Lighter on attendance, heavy on Mopar fun
By Jim McGowan

The incredible Las Vegas Speedway was again the location of what has been the largest Mopar event on the left coast. However, this year proved different. Attendance was noticeably down, cars from the mid-west and east were missing and we all know why. It certainly isn’t a lack of interest on the part of Mopar enthusiasts, it’s all about the economy, the cost to travel, particularly by gas or diesel powered vehicles. But, in true Mopar style, those who did show up had a great time.

Just Dashes unveiled their new ’67-‘74 A-body dash with gauges and sold every one they brought to the show. In fact, they sold just about everything they took to the show except the display trailer and the tow vehicle. They also brought the newest member of the group. A pristine grandma owned ’65 Chrysler Newport that they had decked out in Just Dashes livery. The car attracted as much attention as some of the show vehicles. It’s a white over blue, 383cid, loaded with options and a kick to drive. Look for it at other Mopar shows on the west coast.

Crack a cold one, get comfortable and check out the following scenery!

Nothing like starting at the top! Plum Crazy, drop-top, Hemi and a ‘Cuda. Besides being one of 17, what could be better?

A tattered up New Yorker in Las Vegas. Won’t be the first or last time that happens. Project anyone?

A great old Dodge 4-door sedan with several shades of red on the body. Otherwise a great start to a fun restoration. License plate tells the story.

The classic ’69 Road Runner, in Hemi Orange, is always a welcome sight in the show field. This car was very nicely detailed.

Early in the show, the just Dashes crew educated a few attendees on the features and benefits of some of their restoration products. Vinyl Life Preserver works great on vinyl, immortality, no way!

Nicely restored ‘Cuda ragtop drew tons of attention. It has lots of options and is certainly the right color!

The license plate of this ’62 Dodge gives some indication of its heritage. This black on black racecar sounded as good as it looks.

Looking for rust? There was plenty of it in the swap meet area. Vendors from all the surrounding states brought their wares to the show.

Speaking of rust, this ’70 Road Runner has its share. The asking price was $5K; heck the rust alone was worth that much!

The Just Dashes booth was crowded all weekend. There was tremendous interest in the new A and B-body dash pads with gauges.

As usual, the swap meet area was crowded. Prices were reasonable as there was a lot of competition for business.

Here’s a nicely organized vendor space. He even has the logo on his parts hauler. If you’re building a Mopar, this is the swap meet to be at.

Just Dashes unveiled their ’65 Chrysler Newport billboard vehicle at Las Vegas. This classy cruiser will be used as a promotional/shop vehicle by the staff.

There were many nice racecars on display for the crowd to inspect. This car gives real meaning to the term “getting your doors blown off”.

This ’69 Road Runner racecar has seen better days. It’s a factory 4-gear and the price was $5K.

Here’s the overall view of the Just Dashes booth. Just Dashes has been a show sponsor for the last several years.

For those of you fortunate to remember, Shirley Shahan was a star Mopar racer in the 60’s. This is a recreation of her original car now driven by Bob Shahan.

Two Pro Stockers are running neck and neck right off the starting line. The weather was mild and just right for racing.

Here’s a great looking Dodge door slammer racecar cruising the pits. Notice the car is registered for street use as well.

This scene brings back memories of the old Super Stock racers in the early 60’s. These two have an 11.50 dial-in on the windows.

The car show area contained all manner, years and models of Mopars. This line up is a perfect example. The great spring weather made strolling the show a real pleasure.

A couple of wild looking racers just warmed the tires and are ready to run the 1320.

We call this injection perfection. What a great looking set-up with A/C as well.

This Super Stocker wagon has a dial-in at 10-flat. That’s moving a lot of original grocery getting metal very quickly.

This ’67 Dodge Dart street mancine was built by the Inland Mopar Club in Riverside, CA and raffled off with the proceeds going to the California School for the Deaf.

The upper and lower padded dash restoration was donated by Just Dashes for this great charity. The car turned out super and was parked at the Just Dashes booth for a while during the show.

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