Hey
Reader

​
Below are the
latest news and updates
from your friends at Kustomrama

---

KUSTOMRAMA NEWSLETTER NO. 197

---

---

Dear friends of Kustomland,

As I warned you about a month ago, here is a delayed and shortened edition of the Kustomrama Newsletter. The summer has been wonderfully full, with family time and plenty of classic car fun, including taking the Ranchero out for some memorable spins. I hope your summer has been just as enjoyable!

We've got some exciting updates to share beyond our regular content. First, there's a custom headliner for the Ranchero in the pipeline, set to be installed in September. Also, the talented teenage monster painter Von Franco has crafted a spectacular new t-shirt design that we're thrilled to unveil soon in the Kustomrama Online Store.

Next weekend, I'm off to help lay down an over-the-top flame paint job on a Norwegian custom car. After spending the week studying iconic late 1950s flame jobs by masters like Larry Watson and Dean Jeffries, I'm eager to dive into this project and look forward to sharing the results with you next month.

Until then, enjoy the remaining days of summer and keep those wheels spinning. Here's to more adventures and projects that fuel our passion for the hot rod and custom car culture!

Warm regards,
Sondre Kvipt
Editor, Kustomrama

In Memory of Jerry Fassett

A couple of weeks ago, we were saddened by the news that Gerald “Jerry” Francis Fassett, a beloved member of the custom car community, had passed away on June 26, 2024. As one of the founding members of the Thunderbolts Capitol Auto Club in Sacramento, California, Jerry’s contributions to the hot rod and custom car scene have left a lasting impact.

In 2013, Jerry's son, Jim, reached out to us sharing that his dad had some fascinating stories and photos he wanted to share with Kustomrama. It wasn't until 2019 that we finally had the chance to visit Jerry while in California, hosting the Customs by the Sea car show in Santa Barbara. Jerry greeted us with a big smile and a chest full of important photos, and we spent hours at his kitchen table, going down memory lane and recording his stories and memories.

Jerry’s journey began in 1945 when he joined the Thunderbolts as the 17th member. Formed by Harry Westergard, Dick Bertolucci, and Norm Milne, the Thunderbolts became a historic Northern California car club, which remains active to this day. Jerry's relationships with key figures like Westergard and Bertolucci positioned him as a notable figure in the early days of the movement.

Jerry’s first custom car was a 1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe, which he bought in 1945. Even during his military service, his passion for custom cars was evident. He brought the coupe along to his station at Hunters Point in San Francisco, where a memorable encounter with a car-loving lieutenant junior grade allowed him special parking privileges.

After returning from the service in 1948, Jerry bought a nearly new 1947 Chevrolet Convertible, which he began customizing with the help of fellow Thunderbolts members. Harry Westergard chopped the top and added fadeaway fenders, while Louie Chavez crafted a padded top. Inspired by Butler Rugard's Chevrolet, Jerry’s Chevy became a masterpiece, with contributions from both Westergard and Dick Bertolucci. Jerry's Chevy featured a hopped-up engine, custom details, and extensive chrome plating, showcasing his dedication to the craft.

Despite selling the Chevy in 1952, Jerry’s passion for cars never waned. His vivid recollections of the early days of the Thunderbolts and his custom cars have inspired many in the custom car community. Jerry’s son, Jim, shared that Jerry maintained a sharp memory and a love for storytelling until the end, leaving behind a rich legacy.

As we share photos of Jerry and his incredible work and passion, we encourage everyone to celebrate his life and remember the indelible mark he and his car club buddies left on the world of custom cars. Rest in peace, Jerry. You will be dearly missed, but your legacy will live on through your photos and colorful stories.

​Click here to visit Jerry’s page on Kustomrama for more information and great photos from our visit.​

Comment

Dave Willis' 1933 Ford 3-Window Coupe

Originally built by Gary Stermer of Vancouver, British Columbia, in the 1950s, Dave Willis of Port Alberni transformed this drop-dead gorgeous 1933 Ford 3-Window Coupe into an award-winning show car in the early 1960s.

Stermer, a tile layer by trade, built the coupe while working on a bank in Port Alberni. It was a stunning hot rod that captured the attention of many, including local street racer Neil Mandryk. In the late 1950s, Gary sold the coupe to Neil, who drag-raced it and had numerous run-ins with the law due to his driving antics. Eventually, Neil was forced to sell the car to avoid a lengthy jail term. Dave Willis purchased the coupe from Neil around 1960 for $1,600—a significant sum at the time but a worthy investment for such a beautiful car.

Dave, a member of the Cut-Outs of Port Alberni, saw potential in the coupe. He spent two years refining the car, installing new tires and wheels, and repainting it in a striking 1958 Ford Burgundy. Among the many modifications, the most notable were the filled and hammer-welded top, rounded corners on the rumble seat lid and doors, and a custom-built firewall. The coupe was also fitted with Willys Jeep headlights and a 2.5-inch dropped axle.

In 1962, Dave's hard work paid off when he won first place in the "Pre-War Coupe and Sedan" class at the Vancouver Autorama. The following year, the car took home another first-place trophy in the "Street Rod Coupe" class at the Vancouver Pacific International Motorama. The coupe was featured in the September 1963 issue of Car Craft magazine, showcasing its exceptional craftsmanship and Dave's meticulous attention to detail.

By 1964, life took a new turn for Dave. He sold the coupe to purchase a new Chevelle Malibu SS, as hot rods were not fetching high prices, and the '33 was not practical for daily driving. The car eventually found its way to the United States, where it was owned by Dutch Young in Atlanta, Georgia. Dutch made several modern upgrades, including a 350 Chevy engine, automatic transmission, and four-wheel power disc brakes. He also chopped the top and gave it a flame paint job. Unfortunately, Dutch passed away in the mid-1980s, and the car was left in pieces.

The legacy of this 1933 Ford 3-Window Coupe is a testament to the passion and craftsmanship of its owners. From its early days in Canada to its transformation into a show car, this coupe has a storied past that continues to inspire car enthusiasts. Thanks to Dave, the history of this iconic Canadian hot rod, along with a handful of beautiful photos, has found its way to Kustomrama. Click here to chem them all out.​

P.S. Do you know the whereabouts of this hot rod today? Is it still in the Atlanta area?

Comment

Lost: Art Jones' 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan

Randy Latuska is on a quest to find his grandpa's cherished 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan Custom. Originally owned and restyled by Jerry Campbell, a member of the Ramblers of Portland, this iconic car began its journey in the early 1950s. Instead of building a street job and a dragster, Jerry decided to go all out for performance and looks in one package. With its distinctive blend of elegance and power, the car earned national recognition when it was featured in Hot Rod Magazine in March 1955. Peter Sukalac penned the story, and Jerry told Sukalac that he completed the engine first so he could run the drags while still working on the body and upholstery.

The Aerosedan's story didn't end there. Later, it was purchased by Randy's grandpa, Art Jones, a member of the Aristocrats of Portland, who commissioned a more radical rebuild. This second iteration, showcasing bold and unique styling, was featured in Car Craft in October 1959, continuing to capture attention and admiration. Modifications included a hard-topped roof, Corvette blinkers, and a custom scallop paint job.

While researching the car, Randy came across a handful of old photos in an old family album that he has shared with us. We invite you to dive into the full story on Kustomrama and join us in this nostalgic search. If you have any information about Art Jones' 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan, please reach out and help us bring a piece of automotive history back to life. Click here for more info and photos on Kustomrama.​

Comment

Found: Bob Bean's 1951 Ford Victoria

Do you remember Bob Bean's 1951 Ford Victoria from the July 1956 issue of Car Craft Magazine? This beauty, restyled by Gordon Vann's Body Shop and Bliss Custom Shop in the 1950s, recently surfaced, and we can't wait to bring you the full story....next month! So stay tuned until then, and click here for more info and photos on Kustomrama while you wait.​

Comment

Butler Rugard's 1947 Chevrolet Convertible Custom

Jerry Fassett got the idea for the fadeaway fender extensions on his Chevy after seeing Butler Rugard's Chevrolet. Butler was also a member of the Thunderbolts car club. "He was killed," Jerry told us back in 2019. "They used to race down the river road. Two cars together. One night, he didn’t make it." Jerry wasn't there when it happened. He just knew about it. "My wife was a friend with some of the girls that lived down that way, and we used to go down there. I met him. I didn’t know him personally, but I met him when I saw his car down there. After that, I went back up to Harry." Harry had also restyled Butler's Chevrolet, so he ordered a set of fadeaway fender extensions from Jimmy Summers that he installed on Jerry's Chevrolet. Jerry's car, grey, with a chopped and padded top can be seen behind Rugard’s Chevrolet in the photo. Click here for more info and photos of Butler Rugard's Chevrolet on Kustomrama.​

Comment

Available NOW: Kustoms Illustrated Issue #64

Another issue of Kustoms Illustrated is out—one of the few remaining dinosaurs. Perhaps the only printed traditional custom car magazine left in the world, it is worth grabbing a copy today or starting a subscription to help keep this magazine alive. I'll hand the mic over to editor Luke Karosi: "Starting with the gorgeous cover car, we have Sam Schoenberg’s chopped and radically customized ’49 Mercury. Certainly, one of the nicest Merc’s out there. I am sure you will enjoy reading about the history of this car. Next up is a wild flamed, but mild custom ’51 Ford shoebox coupe that cruises the streets of Lakewood, California. Simple, but sweet! We also feature a beautiful ’59 Chevy Brookwood wagon from “across the pond” in the UK. You are going to love this well-thought-out custom that looks like it could have been plucked right out of the “Watson-era.” Speaking of the UK, we are honored to sponsor and report on, one of the best custom shows in London called “The Leadroom.” Some of the finest UK customs gathered in a very unique setting creating a one-of-a-kind event. Our event coverage continues with some of the best custom cars at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. We love our history here at Kustoms Illustrated and we know you do too. You are going to flip out on our story entitled “A Day at the Beach in a Radical Custom - Circa 1959.” Sound intriguing? You will have to get the issue to read the story and see the never before published photos in glorious black and white. Want more history? We have a feature on the freshly re-restored ’57 Olds called “The Oriental.” This old custom was restored a dozen or so years ago and then sadly caught fire before it could be brought out to the public. Amazingly it has been brought back to life again and we have it in full color. Throw in some Kustom News and you have another solid issue of Kustoms Illustrated magazine." Click here to grab a copy or start your subscription.​

This is a Paid Promotion: Promote your car to thousands of enthusiasts for just $100!

For Sale: Kustom 1959 Chevy Impala

Less than 5000 miles on this build! Experience a smooth ride with this classic, featuring a small block GM engine, Auto 700R Tranny, and air conditioning. This car is decked, nosed, shaved, and much more. Only $39K OBO! Click here for more details on Kustomrama.​

Wanted: Chromed 1957 Ford Parts for the Kustomrama Dream Truck

Do you have any chromed 1957 Ford parts that you want to sell? We're looking for chromed interior parts, engine parts, and accessories, including garnish moldings, ashtrays, dashboards, heaters, battery trays, tools, and jackstands. ++ With a new custom headliner and bed tarp in the works for the truck, we want to stop the build-up and fill it with chromed goodies. Please contact Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com if you have any chromed 1957 Ford Parts for Sale.

Who put the bop in the bop shoobop? Find out with the Kustomrama August 2024 Playlist! This month’s mix features tracks from Pokey LaFarge, Black Sabbath, Roky Erickson, and many more. Where else can you find such an eclectic and schizophrenic lineup? Click here to check it out​

Comment

How much is our automotive heritage worth to you Reader?

At Kustomrama, we're driven by passion, not paywalls. As a volunteer-run Encyclopedia, we're dedicated to keeping the history and legacy of traditional hot rods and custom cars free and accessible to everyone, everywhere. From server costs to content collection, every aspect of our mission needs fuel. Whether it's $5, $20, $50, or any amount you choose, your donation keeps the engine of history running.

​Click here to tip today and be a part of preserving this unique legacy for future generations.​

I appreciate your support!

Best regards
Sondre / Kustomrama Founder / Keeping History Alive

What is Kustomrama?

Kustomrama is a comprehensive online encyclopedia passionately dedicated to the preservation and sharing of traditional hot rod and custom car history. With a mission to keep this vibrant history alive for generations to come, Kustomrama offers an extensive repository of knowledge, featuring over 11,716 pages filled with information and more than 30,000 photos showcasing hot rods and custom cars from around the globe. Our goal is not only to document but also to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the hot rod and custom car community, ensuring that the stories and innovations of yesteryear enthusiasts are accessible to everyone.

What is the Kustomrama Newsletter?

The Kustomrama Newsletter is our vibrant bridge to enthusiasts of traditional hot rods and custom cars, offering a direct line to the latest entries and features in the Kustomrama Encyclopedia. As a free publication diligently curated by the Kustomrama team, we aim to deliver rich insights and fascinating stories right to your inbox on a weekly basis. Each issue is packed with summaries of new stories, in-depth articles, and captivating photographs that celebrate and document the evolving world of hot rods and custom cars.

Received this newsletter from a friend? You're just a click away from joining our community! Click here to sign up for your own free subscription and never miss out on the newest discoveries and articles from the extensive archives of Kustomrama.​

Please Help Us Spread the Word!

Do you know someone with a passion for traditional hot rods and custom cars? Friends or family who revel in the rich history and vibrant stories of these automotive marvels? By forwarding this email to them, you're not just sharing a newsletter—you're inviting them to become an integral part of our dedicated community.

At Kustomrama, we believe in the power of collective storytelling. An astonishing 90% of the material we publish is sourced directly from emails and contributions from our newsletter subscribers. This vibrant exchange of photos and stories allows us to continually enrich and expand our encyclopedia, creating a more comprehensive and engaging experience for everyone involved.

The more enthusiasts join our mailing list, the broader our network of stories and contributors grows. This means more fascinating tales, more rare photographs, and a richer history for us all to share. So, in forwarding this newsletter, you're not just spreading the word—you're helping to preserve and celebrate the legacy of hot rods and custom cars for future generations.

Join us in this exciting journey. Forward this email to those who'd cherish it as much as you do, and let's build an even stronger Kustomrama community together.

What is the Kustomrama Member Community?

At the heart of Kustomrama, beyond the vast encyclopedia of traditional hot rods and custom cars, lies our vibrant Member Community. Each "COMMENT" button embedded within this newsletter serves as a portal to a collaborative space where enthusiasts like you can engage, discuss, and dive deeper into the stories that fuel our passion.

Our community platform welcomes contributors and supporters to share their insights, offer feedback, and contribute to the evolving narratives of the hot rod and custom car culture. Whether you're looking to provide additional information, share a personal anecdote related to a story, or simply express your enthusiasm for a piece, your voice is invaluable to us.

Interested in becoming an active participant in shaping the history and stories of hot rods and custom cars? Click here to join our community today. As a member, you're not just joining a forum—you're becoming part of a dedicated collective committed to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of automotive culture.​

What is the Kustomrama Marketplace?

The Kustomrama Marketplace is a curated classified section for traditional hot rods and custom cars. It's the go-to place to buy, sell, and explore vehicles, parts, and memorabilia. For a $100 fee, your ad will be featured on Kustomrama, in our Monthly Newsletter, and across our social media, reaching over 100,000 enthusiasts. Click here for more information.​

I have some stories or photos that I want to share with you. What do I do?

We're always on the lookout for fresh stories and photos to enrich the Kustomrama Encyclopedia and share with our community. If you have material related to traditional hot rods, custom cars, or any piece of history you believe deserves a spotlight, we'd love to hear from you!

Getting in touch is easy. You can simply hit the 'reply' button on this email to start a conversation directly with us. Prefer a different method? No problem! Email us at mail@kustomrama.com with your stories, photos, or any inquiries. Alternatively, if you're a member of our vibrant community, you're welcome to submit your material directly to our Member's Community platform.

Your contributions play a crucial role in keeping the spirit and history of hot rodding and custom cars alive. Whether it's a personal anecdote, a piece of automotive history, or a series of photographs, your shared materials help us all to celebrate and preserve the rich tapestry of this culture for future generations.

Thanks for helping us keeping history alive

Leave a Tip

Join our Family