In front of the Phoenix Sheraton, the hot rods converge. It’s about 6:30 am, time to head out. . .

We leave a few minutes early to fill up the PT Cruiser and get some coffee. Once we tank up, we grab our official Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour itinerary. It says that we should head East on Interstate 10 to Interstate 17.

About 30 miles before Flagstaff, a slow moving silver Tercel blocks the fast lane. He’s doing about 55 in a 75 mph zone. A highway patrol car follows along with us behind the Tercel for about 10 minutes. We wonder why the patrol car refuses to pull the Tercel over for not yielding to the right. Then, it becomes obvious that the officer is fishing for bigger game. . .

In sheer desperation, a Chevy van with Pennsylvania plates passes the Tercel on the right. He is immediately pulled over. My guess? Passing on the right is a much more “substantial” ticket than a ticket for failing to yield to the right.

Meanwhile in the back seat, Swantje expresses her outrage in a fit of narcoleptic fervor. . .

Dinosaurs make extremely poor pets. They’re big, irritable and almost impossible to paper train. Kind of like me. . .

Trepanier’s latest creation, a ’57 Ford Wagon — the Intruder. . .

One of my favorite stops, the streets of downtown Albuquerque. Dead center, one of Trepanier’s other perennial classics, the Bisquik. . .

Elvis sings his hot rod classic, “Hunka, Hunka Burnin’ Chrome” for the Gigs kids. . .

Another shameless, gratuitous photo. MSD’s Todd Ryden using Mothers® Showtime® Instant Detailer to clean his show car. . .

Central Avenue. At the front of the line, a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1. . .

Despite its understated appearance, this Corvair packs a healthy small block V8 and a roll cage. . .

The Hot Rod Hemi Dodge Quad Cab is cabled up and ready to be pulled into the car transport. . .

Official Elvis Presley IDs — don’t leave home without ’em. . .