O' Black Betty Finally...

Well over a year ago, I finished lettering the body pieces to this car, but until yesterday, I had not seen the car together and clear coated. What can I say? It blew me away! It seemed like I had to keep reminding myself that I lettered the car. This car was a real pain tho do. So many long straight lines of engine turned gold leaf, outlined with paint lines. Tons of turned gold lettering, I went through so many books of gold, that I lost count. I hated this car when I worked on it, but now, together, I am very proud. This car has been down the track a few times, but I had never seen it. Yesterday at the Dragfest, I was able to see it in person, and get a few snap shots. The car was parked inside a shop, and I didn't get to see it in the sun, but I am sure it is very flashy. I also got to see a couple of the other cars that I have lettered for Famoso Speed Shop. This makes it all worthwhile...

Dragfest 2010...

Dragfest yesterday. Went over to Bakersfield Saturday to the Dragfest. The third year for this event, and perhaps a bit smaller than last year (when it rained heavy). This event has a huge potential for greatness, I'm just not sure why it keeps coming up short. I guess that last week there was some Internet talk about the show being cancelled due to rain, only to be reversed when the forecast came back as clear. The weather yesterday was perfect for racing. No wind, not a cloud in the sky, 75ish, perfect. Although smaller, it was a good day, there were some funny cars and altereds running, even with a NHRA draw (conflict) back east somewhere. I hope this show can get a better following, because it could be great. We will see next year.

More "Kilt" goodies....

Just finished up these two 4 ft. table tops and this 8 ft. banner shape. All brushed One Shot on wood, inching ever closer to being done.

Tank...

Here is the tank for Brian's Pre-unit, he is trying to finish for Born Free. Candy apple red with red variegated gold, and a bright red outline. I can't wait to see this one clear coated...

Create

Skateboard all I do, skateboard better than you, ollie in the deep end, backside air over your chin...

JFA

Paso Robles Sidecar Rendezvous...

Stopped in this morning at the Paso Robles city park for the annual Sidecar Rendezvous bike show. As usual there was a good turnout, with both vintage and modern bikes. Just about every genre of bike was covered. There was even a 100 MPG farm built diesel powered Ural, that ran on peanut oil. Along with the sidecar bikes, there were a couple of bitchin' choppers. Bird's Knucklehead, and Roger's Pan. Here are some pictures....

Bummer...

At least he didn't loose his cooler of beverages, that would have really sucked.

Fresh Coat...

I have run across so many old cars, that have been painted with a brush. I have even talked with old men when I was younger, that swore by, and still painted their cars and trucks with a brush. I know of one guy who painted his Panhead with a brush and wet-sanded it and it looks great. About a year ago, I lettered the doors on a 1939 International pick-up that had been brush painted three times over the years by it's 90 year old owner. I guess the point is, it can be done, and sometimes quite well. Old Lacquer paint, a good brush, and alot of finesse to remove the brushstrokes.... A Saturday afternoon well spent.

Beautiful...

Carlos Wright...

Carlos Wright, Gorilla Auto Body. Finally Carlos has his own shop! Carlos has been painting for alot of years, his work has graced "Paso" for as long as I can remember. Carlos and the cars that he painted for Javier, were some of the first to cross the line from lowrider to kustom, and for sure some of the first to sport all-over metalflake. Carlos drove a heavy flaked gold chopped Ford F100. I'm sure that I have some more pics of his work somewhere, but I couldn't find it to post. Carlos has been a good friend for many years and it is great to see him out on his own. Take a look, I have put a link to his blog to the right...

Ken and the Boy's shop...

Had to go home for a friend's dad's funeral yesterday. It's a crappy reason to visit, but it was great to get up to the East Bay Area. Here are a few pictures that I took at my friends garage. My old 35' Ford now owned and built by my buddy Ken, the 49' chopped Merc & 48' chopped Ford are owned by the Boy...

A & H Custom

Stopped by my good friend's, and fellow Sidewinder's C.C. members Danny and Darin's shop A & H Customs in Livermore. I had not seen their new shop yet, and it is vast, and very nice. The cars they were working on were great, the collections were great. I had to letter a 50' Chevrolet tailgate for them. Here are a few pics. The 30' Ford Roadster truck is Danny's, the 60's front engine dragster is Darin's, and will soon sport an injected Hemi. The club plaque's and collections belong to both of them. Quite impressive indeed...