What to do in Phoenix, AZ?

[zephyr]

Anyone got any suggestions for places to see, things to do for a UK guy into Cadillacs (hot rods, customs, classics, anything oily) that's coming over in Feb for a little NHRA action in Phoenix, AZ?

(Sorry if this is a little off-topic, but I'm guessing that there'll be some good ideas from like minded individuals!)

[CarFreak]

What I'd do is check the local CLC Region to see if there are any activities scheduled.  If so, then I'd contact them to see if guests are welcome to attend.
http://www.clcsdr.com/

Then I'd do a websearch for 'car museum' for Phoenix. 
http://www.google.com/search?q=phoenix+car+museum&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

And a search for Arizona car shows:  http://www.google.com/search?q=arizona+car+show&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Cruise nights:  http://www.google.com/search?q=arizona+car+show&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Vvx&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&source=hp&q=phoenix+car+cruise+night&pbx=1&oq=phoenix+car+cruise+night&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=16483l16993l1l17890l4l3l0l0l0l0l223l502l0.2.1l3l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=868032395a21deba&biw=1280&bih=591

And if nothing else, last time I was in Phoenix was June 1992 for the CLC GN.  Tore a couple pages out of the phone book at the hotel and proceeded to hit just about every junk yard in the area.  Even some that weren't listed.   
http://www.google.com/search?q=phoenix+salvage+yard&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=nwx&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&source=hp&q=phoenix+junk+yard&pbx=1&oq=phoenix+junk+yard&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=12887l14146l0l14207l9l7l0l0l0l0l331l693l0.3.0.1l4l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=868032395a21deba&biw=1280&bih=591

Even Desert Valley Auto Parts (they were at their old location then)
http://www.dvap.com/

[Gary]

I don't know how long you'll be there, but here are some Arizona places we've seen. They are not all car related.
http://www.bondurant.com/
http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/
http://www.pimaair.org/

In Los Angeles :
http://www.petersen.org/
http://nethercuttcollection.org/
http://museum.nhra.com/

Gary

[Carnut]

You said car related, but these are not. Everytime I went to Phoenix I went to Jerome, AZ. It is a ghost town north of Phoenix. Casa Grande is another option. It is a prehistoric Pueblo. Wickenberg has a nice little western museam. At night there is a huge park south of the city where you can watch the sun set and see the lights of Phoenix and watch commercial aircraft approaching the airport. If I am not mistaken, there are petroglyphs there also. If you don't mind a long day, you could visit the Grand Canyon. I have gone up and back in one day.

[aaron.hudacky]

I second Carfreak's junkyard suggestion. Southern AZ is kind to sheetmetal and chrome. Tucson had some amazing yards in the early 2000's, but increased scrap value and time has wiped most of them out. Phoenix is bigger, so hopefully some good yards are still left. Even if you don't buy anything, looking at all the old cars is a great time. And Tucson, about an hour south, has AMARG, the military aircraft boneyard, plus the Pima Air Museum. if you like aircraft, you'll be in heaven.

[The Tassie Devil (Bruce Reynolds)]

You could also call in on Denise and give her a big hug from all of us.

Bruce.

[Stampie]

If I'm ever in Phoenix I'm gonna set aside a couple of days to spend with Denise.  I think it would be well worth it.

Stampie

[Denise]

You could also call in on Denise and give her a big hug from all of us.

Bruce.

Yes, Denise always needs a hug.

I am happy right now, though, despite having lost my car and a lot of money.  My "BS" DUI has been dismissed.  They might refile it, but I don't think they have anything on me.  It took me a couple of months to recover from the concussion, but I'm OK now, and fixing things up.  I'm restoring my boat, I'll probably finish fixing up my Caddy Superior hearse, and I'm looking for parts to fix a smashed right fender and nose on my 76 chrysler New Yorker, in case anyone has any ideas.  These cars are going for up to 7000-$21,000 now, so I either want to repair it, or sell it as a repairable car, then get that early 70's Deville that I've been thinking about.  The Mercubox is getting parted out, with the help of Mr. Crane...good frakking riddance to that thing!   In the meanwhile, I'm driving a '96 GMC pickup that I just bought, and I like it.

Phoenix is about 120 miles from here.

-d

[Jeffro186]

Anyone got any suggestions for places to see, things to do for a UK guy into Cadillacs (hot rods, customs, classics, anything oily) that's coming over in Feb for a little NHRA action in Phoenix, AZ?

(Sorry if this is a little off-topic, but I'm guessing that there'll be some good ideas from like minded individuals!)

Zeph. I live here in Scottsdale AZ. There are plenty of local shows and car events Friday and Saturday nights.

[Jeffro186]

Also there is a So-Cal speed shop here that is worth checking out. They have many custom rod's they build in the back and they have plenty of sweet clothing/souvounier stuff.

[zephyr]

Thanks for all of the feedback and suggestions. I have a plan coming together now. Willl definitely try to get along to a meet/cruise if I can.

You guys think So-Cal are OK? Had a bit of a poor experience with the one in Vegas last year - didn't get in half the things they said they would, sold me the wrong fuel pump and didn't seem particularly cheap! Guess everyone has an off day.

Any recommends of any other good speed shops in Pheonix? Can't miss a chance to bring some parts back shipping and tax free!

[Roadkill]

Can't miss a chance to bring some parts back shipping and tax free!

I remember coming back in '08 with a suitcase so full of stuff that the big intake I brought for my Camaro wouldn't fit ! - Ended up walking through security and onto the plane with it under my arm !!!  

I got some funny looks from the guys in security for that but no one said anything . . . . That said each time I flew anywhere in the U.S they opened my suitcase and had everything out on the floor !! . . . . . I do think I'll be more careful next time.