A few years ago at the Lone Star Round Up, Keith Tardel and I were sitting in The Jalopy Journal booth and passing the time by bullshitting about our childhood rooms. Predictably, Keith's room featured walls adorned by vintage Ford posters and artif... <BR><BR>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.
Great interview!!!! I got to meet Rod at the Windfield show and it was a honor to meet him...Really good guy,,
It's great that you didn't edit his replies. It showed why he's so well respected in our world. It's nice to see guy's who have become Icons that didn't forget how they got to that level, and aren't afraid to credit those who helped them get there! Rod is on my top 5 of want-to-meets in this hobby!
I too got to meet Rod at the Roundup this year. He seemed like a really genuinly nice guy. I really like to meet the custom guys from the old days. They are way more down to earth and are at the shows to have a good time....
Rod and I go way back.We have seen a lot and done a lot together, and I've have learned a lot from him.He is a true friend,thanks Ryan..................
Great reading. I spent part of my youth in his shop as well I have great memories of cruizing Main St and most of all Monterey Kar Kapades. Thank you so much for the great article and bringing back so many great memories!!!!!!
" Paint finishes today are so high tech they can make a traditional style car look cheap. Some of the high-end restorations that are being done today look completely off base because of the thick plastic look of the urethane paints. The soul or spirit of the original finish is missing. Kind of like a beautiful woman with too much makeup. " Yes! Yes! Yes! You got that right! Nice to meet you in print, Mr. Rod Powell. I really enjoyed this interview Ryan. Just like being there in person. Thanks for the great read!
Great stuff! Thanks I've always really liked his super clean looking designs, but never knew much about him. After reading this, he's my new hero - especially this part: "I believe our customizing on cars is an art form....I also feel that the restoration of significant cars should be supported in the same way. Not with the intention of winning a show or as an investment but as a piece of history that should be preserved."
Thanks for the great interview and the view into your world, Rod Powell. As you and I reach this point in life, we realize what a great time it was when we were young. Hope to meet you in person some day. Bob Nugent
rod is quite a guy. i never realized how fortunate i was to grow up in the monterey bay area until long after i left. Rod and Cole's influences have played a part in just about every car i've owned.
Great interview...have always been a fan of his...I have his flame painting techniques book...so much talent in that guy and seems to be really cool...
I met Rod at a Goodguys run years ago when my 39 chevy was in primer for some reason he talked me into painting it yellow
Great interview. It's good reading straight forward, honest responses and opinions from living legends like Rod Powell. Thanks Ryan and Rod.
I am fortunate enough to own a car he painted, scalloped, and striped back in the early 80's and it has held up well and still looks killer. He has also taken the time to PM back and answer questions about the car and it's history. I hope to meet him in person in the future.
WOW... I kept waiting & looking for this interview... Great answers to great questions.. What could I say about my great buddy Rod... The first time I ever heard of him was off a pedal car from a neighbor, Johnny The Swapmeeter, had when I was really young. My brother and I saw the car candy painted, striped and signed by "Rod." My brother asked Johnny, "Is that a hot rod?" Johnny said, "No it's a custom" My brother said "But it says Rod on it." Johnny told him, "That's the guy who painted the car, Rod Powell." ... and I've never forgotten the name. Living in Salinas, Rod Powell was THE guy... I never met him or even knew what he looked like until we started Deadend Magazine.. When we made our first t-shirts & posters I finally had a reason to introduce myself to Rod... I went to Cole Foster's shop to ask which shop was Rod's.. and Cole said "he's the last shop on the corner, just go in there.. he's probably working on something." So I walked in there and saw two older gentlemen... I didn't bother them, I wanted to ask, "which one of you is Rod?" but was embarrassed that being from Salinas and into cars I didn't know which one was Rod Powell... I was happy that I didn't have to ask.. to my amazement Rod, said "Hey I know you... you're Juan from Deadend Magazine!" I was shocked, surprised and stoked that Rod knew who I was. I sat down talked to Rod for a couple of hours, looked through his photo albums while he striped a car. Ever since then Rod and I have become good friends. I've had the pleasure of riding with him twice to the Lonestar Round-Up in his Chevy http://www.deadendmagazine.com/apr08_page31-32.html and have noticed how many people admire his work, even though he claims, "There's a guy like me in every town.." Doubt it! Rod is one of a kind! Glad you interviewed him Ryan -Juan
That is an awesome interview. I love hearing about the local history...thems is mys parts o da woods! Nice to see Salinas is known for something other than being the lettuce bowl of the world....customs.
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