Well, I would really like to see if there are any out there who can provide us with new built kustom cars in the style that was particularly popular in California 1948-52. It sounds a bit narrowminded to be as tight as this period, but kustom styles changed very quickly and it was shortly an entirely new fashion in kustom styling. This period represents an emphasis on sleek flowing lines and accentuation of the body shape. Therefore they usually saved the side moldings, but removed the emblems and handles, etc. The cars had "luxury" accessories like Cadillac hubcaps and fashion accessories like Appleton spotlights. Barris brothers were maybe the most famous builders, but there were of course a load of others. One thing that not many think of, is that it often was popular to have both license plates and bumper guards. That dissappeared on the cleaner modern custom style. Another extremely important thing is the "stance". A true kustom in this style have a style reminiscent of a speedboat with high front and low rear plowing its way through the water. Level stance is not good and lower in the front is a total no-no. And NOT the tail sitting on the ground like a wheel-less rear. A bit of the whitewall tire should be seen. There are several others on this board that has a much greater knowledge of certain details and construction/builders of this era than I have. But you can usually see the style quite easy. But, it was not historic cars I would like to see here. I chose to call it NOSK (New Old Style Kustoms). Kustom cars built in this style, but within the last say 10-15 years. There are big plus points if they also have the type of engine/gearbox, axles etc. that was possible to use at this time. Not to be too regressive, but because it also gives a much more refined feel for the car. And the experience of driving it. Just the same as a pre-48 hot rod with the old stuff that was available. A mixture of appreciation and interest in vintage cars (which this is) and an immortal era in kustom history. The years before 1948 didn't show so many cars with the very radical lowering of chassis and roofs. Some exceptions were out there, of course. And after 1952 the car shows had developed that the number of modifications were more appreciated than the ultimate clean line ... Carson/Gaylord-topped cars were very common and now you scarcely can see anyone who has it on the newly built cars. Not having the "right" style, anyway. A couple of examples: Here's a nice build from Donn Lowe. Kevans nowadays very nice (unfortunately not yet shiny) 1940 Mercury Would love to see what you can come up with. But please, keep it traditional like I mentioned above. If you don't know what the car has under the hood or chassis, it's all ok. But the more correct, the better.
Great thread! I guess Micke Öhman's 1948 Chevrolet fits in here....even though it has some newer components in the drivetrain
i picked this up a few years back .. trying to make it look like old school ,,, as funds allow ... of course ,, its a 4 door .. don't know if it fits here or not ... but it is a 48 .. my avatar is what the front end looks like,,, after being finished with a little help from photoshop......
The Preachers of Stance would fit right in.Here's one of'em... bobjob,your car rules so far...and your signature fits.
Jeff's Mercury is amazing. It just needs a shiny paint now. Bobjob's car is not really going against this early style, I'm afraid.
Dan Landon's Chevy always pops in my head but its not a new build so I would say Paul Braggs 51 Merc convert and your 40 Merc J.B. both do it for me. And a local to me would be Cleatus' Chevy.
Here is my choice for the style Barris perfected before going real crazy with some bizarre, "anything to be different" designs. This is a clone of the Larry Ernst car. Note: sorry photo upload is failing, Will try later.
I think it's rather strange that there aren't more kustoms built true to tradition, considering there are quite a few hot rods that are spot on in the same era style. The Choppers' guys does it the right way, I'd say. Keith Weesners '50 is the only one I have a photo of, so i'll let him represent them all:
Keith's car is a very nice radically chopped traditional kustom, even though I sure miss the essential spotlights. One car that will be just amazing, but with one foot in to 1953 is my friend Andreas' Buster Litton-style 1950 Ford. Hope to see it in the planned color soon.
I tried to build mine in the 50s style. It doesnt have spotlights and the taillights are a little out of the era. The rest of it I think is period correct.
Lynn Williams 1941 Mercury... no Spotlights... but as far as I can tell everything else is spot on! Bryan Rusk photo ARCHANGEL photo KustomBuick photo
Boris... 1949 Mercury Not sure what inside and underneath... but what I can see looks very ealry 1950's to me. BadBob photos
Pro Stock John..... thank you for the compliment,wait till the roadstershow!!!! That pic you posted it looks a little more orange then it does in person but thats ok hell of a compliment you gave me and I cant wait to see your car in person.
So Rikster. WOuld the headlight rings on that Merc be from a 52????? If I french the lights in my 49 Fleetline this is what I want. Thanks
Oh man Rik....... Yes the picture is perfect I just wish I had my goodyears on there,its a whole inch more of whitewall but thats ok.I cant put into words what this picture does for me.Especially now,after I have done this engine swap and Jim Mcneil has helped the whole way thru,from the interior to the appletons to the engine and everything else.I cant even count how many times I have called him or gone to his house to see the way it was really done back then and he has NEVER once blew me off.The guy is such a class act he loves my passion for early detail and this picture just kind of symbolyzes(spelling) that. Sorry to get deep guys but this guy has been like a custom father to me and this picture means a lot. Thanks Rik
Jeff, your car is outstanding and the details are flawless. Any plans on a final color? I agree with you on the tires. The Good Year Super Cushions are the most amazing WWW. Took a long time to locate them from over here in Sweden, since Coker didn't carry them and I only had old pics from old kustoms to go from.
I do think Kevans Merc and Jeffs Merc are probably the best representations out there. I think Kevans in particular is the best 40 out there.
Nachtfalter has no spotlights either.Therefore the car even has DOOR HANDLES.But then,this car isn't meant to be your typical Custom anyway.In my eyes,stuff like this and everything else makes this car kill ALL other cars out there with ease... Speaking of tires...15-Inchers look good on Customs but T H E Custom tire is a 16-Incher.
Nice car, Dean! Vern Hammonds cool 1940 Ford Here together with another fabulous modern built kustom, Jon Fisher's -36 Ford More Fisher I have no idea of the powertrain in these both cars, since I'm totally uneducated and never read any magazines nowadays. But to keep the traditional stuff under the body is so much nicer. Just like the powertrain and chassis of a traditionally built hot rod. Keep them coming!
Shoebox1950's and Royalshifter's Shoebox Fords.Both are STANDOUT Customs in progress... Mr. Neppl's Mercury is nice.VERY NICE.I wanted him to join us preaching stance but he didn't want.I probably wasn't cool enough.
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