Perfection...

Panhead Rockers...

All icons today...

Like I said..., Today

So much goodness here...

Go Kart Manufacturing Co.

Ralph Mooney Live

Waylon Jennings long time pedal steel guitar player Ralph Mooney passed away today at the age of 83. It seems that there are times, where this could be a blog of obituaries, but that's only because all of the rad influences in our life are passing. You know that country music radio won't mention Ralph Mooney today (like with Huskey last week), and that's because they have all turned their back on the pioneers (I believe that they are all ashamed, of how they have destroyed the genre. But that's a different topic, for a different post). Ralph Mooney played steel for Waylon for years, but he also played with Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Wynn Stewart. He also co-wrote "Crazy Arms" that became the first No. 1 hit for Ray Price. His influence will remain, and he will be missed...

Hawthorne Zep...

Here is my 1939 Hawthorne Zep, I have had many many vintage bicycles in my life, but this is the one that I have always kept around. I love this bike and have had it for 20 years or so. Lately, I have been screwing around with some of my other few vintage bikes, and it got me thinking, the Zep might need some love (note the front flat). By love I don't mean new paint, I mean there are two parts of this bike that are missing. The first part is the rear rack, and the second is the dual headlight setup. So, if anyone out there has either of these parts, and want to let them go, let me know. And if you want to barter or trade, or need some lettering / striping all the better... The bottom picture shows the parts needed, let me know.

Block Busters Livermore...

Interesting photo that I came across, from Livermore, a town that I grew up in. I have never heard of this club, has anyone? Many of my buddies are still there, and The Sidewinder's C.C. are based in Livermore. I tried to find more info on this club, but this picture is all that I could come up with...

Pappy McGregors... here we go again...

Here we go again... Last year, I was called in to change the logo and name from the Crooked Kilt, to The Kilt. A much bigger bar with the name Tilted Kilt, was flexing their money, I mean muscle, and claimed that The Crooked Kilt, had stepped on their copyright. Apparently the logo change, and shortening of the name, wasn't enough. Faced with a very costly trial, The Kilt is again changing their name. The new name was announced on St. Patrick's day, the bar is now named Pappy McGregors. So this week, I will again start changing all of the names, and there are many. Glad to get the work, and the bar has had much media coverage over this deal, so everyone is winning...

By the way, The Tilted Kilt has the word "KILT" copyrighted. How is that possible? I would think that Ireland / Scotland could sue them...

Sunday morning commin' down...

...This weekenD...

The March Meet, this weekend... Also of note, Ferlin Huskey passed away yesterday... Ferlin Huskey 1925-2011

Happy

St. Patrick's Day

The Impala down the road...

This great 64' lives down the road from our house. The owner parked it there before Thanksgiving, and hasn't moved it since. I have stopped and asked him about it, but he said he's not ready to let it go. He built the car in the mid 70's, and that what I like the best about this car, it's 70's period perfect. From the wheels, to the color, to the personal license plate, all 1970's...

Kenny Van Blargen needs your prayers...

With all the things going on in the world right now, there is one more, that could use your thoughts and prayers. Kenny Van Blargen flipped his race car Sat. night and broke his neck and got really banged up. Add to the mix the fact that Kenny is 81 years old. As it stands now, Kenny has a broken neck and a breathing tube. Tomorrow they will attempt to remove the tube, but Kenny is looking at partial to full paralyzation, and it is very touch and go. Kenny is a great guy, and a friend, he is also a big part of sprint car racing history. I love to listen to his stories of racing and general hell raising. So if you have a chance, remember Kenny in your prayers tonight...

From Dandy to Dirtbag...

What a difference, 20 years in Harley history... Love it.

Pre Vinyl...

As a sign writer, I have a shop full of tools (never enough however). One of the tools that I have, is a vinyl plotter. Having said that, the vast majority of work that I do, has nothing to do with this tool. Hand lettering is what sets my business apart, from every other in the area. There are times where the plotter goes unused for weeks, and I have to dust the vinyl rolls of before feeding them into the plotter. Yesterday I was offered a unique choice. A CEO of a new bank going into town, asked me, if it would be better to hand letter their logo and hours on the entrance window. This is not a fancy place, by any means, and their project budget reflects this. So after thinking for a second, the answer was clear. Vinyl was the answer for this job, and that's fine. To me it is very important to keep this plotter as a tool on the shelf, that gets used when needed. Every other sign shop around, has this as their only tool, and these franchise sign shops (fast signs) don't even understand layout. They are cheap, but that's how the finished job looks. I stay busy by offering paint work, but there is a place for vinyl. I think it's just how the medium is used. With proper design, a vinyl sign can work very well, and sell the job. But you don't want it to take over. I know several older sign writers, who never touch a brush anymore, and use only vinyl. They always give me a hard time, but too me the hand lettered sign will always prevail, and if pressed, they will say the same.

*Hearts and Horseshoes*

Our friend Amanda is one busy photographer (Hearts & Horseshoes Photography), not to mention a good one. Yesterday I saw these pictures in her portfolio. They feature among other things, the Model A Victoria that I lettered. I am a little tripped out, as the model in the photo's is a family member, but art is art, and to that point, I will look past that, just this once. Check out Amanda's work by clicking the header...

Born-Free 3, 1946 FL Harley Davidson, Knucklehead Chopper, Kick Start party

Stole this from Choppedout blog. The bike looks and sounds great, get your tickets, it could be yours come Born Free 3...

SXSW2011 on now...

So much to do and see, if your there, your stoked... This week, check out the line-up.

Wish you were here...

I remember these cool post cards when I was a kid on vacations. My parents never would get them, they always opted for the actual photo post cards from where we were visiting. I would love to do a painting on this subject sometime...