Cars, fun at the first Rod Run
This morbidly fun, custom-painted 1985 Cadillac Hearse drew a lot of attention and interest Saturday during the North Idaho Classics Car Club’s inaugural Rod Run car show in the parking lots of Tedder Industries in Post Falls. The show featured about 200 cars, trucks and motorcycles of all ages, makes, models and styles. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Ken Rachels of Post Falls joyfully shares photos and stories from the 15 years he spent working on his 1955 Chevy Pickup during the first Rod Run in Post Falls at Tedder Industries on Saturday. Rachels airbrushed “true fire” flames on the rear wall under the hood and added several touches to make the truck truly one of a kind. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
A black 1955 Chevy Pickup belonging to Ken Rachels of Post Falls is displayed among other custom and classic vehicles Saturday during the North Idaho Classics Car Club’s first Rod Run car show at Tedder Industries in Post Falls. Rachels hand-painted a “firewall” underneath the hood using a “true fire” technique to give the flames a more realistic appearance. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Randy Kelleher of Post Falls admires a 1940 LaSalle Special 5267 during the North Idaho Classics Car Club’s Rod Run at Tedder Industries in Post Falls on Saturday. “I’m very impressed,” Kelleher said. “I’m taking my time.” (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
Flames of Old Glory and an American bald eagle decorate this 1965 Chevelle Malibu on display Saturday during the first Rod Run car show, presented by the North Idaho Classics Car Club. The show featured about 200 different vehicles as well as merchant booths, food vendors and fun activities for kids. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
POST FALLS — Glossy reds, sunny yellows, vintage coppers and shimmering baby blues gleamed from a mass of vehicles in the Saturday sunlight.
Randy Kelleher of Post Falls lingered as he admired a 1940 LaSalle Special 5267, painted a shade of green unique for that make and model.
"I’m very impressed," he said. “I’m taking my time. There’s no way I could vote on something."
About 200 cars, trucks and motorcycles of all ages, styles and colors were on display for the community to enjoy during the first Rod Run car show, presented by the North Idaho Classics Car Club.
The show was held in the parking lots of Tedder Industries in Post Falls, where visitors had plenty of space to roam as they viewed the cars, chatted with owners and learned a few tricks from custom tinkerers.
Ken Rachels of Post Falls brought his 1955 second series Chevy pickup to the show. The black beauty has a "firewall" under the hood where Rachels’ hand-airbrushed acrylic flames appear on the rear wall. The truck has skull accents, no door handles and a few other surprises.
“I cut the top off a Chevrolet valve cover and rolled it into the dash so it says ‘Chevrolet.' That’s something nobody else has done," he said. "The armrests are off a Z/28 Camero because armrests weren’t an option in these old trucks."
This is one of the first car shows Rachels has entered. He said he wasn't out to win anything, he simply enjoys interacting with other car enthusiasts.
"I like talking to people about it and a lot of people like the ideas that I’ve done," he said. "Just talking to people and sharing what I’ve done and getting compliments for the creativity I’ve put into it."
North Idaho Classics Car Club vice president Brent Lundquist said for the first year, the show was going "awesome."
"Everything's going good," he said.
The Rod Run show included food vendors, merchant booths, music and kids activities.
Longtime club member Larry Sherman, whose dad was a racecar driver, said shows like this are appealing and successful because a lot of these cars bring back memories.
"Everything’s got something that turns somebody’s crank. Everybody’s got something they like," he said. "When you look out here, there’s really nothing that’s the same. There's a variety for everyone."
Lundquist said Rod Run car show award winners would soon be posted to the club's website at www.northidahoclassics.com.