July 18, 1996 was cloudy day that so far had a steady drizzle of rain. I was following my Dad as we wondered around a muddy gravel parking lot that was roped off and designated as the swap meet area during the 27th NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.
There were U-Haul and Penske box trucks lined side-by-side and nosed up against a fence with guys sitting in the back trying to keep dry. Laid out over tables and tarps on the ground behind the trucks, were clear plastic trash bags over the most prized possessions and blankets and card board over others. Looking from afar, it might have appeared the swap meet was a maze of rows lined with random automotive junk, but close up it was clear that each seller had their own unique offering.
I remember one guy had nothing but pre-war headlight housings and bezels. Another had only Willy’s parts, and there were several vendors selling complete power seat sets removed from late models. Cadillac, Buick, and Pontiac seats were available from one and Lincoln, Mercury, and Ford were available from another.
The weather may have kept foot traffic down that day, but no one seemed to be concerned. It was only Thursday, and there were still three days left to make a buck or find a part, depending on which side of the table you stood. I don’t think Dad nor myself made a purchase that day. but it didn’t hurt to look.
That weekend made a lasting impression on me and had a large part in developing my appreciation for not only street rods, but the people that own, build, and drive them. It was amazing to see the different flame styles and paint colors that were on display. Chopped tops, punched louvers, and other numerous body modifications were everywhere. The vehicles there were personal expressions by their owners and each one was completely different.
Looking at the pictures I took back in 1996, it is not hard to see the difference in the trends, styles, and performance parts when compared to the industry today. Many of the street rods were rolling on newer OEM production wheels. It was common to see Chevrolet Camaro IROC wheels or Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS wheels on a sedan or coupe. It could be the owner had the Camaro or the Monte Carlo and used the front clip, engine, transmission, and rear end; so why not the wheels.
Speaking of wheels, the majority of wheels were 15″ diameter and the tires had sidewalls. Plus-sizing and over-sizing was not yet common practice. The big and little wheel combination was alive and well. Stock OEM steering columns and steering wheels were popular as well.
Ghost flames were still a few years off and real flames might have received the same reaction that Marty got when he went Eddie Van Halen on the guitar at the Enchantment Under The Sea Dance in Back To The Future. A Plymouth Prowler was on display inside the exhibition building one full year before official production began in July of 1997, not too far off in the future.
Check out the rest of pictures from the 27th NSRA Street Rod Nationals, Columbus, Ohio in July 18-21, 1996. These pictures were scanned from prints that were developed in 1996. Some appear grainy or speckled but are worth including. -Keep Cruising-
