If I hadn’t cancelled the 2020 Canadian Hot Rod Tour back in April of this year, we would be in complete chaos mode about now (with only hours until “liftoff”). In fact, we have been in, at least, organized chaos mode around this time of year for the last thirteen years – some years were more chaotic than others. However, I did cancel this year’s event for obvious reasons, which has allowed for some reflective time.
Thirteen years ago, around this time, I / we were also in an extreme version of complete chaos mode as the first CHRT (Canadian Hot Rod Tour), “Points West”, was less than a week away from today’s date. In retrospect, I have no idea how it actually came to pass given a brand new car was being readied, some details of the cross-country trip weren’t finalized (hence itineraries weren’t complete) and I was receiving physiotherapy for a bad right knee which was threatening to nullify my ability to even drive the new car (’32 roadster – which puts the right knee in an awkward position at the best of times).
Reflecting back even further to the late summer of 2015, I was assisting with inventory management related to the sale of a prominent Canadian hot rod parts business. There was a Deuce roadster body (’32 Ford should you not be familiar with the moniker) sitting in inventory. While I had seen it sitting there, I more or less didn’t pay it much attention other than having a look see – why wouldn’t I right? I didn’t need a body, let alone another project (in March of the same year, I had finished a ’32 3-window coupe).
However, on my way home one day, an idea developed and when I arrived home, I said to Judy “I have an idea” and ran it by her. She said “Cool! This is going to be fun – if you can get it done”. Specifically, I figured, acquire the body and complete a build of a highboy version (no fenders) in time to drive it from Southern Ontario to Northwest Deuce Day in Victoria, British Columbia in July 2007. Lots of time right? You might be asking why would I want to do this when I had recently completed a Deuce (with windows, wipers…) Certainly a valid question but part of the adventure, I imagined, would be to drive an open wheeled, soft top car on the journey.
To digress slightly here, we had attended Northwest Deuce Day in 2004 as spectators. That is, flew out, rented a car and attended as spectators – although Al Clark (Deuce Day organizer) had also been good enough to get us seats at the “intimate dinner” party on the patio at Bear Mountain – intimate as compared to the more recent galas. While Northwest Deuce Day has gone on to become “Days” and has gotten much bigger, the 2004 event is still a favourite. It’s just a vibe thing and up for debate I’m sure among those that have been to that year and the events that have followed. In any case, enough digressing. Back to the body.
Upon inquiring about the body, I was told that I would have to speak to the new owner of the inventory. I did, he was interested in selling it rather than moving it and I, shortly thereafter, became its new owner. To be candid, it was a bit rough around the edges so-to-speak but suited my purposes exactly. I figured a simple, no-frills, build, maybe even primer vs. paint, Mexican blanket seat upholstery, etc. You get the idea. Did it turn out that way? Not even close but that is another story entirely.
So, with body in hand, build planning could commence and, theoretically, there was plenty of time, more or less (if 19 months is plenty of time), before we would have to set off on our journey from Southern Ontario to BC.
Over time through the balance of summer and fall and through social conversation, we would tell friends in the hobby about our plan. Some would stare at us like we were crazy – maybe grin – or, say “cool!” whether they meant it or not. Others would say “I wish we could do that”. Then, one said “Hey, maybe we’ll come part way with you”. Then, another said, “Maybe we’ll come part way with you”. Does the slogan “Drive a Little or Drive a Lot… But Drive!” come to mind? Naturally, we said “sure”.
At some point, with stuff percolating (you’re older if you know what a percolator is), I said to Judy “I have an idea” (do you see a pattern emerging?). The idea? Given that a number of people wanted to drive part way with us, “What would you think if we organized a Canadian version of a hot rod tour?”. Honestly, I don’t recall what the immediate reaction was but, knowing Judy, she likely said again “Cool! This is going to be fun – if you can get it done” (Do you see another pattern emerging?).
I’m not sure what transpired immediately but maybe one of us said “Let’s drink to that”. I do recall though that, soon after, enthusiasm morphed into doubt, back to enthusiasm, then doubt… Despite the seesaw of emotions, and after a visit to a lawyer, Canadian Rodder Inc. and The Canadian Hot Rod Tour were born into (legal) life.
What followed were many sleepless nights spent thinking about the project car and this new, great (?), idea. More in Reminiscing – Part 2.
Comments are open below. I hope to hear from you!
Most excellent memories, Frank and Judy! Thank God we did this and all the tours when we were young and had the energy. After many years of driving my red 4spd ’63 Corvette roadster on the tours, because of age, comfort and two new hips, I changed my ‘tour’ vehicle for a 07 Mustang GT convertible with air and automatic. I can not bring myself to sell the ole ’63 Corvette because of all the ‘most excellent’ CHRT memories. It takes up a space in my garage. I try to take it out at least once a year. As always, thank you and Judy for those wonderful times. One of the proudest achievements is reporting the CHRT’s for Old Autos and contributing to your photo collection. Much Love, Paul.
It’s a pile of work Frank, don’t know how you do it? I have always wanted to partake it just never seems to work for me for one reason or another. A few friends have gone along for partial sections of the tour and have nothing but good to say about the experience. Both the people they met and the organization for the whole deal. Perhaps one of these days when and if things get back to normal I will get another opportunity to tag along, at least for even a small part of it? Thanks again Frank!
Norm & Jean Goring
Traveling with Wayne & Barb Harris for a number of years to car shows in the U.S.A we had talked about going West in 2007. When Jean & I were attending the Custom Car show held at the International Center in 2007, we met a fellow who we had come in contact with Oct. 2006 at the Right Coast car show in Myrtle Beach S.C. & the following week at the Good Guys show concord N.C. He told us of new Canadian Hot Rod Tour going west in July & where Frank had his display set up, It didn’t take long after talking to Frank & giving him my contact information, I said to my wife we are going to go on this tour. When we arrived home one of the first thing I did was contact Wayne & Barb at their time share in Florida & explain what this tour was all about, Wayne said get us signed up too. The 4 of us had decided to leave the tour at Calgary Alberta but after traveling with such a great bunch of car people Barb said we should change our plans & continue to Langley B.C. which we did. At the last night in Calgary which was put on by the local car club Frank was making a speech about activities for the next day & thanked those for supporting him and leaving the group at that time I can still see the surprise look on Franks face when we told him we had Good & Bad news for him. The bad news first we cancelled our reservations in Red Deer. Good News We are Going to Langley B. C. with the group. Frank then bent over & took my ball cap off & threw it in air in jubilation that we where continuing on with the group. It’s with tears in my eyes that we are not able to tour this year because of the epidemic that has happened. Words can not describe the enjoyment of all the tours we have been on & the wonderful people we have met over the years .Frank it would be a good idea to start getting stories about the tours to put in a book
Many Thanks Frank and Judy
Hugs
I wasn’t there in 2007 but I know you met Davey Joe in Kamloops. I am sure you won’t forget that encounter
Frank, that 2016 Deuce Days was our first and is still such a great memory. We copped out and flew as had some other visiting to do around there. I met up with you and several of your tour gang setting up on the Empress lawn on show morning at like 4:00 am., when the harbour road was already mostly full! What a great show that was. Everyone I talked to that made that long trip with you, just raved at what a great host you were and how much fun they had. I can see why. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you Paul for all your contributions. Norm & Jean, you’ll be part of the upcoming stories.. Thank you Neal. Keith, I’ll likely talk to that… John, I remember that. Thank’s for looking in.
We were partial participants on the last west tour from Moose Jaw to Calgary and we had a really good time. Very well organized, no marathon drives. Met some nice folks, and it is about driving these cool cars.
frank how can you begin to thank someone who has put so many hours into something so successful We have had a chance to go on every trip and hope to go on more We know and appreciate all that you and your better half do love you both Frank Judy xoxo
First of all thank you Judy for supporting Frank’s ideas and making the CHRT not just an idea but an actual reality.
Paul and I missed out on a few of the initial trips (our first one was the first down east one) but once we started attending it became a much anticipated event.
We enjoyed the drive, meeting new people, seeing all the sites and making new friends. For us hot rodding was/is a lifestyle.
Our kids grew up attending car shows in Canada and the US. So many great memories of trips away with friends and their kids. My son Josh has a ‘39 Ford coupe (running but not quite finished) and my daughter Pauline has a 40 Mercury convertible (it runs but still has a long way to go). It’s in the genes.
Happy motoring to all and thanks for organizing these annual trips Frank and Judy.
I have been “into” hot rods for about 70 years (bought my first Hop Up magazine with my paper route money in 1951) but one of the standout experiences during this time had to be CHRT 2007. Paul, I have saved the picture you took of us and our 40 in Terrace Bay as part of our family collection.
It is always great to see what other Rodders have been doing with their rides but the truly special part of the Tour for us, is the friends that we make by being together enjoying our passion . CHRT 2007 provided plenty of friends for us and we stay in touch still with several.
I want to say how badly I miss a special guy we met on the tour in 2007. Who among us doesn’t remember the late Clarke Pringle (Ol Rodder), his T roadster and wife Cher. We stayed in touch right up to the time of his passing and he was a big part of our recently completed T roadster.
Thank you Frank and Judy for all you do for us.
Our fond memories of CHRT and its dear founders, Frank and Judy, begin in June of 2009 when Allan learned about the tour. It was too late to register, however someone had to cancel and we were fortunate enough to take their place on the Points East tour. What a blast! One of the best trips we had made. We met so many terrific people who helped us along the way. Thanks Roger and Gail, one of the cars that stopped to help us in PEI and then they had an issue with the ferry.
So many memories! The fun never stopped! Our ’66 Valiant brought us home and we were hooked!
The next year we were lucky to meet Grant (Homer) and Barb whose spot we filled in ’09. Each year since, with the sad exception of two trips, we have met again with CHRT friends and each time it is like coming home to family. We are lucky to keep in touch with several people between tours.
This year we are certainly missing the comrodderie but trust that we will be together again next year and want to thank Frank and Judy for all their care and hard work. The CHRT is a privilege that we treasure.
Although Paul & I only experienced 2 CHRT events, they were fabulous. When our nephew Vince & Kathy first brought it to our attention, we had to buy something to drive, the Harley wasn’t going to cut it. Not enough wheels. So the first car on tour, our orange Hemi Challenger. That car served us well for the East Coast tour which was a blast. Never having been to the east, we filled up on so much lobster, spent a good part of 1 afternoon looking for Chinese food instead. After experiencing our first CHRT event, we would anxiously await the next tour, but, a different car this time. Bit of a step down in speed, but more fun to drive(I thought) Camaro convertible, but ONLY a 4 cylinder which Paul continuously pointed out to me. So in preparation for the 2020 tour, 3rd car, 3rd tour event, moved to a Corvette Z51 just so we can keep up with the big V8’s. We are enjoying the new speed,(and no more 4 cylinder nagging) but dearly miss the CRHT 2020 tour and our car friends. So very much looking forward to next year, right Frank & Judy? And with thanks to both of them for all the time they put into giving us such great fun with great car people.
Take care all, stay safe, and thanks again Frank & Judy
There have been some great times on the tours alright and some even greater people who we were very fortunate to meet. To name them would be the wrong thing to do because I am sure I would leave someone out.
Thanks Frank and Judy for organising some cool events we have attended.
I rem,ember Jim McGowan and myself drove our roadsters from Victoria out to Calgary to hook up with you all and drive back with you to Victoria . What a hoot ! Good to see you’re still hard at it !
Larry, I remember meeting you and Jim in the parking lot in Kamloops – both interested to see how my Topster worked out 🙂 Still going strong.