STYLISH KUSTOMS

Santa Maria Local...

2012-01-29T22:38:00.000-08:00

J. R. Kerr is a Santa Maria local that I met a few years back at the Elks Car Show. I was driving my 1940 Chrysler and he came up and inspected it thinking it may be his Dodge due to the Packard grille. J.R. told me that he got his Dodge in 1948 and shortly after that he dinged up the front end so he fixed it by adding the Packard grille. J.R. is still as cool today as he looks in the photo above and I am very glad to have met him.

The Friday View...

2012-01-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

Gil Elvgren was a classical American illustrator. One of the best pin-up artists the world.

A Trip To The Wrecking Yard..

2012-01-26T05:49:00.001-08:00

More to come soon.

Christian Salinardi's Ford Mild Kustom...

2012-01-24T18:13:00.000-08:00

These photos were sent to me a while back by Christian Salinardi. I haven't heard from him in a long time but I would like to see if there has been anymore progress on his Ford. This car has always reminded me of my 55 Plymouth.

An Old Kustom Wedding...

2012-01-23T06:14:00.000-08:00

Years ago my friend Jason from Headhunters got married in Ventura CA. We had a great time with the caravan of Kustoms and also a great reception after.

Stylish Wagons...

2012-01-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

These are some of the nicest Mild Kustom Wagons around. The blue one is owned by Henry Gong and the other is owned by Rusty from Santa Barbara, CA. They have both been regulars over the years at the West Coast Kustoms events and both have inspired me during the build of my Wagon.

The Friday View...

2012-01-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

I am back and done with the home remodel. The internet is back up starting today. It has been a lot of hard work but well worth it. I will get back to the Kustoms tomorrow.

Taking a break...

2012-01-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I haven't posted anything new due to a recent move and house remodel (no time). I will be posting some new items really soon.

The Friday View...

2012-01-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Black & White or Color, It really dosen't matter.

Stylish '58 Chevy...

2012-01-06T00:15:00.000-08:00

This car is done just right, I would not change a thing on it.

Nice Mild Chopped Ford...

2012-01-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Shoebox Fords look best when the chop is done mild in fashion. Some of the extreme chopped Fords have a flat spot just behind the rear quarter window. This one looks good to me.

Memories of 2011...

2012-01-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Year of 2011

Good times in the old cars, awesome friends, great places and amazing events. 

From The Gilbert Robles Collection...

2011-12-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

The Friday View...

2011-12-30T06:19:00.000-08:00

Indoors or Outdoors they all look good.

Clean '55 Chevy...

2011-12-29T06:23:00.000-08:00

A while back I featured the 55-57 Chevy's that had been Kustomized. This one should have been on the feature. Very mild but Kustom all the way.

Kustom & Hot Rod Fords...

2011-12-28T17:46:00.000-08:00

Geoff & Rana Mohr's Fords and a couple of Hot Rods in the parking lot across from the Santa Maria Inn.

Great Old Photo...

2011-12-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

Great photo of the Moonglow in White.

Kustom Hudson...

2011-12-26T21:56:00.000-08:00

The metal work on the front of this Hudson is very Stylish. I am not much of a Hudson fan but I am liking the Oldsmobile parts that have been added here. I am looking forward to seeing

this car finished. This car belongs to a member of the Beatniks car club.

Santa's Sled...

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Teen Angel Art...

2011-12-24T12:27:00.000-08:00

These dreams still go on today.

The Friday View...

2011-12-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

Check out this 32 Ford 3-window Coupe. It has an early '60s chevy 327/ 2x4's with a 4 speed trans. It has a Ford posi 9inch rear end and the interior is done in '50s style red/white vinyl with red carpet.
The car took second in its class at the Long Beach Motorama and won the "Excellence in Interior" Hot Rod in the Special Awards Catagory. Thanks you Art Engel from Pleasanton, Ca. for the photos.

Vintage Transport...

2011-12-21T21:59:00.000-08:00

Check out this combination. It looks a lot like my 31 Chrysler but I think it's a Bentley.

I know my friend George Garza would love to have this set up.

Olds Kustom...

2011-12-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

My brother told me about this Oldsmobile about a year ago. I haven't seen it in it's finished state but I know it has to look nice. This one below actually looks like it may be the one but I have my doubts.

Kustom...

2011-12-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

Just Some Old Primer National Photos...

2011-12-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

I was out of town for the weekend so I could not post any photos. I just got home and happened to be looking through some of my old photos and came across these from the 2009 Ventura Primer Nationals show. There were many great Kustoms at the show but these just seem to catch my eye. Enjoy!!!

The Friday View...

2011-12-16T04:04:00.000-08:00

It's been getting cold outside. I think it's time for that winter coat.

SLO Town Locals...

2011-12-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

These two cars have been around San Luis Obispo County for a long time.

Shom's 56 has had hydrolics for at least 20 years and they

have both been regulars at all the Paso Robles shows.

My Old Wagon...

2011-12-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I miss my old 57 Chevy Wagon. I now have a cool 46 Ford so I can't complain, but the old wagon was able to haul all my things around. The photo you see above had my Wife and Daughter inside along with my Upright Bass, Bass Amp, 4x10 Cabinet, Microphone Stands, Ice Chest and some items that I purchased at the swap meet. It even had a trailer hitch so I could pull a trailer. I have even taken it to Pomona swap meet and hauled all the goods home a couple of times.

Toys for Tots Night at JR's...

2011-12-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Night

December 9, 2011

Laurence Orlick's 29 Ford

Headhunters Kustoms...

2011-12-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

We don't meet as much as we should but other than that we have a great club with some good people. Most of us have been friends for many years. These photos were taken one morning after a morning breakfast meeting in Arroyo Grande CA.

My Dad's Shop...

2011-12-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

This past summer Marc from LOWTECH along with his good friend Dany came all the way out to California from Switzerland to be a part of our Kustom and Hot Rod Kulture. We had some good times, great food and a great experience. These are the photos of my Dad's shop that Marc took one evening while he visited us in Nipomo CA.

Check out Marc site at http://lowtechblog.blogspot.com/

The Friday View...

2011-12-09T03:46:00.000-08:00

Rear View

Black '57 Oldsmobile...

2011-12-08T20:39:00.000-08:00

I saw this 1957 Oldsmobile this past summer in Arroyo Grande CA at a car show.

A '57 Olds is one of those cars that doesn't need much except maybe lowering.

It was a beautiful car to say the least.

Car Club Plaques...

2011-12-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

Send me and email with a photo of your club plaque and I will post it.

stylishkustoms@live.com

The Kopper Kart Clone...

2011-12-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Ron Blaufeder from Cranford, NJ sent me some photos of the Kopper Kart Clone that he

Vic Collins and Mark Wojcik built in Mark's backyard. It only took them eighteen

months to complete the build. I will have more photos and all the information

on this build in the very near future so keep checking back in.

Blue '54 Chevy...

2011-12-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Mike Tomasian sent me these internet photos of

this very Stylish 1954 Chevy.

It is a Canadian built

tribute to the "Moonglow".

Cesar's T- Bird...

2011-12-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

Cesar from Mad Bomberz car club out of Santa Maria California owns this Stylish T-Bird. This car is done right and with that bright orange color it gets a lot of media attention. Before I met Cesar it would catch my eye while he would be cruising down Brodway.

1936 Ford Early Kustom...

2011-12-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

I really like this early 36 Ford Kustom. What a great find that was.

I did some photoshop work on it to give it a cool look.

The Friday View...

2011-12-02T04:38:00.000-08:00

SLO Toy Run, Sunday Dec. 4, 2011...

2011-12-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the 31st annual SLO County Toy Run.

Sunday December 4, 2011

Avila Beach to Creston at the Loading Chute.

The Hydramatics will be performing, starting at 11:30am.

Kustom Ford...

2011-12-01T04:07:00.000-08:00

A great Kustom in the making.

2011-11-30T05:43:00.000-08:00

Beto's Chopped '40 Plymouth...

2011-11-29T21:44:00.000-08:00

1940 Plymouth

Chopped by Laurence Orlick

Santa Maria, CA

Kustom ? Ford...

2011-11-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

I think this is a 1958 Ford but I could be wrong. It may be a '57 with Kustom treatment from a '58.

Whatever it is it looks great.

The Friday View...

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thank God it's Friday, have a great day.

The Boys Old '41 Ford & Justin Hills '49 Buick...

2011-11-24T06:05:00.000-08:00

Great photo of patina and perfection. Both have a Stylish look.

The Dry Lakes...

2011-11-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

Photos sent to me from my friend Butch Daly via the internet.

Photo by Gilbert Robles...

2011-11-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

Gilbert from Los Phantoms car club sent me this photo. Gilbert has been taking some great photos and I am going to be featuring them from time to time. If you have any photos of Kustoms or Hot Rods or girls that would be nice for Stylish Kustoms send them my way.

stylishkustoms@live.com

Introducing the work of Laurence Orlick...

2011-11-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

Laurence Orlick is a good friend of mine and has a great eye for Kustoms and Hot Rods. Laurence lives in Santa Maria California and has been into Old Cars since he was just a kid. He got his 40 Ford when he was just 14 years old. The list of cars that Laurence owns today consists of a 1929 Ford, a Model A pickup, 1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe, 1940 Ford, and 1949 Mercury.

Laurence has won a few awards at the West Coast Kustoms Cruisin' Nationals shows over the years and is currently working on a couple of new projects. One is the 1940 Plymouth you see above that is currently undergoing a chopped top and many other modifications. The Plymouth belongs to a good friend of ours named Beto from Los Phantoms car club. Laurence is also continuing to work on his chopped Merc to have it ready for the 2012 Viva Las Vegas show. Look for the progress of his work on these cars at next years Cruisin' Nationals in Santa Maria.

Last Years GNRS...

2011-11-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

Last years show was amazing due to the large amount of Original Kustoms and Traditional Styled Kustoms.

GNRS is coming up agian in January 2012.

The Friday View...

2011-11-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

Rob Bishop Photography

Contact Rob Bishop at (805) 720-6331 or email robgbob@yahoo.com

My 1946 Ford...

2011-11-16T20:07:00.000-08:00

Photo color re-worked by Rob Bishop

The Ford is looking right and only a few things need to be done to get it where I want it. In the near future I will mount the Lorraine Appleton Model 37 Spotlights and also do some minor Kustom work to the grille. The dual exhaust is also on the list of things to do.

Chopped Chevy's...

2011-11-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

above photo by Mark Kawakami

All three are a little different but all very Stylish.

Car Club Plaques...

2011-11-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

Sunday Morning Cruise...

2011-11-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

Today was the first of what will be the Headhunters/Los Phantoms Sunday Cruise. Different locations around the California Central Coast on roads that are not very commonly traveled. It was a good day with good friends and family. More to come soon...

SLO County Toy Run 2011...

2011-11-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

The Friday View...

2011-11-11T04:07:00.000-08:00

Garza Kustoms...

2011-11-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

Mike Garza's 1950 Ford and a couple of my old cars.

Parking Lot Therapy...

2011-11-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

An impressive amount of knowledge and experience has been gained over the years by frequently attending or walking through this type of show or gathering. It is almost "therapeutic" and good to do from time to time.

More Club Plaques...

2011-11-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

Email me photos of your clubs plaque @ stylishkustoms@live.com

Rob Bishop Photography...

2011-11-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

Rob Bishop
Check Robs work at the links below.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Car-Photography-by-Rob/252350851454826
http://www.pbase.com/robbishop/root
http://apps.gagalabs.com/flickr/interestingby?id=30363509%40N06&theme=white
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/191394

Contact Rob Bishop at (805) 720-6331 or email robgbob@yahoo.com

Choppers Fords...

2011-11-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

Just some old photos of a couple of Fords that belong to members of the Choppers car club.

The Friday View...

2011-11-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

Halloween was Monday, but it was this week.

Car Club Plaques...

2011-11-03T04:01:00.000-07:00

Email me with your club plaque and I will post it.

stylishkustoms@live.com

Very Stylish '58...

2011-11-02T05:46:00.000-07:00

Watson painted 1958 Chevy

The color combination on this '58 Chevy is perfect.

Outdoors in Long Beach...

2011-11-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

These were just some of my favorites from the lawn at the Long Beach Motorama.

Paul Bragg Ford...

2011-10-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Last time I talked to Paul Bragg he informed me that this Ford was being prepaired for paint. I can't wait to see this one in it's finished stage. Paul does some amazing work and if you would like to see more of it check out the following link.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=386068

Has anyone seen this car?

2011-10-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

I believe this is a 42-47 Plymouth but I am not 100% sure of that. If anyone has more photos of this car I would like to see them. Please email them to me at stylishkustoms@live.com .

The Friday View...

2011-10-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

Back when she was hot. She was very Stylish back then.

Grease & Greens Photos...

2011-10-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

James Walkers 57 Pontiac

Arnold Garza's 61 Oldsmobile

Steve Morales' 54 Chevy

Gilbert, Beto & Laurence

Just a few photos of the Grease & Greens show from fellow Headhunters member Jeff Walker.

Rob Bishop Photography...

2011-10-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

From day one his real interest was in photography as a form of art. Rob often tried selling matted and framed pieces in galleries over the years with mixed success. In 2003, Rob moved to digital cameras and began spending a lot of time photographing car shows.

In 2008 Rob published Hot Rods and Cool Customs/California Car Shows in which a lot of the photos in the book capture the styling of the cars as an art form. Rob was formally a co-owner of an art gallery for a while in Cambria California and was selling some of his car images as framed art. His partner kept telling him that he should approach the car owners about making personalized photo books of their cars. Now Rob is in Santa Maria and doing that exact thing with highly detailed images of your cars, projects and workshop. The price is not bad at all for a personalized coffee table style book of all your own cars.

The book that he published is really used as an example of what he can do. Since the book Rob's style has become even more detailed and his newer images are on a number of Internet sites.

Check Robs work at the links below.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Car-Photography-by-Rob/252350851454826

http://www.pbase.com/robbishop/root

http://apps.gagalabs.com/flickr/interestingby?id=30363509%40N06&theme=white

For more info on Rob's book or to purchase it, check the link below.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/191394

Contact Rob Bishop at (805) 720-6331 or email robgbob@yahoo.com

Scalloped Ranchero...

2011-10-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

This Ranchero has a very nice scalloped paint job with a good color combination. The cars from the late fifties have the perfect body lines for scallops. When I was growing up in the 1980s the scallop paint jobs came back in style but most of them missed the mark and did not flow with the body lines, not to mention the colors used were not very pleasing. This one did it right.

Nice Merc...

2011-10-24T22:04:00.001-07:00

The '46 Ford Coupe...

2011-10-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

This has been an amazing car. It has a very nice stock look and since I lowered it the appearance changed drastically. Just by adding skirts it took on the Kustom look and finally I was able to buff the paint and add full hubcaps. This car has taken on a completely different look and I am very happy with the outcome. I don't know if I want to chop this one or keep it the way it is. I do have a good idea for the grille without doing much work at all. I will keep you posted.

The Friday View...

2011-10-21T04:34:00.000-07:00

Glad it's Friday.

2011-10-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am going to show the '46 ath the Grease & Greens cars show in Guadalupe CA. It has changed again, this time it will have full hubcaps and I just finished buffing out the paint. It has about the same stance as the car pictured above so I think it is good for a while. I do have an idea for the grille but you will have to keep checking back for that next update. I am still looking for some good old 16" hubcaps that will keep the look of an old Kustom. If you know of any available please contact me at stylishkustoms@live.com

Cruisin' Guadalupe this Friday Night...

2011-10-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

There will be an organized Cruise on Friday night in Guadalupe before the Gease & Greens Car Show.

It is hosted by Los Phantoms Car Club and if you are going to cruise just pull onto

Olivera St. and and head back up to Highway 1 on 9th St.

The registration for the Cruise and the show is at 9th St. Barber Shop. After that you can pull onto

Highway 1 and cruise from 6:00 till 8:00pm.

Local Central Coast Cars...

2011-10-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

Dave Andrade's Chopped 1937 Ford

A.T.'s Riviera (Los Phantoms)

Steve Morales' 1954 Chevy (Los Phantoms)

More Los Phantoms Rides (Henry Mendoza's 53 Chevy, Betos Chevy Truck & Gilberts 49 Merc in the back)

Nipomo Local 1953 Chevy

Another Long Beach Motorama Shot...

2011-10-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

1950 Mercury

The Friday View...

2011-10-14T05:23:00.000-07:00

Grease & Greens Car Show...

2011-10-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

There will not be a Greaser Alley after hours stage as previously advertised.

The '46...

2011-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the '46 after painting the skirts. I am now ready for the Grease & Greens car show in Guadalupe on the 22nd of October. I am done with the Ford for a while and I need to get back on my 31 Hot Rod project.

Pablo Castro's Mercury at Winfield's Shop...

2011-10-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

Pablo's '51 Mercury is coming out very nice and is going to be a real show piece at next years shows. Gene Winfield and his crew are doing an amazing job on the Mercury and I am looking forward to seeing the updated work. Pablo is looking for some Appleton 552 spotlights to mount on the Mercury. If you have any for sale please contact Pablo at pablocastros51@gmail.com . Winfields show is also next weekend so if you go check out the Merc.

Mercs from the past that you may know today...

2011-10-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Check out these Mercury's and see if you could identify the owners or builders. I photographed these cars about 20 years ago and today these cars are all finished.

The Friday View...

2011-10-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

Just a few of the greats from the past.

Club Plaques...

2011-10-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

I have a small collection of Car Club Plaques but I am always looking for more. If you have any old plaques that you want to sell please contact me at stylishkustoms@live.com

Anne De Valle's 1942 Ford...

2011-10-03T05:46:00.001-07:00

2011 Long Beach Motorama...

2011-10-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Just some of my favorites at this years Showcase of Kustoms at the Long Beach Motorama.

In Route to Long Beach...

2011-10-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'll be at the Motorama in Long Beach today taking photos so check out the site later for some of the best Kustoms out there today.

The Friday View...

2011-09-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hope you like the view, it's Friday again. Keep sending me photos and I will post them.

stylishkustoms@live.com

Rudy Rodriguez 1951 Merc...

2011-09-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have watched many Kustoms evolve over the years and I have hundreds of photos that show the changes that were made. I have them in several photo albums and I have started to scan those photos. Here is Rudy Rodriguez' 1951 Mercury that has always been one of my favorites. Check out those naked ladies. Someday I will pull mine out and run them on a car. I have found that the car has to be just right for them to look good and they have always looked good on Rudy's Merc.

Introducing The Photography of Rob Bishop...

2011-09-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

Rob Bishop has been involved in photography since taking classes in college back in the 60's in Bakersfield California. He began shooting auto racing, and motorcycle racing, and sold B&W photos to drivers and riders and had many shots published in newspapers and magazines over the years. He also spent time doing every type of photography there is from weddings to school photos to television news.

From day one his real interest was in photography as a form of art. Rob often tried selling matted and framed pieces in galleries over the years with mixed success. In 2003, Rob moved to digital cameras and began spending a lot of time photographing car shows.

In 2008 Rob published Hot Rods and Cool Customs/California Car Shows in which a lot of the photos in the book capture the styling of the cars as an art form.

Rob was formally a co-owner of an art gallery for a while in Cambria California and was selling some of his car images as framed art. His partner kept telling him that he should approach the car owners about making personalized photo books of their cars. Now Rob is in Santa Maria and doing that exact thing with highly detailed images of your cars, projects and workshop. The price is not bad at all for a personalized coffee table style book of all your own cars.

The book that he published is really used as an example of what he can do. Since the book Rob's style has become even more detailed and his newer images are on a number of Internet sites. Check the links below.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Car-Photography-by-Rob/252350851454826

http://www.pbase.com/robbishop/root

http://apps.gagalabs.com/flickr/interestingby?id=30363509%40N06&theme=white

For more info on Rob's book or to purchase it, check the link below.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/191394

Contact Rob Bishop at (805) 720-6331 or email robgbob@yahoo.com

Scalloped Kustom...

2011-09-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Jim Seaton's 59 El Camino

When I was growing up in the early 80's Scalloped paint jobs seem to be the thing to do. There were a lot of bad Scallop jobs. This El Camino is and example of how it should be done. Not too gaudy and it works with the lines of the car.

Kustom Chevy...

2011-09-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

Check out this Chopped '54 Chevy Kustom. I have seen this car at a few shows and it is done right. I really like the Chop and those Buick hubcaps look great on this car.

The Friday View...

2011-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Grease & Greens is coming soon...

2011-09-22T05:46:00.001-07:00

Wanted - 1948-49 Olds Grill and Bumper...

2011-09-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

My friend Mike is looking for this Grille & Bumper. If you have one available or know where one is at please contact Mike at oneillmichaelj@gmail.com

Kustom Mopar...

2011-09-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

This photo was sent to me from a guy in Sweden. I believe this car is a '51 Dodge. Years ago there weren't very many Mopars fixed up as Kustoms but these days they seem to be getting very popular. I have had a few and I could say they were very much ahead of the Fords and Mercury's with the independent front suspensions and so on. They are also very luxurious cars.

Does Anybody Remember This Car?

2011-09-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen this car in your old magazines or for the older guys do you ever remember this car cruisin' the streets, possibly in the Southern California area? Check out those beer cans, looks like they been up there a while. If you have any info on this car email me.

stylishkustoms@live.com

The Friday View...

2011-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Very nice arrangement with a great view.