West, Texas

The Eliminators of West Rod Club was a car club established in West, Texas in 1960. Founded by a group of six passionate hot rodders, the club was dedicated to the world of rods and customs. With a motto of "Dedicated to Safety," the club played a significant role in the local car culture of the early 1960s. The club had a relatively short lifespan, disbanding in 1962. The primary reason for its dissolution was the departure of its members for various reasons, including college, military service, and work commitments. As George Jezek reminisced, "It was a good time to be a hot rodder. We enjoyed this hobby, and a couple of us remain friends to this day." His testimonials offer a glimpse into the joy and excitement of that era, a time when cars were more than machines – they were a canvas for creativity and a means to forge lasting bonds. Photo from The George Jezek and Charles Andrle Collection.

George Jezek's 1949 Chevrolet 2-Door Sedan of West, Texas. Jezek was a local pinstriper and a founding member of the Eliminators of West car club. Known as The Candy Cart, Jezek's Chevrolet went through several modifications during the late 1950s and the 1960s. This photo shows how it appeared in 1962 after Jezek had installed a heavily chromed 283 Chevy engine and removed exterior chrome accessories such as dual spotlights and lakes pipes.

Charles Andrle's Volvo PV of West, Texas. Andrle was a member of The Eliminators of West Rod Club. Established in West, Texas in 1960, the club was founded by a group of six passionate hot rodders. The club was dedicated to the world of rods and customs. With a motto of "Dedicated to Safety," the club played a significant role in the local car culture of the early 1960s. The club had a relatively short lifespan, disbanding in 1962. Photo from The George Jezek and Charles Andrle Collection.

John Holland's 1950 Ford Convertible of West. Holland was a member of The Eliminators of West Rod Club. Established in West, Texas in 1960, the club was founded by a group of six passionate hot rodders. Photo from The George Jezek and Charles Andrle Collection.

Jack Willenborg's 1956 Ford of West. Willenborg was a member of The Eliminators of West Rod Club. Established in West, Texas in 1960, the club was founded by a group of six passionate hot rodders. Photo from The George Jezek and Charles Andrle Collection.

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In the 1950s and 1960s, towns like West and Waco saw the rise of a vibrant community of car enthusiasts united by their passion for customizing cars and racing. Drive-in restaurants in these towns were the social epicenters where hot rodders showcased their modified vehicles and shared their knowledge and stories. Founded in 1960, clubs like The Eliminators of West Rod Club played a pivotal role, creating a sense of camaraderie and collective creativity among members. These groups were more than just car enthusiasts; they were tight-knit communities dedicated to pushing the limits of automotive design and performance.^[1]

Racing was a significant aspect of this culture. Local drag strips became arenas where speed and skill were displayed and celebrated. Despite the challenges in sourcing parts and equipment, these enthusiasts displayed remarkable resourcefulness, often relying on mail orders, local wrecking yards, and occasional trips to distant speed shops. The influence of hot rod magazines also cannot be understated, as they provided inspiration and connected Texas hot rodders to the larger national scene. This period in Central Texas was marked by innovation, community spirit, and a deep-seated love for hot rodding, contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of Texas's automotive history.^[1]