“Why does it look so easy when you read it in the magazine, but when you go to install it is more difficult?”


Almost everything gets cut off at some point. But you must brace things up before you start hacking at your frame. I used some relatively thick angle iron bars to hold the top and bottom of the frame rails and to keep them from twisting and moving when cutting out the cross members, two temporary crossbars up front and one towards the rear just for safe measure. Also, welding extra crossbars around the frame will help prevent the twisting and flexing that welding can cause if the frame doesn’t hold anything together. Remember, welding causes the metal to expand and … Continue reading “Why does it look so easy when you read it in the magazine, but when you go to install it is more difficult?”

The Maiden Voyage


Well, the Maiden Voyage came a few weeks back when we took the car to the final Hunnert car pile in 2011! I busted ass on the car the nights leading up to the day before and even a few hours before we left to get travel and show ready! Remember that this car was inspected and licensed the day before we went. The vehicle was driven about twenty miles and parked the night before the 300-mile ride to Decatur, Ill. The car made it up without a hitch! Ran like a top all the way there! I had the … Continue reading The Maiden Voyage

1954 Mercury Digital Instrument System


Dakota Digital Series III instrument systems offer the latest technologies and features for your custom vehicle. High brightness vacuum fluorescent displays provide a lifetime of trouble free use while offering increased accuracy and features! Full 6 Gauge Instrument System fits into OEM bezel for 1954 Mercury. Fits directly into existing bezel. (not included)                 Dakota Digital Continue reading 1954 Mercury Digital Instrument System

Kenneth Howard a.k.a Von Dutch


Despite his genius and popularity, Dutch never made any money from striping. Money was something he detested. In this quote from a 1965 article Dutch explains his thoughts on money.               “I make a point of staying right at the edge of poverty. I don’t have a pair of pants without a hole in them, and the only pair of boots I have are on my feet. I don’t mess around with unnecessary stuff, so I don’t need much money. I believe it’s meant to be that way. There’s a ‘struggle’ you have to … Continue reading Kenneth Howard a.k.a Von Dutch

Bottrop Custom Culture


The Kustom Kulture Show in Bottrop is not only famous for the Hot Rods and Kustom Cars, it´s famous because of the really large group of Kustom Kulture artists! Kustom Kulture Artists from all over the world come to the Bottrop Kustom Kulture Show, to show their work, to do pinstripes and paintings! This is your chance to see some of the best Kustom Kulture artists from Japan, USA and whole Europe!     Continue reading Bottrop Custom Culture

1954 Mercury Monterey $69,900


        1954 Mercury Monterey Custom Woodie and matching one of a kind Camper. Just completed 5 year off body restoration with limited mileage. Mechanical features include power 4-wheel disc brakes, a 9-inch Ford rear end, an Ididit Steering Column, Vintage Air an aluminum radiator, Torq-Thrust Wheels (17 & 18) Nitto Tires a Fat Man front suspension and an Air ride system with four controls. Extensive body mods include frenched headlight molded quarter- panel extensions, a shaped and extended hood scoop, shaved door handles Custom made wood metal wood grain moldings with custom painted Cedar effect. Low mileage only 300!! Over $130,000 invested Call 570-650-0278 … Continue reading 1954 Mercury Monterey $69,900