THE JUICE IS LOOSE
December 12, 2022
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Homebuilt Hauler With An Attitude
It often takes a serious challenge to test a person’s capabilities. After years of driving a string of performance cars, Terry Short wanted something different sitting in his North Tonawanda, New York, garage. So, he set out and found this ’55 Chevy big-window pickup in an apple orchard. He just knew he had met his challenge.
Terry Short’s ’55 Chevy pickup has a just-right rake, a monochromatic finish on a super-smooth body and a potent big-block Chevy. All these elements combine to make this Hot Rod Red truck a perfect cruising machine. Short’s goal was to build a truck that if you couldn’t see it, then you could certainly hear it coming. Though the roof went unchopped, the remainder of the body was extensively reworked and is devoid of chrome accessories.
Best Of Show
When Hot Import Nights strolls into Seattle, typically two cars end up battling it out for Best of Show honors. Earlier in the year, Kelly Williams, one of the two competitors, took home the Best of Show honors when HIN first rolled into town. His Civic has been cleaning house for several years up in the Northwest and there hasn’t been a Honda to touch what he has built. Until Dara Sordano showed up and surprised them all— including Williams.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 1973–1979 Ford Truck LED Digital Gauge Panel by Intellitronix
Time to stop staring at that dusty old dash and upgrade your cockpit like a boss. The Intellitronix 1973–1979 Ford Truck LED Digital Gauge Panel isn’t just a swap—it’s a straight-up modern takeover for your classic Ford. Clean, mean, and screaming tech.
Spotlighter
RODS ON THE RIVER
The Strawberry Festival Car Show and Cruise-In
A look back at the 2006 Strawberry Festival in Dayton, Tennessee, where The Auto Builder hosted the first Rods on the River car show, drawing crowds, classic cars, and community spirit.
Author
Josh Kaylor
Words & Photography
A Look Back at the 2006 Strawberry Festival in Dayton, Tennessee
Every year in May, the Tennessee Valley is filled with travelers and neighbors from the surrounding areas who come to celebrate the Strawberry Festival. In 2006, the 59th annual Strawberry Festival, called the Strawberry Stampede, was a huge success, with literally thousands of people filling the streets and flocking to the festivities. That year’s festival was particularly important, as it was our second year of attending but the first in which The Auto Builder could actually involve itself. We sponsored the Friday cruise portion of the weeklong festival, which we called the Rods On The River. Every year on the Friday before the Strawberry parade, classic cars, trucks, street rods and hot rods flock to the historic district of Dayton. Come 5:00 p.m. the city closes the main streets so that all the hot rods can park.
The Auto Builder Debuts Rods on the River Car Show
The Auto Builder put a twist on an old tradition with the addition of a car show that started mid-morning. The first annual Rods on the River turned out to be quite a success for a first-time event. Carrie Hassler and Dead Rain provided live music that was enjoyed by all, and The Auto Builder supplied barbecue and beverages for those who registered and were on hand in time for lunch. The Auto Builder’s own Jim Dalton designed custom billet trophies for the show, and John Dianna awarded them to eight lucky participants. The show began in the early morning with beautiful weather that couldn’t have been nicer had we ordered it firsthand. High 60s and low 70s made it absolutely perfect to be by the water, and the beautiful surroundings made it that much more pleasant.
A Diverse Display of Classic and Modern Cars
There was a great turnout with enough diversity for everybody. The Mopar guys came out, as did the street rods and classic trucks. The show had everything from Model As to import tuners. The lake provided the perfect place, and the flawless green lawn was a pleasant place to be for an early morning car show. Starting at around 10:00 a.m. and lasting well into the night, the event went perfectly.
Cruise-In Tradition Highlights a Memorable Weekend
Late that afternoon, everyone cruised over to town where the annual cruise-in took place. Cars lined the streets and fun was had by all. The Auto Builder Big Rig was displayed with a few of Dianna’s cars, which included a ’58 Pontiac wagon, a ’49 Olds fastback, his Lil’ Buck ’32 sedan and his ’34 Vicky. The crew from Coker brought an 18-wheeler, which displayed a few rides of their own, including a totally unrestored ’55 Chevy Bel Air hardtop and Old Indy Racer, which Corky likes to take on the Great American Race, along with a neat old white truck with kerosene-burning headlamps. The weekend went well, and we were already making plans for the following year. It was laid-back, fun, and a memorable chapter in the history of The Auto Builder’s involvement in community events.
BONUS: From the Archives
We’re excited to share a rare glimpse into the 2006 Strawberry Festival with a gallery of never-before-published photos from the event. These images capture the energy, craftsmanship, and community spirit that defined the first-ever Rods on the River car show and the legendary Friday night cruise-in. From classic rides along the waterfront to behind-the-scenes moments with The Auto Builder crew, this visual time capsule brings the day’s unforgettable atmosphere back to life.
