Rolly Tougas found a number of the parts he needed at the Manitoba Classic and Antique Auto Clubâs annual swap meet, held last Sunday at the Red River Exhibition Park. The event also featured a show and shine. Check out Gary Sarkasâ beautifully restored 1947 Cadillac.
Last Sunday, the Manitoba Classic and Antique Auto Club (MCAAC) hosted its annual Red River Valley Swap Meet at the Red River Exhibition Park.
A swap meet is not only a perfect opportunity to make some room in your garage and earn a few extra bucks, but also a great place to find those last few missing pieces for that mechanical puzzle you've been working on. And it's a great place to meet up with old friends and make a few new ones.
With more than 200 vendors peddling a nice assortment of car, truck and motorcycle parts as well as a wide variety of related memorabilia, there was something for even the most discriminating buyer.
"It was one of the better swap meets I've been to," said Rolly Tougas, who came in from St. Anne. "I found fenders and ignition parts for my '27 Dodge Brothers roadster pickup and lots of miscellaneous stuff I needed for projects I have on the go."
Tougas, superintendent of the millwright and iron worker division at Derksen Mechanical Services, also noted that buying from locals gives him the chance to make a few new friends.
"If someone has the parts that you're looking for, odds are good they also have the same interests as you," he said. "Over the years I've made many friends at swap meets."
Tougas is a proud member of the Riff Raff Car Club, a rag-tag crew of local hot-rodders who build cool cars and trucks on a shoestring budget. His homemade wagon, complete with …
Rick Griffith, left, and Derek Andries,from DJ Cruz's with a Little Guy camper.
If you're finding yourself increasingly more interested in RV ownership, you're not alone.
According to Go RVing Canada, a coalition of RV manufacturers, dealers and campground operators formed in 1997, 14 per cent of Canadian households own an RV. There's also been a shift in the demographic of owners, with the majority now under the age of 55.
"Canadians love to spend time outdoors, and RVing offers the flexibility and fun to enjoy nature at your leisure," said Go RVing Canada Executive Director Chris Mahony.
"More people than ever before are exploring the RV lifestyle because it's so easy to take off at a moment's notice. Busy career couples or families with children, anyone can turn a regular weekend into an RV getaway."
Go RVing Canada also recently released the results of a survey conducted by PKF Consulting which found that an RV vacation can be up to 78-per-cent less expensive than any other type of family trip, regardless of trip duration, distance or location.
After a whirlwind day checking out the latest models, I can shed a little light on the RV craze.
My first stop was Lapointe's RV Centre, located a few clicks east of the Royal Canadian Mint on the Trans-Canada Highway, Lapointe's is a family-owned and operated business with more than 150 different recreational vehicles for sale on their eight-acre property.
Owner Mike Lapointe took time away from his busy day to show me the most popular models they carry, and also shared a surprising trend in the RV market.
"You might think that …
Long-time MSRA member Bob Vockeroth shows off his mint 1952 GMC truck. He recently retired from the Manitoba Department of Justice.
The sun wasn't the only thing shining in Transcona last weekend when the Manitoba Street Rod Association hosted its annual Rondex Rodarama car show at the East End Arena.
A chrome-laden cavalcade of more than 100 classic and special-interest vehicles packed both of the arena's ice surfaces and, by all accounts, the entire weekend was a tremendous success.
"We had great crowds all weekend and the owners really went all-out getting their cars ready," said MSRA member Brian Jackson, the man responsible for wrangling all the vehicles for the show.
"It was really busy on Saturday afternoon and everyone I've spoken to really enjoyed the variety of cars on display."
When the awards were presented on Sunday, no one in the room was shocked when Harry Prokop's 1949 Anglia took home best-in-show honours. Built right here in Manitoba, this masterpiece is among the nicest cars you will ever lay eyes on. Prokop calls his latest creation Zombie, and more than a few local auto buffs were similarly transfixed by it. Look for a full feature on Prokop's Anglia in an upcoming Willy's Garage.
Randy and Sandy Klym took home the coveted People's Choice Award for their super-cool school bus. Although the body still wears the original patina, the interior is decked out like a '50s diner. Judging by all the smiles, it's easy to see why the thousands of spectators who attended Rodarama picked it as their favourite. If you haven't checked out this amazing rig, be sure to take a close look the next …
Street Rod (1934 & older)
1st Place: Frazier Woodward, 1933 Chevrolet
2nd Place: Rob Rose, 1930 Model A Roadster
Street Rod (1935-1948)
1st Place: Gary Misko, 1939 Willys
2nd Place: Duane Evans, 1941 Willys
Classic Restored (25 years & older)
1st Place: Armand Beauchemin, 1970 Dodge Charger
2nd Place: Karen & Robin Carruthers, 1977 AMC Hornet
Unrestored original (25 years & older)
1st Place: Dennis Atamachuk, 1967 Ford Ranchero
2nd Place: Chris Mark, 1964 Rambler Convertible
Muscle Cars (1964-1973 Factory Production)
1st Place: Paul Milburn, 1966 GTO
2nd Place: Tim Misko, 1965 Ford Falcon Convertible
Muscle Cars (1964-1973 Modified)
1st Place: Miles & Shawna Watsko, 1964 Plymouth
2nd Place: Darryl Chody, 1968 Camaro
Custom Cruiser (1949-1960)
1st Place: Harry Prokop, 1949 Anglia
2nd Place: Darrel Bracken, 1950 Plymouth Coupe
Street Machine (1961-1980)
1st Place: Jason Reske, 1964 Oldsmobile 88
2nd Place: Chris Derksen, 1965 Acadian
Trucks (25 years and older including vans)
1st Place: Doug Ingram, 1951 GMC
2nd Place: Lynn & Gary Farkas, 1955 GMC
Competition
1st Place: Don Goodfellow, 2004 Corvette
2nd Place: Torin Greuner, Jr Dragster
Special Interest Vehicle
1st Place: Randy Klym, 1957 GMC Skool Bus, Loozer Kruzer
Work in Progress (evidence of work must be clearly visible)
1st Place: Griff Gill, 1935 Ford Coupe
2nd Place: Rick Glaser, 1937 Ford Coupe
SPECIAL AWARDS
Tom Milne Memorial Driver Award (sponsored by Piston Ring): Rob Rose, 1930 Model A Ford Roadster
NAACC "Epitomizing the Hobby" Award: Gord Forman, Manitoba Director
NAACC Award: Darrel Bracken, 1950 Plymouth Coupe
"Koolest Ol' Skool Rod or Kustom" (selected and presented by "Uncle" Bill Harrison of VaVa Voom Garage): David Teichrow, 1939 Ford Coupe
Mayors Choice Award (sponsored by The Mayors Office): Roy Zelinski, 1960 Edsel
A&W Choice Award (sponsored by …
Both ice surfaces at East End Arena in Transcona will be packed with a spectacular selection of classic and special-interest vehicles.
A sea of smiling faces will flank an awesome array of shining chrome as the Manitoba Street Rod Association presents its 14th annual Rondex Rodarama car show this weekend at the East End Arena in Transcona.
Both ice surfaces will be packed with a spectacular selection of classic and special-interest vehicles. In addition to a large number of pre-1949 modified street rods, the show always manages to feature something for everyone, including customs, muscle cars, restored classics and modified late-model machines.
In addition to all the beautiful vehicles, Rodarama also features an eclectic group of local vendors that cater to the ever-growing automotive hobby.
Generally referred to as a traditional car show, Rodarama brings spectators and participants back in time with a healthy dose of classic cars, nostalgic rock 'n' roll and a distinct focus on family fun.
The MSRA is among the largest and oldest car clubs in the province with roots back to the early 1970s. Today, the club has more than 100 members who share a passion for cool cars and cool friends.
"We are always hoping to have at least 100 cars on display and we've met that goal again this year," said long-time MSRA member and Rodarama car wrangler Brian Jackson. "We have quite a few cars that haven't been in our show before and all of the vendor spots have been sold out."
The true definition of a street rod is a pre-1948 car or truck that has been modified. The enhancements can be as simple as some flames on …
Ted Hector
Ted Hector was born in Ottawa. His father was in the military and the family moved often. From the age of 12 to 15 he lived in France, where his love of motorcycles and airplanes began. He had both his driver's and pilot's license by age 16 and obtained his commercial pilot's licence at age 18.
Moving to Winnipeg in the late 70's, he hung out at Tiny Robbins motorcycle shop. For more than 30 years Hector was a commercial pilot and aircraft engineer. In the early '90s Hector flew through countless war zones while working with World Vision.
In the mid-'90s, he opened Thunder Road Motorcycles. In 2004 Hector's passion for vintage motorcycles took him, his wife Holly and longtime friend Gary McDonald to Bonneville for the first of eight trips. With Hector riding a vintage Harley-Davidson, the group set five land speed records for vintage motorcycles that still stand today. He currently rides a Norton with a 1948 Harley engine.
Hector recently sold Thunder Road Motorcycles and has moved to a small hobby farm in Alonso, Manitoba where he enjoys his other passion, horses.
***
Bob Forzley's interest in cars began in the late '50s when he acquired a 1934 Ford sedan. In 1964 he opened Forzley Chassis on Furby Street.
Over the years he expanded the business and moved to several different locations. He operated Forzley Chassis until 2000 and then sold the business and retired. During his time in business, Forzley continually upgraded the standards of cars built in Winnipeg and …
Meguiars Top Ten Car Crazy Finalists
(no particular order)
Dave Frost, Lockport: 1989 Ford Ranger Pick-up
Jim McNeill, Great Falls, Mb: 1937 Ford
Harry Prokop, St. Andrews: 1949 Anglia
Gordon Gaudes, Winnipeg: 1965 Pontiac GTO
Tim Richards, Winnipeg: 1969 Camaro Pace Car
Walter Dyck, East St. Paul: 1955 Chevrolet Convertible
Terry Smith, Winnipeg: 1970 Dodge Dart Convertible
Paul Roy, Winnipeg: 1954 Plymouth Wagon
Darrell Bracken, Headingley: 1950 Plymouth Coupe
Jason Reske, Winnipeg: 1964 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 Convertible
Mayors Choice: Jim Cornwall: 1951 Monarch
Julie Verrier Companion of the Year Award: Lacey Tymchuk
Female Road Enthusiast Special Honor (F.R.E.S.H) (presented by CC Customs): Kim Shaw, Winnipeg, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible
Summit Racing Equipment Kids Choice Award: Kevin Affleck, The Pas Mb. 1967 VW Bus
Mid Canada's Finest Five
(presented by Total Performance, no particular order):
Moe Favreau, Steinbach: 1973 Plymouth Duster
Jason Reske, Winnipeg: 1964 Olds Dynamic 88
Debbie Schoenbourn, Selkirk: 1971 Camaro SS
Tom Neufeld, Tourond Mb: 1967 Pontiac Acadian
Terry Smith, Winnipeg: 1970 Dodge Dart Convertible
Outstanding Manitoba Entries Big 3
(presented by The Gauthier Automotive Group)
GM: Gordon Gaudes, Winnipeg, 1965 Pontiac GTO
Ford: Julius Eugene, Winnipeg, 1941 Ford Coupe
Mopar: Miles Watsko, Dugald Mb: 1964 Plymouth Savoy
Muscle Car Café
(presented by Ground Up Restorations):
Miles Watsko, Dugald Mb, 1964 Plymouth Savoy
Cruiser of The Year
(presented by Willy's Garage)
Darrell Bracken, Headingley Mb, 1950 Plymouth Coupe
Randy Reyher Memorial Award Exhibitors Choice
Darryl and Faye Lee 1955 Chevrolet Belair Luverne Nd.
Drag Racers Association of Manitoba Youth Achievement Award: Dean Gauthier, Winnipeg Mb.
Best Surf Board in Show: Flo and Joanne Bremaud
Trader Club Challenge Best Club Display:
First Place: Red River Jeep Club
Second Place: Manitoba Street Rod Association
Third Place: AMC Club of Manitoba
Rising Star …
Owned by Jim and Judy Lippert from Green, Kansas, this 1967 Chevrolet Nova was one of the many stunning vehicles on display last weekend at Piston Ring's 39th annual World of Wheels car show.
If you were among the more than 40,000 folks who checked out Piston Ring's 39th Annual World of Wheels car show last weekend, you don't need me to tell you what an action-packed event it was.
But for those who missed the show that unofficially kicks off the cruising season in this car-crazy town, let's sum it up in one word: WOW!
With a spectacular array of classic and special-interest vehicles on display from just about every segment of the automotive hobby, the Winnipeg Convention Centre was buzzing like a Plymouth Super-Bee.
Thanks to my handy press pass, I was able to sneak into the show early Friday before the doors opened to the public, and the excitement in the air was palpable as exhibitors assembled dazzling displays and put the finishing touches on their prized rides.
Moments after the doors were cracked open at 5 p.m. the show floor was packed with smiling spectators, and it pretty much remained that way all weekend long.
It's always fun to get reaction to the annual show and, with the exception of a few grumpy gearheads who probably wouldn't like the colour of the Corvette they won, by most accounts the entire weekend was a resounding success.
"It was neat to see the three generations of the Batmobile, and the cars from out of town are amazing," said Edgar Krahn, who came from Cooks Creek to check out the show on Friday night.
"But what really stuck out for me was the huge variety of really nice cars built …
Cheryl Sinclair still had a few finishing touches to make on her restored Chevelle, but she is confident it will be done on time.
It has been a long, hard winter and spring is shaping up to be equally hellacious, with many fearing that we'll soon be trading in our shovels for sandbags.
But fear not, there's a rolling reprieve running through town this weekend, Piston Ring's 39th annual World of Wheels. Leave your troubles at the door of the Winnipeg Convention Centre and witness what promises to be a great weekend of showing and shining.
Just about every corner of the automotive hobby will be represented, including street rods, customs, muscle cars, sport compacts, trucks, restored classics, race cars and motorcycles. New trends will emerge, camaraderie will run rampant and amazing cars will shine under the bright lights.
Throughout the winter, local backyard garages and custom shops that cater to gearheads have been buzzing with activity preparing a cavalcade of classic and special-interest vehicles in anticipation of the big show. If you're among the anticipated 40,000 spectators who will pack the convention centre throughout the weekend, you can expect to lay eyes on a great variety of local cars and a killer lineup of vehicles from out of town.
More than 150 show cars will compete for prizes and points as part of the International Show Car Association series, together with displays by local car clubs and vendor booths from more than 50 automotive-related businesses that cater to the hobby.
Exhibit highlights this year will include Drag City Canada, a selection of nostalgic race cars; the Muscle Car Café, a nifty Surf City-themed display with a classic lineup …
Pictured here on a visit to Winnipeg in 2010, Dennis Gage, the host of TVTVs My Classic Car, will be appearing next weekend at Piston Ringâs annual World of Wheels car show.
The snow around my shop is up to my waist but the end is in sight. The surest sign of spring is when the annual cavalcade of custom cars and big name stars rolls into town next weekend for Piston Ring's World of Wheels. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the big show and it's a sure bet I've never missed one.
Even though I've been there, done that and have a drawer full of T-shirts to prove it, that tinge of excitement still creeps up on me as I imagine the Winnipeg Convention Centre packed from wall to wall with amazing rides that tour with the show alongside beautiful made in Manitoba cruisers.
Show chairman Bob Chubala has been working hard all year, he pretty much starts planning for the next show the day after it ends, but as the show draws closer he's got the pedal to the metal.
"Big time busy", said Chubala. Alongside the wide variety of local cars he promises entries from far and wide, "We've got cars coming in from Minneapolis, all over North Dakota, Kansas, the Calgary area and Edmonton, there will be something for everyone."
In addition to the car show there will also be a motorcycle show, aptly dubbed CycleRama that is sponsored by Lone Star Harley-Davidson. This exhibit promises more than 30 custom and vintage bikes and the latest Harley models.
Christopher Reed, the heavy-duty prospect from the popular Sons of Anarchy TV show will be making appearances. It should be interesting to see …
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