President's Message
It is March 2022. The SD Prowlers are doing well. We are excited to see things open up in the hot rod world. We have cautiously ventured to the Grand Nationsl Roadster Show and most recently the Early Times Mid- Winter Run. I heard today that Escondido's Cruisn' Grand event has been permitted and will commence on April 1...Hooray!!
The Prowlers are preparing to host our 75th Anniversary Picnic on Saturday June 4 at El Monte Park. We will have a live band (The Ideas) playing favorite oldies. Big Dev will be there with his famous BBQ truck. We will have event t-shirts and free dash plaques for participant cars while they last.
This event will cost $3 per car (for the park)
As many businesses discovered adapting to pandemic restrictions there were new ways to do things. We had to give up meeting in our comfortable indoor restaurant and chose the outdoor setting at El Monte County Park in Lakeside, CA. Attesting to So Cal reputation for nice weather, we have not missed a meeting and at least half the members drive their hot rods. As of our meeting tomorrow March 3, 2022 we will have met 43 times outside with no rain.
We will keep you posted here. Until then, Keep the Shiney Side Up!
Want to Become a Member?
Are you interested in becoming a member but still have some questions? For more information, just email us at andys32vic@yahoo.com . We look forward to hearing from you!
News
Upcoming Events Short List !
Labor Day Swap @ Santee Drive-in
Apr 1-3 Del mar Good Guys
May 5 Freddy Castro Remembrance
May 11 Cajon Cruise
June 4 Prowler 75th Anniversary
Andy Bekech - Active Prowler Member
Member # 35 / 2
Club Secretary 2008-2009
Club Historian (forever)
Andy was especially proud of his all steel 1932 Ford Victoria that was originally owned and built in 1950 by Bob Stewart (a Prowler).
Andy was voted a Life Member in 2017.
Ed and his son Bob were the originator of the "Dago" dropped front axle. The top of the car was 'chopped' in 1950 by Jaoquin Arnett of the famous 'Bean Bendits'. The car ran at the El Mirage dry lakes in the early 1950's. In one run it made 127.5 MPH, while running under the banner of the Russeta Timing Association (R.T.A.)
The Ford Victoria was featured in the 'Hop UP' and "Car Craft' magazines in the 1950s. It made the front cover in April 1952.
Andy owned the car from 1956 to 2010. It was rebuilt twice, once in 1957 and again in 1980.
He also had a beautiful 1940 Ford convertible until about 2009. He considered this car as close to a roadster as he wanted to get. As a retired fire fighter he of course paints his cars 'Fire Engine Red'
Andy recently sold the dark blue 1940 Ford Coupe which was previously owned by Fred Castro. The word is it has been taken all the way down to the frame and is being repainted and upholstered. Can't wait to see it!
Andy is the perennial Curator of Hot Rod History and Prowler historian. He interviewed by publications for articles about our hobby and individual hot rod aficionados trying to locate an old car. The Prowlers would appreciate readers with stories about Prowlers or their old cars, pictures, etc. to contact us. See our home page for the contact information.
Someday there will be time to tell some stories about some of the other cars Andy has owned below...
Print 