Kustoms Overload...

Not since back in the day, have so many 1940's and 50's early Kustoms been seen at the same place at the same time. When I first entered this room, I was overwhelmed to say the least. I couldn't figure out what to shot a photo of first. There were so many pinnacle early Kustom cars, that I had to post a good deal of them. This by far is the biggest post that I have ever listed, but to try and pick out a few would be impossible. So many lead filled, little pages cover cars, built by the most famous of the early builders. If you missed this in person, you missed something very special. Take a look at these pictures, it was truly a historical gathering...

Grand National Roadster Show...

Heading down south to the 62nd GNRS in the morning. I am looking forward to this show, it's one that I have been going to for most of my life, as a youngster in Oakland, to SF and now to Pomona. It remains about as good as a huge indoor show can be. The kustoms will have a spotlight on them this year, and that will be cool to see some of the early cars, as well as the builders. Also, I am looking forward to seeing the bikes, and from the preview on Troy's site "Chicomoto" they look to be great. It should be a great day of cars, bikes, friends and ideas. I will try to get a bunch of pictures to post.

Craigslist...

The Boy sent me these fuzzy cell phone pictures of his Craigslist find from today. 62' Ironhead built in the late 60's in the East Bay Area, and left relatively untouched. Black plate, gold and silver leaf, and runs perfect. Great score!

Wheelee...

This looks fun!

Pick-upless...

We have friends from Europe, that came and stayed with our family. They could not believe the number of trucks on the road in the U.S. They said that at least in Germany, no one owns a pick-up truck. Knowing that, these pictures are pretty funny...

HARO...

Above, the hand made prototype that started it all...

As a kid, Bob Haro was one of my all time hero's. I met him in 1980 at a BMX race in Angel's Camp Ca. (home of the Frog Jump). At that time he was driving a lifted Toyota 4x4, and that was at a time when their were very few Toyota four wheel drive trucks on the road, let alone lifted with big tires. This was at the start of the freestyle deal, and he did some 1/4 pipe tricks and wowed the crowd. He signed a Action Now magazine for me and I was stoked. My parents bought me a Haro number plate for my Panda BMX bike, that they were selling off of the Toyota tailgate. I wish that I still had that plate, but it's long gone. That was a great day!

Charlie Louvin 1927-2011...

Charlie Louvin passed away today at age 83, after fighting cancer for the last year. The Louvin Brothers were great, and have been a favorite in my shop for years (guaranteed to give you "chicken skin"). Their harmony's inspired many singers since, including Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris. After his brother died in 1963 in a car accident, Charlie continued making albums up until his death. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry. So give a listen in his honor, he will be missed, but his influence will continue for years. Upon finding out that he had cancer, Louvin said " I'm not afraid to die, we are all going to do that. Just give me another year or two". RIP Mr. Louvin...