Drag Fest - TODAY - Get to Cordova - starts in the Afternoon!!!

Not sure you heard - the Afterdarks are back on the scene....
they are playing tonight around 730 - 8pm.
Not sure you heard - the Surf Zombies have a new CD out - come and check them out live at the Cordova Dragway today when they play around 4pm.
Not sure you heard - we are going to have a fun time today - you should be there.......
details:
www.runwhatchabrung.com

Run Whatcha Brung Drags TOMORROW!!!

starting late and going late - come on out and have a good time.
Gates open around 1pm.
If you want to just display your car - you pay nothing extra - same price as a spectator!
But c'mon - you GOTTA make some passes at the legendary Cordova Dragway!!!
details for the event at:
www.runwhatchabrung.com

241!!!! Pre registration exceeds expectations!!!!

241 Pre registrations for Iron Invasion!!!!
This is amazing - thanks to all those that took the time to send their money in advance.
Be on the lookout cause your wristband, registration card (which will get you in 30 minutes early), info pack, and sticker will be heading your way this week - in fact some of you may already have this.
The 241 pre reg # is BIG - because this is almost EXACTLY what we have for Torque Fest II.
At that event we had a grand total of around 650 cars.
I sincerely think we are going to get at LEAST that many cars at the Iron Invasion.
Take into consideration that hardly any of these pre registrations came from Chicago....
I have been told by MANY that they dont bother with pre reg - they just show up.
This is the way it has always been at other big shows like this in the past.....
so people are just used to showing up and paying the entry $$$.
Another factor that is looming is the fact that we allow in a little bit more stuff than what has been let in to other shows like this in the past.  We ahve a rule that states ANY stock vehicle from 1900-1948 is IN our show.  Other shows in the past had to have 2 visual modifications to get in.  We do this for 1949-1964 cars - but not the ones before 1949.
So tell your friends and neighbors to get to the Iron Invasion EARLY - I think you are gonna want to be there all day long - tons to see and do and we already have a cool car count going - let's keep it going folks!!!

the '40 Ford from Rebel Without a Cause to be Feature Car at Iron Invasion

The above picture is a scene from the movie Rebel Without a Cause.  Yeah- THAT Rebel Without a Cause - ya know...James Dean?
Chris Ito is the current owner of this historic ride and will be letting us see this ride up close and personal.
History is on display at the Iron Invasion!
Come and see for yourself.
www.ironinvasion.com
remember - be there early - 9:01am is LATE

Iron Invasion - Music to Drive to...

yes - we love the metal - and yes - just about everyone I talk to actually has that secret hidden away... it is time to embrace the past - embrace the mullet and accept the past that was the 80's
If you come to the Iron Ivasion and hear some Iron Maiden on the louspeakers - do not be alarmed - this is just another part of the event that is different from the standard show.  Black Sabbath, Dio, Anthrax may all be played that magical day - so dont run to the hills in an attempt to get away - just realize this is a part of the past as well....

Retro Reels Cinema Building at Iron Invasion

so...you have been walking around for a few hours and need to take a break.....
come on into the 4H Building and have a seat.
We will be showing some good old drag racing, stock car footage, and B movie clips from the 50's and 60's.
This is just another little bonus feature we have for you at the Iron Invasion.
seeya there!
Oct. 6 - 8am
(advice - show up early - arrive late and there could be traffic delays)
details at
www.ironinvasion.com

VOTE! Maidens of Iron Pin Up contest!

Only the top 15 will be in the actual contest on Oct 6 at 10:30 am.
Be sure to vote for your favorite entry at the Iron Invasion Facebook page.
Winner will get $300
2nd - $200
3rd - $100

We appreciate all the entries and hope you will want to come out to the event - rain or shine.
We will also be announcing a wild card pick at the Pre Party on Oct 5 after the Pearls Mahone set.
Wild Card entries must be present at the pre party to get the 16th spot.

Be there early on the 6th to get a parking spot - the show opens to the public at 8am and the pinup contest starts at 10:30 am.
Please give yourself at least an extra 20 minutes for traffic and parking.
Seeya soon.

NEXT WEEK! Run Whatcha Brung Drags CORDOVA IL

This captures what the event is all about - tow guys out ther ehaving a good time.  Not looking to break anything on their cars...
Not looking to even break into the 12 second runs....
Just a fun day.  Come out and say you made some passes at the legendary Cordova Dragway.  If you don't feel like making a pass with your ride but you still want to come and hang out - feel free.
Cordova has agreed to let the show cars bring their rides out at no extra charge.  Surf Zombies and The Afterdarks will be palying for us LIVE!  We will be giving away some door prizes as well.
Seeya at the drags!
September 29
Gates will be opening at 1pm (this is due to the midnight madness racing that happens the night before)
details:
www.runwhatchabrung.com

Volunteer Shirt Art for Iron Invasion Thanks Shawn Dickinson

Iron Invasion volunteers are either gonna love this ....or scratch thier heads.  We think this art is amazing. The Invasion is coming Oct 5/6
www.ironinvasion.com

essential reading - RIP Hunnert Car Pile Up

http://car-n-art.blogspot.com/2012/09/rip-hunnert-car-pile-up-introducing.html

I did not write this - but I truly appreciate the kind words.
Thanks Keven.
www.car-n-art.com

BE THERE EARLY! Woodstock Illinois and Route 47 Traffic

Under normal circumstances the traffic in Woodstock IL on Route 47 is slow....
On October 6 there is a strong possibility for a crawl.
This is why we are urging you to SHOW UP EARLY!
9:01 am is late.
Traffic on Saturday morning in Woodstock typically gets congested around 930 or 10 am.
Add a few thousand cars to that and you can see what happens.
We urge you to be there early and this will help alleviate any kind of backup.
Some may remember that last year of the Pile Up in Morris IL.
I showed up there at 630am.
I left at 7PM
I never knew there was ANY backup or highway trouble until after the show and I read about it on the internet.
Why?
Cause I was there early and I stayed late.
No drama....
and I had a blast that day.......
We hope everyone will come over early and stay late.
If you can't - please note some alternate routes.

Coming from the South on Route 47:
Turn Right on McConnell right after the railroad underpass
You will see a Yamaha dealership and a car wash at this junction.
After turning onto Mc Connell - go down to Zimmerman and turn left.
Zimmerman will then dump you DIRECTLY into the entrance to the fairgrounds.
By taking this McConnell/Zimmerman back road you will avoid 2 more lights on Rt. 47.

If you are heading from the North...
and there is a backup on Rt 47
Turn LEFT on McHenry Ave (Route 120)
Drive for 1.7 miles
Then take a Right onto Queen Anne Road
Drive 1.3 Miles to Country Club
Turn Right onto Country Club
in .8 miles the entrance will be on your right hand side.

Anyone that can take the Country Club/Bull Valley Rd  from Crytal Lake/Lake Zurich, McHenry....we highly recommend that.

There is only one entrance to the McHenry County Fairgrounds.
Please plan accordingly.

...it's not everyday that an editor from a major zine comes to your gig....

Alan Mayes will be at the Iron Invasion!  Be sure to stop by the Ol Skool Rodz / Car Kulture Deluxe booth from time to time during the day and check out some of the items!
And renew your subscription, of course.

Car-N-Art - limited poster at Iron Invasion

Gee golly wizz....
I am gonna buy one of these at the show.
Bigger than the typical show poster - and printed on archival paper.....
NICE!
Be sure to stop by Keven Carter's booth - Car-N-Art at the Iron Invasion.

www.car-n-art.com

only 20 days - THEN INVASION

Woodstock IL
pre party starts at 6pm on Oct 5

Show starts EARLY on Oct 6 (730am to all those that pre registered) 8am to everyone else.

if you arrive after 9am - you are late.
If you are stuck in traffic at 1045am - dont blame us - you should have set your alarm to go off earlier.

www.ironinvasion.com

Vintage Torque Fest DVD - FINALLY

OK - so - we are FINALLY going to be getting this out on the streets!
These should be here early next week.
We should be able to start sending them to the pre registered people on Sept. 20
We will keep everyone updated!
Thanks for you patience.

Iron Invasion - Lots of Rules.....but they are here for a purpose.

Entry CriteriaIron Invasion has worked to remove the subjectivity from the show criteria. This
means that we tried to clearly quantify the entry rules and write them specific enough
for anyone to determine if their vehicle would be allowed in.


If your vehicle does not meet entry requirements, there will be a separate area where the muscle
cars, street rods, stock originals 1949 and newer, and other non-qualifying vehicles will park. This
parking area is directly connected to the show and these vehicles will be seen by
everyone.  .



If you are unsure if your vehicle will meet the requirements of the show, email clear pictures of the
front & drivers side, rear & passenger side, and interior showing the dash and steering wheel to
coolstuff@earthlink.net. Please note that if you wait until the week of the show to email us - that is
TOO late. Email notification will need to be complete by Sept 30.
We are not being elitist or think that your vehicle isn't cool - we just want to focus on rides that
would be driving around in the 40's, 50's and 60's. If you have never picked up a copy of Rod &
Custom or Hop Up circa 1956 - do yourself a favor and go get some!

These are the guidelines we will be adhering to.

The Criteria

To get into the show, your vehicle must be a 1964 or earlier "Hot Rod" or "Custom" built in a
"Traditional Style".


All stock appearing/restored vehicles pre 1949 are welcome at Vintage Torque Fest!

Any vehicles from 1949-1964 that appear stock will park in the Friends section.


A couple of modifications to an otherwise stock vehicle will most likely get ya in the

door. Here are the rules:

1. MOST IMPORTANT RULE-UNSAFE VEHICLES SHOULD BE NOT BE DRIVEN TO TORQUE FEST. We
are NOT doing Safety Inspections at Iron Invasion. The entry to the show does not mean
that we have deemed your vehicle safe to drive on the roads or dirt . Driver assumes all
normal, reasonable, and prudent responsibilities for maintaining the safety of their vehicle. Drive
shafts visible from inside the vehicle, suspensions improperly mounted, fuel that is not inside a
proper gas tank or some other fuel cell will be asked to park outside McHenry County
Fairgrounds - we do not need the police involved in citations for driving unsafe vehicles.

2. No art cars - what is an art car? As one buddy suggested - you know you have an art car when
it looks like you had a giant magnet attached to your vehicle as you drove through the local
junkyard and permanently welded anything that stuck to the car.
OTHER definitions of art car - Vehicles that look like a skeleton, pumpkin, or any other non auto
related items are art cars. These are not traditional hot rods.
Further definition of art car - Rats that are attached to vehicles are considered art cars. Anything
that is attached to the vehicle that is intended to shock or have comedic value will wind up being
considered an art car.
Vehicles in rust, primer, or survivor paint are WELCOME as long as they do not fall into the "art car"
category as described above.

3. No billet anything (if you have some part on your engine that is billet - DONT open your hood!)
If you have a billet steering wheel or column - put a shirt or coat over it!

4. All fenderless 1949-1965 vehicles will be in Friends parking.

5. No neon, 80’s style monochromatic paint or mural graphics.

6. No independent front suspension on fenderless vehicles.

7. No Tune Port Injection or Electronic Fuel Injection (with open hoods).

8. No trailered street legal vehicles. We welcome period correct race, sprint, modified, midget, drag
cars. Obviously these will be trailered in to the show, but the trailers will be parked off site after the
car is unloaded. We simply will NOT have room to park trailers in the spectator parking.
If you plan on unloading your vehicle on Saturday - plan on being there before 7am. Friday will not
be as crowded, so Friday drop off will not be as much of an issue.

9. No stock or stock appearing vehicles 1949 and newer. All Iron Invasion show vehicles need to
have at least two major visual modifications. This includes - but not limited to: lowered, have a
wheel change, have a custom paint job, have body modifications, or something that makes them a
hot rod or a custom. Missing hubcaps and hanging dice are not considered modifications. Again - if
you are unsure - send a picture via email.

10. LOW PROFILE TIRES/RAISED WHITE LETTERS may get you in the Friends parking.
This is not a 70's show. Also if you have 50 series or lower profile tires this will be a vehicle that will
be in Friends parking.

11. Wheels should be period correct to the hot rod or custom vehicle they are on and be on the
“Acceptable Wheel” list. Aftermarket wheels that are on the acceptable list should be no larger than
15” in diameter.

Wheels larger than 15" need to be original stock or reproductions of stock wheels. For example, 16"
Ford Wires, 16" Ford steelies, tall thin Model A wheels (17" 19", etc.). It is also acceptable if you are
running enlarged reproduction versions of a stock wheel such as 17" steelies, 18" ford wires, etc.

Again, aftermarket wheels such as the original style Torque Thrusts, Torque Thrust II's, or Torque
Thrust D's should be no larger than 15".


Examples of wheels that are acceptable HEREExamples of wheels that are for VIP Parking HEREVehicles with wheels that were introduced after 1965 will be in the VIP parking area. We WILL allow
GM Rally wheels that do not have center caps or beauty rings! Again - if you have questions -
email us.

12. Modern upgrades that you can SEE, like aero-dynamic/modern mirrors are for Friends
parking. Digital dash boards will need to be covered to be allowed entry to Iron Invasion.

13. LED taillights that have the traditional/stock appearance are acceptable. LED lights that are thin
single, multi row, or billet frames will be parked in Freinds area.

14. Vehicles that have more than 4 wheels will be parked in Friends area. If you have a
stock vehicle that is Pre-'49 then these will be accepted.



OTHER NOTES OF IMPORTANCE!


1)Just because you got into Vintage Torque Fest or other traditional hot rod shows in previous
years -does NOT mean you will get in Iron Invasion - the criteria will be enforced this year.

2)We hope that custom car owners realize the coolness factor of your car goes down by 90% with
your hood and trunk open....and it is very rare that cars with open hoods ever get national photo
coverage. (We will have national photographers on site doing articles for Hot Rod Deluxe, Ol Skool
Rodz, Car Kulture Deluxe, Traditional Rod and Kulture, Rolls and Pleats, and more)

3)Stuffed animals, cry baby dolls, rubber rats, fake food drive in trays, skeletons in passenger
seats are not for Iron Invasion.

4)No display setup/tables set up around your car. Your car quality will speak for itself...if you need
to tell people who did the work on your car - feel free to stand there all day - but honestly, there is
way too much going on to just sit there - go out and enjoy the show! Torque Fest does not
encourage display boards....but if you have a display board for your car - please respect your
neighbors and be sure that if they fall - the display boards will not hit the car next to you! Display
boards for invited indoor cars are welcome.

5)Disc brakes, electronic ignition, and radial tires are OK.

National Motorcycle Museum to display some rare rides at Iron Invasion

I hear the guys from the National Motorcycle Museum are gonna be bringing some really amazing rides to Iron Invasion!
Can't wait to check them out!
If you have not been to the museum since the remodel - you gotta go check that place out!!!!
http://www.nationalmcmuseum.org/

Run Whatcha Brung Drag Fest - CORDOVA 9-29-12

Surf Zombies and Afterdarks are playing live....
come on out - it is a good time and perhaps you can make a pass in your car and then you can say - "yeah - my car made a pass at Cordova!"
www.runwhatchabrung.com

9-11 - take a minute.....

9-11 is a day to reflect - to remember....
I went to the photo albums looking for pix we have from NYC before the attack.
I could not find them.......
but I did find a picture of me at the age of 6 riding my first motorcycle - a cool little Yamaha 80cc.
My dad was pretty cool for buying that for me.
I still remember riding all over southeast missouri with him.
Take a minute and reflect.........
appreciate those that you have and don't be afraid to tell them.

L'Assassins invade the INVASION - Friday Night Oct 5

They are gonna rip the place up!
Coming from Minneapolis - it is  L'Assassins!!!!!  See then live and in person - Oct 5 at McHenry County Fairgrounds - they are scheduled to go on around 9pm
here is a clip for those that like good music
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/04/20/lassassins-live/

Hellbent Art show - Timebomb Kustoms - and others coming to Iron Invasion

I have known J-Sin for about 8 years now...he is a decent guy as long as you don't say he is from KY.

He is putting togeher a cool art show in ....

yes you guessed it - Louisville KY.  But he is not from there!!! He just visits.

J-Sin will be heading up to Iron Invasion so check out his stuff when he is at the show.

You may also see other artists there like Max Grundy, Ed Tillrock, Mitch Oconnell, Nate Grice, Mark Thompson, MotoTooner, Todd Jones, Car-N-Art, and others....

Bring some cash cause you gotta support the arts!  Ours just happen to be on the low brow side...

http://www.facebook.com/#!/hellbentartshow

King Kustoms - bringin' it to the Invasion - AND Brauer House today!

Yes - they have agreed to bring some amazing rides to Iron Invasion - if you can't wait that long - go check them tonight at the Brauer House!  The Bare Bones 10th Anniversary party is TODAY.
It starts off with a cruise, goes by Marty and Sons, and winds up at the Brauer House where the Rust Belt Demons are going to be playing!
http://www.brauerhouse.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/KingKustomsHotRods?feature=watch

Maidens of Iron - Classic Fashion Pin Up Contest

We hope you will vote on the ladies that have entered the Maidens of Iron pin up contest.
We will have announce the top fifteen at the pre party on October 5.
We will have a wild card pick from the girls that are attending the party on Friday night.
So there will be a total of 16 entries into the contest on Saturday.
The Iron  Invasion starts early - as does the pin up contest!
So do NOT be late!
$300 for first prize.
$200 for second.
$100 for third.
Currently we have over 30 entries - but it is NOT too late to enter....
simply get your friends and family to get on the bandwagon and get you in the contest!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.328458443917682.70471.131072450322950&type=3

Only 30 Days - then - IRON INVASION

There are car shows every week of the year....

They can be seen at the local McD's or Auto Parts parking lot.... The show coming to McHenry County fairgrounds will be the location for a
vintage car and motorcycle show called the Iron Invasion.  This show is open to any car that is
1964 and older.  The motorcycle section of the show is open to bikes that are 1975 and older.
If a gearhead turns up to the show in his wicked 1969 Camaro....it is OK.  We have special parking
for them too.  But they will not be parked next to the historic Chrisman Brothers Coupe or a feature
car that was in James Dean's REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE.

 This show strives to bring the truly historic cars
out of the garages and bring them in one central location.
McHenry County Fairgrounds is the location that has been picked for 2012.
This event is open to the public and is a fund raiser for Helping Hannahs Heart Foundation.
This is a non-profit 501 c 3 corporation designed to help familes that have children with congenital
heart issues.  Information can be found at www.helpinghannahsheart.org.
More info about vendors, car entry requirements, bands, etc can be found at
www.ironinvasion.com

Nothing will replace the Hunnert Car Pile Up.....

so...there are some other shows out there trying to say THEY are the next Hunnert Car Pile Up.
They are wrong.
The Pile Up went out in a blaze of glory much like The Clash.
Ended on their own terms and they have dictated to many the way a traditional hot rod and custom car show should be run.

Now that there is no more Pile Up, many will try to say that they are the place to be, to capture that same magic.

For those that are in the know....
The Chrome Czars are the car club that put on the Pile Up for all those years.
And the Red Shirt Army!
Shows like the Pile Up don't just happen....they are groomed with love and respect for the hobby & lifestyle.
Will there be other shows out there?
Sure....
but nothing will replace the magic of what they have done for us over the past decade.
Our hope is that people will make the annual October trek and come to the Iron Invasion.
The Chrome Czars will be there.
....you will have to ask them....but I don't think you will see Czar members out at just any car show - and I seriously doubt you will see them at shows that are claiming to be the next Pile Up.....
We respect the car clubs so much - and rely on them to keep the traditions going.

So if you want to attend a show that will involve The Tin Militia, Metal Melters, Slackers, Kreepers, Tin Butchers, Cheaters, Vagabonds, Oliver Built Group, Road Kings, Blackwalls, No Club, Hot Heads, Rod Tossers, Half Fast, Romin Chariots, Voodoo Kings, Coronados, Five Aces Motor Club, Bare Bones, Bombers, Blacktop Barons, Relix, Piston Jammers, and many more....then we humbly suggest you come to The Iron Invasion.

The Iron Invasion is a traditional hot rod, custom, and cycle show.

We invite you to learn about our event.

www.ironinvasion.com

And if you care to support some cool art - you can purchase a copy of the above image and relive the good ole days........
details at:
http://www.djangostudios.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hunnert-Car-Pile-Up/128602083895589

KUSTOMS - with a K! See 'em at the Iron Invasion!

There are going to be some killer kustoms at the Iron Invasion October 6, 2012.
This is one of them....
Not too many cars out there have Barris history AND Roth history - this car has BOTH!
See it at the Iron Invasion inside one of the feature car buildings.
Special thanks to Bobwop for bringing this ride down!
This '51 Victoria started out as a hardtop - but in 1953 Barris got a hold of this ride and sectioned it five inches!
It still has the Barris badge! Check it at the Iron Invasion!

VIDEO- Iron Invasion Woodstock, IL October 6, 2012

Just what is the DIY Stunt Show - well - that is for you to decide....
we have a vacant demo derby area all to ourselves....so how about we mud up a bit of it - get a run at it...slam on the E brake and do a healthy power slide...
or just some good ole fashioned donuts....
oh - and there WILL be a burnout plate for those that wish to partake in some rubber melting.

And if you dig the music above in the video - that is Wayne the Train Hancock  - he will be playing live at the show - all the way from TX!
www.ironinvasion.com
Do us a favor -
go post this video on your page!
http://youtu.be/YiciJ0slWuM

Bare Bones Cruise 2012 & 10th Anniversary Party September 8

Next week...too much going on - Route 66 in Berwyn and the Bare Bones CC have their 10th Anniversary Party at the Brauer House
Rust Belt Demons will be playing live there....
http://www.brauerhouse.com/
There will be a cruise during the day as well - details here:
http://www.facebook.com/brauerhouse#!/events/334066013352832/

Watch the above video to see the kind of get together the Bare Bones CC do every Feb.