The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Gretsch Events: LIVE - It's the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender!

LIVE - It's the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender!

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- Rated: 132 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 12:06 a.m. wenzel:

It's always good to run the numbers twice!
- Rated: 314 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 12:11 a.m. Proteus:

I always check my work now, wenzel. I know the nailers lay in wait.
- Rated: 314 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 12:20 a.m. Proteus:

Everyone Has a Story, Chapter 3: Last Impressions

Meet Martin and Mona Lund.

They come from Oslo, Norway – and they HAVE come from Oslo, Norway eight times now to Viva Las Vegas. They were far from the most flamboyant folks there; to the contrary, they were representative of many attendees in that their retro garb was modest and tasteful, even elegant. They weren't there to flaunt or show off (thankfully many were!) – just to enjoy the music, the people, and the dancing.

I first noticed them dancing; they seemed always to be on the floor, spinning happily and perfecting their style. I caught Martin more than once standing in front of the Gretsch booth, staring at the guitars.

Finally on the last day, he asked if he could have a picture taken with a guitar; not unless I could take one of him and his wife, I told him. So we made the trade.

.

That's when we talked and I learned of their lasting interest in this now-international American music, in the culture it represents – and, for that matter, Gretsch. (He has a 6120 back home.)

And here were Martin and Mona on the dance floor, just before the dance competition. In their own way, these pics make a fitting place to end coverage of Viva Las Vegas 12, 2009.

Thanks for coming along.
- Rated: 89 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 6:03 a.m. Ratrod:

I really enjoyed this coverage.

Thank you Tim and Joe.
- Rated: 66 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 6:24 a.m. Richard Hudson:

Gonna hafta up my dosage of Benicar.
- Rated: 29 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 1:12 p.m. DrGretsch:

You have to post a book called "Girls with Gretsches!!!"

I'll be the first buyer!!!!
- Rated: 58 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 1:22 p.m. JC:

Superb as always Tim Thanks again ,looking forward to the next one!
- Rated: 68 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 1:50 p.m. Timthom62:

Incredible coverage, Proteus. My thanks to you and to Joe and everyone at Gretsch/FMIC for letting all of us who couldn't be there almost be there.
- Rated: 0 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 9:09 p.m. bopkat59:

Bobby -

I talked to the guy who owns it (who's from Seattle) - it IS a 1957 series 62. As for the Fleetwood, it has a pair of rectangular back-up lights mounted hoizontally in the bottom edge of the trunk lid, as well as the stainless rear fender panels.

Nice catch on the bumper ends - first thing I noticed, too! His are so nice becuase he's got turn-downs at the ends of the exhaust pipes; they no longer exit through the bumperettes. This was a pretty common upgrade on 57's - even done by dealerships - especially after Cadillac re-designed the exhaust outlet (that way) in 1958... He's also converted the front to disc brakes...

VERY nice car though.

For the record - my wife and I went to check out a 1957 Eldorado Biarritz at Imperial Palace - black w/red interior - for a mere $185,000 (and only a 70-point restoration IMHO...)
- Rated: 0 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 9:23 p.m. bopkat59:

Proteus -

OUTSTANDING coverage of what has traditionally been a somewhat 'underground' event. I've been to all 12, and I have yet to see ANY outlet/magazine/blog provide the complete and detailed coverage you have here. Having witnessed it first-hand, thank you for all the hard work.

A REAL pleasure meeting you and Joe Carducci as well. You guys being there and making sure Gretsch was front-and-center - in the scene where the brand is most revered - was by far one of the highlights of any of the 12 VLV's. Somewhere, Zuma is smiling about all of this...
- Rated: 35 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 12:20 a.m. Konrad:

This really was amazing coverage.

I was talking to my wife about this. We've never been to Vegas. She's Polish and only been to Dallas, Atlanta, Austin and New York.

How much does the weekend run you?
- Rated: 59 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 1:14 a.m. bobbyrivera:

bopkat59 said: alked to the guy who owns it (who's from Seattle) - it IS a 1957 series 62. As for the Fleetwood, it has a pair of rectangular back-up lights mounted hoizontally in the bottom edge of the trunk lid, as well as the stainless rear fender panels.

Nice catch on the bumper ends - first thing I noticed, too! His are so nice becuase he's got turn-downs at the ends of the exhaust pipes; they no longer exit through the bumperettes. This was a pretty common upgrade on 57's - even done by dealerships -

Cool! Thanks for the info- In the pic the stainless fender panels (and maybe I was seeing it wrong- my computer monitor is fairly ancient) made me think it was the Fleetwood. I can't see the back up lights. I'm assuming this was a mod? I've heard that lots of folks turned their Series 62's into Fleetwoods. The only back-up lights on my '57 were the bullet ones on either side of the taillights. I always loved the "Secret Agent" fuel filler behind the tailight assembly. Those hinges are no fun to align properly when they get old though.

I couldn't see the turn downs on the pipes in the pic. I had no idea that that was a common mod back when these were new (most guys do it now though as those bumper ends are pricey as repops and very hard to fix and rechrome). I saw a 58' that had that setup and assumed it was aftermarket as the bumper end were nearly the same. Thanks again for the info!

Great coverage and sorry for the derail Proteus! I get excited about Cadillacs.
- Rated: 0 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 7:24 p.m. bopkat59:

Bobby -

No stainless panels on this one. The Fleetwood was the only one w/backup lights in the trunk lid (might have been running lights, not certain...) from the factory. It was a Fleetwood-exclusive feature, along with the extended wheelbase, overall length, and stainless sail-panels. Also had the Eldorado 'drum-clock' standard. I think the 'upgrade' you refer to is Series 62-to-Coupe deVille - still a difficult conversion; mostly interior changes, plus power windows, etc.

As for the exhaust tips, 57 owners were innundating dealers about the finish being ruined on the bumper ends. By late in the year, I think Cadillac even issued a 'Serviceman Bulletin' for dealership mehanics advising what parts to order, etc to make the change. Don't forget, many Eldorado owners had the dealership change out the dual-quad setup for a single Rochester 4V beause most Cadillac dealership mechanics couldn't dial them in for every day driving. Cadillac buyers at the time expected the best and didn't accept the glitches that came with (what was then) leading-edge styling and technology. I guess that's the penalty for leadership. I know what you mean about 'hard to fix and rechrome' - just the cowl vents from a 57 are a small fortune to correct (pit repair) and replate.

And I'm sure Proteus will understand - Gretsch and Cadillacs go together like - well, Gretsch and Cadillacs!
- Rated: 20 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 9:29 p.m. Rex:

Konrad, Google las vegas hotels. Lots of info there.
- Rated: 35 ↑
Apr 18, 2009 4:51 a.m. Konrad:

Cool. But how much are tickets to the event?
- Rated: 3 ↑
Apr 20, 2009 11:30 p.m. Secret Agent Man:

Konrad, tickets are usually around $90 to $110 depending how late in the game you buy them. I've been there the last five years, and my advice to you would be plan ahead! Many book rooms a year in advance because booking in the same hotel always sells out. You can find all the info you need @ Vivalasvegas.net
- Rated: 35 ↑
Apr 21, 2009 2:18 a.m. Konrad:

THANKS SECRET AGENT MAN!
- Rated: 22 ↑
Apr 23, 2009 8:15 p.m. Blaydrnnnr:

I know I'm alittle late gettin this in.. Cant thank you enough for the great coverage...Bonedaddy too... it was great getting a view I rarely get to see.. Gretsch's, cars, girls, and Great music.. thanks again my freind!!!!