Eddie Kirkland "Gypsy of the Blues"...

Bluesman Eddie Kirkland was killed this morning, when his car was hit by a Greyhound bus. He was 88 years old. RIP

stripes today...

Went and put some stripes on GW's Shovel today. Man what a place, like a back yard museum. I didn't get a bunch of pics, I was in and out, but everywhere I looked, there was something else great!

Chevy odd-balls...

This last Saturday, my buddy and I were talking about our early 1950's GM trucks. As usual, my idea's and his were a bit different. He then pointed out that my tastes are for the more unique, and odd-ball models. Come to think of it, he is right. I always look at the Canopy Express and one ton factory 4x4's, over the air bagged frame on the ground half ton 5-window (I have always preferred the 3-window trucks anyway). People always tell me I'm crazy, when I talk about replacing the "Clam Shell" doors on my 50' Suburban for the "Ambulance" style doors. The fact is, the "Clam Shell" doors are the "cool" doors, but they are a total pain, and hard to work with. Anyhow, I could go on and on... Here are some pics of some odd-ball trucks built by GM for the Euro and S. America market. The top two are built by GM and badged as Opel for Europe, the bottom truck is a GM for Brazil. I love these trucks, and if you have one of these, let me know...

Ford odd-balls...

Fords early attempts at the SUV market. Any one of these would be a great score, although they are all one-off builds or at least very few production vehicles.

Woodie Suburban...

Talk about odd, rare early Chevrolets. Woodie's built on the Suburban body. These trucks were built by the Campbell Co. for Chevrolet, and offered by special order.

Friday Night Special...

Big Three Swap...

Today, tomorrow & Sunday at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. It's the big one, hit it up... Rain or shine.

...TonighT...

Blues Boy BB King plays tonight in Oakland at the Fox Theatre of all places... I'm sure all of my blues loving buddies in Northern California will be going, Right Danny???

Return to bread and butter...

About two years back, when new trucks were selling, I would stripe about three a week for the dealerships. Quick easy basic stripes, that translated into quick easy basic cash. That work had all but gone away. But today I striped a new Chevy HHR (modern ripoff of my 50' Suburban). Very basic job, just two lines down the side, but... could this be a sign of what's too come? I for one, sure would like to see that...

Trailer Haven...

One of my all time favorite signs. The Trailer Haven in San Leandro / Hayward Ca. on East 14th street. I found these pictures that I took of it sometime in the early 1990's, I don't have any idea if it's still there. Such a great old design, and I can't even imagine how bitchin' it must have looked when it was lit up.

Justin Townes Earl...

If your in The City (S.F.) tonight, or Santa Cruz tomorrow, or around L.A. (@ the Autry Museum) on Friday, go out and see this guy. A short tour down the coast, then off to Australia. Good Stuff...

Panel Truck...

Very cool Northern California (Gilroy) 60' Ford work truck on ebay right now. I don't know what the guys reserve is, but look at the lettering space.

Camper Fords...

Street Dogs, MC5, Rise Against, Madison, Wi.

*If you happed to be in Madison Wi. this next Monday, the Street Dogs, Against Me, Rise Against, Rage against the Machine and Wayne Kramer (MC5) will be playing @ noon and 5pm at the Capital Square.

The Art of The Steal - Official Trailer

I finally got to see this film tonight, after missing it at the local independent theater. Do yourself a favor and see it for yourself. A powerful tragic movie! As if I wasn't already jaded enough against politicians, now I can add the public charity's backed by the super rich.

Crazy Buick Concepts...

Buick was always the crazy concept car for the GM line. Some pretty over the top idea's ended up on the Buick's. If the idea was a hit on the Buick, usually the following year, it would be on the Cadillac. I drove a 60' Buick Invicta "Custom" for 13 years, and true to Buick, there were some real odd-ball, one year only idea's incorporated.

Suburban...

Mine is a long way from this, and this one for me, is a bit too fancy, but beautiful none the less...

Curves...

Johnny Cash Barn Painting

Color design...

Hillclimbers...