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Vintage car enthusiasts come together for show and shine

The Ponoka Piston Poppers brought a lot of shiny metal to the hot rod and antique car show and shine
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This 1946 Mercury vintage car was among the many showcased during the Ponoka Piston Poppers show and shine over the weekend. The event brought enthusiasts from around central Alberta to share stories and vehicles with friends. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Vintage car enthusiasts came together to swap stories and show off their latest work in car restorations.

The group came together for a show and shine over the weekend at the Ponoka Stampede grounds showcasing their shiny remodelled cars. Ray Ward, president of the Ponoka Piston Poppers said the event is a great way to bring enthusiasts and collectors from central Alberta together.

He said the love of the hobby can come in may forms with some members looking to restore old hot rods, while others prefer keeping their cars as close to the original as possible.

“It depends on what your interests are. Muscle cars or older 30’s style hot rod,” said Ward.

While it can be an expensive hobby, those who take part find it a fun experience with support coming from members on where they can find parts or tips to help them complete a car. Another benefit of the hobby is that there are many options for after-market parts, something that could be useful when working on a unique car.

One skill that’s needed, however, is being mechanically inclined. There is quite a bit of mechanical work that goes into a restoration project and being able to understand the ins and outs of an engine is a good thing, said Ward. “It would be a definite advantage.”

Among the vintage classics were vehicles from the early 1930s into the 1940s and 1950s.

For those looking to get into the hobby, Ward says the Piston Poppers — which tends to focus on old school hot rods — are always looking for more members. For more information email raysresto@gmail.com.