Features Kustoms blues? I need to see some kustoms....

I'm finally got around to digitizing my kustom pics from 1984 Leadsled Spectacular in Des Moines. I'll post 'em all up in a series, with commentary as best as memory serves me ....

This pair of 56 Fords from Butler county Nebraska. I've not seen them since, I'm two counties away. Anyway, not a common modification for a 56 Crown Vic, a late 40's Olds grill?? If I remember right, in the official video of the show, the guy is stopped and asked all the "who, what, where" type questions and rather grumpily replies, "its' getting a little HOT for this" or something like that. Referring to the fact he was idling through the fairgrounds, on a hot summer day, getting no airflow thru the radiator.

 

Mild 56 Merc

 

Mild 55 Vicky

 

A little better, looking good with a mouth full of 54 Chevy ...

 

There used to be a dome south of the varied industries building in Des Moines. It was a nice shady spot on a round concrete pad ... cool place to get out of the hot sun, and damn, did the cherry bombs on my '55 sound good echoing around in there.

 

My 55 again, and a nice Vicky. I wish I had a front shot of it, and the mouth full of 54 Chevy teeth.

 

I was into 55-56 Fords at the time, so snapped this neat sedan, but I also had the 54 Chevy that I bought in 1980. Not sure why I didn't take a pic of the white 54 hardtop in the background. Beautiful car, hooded Caddy headlights, 54 Pontiac grill bar, and tailfins off maybe a 56 Plymouth??

 

Here's that car in the background again. What was I thinking taking a picture of a street rod? Pan left, pan left!!

 

I scribbled a note about getting together all 55-56 Fords and Mercurys for a photo opp. Made copies at the hotel desk and dropped them in every one I could find. This is who showed up. Gr***y area is blacktop now, where Goodguys runs their Autocross.

 

One of the members of Lincoln Land Kustoms ...

 

Just sitting back, watching 'em cruise Grand Avenue. The Crown Victoria in the back ground was from Omaha, Heavily extended front fenders and rear quarters, if I recall. License Plate "KUSTOM" I was lucky enough to find one of those plates a swap meet years later.

 

Must have liked this one, caught it on film twice...

 

Great looking Merc, reminiscent of "COOL 50" with the Riviera trim. In the background, phantom Merc sedan delivery "Trouble in Paradise", before it had rainbow scallops. Uuuhhhh. Filet, fries, salad and Texas toast for $4?? I'll take TWO please

 

No, it does not have a rumble seat. Just some one's lawn chair sticking above the convertible boot. Nice angle on the hood side scoop

 

Now that's just ***y!

 

Pretty mild Mercury Monterey, still running the vinyl top. The Impala behind has a cool 58 or 59 Buick grill

 

Here's the back of the Impala. Shortened side trim, tasteful red scallop, custom tail lights(hard to see what) and running stainless or chrome plated skirts

 

This was 1984 so sitting this low was pretty radical.

 

If I remember, this 57 T-Bird had "satellite" tail light kit, that was available through JC Whitney type catalogs

 

Looking south in back of Headquarters Motel on Merle Haye Road. Ed Lepold's Merc and Jon Gullet's Shoebox. Wish I would have got a nice shot of the for sale 54 Buick in dark blue.

 

The car was named the pretender mr posey owned it . Was around until about 1990 . Was lost to an auto accident.

 

Looking north, Barris Riviera?

 

Not New Orleans, Des Moines ...

 

The Hiney Winery Mercury panel truck, you'll remember if you are from Sioux City area. Larry Doerr still builds some amazing stuff.