Terminal Island... hope,

I'll be out in la later this year and I am excited to visit some of the old school places where hot rodding began.

Hey doogievlg, what dates are you going to be in LA? Make sure the Petersen Automotive Museum is on your list of places to visit as well as the NHRA Motorsports Museum at the Fairplex in Pomona.
I also recommend the Nethercutt Museum and Collection in Sylmar as "must see". Both the museum - and separate "Collection" in another building across the street - are free but you need to make reservations to view the "Collection" (http://www.nethercuttcollection.org/Visitor.aspx). The "Collection" is truly outstanding and well worth the minor effort of making a reservation.
The "Fall Fling" all-Mopar show is October 25 at Woodley Park in Van Nuys, the 23rd annual California Hot Rod Reunion is at Famoso in Bakersfield on October 17-19 and the NHRA Finals are November 13-16 at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona.