‘Rodz On 3rd’ packs downtown Marysville

MARYSVILLE — At least 200 classic cars, hot rods and custom rigs were parked along the sides of Third Street July 12 for the third annual "Rodz On 3rd" show, which drew several hundred attendees.

MARYSVILLE — At least 200 classic cars, hot rods and custom rigs were parked along the sides of Third Street July 12 for the third annual “Rodz On 3rd” show, which drew several hundred attendees.

Former Smokey Point resident Rick Benson came from his new home in Burlington to how off his 1941 Willys, which was rebuilt four years ago.

“I always liked the Willys’ body style,” Benson said.

Jim Langland made a shorter trip from Snohomish, but his 1931 fuel truck, which he’s converted into a 22-keg-capacity beer truck with its own bar, has traveled across the country.

“I’d gone to car shows where they had these cheesy beer gardens, so I thought, why not make my own mobile beer garden,” said Langland, who worked seven days a week for two years to convert the truck he found in a scrapyard.

Although his truck has served functions ranging from Super Bowl parties and casino events, with six taps and 20 bar stools, Langland acknowledged that he has yet to make back the money he’s invested in it, but he simply sees that as a sign that he needs to hit the road more.

Although Arlington’s Bruce Quinn started out with a 1931 Ford two-door sedan, he installed a 350-horsepower Chevrolet engine and a GM transmission, before giving its top a six-inch chop.

“The only thing Ford about it is the body,” Quinn said. “Even the front end is from a different Ford Mustang.”

For Quinn, customizing his car has been a form of life-size model-making, and he insists that his lowered roof still offers plenty of headroom.

“This year was a great success, and we owe it all to the people who take the time to show their cars here,” said event organizer Will Borg, who promised that this year’s debut of a poker run the night prior to “Rodz On 3rd” would return next year. “Without those folks, all we have is an idea.”