Like it's 1999!

...and yeah, it's a little crazy, but so was this past year.

Starting today (12.30.09), you can order a single-view rendering (front 3/4, rear 3/4 or profile, whichever you like!) at prices we had in 1999! That's right, a single-view rendering of your hot rod, custom car, street machine, classic, daily driver, whatever for a discount! (pricing info is on our site at problemchildkustoms.com)  That's a fully-detailed, highest quality, 19x13-inch piece of art, ready to frame at HUGE savings...

These aren't some knocked-back, lesser quality versions.... These are the real deal, Studio PCK renderings as you've seen in the magazines and the Hot Rod Art Book. The very same detailed pieces we provide to the top shops when laying out a project car, or preparing artwork for promotional use and portraits as well!

All work is of the highest quality, and all renderings come delivered on superior quality stock, feature archival inks (8-color process with incredible depth and saturation), and are ready to frame. Naturally, all of this is subject to a limited-time offer, and full details are available on our site at www.problemchildkustoms.com

It's our way of saying "Thank You" for getting to do what we love every day, and saving you some cash on some great art. This is an incredible time to get that one-of-a-kind gift for someone special, and perhaps even knock out next years Christmas list for your hot rod building family member or enthusiast. Thanks again, and feel free to hit us up HERE, or give us a call in the Studio (contact info is HERE) with any questions, or to get the ball rolling on YOUR rendering. Happy New Year, and thanks again!

Two Cranks, Four Cylinders...

…and eight pistons.


While it sounds remarkably like a first-time engine build gone awry, it was actually a development engine from Ford, designed and built by Eugene Farkas.
In the 1940’s, Mr. Henry Ford was experimenting with lightweight, tube-framed cars, attempting to create a structurally rigid, but overall simple-to-construct car. And what better to power such a car than a very unique powerplant. Understanding Ford’s mindset of simplicity is key in the development process (even if this seems a bit extreme for only seeking to eliminate some engine vibration!). You see, the world was changing, and getting more and more complex. Ford wanted to retain the simplicity of the Model T, but create something powerful, efficient and reliable to work in then-present day America. The four cylinder engine illustrated this simplicity, but it lacked the balance of a V-8 (far less torsional vibration, even in a solid-mount configuration). In his quest for a vibration-free engine, this twin-crank eight was born...

Granted, it’s technically a four cylinder, but with two cranks and eight pistons, each moving in the opposite direction on combustion, thus balancing either side of the assembly. The engine had an overhead-cam, with a chamberless design (leaving the the actual combustion chamber in the block), running 1.5-inch valves. At 83 cubic inches (2.25-inch bore, 2.625-inch stroke), and running such a short stroke, this design would’ve been great for some high-RPM action, but, sadly, suffered from poor crank design (the billet cranks had no counterweights on the cheeks, thus exposing the center mains to some heavy abuse, consequently deforming at higher speeds). The cranks, incidentally, were geared together via herringbone gears (a pair each of left-and-right-hand helical gears per side), which were as quiet as a standard, single helical gear, but suffered no thrust issues. A large idler at the rear of the assembly acted as the flywheel, with the pressure plate (from a V-8 60) bolted to it. Furthering the quest for low vibration, the driveshaft speed was low, as the idler tgransferring power spun at roughly on-half of engine speed. A simple design engineered to arrive at the solution!

Another interesting fact is that this engine was constructed mainly of cast iron (aside from the aluminum oil pan). At the time, almost all of Ford’s experimental powerplants utilized aluminum. This considered, the assembly only tipped the scales at around 260 lbs, and looked pretty slick, too:



Looking back, a simpler solution, such as rubber motor mounts, isolators, etc, may have been the more logical, stop-gap answer, but Mr. Ford had sought perfection in design, and running a solid-mount would have reinforced that notion. Besides, it was a pioneering effort like this that makes for such a great story…

As always, I invite you to check out my website at www.problemchildkustoms.com for more stories, and plenty of hot rod and custom car design.

Adopting the Gonzo Approach

Many years ago, I was introduced to the work of a writer named Hunter S. Thompson. Bear in mind that this "introduction" came at a pivotal point in my creative career, and I was completely drawn to his style of not only writing, but his almost renegade technique of forming a story. Here was a journalist who not only covered the news at hand, but worked in a personal angle, often thrusting himself so deeply into the event he was covering so as to alter its outcome! "Absolute brilliance", I thought! Not mere "coverage" or "reporting", but LIVING it!

This was just too much... This guy GOT it! To a student of Fine art, this was the epitome of "creating" anything: Living it! Thompson's style of news came to be known as "Gonzo Journalism", and the name packs the energy rightfully reserved for this all-out, sensory attack, in which the writer himself becomes an integral part of the story. Somewhere between the facts, self-interjection and commentary, the truth lay in wait. This was the sort of writing I had done since I could first form sentences... I had found someone who had paved the way before me, and man, I was digging this. Taking something that has always been deemed as objective, and beating it into something much cooler and entertainingly subjective... showing that a subject or event could have an effect on the writer, and then, at times becoming a part of that story was just simple logic to me... After all, how interesting is just blowing some facts all over a sheet of paper (or a monitor!)? Stirring in (or up!) some emotion is key to creating compelling content. Anyone can say "gee, Stan... there was this one guy, and he said this, and the other guy said that. Then they shook hands." Wow. Not sure about you, but I'M drained from that story. What a cathartic experience... or NOT. Thompson would become the center of his work, very often blurring the line between "reporting" facts and "influencing" a story. He interjected opinion, an energy, and most of all, an experience.

That said, I began to look at this field of automotive art that I work in, and feel a bit depressed. It's gone from the fun, energetic industry to a machine full of photo-real, computer-generated imagery lately. The landscape is littered with 3-D models and tracings of the same-old, same-old.

Doesn't anyone just DRAW anymore?!

The creative projects... the REALLY wild customs and out-of-the-box hot rods are the ones that inspire and push the hobby to that next level... they've become fewer and further between. It's become... well, "safe". We're flooded with near stock-looking blah-mobiles drawn with a lack of personality, often with the actual car being just the same bland cookie-cutter crap over and over again. Wow... a photo-real 3D model of a '69 Camaro on aftermarket wheels... just like those other ones! What the hell happened?! It was as though Henry L. Mencken's "bathtub hoax" had brought some new lease on life in the car community. As though someone started the rumor that renderings needed to be sterile, lackluster depictions of some uniform style, and by golly, the whole group jumped the bandwagon, eating up the words and carrying it right into the common belief system they'd developed. Worse yet, I saw it start to occur in my own work as well from time to time, and it made me take a step back, and in doing that, I had a moment of absolute clarity.

I took the past couple of months and began heading back to what made this whole automotive illustration gig so appealing to me at the start: The ENERGY!! I pondered just what makes a rendering so valuable to a project, and beyond the financial (sponsor opportunities, press, etc) and communication (illustrating the modifications) value, it all boils down to CREATING EXCITEMENT! Simply looking at a photograph of a car can be cool, sure, but you're seeing something COMPLETE, FINISHED... and it removes the emotional response, the natural impulse to IMAGINE. To look at the idea SUBJECTIVELY!! By leaving just enough to the imagination, just enough room to interpret something, some part as YOUR OWN, you don't just LOOK at the work, you EXPERIENCE it!!

This is why I leave some loose lines among the tightened concepts, some free-form areas to chance... I'm not nailing down parts, bit by bit from some "rule book" ("18's and 19's? Check. Suspension lowered exactly like every other car on that forum? Check. Billet parts here, here and here? Check. Correct valve covers so as to avoid the wrath of the Traditional Police? Check, check!"), I'm inventing a concept to be shared, interpreted... EXPERIENCED by not only the owner or builder of the car, but anyone who happens upon it. Anyone (and I repeat ANYONE... you, your kids, your neighbor's Grandmother) with access to a 3D model, or some tracing paper and a few pencils and markers, or worse yet, Photoshop, Google and some time can bash out a lifeless, non-creative turd, and have it celebrated by the easily duped masses... but the ones who can hammer down a concept, and show some life in the lines, some ENERGY... man... those are the pieces that stand up to time, and drop their pants at the lesser crap. Compare a Stanford rendering to some Photohack from a guy in a forum. Name your three favorite Jimmy Smith renderings, or Steve Stanford concepts, or Larry Wood designs. Easy, right? Now try to do the same for three photochops or 3D models. That's a pretty tough one, huh? And do you like those pieces you named because the artist kissed your ass on some online forum, or because the work stood out, elicited a RESPONSE in you?

Pretty creepy realization, huh?

I'm not about to fall victim to this absolute "dumbing-down" of the hot rod and custom car industry... Rather, I'm adopting the "Gonzo" style, and going at it with the passion that brought me here to begin with. What's great is that I've never really fit in to begin with, so if anyone takes offense or has their feelings hurt by my shift in priorities, I certainly don't have to hear the whining, or fear some drop in the number of cards sent my way over the Holidays. It's just me, my art, and the drive to push it until the son of a bitch breaks from the altitude. I'm not about to fall victim to trends... to having the need to be accepted because I'm doing the same thing fifteen other guys are currently latching onto.

Our pal Hunter (from the start of this whole mess) stated that "he that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master". Grand advice... and a central theme here in the Studio. Draw inspiration from as many sources as possible! I'm often looking to objects or art forms so removed from cars that even I begin to wonder how they'll apply... and it's a blast! I'll look at a painting and consider the brush strokes, and experiment, seeing how they might work in a current or future piece. Perhaps there's a rhythm in a song that just makes sense when laying down the lines on some graphics... It can come from almost anywhere. The key here, though, is KNOWING YOUR SUBJECT.

INTIMATELY.

Simply hacking a few photos together, or painting some digital model or tracing a picture doesn't grant you any more knowledge of designing a hot rod or custom car than does accidentally bumping a car in the parking lot with your shopping cart. When you take time to know the car, to understand the parts and pieces that make the whole... to look into the designer's mind and grasp where he was going and WHY, well, you're starting to grasp the idea. You're in no position to modify that car until you understand it. Going back to Dr. Thompson for a second (after all, he's the reason we got rolling on this anyway), he once wrote that "Fiction is based on reality. Unless you're a fairy-tale artist, you have to get your knowledge of life from somewhere. You have to know the material you're writing about before you alter it. " Incredibly wise indeed, and the big "why" that so many of these sterile, cold "renderings" lack that "punch"... the thrill, the excitement of a GREAT piece... the ones that make you take a step backward and yell "BITCHIN', MAN"!!

With all of that strewn on the table, I'm going to go back into the Studio and tear the next project a new one. I challenge you to go and do the same in the shop, and wow the snot out of everyone who experiences your Gonzo build.

Meeting the Mistress

Back in 1980, Len Legere Sr. bought the remains of a ‘71 Javelin from a wrecking yard, and took it from a forgotten mess to the ISCA National Championship. The car had a HUGE impact on me almost twenty years ago, and still brings forth that teenage awe that it did when I first laid eyes on it at the Clutch Artists AutoRama in Buffalo, NY.

The one and only Mistress
Before we get too deep into it, dig on some video caught by my father those many moons ago (pardon the low quality– time has been harsh to the old VHS tapes, and his transfer was decent, but moving it online has degraded it a bit more…).

The car absolutely jumped off of its turntable that March day, and drove deep into my psyche. Here was a modern custom car… a contemporary take on the radical customs I was already obsessed over as a kid, but oh, so much more! That stance was aggressive, and not typical at all of a custom car, it had billet rollers, and those proportions, man!! Chopped and sectioned, and channeled just right over that custom frame… This was a 1:1 version of the models I was building! I can’t begin to count the hours I spent studying the car as it went ’round and ’round that weekend, but know this much: I was taking notes.

Radical Custom AMC Javelin
As a junkyard-trolling individual, I recognized the (then) late-model Monte Carlo headlamps, the Fairmont tail lights… but the specifications were branded into my brain: roof chopped 2.5-inches, body sectioned 3-inches, floors channeled 5-inches. I stood there, imagining the car sitting on the ground… how it would have looked, a whole, what… 40 or so inches tall? Awesome.

How’s the old girl look today? VERY well-preserved indeed. Some pics from this past Summer:

As she looks in 2009

It's what's inside that counts, too...

A modern classic
Anyway, I bring this car up following a week of finishing off a couple of pro-touring style car renderings, and a late night of pondering where that whole movement will go next. After all, custom cars grew to become milder versions of their former selves, save for a few notable examples like we have here, and pro-street became, well, pro-touring… Yet, almost 20 years ago, Len Legere created a car that would easily meld the custom and pro-touring camps, and left an indelible mark on my design sense. Since that day in the Buffalo Convention Center, I’ve worked to add styling cues to my designs that honor that pivotal moment, and have enjoyed the hell out of it all. Here’s hoping you’ll do the same, and thanks, as always, for peeking in….

Naturally, the question remains for my fellow hot rod designers (and those just peeking in, too!) :
How would YOU, as a hot rod designer or artist, update this car to compete once more in the modern day? What changes, if any, would you contemplate? Bonus points for posting up some ideas!

Happy Holidays...

to all of our friends and colleagues! A HUGE thanks to all who supported us this year, and to our "regulars" for the faith in what we do! Nothing beats hearing those words "just do what you do... run with it!". Just know we appreciate it!

With a shaky year now drifting into the past, here's hoping that 2010 brings out some more creativity and a willingness to really "push the envelope". I can't begin to explain what a cool year this was in a few short sentences, but I'll give you a quick summary of the places and people that made it such a killer year. Howzabout a sneaky-peek at the holiday card artwork... your friendly postman is probably carrying yours right now...

Starting in January we hit the GNRS in Pomona, and nailed a double-whammy, launching the Hot Rod Art Book: Masters of Chicken Scratch, which we were stoked to be a part of... Not only does The Hot Rod Art Book contain over 100 pages of beautiful hot rod art from a variety of artists, but it includes tutorials from a past Hot Wheels designer, Dwayne Vance on an instructional CD that shows the complete process from sketch to rendering plus a few extras. The first printing sold out, and the second printing will be in shortly, so if you missd it, grab one when these hit!

That same weekend in January, we debuted Resilience, the '52 Buick we were honored to be a part of with owners Erik and Paul Hansen and builder Tim Strange. The radical Buick received a ton of great press, both here in the US and overseas, as well! As the year rolled by, the mighty Buick cleaned up with some great awards, even capturing the KKOA 777 Custom Crown Award as America's Top Custom...and the prestigious Elden Titus Memorial Design Award... OUTSTANDING!!

While attending the GNRS, Paul and Erik Hansen were kind enough to invite me along to the Hall of Fame Luncheon, which was a once-in-a-lifetime highlight to be certain. We have some video from this all-star gala HERE on the site... Legends like Blackie Gejeian, Mary Slonaker, Dick Bertolucci, Thom Taylor and more... Definitely worth a look.

As the year rolled by, we were chosen to be a part of many great projects, meeting some incredible builders and designers along the way... We were even chosen to pen the 2010 Street Rodder Road Tour car! (see it in this month's Street Rodder Magazine)

This year also saw the first Hot Rod Industry BMX Challenge, which we were honored to create the artwork for. Organized by Tim and Carrie Strange, it was a great event held the weekend of the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, and attended by many top builders and great folks in the industry. Look for this to continue to grow!

Add to all of this working with Denny and the crew at ProRides on their latest Drag Week monster, the "Sick Seconds" Camaro, which debuted in raw form at the PRI show... Look for this terror to swallow 1320 feet and thousands of miles in the coming year!

While staying thankfully busy, I took on some added responsibility, accepting the role as V.P. at Motorburg, Inc., a position offered to me by one of the founders and a HUGE inspiration in my work, Charlie Smith. The automotive art and design community has some incredible history, and I was brought on to build the community. Starting with a new website, revamped forums and a social network, things are REALLY starting to happen there, with some incredibly talented folks posting articles, tutorials, and just generally sharing tricks, tips and advice on everything from drawing to running a studio. Check it out!

Things just kept picking up, with the Hot Rod Art Book show at GINAC Gallery in Santa Ana, and more drawing and designing...

We began wrapping the year up with the Goodguys Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, and were once again shown incredible hospitality from Scott and the crew at Billet Specialties... thanks again, guys!!

Speaking of Billet Specialties, dig on the new tees we designed for them to celebrate their 25th year, as well as some great wheels and accessories!

Rounding out the year, the wife and I continued a tradition we began some years back, and instead of exchanging gifts, she grabs a few "Christmas Angels" from the tree at work, and we go about giving a few kids a Christmas to remember... The kids get involved, and it's a great lesson in sharing and giving a hand to someone who may be a bit down. I can't say enough good about the program, and encourage you to take part as well.

And, just a reminder to give back a little if you can, especially to those who need a little cheer this season. Head on over to the Car Design Fetish store and grab a gift that not only supports a great cause, but gives back twelve times a year with some fantastic artwork! This is a great-quality and big calendar, too, at 11x17 with thick card stock and full bleed printing. Very high quality indeed, and with art from guys like Scott Robertson, yours truly, Micah Jones, Raza Bashir, Mark Weaver, Dustin Shedlarski, Wayne Manista, Charlie Smith, Dwayne Vance, Arvind Ramkrishna, and Sangyup Lee, it's a virtual "who's who" of OEM and hot rod design and artistry! Certainly a future collectible.

We're not slowing at all heading into 2010, and hope you'll stick around as it just gets crazier and crazier! Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!

Rendered Hope...

It’s here!!! The 2010 Rendered Hope Charity Calendar featuring transportation artwork from professional designers. This years calendar has a great mix of work from OEM, Hot Rod and Entertainment Designers. There is feature artwork from the hot Camaro, Corvette Stingray Concept, Scott Robertson’s crazy ships, west coast Hot Rods and more!

I was among the fortunate few to receive an invitation to be a part this year, and am stoked to have a piece featured among my heroes and colleagues, and even dragged legendary hot rod designer Charlie Smith along for the fun, adding a double-shot of Motorburg flavor to the mix! Just like last year 100% OF THE PROCEEDS will go toward buying Hot Wheels and toys for the Detroit Children’s Hospital annual Snow Pile Event. This is a great cause that you surely want to support... and you can certainly understand how incredible it is to see OEM guys giving back. Head on over to their merch store and grab a gift that not only supports a great cause, but gives back twelve times a year with some fantastic artwork! This is a great-quality and big calendar, too, at 11x17 with thick card stock and full bleed printing. Very high quality indeed, and with art from guys like Scott Robertson, yours truly, Micah Jones, Raza Bashir, Mark Weaver, Dustin Shedlarski, Wayne Manista, Charlie Smith, Dwayne Vance, Arvind Ramkrishna, and Sangyup Lee, it's a virtual "who's who" of OEM and hot rod design and artistry! Certainly a future collectible.

The calendar is a limited edition print and will be on sale now through the end of the year. So spread the word and get it while you can! We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be involved with this project, and appreciate your help in getting the word out there more than can be expressed here. Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!

Performance in MOTION...

"There was no long-range marketing plan", says Joel Rosen in the new Motorbooks title Motion Performance: Tales of a Muscle Car Builder by Martyn L. Schorr, and like so many legends, things just seemed to take on a life of their own for Motion Performance.

Mr. Schorr brings the Motion Mystique to life with his in-depth, highly entertaining and enjoyable book. This is a book that reads about as fast as the cars Joel "Mr. Motion" Rosen put together. The author begins with a little history lesson about auto racing, going back to 1904, when the cars from Buick Motor Division were cleaning up at the tracks. We are treated to some racing history about the Duesenbergs, Stutz Bearcats and the Hudson Hornets (the Hudsons won 27 of 34 NASCAR Grand Nationals!), and the inspiration that a young Joel Rosen would draw from these cars. Interestingly enough, the exponential growth in speed and power over the years from these early supercars would be mirrored in his own brand of high-powered muscle.

In the mid-1950's, Joel became tired of the lack of hands-on experience offered in his college engineering courses, decided to join the Air Force and hone his talents working on airplanes. Shortly after his discharge, Joel opened his own auto shop and in his spare time competed in gymkhana and hill-climb racing with his wife. They raced a Corvette and did very well, but it was a street Cobra that brought major attention to his tuning talents prior to his alignment with Chevrolets. It was Joel's magic touch in dyno tuning that created a name for his shop, and soon, there was little time for wrenching on the neighborhood grocery getters... It was performance-only from then on.

Having a keen entrepreneurial spirit, he struck a deal with Baldwin Chevrolet to "built to order" street cars with a money-back guarantee. His success with the big block Camaros found buyers waiting in line across the U.S., Canada, Germany, Iran and Switzerland to mention a few.... and the list of Motion supercars was as impressive. Motion-prepared engines were finding their way into Novas, Chevelles, Vegas, full size Biscaynes and Corvettes. The success of all the Chevrolets brought interest from Pontiac and Oldsmobile as well, and even an Iso Grifo sporting a 427!

Joel Rosen was not a one-trick pony. His love of horsepower led to building super fast boats at Motion Marine, as well as performance street VW's and dune buggies at Motion Mini Car. Overcoming the obstacles placed before him by the oil embargo and the Clean Air Act of 1970, Joel ventured into building Mako Shark Vettes, IROC Grand Ams and Monte Carlos well into the 1980's. In 2005, he debuted an all new Camaro at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The book documents the vision and keen determination of an automotive genius. We are treated to a bevy of photos which add to the enjoyment of the story. You get the feeling that you are one of Baldwin Motionís satisfied customers... As my father put it, "I know my left foot kept looking for the clutch pedal. For anyone who has ever raced or even dreamed of racing this is one book you should own."

Truly a great addition to any high performance lover's bookshelf, the book is one of those rare works that brings the historical, emotional and factual ingredients together in a slick package. It has some great "repeat" value, meaning you'll find yourself cracking it open again and again... if not just to enjoy the great collection of photos and car features. Truly a wonderful documentation of something uniquely American.

PHOTOS CREDIT/COURTESY MARTYN SCHORR

Motion Performance
Tales of a Muscle Car Builder
Martyn L. Schorr
Illustrated. 176 pp.
Motorbooks
$35.00

Grab your copy here, and save almost 35%

Mystery Print Packs

If you're a long-time visitor to my website, or just know us, then you already know how we enjoy the hell out of saving our clients and friends some cash... simply because we love saving some ourselves! From time to time (usually a few times per month), we'll hide a deal someplace on the site... it might be a freet shirt, a sticker, something from one of our pals in the industry, a break on design work and costs... or even a coupon for the online store!

The new "Mystery Print Packs":

How cool is this: 8x10-inch prints normally sell on the site for $12.00/ea. I've decided that a fun way to get more bang for the buck (and handle some Holiday shopping, too!) would be to offer some "package" deals.

Amplifying the "fun" part works like this: You buy a "Mystery Print Pack" for $30, and you get two random 8x10 prints, PLUS a special 8x10-inch print (one not normally offered as an 8x10), AND.... how about this: Every fifth pack sold gets a signed, 19x13-inch print (it'll be a cool one) thrown in! There you have it....

You get a print for 1/2 off PLUS a shot at a limited-edition, signed print (could be a $50. bonus!)... make that a one-in-five shot!

Check it out here!

A History of Speed Parts

"The dry lakes racers opened a door of opportunity," writes Barney Navarro in his forward to Paul D. Smith's book Merchants of Speed, and this hits the nail on the head to be certain.



For anyone interested in tracing hot rodding's roots, all roads lead back to the dry lakes and the men who were interested in one thing: speed. Early on, the Mohave Desert provided a testing ground for anyone seeking to try their hand at that all-American pastime of tinkering. As fast as Detroit could build them, you just knew there would be some guy out there looking to make his car faster or more unique. Naturally, any display of creativity breeds a sense of competition, and with competition, we often find ingenuity and innovation. Such was the case with hot rods, and following World War II and the return home of servicemen who had been exposed to new technology and training, the industry began a period of exponential growth.

Mr. Smith takes a look at twenty six of the original speed parts manufacturers over twenty-two chapters, giving some personal history on each, and digging up the inspiration behind their contributions to the industry. The book was written using the hundreds of hours of interviews conducted, and the voices of the men behind the history really shine through. From humorous anecdotes to sobering looks at tragic wrecks, we are presented with a living history of this truly American industry. We are treated to an ongoing series of innovations, witnessing the evolution of technology, and ever-changing business and manufacturing standards. The pursuit of quality and craftsmanship reaches ever-higher benchmarks as the stories roll on, and the "inside story" of so many parts we now take for granted seem to fill the little gaps that so often appear when one wonders "how'd they come up with that?".

Being born at the close of the musclecar era, so many of the names in this book were, up to reading this volume, just that... names. I was treated to what felt like a first-hand drive through the living history of the sport and industry I grew up loving, and make my living in. The book is a substantial 240 pages, loaded with over 250 images of the men, the parts, and numerous action shots. Truly a must-have for anyone seeking the "behind the scenes" history, and truly priceless for the artists out there who are looking for rare reference photos of parts and accessories.

More than just a history of the speed parts industry, we are invited to share the memories of the "founding fathers": Lou Senter (Ansen Automotive), Tommy Thickstun, Frank Baron, Bob Tattersfield, Nick Brajevich (Braje Equipment), Harvey Crane Je. (Crane Cams), Vic Edelbrok Sr. (Edelbrock), Jack Engle (Engle Racing Cams), Earle Evans (Evans Speed Equipment), Chet Herbert (Herbert Racing Cams), Stu Hilborn (Hilborn Fuel Injection), Howard Johansen (Howards Racing Cams), Ed "Isky" Iskendarian (Iskendarian Racing Cams), Frank McGurk (McGurk Engineering), Barney Navarro (Navarro Racing Equipment), Fred Offenhauser (Offenhauser), Chuck Potvin (Potvin Racing Cams), Mel Scott (Scott Fuel Injection), Al Sharp (Sharp Speed Equipment), Bill and Tom Spalding (Spalding Racing Cams & Ignitions), Wayne Horning and Harry Warner (Wayne Manufacturing), Harry Weber (Weber Racing Cams), Phil Weiand (Weiand Power & Racing), And Dempsey Wilson (Dempsey Wilson Racing Cams).

It's one of those rare multi-purpose books that will occupy equal time in the Studio being cracked open for research, as well as being brought out for some additional inspiration in those late-night bench race sessions.

Merchants of Speed
The Men Who Built America's Performance Industry
by Paul D. Smith
Illustrated. 240 pp.
Motorbooks
$40.00

Grab your copy here, and save almost 35%

Hot rod art

…and prints that really “pop”.

Traditional Lakes Roadster artwork

As we were packing up some prints to ship out the other day, a friend stopped by and began to rave about the color and quality of these pieces. Naturally, I was stoked to hear this, and realized that I’d never really given much thought to it. After all, I see them from loose pencil roughs on paper, right though completion in digital, and all of the post-print work that goes into them, and simply want to deliver a piece that looks good. To me, each piece just has to look “right”. My pal then gave me an idea: Show some of these pieces as they look on paper, complete… ready to ship. So, I snapped a few pics of some pieces, and wanted to share a few examples with you, just to show what kind of quality you’ll receive when ordering one of our prints:

1955 Chevy rendering

Our renderings for example, are delivered on superior quality, acid-free archival paper, and the work itself is created using an 8-color pigment process (UltraChrome K3 by Epson), and all post-print work (airbrush, etc) is created using Createx and House of Kolor products for the truest color matches and best ‘flakes and pearls where needed. I’ve never really promoted these facts, as I assumed that all renderings and prints were created equal, but after receiving a ton of positive feedback, I thought I’d share it here, and hopefully swing anyone thinking about grabbing a print over to the “yeah, I’ll take one” camp!

Just for kicks, here’s an example of the detail I like to throw in, these shots coming from a ‘55 Chevy resto-mod rendering:

1955 Chevy interior drawing

…and yes, you can even read the lettering on all gauges:

1955 Chevy dashboard rendering

That all shown, we’re pretty proud of the finished product, and hope that you will be, too! Even the experimental works have been turning out with a great look:

Automotive fine art

I hope that you like what you see, and that all of the techno-jargon makes sense. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to hit me up, and I’ll get you an answer! Thanks for looking in, and thanks to all who have been collecting my work! Look for more new pieces soon!

…and feel free to browse or grab some hot rod art here!

Peeking behind the scenes...

...with two guys who made it possible.

Consider a new DVD release of a feature film, especially one loaded with extras... Whether it's commentary form the director or writer, offering you some insight to the big "why" questions, or a peek at the cast, it's just cool to be a part of the action. Prior to DVD's (and their subsequent "special features"), seeking out those behind-the-scenes features required a little more effort. There were magazines, certainly, and the occasional "featurette" on TV, but in the earliest days, looking into the meat and potatoes required some serious digging, if not inside connections. It was much the same for custom cars and hot rods in the early days. Before there was Powerblock TV and Overhaulin', getting that in-progress glimpse of a build was a rarity, and required a trek to a local shop, or that rare tech article.

Enter two gentlemen who had a profound impact on their respective industries, as well as on me: Forrest J Ackerman and George Barris. Buckle your belts 'cuz we're going to mix and mash two seemingly different things once again, and hopefully leave you with some fresh insight... and don't worry, this one will be quick and painless!

About the time that George Barris was born (in the mid-1920's), Forrest J Ackerman was reading his first sci-fi tale in a copy of Amazing Stories. While Forry's interests were writing fiction and celebrating the genre and its writers, George and his bother Sam were customizing cars. Forrest was hanging with friends the likes of Ray Bradbury and Henry Kuttner, starting magazines like Futuria Fantasia (which would be a killer name for a bubbletop custom, mind you), The Barris boys were learning tricks of the trade from masters like Dick Bertolucci, and bolting together a slick '36 Ford which was used as a calling card, attracting paying customers. (Keeping with our "parallels" theme, at around this same time, George founded a car club named "Kustoms Car Club", reportedly the first use of "kustoms" with that "K"... Meanwhile, Forry and his friend Myrtle R. Douglas attended the first-ever World Science Fiction Convention, dressed in space suits, setting of a chain-reaction of future comic and Trek convention costumed attendees. Trendsetters indeed!) Add to the parallel that all three were in Los Angeles in these times, and, well, it just couldn't be any cooler had it been written that way. (oddly enough, Sam Barris and Forry Ackerman were both enlisted in WWII.)

Throughout the '40's and into the '50's, Barris continued building custom cars, and making a huge name in the industry, guiding it, in fact. It was during these years that George saw the potential in magazines, and was instrumental in documenting literally thousands of cars, and in the process virtually invented the modern "tech article". His photo essays in the popular car magazines of the time chronicled trends and techniques for customizers living outside of the California hotbed of activity, and offered that all-important "behind-the-scenes" insight, probably providing countless would-be customizers with some inspiration. Barris is often credited with inspiring many modern day customizers to practice their craft, and his efforts with his unique brand of Public Relations certainly has been a driving force behind the continuation of this industry into the twenty-first century.

Meanwhile, Ackerman was acting as a literary agent, representing hundreds of writers, and serving as "agent of record" for many more, ensuring that their work would be published in numerous anthologies, preserving the science fiction genre's past in not only written form, but providing an entirely new facet for the then-growing motion picture industry. Consider that his magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland exposed many aspiring special effects artists and film makers alike to those "behind-the-scenes" looks, and the parallels just grow stronger. It was these close looks at the men behind the special effects techniques that inspired such talents as Tim Burton, John Landis and Rick Baker, as well as countless other amateur home directors. Forrest truly created an industry that continues strong today, not only from the standpoint of the behind-the-scenes documentary, but for collectors of film memorabilia. He was also one of those rare "hands-on", approachable figures, leading tours of the "Ackermansion", his personal home and museum, packed to the rafters with his collection of movie props and memorabilia.

In this same way, George is a common figure at car shows and events, as well as still working from his shop. It's this accessibility that makes it all even more fun; having that opportunity to mix and mingle with the folks who not only "were THERE", but helped to preserve our hobbies for future generations. While we unfortunately lost Forrest J Ackerman in 2008, the next time you load that movie into your DVD player and pop open the "Special Features" menu, give a quick "thanks" to the ultimate fanboy, and feel free to share your knowledge of where it all began. And while you're at it, why not give a tip of the hat to George next time you're browsing those back issues at the swap meet. After all, chances are, many of the photos in that issue are courtesy of the "King of the Kustomizers".

Resilience Storms the Midwest!

A HUGE congrats to our team, Tim, Carrie, Erik, Paul, Shawn and Dave on the outstanding showing of the mighty Buick this past weekend at the KKOA Leadsled Spectacular in Salina Kansas! The copper-colored cruiser grabbed the 777 Custom Crown Award, a John D-Agostino Best Contemporary Custom Award, and the revered Eldon Titus Memorial Design Award!

We're all just stoked to see this project getting recognition like this... We were fortunate to have assembled a truly dynamic team on this car, with visionary owners like Erik and Paul Hansen, a builder like Tim, and talented craftsmen like Dave and Shawn... We all just happened to click, and seeing others appreciate the end result is nothing short of incredible.



On a personal note, it's been absolutely mind-blowing to be a part of this all... As a kid, I had dreamed of going to a KKOA event, and had watched videos made by family friends, simply awestruck by the cars and the good times. Now, so many years later, seeing a car that I was fortunate to have created some doodles for and worked on such a creative high with an outstanding builder and friend take home such accolades from such an event, I'm speechless. Seeing this car grab the Eldon Titus Memorial Design Award is just amazing... It holds an incredible amount of meaning for us all, as he was an innovator, a gifted designer and builder, and truly a man who led the custom car back to the forefront. Growing up, he was one of my favorite builders, mixing and matching styles to create mind-blowing rides... and having a hand in a car which received the award bearing his name and legacy... well that my friend, is absolutely priceless!

Thanks for looking in, and more soon...

Quick Update

Project "Sick Seconds" is getting closer to moving under its own power. The team at SunCoast Racecars has been busy putting their final touches on the car, and once out of the body shop there, the first gen-bodied missile heads on home to ProRides for the next build phase. Be on the lookout for engine build pics, as the heart of the beast is slated to be completed in about 45 days. We'll keep you posted, and you can see the earlier mill work, if you happened to miss it the first time out HERE. This is promising to be a fun build with some SERIOUS results!



In the meantime, we're all stoked and looking forward to the car's debut in the GearVendors booth at the SEMA Show (look for precise date and time info soon, as well). Currently, though, the car is available for PRI, and anyone interested in displaying the Camaro in their booth can give us a shout, and we'll make sure you get connected to do so!

Stay tuned for more, and thanks, as always for looking in!

"The forbidden-ness of the place..."

...is what made it "so compelling", Greg Noll once said of his decision to surf Waimea Bay, which, in November of '57 he conquered.

Surfing there was considered a no-no of sorts, stemming from the death of Dickie Cross there in 1943, as well as the sacred ruins in Waimea Canyon, and a house that the locals presumed haunted... All signs of surfing the almost unexplored (at the time) North Shore seemed to have a big red slash through them. But on that fifth day of November, a drive was so great in the mind of one man, that he cast all superstition and fear aside, and rode some waves. He was quickly joined by Harry Church, Bing Copeland, Pat Curren, Mickey Munoz, and Mike Strange... six guys who spent three years trying to draw enough courage to surf there... And once they did, they became legends.

What's any of this have to do with building or designing hot rods?

Plenty.

I get inspiration from a wide range of sources, and always seek to implement the ideas I get from those sources into a design, or piece of art. Mr. Noll is one of the people on my list of great inspirations, as he was a true pioneer in his craft, whether riding waves, or creating the boards to do so. While I could go on for days about his contributions to the surf industry, I'd rather concentrate on those few opening words from this entry...

"The forbidden-ness of the place is what made it so compelling."

Has there ever been a better way to describe the feeling of taking a torch to a car with the intent of creating something unique?! I imagine the late Sam Barris, contemplating the first cuts on his Merc, or his Buick, for that matter... It was a visionary, bold move to drop the lid on either car, and yet, his decisions to do so spawned legend... and countless chopped tops to follow. Decades later, some in the hobby/industry still embrace this pioneering spirit with the battle cry of "dare to be different!", pushing the creative envelope just a bit further each time. It takes a big ol' pair of stones to carve into something different, something not considered mainstream, and really have at it. Of course, it also takes "doing it well" to be successful.

I recently penned a design for Popular Hot Rodding that embodies this approach, taking a relatively forgotten and over-looked car, and just "having at it", bringing in influences from all over the place...


...and it was cathartic, man. "You don't do one of THOSE..." I was told... Which only fueled the fire, as such challenges often will in those with a creative bent. I finished the roughs for the car, and began to think of even more rides off of the beaten path. I'm not saying that drawing this car even compared to riding Wiamea for the first time, but the excitement of taking a direction with it (that I've sat on for years) that is fresh sure packed, metaphorically, anyway, the anticipation of paddling out.

I guess that it all just comes down to finding inspiration in unique places, and then summoning the courage to apply it properly. Not to mention boldly crashing though some previosuly closed doors along the way...

More, as always on my site!

Hiring a Hot Rod Designer

Over the last decade, we've seen explosive growth in the hot rod and custom car industry and hobby as a whole. This can be attributed to the popularity of television shows like Overhaulin', American Hot Rod and others, as well as Powerblock TV, the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events, and of course, the access to great personalities like Chip Foose, Stacey David and others. This brings in new enthusiasts, and naturally, more project cars!

Not since George Barris snapped thousands of photos and wrote hundreds of articles promoting the hobby back in the 1950's and '60's have we seen so much attention on our hobby, and it's amazing to witness. Yet, while there's all of the excitement, many of these new fans and participants are feeling lost when starting a project. It can be a daunting task to say the least, but when taking those first steps, having the right footing can make all of the difference in the world.

Naturally, any success in a project requires a plan, and building or modifying a car requires very careful thought at this stage. I've often heard guys say "I just build as I go... no plan, just what feels right", and sadly, it certainly doesn't look like it must feel in many cases. Disjointed design, half-assed "fixes" to make parts fit, and often unsafe "engineering" ("engine-beering", most likely) have sent many a project to an early grave. Thus, the best advice would be to bring on an experienced designer to help guide you along. As a professional hot rod and custom car designer with over twenty years experience in the auto industry (from parts and service to body and after-market accessories), as well as training in design and fine art, I'm here to offer some advice on taking those first steps.




Five things to consider when hiring a designer:

Unless you have a background in design, you'll want to seek out a designer to help you refine your vision. The importance of having a vision on paper, especially when working with shops and others on a team cannot be overlooked. You'll have a vision of the finished product for everyone to work from, and it helps to avoid gaps in communication, and errors in describing what you want to accomplish.

When shopping for a designer, keep some things in mind:


1. Look for one with a style you like.

Not only are you hiring someone to assist in laying the groundwork for your project, but this person must be able to convey your ideas and tastes, as well as create a piece that will inspire your build team. You'll want some "wow" factor, but also be sure that your designer draws with proper scale and proportion! Taking a cartoon or shoddy "Photochop" to an experienced builder will get you laughed out of the shop. Sure, the kid you hire in a forum can make that '58 Edsel bumper look like it fits your Monza, but in reality, would it? (and are you looking to blow your budget on wild changes before the car even hits primer?) Look around, and study the artist's styles and prior work.
Much like you chose a car that excited you, be it for nostalgia reasons, a certain feeling it gives you, or just the fact that you liked it overall, you'll be miles ahead by selecting a designer in the same way. When the car is torn apart and looking bleak, the artwork will serve as an excitement generator.




2. Find a designer you get along with.

Spend some phone and email time conversing with designers. See if you get along, and can communicate freely. An open exchange with your designer will pay off in a HUGE way when working. Look for someone who can help guide, if asked, but also take an idea you have and run with it. Nothing can be more disappointing than getting going with a guy who doesn't listen, or is looking to create a portfolio piece on your dime. On the flip side, simply hiring a "wrist" to make some lines based only on what you say is boring, and will; leave your design "flat". On the same note, just hiring an "artist" who rehashes the same 3D model their last 40 customers got, but with different paint and wheels will get you, well, the same car as those other 40 guys.
Make your budget known, and make sure that your designer understands that.
Make it an open exchange where ideas can flow freely, and you'll be pleasantly surprised how an idea can grow or be refined to mind-blowingly cool in the right hands.

3. Understand the designer's terms.

Get it ironed out immediately when speaking, just how many revisions you'll receive, and what the cost may be above that level. Know how the work will be delivered. Hard copies? (one for you, the shop, and maybe for promotional purposes?) Digital copies for magazine ink? (how about sponsorship proposals?) Can you use the artwork to promote the car? Who owns the Copyright?

A professional designer will furnish a contract spelling this out, allowing for worry-free design time. Check this out from step one, and you'll avoid starting over when your forum buddy disappears with your PayPal payment.

Understand, too, that work will often depend on payment. If you want your designs quickly and well-done, be prepared to pay a bit more, and respect the time required to perfect a design. Much as you wouldn't rush a surgeon reconstructing your body, giving the same consideration to your designer will breed equally functional results!

4. Don't be the "I'll know what I want when I see it" guy.

That guy is the enemy of designers, and it translates to "headache" to any pro. Have an idea at the first consultation, even if it's vague, and ask for direction/advice if needed. Know what you'd like to do with the car. Will it be restored? Modified? A combination of the two? Something wilder? A professional designer will offer examples, and throw ideas around with you, hitting on your likes and dislikes before pencil hits paper. Many great cars develop during these "bench racing" sessions, and you'll save a ton on revisions. Communication is your best friend here. Simply jumping from style to style will burn you and your designer out, and close doors on really creative ideas.
Research the hell out of your project and ideas. Go to shows, cruise nights, rod runs... Pick up magazines, books, videos... Look around at what's been done, and find a style that you like. Make a list of things that you enjoy about cars. Perhaps you enjoy good handling, or maybe straight line performance is more your thing. Maybe it's all about the look of the car, and you're after a show car that'll make people stop and drool. It's this stage that will help determine a direction for the project, and is of HUGE importance.







You should have a list of your dreams for the car, and one alongside that is more realistic, taking into consideration the reality of the car you've chosen. Approaching a professional designer with these will save time, frustration, and above all, help to nail that "perfect" concept.

5. Don't fall victim to trends.

Simply shopping at the "popular kids" table will, inevitably, breed you a cookie-cutter car. Simply saying "oh man, that car that won Street Machine of the Year had a cool hood, so I want THAT hood, and the same wheels, and the same paint, and then that car that won the year before had those seats... I want THAT interior..." and so-on will not design or build YOUR dream car. Much as you may have enjoyed looking at that model in a magazine ad, would you marry her? Chances are, you'd rather find someone who fits your life, who matched that often undefinable set of criteria that just "does" something for you.

This project car should be no different.

Seek out a designer who understands the style you're planning to build your car in, and can offer unique approaches to design problems that not only make your eyes pop out, but will keep a few bucks from doing likewise from your wallet.


If you've seen a teal green and gray car with a tweed interior and 15-inch billet wheels lately and thought "wow... the 1990's called, and they want their car back", imagine what response a car built in a trendy style today will elicit in ten or fifteen years. "Build to YOUR taste, not someone elses'" is my credo in the studio. Approach modifications tastefully, respectfully, and with the thinking "how does this change affect the rest of the car? What purpose does it serve?" If it makes sense, do it. If it's questionable, question the hell out of it.

That said, head on out and explore... look at work, compare styles, and talk with designers. Your decision should go beyond price, and be the RIGHT fit for your project. Seek out a designer that can listen, offer ideas, and above all, nail your design. After all, simply setting sail on the ocean might take you SOMEPLACE, but is it where you WANTED to go? Hiring a designer will help chart that course, and the end of the journey, when plotted correctly, will have you itching to hoist the sails again, and that's what this whole car thing is all about anyway... feeding that passion.

Body Double!

Friday morning, as I updated my site and a few posts here, I hopped on good old YouTube for moment, and saw a link to Rancid’s new video, and gave it a look… Good deal, good tune…

But….

Hang on….

…is that… ???

…no way….

He sure as hell looks like Corey Feldman!

Awesomeness.
...or maybe it's just me.

Artist Feature... and FREE WHEELS!

I have an upcoming artist feature in the relatively new Benchrace Magazine, an online publication geared toward the hot rod community, and loaded with absolutely killer feature articles each month, and I'm pretty stoked, as this is really the first online 'zine to include my work.


Weighing in at nine issues (when the new one hits, anyway), the magazine has already nailed some killer content, including stuff from guys like Jim "Jake" Jacobs, Tom Fritz, our good pal Jimmy Smith, Dan Picasso and more! Hell, it's even had the great Reverend Billy Gibbons on the pages! Good times indeed!

Suffice to say, it was cool when Robert threw the idea out there to feature my art... I'm always stoked when anyone takes notice of my stuff, and it was a good experience! As part of the fun, I was asked to offer up a print as part of his monthly prizedrawing, and I've obliged, offering up on of my signed/numbered and limited-edition pieces, the Mahi Mah-T:

Add to that (by golly, it just gets better and better, huh?) the chance to win a free set of wheels, compliments of Real Rodders Wheels, just for subscribing (it's FREE, by the way), and the icing is on the cake:

If you get a chance, check it out... I think you'll enjoy it.