Join Us for the 2018 Huntington Beach Cruise-In!

[David Hodgkins]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81431&d=1519256215

This year will be the 11th year of the Huntington Beach Cruise-In!

This year will be the first time that the event will be hosted and presented by The Factory Five Forum.

This event is of, for, and by customers. It’s a great chance to meet with west coast Factory Five owners, and spend a fun day parked
on Main Street in the world-famous Huntington Beach.

This year’s cruise-in is scheduled for Saturday, April 28th. The Factory Five Forum will be registering customers, so get your spot early!

Spend a day at the beach with over 100 Factory Five owners, music, car show awards, and good times!
Click Here Register Now! (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/misc.php?do=form&fid=16) Space is Limited.

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/hb-2018-flyer-2.jpg

The town of Huntington Beach is once again closing off the first three blocks of Main Street starting at Pacific Coast Highway!
We will have music by DJ Mike Brassfield, and awards will be presented by The Factory Five Forum and guest FFR President Dave Smith.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81437&d=1519256378

Entrance to the event will be on Walnut Ave. Enter from 1st Street, two blocks South of Main Street. Veer left on Walnut and follow it to the show.
Registration will open early this year at 7:00 A.M. and will continue until 9 A.M. at which time Main Street will be closed for the car show/pedestrian traffic.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81432&d=1519256289

Date and Place: Saturday, April 28th from 9 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA

Schedule:

7:00-9:00 A.M. – Registration Opens

10 A.M. – Event Begins

10:30 A.M. – Car Show Judging Begins

2:00 P.M. – Car Show Awards and Special Presentations

4:00 P.M. – Event Concludes*

All vehicles must leave Main Street by 4:00 P.M. Parking lot next to the pier plaza on PCH is open until 10:00 P.M.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81436&d=1519256365

The 2017 show saw 116 Factory Fives invade downtown Huntington Beach. We are limited to 150 vehicles.
Read last year’s report here. (https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/24768/)

Car Show Award Categories

Hot Rod Magazine “Editor’s Choice” Award presented by Jeff Dahlin
Car Builder Magazine “Editor’s Choice” Award presented by Steve Temple, Editor
Best in Show Overall and Runner-Up
Best in Show Roadster and Runner-Up
Best in Show Type 65 Coupe and Runner-Up
Best in Show GTM and Runner-Up
Best in Show ’33 Hot Rod and Runner-Up
Best in Show 818 and Runner-Up
Best in Show Challenge Car and Runner-Up
Best Use of Chrome
Best Paint
Best Engine
Best Interior/Details
Best Under Construction
Most Innovative Design
Highest Accrued Mileage
Factory Five Legacy Award Winner presented by Dave Smith, Factory Five President

Registration:

The cost is $50 and that includes parking at the event, event t-shirt, and eligibility for car show awards.
Note: This is a non-profit customer event. Registration covers the cost of the event only. Online registration closes at 5 P.M. EST on April 27th.
You may register at the event, but space is NOT guaranteed. Click Here Register Now! (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/misc.php?do=form&fid=16)

Note: You only need to register if you are bringing your car to be in the show. The show is open to the public and is free.

Directions:

Huntington Beach Pier
Main St. and Pacific Coast Highway at the base of the Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Note: In order to ensure crowd safety, the city of Huntington Beach requires that all show cars be parked by 9 AM and not moved on the
pedestrian plaza during the show hours. This was to comply with city rules for events with pedestrian traffic.

Lastly, if you have any questions, please contact Dave Hodgkins at The Factory Five Forum by sending an e-mail to david_hodgkins@hotmail.com.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81438&d=1519256584

Where to Stay: Shorebreak Hotel

Right across from the pier plaza and car show is the brand-new Shorebreak Hotel and they are an event sponsor. They are giving our
customers a special rate (customers must mention they are part of the Factory Five block and ask for the Factory Five rate) for April 27 and 28, 2018 ONLY.
PLEASE NOTE: AS OF 4/1/2018 the special block rate is SOLD OUT!

Shorebreak Hotel
500 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Reservations: (877) 212-8597

*Make sure to say you are booking a room with the Factory Five rate.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81434&d=1519256318

Car show awards give us a chance to recognize master craftsmanship in the community.

Above: Best in Show ’33 Hot Rod winner Deke Brown with FFR’s Sally Bean (left) and Jo Coddington (right)

[David Hodgkins]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81429&d=1519256186

2018 Huntington Beach Cruise-In official t-shirt is included with registration only. (Last year’s show shirt shown.)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81433&d=1519256303

[jetheft]

Confirm Saturday 28 April?

In the ad, to the left of Dave’s picture is says Saturday, April 29th.

[David Hodgkins]

Confirm Saturday 28 April?

In the ad, to the left of Dave’s picture is says Saturday, April 29th.

Yes, Saturday April 28th 2018.

There are a few minor issues with the announcement, Obviously that's the worst. I'll get it fixed ASAP.

:)

[Garry Bopp]

David,

Though I won't have a car for HB, I do plan on attending! See you there!

Garry

[nkw8181]

I'm wanting to come and bring the coupe but need to figure out logistics first.

[David Hodgkins]

Hoping to see you again Nolan!

[David Hodgkins]

David,

Though I won't have a car for HB, I do plan on attending! See you there!

Garry
You just made my day!

:)

[mmoen]

Just registered. Will be there with my 65 coupe.
Can't wait.
Mike M.

[David Hodgkins]

Looking forward to it Mike! Glad you can make it!

[Mad Dog]

Date typo fixed.

[David Hodgkins]

Date typo fixed.

Thank you sir!

:)

[Just puttering]

We are planning on showing up sans car, maybe next year, so if you need help with anything we are available!

[AZPete]

Just registered my 818C and looking forward to the drive, show and beer, but mostly being with all the like-minded lunatics.
Thanks, David, for running HB11.

[flynntuna]

I'll be attending, hopefully I can trailer my 818 there too.

[rwcaudill]

Just registered. Looking forward to the show this year!

[Paul G]

Registered yesterday!

[Just puttering]

I dont know if there are any politics involved, but I just saw the April issue of Drive without HB listed? Would it be worthwhile to list it on Drive web page or magazine? Although for the mag it may be to late.

[David Hodgkins]

I dont know if there are any politics involved, but I just saw the April issue of Drive without HB listed? Would it be worthwhile to list it on Drive web page or magazine? Although for the mag it may be to late.

No politics that I'm aware of, just negligence on my part! :) Any info that you can pass along would be great; I'm not aware of this resource.

:)

[ehansen007]

Looks like fun. Maybe I'll give it a try. :)

[Big Blocker]

Eric . . . Too Funny!

[Just puttering]

Drive is a magazine that you can typically find in speed shops. Its free, lots of advertiseing in it.

Driveonline.com the web page for drive

http://files.engagedmediamags.com/Drive/DRV_Mar18/ Last months magazine online

Funny thing, i found it today at a taco shop with other typical free mags but just one Drive mag.

[Just puttering]

Page 11 has an electric master cylinder. Look at abs power brake! I have no experience with with them, might need to start a new thread

[nkw8181]

I just registered. I have a way to get the car there but working on better options. anyone driving through Dallas Texas with room in/ on your trailer for one more car? (no harm in asking)

[7tvette]

Two cars coming from Northern Alberta Canada!!:cool:

[2yrproject]

Registered.

[h22bomb]

Be great to have some video taken and posted to the FF5 youtube channel for everyone that is too far or just cant make it.

[David Williamson]

Registered. The wife and I are making the trip from Edmonton Alberta with Troy (7tvette) The weather is still too variable in late April so we are trailering the cars
knocking one off the "bucket list"
David W

[David Hodgkins]

We're 35% full already guys, which is a faster clip than in year's past. We're not using the pier plaza this year for overflow so there is a cap.

You know what to do; don't dilly dally.

:)

EDIT: Who say's that?? ^ Not me, my keyboard farted ;)

[Bob-STL]

Registered today.

Bob

[David Hodgkins]

I've get some info on the Participants so far:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82064&d=1520282205

Do you see anything missing? Or maybe under represented?

:)

[David Hodgkins]

Bump!

:)

[David Hodgkins]

If you are coming in from out of town and haven't reserved a room at the Shorebreak, hop to it! SPACE IS LIMITED!

If you still have to register for the event, sooner is better than later please...

:)

[Jeff Kleiner]

David,
I'm not clear...just bringing myself, no car. Do I still need to register?

Jeff

[David Hodgkins]

David,
I'm not clear...just bringing myself, no car. Do I still need to register?

Jeff

Nope!

Needless to say, I'm glad you're coming!

:)

[Nickolaus]

Just registered for the show. I'll be bringing my under construction 818. Hopefully there will be an engine installed.

See you guys there!

[frankeeski]

Can't let the hardtop fans down. Looks like we're in. ;)

And coincidentally my 1K post.

[AZPete]

Nickolaus, I'm glad you are bringing your under-construction 818. It will be a popular attraction because guys will like to see how the 818 is built. I don't know if Factory Five will bring their cutaway roadster, but it always draws a crowd. Eleven years ago I saw a FFR roadster go-kart that started me on a wonderful journey building 2 cars after I saw the quality of the chassis. Plus, it's a lot of fun to meet other builders and see their work!

[David Hodgkins]

.../This year will be the first time that the event will be hosted and presented by The Factory Five Forum. .../

Pete,

Other than Dave Smith, no other representation from Factory Five will be at the event this year.

:)

[Big Blocker]

Quote: "no other representation from Factory Five will be at the event this year." NOOOOOooooooooooo. Does that mean that Sally Bean won't show up at all??? Who's handing out our "participants packets"?? Who's gunna give out "Early Bird Hugs-n- kisses" to drivers?? - cuz without Sally, it's gunna be . . . well, . . . you figure it out . . .

Just kidding . . .

But, she will be missed (by many, I'm sure).

I'll be there early as usual -

Doc

[G_Hodgkins]

We are currently looking around for places to print the t-shirts for this years show but here's a mock-up of what the final design will be. If anyone is interested in an extra shirt, let David Hodgkins or I know. (Preferably David) They will be $20-25 each. *Design and pricing may change by showtime*8317783178

I'm also thinking about doing some long sleeved versions if people are interested in that too...

Cheers and see you all in a month

[David Hodgkins]

86 Entries received and it's only the beginning of April!

PLEASE NOTE! We are running low on spaces, enter now before we fill up!

SAME DAY REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE HONORED! We do not have the ability to take credit cards! GET THOSE REGISTRATIONS IN NOW!!

:)

[David Hodgkins]

Another note; The Shorebreak block of rooms with the discount rate is SOLD OUT! Additional rooms are available at their normal room rate.

Hope you booked early!

:)

[CDXXVII]

Finally got off my lazy butt and registered.

Hope to see you all there. :cool:

[CDXXVII]

Quote: "no other representation from Factory Five will be at the event this year." NOOOOOooooooooooo. Does that mean that Sally Bean won't show up at all??? Who's handing out our "participants packets"?? Who's gunna give out "Early Bird Hugs-n- kisses" to drivers?? - cuz without Sally, it's gunna be . . . well, . . . you figure it out . . .

Just kidding . . .

But, she will be missed (by many, I'm sure).

I'll be there early as usual -

Doc

They should just fly Sally out. She sure makes you feel welcomed. :cool:

[Pineapplehead]

Dang, I wish I had discovered this a month or two ago. Sound like fun. I'll keep it in mind for next year!

[Mad Dog]

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_8508-2.jpg

I just heard Jo Coddington is going to be at the event helping Karen Salvaggio with registration!

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_7732.jpg

This year, some people are stepping up HUGE! Karen Salvaggio will be handling vehicle registrations in the morning. Factory Five Legacy Award Winner Doug Deffenbach will be the master of parking ceremonies (note: he can be bribed with beers for preferred spots). Dave Hodgkins from The Factory Five Forum will be in charge of this fun event. Special guest Jo Coddington will be on hand and Factory Five President Dave Smith is heading out for breakfast at The Sugar Shack and an afternoon on the pier plaza.

[David Hodgkins]

Looking forward to this amazing event!

How do you guys like my new Avatar?

:)

[slpro1207]

Loved the USC, but the new one looks great too.

[Big Blocker]

David,

ABSOLUTELY love the new avatar!! The T-Shirts should be a collectors item for sure . . .

Doc

[Jazzman]

Looking forward to this amazing event!

How do you guys like my new Avatar?

:)

Sweet!! I've got to get me one of those!!

[Sdtoothdoc1]

Pete,

Other than Dave Smith, no other representation from Factory Five will be at the event this year.

:)

Why the change after 10 years if I may ask?

[David Hodgkins]

Why the change after 10 years if I may ask?

Nothing dire, I can assure you. They simply have too much on their plate right now, with expanded exhibitions and the 35 truck as well as a new model coming later this year. I addition, they are doing some builds to highlight the new truck release. When you add all that up there simply was no time for an open house and HB this year. I volunteered to handle the HB show this year so it wouldn’t be cancelled.

HTH

:)

[vnmsss]

Thought I'd stop by the HB thread and check in with everyone. Very much looking forward to seeing all of our Factory Five friends out here on the West Coast, and very grateful to you David for stepping up for all of us to assure this wonderful event continues.

I remember the original HB events, and how it began some 11 years ago with a grassroots group of builders and owners who just thought it would be good fun for everyone to get together at the beach to enjoy our cars and share some good times with one another. Many of the original HB Cruise-In folks are still active in our community, and over the years we have lived, loved, laughed, learned, and even shed some heartfelt tears along the way.

When this event began, good people like Roger Stein, Robert Fedderson, Paul Mastroianni, Chuck Robertson, John Lomonico and others were very much active and involved in this community. We had also just lost Dick Smith, one of our most beloved and greatest icons, the year before, and we had a great engine roar tribute to Dick Smith at the event. In these 11 years, we've also welcomed literally hundreds of new owners, builders, and members into this community. We've been through a lot together, and for me, this event is our way of celebrating these amazing cars and the wonderful friendships we "build" through them.

We are just a few short weeks away from yet another HB event, and this one promises to be among the best of the best. My life has been truly enriched and forever changed through these cars, and through the friendships forged within this community.

This event is entering a new era, and with the genuine friendships and love of these cars we have shared in the past as our base, we are truly standing on the shoulders of giants as we move into the future.

I hope we fill the streets of Huntington Beach as we have never done before, and look forward to dancing in the streets with all of you, and celebrating the good fortunate bestowed upon us to be driving these cars and living this amazing life! We are truly blessed my friends!!!

Karen

[Bob-STL]

..........

I hope we fill the streets of Huntington Beach as we have never done before, and look forward to dancing in the streets with all of you, and celebrating the good fortunate bestowed upon us to be driving these cars and living this amazing life! We are truly blessed my friends!!!

Karen

The Missouri Boys are coming with their coupes, and we are dragging along(kicking and screaming!) the Travelling Builder and his son Matty.

One of the coupes is outfitted with a FLIR, so we may pick up a few stragglers along the way if we don't hit any deer this time.

See ya there! :cool:

Bob

[mike forte]

Hi Guys,
I'm looking forward to attend this years Huntington Beach show on April 28th. A 1st for me and can't wait to meet many old customers, new customers & future customers.
I have several gifts already in my travel bag!!!
See you there?

[David Hodgkins]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84125&d=1523900090

It's looking like it's going to be a GREAT day, weather-wise!

:)

[David Williamson]

Looking forward to it.... it is snowing here today in Edmonton Grrrr.
leaving on Sunday
David W

[mike forte]

Hi Guys & Ladies!!
I'll fly in Friday morning and attend Saturday at Huntington Beach downtown event.
See you there!
I'll be back at work Monday morning...

[David Hodgkins]

Hey Mike! Coming to the BBQ?

:)

[videodude]

David,

Do we need to pre-order T-shirts, or will they be available for sale downtown (or at the BBQ)?

Nice avatar, BTW!

Video

[Jeff Kleiner]

What time do you arrive Mike? Something like 12:30 for me (which is 3:30 for us Eastern time zone guys---we're going to need a nap before the BBQ!).

Jeff

[David Hodgkins]

David,

Do we need to pre-order T-shirts, or will they be available for sale downtown (or at the BBQ)?

Nice avatar, BTW!

Video

They will be available at the show (and sure, why not, at the BBQ too!)

EDIT: Oh, and here's a slighly degraded pic of the logo for this year's shirt, which I'mposting b/c I trust non of you all will use it to produce copycat shirts:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84298&d=1524018868
My son Grant did a pretty good job on it, don't 'cha think? Although, that pretty fade turned it into a 4-color process!!

:)

[Big Blocker]

Only thing I need to "copy" is 20 dollar bills, so I can afford gas in SoCal . . .

Doc

[jmccabe]

Look forward to seeing everyone's builds and showing off my "Electric" to.

Jeff

[289FIA_Cobra]

I really wanted to go this year because last year, I lost the passenger side front brake!!!!
Short answer: a pistons seized in the clamping position. Super-heated the rotor and made braking near impossible.
Eventually, it cooled off, braking returned for the remainder of that weekend. Found melted bits of the piston's dustcover.
Ordered brand new Wilwoods all around from Levy Racing... new rims to boot. Was hoping to show it but alas, I need to save the money for a trip to Japan ... more importantly, it's our 30th Anniversary this year so it's a "little" more important than HB!
Hope everyone has fun.

[David Hodgkins]

Herman!

Glad you got the brake issue sorted - with an upgrade!

We'll miss you man! I was looking forward to seeing you. Oh well, next year I guess...?

:)

[David Hodgkins]

The first T-Shirts are IN!

These are XXL's modeled by my daughters Madison and Colette and feature a stunning 4-color process logo my son Grant came up with.

Check Them Out!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84855&d=1524543254

:)

[Jeff Kleiner]

I'm looking forward to the weekend and flying in Friday afternoon! Obviously I am not bringing a car; anybody got room for a passenger for the trip from H.B. to Hodgkins' barbecue Friday evening?

Jeff

[NiceGuyEddie]

WOW that would have swell to meet Jeff!

Sadly, I am moving this day and I just found out. I was hoping for a last-minute entry.

I have a home in the suburbs and an apartment in the city, it's the city apartment that is being moved. Last weekend of the month. :(

I thought I'd go considering technically, I started this show - I was the one that first suggested we drive to the Huntington Beach Pier after the Replica Show at Knott's Berry Farm in 2005 I think.... 15 of us went, the next year someone asked specific permission to rope off an area for us, then maybe the next year was the year Factory Five got involved and we officially no longer attended the replica show.

[videodude]

Jeff,

Posted this on the other thread as well:

Dee and I are staying at the Huntington Beach Inn, right off Main St. We are driving in from Las Vegas on Friday morning, and since we don't have a car built yet, we weren't going to go on the Pre-BBQ cruise. Shoot me a PM and I'll send you my cell number. We'd be more than happy to give you a Lyft up to Dave's (and back, if necessary). Lots of room in the back of the Mountaineer.

Video

[videodude]

The first T-Shirts are IN!

These are XXL's modeled by my daughters Madison and Colette and feature a stunning 4-color process logo my son Grant came up with.

Check Them Out!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84855&d=1524543254

:)

Very pretty!!

The shirts are nice, too.

Video

[David Hodgkins]

I'm looking forward to the weekend and flying in Friday afternoon! Obviously I am not bringing a car; anybody got room for a passenger for the trip from H.B. to Hodgkins' barbecue Friday evening?

Jeff

What time is your flight in?

[Jeff Kleiner]

What time is your flight in?

Scheduled to arrive SNA around 12:30

Jeff

[David Hodgkins]

I Got U.

[David Hodgkins]

I Got U.

Or not (saw the other thread)

Let me know Jeff, I'm 15 minutes from the airport.

:)

[Jeff Kleiner]

David,
Thanks for the offer but your plate is plenty full already! I'll catch an Uber or cab to the Shorebreak then later in the afternoon Video and I will hook up to head to your BBQ.

See you Friday :)

Jeff

[j65mustang]

Can’t wait for the show on Saturday, still got a lot of work ahead of me tho. Ive had my gen 3 coupe for almost six months now, the car won’t be fully finished for the show but hopefully mostly done. Haha

[q4stix]

Very pretty!!

The shirts are nice, too.

Video

I chuckled at the thought of David Hodgkins imposing an angry dad timeout on the forum for this comment :p :D :eek: (not that I'm hoping that would actually happen)

[videodude]

I chuckled at the thought of David Hodgkins imposing an angry dad timeout on the forum for this comment :p :D :eek: (not that I'm hoping that would actually happen)

Dave should be very proud of those girls, and they make great models! If I was in his shoes, I would have done the same thing with my 2 girls. Nothing snarky intended or implied.

Video, a proud dad of 2 gorgeous girls and one (very tall) Marine

[Dlirium]

David,

Though I won't have a car for HB, I do plan on attending! See you there!

Garry

Hey Garry - met you at HB a few years ago, looking forward to seeing you again! Since then, I have ordered and started my Gen 3!

[flynntuna]

Latest weather report for this weekend 68* with a slight breeze.:D.

[David Hodgkins]

latest weather report for this weekend 68* with a slight breeze.:d.

perfect!

:)

[AZPete]

Thanks for the warning, flynntuna, with a breeze the chill factor could be 66*. I'll bring a sweater.

Jeff, I'd be happy to pick you up at the airport in my 818C but I can only fit you or your suitcase, not both. Your choice. :eek:

[Jeff Kleiner]

See ya' there Pete :)

Jeff

[AZPete]

I wish I had arrived earlier to see David and Grant climb those palm trees to hang the banner.

85017

[RR20AC]

We made it and David welcomed us to his neighborhood. Said we were the first👍🏻.

[Paul2STL]

Way to go Jim, glad to see you made it.

[JJ'snakepit]

perfect!

:)

Hi Dave ... I'll be there still without Cobra. I've been sidetracked by a lot of things.. I will try and make it to the BBQ as well....See you then. JJ

[BluePrintEngines]

Morning all, Weather is beautiful out here! Glad I got in a day early! I'll be floating around the show and in the DJ area if anyone wants to say hi tomorrow!

Johnny @ BluePrint

[tcollins]

Made it to Newport Beach last night after the looong drive from Detroit. Got the last room at Holiday Inn Express, but the best was the free parking in front on 1 for the rig! I would have never been able to park it in their lot.

Now we are going for a bike ride up by Dave's house to scout out the route between there and the Shorebreak.

85064

[289FIA_Cobra]

Herman!

Glad you got the brake issue sorted - with an upgrade!

We'll miss you man! I was looking forward to seeing you. Oh well, next year I guess...?

:)

Yep! Next year w/Melinda (hopefully). John Lipka and Freddie Herbert are on their way today! They'll drink my portion!!!! :D

[Sdtoothdoc1]

Only 7 factory five cars in the garage at Shorebreak Hotel? Last few years many, many more! What is the total registered for tomorrow?

[David Hodgkins]

Only 7 factory five cars in the garage at Shorebreak Hotel? Last few years many, many more! What is the total registered for tomorrow?

We are right @ 100 entries...

:)

[Tuftster]

I wanted to say thank you to David and all those that put on such an amazing show today. It was so inspiring to see all the awesome cars and meet so many wonderful people in this community and without all of their hard work it wouldn't have happened. We all owe you, thanks.

[ehansen007]

First show I’ve missed in 8 or 9 years. So sad. I hope you guys had a great time.

[bulldog302]

Thank you David and all who put this on today. It was a lot of fun.

[Straversi]

Congratulations and thanks to David Hodgkin for organizing and coordinating this year’s Huntington Beach Cruise In. I’ve been the past three and this was by far the best. Well done, sir!
-Steve

[Fabb]

This was my first event, and my son and I had a great time. Best part was meeting the awesome folks in this community. Special thanks to Jazzman, Straversi, RR20AC, David H and his family, both Jeff's (Miller and Kleiner) and many others for being so generous with their time and expertise! Also, thanks to Dave Smith for his part, my son got to meet him at the end and was pretty excited to meet the guy who started our car-building adventure.

As much as I have scoured this forum for every last tip and trick, I still learned a bunch more from each of you in person.

Thanks again!

[Jazzman]

Thank you, David Hodgkins, for putting on an absolutely fabulous Cruise In! David was not only the organizer, mastermind, and leader, but set up the registration tent, and sang in the band!! David your are a man of many talents! David's whole family got dragged into this one! His daughter hauled chairs, and his son Grant (a great guy in his own right!!) drew this year's logo and took photos of the entire event!! Thank you all for a truly memorable weekend!

[slpro1207]

I like many others would like to thank and congratulate David Hodgkins, his wife Lena, and of course his son Grant. The time and effort to put together an event like this takes real commitment and a great deal of personal time. Arranging hotels, parking, permits from the city, insurance, dealing with shop owners, venders, and all of the little details that crop up along the way. And of course taking care of all of us that participated in the event. Keeping us notified, making arrangements for parking of trailers, and any special requests.
On top of all of all that, opening their home to all of us for a wonderful BBQ. It was great for my wife and myself to get to talk and get to know so many new people. So once again David, thank you to you and your wonderful family for an incredible 2 days. You knocked it out of the park.

Also congratulations to Jazzman on his amazing “flip top” roadster and awards.

[Mark Eaton]

This was a great event! My wife and I had a awesome weekend. The educational experience was perfect for me still being in first half (?) of my build. So helpful to see in person how guys are putting things together, I learned so much. I was lucky enough to meet a bunch of forum members and saw two guys from my build school class. Hopefully next year I will make it in my completed MK4. The effort that David Hodgkins and crew put into making this happen is truly appreciated! Thank you so much!

[AZPete]

Thank you David very much! It was a wonderful event and you brought the western states FFR family together for the show but also at your home. You, and your family, did an incredible job pulling this off so well. THANKS!

[David Hodgkins]

Thanks everyone. I'm beat.

Sunday was surprisingly calm. Kinda like the day after Christmas, but better.

I'm swamped at work, and I've tried 3 times to get something down but I need more time to put together a proper recap of the event. The logistical triumphs , AND the small personal tragedies (ACTUALLY TRYING to sing ACDC, and loosing my cool at nkw8181 Nolan for starting his car - man I'm sorry I berated you, you didn't know)...

SO many things to say and people to thank! I'll make sure to do a proper post this evening.

Lastly, in case anyone was wondering why I didn't cruise on Sunday...

It happens to us all. There are inopportune times and downright disaster times. This was Saturday right after HB. It was dark by the time help arrived. An inopportune time to be sure. But it would have been a DISASTER on the way TO the show! Hope everyone arrives home safely!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=85163&d=1525105086

:)

PS Who's going to start the HB PIC THREAD!!?!

[RXBill]

Arrived home a few hours ago after a 22 hr non-stop return trek from Southern California. Took a nap and then wanted to share some reflections on the Huntington Beach experience.

I have been a forum member for over a year, but have never had any build knowledge to share, especially after solidifying my position as the "do-over" king, but as several people have commented, this odyssey we undertake becomes more than the just the cars. I am just a rather slow learner....

Since our car was getting close to being ready for paint, we were being encouraged by Jim and Candi Ausbun, "Cobraphile" friends from the Pacific NorthWET, to coordinate our trip down to Jeff Miller's with the Huntington Beach event. AND as luck would have it, the stars aligned. My wife and I left Seattle on the 24th at "O-DARK Thirty". We were driving a motorhome and trailering our Mark IV which was a new experience in and of itself, but entering the Los Angeles basin and the associated traffic re-defined every thing.

ON Thursday we delivered our car to Jeff's shop. He PATIENTLY assisted me as I backed the trailer, using mirrors (not one of my strong skills - actually NO skill at all would be a much better assessment) to the desired location. Jeff noticed our 100# Doberman, Colt, through the windshield. An immediate bond was created. I think they may have "man-crushes" on each other. JEFF, thank you for accepting our car. We look forward to seeing your magic....

We attended the BBQ at David and Leesa's. What a beautiful home. Teresa and I have hosted many large gatherings at our home, so we know the work involved, BUT they are far, far better at it than us. Leesa is definitely the hostess with the moistest !! It was a honor to be there and to have the opportunity to meet some of the Factory Five related celebrities. We shared a table in the backyard with two of them, Jo Coddington and Karen Salvaggio. What a treat.

On Saturday we attended the Huntington Beach event. A hundred vehicles on display. WOW !! Our dog served as an amazing conversation starter from which we met and incredible number of people. We also had an opportunity to meet Dave Smith. He is just as real, humble, excited and down to earth as the videos portray. Congratulations to all the award winners. From my perspective, as a neophyte, all of the cars were top notch. I don't envy the judges at all. I was able to glean something from everyone and I have several hundred pictures from which to peruse. Thank God for digital.

A very sincere thanks to everyone for making the experience so special for us. My wife, Teresa, and my dog, Colt, are already talking about attending next year, hopefully with our Mark IV.

[David Hodgkins]

Arrived home a few hours ago after a 22 hr non-stop return trek from Southern California. Took a nap and then wanted to share some reflections on the Huntington Beach experience.

I have been a forum member for over a year, but have never had any build knowledge to share, especially after solidifying my position as the "do-over" king, but as several people have commented, this odyssey we undertake becomes more than the just the cars. I am just a rather slow learner....

Since our car was getting close to being ready for paint, we were being encouraged by Jim and Candi Ausbun, "Cobraphile" friends from the Pacific NorthWET, to coordinate our trip down to Jeff Miller's with the Huntington Beach event. AND as luck would have it, the stars aligned. My wife and I left Seattle on the 24th at "O-DARK Thirty". We were driving a motorhome and trailering our Mark IV which was a new experience in and of itself, but entering the Los Angeles basin and the associated traffic re-defined every thing.

ON Thursday we delivered our car to Jeff's shop. He PATIENTLY assisted me as I backed the trailer, using mirrors (not one of my strong skills - actually NO skill at all would be a much better assessment) to the desired location. Jeff noticed our 100# Doberman, Colt, through the windshield. An immediate bond was created. I think they may have "man-crushes" on each other. JEFF, thank you for accepting our car. We look forward to seeing your magic....

We attended the BBQ at David and Leesa's. What a beautiful home. Teresa and I have hosted many large gatherings at our home, so we know the work involved, BUT they are far, far better at it than us. Leesa is definitely the hostess with the moistest !! It was a honor to be there and to have the opportunity to meet some of the Factory Five related celebrities. We shared a table in the backyard with two of them, Jo Coddington and Karen Salvaggio. What a treat.

On Saturday we attended the Huntington Beach event. A hundred vehicles on display. WOW !! Our dog served as an amazing conversation starter from which we met and incredible number of people. We also had an opportunity to meet Dave Smith. He is just as real, humble, excited and down to earth as the videos portray. Congratulations to all the award winners. From my perspective, as a neophyte, all of the cars were top notch. I don't envy the judges at all. I was able to glean something from everyone and I have several hundred pictures from which to peruse. Thank God for digital.

A very sincere thanks to everyone for making the experience so special for us. My wife, Teresa, and my dog, Colt, are already talking about attending next year, hopefully with our Mark IV.

Bill, just seeing this. Glad you had fun at the show, and hopefully we'll see you next year with your MKIV!

Glad you made it home OK.

:)