Next stop, Rad Rides by Troy. As if it wasn’t enough to find another ’59 Sedan Delivery on the Tour (now I know how women feel when someone shows up in the same dress), the first car we saw inside Troy’s shop was a ’60 Sedan Delivery belonging to Billet Specialties.

Of course, ours looks MUCH nicer in my (unbiased) opinion. Troy’s dad Jack, a creative genius in his own right, was glad to show off some of their creations to industry big-wigs like Ted Dzus of Dzus Fastener.

Where do you start in a candy store? Every bay held gems, from the QuadraDeuce

to a ’62 Biscayne with the trickest rear suspension ever seen.

Hot Rod Editor Ro McGonegal eyed the ’62 with despair, seeing how Troy’s ideas would push his B-Body restoration over budget and behind schedule.

We pulled the ’59 in to check out the weld job on the exhaust from back in Pontiac the other day, and found George Poteet’s ’32 up on a lift being detailed.

You gotta admire a guy who will detail his car before going back out in the rain. George is fortunate enough to own several of Troy’s creations, including the outraegous Sniper, the Viper drivetrain equipped ’54 Plymouth Savoy. My kinda guy — a real car guy.

Hot Rod TV stopped in for a snoop around, too. They couldn’t pass up the chance to see what was cookin’ in Troy’s mind. Here they shoot a little film on George’s old car with us as the background.

Jim found a few air leaks in the firewall of the ’59 during last night’s drive back to the hotel, and the Trepaniers were kind enough to provide some dope to fill the holes. Here’s Jim doing his thing while I once again supervise.

Hey, somebody’s got to be the Chief for all these Indians.

This ’Vette has the extremely rare “High-Flow Air Conditioning.”

It’s one way to keep cool, but I’m sure Mike can sell them the parts they need to upgrade the package.

Almost to Effingham, we found the local contingent of the Nothern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts Club waiting on the highway shoulder. The NIFE’s (NIFERS they call themselves) meet in Paxton, our gas stop this morning, every month.

I have to admit I haven’t seen this many Fieros since the 2.9% interest program GM ran when they discontinued the car. A loyal bunch they are, too.

Despite Gary’s blustering, we finally had him where we wanted him — behind us.

I guess we showed him who’s the boss.

At the only gas stop for the day we basically shut the town down — rods lined the shoulders, parking lots and streets. It gave me a chance to scope out more cars, like this T-Bird with updated powertrain.

I’ll bet this bird can sure fly. But, the Ford enthusiasts amongst us were crying the blues as the Bird was motivated by a small block Chevy drivetrain. Oh the agony.

One of the nicest Woodies we saw on the Power Tour last year gave us a repeat performance. The “Hot Rod Woody” has finer wood than the stuff I buy at Home Depot.

Gas stop over, we headed out to the highway following the flamed Hot Rod van, so the folks from Hot Rod TV could get a few shots of MOM’s finest.

We caught that other ’59 on the highway, which made for some great side by side shots by Justin who was riding in the Vista-Cruiser. Of course, ours looks better — just ask me and I’ll tell you so.

Jim’s hunger alarm rang, so we bounced-off at Teutopolis for a quick bite. 15 minutes later the ugly Vapor Lock Fairy cast her evil spell on Gary once again. Rather than try the ol’ Vulcan Mind Bend like yesterday, he took Justin’s water bottle and cooled-down the fuel regulator.

Once we pulled into Mid America, we realized the crowd was even larger than in Pontiac or Joliet. Cars and folks were everywhere.

We started detailing the cars, and after turning back around we found the ’59 inhabited by a young car fiend — my seven (almost eight, just ask him) year-old son Robert.

He likes the ’59, but reminded me I’m older than it is. Kids — what can ya do about ’em?

Robert found another car he liked, too — the prototype PT Cruiser convertible.

Looks a little too much like the VW Cabriolet from the rear to suit me, though. I still like my red one we drove last year better.

Walking the massive field found us the lowest mileage Yugo (and last one imported to the U.S. by Malcolm Bricklin) in existence. Just 9,000 miles on this baby.

Brings a tear to your eye, doesn’t it?

We ducked inside “Mike’s Garage,” Mid America’s mini-museum of rare and noteable Corvettes and related items. I found a big block ’67 Coupe

along with half a car — I guess to answer those critics who feel a Corvette is only half a car.

Remember, now — I’m just writing what I see.

Back outside, we found a ’56 Buick we wrote about back in 1998.

Only back then it was primered. Go on, check out 1998’s Power Tour story and see for yourself.

Robert found his idea of fun — a miniature Prowler for the wee owner to stay up with dad.

Gee, with the price of gas dad might have to think about borrowing the little one’s car.

Since I found the Plymouth Superbird yesterday, I thought the Mopar fans might like to see Dodge’s version — the Charger Daytona.

I’ll take either, thank you.

On the other end of the lot was the most authentic hot rod on the Tour.

This puppy was complete down to the 50 year old bird droppings all over and the flathead Ford motor.

I’m willing to bet good money the fan belt on this thing is older than I am. You really gotta admire the man who drives a car like this. By the way, those are 3 Stromberg 2 barrel carburetors (pots, they called ’em back then) for those of you who have never seen one.

Our Texas Bandit buddy pulled his wheel-standing big block pickup out on the driveway for a few quick passes. When the Highway Patrol turned their backs, he squirted out on the highway and gave it a little burp.

I’ll bet it’s a job — and an adventure. The crowd, needless to say, went wild.

On my way walking the kids out to their car, Pamela and Robert found the Ranger pickup they autographed in Panama City, Florida last year.

Yep, even their signatures are still there. Only thing missing is Robert’s two front teeth.