It's hard to believe that an entire decade has passed since the very first Goodguys Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. Actually, for some it may seem like it's been a lot longer. No matter what your take, there's one simple fact that everyone has no choice but to agree upon: The Nats have grown immensely since its inception, and for all intents and purposes, that is something to write home about!
While it seems like just yesterday we were scoping out Columbus' Ohio Expo Center for the very first time, this go-around it was somewhat difficult to even see the venue's architecture with the thousands of vehicles on display. No kiddin'-to give you an idea of how packed it actually was, Friday seemed like a typical Saturday. Vendors, spectators, and participants alike were all heard commenting on how amazed they were with the huge turnout of people (prior total attendance records were broken Friday alone) and, most notably, classic trucks.
Yes indeed, Columbus had more vehicles with beds on 'em than ever before. That says a lot in a hobby that is seemingly becoming so diverse. And for an event that doesn't offer a huge attraction factor like the Street Rod of the Year and Street Machine of the Year awards (both featuring a healthy cash prize as well as the obvious honor), it's even more heartwarming for us to see OUR part of the hobby so well represented at a place like this. Though not a huge return gesture, CLASSIC TRUCKS did distribute Finest Five accolades to a handful of appreciative recipients at the Nats, but maybe more importantly to some, Goodguys selected a Truck of the Year-Late finalist, which went to a well-deserving '70 Chevy belonging to Terry Roberson from Forney, Texas. (For more on all the Finest Five recipients, see the accompanying photos.)
So, in summary, we definitely give the Goodguys Columbus Nats our official, unbiased stamp of approval. For a non-truck-specific event, coming from a truck enthusiast publication, that should say something-especially to any and all who've yet to attend the show in the first place. For more info on the 2008 PPG Nationals or to find out what trucks came away with 2007 Truck of the Year (Early and Late) honors, please visit www.good-guys.com. See ya next year.
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Selecting Roddy Grimes' '68 C-10 for a Finest Five award was a no-brainer! Under the jet black PPG base/clear paint is a full-house 468ci Bow Tie motor backed by a 700-R4 that easily spins the as-cast American Racing wheels and BFG rubber. The '68's low-slung chassis is a result of parts from CPP, McGaughey's, Baer Brakes, and a few stock GM items. Stay tuned for a full feature! | 
Bob and Lynn Pusateri made the trek to Columbus all the way from McMurray, PA, in their '55 F-100. The all-steel Effie is powered by a built 390 FE motor topped with a 2x4 setup that is sure to get the old Ford movin'. The candy burgundy paint on the '55 looks classy next to the Coker wide whites, polished hubcaps, and painted steel wheels. Inside the cab is a handsome traditional tuck 'n' roll upholstery job done in black leather that's sure to stand the test of time. |
Gary Caton's '48 Chevy five-window is a looker! The truck was subject to a one-year ground-up build at Carey's Classics Inc. in Burgin, KY. Gary's '48 has a Pro Charger-equipped LS1 under the hood that belches through a 2 1/2-inch Sanderson and Flowmaster exhaust system. The 500hp mill twists a John's Industries 9-inch rearend that easily smokes the BFGoodrich rubber mounted on 20-inch Billet Specialties wheels. Look for a full feature soon! | 
Seeing Carroll Smith's '48 Chevy, aka Conundrum, firsthand was one of the highlights of the show, and it rightly deserved its award. Hopefully most of you have seen the Chevy already since we debuted it first on our December '07 cover in its birthday suit followed by a six-page feature inside. The '48 is host to more custom metalwork than you can shake a hammer and dolly at, which was deftly executed at Pinkee's Rod Shop in Colorado. Under the highly altered tin is a one-off C5-based chassis built by Roy Pigford in Texas that houses the LT5 motor and ZO6 six-speed. Oh, did we mention this thing gets driven? | 
Talk about a sleeper! We almost passed up Doug Times and his '68 C-10 because it was so clean and unassuming. It was only upon a closer look that we realized what lay before our eyes. The CST-optioned Chevy sits low thanks to a complete Air Ride Technologies setup and rolls on 15- and 16-inch Vette Rallye wheels. Under the stock steel hood is a 383 small-block that's hooked to a built 700-R4, and topping the V-8 is a handmade EFI setup that's surrounded by a super sano engine compartment. The whole kit and caboodle is covered in '06 Mitsubishi Inferno Red Krystal Effect paint that really glows once it's crowned with a little stock brightwork. |