Canadian Rodder - Out & About - Vern Tardel's/The Castelli Ranch

We mentioned some time ago, when we posted a link to coverage of an article published by the San Francisco Chronicle about a "the hot rod as art" exhibit, that we had visited Vern Tardel's shop as part of hot rod week activities in Northern California. It was a very interesting day.

As far as hot rods being art, even Vern thought the connection was a bit shaky but he indulged the organizers with some of his work. Perhaps I could offer an alternate use of the word in context of hot rods. That is, the art of hot rodding where art is defined as:
a. A system of principles and methods employed in the performance of a set of activities
b. A trade or craft that applies such a system of principles and methods
c. Skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation

Having digressed, let's return to the tour. The Tardel shop is in the Santa Rosa area, which is northwest of San Francisco, and then in an area where you MIGHT stumble upon it. In other words, it's a bit obscure. I understand that's how Vern (Mr. Flathead) likes it / has always liked it.

Charlie Caldwell and I set out from San Francisco in his '32 5-window and headed north across the Golden Gate Bridge, through Marin and up highway 101. When we reached Santa Rosa, we began to see rods converging from various directions. I knew we were getting close. Eventually, we turned on a rural-type road and followed a few other cars to a setting that looked more farm-like than hot rod related. However, after parking (a problem as there were already a ton of rods and customs on the property) and approaching the main building, any doubts about the use of the property were dispelled.

In the main building, there were numerous (many) projects underway and in the adjacent buildings, sheds, and around the property there was a virtual treasure trove of vehicles and parts. In some cases, small "mountains" of parts - mind boggling. It was fun to walk through the different areas and contemplate the possibilities. The accompanying photos will give you some idea.