Death Race...
2 JUL 08- ...2008!
Really... does there need to be anything else said about this? In the midst of a remake-happy Hollywood, at least we're having fun, right?
Enjoy the trailer:

It's on this August...

Michael Turner
28 JUN 08- Sadly, the comic book artist extraordinaire passed away last night after an eight-year battle with chondrosarcoma (a cartilage-attacking bone cancer). He was a prolific artist, having gotten his start at Top Cow (working as the artist on Witchblade), and eventually re-introducing Supergirl to the modern universe of DC titles. Making stops along the way to create covers for Flash, Identity Crisis, and interior writing and art for Superman/Batman, he even founded Aspen MLT in 2002.
His work and charming demeanor will be sorely missed. Aspen MLT encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in Turner's memory, please do so to the American Cancer Society or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Surrealism and drawing cars...
24 JUN 08- ...probably couldn't be any further from one another on the average person's scale. But that doesn't matter here, does it? After all, how often do we sit here and talk "average"? Exactly: never. What's the point?
It's been a couple of weeks in my life that have me feeling a bit introspective... I'm working at a project that's removed from cars, and it's been just what I needed in some respects. To be sure, my mind is on cars, but working at this project has brought back the "spark" that was fading... I've hit the board a few times this past week, and it's as though it's all new... all fresh again. The stuff my brain conjures after a break is downright fun and wildly creative.
Putting it bluntly: all I ever needed to know about painting and drawing I learned from Salvador Dali'. A quote of his (that I wrote down many years ago on a scrap of paper) hangs above my board in the Studio. It reads "The true painter must be able, from a shepherd, a ram, a bird and an ear of wheat, to create a unique monster...with the most usual things to have the most unusual ideas."
I've lived by this quote in many, many ways... both in and outside of the Studio. Taking elements and mashing them up, blending them, creating new things from parts of one and another... And where there might be gaps in the original combination, I'm blessed with a mind that fills them, and makes it all work. How THAT works, I'm oblivious... i just hang on for the ride, and draw what comes to mind.
Ol' Sal also once said that "the true painter must be able, before an empty desert to fill his canvas with extraordinary things"... Great advice, that.
I always carry a sketch book to a client's shop (off the record, how do the Photochop and 3D and tracing/filter guys do this? Do they make house calls, and bring a computer and all that? Must look impressive... "Can I trace the car? Maybe hang that fender back on?"), and lately, I've been back to my old ways of sketching everything. EVERYTHING. Birds, buildings, people, dogs, vegetables, furniture. Getting back to drawing organic things is like therapy... While for years I've used the computer to finish-off my drawings, every one starts the same, on paper with pencil... But lately... finishing them with traditional tools has brought back the energy, the spark... I'm looking toward finishing a series of paintings I left idle some time back, and just enjoying a renewed wave of energy about the whole damn thing.
To paraphrase that great Spanish painter (him again??! Yes.), it is thus that mounted upon the horse of craftsmanship that I want to return to my Studio...

Scott Kalitta
21 JUN 08- Our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and crew of Scott Kalitta, who left us yesterday in a tragic accident during qualifying at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
The son of racing legend Connie Kalitta, he had a tremendous career that brought 17 Top Fuel victories and one in Funny Car, with his first win coming in '89 in Houston.
RIP, Scott.

Taking CAB's Coupe around the world...
19 JUN 08- ...and finding a new home in Europe!

Some time ago, I was fortunate to have befriended skateboarding legend, artist, and all-around good guy Steve Caballero. Like all of my artist and hot rod friends, his work and cars are inspirational, and it all kind of becomes like family. You grow attached to the paintings, cars and whatnot, and when a ride or canvas gets sold, you feel a slight twinge of sadness, and hope that the new owner will take good care of it (kinda like my old Chevelle... it's comforting to know it's being enjoyed and cared for!).
You have to imagine my joy, then, when CAB's coupe was sold once more, and wound up, in all places, in the garage of a friend across the ocean!
Geert (aka Von Skip), is a talented artist, and we hit off our friendship through our work, sharing a mutual admiration for one another's style and technique. What this guy does on canvas is amazing (dig it here!). He's owned a number of outstanding cars, and when he saw the opportunity to grab CAB's coupe, well... I became stoked on a number of levels. After all, what are the odds? Two talented artsists (and great people) as owners of the same great car? Two separate continents... and each sharing the same incredible car culture. (and you thought the Dutch were only into wooden shoes and windmills. Shame on you. They like hot rods and customs, too... so there.) The world really is a small place, and lately, I've come to the conclusion that all things happen for reason. Thankfully, for whatever reason, I made the connection with two incredible people, and one fantastic car, and I get to see how it all plays out in the grand scheme of things.
...and, as if creating great art, collecting killer cars and just being an all-around cool cat weren't enough, on June 2nd, Geert and Nanouk welcomed their beautiful baby girl,Moenza into the world!

Congrats again, Geert!! Enjoy the ride, man...

While the cars are great...
14 JUN 08- ...it's the people that make this such a great racket.
Case in point: last weekend Craig (from MyRideIsMe.com) was rounding up hands to help in stripping his '63 Falcon wagon in preparation for a full-on makeover. And by golly, when the local boys call for help, I'm there. Occasionally, it's good to put down the pens and stylus and turn a wrench or two... it keeps me grounded in the real stuff... the stuff that got me into this business to begin with.

...and there we were, a small group that would grow to over a dozen before night's end, attacking the car with near-Overhaulin' precision, save for the most stubborn windshield on planet Earth (more on my glass nemesis at a later date). What was to be a simple transmission swap was quickly escalted to a "while we're at it..." sort of project.. which means "look for some concept art soon". That Craig sure knows how to pick friends, huh? From "Falcon Master" Mike (a walking encyclopædia of all things Falcon and Comet-based) to Racin' Dave (runner-up in Super Street this year at Fontana (and 0.054 seconds from a Wally!!), to the always handy and knowledgeable Rob (who brought his killer bobber truck over and aired it out, as if that thing needed any more attitude!), you'd think we had all bases covered.
Hardly.
The name of the game, when dealing with an engineer is "overkill".
Dave and his charming wife popped in before heading to a graduation party to offer moral support, and before we knew it, there was Joe and Joel and Devin grabbing tools and jumping in. I mention all of these folks because it's what makes this hobby so great: The people. All of us are from different backgrounds, lives, careers... We had mechanics, engineers, artists, body men, hobbyists and pro's... Yet we share the common car bond. It's that great equalizer, a project car, that certain "something" that brings people togteher and gets everyone reaching for a common goal.
When Doug (of Squeeg's Rod and Kustom) popped in (with Sammy and Moose from the shop in tow, following a trek to Southern California to pick up a Woody), all of that "car guy" stuff became clear. Here's a pro builder of the highest degree, wrenching on a local car (following an all-day road trip, no less!). No glory in this, just stripping away what needed to go, and getting the ball rolling. It's just that whole "you're building a car? I'm THERE!" mentality that happens to come across between car people. It's the late nights spent in a garage, covered in grease and bondo dust that creates memories, and makes it all so damn cool to be a part of...

Anyway, this is where it sits for now... Look or more on this project as we build steam, and get the old girl rolling once more...

Forging ahead...
11 JUN 08- ...with some killer wheels...
Some years back, I was contemplating the move to designing hot rods and custom cars as a full-time gig, and was just gaining a foot-hold, grabbing a slice of ink (thanks again, Damon!) in the magazines, and getting my work out there. During this formative time, I had run into a guy whose work I admired and had seen just about everywhere, Jason Rushforth. I had the opportunity to not only meet him, byt we hit it off, quickly becoming fiends. We share a similar outlook on many styling issues, and differ enough on others, keeping it interesting and making for some great, and often informative talks.
A while back, Jason had told me about his pending wheel deal, and I was stoked. Here's a fellow automotive stylist making his way into yet another region of the industry... Awesome! I've always been proud of my ability to diversify, and offer a wide range of services all keeping with our passion for excellence, and when I see a friend and colleague doing likewise, it makes me proud, and just wildly happy to see it take off.
Jason and I were communicating back and forth at the start of this busy show season, and he took some time to discuss his favorite wheels from the new lineup... Granted, it's like choosing your four favorite kids, should you have twelve really good-looking ones... And that's what he's got brewing: Twelve wheel styles, in a variety of finishes, too! His top four:

     LiveWire             Rated X                  Fuel                Whiplash
The design of the wheels is great, offering numerous options for size (17-24-inches, and widths from 7 -15-inches), offset, backspacing, and the gunmetal powdercoat finish is killer:

...as are the other finishes -- brushed, polished, (polished rim w/brushed centers? Certainly!), black, smoked titanium... Don't want perimeter hardware (the fasteners around the wheel center)? No sweat... get 'em without it! ...and just when your head was spinning, you can choose from two- or three-piece construction, too! I'm particularly fond of placing well-known manufacturer's products on my spec sheets when designing, and these wheels are already finding their way into a few new cars on our board. The styles are diverse enough to be used on hot rods, customs, musclecars and classics, without looking like some other "private brand/designer" wheels so prevalent on the market that look more at home on an SUV than a killer pro-touring ride.
Again, I couldn't be happier to watch a friend embark on yet another adventure in his career, and can't wait to see where it all goes from here for Jason. Congrats again, man... and if you're interested in his wheel line, hit me up, and I'll get you in touch so you too can experience what Jason refers to as the "Power of Great Design"...

Three issues...
02 JUN 08- ...on the shelves at once with my work is always a cool feeling! (now there's an understatement) I've been fortunate to have my work in print in Rod and Custom, American Rodder, and now Truckin' this month, making it a great start to the Summer months! I hope you find time to pick up all three of these issues, if not for the artwork, but the great content in all of them.

The amazing Mercury wagon in American Rodder is worth the price of admission alone, we've already been over the amazing '54 Merc (hey, I see trend here) in R-n-C, and the special horsepower section in Truckin' makes for some good reading as well!
Thanks to Dan over at Truckin' for slipping my artwork once again into the Radical Renderings pages (and look out soon for a project that he and I collaborated on, which spawned some great concept art!). I hope you enjoy them all as much as I did creating them...

Maze follow up...
29 MAY 08- ...and how killer is this??! A while back, I had written a bit about one of the more influential custom cars in my past, Mr. Jerry DeVito's '57 Ford, aptly named "The Maze" (first part is here, and the second part here). I had reported what I found through research on the car, and was left with a few lingering questions about the car... so I did what was natural, and asked for help finding those answers.

I was fortunate to not only find those answers, but got them FROM THE MAN HIMSELF! Mr. Jerry DeVito took time from his day to chat for a while, and I walked away from that great conversation with not only some fantastic insight, but a great new friend. I'll report more on this soon, but wanted to share my excitement over meeting the man who created a car that left an impression on me as a car-struck kid, and one that always creeps into my imagination as I draw and design.
Suffice to say, there are a few facts that need ironing out from the first posts on this car (as I said, the research materials were limited), and we'll do just that in subsequent posts... But to answer that nagging question about the split bumper treatment, they were '55 Pontiac units, and the change was made in the first year (after the peaks and scoops). Jerry's inspiration was to always keep the car fresh, making changes after each show, always remaining at the of of his game...
We'll trace the car's history in the near future, from delivery at San Jose Ford in '57, through to its sale, and subsequent loss. Thanks for the interest, and especially to Mr. DeVito... wow...

Memorial Day weekend...
23 MAY 08- ...and we're not heading too far from the Studio, what with gas prices going haywire, work on the boards and so on... But I wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday, and take a moment to thank all of our servicemen and women, both past and present for their service, sacrifice and dedication, and take a moment to honor those who have fallen, protecting this great country, and making it possible for us to enjoy this hobby so much more each day.
If you're currently enlisted, or have been in the past, and are looking to pick up a shirt or print before June 1st, hit us up HERE for a coupon code prior to placing an order, and we'll make sure you get free shipping, as well as something extra thrown in... It doesn't compare to what you give each day, but I thought we'd try to express our thanks in some way. Thanks again, and have a great Memorial Day weekend...

Incredible...
21 MAY 08- ...just begins to describe the video below... I'm floored by this display of talent, skill, and mental agility.
I've always been able to take a mental snapshot of a car, and draw it out with some accuracy.... But what this artist can accomplish, well.... WOW.

Sorry if you've seen this before, but I was just sent a link to it, and am still pulling my jaw off the floor...

Dreams...
18 MAY 08- ...have a funny way of mixing things together. Consider just about any weird dream you've ever had... you know, "it was my house, but it wasn't my house, you know?"... Ever said that? Or maybe you wind up working at a job that you've never had... eating something odd, bizarre or exotic... Odd things happen in our subconscious.
Such was the case a few months back when Tim at Rod & Custom Magazine hit me up to create a "Dream Car of the Month" again.

I absolutely love creating artwork for the "Dream Car of the Month" in Rod and Custom Magazine. I dig it because it's not only the magazine I grew up dreaming of being published in, but the project affords a completely open-ended spectrum of creativity. For this go-round, I took the "dream" part literally, and scoured my subconscious for wild ideas.... What came from it all is a mish-mash of A/FX, gasser, funny car, street machine... You kinda have to see it to believe it...
And even if you're not a big fan of spicy taco-induced dream cars, grab this iissue if you don't already have it. The features this month are just outstanding, from Mark Morton's bsolutely understated '54 Mercury that we drooled over at the GNRS in January, to Rob Ida's unbelieveable Caddy, and the super low, super cool '32 three window of Larry Roller... The details will have your head spinning for days!
Thanks again to Tim and Kevin at R-n-C for another great opportunity...

The good old days...
10 MAY 08- ...sure look awesome when looking over old magazines and photos, don't they? All of the killer cars, shiny paint, classic locations, impeccably dressed people and so-on. It makes it all the more interesting when you either stumble across (or are handed!) an old snapshot that captures real life... an actual hot-rodding moment, frozen on Instamatic or Polaroid paper... In this instance, we have such a subject; one that makes you say "D'oh!":

Yep, it's harsh reality, there to smack you in the head, as it always seems to. The photo above came to my desk while hunting for source material to fuel my current background project, documenting East Coast customs and hot rods... My father gave me some surviving photos of old cars and car shows, and mixed in was the gem you see above. The car was his personal ride, a '57 Chevy 210 that he originally purchased with a six cylinder. The car received a nifty little 283, bored to 301ci, and backed with a 3-speed, 4.11:1's, and exhaust he described only as "loud". The car was respectable and quick for the times, running low 13's. Not too shabby for a kid, and especially for a daily driver.
Anyhow, the moment above captures the aftermath of a floor shift install. Say what? OK, not the IMMEDIATE aftermath... You see, my dad had installed a floor shifter that fine day, and, like so mmany times that I'm sure we can all look back on and say "yup... done that!", he rushed through to get to work on time (night shift!), and we all know how shifter installs seem to go... Something ALWAYS goes a little haywire. Needless to say, shifting from second to third resulted in, well, nothing. Youthful thought offeered the option to just reach through the ample hole in the floorboard and grab the linkage, when the stars aligned to strengthjen the Chevy versus Ford battle, and the mighty Chevy plowed into a '63 Fairlane.
The car was fixed, using the remains of a t-boned Bel Air hardtop, with the same car supplying the interior for this same car a bit later. The car was sold when my father entered the service, and marked a three year span of ownership in his life. We'll have to look at the '64 Impala and '66 Charger that followed at some point, too, all with somewhat better results!
Granted, I've done worse myself (and with no shift linkage to blame!), and that's not the point here... It's just an interesting look back on a moment frozen in time... one of those images you don't often see. It's real life mixing with youth, hot rodding, and all of those experiences we try to teach our own young 'uns with...

Right coast cars...
30 APR 08- ...have always suffered from the stigma of being "un-cool", or at best, unattractive. There's always this opinion that seems to surface when talking cars (especially hot rods and customs from the "glory days" of the fifties and sixties) that East Coast customs and hot rods were "ugly" or lacked style. Granted, there are quite a few examples that support this claim, but, having grown up on the "right coast", I have always felt a need to defend that side of the hobby.
The magazines of the time chronicled what was immediately available to them, and that meant, for the most part, West Coast cars. The few East Coast cars that were seen seemed to have cemented a certain image in most car guys' heads... I'm not a fan of severely channeled coupes, but can appreciate the style and work that went into them, certainly. I'm also not a big fan of an overly-accessorized custom with giant skirts and a continental kit, but I do "get it". I think it's just got a lot to do with the times, the region, and the cultural differences. The East Coast has always been a bit grittier, relying on manufacturing, and with cooler weather, shorter summers and all, people just took a different approach to building, and making due with a smaller number of shops. Consider that there were much fewer shops, and that many skilled custom craftsmen went West (where the magazines and show coverage were), and you're left with but a few builders, and thus, less ability to really push the envelope.
I've been working on a project for some time, and recently kicked it into a higher gear... My goal is to document the East Coast style, and, at the same time, chronicle the builders and their cars, and hopefully, shed some light on the little-known history from the region. I am fortunate to have grown up with some of the people who were "there", and even call some friends. We have family friends that built customs and hot rods, raced in the region, and were, generally, part of the scene. As I compiled photos and stories, I was continually blown away by the variety of cars, the quality of the work, and the great stories that have been shared...
As it all comes together, I'll share more, but wanted to throw at least one quick look at what's going on in front of you.
Take a look at this home-built '50 Ford. This is the kind of stuff that gets me going... a family project, and definitely something we can all relate to:

Wayne's '50 Ford is a piece of Western New York custom history, and, in his words:
"Here are some shots of the car my Dad (William Carrig), my Mother (zelda), my four sisters and I built in his one-car garage in Kenmore, NY over a two year period beginning in 1964. This was my first car, bought it when I was 16 years old and my Dad who had a body shop at one point in his life fixed the body (it was a mess, rusted out floors, rocker panels, quarter panels, etc.).
We also customized it frenched headlights, shaved hood, truck, removed side chrome, sunken antenna, custom grill, hand built taillights.

Everything on this car was done on a strict budget as I had little money. Grille opening was formed from electrical conduit, sunken antenna and handbuilt taillights made from brass kitchen drain pipe, taillights were red truck clearance light lenses, upholstery including truck except for the back seal and convertible top were all done by my Mother, Dad and me. Front seats were from a 65 Mustang and my Dad fabricated floor mounts so they would fit. I used 57 Oldsmobile turn signals as they looked like Lucas lights and I sure as heck couldn't afford Lucas lights at the time!  Grill was chromed metal mesh.  It was flawless after many other hours of block sanding and my Dad put on many coats of Corvette Honduras Maroon Lacquer paint which looked a mile deep!!  A true family project, my sisters helped and everyone in the family loved the car.  Unfortunately I had to get rid of the car when I got drafted and joined the Air Force during the Vietnam era.  I hated to do it but had no way to get the car from Buffalo, NY to San Antonio, TX.  I did use the money from the sale of this car to purchase the Black 57 Chevy I purchased in TX and still have today.  Even so....I still miss this car and would do about anything to have it back..."
It's just one of those stories that make our hobby's history so rich. There are a LOT of stories to be told yet, and I'm stoked to be compiling it all, and learning as I go.
If you're an East Coast hot rodder/custom car owner or fan, and would like to share some history with the project, hit me up! I'd be delighted to make your car or story a part of this project, and will work to ensure that all proper credit is given where due. Write me HERE, and I'll get you the info you need to participate, as well as throw a gift your way...
Thanks again to Wayne, and those who have shared already. I'll keep you updated as we progress...


If you stop and think about it...
22 APR 08- ...there really is something inhrerently fun about cars in general. Growing up, I was always infatuated with cars. Toys, model cars, Hot Wheels cars, Matchbox cars... hang on a second.... quick moment of introspection here. Anyone else ever stop to ponder the difference between a Hot Wheels and a Matchbox car? I always felt (and I may be crazy here) as a kid, that the Matchbox cars were more "serious" cars. Replicas that were like the stockers running around town, while Hot Wheels were like the fun, rebellious cars... the hot rods of your town. Weird, perhaps, or maybe just right on track with their marketing idea... I just always played a little rougher with a Hot Wheels than a Matchbox. (oddly ironic is that, looking back, Matchbox cars always gave me some great ho rod and custom ideas... besides, they has some of the coolest colored windows... and when those boys busted out with a hot rod or custom-influenced car, they went NUTS with it.)
In any event, I was talking with the wife the other night about commercials, namely TV commercials for cars, and how they all just about suck. They've become serious, in a lot of ways... Granted, VW has their underlying humor, but, for the most part, the car commercials today all have a stodgy, buttoned-up feel.
We got on the subject of cool commercials, and by far, the greatest ever were the Nissan commercials from the nineties. Man, those were killer. Maybe it was a subconscious pondering of those commercials (which gave a solemn nod to the old Datsun days) that inspired me on a recent rendering to have fun, get loose, and throw a tip of the hat to their storied racing past... but there's one commercial from Nissan that everyone knows and loves:

...and how can you not love it? It was fun, and really played up a great image. It was a grown-up look back at your youth, playing with cars, and just inventing bizarre scenarios (especially if you had a sister... their toys always provided interesting back-drops for toy automotive-induced mayhem...)
The follow-up to that classic was just as entertaining:

In any event, I guess that my point is that even as we "grow up", we still hang on to the things that we enjoyed as kids, in some small way. While I may not have the toys I grew up with anymore, I have the memories, and I enjoy looking back on those times, as well as creating some similar memories with my kids, and taking that inspiration to the drawing board with me on each new project. I have fun doing my job, and hope it shows... Will playing with toy cars now have a similar effect on my kids? Who knows? Maybe they'll grow to become car-obsessed hot rodders, or maybe they'll just enjoy it for what it is, and go a different path with their interests (and take some cool memories along). The important thing is, we're having fun, and that's the name of this game. Go and do likeswise...


If you get a chance...
16 APR 08- ...check out the April 2008 issue of The World of Rods. If not only for the killer profile on me that Rich Boyd was kind enough to assemble and publish (thanks again, sir!), but for your own enjoyment. The title gets better and better with each issue, and the quality of the writing and photography are a feast for the eyes and mind.

I had first come across the title some months back, and was astounded that what (at the time, anyway) was a one-man show, pretty much, could showcase such variety and quality, issue after issue. Not the thickest book on the stands yet, but growing every month, I'm stoked to see that it's finding more shelf space (hard to find here in the Valley still!). I'm hoping that, as more people find out about this great title, that we'll see manpower increase over there, and that, perhaps, a website could follow?
In any event, check out the magazine if you haven't already, and even take time to drop Rich a note to let him know what a killer job he's doing.... If this is the first time you've heard of the title, go grab it, and let him know we sent you. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...


Over twenty years...
11 APR 08- ...things are bound to change. Just about 20 years have passed (we're about a month-and-a-half shy) since this photo was taken:

It's my old Chevelle, and the pic was snapped as the car was being completed... this being roughly my Senior year in high school (note lack of tail pipes and trunk lock cylinder, among other important items).
I bring this up on roughly the tenth anniversary of selling the car, after moving to CA in the late-90's, and, surprisingly, after my father ran into the car once more in Pleasanton, the very grounds where the old girl was passed to a new owner.
In any event, it's kind of funny to look back at the changes. I bought the car (with help from my parents... I had a very cool and supportive, hot rod-oriented mom... how killer is THAT?!) as a near basket case (here it is in progress)

and with a ton of guidance and help from my father and a few close friends, brought it back to life (in the form of the lead photo).
Fast-forward a few years, and things were shaping up on it, with some new wheels and aggressive rubber, all setting the tone of a late-'60's/early '70's street machine (OK, with updated wheels... hindsight yells "shoulda kept the slotted mags!!"). The tall stance and big meats were part of it, as was the period cool crushed velvet interior:

It was a fun car... not the fastest, by any stretch, but respectable enough. It was a clean car that had a classic look, and looking back on it, was an amazing car for a late-teens/early twenties-age guy going to school.

It packed attitude, and that black paint was a constant source of pride (and time-swallowing detailing), and the monster even saw the first snow on one notable occasion. It was a reliable, almost comfortable car, considering the ride height...

Fast-forward ten years after selling the car to head back to school, and I get a phone call from my dad, at the Pleasanton Goodguy's event. "You'll never guess what I'm standing in front of," he says. "The disembodied, floating head of Elvis?!" I ask, really wanting a picture... "No, you (expletive), your old Chevelle." Very cool indeed... The old girl is alive and well.
Granted, like any automotive project, the new owner has taken the car and personalized it, as anyone might make something their own, creating a vision they can be proud of. The car has a new life, yet continues its rebirth, which is an awesome thing.
See if you can spot the changes:

Rally stripes, new wheels, a front valance...

New seats up front (the rear remains!), updated gauges, speakers, and so on....

...but most amazingly, the black paint that was laid upon the car in '88 is still looking deep, shiny and straight... Seeing that work live on made my day. It's testimony to spending time in the right places, and taking pride in anything you do... a lesson I've been trying to teach my kids in all they do, and was illustrated perfectly in a car none of the three are old enough to recall.
In any event, long post, I know... But I thought it was cool to share a project that spans two decade, two owners and two very distinct styles, but shares the same basic foundation. May all your first projects carry on as long...


Art the hard way...
7 APR 08- ...is the tag-line of our friend in the Studio, Justice Howard.
One of the many perks of my chosen career path is meeting great people, and not all of them are hot rod-related. I get to meet artsists involved in all media, and one medium od particular interest to me has always been photography. Capturing a subject (be it a car or piece of fruit -- on a side note, I have a passion (holy crap, there's an accidental pun right there!) for restaurant menu photography, and am always seeeking out old menus, so hit me up w/any you may have.... more on that later) on film or in pixels is easy to do, but capturing it PERFECTLY, and in such a way as to grab THE MOMENT and create an emotional response in someone requires talent, and some sort of voodoo-ish magic I just don't have.
Needless to say, when I met Justice (via Craig over at MyRideIsMe), we hit it off instantly, as we both share some similarities in our work. We both started in one genre, and kind of felt limited doing what we did, and wanted to show that our work could take on a much wider scope. Lately, we've both been pushing to broaden our artistic horizons, and it's great to have an understanding ear to talk to about it.
When Justice had asked me to help out with her new ad for a Diva Dolls shoot, I jumped at the chance. After all, we're artists, and helping one another out is the name of the game. I was given a blank canvas, and just the basic information to roll with, and what came of this all is right here:

My idea was to give the ad a kind of gig flyer feeling, as we both have an almost unholy fascination with music, and to capture the feeeling of an old burlesque promo poster. I think we nailed it, and working withy great source material like her photography made the project a snap.
In any event, you can learn more about Justice and her work here, and be sure to check out her work at the beautiful Tattoo Bar (if you happen to be near Capitol Hill in D.C., and if not, click HERE! It's pretty mazing.).
In any event, it's great meeting new people and sharing artistic vision... Not to mention crossing out of one's normal "comfort zone", and expanding your artistic horizons a bit...

More Maze madness...
3 APR 08- ...continuing our last installment!
When last we left off, we were discussing the '57 Ford aptly named "the Maze" (scroll down to read it, if you missed out on part one... we'll wait up!). A little digging unearthed some cool stuff, and really fills in some of the voids. The shots I posted of the car lat entry were of the car in its '57-to-early-'59 guise, and the query made as to when the front end was changed-up to the split bumper/molded pan...

No answers yet on that... and apparently, this was not the end of the restyling of this radical ride... far from it, in fact!
It seems that the car was wrecked sometime before early 1960, received a more radical body transformation, and, ironically, much more subtle paint. The front fenders saw the removal of ten inches from the front, effectively setting the upper headlamps deep in the body. A new grille shell and front pan houses more lights, and a pair of grille bars created from ribbed exhaust pipe (I built models like this as a kid!):

This round of custom work was done by Gene's Body Shop in San Jose... anyone have info on them, or maybe any other notable customs? (how about Burns Upholstery while we're asking? I swear, this thing is becoming an obsession! Any help is greatly appreciated.)

The car, in this version, has a style similar to the Trendero, built around '61 by Trend Automotive (in Lyons, IL!! See? Great midwest customs from the early days!):

Anyway, the Maze, by this time, had gold paint, and no longer wore a rear bumper, utilizing a rolled pan and nerfs that shared their shape with the sloping "beaks" off of the roof scoops and tail lights.

Sadly, it's another of those great customs that have disappeared. While we may no longer have many of these greats from the age of excess (although, the Trendero lives!!), we have the archives to study them from. Of course, seeking out info on this one car has led me through some amazing territory, and truly whetted my appetite to pen some late fifties/early sixties show customs... Anyone up for something truly unique? Drop me a line...


The way to San Jose....
31 MAR 08- ...apparently involved a maze. Well, THE Maze, actually.
Recently, a conversation with a client (debating the merits of a few avenues we could travel with his '57 Ford) turned to one of my all-time favorite late-50's customs, Jerry Devito's "The Maze".

The car is a great example of restyling at the time, employing seven scoops of Grande Brothers bodywork (not to mention shaved trim and handles, extended peaks over the tunneled head and tail lights) all covered in a green/gold, and finally, a topping of scallops in seven colors by Bob Hendricks. Outrageous? Certainly... Are we going to duplicate the car? Unlikely... but there are aspects of this car that are so "right", it's scary, and will make the final cut. (however, if anyone is up to creating a similar, maybe even a tribute car.... I'm ready for you!)

Dig on the stance for a bit... It's awesome. The right amount of sidewall on the tires, the chrome reverse wheels are incredible, and the lack of a rear hubcap hints at performance potential. Devito's ride utilized the original engine, with the addition of an Offy three deuce intake, Isky cam, and the ever-popular Magspark ignition -- we may go likewise! Interesting to note is that the car had some chrome engine dress-up parts... This was the era when such underhood detail began to gain ground... As the cars became lower and more "custom" in appearance from the factory, the emphasis on body modifications (current example exempted!) began to wane, and it was in vogue to simply drop the ride height, and go wild on paint. Consider that this same car, if built a couple of years later, may have worn thin whitewalls (Royal Masters, perhaps?), no lakes pipes, and the body restyling would have been decidedly different... '59 was the tail end of wide whitewalls, and the beginning of a steady decline of the "golden age" of customs.
In any event, I thought it would be cool to share this car, as it had a profound effect on me so many years ago when I first saw it, thumbing through some "little pages" at a family friend's shop (imagine a kid in the '80's discovering this car in his VERY early teens... "impressionable" begins to describe it!). Later in life, I'd stumble across a piece of art by VonFranco featuring this car. Wild! While I'm certain many folks knew of the car, it was awesome to see it immortalized by a modern master in that way.
Odd fact: The car appeared in print wearing the stock front bumper on at least one occasion (as seen here):

and then later in the Book of Barris, with an odd split bumper and molded pan... Anyone know when this happened? If so, drop me a line!
There you have it... a quick trip through the maze, complete with some cool eye candy as your reward...


The first days of Spring...
27 MAR 08- ...and the second days' worth of Project Phoenix updates!
Blake ran the 'Bird again a few days ago... and added more evidence to the claims that a PCK Studio sticker WILL make your car faster. How's about four tenths faster?! Since we last checked in, the car was pulling low-11's and very respectable high-10's. Simply by peeling the backing and applying to your clean car, perhaps you too can gain speed, cut times, and launch like a rock star!

...of course, results may vary.
On the subject of running quicker, check out Blake's latest video... There's drama, tire smoke, and dig the way the car launches... poetic, in a way:

Can't wait to see what happens when the 3.23 rear gear gets swapped, and some slicks get mounted!
In any event... there's a moral in this story, as well as a great bit of knowedge to be gleaned: Our stickers will make your car faster. Less than five bucks got an actual client four tenths. Now to work on that miracle cure for flatulence...

One of my all-time favorites...
23 MAR 08- ...car-wise, anyway, has always been the '57 Chevy known as "Project X". Of course, my favorite incarnation of the perennial magazine project car was circa '81-'82... the look featured in the movie "The Hollywood Knights".

The car just had "the look"... Great color, great stance, and superb use of mag wheels. The way this car launched (what is it with my fixation of late with a car springing off the line? Who cares. It's good.), and hell, even Tony Danza looked cool in it. Looking over some screen grabs from the movie, I came across this one:

...and couldn't help but think (while peering at the background) that "that's a lot of (dirty word edited)magazines there." Ironic, considering the car's tremendous amount of ink over the years. Art and life imitating each other. That may be the deepest thought ever written with regards to this movie. Savor the moment.... savor it.... and we're done here...

Updates and photos...
18 MAR 08- ...and burnouts, oh my!
I'm stoked to find that I'm not the only one going a hundred miles an hour lately...

Blake shot over more great pics this week, as he continues to drive the snot out of the Firebird (gee, think he's having fun?!), and narrowing the close gap betweeen himself and John Force (nevermind those fancy world titles and millions and sponsors and... oh, hey Blake!)

...gotta love that sticker, too-- thanks, man!
Meanwhile, up North, Kevin continues his sprint into the home stretch with his T-Bird, now sporting some killer Supremes and whitewalls...
Seems we inadvertently planted the seed of traditional lowriders in Kevin, and he's even begun associating (gasp!) with the fine folks over at Los Boulevardos Car Club (great guys dedicated to traditional lows and that killer Bellflower look!), learning the ways from the masters! I'll update his project page soon, but for now, let's sneak a peek:

Suffice to say, it's come a long way, and looks better every week...

Quick peek...
15 MAR 08- ...at a little side project that just seems ready to snowball even further:

Pike and I got to talking some time back about cool projects and work and whatnot, and we got around the subject of the Nissan GTR (bear in mind that Pike is employed by Nissan as a powertrain engineer, so you know where this is headed), and possible carry-over GTR models...and the idea hatched for an Armada GTR. It almost seems natural!
Anyway, I was asked at the time to whip up a rendering based on the conversation, and one thing led to another, resulting in what you see here. I tweaked the front fender and door reveals for amore GTR-esque character, and then added more styling cues, borrowing the hood inlets and coves, as well as patterning the grille to hint at the new supercar.
The front fascia received a healthy dose of finesse, as well, getting a larger opening (to feed a large intercooler), as well as a new lower air dam, brake vent duct and rocker panel trim. Those GTR mirrors seem like they grew there, and the shaved handles, well... just because I gotta be me. Dig on the deeep-dish versions of the GTR wheels, too! Could it be built? Most certainly. Will it be built? Have to wait and see...

And the winner is...
09 MAR 08- ...Mike Warn, with his incredible, Ferrari-powered '60 Rambler wagon.

Taking the Ridler Award is no small feat, especially so in this day and age of extreme quality cars, and this year's winner is a prime example of not only the quality and attention to detail required to make the Great 8, but the creativity required to take the big prize.
Divers Street Rods in Sultan, WA threw down the gauntlet by placing the little Rambler over a Morrison chassis featuring suspension and drivetrain from a Ferrari 360 Modena, and rests on one-off 18 (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels.

Congrats to all involved on not only a great ride, but for pushing the envelope once more! (photos courtesy Street Rodder)
We'd also like to extend a huge congratulations to Joe Mouton Jr., and the crew over at Hot Rod Joe's Rods and Customs, as well as Wayne and Pam at M&M Hot Rod Interiors for their outstanding work on Joe's '41 Willys, which placed in the Great 8! Local heroes at Hot Rods by Dean placed in the Great 8 as well, with (another local!) Mark Bozak's '67 GMC, which flowed from the always-creative pen of good friend and uber-talent Jimmy Smith! Well done, everyone...

Lil' John Buttera...
02 MAR 08- ...passed away this morning at the age of 67.
To say that this has ben a week of sorrow in the hot rodding community would be an understatement. We have truly lost another of the industry's pioneers. With his roots in race car fabrication, John worked for Mickey Thompson in the late '60's, eventually opening his own chassis shop, from which he turned out many a winning car, including the Hot Wheels cars of Don Prudhomme and Tom McEwen.
A true pioneer in the industry, Buttera saw the future, "high-tech" look on the horizon for street rods everywhere. As early as '76, Buttera was dabbling in billet aluminum, shaping suspension components for his Harry Bradley-designed Model-A, along with the gauge cluster, mirrors and windshield posts. Later, it was his instrumental work with another legend, Boyd Coddington that further cemented a new look and direction for the industry.
We have lost another legend...

Boyd Coddington...
27 FEB 08- ...has sadly passed away this morning at the age of 63.
Suffice to say, he was a true giant in the industry, and the first builder to truly inspire me to throw my hat in the ring, and do what I love. His approach and design sense changed forever the direction of the modern street rod and custom car, and will be viewed forever as the benchmark of his era. Cars like CadZZilla are world-famous, and his face was easily one of the most recognizable in the industry.
Thanks to a guy who, no matter how hectic his schedule, took time to spend a few moments with me at a show, and review what I was working on at the time.
A sad day, indeed. Our sincerest condolences to his family and close friends.
Thanks again, sir...

Dippin' into the 10's...
26 FEB 08- ...with Blake's Firebird!
Yep, Blake told us from the get-go that he was, by golly, gonna drive the wheels off this sucker, and he has yet to let us down, flogging it on an almost weekly basis at the strip, cruising it non-stop, and generally doing what you'd do with such a killer ride: DRIVE IT.

Recently, the car was running solid low 11's, and has dipped into the 10's, with some more left in the old girl. We can't wait to see what else our Texas brother from a different mother has in store, so stay tuned for THAT...

The Monte rumbled...
23 FEB 08- ...its way into more print this week, this time popping up in Chevy Rumble Magazine, by way of a project announcement:

...this hot on the heels of M and M's new web site (check that out HERE, if you've not been there yet)...

All kinds of stuff...
20 FEB 08- ...keeping me busy these past few weeks, so I apologize for the lack of updates. In any event, the '46 Chevy panel truck I penned for the boys at Bed Wood and Parts (aptly named "On the Run") is making some headway, and saw some press in the recent issue of Truck Builder Magazine. The truck is very slick, featuring a 3-inch section (yep-- this sucker's getting the knife in a BIG way!) and a sneaky little 1 1/2-inch, tapered chop to keep things low (and in proportion), and the interior will feature a bunch of hidden compartments as a nod to the moonshine runners of times past (hence the name!).

It's a serious build, and we're ecstatic to be working with our good friends over at M & M Hot Rod Interiors on some unique guts for this Helix Supercharged, LS-2 powered beast... By the way, check out M & M's new site if you get a chance, and enjoy some of their work!
Beyond that, it's been a lot of drawing and designing, as well as getting out and meeting some great people at local shows and events. A little further away frrom home, we stoked to be represented on yet another window,

this time in Josh's well-travelled (and equally well-slammed!) '58 Buick.

Grab your own stickers here, and be one of the few to slap one on a non-red car! Speaking of Josh, look for an update soon on his new site as we put the finishing touches on that, as well...

Chicago...
9 FEB 08- ...got a little taste of PCK Studio and Chrome Shop Mafia this week, as the project F-650 debuted on the show floor:
.
...not too shabby at all! From what we hear, it's been well-received, and rightly so, considering the level of talent involved.
We are stoked to have been a part of the project, creating the rendering, and laying out a paint scheme to suit the truck's theme:

Hopefully, these trucks will become a popular edition of Ford's very cool F-650 lineup... Stay tuned for more big truck action, as well. We won't say too much here, but there's some neat art on the board, and while it's a little different than our usual hot roid stuff, it really shows how the influence can be applied almost anywhere and be successful. Thanks again to Bryan and the Boyz at CSM...


Older stuff HERE in the archives...