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Below are the
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KUSTOMRAMA NEWSLETTER NO. 199

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As we usher in the fall season, another eventful month has entered the history books. Here in Norway, it's that time of the year when our beloved cars retreat into hibernation. This weekend, I tucked my '34 away in its winter cave, marking the shift from the open roads to the cozy indoors. Now, it's time to stoke the fireplace and dive into the trove of stories we've collected over the summer.

Before getting lost in the past, let’s savor the tales featured in this newsletter edition. Highlighting the batch is an inspiring piece on Larry Wood's 1936 Ford 5-Window Coupe. This saga begins in Connecticut, sparked by a single issue of Hot Rod Magazine that ignited Larry’s lifelong passion. Known affectionately as “Mr. Hot Wheels,” Larry’s journey into the realm of hot rods started with this very coupe. Interestingly, Larry is also among you—our valued subscribers—joining other legendary figures in staying connected with the pulse of Kustomrama.

Additionally, we delve into the enigmatic chapter of Sam Barris’s life after his 1956 departure from Barris Kustoms. With a shift from Southern to Northern California, Sam ventured into new professional realms while still influencing young car enthusiasts around him. Thanks to Dale Scribner, we now have a rare glimpse into this period of Sam’s life, offering fresh insights into his lasting impact.

Last month, we introduced a brand-new West Coast Division t-shirt designed by Kustomrama Contributor Pietro. This month, we’ve realized a long-held dream by collaborating with Von Franco for an authentic Weirdo shirt. A pivotal figure in Lowbrow art and Kustom Kulture, Von Franco has infused our latest offering, The Kraze Painter, with his iconic hot rod and monster art style. This unique piece is now available in the Kustomrama Online Store and is a must-have for any aficionado of the scene.

And for a bit of future excitement—we're headed to Tokyo for the Mooneyes Yokohama show this November! It will be my first time both in Japan and Asia. If you have any travel tips or advice, I’d love to hear them.

As the leaves fall and the nights grow longer, keep those tires burning and the fireplace glowing. Stay warm, stay inspired, and until next time, enjoy the ride.

Warm regards,
Sondre Kvipt
Editor, Kustomrama

A Helping Hand from a Legend: Dale Scribner’s Sam Barris Story

Much of Sam Barris’ life after leaving Barris Kustoms in 1956 remains a mystery to most of us. Following his move back to Northern California, Sam worked on a few custom projects while transitioning into a new career as an insurance investigator and fire commissioner in Carmichael. Thanks to Dale Scribner, we just got a rare glimpse into Sam’s life during that time and how he continued to impact young car enthusiasts in his community.
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In 1958 or 1959, Dale Scribner, then a 16-year-old with a 1953 Henry J, sought out Sam Barris to have his first car lowered. He had just purchased the Henry J for $75 and did everything to it except for leaving it alone. "At that time, we lived on the corner of California Ave. and Lincoln Ave, in Carmichael, California. I wanted to have the Henry J. lowered, and Sam lived just up the street on Lincoln Ave. I drove down to his place and asked if he would lower my car. He said sure, how low do you want it? He took a piece of paper and folded it so he had a strip about 1" wide by 8" tall. He would fold that to about 6" and ask me, do you want it this low? No, lower. He would fold it again until I said good, I want it that low. He used the piece of paper as his gauge, got out his torches, reached under the Henry and started heating the front springs, and slowly dropped the car down till the paper touched evenly both sides. Now I am really cool. I got too many tickets and got my driver's license suspended for 60 days. That was a good time to install a Ford flathead V8 in the little Henry. The extra weight of the flathead caused the Henry to drop lower, so low it would scrape the white line on the road. I got a ticket for being too low and had to find some longer springs and get the car signed off."

Despite the mechanical and legal challenges, Dale continued to work on his Henry J. After installing the flathead V8, Dale found himself without an exhaust system and drove the car to Sears Automotive. There, a tech pieced together a makeshift exhaust system using discarded glass packs. The final touch came from irrigation pipes on Dale’s family ranch, repurposed as exhaust tips. Dale would later sell his beloved Henry J, but the memories remained vivid, especially the moments with Sam Barris. Dale fondly remembered how Sam took the time to help a young car enthusiast, reflecting on how generous and approachable Sam was: "I have fond memories of those days and Sam who took his time to help a kid out."

Thanks for taking us down memory lane and sharing this great story, Dale. Unfortunately, Dale hasn't been able to locate any photos of the Henry J, but he has promised to let us know if he comes across any. Be sure to click here for more info and photos of Sam Barris on Kustomrama.​

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Larry Wood's 1936 Ford 5-Window Coupe

This story begins in Connecticut, where a single issue of Hot Rod Magazine ignited a passion that would shape Larry Wood's incredible life and career. His 1936 Ford Coupe became the first step into the world of hot rods—the very first hot rod built by none other than "Mr. Hot Wheels." And here’s a fun fact: Larry is also a subscriber to the Kustomrama Newsletter! Along with you, some of the most legendary and influential figures in custom car culture stay up-to-date with all things Kustomrama.

In 1958, Larry discovered a ’36 Ford chassis at a junkyard and paired it with a Flathead engine he had been building in a shed behind his house. He vividly recalls an unforgettable test drive—sitting on a box while his friend Charlie pulled a string to control the gas. That wild ride sent the car flying across his neighbor’s yard, ending only when the battery fell out and mercifully stopped the adventure. Over the next four years, Larry transformed that raw chassis into a yellow, Hemi-powered hot rod, doing all the work himself with only Hot Rod Magazine as his guide. The Ford wasn’t just a street machine; Larry even raced it at the Connecticut Dragway, showcasing his growing talent as a builder.

While this Ford was Larry’s first hot rod, it was far from his last. In 1961, he sold it to pursue car design at the Art Center in California—a pivotal move that eventually led to his iconic career designing for Hot Wheels. His 1936 Ford Coupe represents the opening chapter in a story that has inspired car enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

​Larry has been kind enough to share the story of his first hot rod with us, and we invite you all to click here to check it out.​

Thanks a lot, Larry!

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Lost: Duane Dewey's 1929 Ford Model A Roadster

In our latest Lost & Found feature, we are looking for the remains of a 1929 Ford Model A Roadster, originally built by Duane Dewey of Fontana, California. A member of the Roadents of Fontana car club, Duane crafted this quintessential post-war hot rod before his service in the Korean War. The roadster boasts modifications like cut-down rear fenders, a boat-type windshield, and a 1932 Ford grille. It achieved a notable 109 mph at El Mirage Dry Lake. Sadly, its whereabouts have become a mystery after changing hands from Duane to his cousin and then beyond.

Duane's son, Glenn, is now seeking any information on this classic piece of hot rod heritage, believed to have last been in the Los Angeles, Alhambra, or Eagle Rock areas. We urge you to reach out if you have any leads or information about the roadster and its current location. Help us reconnect the Dewey family with a vital part of their history. Click here for more details on Kustomrama and to assist in the search.​

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Introducing the Kraze Painter by Von Franco!

For a long time, we dreamed of having an authentic Weirdo shirt for Kustomrama. To make that dream a reality, we turned to none other than the legendary Von Franco! A key figure in the Lowbrow art movement and the world of Kustom Kulture, Von Franco worked side-by-side with the iconic Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, painting shirts at car shows back in the day.

And now, he’s outdone himself again with our newest release: The Kraze Painter. This design is a wild tribute to hot rod and monster art, packed with Von Franco’s unique style that’s sure to turn heads. We’re beyond thrilled to have this incredible artwork available in the Kustomrama Online Store!

If you're a fan of Kustom Kulture, this shirt is a must-have. Click here to get yours today and wear a piece of history!​

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This is a Paid Promotion: Promote your car to thousands of enthusiasts for just $100! Click here for more info.​

Masterson Kustom for Sale: Sean Mason's 1950 Ford

An unfinished gem from Masterson Kustom Automobiles is finally completed and up for auction! Brad Masterson originally restyled this 1950 Ford for Sean Mason and his brother Jay "Catfish" Mason, two well-known figures in the Southern California kustom scene. After Jay’s passing in 2017, the car sat unfinished for years—until now. In 2023, Sean passed the car to Stef Butler, who lovingly restored it and added a few custom touches. It’s now a mechanically sound, classic piece of modern kustom history ready for its next chapter. The car is listed on Bring a Trailer! Don't miss your chance to own a piece of authentic SoCal kustom culture. The auction ends soon, so click here to head over to the auction to check out all the details and place your bid.​

Ready to burn some tires while keeping the fireplace warm? The Kustomrama October 2024 Playlist is here! With hard-hitting tracks like "Fighting My Way Back" by The Prize, "Just Like Summer" by JD McPherson, and "Johnny Remember Me" by The Meteors, this list is all you need to fuel those crisp fall nights. Click here to tune in, turn it up, and let the music ignite your October adventures!​

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Is it a Hot Rod? A Custom? Or maybe an early Low Rider?

This great photo from 1954 shows Herman Broome's unique creation—a lowered and fully-fendered 1931 Ford Model A Roadster with a 1932 Ford grille. The Gladiators car club, of which Broome was a member, was formed at Redlands High School in the fall of 1953. Dedicated to promoting safe driving and serving the community, the club quickly became known for their passion for cars, even hosting a Car Rodeo for local clubs. Special thanks to Tony Avila for sending us this scan from the 1954 Redlands High School Yearbook, preserving a piece of automotive history. Even today, Broome's Model A has an unusual blend of styles that still makes you stop and think: what would you call it?

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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.

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!

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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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