Who are the most important builders these days?

My role models are:

1: Cole Foster
2: Gary Howard
3: Bob Grant( built the two Chevies on the cover of the bare issue of classic trucks, for those of you that don't drift into the word of custom trucks).

 

I still say Cole by far. Keeps it simple and yet it stands out. Takes his time, is a perfectionist and if that don't tell ya it all, just look at that '36 that he has been doing for Hammit. It is still not done and it looks killer. The 1st car that I saw of his that he did was Mike Ness' chebby. That car to this day is still one of the nicest '54 that I have seen roamin around town here. I still say that The Rev. Billy G's Cadzzilla will be the ultimate custom for years to come! KNUX!

 

I'm going with Mark Conforth, he's put some definitley cool shit out there over the years........oh yea thats my pops as well.

 

Well dont forget these guys

www.diversstreetrods.com

I Know them i went to school with tim's son. Great guys

the Buick is great, a little too shiny and modern than i'm really into but how can you go wrong mid engineing a Ferarri engine into a Rambler station wagon??

 

vary nice

 

John Katsanis.....unless this is just a US-only thing....???


I imagine there's a few in Japan and Europe too....

 

stoner why dont you do a thing on blue collar customs if you need material he kicks ass and old skool rods has the east coast covered and now LA with the rebirth of the delux. I have to agree with Ryan though its the hobiest that make this for me!!! I could give a rats ass what Vern Or Jimmy White or Shine or Cole are doing its the guy down the block that has my attention

 

Bass, ChopRods, Killer, our old buddy Hans........

 

Dude, your statement kind of bums me out, you make it sound as if we are some kind of hot rod factory that pumps cars out!! You make it sound like the cars we build have no soul, and the guy who is building cars in his garage does.. Almost every part that goes on a car at my shop gets built in house, not pulled off of a shelf. I built cars in my garage for a long time,I built my coupe in Axels driveway a long time ago (thanks Axel). I agree with the fact that there are alot of unsung heroes out there, I consider myself lucky to be in the postion I am in, I can build cars my way (traditional) and make a living at it. I guess if you knew me or came by my shop you would see things differently.
Jimmy White

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76129&&showall=1

 

what tranny is in your maroon roadster?

 

It has a t-5 5 speed, If you have any questions give me a call at the shop.
Jimmy White

 

I'm just an asshole you met at the RoundUp last year. ya know I was jokin, right?

 

Dont get all butt hurt Jimmy I am just sayin if you lived down tha block I would have a vested interest just like you and Axel. I have met Lots of the guys mentioned in this thread and talked shop with some one on one. I admire there skills and apreicate their talent. I know that hype pays the bills for you guys and you put in the time. And deserve it!! I also see guys put there soul into this chit and get nada. why cause they dont belong to the club?? they insulted Jim A and took Germs side LOL you get where Im coming from

 

All the guys mentioned so far especially Mark Moriarty.

 

thats it peddro....that thing is going to look nice and different to most FJs out there ............after watching john at the last 2 Kustom nats, standing back and eyeballin as he works, he gets what ever hes workin on, looking just right...............Bert

 

that is a great list...i'm also paying close attention to gilroy chop shop...stunning work.(are they some guys from calaveras customs?),and gambino kustoms in san jo...kicking a** in a major way... my favorite unsung hero is frankie from the creepers...kustoms so classic and just right...

 

Amen!!

 

COLE's got my vote.

 

Mikey from OCC and my 3 yr old grandson, J.Scott

 

How could we forget Moriarity??
Thanks for the reminder, KoppaK........Mark, Fritz and the like are definitely fueled by passion...

 

Impossible to disagree with names like Cole Foster, Jimmy Shine, Vern Tardel, Gary Fioto, Troy Trepanier, etc...these are obvious choices.

How about Bo Huff? Here's a guy that's been doing this shit for years and has finally gotten some recognition for his work. He kinda got railroaded into the rat rod thing because OSR embraced him, but make no mistake about it, he is a true kustom guy and his build quility is professional. Whether you love or hate his style, he's definitely influencing the next generation.

What about John D'Agostino? "The Carribean"..."Golden Sunrise"...his cars are UNREAL. His cars represent the zenith of the kustom car world

The older guys that are still active get a hats off from me. Guys like Gene Winfield and Bill Hines are the guys that unselfishly pass their knowledge on to young guys like me. So many have taken it to the grave. And without these guys, all we would have are magazines and pictures.

 

I'm surprised that Dave Lane isn't recognized by many as one of the top builders, especially in the midwest. He's had a number of beautiful traditional cars appear in Rodder's Journal, and he's done a number of cars for George Poteet, including a '32 5-window and a '40 pickup. I'm not saying any of the others are not deserving, but Dave Lane can go head to head with any of them.

 

Paul Bragg San Robles Ca, His bare metal chopped 51 merc is unbelivable not one drop of bondo.mike

 

If you build your own than you are.

 

Larry Grobe from Chicago

 

Bob......the builder

 

I second that-I really dig Mr. Huff's work; it's deadon in my opinion