EVERYONE attending the 2020 Rod Run this weekend should take some time out not only to marvel at the vehicles on display, but also the time and effort it took owners to craft these wonderful machines.
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As all backyard mechanics can attest to, restoring or customising a car or motorbike or any other engine-driven device is fraught with difficulties.
Missing parts, supplier delays (particularly when importing from overseas), reliance on automotive shops already snowed under and backed up with overdue jobs, your own work commitments and - most importantly - ensuring quality family time means completing that project out in the back shed can be a long drawn out process.
Back in November last year, the Riverine Herald decided to track the progress of three Rich River Rod and Custom Club members restoring their vehicles in time for the Rod Run on March 13-15.
Trav Owen, Dennis Brooks and Michael Masters all had high hopes of meeting the March deadline, but unfortunately none of their vehicles will be heading out to Jack Eddy Oval on Sunday.
Trav Owen's 1940 Chrysler two-door coupe is in two parts.
“The body is sitting on a rotisserie and not back on the chassis yet as I was hoping for at this stage,” Trav said.
“There's still a good three weeks work needed on the car which I'd say will be nearly six weeks judging by the last few weeks.
“Anything that could go wrong has gone wrong the last few weeks.
“One job's been held up by another basically.”
Thoughts of putting the unfinished project on a trailer and taking it out to Sunday's show ‘n’ shine have been shelved.
“It's still not in a state to go on show,” Trav said.
“The paint is till a bit soft on it so anyone touching it or a stone chip would do more damage.”
Trav is disappointed his car would not be part of this year's Rod Run event.
“To miss this year's event is a bit of a shame,” he said.
“But I'll still keep working on it because the priority is to get it done as quickly as possible.”
Staying positive, Trav still intends to be part of this weekend's Rod Run.
“I've got another car, the Valiant Pacer I've had for 20 years so I might dust that off and take that up,” he said.
Dennis Brooks’ restoration of a 1946 Ford five-window business coupe has been held up by supplier issues.
“I've had a lot of troubles with the motor so it won't be going anywhere,” he said.
“The cam followers I bought were the wrong size so I have to wait for the right ones to come from America and they're not due until about the 30th of this month.
“Then it has to still go to the upholsterer which will take three to four weeks.
“This car needs to be going otherwise the upholsterer can't drive it into the workshop which is uphill.”
Nevertheless, Dennis is still keen to enjoy himself this weekend.
As a club member, he will be helping out with Rod Run entrants registrations as well as helping out on the gate on Sunday.
He also will be part of the drive-in movie experience at Wharparilla West.
“I've got my 1939 Ford four-door sedan, the black one - I'll take that,” he said.
Michael Masters’ 1958 Chevrolet Apache pick-up is another project that has been held up by issues outside his control.
“I was down at the upholsterers last week and they haven't made a scratch in it,” Michael said.
“It won't be back for another three or four weeks which is a bit disappointing.”
It's even more frustrating considering how close Michael is to the finish line.
“There's a little bit of auto-electrical work to be done, I have to find some wheels for it and then get the engineering done on it.
“I was hoping to have it on the road by now but you're reliant on other people and everyone's busy.”
With the deadline passed, there is no longer any rush for Michael to finish the project, allowing him to a bit more meticulous.
“I'll take my time now to finish it and get it done properly,” he said.
“I'm looking at completing it about mid-year now."
Like his other two club mates, Michael will still be a part of this weekend's Rod Run.
“I'm on the organising committee so I'll be working up there,” he said.
While none of the three projects will be unveiled at this weekend's Rod Run, the owners’ heartaches and frustrations are indicative of what other owners have been through in restoring their own vehicles, some of which have taken years in order to overcome all the hurdles and obstacles in achieving their dream.
With that knowledge, it gives the casual observer an added appreciation for the magnificent finished works of mechanical art on show this Sunday.