Dick Dean Chopped '40 Mercury

I ran into this beautiful '40 Mercury in the pits at the 2011 California Hot Rod Reunion. Chopped back in the 80's by none other than Dick Dean, it's been shaved, license plate sunk, fenders molded, and a host of other traditional custom mods. For full details, see the article at the bottom of the page.

I would like to point out that it's owner, Terry Cox, was making 240+ mph passes in a top-fuel dragster all weekend. Who says you have to pick a side on the hot rod vs. custom debate? Not Terry.








Here's an article with more info on Terry's Merc (courtesy of Rik Hoving)...

Far Out 70's Show Van

It's no secret that '70's vans kick ass. Not just any molestor-mobile with a help-me window or the A-Team van, but the crazy show vans that gained popularity during the period.

There are a bunch of guys who've been tracking down the well-known and not-so-well-known vans and breathing life back into their side-pipes. One such van is this '75 GM, aptly dubbed "Slayer." It's not the war-ensemble, reigning blood, Slayer, but it's so cool in it's own right. The murals are absolutely ridiculous, just like they should be.

See more pics and info over on the Los Boulevardos Message Board by clicking here.

Back to Basics....Freshly Chopped '48 Ford

I ran into this freshly chopped '48 Ford at the SoCal Speedshop Christmas party in Sacramento. It belongs to a friend of mine, Paul Garland, and while I knew that this chop was going down, I hadn't seen the car since he first purchased the car a couple years ago. Needless to say, I was blown away. Paul has always had a great eye and his work is top notch, but even knowing this, the dramatic effect of this traditional chop stopped me dead in my tracks. It's just heavy enough to be serious, but not smashed. The rounded door tops are pilars of perfection and he really should sell templates of those quarter windows! Hopefully I'll talk him into letting me shoot it somewhere with a little more ambiance.

Hiking for Turns

Anything worth a damn is worth working for. Whether it be scouring the swap for that part that completes your vision, cutting and re-welding a grille for the 10th time in pursuit of perfection, or driving hundreds of miles in a hot, old car with your ears ringing from the exhaust to meet up with your friends at a show, it's all about the journey and the satisfaction when the hard work pays off. This is a way of thinking and a lifestyle that spills over into other genres. And this is why so many hot-rodders and custom builders share other passions like music, art, skateboarding, and other creative outles.

Yesterday we hiked out of bounds to a small peak at the ski resort where my buddy works. We weren't hucking airs or anything wild, just looking for a few extra turns in the fresh snow. It was mid afternoon, but there were no tracks...no signs of anyone else willing to work for it...no signs of sacrifice other than ours. I managed to stop for a second and take shot of our spoils.

Herb Ogden 1941 Buick...The Details...

As promised, here are some detail shots of the Paisano/Herb Ogden Buick now owned by custom car collector, Kurt McCormick. As with almost all great customs, less is more....

Some of the Famous Customs from the Grand National Roadster Show

Each of these famous customs will get a separate entry with detailed pics...

Nachtfalter- Rudy Rodriguez-built '40 Mercury

Owned by Pual Hoffman, metal-work by Rudy Rodriguez of Fullerton Fabrications, paint and body by Hot Rods and Hobbies. This one will forever change the rules...







The detail of this car overwhelms me with it's simplicity...








The reflection on the top pours down the sail panels, on to the catwalk and decklid, and down to the ground. The same way water pours down the curves of a naked woman's body....



We will be seeing much more of this car in the near future.

Your Man Cave Blows

The term "man cave" sounds inherently homosexual, but I don't care about that. It's the concept of the man cave that I find so infuriating.

Maybe it's because I can't subscribe to giving up the entire house, minus one shitty little room, for what I consider important. How does one go about relinquishing all control in a relationship? And where does it end?

This is how so-called men end up driving mini-vans and Jettas. This is how The Bachelor plays on the flat-screen and Monday Night Football is lucky to air on the old tube TV.

Now I'm not saying put your Pam Anderson poster in the living room, but don't let that which makes you a man be forever banished to that place where the door is to remained closed.

So put up that hot rod photo where everyone can see it, display that bowling trophy, and wear your Iron Maiden shirt with pride.

Grow a pair, men....reclaim your castle!