I'm betting the outside rearveiw mirrors were installed to make driving that blindquartered monster just a little bit safer and easier.
I agree and I'll add, to drive it on the streets and highways from Los Angeles to Indianapolis you had to have two mirrors one outside driver's door and inside mirror or on the p***enger's door as per most if not all state vehicle codes laws.
Is that REALLY what was on there in the '50's? I thought it was one of those J.C. Whitney initial plaques- that's even worse- it doesn't even look old. It definitely wouldn't be painted in Seafoam green as the car was already lime colored when those were added- PLUS they were added AFTER Hitohata had it so what does it have to do with Island decent? I agree- should NOT be on the car. But it's not ours so just be glad it doesn't have tribal flames, tweed interior and 22 -inch rimz.
Just have to say that this is one of the most beautiful customs of all time. And the Rikster is the man. Can't believe the stuff that you have.
The car's history does not end at the first repaint. I think the Hawaiian plates are a nice little nod to all it's history that couldn't be restored.
aren't you old enough to remember that stuff like outside mirrors and seat belts were optional? seat belts weren't even mandatory until 64, and neither my 60 or 62 chevy had outside mirrors.
I half Japanese, and Hirohata is a Japanese name. His family could have roots in Hawaii, but also in my circle sometimes guys are nicknamed "Hawaiian" because they look Asian and maybe a little dark (tanned). I know a guy called the Samoan for the same reason. I was just looking at these pics to check out the hubcaps, so the 49's and then the 53's... Got it.
Kinda funny that isn't it? The arguably most famous custom of all time should be a trailer queen but is pulling a trailer and gets in a fender bender. Actual drivers. Wow!
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