News :: 2009

News 2009

Cops and Rodders Sells Out!

Cops and Rodders staff had to turn away vehicles at the gate after selling out all 600 spaces! Over twenty thousand people came out to look at the large display of vehicles and about two thousand children came out to participate in the free children's events and Halloween activities. There were Zombies everywhere! We want to thank all of our car show participants, sponsors, and our hard working committee to help make this year's show a rousing success. Results of the ballots will be posted in two weeks. Thanks to all of you, we will be back for another year!

Lost and Found

Mr. Wayne Theiss, who was a spectator at our car show, has reported a lost wedding ring somewhere in the parking lot of the show. It is a very old ring, and of course has more sentimental value than real value. This is a man's wedding ring of yellow gold, with no markings on the inside, had two small diamonds, but one is missing and had a very worn tree of life design. If you can check with the folks you know to see if anyone found a ring, let Rich Harper know and he will be happy to make arrangements to get the ring back to Mr. Theiss.

Entry Photos

See some of the vehicles entered in the 2009 show. Click here for gallery

Another Pedal Car in the Raffle

Jim Click has donated an additional pedal car for our raffle on Saturday. Thanks to Jim Click Auto Group for their contributions to this year's show!

'Minibike' Raffle

Checker/O'Reilly Auto Parts, another of our new sponsors, is the sponsor of the "Checker/O'Reilly 500" Pedal car races for kids at the show! In addition they are contributing a "minibike" as another great raffle item to be given away on Saturday! Checker/O'Reilly's has 19 stores in Tucson so we encourage you to stop by and find out more about them at the pedal car venue at the show.

Special Display of Tractors and Engines

Cops and Rodders is proud to announce that the Power from the Past Tractor and Engine Club will be putting on a special display of Tractors and Engines for the show. This group has been together since the early 1980's and has a traveling collection of Tractors and Engines designed to help educate us about the kinds of early vehicles used for agriculture and engineering. This special display, like the Jeff Eppley's 1928 Allis Chalmers Tractor model shown here (click photo to enlarge), will be located in the South concourse area just opposite the food court. When you have a chance, go through and check out this great display and say thanks to our collectors for bringing their antique equipment to our show.

McGruff will be at the show to help kids "take a bite out of crime"

Emergency Alarm Response System/Cascade Electric join the growing list of sponsors for the Cops and Rodders event. Our newest Friend of the Force, E.A.R.S./Cascade Electric will be at the show and will have McGruff there for all the kids to see! They have donated a free alarm system as a major raffle prize. Stop by their booth to find out more about home and business security and kids their booth is a Safe Trick or Treat location with McGruff the crime fighting dog!

New Logo for T-Shirt and Poster

Our thanks go to Troy Yahraes, of Aladdin Graphics TucsonTshirt.com for the outstanding logo for our t-shirts and for the logo for the posters we have posted for this year's show. Troy, who has been in business since 1980, and his staff did an outstanding job and we encourage you to go by his shop at 1802 W. Grant Rd, # 101 or come out to the show and purchase your Cops and Rodders logo gear and Tucson Police Foundation items at his booth at the show. Thanks Troy for your hard work in helping the Cops and Rodders Car, Truck and Motorcycle show with a great new logo!

Arizona Rangers donate pedal car!

Thanks to Captain Eddie Resner, the Arizona Rangers are back and have donated a pedal car for the raffle! Moms and Dads, boys and girls, take a look at these photos of this beautiful pedal car donated by the Arizona Rangers, completed by Az. Ranger Spud Hester! (click to enlarge) This is one special car with a special message that will be a collector's item for years to come. It is almost a mirror image of Spud's 1957 Chevy Nomad that will be at the show. If you haven't seen the article in this month's Arizona Highways magazine, take a look at the story on the Arizona Rangers and you will see photos of many of the Rangers who will be out in force at the car show helping to provide for a safe show! Kids you can stop by the Rangers' tent to get your free Halloween Candy as well! (click images to enlarge)

The Raffle tickets are in so get yours today!

The Cops and Rodders Car show is proud to announce that the raffle tickets for the 350 Chevy Engine and Turbo transmission and custom pedal cars are in and you can purchase them from any of these locations!

Pedal Cars:

(click images to enlarge)

These unique customized pedal cars are one of a kind collector's items that will be the first edition in a series of cars customized just for the Tucson Police Foundation and Cops and Rodders Events. The 1955 Chevy Belaire was customized by Hi-Speed Rods and Custom, by John Sewell (Owner); Johnny Vegas (Owner) and Anthony Ribeau (Owner). The 1928 Ford Police Hot Rod Pedal car was customized by Larry Burris of Metal Master with the stand done by Chuck Zinke of Perfection Powder Coating.

You can see these pedal cars in person at:

Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union, 2500 E. 22nd Street, 177 N. Church Avenue #100, and 9725 E. Broadway. You can view the pedal cars in person at the 2500 E. 22nd Street location which is the Southeast corner of Tucson Boulevard and East 22nd street in Tucson, Monday through Friday from September 22nd through October 29th, 2009. The cars will also be at the SAHBA Home Show at the TCC on October 9th, 10th and 11th and at Little Anthony's October 17th.

You can check out the Engine at:

Capin's Automotive at 342 W. Grant Rd. Monday through Friday from September 22nd through October 29th and on Saturdays at Capin's car wash location at 6345 E. Tanque Verde Rd. near North Wilmot Rd.

Ticket Purchase:

Tickets for the pedal cars can be purchased at $5 each or 3 for $10, and tickets for engine and transmission can be purchased at the above locations and at the Tucson Police Foundation office at 3900 E. Timrod, #7, Tucson 85711. You can also call Rob LaMaster or Kathy Arrotaa at the Foundation office at 520-207-2878 for more information.

A Tribute to Jerry Mitchell

I want to take a moment to share with you the sad passing of one of our show's participants who had been with us starting with our first year. Mr. Jerry Mitchell died as a result of a fall while working with his grandson on a roof at home. Jerry entered his 1913 White Pick Up truck in our first and second show and won awards in his category for this great entry.

Jerry moved to Tucson to enjoy the warm sunny climate where he could be outside all 365 days of the year. Always 'on the move', 'working at something/anything' and doing it outside was essential to Jerry. So, Jerry moved his family to Tucson from South Dakota in 1979. Needing money to care for his family of 5 meant first getting a job, which he did until 1982. However, the other half of Jerry's dream was to have the freedom of a self-employed, business person. He founded Desert Diesel in 1982 in a very small space on Grant Road, which he built into a large, highly reputable business that he sold in 2004. A "contract" to Jerry was a handshake... nothing more, nothing less than your word was all that mattered. He also started several small businesses with his children and extended family members over the years. He loved his country, his freedom without limit. His appreciation for being a free, proud American would always bring a tear to his eye... it was too important.

Jerry bought the 1913 White from a friend in 1999. He had an upholsterer put a new top and seat in it. Other than that he bought it as is, original and running. The truck is considered all original. Jerry knew he had a piece of Tucson's history and took good care of the vehicle, since the truck originally belonged to Tucson Warehouse and Transfer. In those days, Tucson Warehouse and Transfer used the truck for around town and also company trips to the Grand Canyon. The truck was rediscovered in the 1950's in total disrepair. The truck was rebuilt, using parts from several other vehicles to a total restore by Tucson Warehouse and Transfer. Over the years the truck has had several owners, but Jerry was the last and kept it in excellent condition. Jerry left behind his wife of 44 years, Charlotte, his eldest daughter, Sherry, his son Dan, and his youngest daughter Pamela, and the family grandchildren.

Charlotte registered the 1913 White Pickup Truck for this year's show, in memory of her husband, Jerry. The truck will be parked in a place of honor and will be a collecting point for toys for the Santa Cop program. In knowing Jerry over these past few years, I can say he was a staunch supporter of the Tucson Police Foundation and the Cops and Rodders Car Show. We thank Charlotte, Sherry, Dan, and Pamela and the rest of the Mitchell family for the privilege of showing his truck and to continue his life-long work of helping children who are less fortunate. Bring an unwrapped toy to put in Jerry's truck, and let's honor this good man and his family. We will miss his smile and friendly spirit.

Rich Harper
Show Director

Win this Chevy 350 Engine and 350 Turbo Transmission!

Chevy 350 Engine
365 Horsepower
Holley 4 Barrell Carburator 600 CFM
Edelbrock Chrome Intakes
Hi-Energy Ignition System
Billet Alluminum pulleys
Chrome Street Rod Headers and More

Plus

Turbo 350 Transmission
Transco shift kit for a 5 clutch high drum
Hughes Performance 3500 stall Converter
B & M, SFI Flex Plate

This would be an SFI certified power plant and has been road tested! On the first run it pulled the front wheels right up off the ground and according to Todd will "fry the tires" right off the car. This is one nice engine with all brand new parts. Thanks Todd for the long hours and hard work you put into getting this beauty ready for the raffle and show.

Thanks to the support of Capin Automotive and Neil Capin Sr. and Neil Capin Jr., the Tucson Police Foundation and Cops and Rodders are pleased to offer a "built from the Ground Up" 350 Chevy Engine and 350 Turbo Transmission. Todd Izzo, who raced cars and built racing engines built this beauty for Capin Automotive to contribute as our major prize for the Cops and Rodders show 2009.

The Capin family have been in the automotive industry in Tucson for over 10 years with car wash locations around the city and have now had their automotive engine repair shop open for the past year and a half. The Capin family and their employees pride themselves on quality service, expert craftmanship and fair prices. Neil Capin Jr. is a car enthusiast and last year entered a 1956 Ford, F100 Pickup, an 8 year restoration product and Neil's favorite, a 1968 Ford Mustang with a 351 Cleveland Engine.

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale for $10 each, and on the back of your raffle ticket you will receive a coupon for service at Capin Automotive or any of the Capin Car Wash locations.

Starting Wednesday, September 9, 2009, you can buy your tickets at any of these Capin locations:

• Capin Automotive at 342 W. Grant Rd. Tucson
• Capin Car Wash at 6345 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Tucson, Oracle near Cool Dr., Irvington near 6th Avenue, and 8215 N. Courtney Page Way.

You can also pick up raffle tickets at the Tucson Police Foundation office at 3900 E. Timrod #7, Tucson, AZ, 85711. Call 520-207-2878 for questions about the raffle.

Buddy Holly's 1958 Chevrolet Impala Set to Come to the Cops and Rodders Show!

Buddy Holly, one of the early rock and roll stars of the 1950's, drove a 1958 Chevrolet Impala with a 283 four barrel V8 rated at 315 horsepower engine. His car is coming to the Cops and Rodders Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show on October 31st.

Buddy bought the car in 1958 from a dealer in Clovis, New Mexico. His record producer, Norman Petty, signed off on the bill of sale. Bill Clement, the current owner, has a copy of the original title. Buddy's brother, Larry, owned the title right up until Bill bought the car in an Amarillo junkyard/body shop around 1984. When this car was brought to his attention, Bill compared the VIN number to the title, and "voila!" it matched. After he acquired the car, Bill had it carefully restored, from the body color to the seat covers to the dashboard. Bill owns a radio station in Lubbock, Texas.

The Impala will be in tip top shape as it is being detailed prior to its auction in January. This is a chance of a lifetime to come out and see a very famous car from the 1950's and according to Musclecarclub.com, the Chevrolet Impala is often credited with starting the muscle car era. Born as Chevrolet's top of the line model, the Impala quickly became the symbol for performance in the early sixties and introduced Chevrolet's signature "SS" brand of performance. The Chevy Impala was a "must have" car in 1958 and Buddy's ownership of one indicated the desirableness of this car.

Thanks to Bob Lee of FOX T.V. who is also a Tucson Police Foundation Board Member, for his coordination to bring Buddy's car to the Cops and Rodders Car Show. This car will be on display at the show, so come by for possibly this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the car once owned and driven by the late, great, Buddy Holly and maybe, just maybe, the ghost of Buddy Holly will be there this Halloween!

Remember we are raffling off a 350 Chevy Engine, 365 hp V8 and 350 Turbo Transmission to go with it, one that Buddy would have loved to own, courtesy of Neil Capin Automotive. Tickets available soon!

All American Motorcycles of Tucson enters "Classic Police Motorcycle" in the show!

(click images to enlarge)

All American Motorcycles of Tucson, at 523 W. Grant Road is entering a 1996 Florida Harley Police Ride! This beautiful classic police motorcyle comes from Florida and saw limited service and riding, with a 80 Cubic Inch Evolution motor, 5-Speed Transmission, Detachable Windshield, Air Ride Seat, Highway Pegs and police accessories. According to the owner Steve Eilertsen, this bike can be purchased! Steve has been in business for 15 years and he runs his shop based on integrity and customer service. This is a fun ride and a great rendition of Harley's Law Enforcement Motorcyles. Steve intends to show this motorcyle at Cops and Rodders, but you can buy it at the store or at the show for $14,000.00. If you have any questions you can call Mike at the shop at 520-888-1110.

I want to thank Steve for his support of the Tucson Police Department and our officers over the years and if you get the chance, stop by and say hi to Steve and see these beautiful police motorcycles that will be on display.

Bud Meyer, New Cops and Rodders Motorcycle Coordinator

Bud Meyer came on board to help the show with the expansion to the motorcycle community in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Bud has been a motorcycle enthusiast for years and is well known and respected in the motorcycle community, and it is our good fortune that he is coordinating the motorcyle portion of the show. (click images to enlarge)

Bud runs his own business, Classic Concept Paint and Body over at 3476 S. Dodge #2 in Tucson. This year the show has 7 different categories for motorcycle entrees: American V Twin, Choppers/Custom, Touring All, Sport All, 3-Wheel, Metric, and Antique/Classic. Bud invites you to register your bike for the show, this year's theme is a "Safe Halloween" for kids and a great time for all. When Bud is not in his shop you can find him riding around town on his bright orange Harley Davidson Motorcycle. If you have questions about motorcycle registrations before the show, call him at 520-907-4111 or if you are at the show stop by and say hi, he will be available to talk "shop" with you.

We Moved our Date to October!

July 24/09: Yesterday it was confirmed that we would have to move the date of our show to accomodate the major fund raising event for City of Tucson Parks and Recreation. Parks, just like every other city department is suffering from the budget blues and really need to have a great event. So we are being good neighbors and we've moved this year to October 31st, still at the same great location, times and activities.

But, now we are also going to get busy putting on a fun and hilarious Halloween car show! You might see a few "Zombie" cops walking around, new prizes for creative car displays, costumes and for our children we will add a safe place for them to come and trick or treat. We want you to bring a toy for some needy child for our Santa Cop program and help us stock the food bank in anticipation of Thanksgiving!

Spooky Car Displays! • "Zombie" Cops • Best Costumes!
Safe Trick or Treating! • "DJ John" spinning the Monster Mash

Plus: Pine Car races, Pedal Car races, A 350 Chevy Engine and 350 Turbo Transmission for Raffle, and two collector's pedal cars for raffle along with a great new theme for the T-shirts. Great Food and Great prizes! We are going to have a great show, one that you will not want to miss! Were Wolf??? There Wolf!!!!!

A Haunted House Anyone????? "Zombie Parade" Anyone???

See you OCTOBER 31st!

Pedal Car Raffles to Begin Soon

Thanks to Chuck's Perfection Powder Coating and Metal Master's Restoration, a beautiful, one of a kind 1928 Tucson Police Pedal car will be raffled off. This car will feature design elements to make it a beautiful replica of a 1928 TPD Police Car that will be a collector's item. A second stunning pedal car, a 1955 Chevy is being prepared for raffle by Hi-Speed Rods and Custom who are busy creating a second one of a kind collector's car for raffle for the show. Tickets will be going on sale soon so look for the announcement and locations where you can purchase your tickets. (click pedal car image to enlarge)

 

L.G. Wolf Design Build General Contract Joins our Sponsors!

On June 27, 2009, Les Wolf and his company became our newest Bronze level sponsor. Les is a Tucson native who believes that his clients entrust him with their most valued possessions. He said, his company cares for their client's property as if it was his own. His highly trained professional staff works by the philosophy, "'good enough' isn't allowed on our projects." More often Les has heard questions like "How did you do that?" or "We never thought it would turn out this well." Most of his clients have become his friends over the last twenty years. Thank you Les for your support of the Tucson Police Foundation and the Tucson Police Department even during this tough economy. We ask all of our participants to take a look at Wolf Design & Build for your construction or remodeling needs. His classic trucks, which he uses in his everyday operation, will be on display at the show so stop by and say hi.

The Journey of a 1955 Buick Super From Wisconsin to Arizona

Robert Timmons and his 1955 Buick won last year's Best in Show! So here's a little history about Robert and his winning car. He owned a 1955 Buick while living in Chicago that he had bought back in 1957. This was his first family car for his wife, Margery and their four daughters. Years passed and Robert found this Buick on EBay for sale in 2002. He purchased the vehicle for approximately $12,000.00 and had it delivered to his home in Lodi, WI. Upon delivery, the vehicle was a solid drivable vehicle, however was in the need for restoration. Robert wanted the vehicle to look like the 1955 Buick he had purchased back in Chicago in 1957.

After buying the car in 2002, Robert started the complete frame off restoration which took 3 full years. The vehicle body components were completely removed from the frame. The body was then put on a rotisserie and stripped. The frame, front suspension, engine assembly, transmission were all restored and the interior was completely restored in red and white leather. The headliner, also leather was finished by Jamis Interior Restoration in Tucson, AZ. Much of the car was completed in Wisconsin. His daughter and Doug Bartholomew re-located to Tucson, AZ in 2008, where the vehicle was then finalized.

This 1955 Buick was originally restored, with all original equipment, paint from Buick (Cherokee Red). It has the original radio, motor and body parts, including the original invoice and paperwork on this vehicle. The Buick will be in the 2010 Hemings Collector Car calendar this year. He is taking the vehicle to the Buick National Car show on July 4th in Colorado Springs, where it will be professionally judged on a 400 point scale.

Through this process, Robert now has the car he purchased back in 1957. Congratulations again on winning Best in Show at the Cops and Rodders 2008; we look forward to seeing many cars with these kinds of stories at the show this year!

Thanks to our Title Sponsor: IOTA Engineering, Tucson, Arizona

Steve and Pam Shell, owners of IOTA Engineering are the title sponsors this year for the 2009 Cops and Rodders Car, Truck and Motorcycle show. Steve and Pam are classic car enthusiasts, owning a 1948 Chevy 5-window pickup truck, a 1960 Corvette convertible (pictured below) and a 1966 Corvette Stingray and 66 Chevelle SS 396. Steve and Pam have participated in the Cops and Rodders Car Show since the beginning and have been great supporters of the show and the Tucson Police Foundation. While the economy has been tough on almost every business in Tucson, Steve and Pam are committed to helping Tucson be a better place to live through their support of the men and women of the Tucson Police Department. "We're proud to be a sponsor of this year's show and allow the car enthusiasts and public to join together to benefit the Tucson Police Foundation." Steve has owned the 1960 Corvette since 1972 purchased on Pam's birthday. Steve is the third owner of the 1960 red and white convertible having a 350/385 hp, ZZ4 engine installed to give it a little more get up and go.

Since 1968, IOTA Engineering has worked continuously in the electronic R & D field, designing and manufacturing innovative products for the lighting industry. Initially focused on the development of low voltage solid state ballasts, IOTA has since expanded to include additional product lines. Emergency battery packs for contemporary lighting designs, DC inverter ballasts, voltage regulators, and products for electrical systems, such as AC/DC power converters and transfer switches, represent the wide array of products that IOTA currently designs and manufactures.

IOTA first gained national recognition when it was selected by NASA in a national competition for the design and development of special high intensity fluorescent lights for use by the astronauts on board SKYLAB. The system performed flawlessly throughout all missions, and IOTA has since been recognized as a pioneer and leader in the lighting industry, committed to providing superior products that meet the demands set forth by our customers.

When you see Steve or Pam at the show, please be sure to say hi and thanks for their help with this fun, family event that would not happen without their leadership. Finally — happy 40th wedding anniversary to Steve and Pam!

Ladies and Gentlemen—get ready to start your engines!

The Third Annual Cops and Rodders Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show presented by Tucson Police Foundation is set again this year for Hi Corbett Field (3400 E Camino Campestre) — Save the date of Saturday, October 31, 2009, 8am-4pm. Registration includes T-shirts, goody bags and raffle prizes — DJ John (Cruisin' Arizona Sponsor) spinning the oldies — incredible police and fire vehicles, 3rd annual pine car race. Bring a toy for the police Santa Cop program or a can of food to help AZ families before Thanksgiving. The show is open to all cars, trucks and motorcycles as listed on the registration form. For inquiries please call Rich Harper at (520) 343-0437 or 207-2878.