ken :beer:

if we can get a show together ill be there if at all posible:texas:

I got my car running, now just to tweak it so i can bring it to the show and you guys can point and laugh, then after that give me a pointer or two :P

We only point and laugh at those guys who don't drive El Caminos!..............Ken

hey if i pull mine down with a trailer will you guys help me push it in to the show, no motor but it look good

Mino, we'll just throw your truck in reverse and stop really quick, it'll slide right off the trailer, we'll unload it the redneck way.

unfortunately i can't say i have never unloaded a truck that way. but that's what happens when you live in Texas haha.:texas:

mino87, bring it! We'll help you push. As the old saying goes, I'd rather push a Chevy (El Camino)than drive a Ford (Ranchero) :beer:

BTW, my Elky is running great, so barring any family obligations on whatever date is selected, I'll be there. My Elky ain't cosmetically perfect, but who cares, it's an Elky!:nanawrench: