I meet Chip Foose at Street Rod Nationals!

[ZHDesign57]

Alright, so here in Louisville, KY about the begining of August each year for about 10 years I believe now, (and recently they committed to Louisville as the host until 2020.) the NSRA (National Street Rod Association) has held this giagantic Street Rod show. It's one of the Best, if not the best, in the country. (For street rods) (Pre-'52 cars)

Alright, so the big news in the show preview section of our Newspaper about 5 days ago. Chip Foose is coming to town! I immediately made plans to save the day Aug 2nd to see him. (The show runs July 31-Aug 3 and he was only to be here on the 2nd and 3rd.)

So today was the big day. I put on my Foose Design T-shirt and me and my Dad headed on down to the show. He was there from 10am-2pm, and we arrived at about 9:45. We had some time to look around the swap meet outside and saw some pretty interesting old cars, and plenty of parts. They all weren't street rods, but we saw some great old cars for sale. (I saw a white '63 Buick Riviera that was awesome...There was a few beautiful Camaros...a 67 and 69...A 55 Chevy Convertible that caught my eye...Some nice stuff compared to past years.)

The thing that got me was the parts...uh...some were ok, some were...just plain no good. Among the things we saw were a Broken Windshield with no trim for $100, A single '56 Chevy tailight with a bunch of pits, and no wires or lenses for $150, a sunvisor for $1100 and plenty of rusty old wheels that you would be lucky if you could paint em and make em look good... (The things some people try to sell and what they ask for them!)

So, finally we make it inside the exposition center, at about 12 and I get in line to see Foose. (My Dad and his friend go off and look around.) I have my Foose print in hand and camera and i'm ready to go. So, not 10 minutes later a guy from Foose's Mothers crew comes out and duct tapes a sign on the back of the man behind me. It reads:



"Sorry, I'm the last in line, See ya tomorro! - signed Chip Foose"

I was like wow,...and this man was freaking out. The guy told him that he could keep the sign if he didn't let anybody in front of him. Which I thought was like, beyond cool for him to get that sign! So me and him get to talking and it turned out that me and him are both into drawing cars. I want to be an Automotive Designer, and he wants to be kinda like Chip and do the artwork and custom cars. (Which I wouldn't mind doing that either )

So about an hour and a half go by, and Chip Foose ends up having to run to the bathroom. Which...is right across from the line. He has an escort take him in. (guess so no one harrasses him lol) If you could have seen all the people watching him walk in the restroom door and waiting for him to come out so they could see him,...I said to the people next to me..."I've never seen so many people so excited to watch a man go to the restroom!" which they agreed that it was funny.

So now I'm beside the Mother's truck...

still waiting...gosh that truck was shiny. (and that man is digging his thumb right into it!)


About 30 minutes later I turn the corner and now I can see him...At this point I was just stunned...lol



10 minutes later...



And then the time comes, where I get to meet one of my heroes. The guy smiles and shakes my hand, and he's just as nice as he can be. What's cool, is that he signed the back of my shirt, A program (for my dad), and my Foose print for me. I told him I want to become an Automotive designer, and he told he that the best thing to do is, keep drawing. Keep getting better. The man was awesome. A real nice guy who took time for each and every one of his fans. It's like wow, still setting in with me that I met the guy.

(Heres my Dad tring to work the Camera to get a picture of him...)


and what kinda stinks is that my dad moves when he took the one of me and Foose...




But that's Ok, my Dad bought lunch. But he still kinda owes me for that one...lol (jk)

I got some great Autographs and got to meet the guy, which was kind of like a dream come true. I had a wonderful time at the show and plan on returning tomorrow. Not standing at the booth again though, that 3 1/2 hour wait was enough for me. (and yes, it was really worth it!)

If anyone in the Louisville area is interested in seeing him before he leaves, he's gonna be at the fairgrounds (KY exposition center) from 10-2pm tomorrow also, go grab yourself an autograph!

It was totally cool to meet Chip, and this has really inspired me. Maybe one day I'll be as good as him at designing cars. (but, put simply IMO...no one can be as good at the old cars as Chip Foose.) But, til then, I'll keep my eyes on the cars, design, and keep drawing and improving. It's been one heck of a great day.

Autographs!:








I don't think I could ever wear that shirt again, both of these are going in frames asap.

[PMC the 1st]

Cool. Both you and your camera had a good time and that's what counts!

[ZHDesign57]

Man, I really did have a great time. Best time I've had in a while... It was like a chance of a lifetime kind of thing. I don't know if I'll ever see him again, but it would be nice in a few years or so, once i get some more practice in (kinda working on coloring my designs now, getting that shine and color right.) to show him some of my work.

Man, that was great. What a guy. As much as I would love to work at GM Design one day, It would be cool to do stuff for Foose too....(need someone to polish stuff? lol)

[Ttple]

I'm sure he's a nice guy and people like his work but he's never impressed me. I'd rather see a car return to it's former glory than to have the lamest paint job known to man.

[Koasterking]

Damn, lucky you. I wish I was there. He makes some sweet and hot rides.

[ZHDesign57]

Well, you can to learn to appriciate cars from many different perceptions, if that makes any sense. It takes some time. I remember when the only cars I liked were completely original Chevys. But once you know the story behind something, it makes you see really how much you like, or don't like it. I recommend the Overhaulin' show to everyone. It's cool and the entire family can watch it.

I've learned to appreciate different types of cars... Original cars, Modified cars, Custom cars, Hot Rods, Custom Muscle, Concept Cars, several types..., and several brands of cars.

The only things I can't drive myself to like is the Civics, Celicas, and such that some kids do...badly designed custom facias and spoilers...so-called "import tuners" kinda cars...no-go with me. Plastic rims? No thanks. Not much on putting 5 tv screens in your car and 2 playstations, eithier.

Let some stuff grow on you. It expands your horizons. Then theres more to explore.