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KUSTOMRAMA NEWSLETTER NO. 198

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Hello, good people of Kustomland,

A lot has happened since our last edition in August. Last month, I shared with you an exciting project that was about to kick off. Marius Kristiansen from Dal, Norway, entrusted me with a unique task—to cover his 1951 Ford Custom entirely in flames! I told him I would do it if I could do it in a late 1950s Larry Watson-inspired style. Marius gave me free rein over the design, requesting only that the flames extend across the entire car.

I dedicated two days, logged 20 hours, and used 300 meters of line tape to mask up the flame design. With the help of Marius and his friends, the spaces between were filled before I returned to apply the light blue metallic and silver faded paint. The technique was inspired by Watson’s work on Al Lazarus' 1955 Chevrolet, which I studied closely before spraying.

It's been a demanding yet exhilarating project, and I'm deeply grateful for Marius's trust. In about a week, the talented Polish-Norwegian pinstriper Richie Chlaszczsak will outline the flames in white, and then we'll seal it all with a clear coat. We're in the final stages now, but there's one last piece to the puzzle—we need a good name for this masterpiece. Got any suggestions?

​Click here to check out the gallery of photos documenting our progress on Kustomrama.

Your feedback and ideas are always appreciated, and who knows? Maybe your suggestion will be the one that christens this remarkable vehicle.

Exciting days indeed! Enjoy the fall, and keep those wheels spinning.

Best regards,
Sondre Kvipt
Editor, Kustomrama

Remembering the Legends

In Memory of Steve Scott

We were shocked this week to learn that Steve Scott, the legendary builder behind "The Uncertain-T," passed away back in March. I've known Steve since 2017 and spent countless hours on the phone with him, interviewing him about his remarkable past while soaking in his great stories and philosophies on designing practical yet showstopping hot rods. I consider him not just a valuable contributor to Kustomrama but a friend, and I will deeply miss his insightful emails and guidance.

Steve’s journey began in Reseda, California, where his early passion for custom cars and hot rods led to the creation of one of the most iconic show cars of all time, "The Uncertain-T." A visionary who believed, "If you can think of something, you can create it," Steve built the car entirely from scratch, using innovative techniques and a keen eye for design. Debuting in 1965, "The Uncertain-T" quickly became a sensation, winning awards and captivating audiences across the country.

After decades away from the limelight, Steve reemerged in 2012, rekindling interest in his work and inspiring a new generation of hot rod enthusiasts. In early 2024, we were all thrilled and flabbergasted to learn that "The Uncertain-T" had been found and would be part of the Galpin Auto Sports Collection. This news marked a monumental comeback for the car, but it was also a shock for Steve. The sale and plans for the car’s comeback were made without his knowledge, despite many promises and agreements over the years. While the situation was disheartening, Steve was ultimately glad to see his creation in the hands of people who would care for it and bring it back into the spotlight.

Steve's impact on hot rodding goes far beyond "The Uncertain-T." His creativity, dedication, and belief that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it remain an inspiration to builders and dreamers alike. His passing is a profound loss, but his spirit and vision live on through the car culture he so deeply loved. Rest in peace, Steve.

​Click here for more info and photos of Steve and "The Uncertain-T" on Kustomrama.​

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In Memory of Alex Xydias

On August 24, 2024, we were saddened by the news that Alex Xydias, a legendary figure in the world of American hot rodding, had passed away at the age of 102. As the founder of the iconic So-Cal Speed Shop, Alex's pioneering spirit and dedication helped shape the hot rod and motorsports culture we know today.

Alex's journey began after World War II when he opened the So-Cal Speed Shop in 1946. Under his leadership, the shop became synonymous with high-performance hot rods, breaking numerous speed records and solidifying its reputation as a leader in automotive engineering. Beyond the shop, Alex's passion extended to documenting auto racing events and contributing significantly to automotive media as an editor and publisher at Petersen Publishing.

In his later years, Alex continued to influence the automotive world by reviving the So-Cal Speed Shop brand and preserving his rich collection of motorsports films. Inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the SEMA Hall of Fame and Hot Rod Magazine Hall of Fame, Alex's legacy is etched into the history of hot rodding.

We pay our respects to Alex Xydias, a true pioneer whose life and work have inspired countless enthusiasts. His contributions to the industry will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Alex. Your legacy will continue to drive the spirit of hot rodding for generations to come.

​Click here for more info about Alex Xydias on Kustomrama.​

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In Memory of Paul "Woody" Wood

We were saddened to learn about the passing of Paul "Woody" Wood on July 12, 2024, at the age of 84. Woody was a talented custom car builder known for his creative spirit and willingness to help others with their custom car projects. Ken Bausert, who became friends with Woody in the late 1950s, shares his memories of their friendship and Woody’s remarkable contributions to the custom car scene in the Richmond Hill neighborhood of New York.

Ken first became captivated by Woody’s work when he spotted Woody's distinctive '49 Mercury Coupe undergoing various modifications while Woody was on leave from the Navy. Their shared passion for custom cars quickly bonded them, and Woody generously offered his skills and knowledge to Ken and many others in the community. Below, Ken pays tribute to Woody and celebrates the life of a true craftsman and car enthusiast. Here are Ken’s heartfelt words about his old friend:

"It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our old friend, Paul “Woody” Wood, from complications of lung cancer on July 12, 2024, at the age of 84, in Ocala, Florida. Paul had several cars that he mildly customized as a teenager but began the first of his serious builds while in the Navy, in 1959: a ’49 Mercury coupe, made into a hardtop, with a Cadillac engine. After leaving the Navy, Woody worked as a mason for the NY Transit Authority and started a family with his wife, Carol. Woody still found time to customize his own cars and helped many other guys in his Richmond Hill, NY, neighborhood with their own custom car projects, primarily with welding – one of his special talents. He also offered design tips in some of the latest trends of the 1960s like quad headlights, pancaked hoods, rolled pans, and rear grills. He continued building hot rods and custom cars for himself and others until his retirement to Florida in the 1990s."

Rest in peace, Woody!
​​Click here for more info about Woody and his custom builds on Kustomrama.​

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Don Provance's 1957 Ford Fairlane Victoria - Gold Digger

Don Provance's 1957 Ford is an iconic custom car that has undergone several transformations since it first hit the streets of Oak Lawn, Illinois, in the late 1950s.

From the beginning, Don wasted no time in customizing the Fairlane, bringing it to Liddle's Auto Body in Alsip, Illinois, where George Liddle and Jack Detmars worked their magic. The car's first known version sported a striking purple paint job, with modifications that included 1956 Ford F-100 headlight doors, a 1954 Chevrolet grille, and 1958 Edsel Bermuda station wagon boomerang taillights.

As the car evolved, it became known as the "Gold Digger," gleaming in a golden paint finish. This version featured unique scoops, sunken antennas, and dual headlights, all of which helped it clinch first place in the Semi-Hardtop class at a 1963 indoor car show. With its lowered stance and powerful full-race Thunderbird engine, the "Gold Digger" became a favorite in the custom car community.

The Fairlane’s next transformation saw a 1957 DeSoto bumper and grille added to the front, while the rear went bumperless and was dressed with a grille. Painted in red by 1965, this version marked the end of Don’s time with the car, as he sold it to a woman in Oak Brook, Illinois, who planned to use it as a daily driver.

After passing through several hands and being stripped and sandblasted in 1983, the car was discovered by Ed Dymitrowicz in 2007. Remembering the car from his youth, Ed set out on a mission to restore it to its 1963-1967 glory, using old photos provided by Don and other enthusiasts. Last we heard, Ed continued his restoration work, slowly bringing the 1957 Ford Fairlane Victoria back to life. Don has been kind enough to share the photos and info he has gathered on the car with Kustomrama, so we invite you all to click here and delve deeper into the history of Don Provance's 1957 Ford Fairlane Victoria on Kustomrama.​

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Historic Recognition for the Dodge Deora and the Beatnik Bandit at the National Historic Vehicle Register

The Hagerty Drivers Foundation has honored two legendary custom builds, the Dodge Deora and Ed Roth's Beatnik Bandit, by adding them to the National Historic Vehicle Register. Celebrated at the "Cars at the Capital" exhibition in Washington, D.C., these iconic vehicles will be showcased in a specially designed glass enclosure on the National Mall from September 19-24, 2024. The Beatnik Bandit, known for its unique fiberglass body and bubble top, and the innovative Dodge Deora, a staple of the 1967 Detroit Autorama, exemplify the pinnacle of 1960s American car customization. These additions underscore the lasting impact of these vehicles on car culture and their continued influence as Hot Wheels models. The vehicles are now part of a permanent archive at the Library of Congress, preserving their historical significance for future generations. ​Click here for more info and details on Kustomrama.​

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Introducing The Kustomrama Legends Collection by Pietro

We’re excited to launch our new series, The Legends Collection, celebrating iconic custom car builds that have left a mark on automotive history. To kick off the collection, we're unveiling a stunning new design in the Kustomrama Online Store! Our talented in-house designer and contributor, Pietro Dal Mas from Porto Alegre, Brazil, brings you the first in this series: a West Coast Division T-shirt inspired by the legendary Panoramic Ford. Known for his exceptional design skills and his passion for custom cars—like his own badass 1949 Mercury—Pietro's dedication to the culture is evident in every detail of this design. Join us in honoring the legends of the custom car world. Click here to grab your West Coast Division tee today and wear your passion for Keeping History Alive!​

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Featured Video: Fitzpatrick Custom by Phil Lacy

Here's a great little video that Joe Bortz sent us a link to, highlighting a remarkable piece of custom car history—the Fitzpatrick Special. This unique car was designed and built by Phil Lacey in California between 1947 and 1949, with financing from Al Fitzpatrick. Known for its sleek lines, sweeping fenders, and cut-down doors, the car was a standout among post-war custom builds. Shortly after completing the car, Lacey was called back to active duty in the USAF and deployed to Korea. Unfortunately, he never saw the Fitzpatrick Special again until 2006, nearly 60 years later. The video captures this emotional reunion as Lacey reconnects with his long-lost creation on Dream Car Garage. Watch as he shares his stories and reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building this iconic custom car. Don't miss this fascinating piece of history. Click​ here to check it out.​

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Steve Scott and the Craftsmanship of "The Uncertain-T"

This month's featured photo captures a moment of pure dedication and ingenuity— the late Steve Scott working on the engine of his iconic hot rod, "The Uncertain-T." Steve shared this fantastic shot with us as we were putting together an extensive story about his legendary build for the Kustomrama Korner in Gasoline Magazine. Unlike many show rods of the 1960s, "The Uncertain-T" wasn’t just for looks—it was a fully functioning hot rod. Determined to create something unique, Steve took it upon himself to learn how to weld aluminum, allowing him to fabricate a short, boxed aluminum frame. Ingeniously, the frame also served as an extra cooling system, utilizing an electric water pump to circulate coolant from the radiator through the frame. At the heart of "The Uncertain-T" is a Hilborn fuel-injected 1957 Buick "Nailhead" engine, meticulously bored and stroked to 384 cubic inches. This photo beautifully encapsulates the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into building a hot rod that was not only visually stunning but also high-performing. Click here for more great photos and the full "The Uncertain-T" story on Kustomrama.​

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The Kustomrama September 2024 Playlist is here to fuel your fall! With electrifying tracks like "Fairies Wear Boots" by Black Sabbath, surf vibes from Dick Dale & His Del-Tones, soulful sounds from Otis Redding, and rockin' beats from JD McPherson, this list has it all! Click here to dive into this mix and let these tunes be the soundtrack to your September adventures.​

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A Written Advice From The Alexander Brothers

In August 1963, a young and aspiring car designer, John Manoogian II, wrote a letter to the legendary Alexander Brothers, Mike and Larry, seeking advice on a career in car customizing. Having lived just a few blocks from their shop on Littlefield, John would often ride his bike over to catch glimpses of the magic happening inside. The Alexander Bros. responded with this letter, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of the custom car business. Their work had a profound impact on John's early passion for cars, and years later, fate would bring them together at GM Design, where John had the opportunity to work with Mike at ASC on showcars. It was a dream come true, collaborating with one of the heroes of his youth. Interestingly, John also had Harry Bradley, another car design legend, as an instructor at Art Center, making for a truly small world among car enthusiasts. Click here for the letter and more info on the Alexander Brothers on Kustomrama.​

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Larry Watson Visits the 2010 Tridents Reunion

After featuring a photo of Larry Watson with a custom Cadillac in our Photo of the Week Newsletter, Steve Arnold reached out and shared a series of photos capturing Larry Watson at the 2010 Tridents of Southern California reunion in Downey, California. These images offer a vibrant glimpse into the historic reunion, showcasing Watson's legendary presence in the custom car scene. We're grateful to Steve for these contributions, enhancing our celebration of custom culture. Click here to check them all out.​

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Joe B. Sheppard: The Tampa Hot Shoe's Racing Origins

We're grateful to Jack Shea for sharing this remarkable photo of Joe B. Sheppard with his 1932 Ford Roadster, a car that launched an extraordinary racing career. Joe became a father figure to Jack, who was chosen by his family to preserve Joe's memory and extensive photo collection. This particular image, taken in front of his family home, shows a young Joe with his Ford, equipped with an Ardun conversion and two-speed Zephyr rear. This car not only fueled his passion for racing but also marked his beginnings as the 'Tampa Hot Shoe.' For more insights into Joe B. Sheppard's legendary contributions to motorsport, click here to visit our story on Joe on Kustomrama.​

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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.

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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.

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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.​

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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

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