Cavalcade of Customs

49th Annual Cavalcade of Customs

The cold Ohio weather was no deterrent for the large turnout for the 49th Annual Cavalcade of Customs. The Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati provided the platform for the classics that sat on display for the hot rod enthusiasts. At three o’clock on Friday the 9th of January, the spectators waited patiently for the convention doors to open. Once open the bright paint and spotless chrome gleamed underneath the convention center lights. After entering and standing in amazement at the assortment of rods and rides, it was a hard choice on where to start. I made a mental note of the cars off to my left as to come back to before I leave.

I headed to the corner to my right to find a collection of cars that displayed no fancy paint jobs, no shiny chrome, and no dressing on the tires. Survivors Alley was the area for original classics that were not restored and untouched. By untouched I mean not even a wash for the show. One proud automobile owner expressed to me that he owned his coupe for 30 years and had recently bought new fenders to start the restoration process. After a slight twist of the arm from his friend he brought his beloved classic to the show as is. Off to the side sat chopped up coupes lowered to the ground and ready to tear the pavement off the arena floor.
NBC Studios proudly presented the past and the present Night Rider Cars.

You know you are at a world class show when the one and only Chip Foose has one of his creations on display. The aircraft inspired P-32 Street Fighter was one of the most unique cars at the show. With a long fighter plane nose and fighter plane exhaust pipes, the P-32 drew spectators around the display who looked at different angles in awe of Chip Foose’s creation.
If you like the custom creations and get an idea for you own project, you don’t have to look far for assistance. Vendors were placed throughout the show to sell merchandise and advertise their services. You don’t have to go to the East Coast to get a one of a kind ride. The greater Cincinnati has an array of professionals ready to turn your dream into a reality.
I f you were lucky enough to attend the show one name dominated the floor with an awesome display of automobiles. Spade Kreations is a Cincinnati shop that can turn your dull factory ride into a one of a kind show winner. Owner Rick Spade has a list of clients from Professional Football players to a UFC Champion Rich Franklin. For a look at past projects of Rick Spade visit www.spadecreations.com.
The most dreaded time of any show always comes to quickly, the cell phone rings and the wife asks when you are coming home. “I’m getting ready to leave now you say”. The phone hangs up and then an hour later the reminder ring starts. After losing the argument to the better half you concede and head home for a trip to your computer to search for the next show.