Hop Up Rod Run
Written by Keith Fudge

Recently, Dennis Gage and the My Classic Car gang headed down to Encinitas, California to join a bunch of far-out rodders for the Hop Up Reliability Run!  This crew of 25 vintage hot rods was definitely ready to hit some of Southern California’s best back roads and most scenic stops for a day of fun in the sun.  Dennis visited with Mark Morton, who was on hand from Hop Up magazine.  Mark told him that everyone was having a good time and that the weather gods had blessed them for the day.  The route for this trip was pre-determined, and there were some pretty cool stops planned.  Dennis caught a ride and joined in the fun.

During their first stop, Dennis caught up with Willow Valdez and her sweet 1929 Roadster.  Willow told Dennis that she had built the car herself and had driven it to Bonneville and Las Vegas.  Next, Dennis ran into John Bade from San Diego who was driving a sweet ride powered by a 1959 Flathead and featured seats out of a World War II bomber!  Soon, it was time to start again, and the gang was off for some more cruisin’.

At the next pit stop, Dennis visited with Michael about his Oldsmobile Rocket Roadster.  Michael said that he had owned the car for about three years and that he had been on this run before.  Later, Dennis spoke with Ernie Harmon about his ’35 Ford three-window coupe.  Ernie said that the top had been chopped 3 ½ inches.  Ernie was proud of his car, and he also had the dubious distinction of being Dennis’ chauffer for the event!  Pretty soon, Ernie told Dennis to load up as the club set out on the next part of their day.

The Lookout Roadhouse was the next destination.  It gave the participants a chance to grab some food and wet their whistles while admiring each other’s rides.  Here, Dennis ran into Richard Lux and his sweet ’32 five-window.  Flathead powered and ready to roll, Richard has owned this rod for 31 years!  After talking to Richard, Dennis found Keven Vaughan and his awesome roadster complete with a Hexagon Air Cleaner.  Soon there was no more time for talk as it was time to hit the road for the last leg of the trip.

As Ernie and Dennis pulled into the destination, they were not alone as 23 other cars made the journey without incident.  One car, however, wasn’t as fortunate.  Jim Lattin’s car blew a water pump and needed a little help in making it to the finish.  Dennis again spoke with Mark Morton who told him that everyone did really well and this group was simply perfect in terms of getting along and having fun!  At the end of the day, it was time for the celebratory bar-b-que where a good time was guaranteed for everyone!  That’s it from sunny Southern California and the Hop Up Reliability Run.  Until our next trip, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!