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| By Jim McGowan |
The first weekend of April '05 saw the freeway
into Las Vegas lined with Mopars cruisin' to the show. The LV
Motor Speedway is the perfect venue for this all-Chrysler spectacular,
presented by Painter Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge from Nephi,
Utah. The best in the west were trailered and driven, and a
host of vendors set up for the enjoyment of all the participants
and spectators.
Just Dashes, an event sponsor, set up between the Mopar
Collectors Guide Magazine booth and the '73 Duster Give-A-Way
vehicle buildup, which was being finished on-site by Steve
Strope of Pure Vision. It was the perfect location to meet
and greet other Mopar enthusiasts wandering the grounds.
Just Dashes had also performed a concours restoration of
the dash pad and door rails on Kenny Wayne Shepherd's Charger,
the "Xtreme" Lee, on display nearby.
Hundreds of enthusiasts and their vehicles attended and
walked the isles of vendors showing their latest new products
for every year, make and model of Mopar. Hard to find used
parts were searched for in the swap meet area, and the drag
race pits are always fun for all. Such notable competitors
as Arlan Vanke, and Randy Lindamood were on hand, along
with several Mopar movie cars. Dodge corporate provided
a ride and drive event to familiarize the folks with their
new offerings, and blues/rock star Kenny Wayne Shepherd
provided show attendees with a rockin' good evening at the
Cannery in Las Vegas.
As they say, "a good time was had by all", and we took
some photos so you'll see a little of what you missed. See
ya' there in '06! |
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The Just Dashes booth was manned and ready at O-dark-30
on Saturday morning. Their new E-body speaker grilles,
available in all the correct stock colors, made their
debut at this show and were an immediate sell-out
hit. |
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Steve Strop, of Pure Vision, was finishing the build
up of the Give-A-Way '73 Duster at the show. All proceeds
going to the Ronald McDonald Children's Charity. Just
Dashes restored the original dash pad in the Duster.
Surprise Steve, gotcha! |
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The Duster was really a several month project, but
just enough was left to entertain the spectators as
Steve buttoned it up over the weekend. |
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A spectacular Dodge Daytona racecar engine bay was
filled with '67 440- CID power. This isn't a Dodge
for everyone's garage, and it ran as good as it looks!
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What could be better than a red on red 'Cuda drop-top?
A HEMI maybe! This is a beautiful and well-restored
example of the classic. |
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Here we're looking down the vendor midway toward the
speedway buildings. All the Mopar big guns were present
and lots of parts were changing hands. Early birds
were already cruising the aisles. |
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This black is beautiful '70 Hemi GTX wowed 'em! It
sounds as nasty as it looks and the owner wasn't at
all shy about his hood scoop. |
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This Sublime Duster street machine was a standout
in the car show. Sublime is one of those colors you
just have to take a picture of. It was detailed to
the max and a real eye pleaser. |
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THE XTREME LEE |
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The overall car is stunning! A great combination
of nostalgia and current hi-tech engineering.
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Just Dashes had to do some precise handwork
on the door rails to fit small speakers into
the metal rail and then cover and color match
the part. |
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The dash pad is also Just Dashes handiwork.
Redline Gauges managed the buildup and they
selected the best vendors available to get
the interior done. |
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Lots of power in here, but check out the bevy
of horns at the right. Even semi-trucks will
get out of Kenny's way. |
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A Kenny Wayne Shepherd concert, that was free
to show ticket holders, was held at the Cannery
in Las Vegas. They rocked the house and everyone
had a great evening. |
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Here's a few shots of Just Dashes handiwork
on the "Xtreme" Lee Charger for Kenny Wayne
Shepherd. |
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This custom Charger's owner was changing from street
tires to slicks for the 1/4-mile action. Quite a few
street driven door slammers stepped out on the track
for some tire smokin' fun. |
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There was an impressive lineup up of various E-bodies
in the show area. Arguably the most popular body style
of the '70's models, almost every color and option
was represented here. |
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WOW! This is truly a custom Duster interior. Lots
of planning and craftsmanship is evident here. Not
for everyone to be sure, but a nicely done job. |
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Mirror, mirror on the floor - every inch of this 'Cuda
was on display. What, no chrome plated jack stands
-shame? |
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The racing action was fun for the whole family. Quite
a few full-on racecars showed up and the weather was
perfect for competition. Lots of enthusiast rubber,
as well as cash, were left in Vegas. |
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Here's the notorious Just Dashes show crew. If you
see them coming, get out of their way, particularly
the goofy guy at the top left! |
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This is one very unusual '70 Challenger. It's totally
B5 blue with a blue stripe. This is a concours restoration
of a rare car. See our sidebar for more on this one.
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A nice modified '70 Road Runner was on display under
a tent with several other show vehicles. |
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BLUE ON BLUE PERFECTION |
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This is a B5 blue interior and exterior '70 Challenger
with a blue body stripe. Everyone commented on what
a rare combination this was, as well as a flawless
restoration. |
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Just Dashes restored the dash pad with original
stitch, and the horn center for this Best Of Show
winner. B5 Blue seems to be one of the most popular
70's colors. |
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Check out this Just Dashes restored door panel.
Sheer perfection in a perfect car. |
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