KustomBart KustomBlog

Girls and cars forever

2012-02-19T23:08:00.000+01:00

Lovely lady in see through white riding lovely Mustang Mach1.

Can any of yu tell me what car this is? The lady looks a little bewildered by it, too. Sharp lines and a lovely 70s green on that car.

Every brand of car had it's hip moments, like this Benz C111 prototype with gullwing doors, orange kolor, deep dish mags and white letter tyres.

Here's another prototype from the 70s, this time by the Great Giugiaro; the Porsche Tapiro.

Skipping across the atlantic but staying in concept cars: I can't see what car this is but I sure like those wheels and a miniskirt with boots always captures my attention.

I'd take these two for a spin around the block.

Another great AMC design from the 70s. It is a shame AMC didn't make it...
This smart soccermom is what we call a MILF today. Look at the wheels and the faux wood, great stuff.

A Dodge Dart would not take a surfboard but this girl fits nicely in the back seat, I'd wager...

What has long legs, a super-short skirt and does the quarter mile in under 10 seconds? Carol "Bunny" Burkett, that is!

And finally, back in the UK, another girl helping fix this guy's Ford Escort. Lovely.

Too drunk to Blog

2012-02-17T12:29:00.001+01:00

Chairman of the bored.

2012-02-15T19:25:00.000+01:00

Crazy ideas enter my head when I'm bored. And I have a great big number of helmets I can just pick up from the Kustom Korner. I also have a glue gun...

Disco Fever!

Cool overload

2012-02-14T15:21:00.000+01:00

Burt Reynolds, cowboy boots and hat, a CB radio, a black Transam, gold wheels and a golden bird on the hood.

My latest toy

2012-02-13T20:56:00.000+01:00

It's just like the real thing: this one also doesn't drive and needs work.

Sweet, though!

Street Scene

2012-02-13T20:47:00.000+01:00

You almost never see a 70s Toyota pickup on the streets here. Let alone a camper conversion.

Tevog profi racing team!

2012-02-10T16:13:00.000+01:00

I scored anthor vintage 80s helmet, a german Tevog (never heard of) fiberglas helmet. It's "profi" and from a "racing team", just so you know.

Quelle style freakey, quelle "Tevog" font!

You can check out but you can never leave....

2012-02-03T10:53:00.000+01:00

Check out this treasure trove of Retro styles, fashion and more on Retrospace

I wish I could...

2012-02-02T20:37:00.000+01:00

..take better pictures! These don't do justice to Rob's bagger I just finished. Spent the day in the Short-Cut Choppers workshop, putting the bike back together. It turned out great! To repeat the immortal words of the great Hannibal: "I love it when a plan comes together."

Gayest helmet on earth?

2012-01-31T18:31:00.000+01:00

But I just had to have it!

Look at the pretty kolors. Besides that, the shape is freaky in the way only an early full face helmet can be. It's in great condition too, inside and out. It comes with a visor but it looks better without.

Kustom Korner "Spring is almost here" Party

2012-01-29T16:20:00.001+01:00

More info on: www.kustom-korner.com, be there!

Spoiler: Rob's Bagger

2012-01-28T23:36:00.000+01:00

Zap Bam Crackle!

Saab

2012-01-24T22:42:00.000+01:00

Saab went bust and a buyer has as yet not been found who will make the neccesary investments to keep the brand alive.

A lot of people say the real Saab identity was lost when it was taken over by GM in the early 90s and they were forced to produce Saabs on the Opel Vectra floorpan, which by then had outdated handling characteristics, even by Opel standards.

Saab made some great cars in their time. In 2006, I visited the Saab museum in the swedish town of Trollhattan, a few kilometers from the factory. On display were many cars, from the first Saab from 1948 called Ursaab (or primal Saab) right through to the latest 9-3 Viggen. The Ursaab is a fantastic aerodynamic design, clearly showing the origins of the company, producing aircraft.

The Ursaab design spawned several models which were produced into the 1980s! A sure sign of a great design. Although these cars were severely underpowered with their 3 cilinder, two stroke engines, they managed to win several international rallies.

In the late 1960s, Saab wanted to produce a bigger, more luxurious model. They called in a mr. Sixten Sason, who drew the Saab 99. Another great design with many innovative features. It was fitted with a turbo in the 70s, making it one of the first production cars to feature such a device, along with BMW and TVR.

The 99 was stretched out to make it bigger for US markets, which led to the 900, my favourite Saab. I owned a 900 a few years ago and enjoyed it thoroughly. It is one of only a few cars I am comfrotable in, with my 1,96m length.

This is the car, a 1984 900S 2.0 litre in beautiful white with "Inca" alloy wheels.

I still dream of a Saab 900 turbo now and again. I'd like a black "Aero" one, please.

There has been talk of the Saab museum's collection would be broken up and auctioned off. Fortunately, this has not happened and the historical cars of the great Saab marque will stay largely together and in Sweden. Let's hope they will stay on display for a long time to come.

Reanimated!

2012-01-23T20:07:00.000+01:00

Today is a great day. I got to start my Tatra 603 for the first time in 3 years. After changing a hardened rubber seal on the fuel pump, it started right up, JOY!

Click here to watch the video!

Bagger paint

2012-01-22T13:25:00.000+01:00

After playing with the Vreeble, me and Rob weren't really happy with the results on the bike tins so we decided to go in another direction. I will leave the gold flakes panels as they are now and instead of painting the rest black (which is sooo 2011), I wanted to try brown. It's the new black, you know.

It's a BMW kolor called Marakesh Brown. It looks a chocolate brown until the light hits it and it turns to a karamel hue.

Instead of painting HD logos or using stickers, we ordered some metal emblems from W&W cycles. They fit the style of the paintwork very well. I plan to do off-white outlines on the panels, and I will match the kolor to that used on the emblems.

Unfortunately, the emblems are made for a much rounder tank, so they don't fit. The pointed ends are resting on the tank's surface and the middle is still 1-2 cms away.

I predict some grinding in the near future.

Sell, sell, sell!

2012-01-19T13:43:00.000+01:00

Need room and money for new toys so I'm selling some Custom Van goodies:
ERTL large scale metal Dodge Van:

Chevy Custom Van 1:16th scale, super detailed interior with all the custom van goodies such as swiveling captains chairs, carpeting, wood cabinet, CB radio etc etc. This Highway 61 model is not available anywhere in stores anymore, and it's got the great Robert Crumb "Keep on Truckin'" mural on the side:

Then there's the Little Red Zinger, some assembly required, but a great addition to your Custom Van collection.

Check my ebay auctions here or contact me for prices and details

Haha funny

2012-01-18T16:18:00.000+01:00

from corpsesfromhell.blogspot.com

Chop That Fucking Sportster!

2012-01-12T15:42:00.001+01:00

For sale at the Kustom Korner: Rob's Ironhead Hardtail. Chopped by Short-Cut, paint by Kustombart.

Check out the specs and build photos on the Short-Cut website under "Chops".
Check out process of gold leafing the tins on my blog here

Email Rob for the price and further details!

New toys

2012-01-12T12:15:00.002+01:00

Even though I will never wear a helmet, I still keep collecting them. It's ebay's fault, they keep putting up great stuff for auction...

I saw this great looking 1982 Czech Cassida full face polyester one a few weeks ago. It has it's original carry case and leaflet with Czech text and illustrations and has probably never been worn. It's now on display at the Kustom Korner

Also from ebay this Porsche designed 80s German Roemer helmet. It has a great shape and color scheme. It must have been a real high end helmet back then.

And then there is this full face blue metalflake one. I can't find a brand or size or year of manufacture on it but I guess it to be early 80s. It's glassfibre and was badly scratched but with a little polishing, it looks great again.

It sits on top of a vintage early 70s Acoustic Research AR4X speaker. My dad bought this set back in the day and I just finished restoring them, getting the white paint off and the shine back on the walnut veneer. I also ordered new grilles with logos off (you guessed it) ebay. They look the part and there is still a great sound coming out which audio afficionados describe as "dark".

They pair up nicely with this Sansui 600L my dad bought together with the speakers. I had it looked after by a specialist electronics shop and it too is back in great condition. A great combination of US made quality products!

I just love 70s and 80s stuff.

Girls and cars, just can't get enough.

2012-01-03T17:55:00.000+01:00

French girls and cars.

This guy has it going on.

Girls washing cars, even better!

Russian girl with car.

Girls helping to work on your car.

Girl with pink DeTomaso Pantera.

Disco Fever!

I do!

2011-12-30T22:19:00.001+01:00

...and do you promise to love and cherish your GMC motorhome, through thick and thin, richer and poorer, until rust or gasoline shortages do you part?

From Hemmings Blog.

Tatra update

2011-12-23T20:09:00.001+01:00

Went to visit Speedon today, who are working on the 603, getting it roadworthy again. A lot of progress was made with suspension, brakes and hydraulic clutch. Can't wait till it's ready!

Vreeble!

2011-12-21T19:43:00.000+01:00

Flaking of Rob's bagger is finished.

Experimenting with Vreeble to go over gold flakes.

Flaking the Bagger

2011-12-09T10:31:00.001+01:00

Rob's bagger is undergoing the Kustombart treatment.
After welding some holes in the fenders from the access trim and lights and fixing some holes in the 'glass bags, I got to flaking.

First an orangey-gold base kolor.

Then 4 layers of Metalflake Micro Gold flakes.

Now wait for it to dry and add some more clear.

I only flaked certain parts of the tins, cause the rest will be black. The panels will be gold flake with black Vreeble on top!

Strip her down naked and bring her to me...

2011-12-01T16:48:00.000+01:00

While Tjeerd is in Japan visiting the Yokohama Hotrod show (again), chopping still goes on in the Kustom Korner.

Stripping Rob's bagger for paint and some small modifications.
Tjeerd already put on some fishtail pipes for a mock-up. We also stripped all the extra lights and a lot of chrome to get a cleaner look. The cardboard seat pan was my idea, it will extend all the way up to the cover over the fuel cap. Of course, Marcel from Miller Kustom Upholstery will make the actual seat cover.

After stripping, the thing look like a wet cat, all skin & bones.

While we were stripping, customer Wim brought his XS650 for Tjeerd to do a weldon hardtail. His bike was a real good buy, with some fresh gasoline and the starter pack it started right up after standing still for 10 years! We just hope Tjeerd won't be mad we made use of his workshop when he was away. Oh well, at least we know who to blame!

Doodling

2011-12-01T09:59:00.000+01:00

Girls and Cars..........................................again

2011-11-30T10:21:00.000+01:00

Gas'r'up!

Rally Girl: navigating dangerous curves...

Look at my Big Blower.

Let me show you how to work that stick!

When it was cool to own an Opel...

Or a Daf (still cool!)

Girls strip naked if you drive a Marcos, even when you get stuck in the sand!

Sit back for 16 minutes...

2011-11-26T13:00:00.000+01:00

...and let Ford tell you all about their plans for 1964 and beyond.

Rockin'Jalopy's Motorama show

2011-11-25T12:47:00.000+01:00

The third edition was a great success!

I didn't take many pics but the guys from Airmighty magazine were there and they shot everything in sight!
Check out the pics in the Airmighty website gallery. Here's a sneak preview:

Kobus from Airmighty mag is hosting a Hotrod show at the Chimay racecourse next summer.

Should be good, the European Bugin that was held at the same location this summer was a blast. See more info on the Hotrod Show here.

Take a look...

2011-11-09T15:20:00.000+01:00

at some of my past projects on the renewed Kustombart website!

Like the Tiki Wagon:

Special Paint projects like the graffiti bike:

The Color Climax tank:

And Flames:

See you there!

Tatra on the Road again....

2011-11-09T11:34:00.001+01:00

...well, on a trailer, anyway.

How to get a 1500kg car without wheels to a place almost 100kms down the road? Get some I-beams, some sturdy blocks of wood and a jack and lift her up!

Then put a trailer under it and drive it away. Look how it dwarfs the other traffic! A majestic machine.

It was delivered to the Speedon workshop, where it will receive airride. I hope it drives when I get it back!

New Kid on the Block

2011-11-02T09:34:00.001+01:00

Martijn AKA Mister Martin helped me out on the Haunted House mural. He was my apprentice for a few months. Now he has started to paint for himself and has started a blog, telling the world about it.

Check it out:
http://mister-martin.blogspot.com/

Sort it out...

2011-10-31T11:29:00.000+01:00

Three years ago I pulled my Tatra 603 apart to fix the failing gearbox, clutch, brakes, shock absorbers and several bearings. Since then, the shell of the car and lots of boxes of parts have been gathering dust as the project slowed to a halt. Now it's time to get things going again.

This is how it has been standing for a long time.

I stacked parts inside so I cleaned out the interior to see if I could find all the parts back.

I sat in the front seat, remembering driving the thing in 2008 to the Hotrod Hayride with friends... Good times...

Now here's the stack-o'-parts I found, minus the gearbox, wheels and engine.

This winter, it has to be put back together and fitted with airride. Hopefully, I'll be cruising next spring!

Just finished...

2011-10-30T17:45:00.000+01:00

...and mounted by Willem "Stimpie" on his Triumph:

which is not finished yet but this is a preview.

Rockin' Jalopy's Motorama 2011

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000+02:00

See you there!

Want

2011-10-20T22:00:00.000+02:00

Freaky Friday

2011-10-15T02:21:00.000+02:00

What a great combination.

2011-10-05T12:08:00.000+02:00

Girls and cars, that is.

Russ Meyer knew it.

Penthouse knew it.

Jungle Pam knows it and shows it!

And now for some kolor: Pink! Not a kolor you normally associate with Volvo but with a girl, it works.

Classy girls with classy cars:

Trashy girl with cheap car:

Trashy girl with expensive car:

More girls:

Night Driving

2011-10-02T13:12:00.000+02:00

Kustom Korner Hotdogs & Beer Party

2011-10-02T13:05:00.000+02:00

Yesterday was a great day. We had great weather, it was 24 degrees, which must be some kind of meteorological record for oktober 1st. It felt like summer and hotdogs & beer only enheanced the buzz.

It was time to show the latest Short-Cut chopper with Kustombart paint. And here it is:

Isn't she lovely?

I was there with the last public outing of the Green Machine.

There's quite a collection of interesting bikes gathering at the Kustom Korner.

I was trying to shift some car goodies and a helmet, a vinyl van mural and a few books now have new homes.

I am also selling every Metalflake Kolor available now, 27 different kinds!

Some visitors from Germany, showing off their Ledsleds. I took a close look at the Caddie's airride system. Thanks for coming over, guys!

Here's the newly installed Tiki Bar for Short-Cut Choppers. It was a gift from Kieft & Klok Vintage VW's.

And The Ledsled part of the shop.

A little display of paintwork from me.

Thanks everybody for coming and making it a great day. See you next time!

Sold!

2011-10-01T11:00:00.000+02:00

Green Machine is sold. It's being picked up on monday so I'll have to enjoy it doubletime this weekend! Really mixed feelings, sad to see it go but glad to go on with a new project.

Have a good weekend. I know I will!

Paint in the Works

2011-09-26T11:41:00.001+02:00

I've been working on two paintjobs lately. One for Tjeerd and another XS650.

I painted the tins a Honda metallic black with a gold shine. The panels feature a gold pearl basecoat, lightly dusted with a green pearl, covered by a 50-50 mixture of Kelly Green and Gold Metalfale Glowble flakes.

I painted the Short-Cut logo in Seagreen Kandy, outlined by the same pearl gold I used under the flakes. The panels were also outlined in gold.

Then I shaded the outlines and logo, to get more depth and contrast.

Now I have to polish it and the bike will be ready for the Hotdog and Beer party, oktober 1st at the Kustom Korner, come check it out!

I have also been busy with a Triumph. The owner modified the tank and built the ass part from scratch. The paint was inspired upon a Triumph record breaker called "The devil's Arrow".

I promised the owner not to reveal too much of the paintjob but it has a very fine silver metallic base, with a custom-mixed Kandy red (brick red with some gold). It has scallops and they will be finished with a black outline and a satin gloss topcoat.

That's al for now, dont forget the Hotdog & Beer party next saturday!

Monster Jam!

2011-09-26T11:20:00.000+02:00

Visited the Monster Jam world tour yesterday. Had a blast!

I first saw monster trucks on tv in the early 90s, as it was becoming popular in Europe.
One truck immediately stood out from the crowd: Grave Digger! All the other trucks had relatively stock looking pickup truck bodies and this one was a 50 Chevy Panel with a great big scary mural on it!

Here's some pics of earlier incarnations of the truck and the mural by Fred Bumann:

Here's some shots I took at the show of Grave Digger smashing itself to bits like only Grave Digger can.

And the final resting place: a mere skeleton, stripped from it's skin, atop a few crushed car bodies.

Great stuff!

Buy it now!

2011-09-20T11:15:00.000+02:00

All good things must come to an end. I have enjoyed my Custom Van "Green Machine" for more than 2 years now. I have had many repairs in the beginning and lots of fun after that.

It is just about finished now, so it's time to move on to a new project: the Tatra Aircooled V8 Ledsled.

I need time and cash for that, so I'm selling my beloved Van! Check out the evilbay auction here. Happy bidding!

Custom Cars Picture Library

2011-09-15T19:54:00.000+02:00

Dresser Trans Am?

Four Eyes.

Big n little to the extreme.

Eight is enough.

Girls & bikes...

2011-09-14T10:15:00.000+02:00

through Stranger Blog

Vette Trike

2011-09-14T09:28:00.000+02:00

This is a company that still makes these trikes. From their description:

"Three Wheels and More Custom Trike comes stock with a 4 speed VW transaxle and wide glide duel disc front end. Note the steering wheel for driving ease. Can be personalized with options that include the choice of three body styles (C Cab, T Top or Delivery), engine, transmission, front end, tires and wheels, color, chrome, seats, electronics and even a matching trailer. Seats are side by side, making for a more pleasurable riding experience with a passenger."

You can order one today!

Woop woop! It's the sound of the police!

2011-09-13T09:36:00.004+02:00

From Bubblevisor blog.

Kustom Korner Hot Dog & Beer party Oktober 1st

2011-09-08T15:29:00.002+02:00

Spread the Word!

Kustom Korner Launch

2011-09-01T10:51:00.000+02:00

Last weekend, Short-Cut Choppers, Ledsled Customs EU and Kustombart opened their joint shop in Ede (The Netehrlands). We had a great time and want to thank everyone who came, despite the shitty weather!

Last 2 pics by Metalshaper, others by Steph.

Ich bin ein Berliner / Bohemian Rhapsody

2011-08-31T16:29:00.000+02:00

Went on holiday to Berlin and Prague. Saw a wonderful museum in Berlin; das Museum der Dinge (museum of things).

Among many everyday items of 20th century life, there was this magnificent 1960 tv/radio/recordplayer set:

And many more items:

If you are ever in Berlin, forget the Guggenheim, this is the place to see!

In Prague, I very much enjoyed the national technical museum. Not only do they have some very significant milestones of automobile history (like a very early Benz Viktoria and the oldest existing Bugatti) but here you can also see that before the communists came, Czech design and engineering rivaled that of the rest of europe. The country has a wealth of motorcycle and car brands, most of which are seldom seen outside of the Czech republic.

This weird thing rode on a circle board track in front of cyclists trying to break speed records. It would be a great achievement just to keep it on the track!

Jesus built my hotrod but Satan built my motorbike!

One of the first scooters ever manufactured. With fenders, to keep the muck off your pretty frock.

One of the longest motorbikes ever produced, this Böhmerland produced in the 1920s and 30swas designed to seat a family of four. It measures 3,17m!

Here's a really sweet Jawa.

George Jetson's daily driver:

Beautiful Jawa coupe racer:

Skoda Rally Car:

And the same model Skoda in the streets of Prague, a great advertisement for Subway.

Kustom Korner

2011-08-14T16:23:00.003+02:00

As you may know, I'm about to start a new adventure in Kustomland. It's a collaboration between bike builder Short-Cut, Ledsled Customs and myself. I have been really busy getting the showroom ready for the opening on sunday, august 28th. Here's an impression.

It started off as an empty part of the Short-Cut showroom.

I laid some checkered vinyl on the floor, put in a nice sofa and chairs, some used racks etc. All in red, black and white with 50's styling cues.

Next, I started building a counter, cause we couldn't find any nice ones that fit the needs of the shop for sale anywhere. I made a rough sketch and took some measurements.

I started by building a wooden frame.

The I made the top, painted it balck and upholstered the sides with red velvet fabric. I mounted chrome tubing around the edge, to get a 50s diner look.

It turned out really good. The whole shop has got the right atmos. Now it's up to the owner of Ledsled europe to dress the shop further and we're opening on august 28th!

Check out more info on www.kustom-korner.com.

Minivan!

2011-08-10T10:13:00.001+02:00

I've been busy with paper, glue and scissors. If you want to do some cutting, folding and glueing too, send me an email at bart@kustombart.com with your name and address. These are free, except for shipping coctst. I can ship worldwide for a few dollars/euros/yen/chickens!

Invitation to the opening of a new Kustom Shop in the Netherlands

2011-08-03T12:52:00.000+02:00

On Sunday, august 28th a new shop will be opened in Ede, The Netherlands. This shop is a collaboration between Short Cut Choppers, Ledsled Customs and Kustombart.

In this shop you will find many things concerning Kustoms, Choppers, en Vintage-style clothing, magazines and accessories.

Short-Cut Choppers customizes motorcycles and supplies parts for choppers such as tanks, handlebars, fenders, tyres, exhausts, shocks, etc. Short-Cut is a dealer of W&W cycles, Highway Hawk and Mooneyes. They also do custom work such as frame modifications, wiring, welding and fabrication.

Ledsled Customs is a new name in Europe and supplies chopper parts of Ledsled USA, who specialize in custom parts for Harley Davidson Sportsters. Apart from bolt-on goodies, they also have hardtail kits, for example. Ledsled also sells clothing of Ledsled USA, Sinner Supply, Vivianne of Holloway and Iron Fist and accessores from Grants Pomade, Mr Ducktail, London and The Great Frog, London. Also for sale are these magazines: Dice Magazine, Greasy Culture, Inked, Back Street Heroes, Sideburn and Milkcow.

Kustombart will supply you with a Show-winning Kustom Paintjob. Kustombart is specialized in Period-Perfect Paint with a contemporary twist and will cover your vehicle in Flakes, Candies, Pearl Paint, Goldleaf, Flames, Scallops, Panels, Murals or lettering.

In short: everything you need concerning Kustom Kulture is under one roof, centrally located in the Netherlands in the picturesque town of Ede!

We invite you to join us for the opening of this shop on Sunday august 28, from 14.00 h at the Hoorn 7a in Ede. Bring your Chopper, Bobber, Tracker, Kustom Car or Van!

For more info, check www.kustom-korner.com

Please let us know in advance whether you will attend and how many people you bring with you. Do this by email (bart@kustombart.com) please.

Greetings and see you august 28th,

Custom Vans issue 2, february 1976

2011-08-01T13:02:00.000+02:00

Got this mag from Martijn aka Mr Martin, thanks, man!

"Vans of Nor-Cal: Defiance and Mudrunner II":

"From Santa Cruz, Jim Redmill's Econoline 100 displays the airbrush artistry of Mike Moran"

"Naturally, all of the work was done with an airbrush. Completion of the job required just about two and one-half months"

"To save time and eliminate a lot of correspondence, the other lovely in a number of the pictures is Cindy Hendrickson, a most charming 22-year-old from Aptos, California."

I really dig murals inside of panels. Don't dig the "pants under the armpits" look so much...

Most of these Vintage Van mags are full of ads like this:

Mostly mail-order parts suppliers, selling seats, scoops, sidepipes, bubble windows etc. Where has all the dead stock gone?! Must be lots lying around in dusty corners and atticks, "mint in box", drool, drool.

Green Machine pics (again)

2011-08-01T11:56:00.000+02:00

I was approached by Arnhem-based photographer Rob Kater to do a fotoshoot with the Green Machine. Here's a taste:

Nice, huh?

First International Bling Bling Chopperstyle Show & Exhibition

2011-08-01T11:45:00.000+02:00

I'm on a forum for Low-Budget Chopper builders called Chopperstyle. It has a few dozen active builders who do anything from choppers, diggers, trackers, bobbers, cafe racers etc.

The first meeting to show off the work of all of those talented low-budget builders will be held on september 10th. If you are part of the dutch chopper scene, be sure to check it out!

Choppa Time! At The ShortCut Shop

2011-07-20T20:47:00.000+02:00

Left to right: Quanjers project XS650, Tjebbe's Honda Four (exciting!) and Tjeerd's XS650 Big Bore Bobber. The tins from the Bobber are currently in my workshop, undergoing Bondo Plastic Surgery. Flakes 'n Paint will follow.

Marcel from Miller Kustom Upholstery will do the seat.

That's a rear wheel in a wide front fork, fat Carlisle tyres and a bodacious choice for a tank. It's really narrow and bent like a banana. Stay tuned to see what happens to these tins!

Aircooled Playmobil

2011-07-05T10:23:00.000+02:00

Mr Shige of Moon Japan:

Mr Goshu:

Dyno Don, the announcer at the original Bugin:

European Bugin a great success again

2011-07-05T10:17:00.002+02:00

Back from Belgium after a long weekend of aircooled fun.

I drove to Belgium together with Michiel of VWMK2 and his lowered Jetta. It turned out a little too low for belgian roads but we made it in the end.

I had a little corner of my own in between the traders. The tent behind me was occupied by Kieft and Klok, T2D and VWMK2.

Right in front of me was the dragstrip.

To my left were CSP with a really clean razor-edge.

To my right, Flat Four with a super rare drag car from Mr Komori's private collection.

You gotta love Metalflake in the sun...

Big tire bus.

I heart Baja bugs.

This Tempo was unearthed by Kieft en Klok a few years ago, now a cool show-machine.

Seventies cool...

Krazy Unknown Kitcars:

Dutch Hotrod Bug:

Chopped Porsche, how cool is that?

I had a great time, thanks to everyone who made it great!

For more pics (not mine) check this out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesko23/

Summer check up

2011-06-28T17:52:00.000+02:00

It was a tight squeeze but I got the van onto the ramp at Tjeerd's short-cut shop. European ramps are clearly not designed to acoomodate american vans with 295 rubber...

I checked the usual stuff and re tightened the suspension nuts and bolts I fiddled with last week to change the springs. The Green Machine is now ready for the 400 km trip to Chimay, for the Bugin! See you there.

4th European Bug In

2011-06-27T17:56:00.000+02:00

Really looking forward to it. Leaving on thursday, hoping for sunny weather...

http://www.europeanbugin.com/

Autocross Van

2011-06-23T19:14:00.000+02:00

Imagine competing in the autocross in a V8 van. Oh damn, someone already did.

If you feel like having a go too, it's for sale here.

Feelin' High....

2011-06-23T09:10:00.000+02:00

After the initial shock of the off-roader-height of the newly installed rear leaf springs, I got to work on the front coils. I had a hell of a time loosening the lower ball joints to get the old coils out. Took me the better part of the day to get it done, using big hammer, lots of heat and, in the end, a sort of clamp I borrowed from my good buddies at Kieft and Klok.

Check out the difference between the old and new coils:

Somehow, it seems the old springs are softer, because the difference in height is bigger when the car is on it's wheels. Check out the stance with the standard coils. It is actually level but it looks like it's leaning back, because of the front wheel being smaller than the rear.

I didn't like it like that so I decided to cut the coils. I cut off half a winding, mounted them and still didn't like what I saw so, I ended up cutting a whole winding off. Here's how it looks now:

The difference in ride and handling is like night and day! I can't believe how comfortable it is NOT riding on the bumpstops but actually having suspension travel! I shoulda done this a long time ago.

Another update: thanks to BajaCharlie of the VanGraveyard blog, I finally have those chrome taillight bezels I've been looking for. He sent them to me, along with some stickers and other Van Goodies, thanks man!

Ducati Flakes

2011-06-15T20:47:00.000+02:00

Apparantly, at some time, the Italian bike builders at Ducati were caught by the glitter and glamour of custom paint. Literally. They finished their bikes in several shades of Metalflake, cast into the polyester tanks.

A belgian Ducati lover gave me a tank and 4 sidecovers to paint in the original Metalflake colours of Kelly Green and Bright Red.

The tank was badly dented and had several badly repaired cracks and a small hole in it.

After sanding down, repairing with fibreglass and tank-curing the inside to prevent leaks, it was time for flakes once again.

And that's the end result. Hope to get some pics when the bikes are fully assembled!
Merry Christmas!

Green Machine in surgery

2011-06-01T20:34:00.000+02:00

I have been driving the Green Machine for almost two years now and the low suspension was bothering me more and more. Banging and rattling of the suspension, the smell of burned rubber as the thread of the rear tires was being scrubbed away by the wheelarch...

I decided enough is enough and after a few tries 'the easy way' by putting rubber blocks in the coil springs and pumping up the hijackers in the rear, I decided to raise the damn thing.

Now I know, low=cool but I want to enjoy driving the thing. In fact, I spend way more time driving it than looking at it so I took the plunge.

I got some used leaf springs and coils and some new bump stops (the old ones were pounded to dust by the suspension arms) and got to work.

Dismantling the rear suspension was easy, the underside is still really clean and rustfree and I had no trouble loosening the nuts and bolts and getting the old leaf springs out. Check out the difference between the old one and new one:

At this stage, I was getting a little worried about the amount of extra height I was gonna get by fitting this new pair. Even though the new pair has one leaf less, it looks like it's going to sit a lot higher. I also noticed the non-original shackles, probably fitted by someone who wanted to get some extra height the easy way. Doesn't look that safe to me, compared to the originals...

I fitted the springs, lowered the van and my fear was reality...

Next week I'll fit the front coils and try to get the right stance, stay tuned....

Antwerp

2011-06-01T20:19:00.001+02:00

Went to Antwerp last weekend. Had a good time. Saw this very cool TV at a retro/design shop in the Kloosterstraat.

Then I spotted this mask in a museum. Like it a lot.

THere turned out to be a gathering of choppers from the Eat Dust crew just a few streets from where I was. I missed it but was alerted to this picture by ZZChop.

It features a tank I painted for a friend who never put it on a motorcycle and ended up selling it. Looks like it found a good home.

Bugin 2011

2011-05-31T17:28:00.000+02:00

Only one month to go!

I'm there, with my van between all those VW's. Check it out here.

Custom Vanner Magazine

2011-05-31T17:21:00.000+02:00

Got this in the mail last week:

It's a new magazine about Custom Vans, the first one in years! This is the first issue, sold out now but the second comes out in july. Check out www.matchstickcustoms.com for updates and cool van stuff.

Chrome & Flames....

2011-05-23T17:10:00.003+02:00

...was the first european custom car mag I read. I had a subscription from 1986 well into the 1990s. Now my van "The Green Machine" is featured in that mag, which still exists and is well read in western Europe. I sure hope this brings out more custom vans over here!

Thanks to Floris Velthuis for the pics and Frank Mundus for getting the story in the mag!

Design Session...

2011-05-17T10:42:00.000+02:00

...at Short Cut Choppers. Left to right: ZZChop, VWMK2.com, Short-Cut Tjeerd, Kustombart, Chopadilic.

Looking at the newest creation of Tjeerd's, commenting on his chioce of tank, fender, seat, wheels etc.

In good company

2011-05-05T21:00:00.001+02:00

of a Lamborghini. Something you don't see too many around these parts.

Minutes later I passed him. When he was on the phone. I would switch the damn thing off if I was driving a Lambo, heck!

Just imagine...

2011-05-05T20:55:00.000+02:00

pulling THIS out of a barn somewhere...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! (Angel Choir).

The right attitude...

2011-05-05T20:42:00.002+02:00

We're on a mission from God. Sorry, that's MISSILE from God.

Buy it now!

2011-05-05T09:02:00.000+02:00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-E-Series-Van-1972-ford-econoline-100-70s-custom-shorty-street-van-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem35b1d840a6QQitemZ230617006246QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks#ht_519wt_1167

Seventies corner

2011-05-04T23:06:00.000+02:00

Now that's cosy!

All this stuff's for sale. Mail me if you're interested.

Traction Bar For Sale

2011-05-03T16:42:00.001+02:00

For Sale: Genuine Custom Van Accesory from back in the day. This chromed traction bar will fit most cars with leaf spring suspension and live rear axles. The brackets are adjustable for several widths. It is in a good state with minor surface rust. A must for Custom Vans with power!

email me for prices!

Now that's sweet: 1975 Hurst / Olds

2011-05-02T23:44:00.000+02:00

Always nice stuff to see on the Hemmings Blog

Vans, Vans, Vans

2011-05-02T16:29:00.000+02:00

Can't get enough of them. See all these guys doing their Van Thang:

http://www.ratdat.com/
http://www.thevanpires.com/
http://albinocrowmusic.blogspot.com/
http://doobiesbytheriver.blogspot.com/
http://kidnappersvc.blogspot.com/
http://www.nooneridesforfree.com/
http://vangraveyard.blogspot.com/
http://vanarchy69.blogspot.com/
http://vansonfamily.blogspot.com/
http://customvan.blogspot.com/

Playmobil

2011-04-26T18:38:00.000+02:00

My apprentice Martijn AKA Mr. Martin:

Tjeerd from Short-Cut Choppers:

Chris from Puchshop.de:

Nito from Schapekoppen

Richard The Chop:

Chebbe from ZZ-Chop:

Beer from the Rogues MC:

Floris Velthuis and Niels

Niels and Floris:

Maurice from Kieft & Klok vintage VW's:

Jeroen from Burundi:

Mr Metalshaper:

And Sven El Cheapo:

It's been a hard day's night and I've been working like a dog.

2011-04-26T18:13:00.001+02:00

It's been awhile since I have sat down at the keyboard and bored the world with my rambling. That's because it's been a hell of a week.

First my cat got hit by a car sunday a week ago. He was pretty messed up, blood coming from his eyes, nose and mouth. We took him to the emergency vet and it turned out he had a broken jaw and a concussion. With a brace in his jaw and some painkillers, we took him home again. He will probably be fine in time and I hope he learned to stay away from cars.

Here he is in his better days:

Next day, I blew the head gasket out of my Honda while the Green Machine was in my shop for maintenance and repairing and respraying of the fender flares and spoiler. So I had to keep driving that for a few days while it sucked up coolant like there is no tomorrow. I have been having lots of trouble with that car lately and it's time to say bye-bye.

The flares and spoiler of the Green Machine were cracked in several places and I have been wanting to repair them for some time. I decided it had to be done and sanded them, repaired with glass fibre and sprayed them in the same green they were. It was a bitch matching the kolor but it turned out pretty good.

Then I had to finish prepairing for the Rogues MC Chopper Shwo, which was a blast!
Here's the stand, with my van, some 70s furniture, Niels' Triumph Chopper, Tjeerd's XS650 Chopper "The Reaper" and ZZ-Chops Barn-find Dresser.

The show gets better every year, the best of the Netherlands is always there. Too much to mention but here's some personal favorites of mine:

The Rogues MC is probably the MC who is building the most bikes at the moment. And the most interesting bikes as well.

This could end up one fine bike. I'd like to paint that!

Schapekoppen were present with a nice lineup. These guys are here to stay!

This unicycle was built to race. I'd like to see that some day! Are you brave or stupid to ride that? Like the song says: if you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough!

The weather was a perfect sunny 25 degrees so there was a huge amount of bikes outside, as well.

My favourite from last year was there again. Check out that beauty!

I had a blast and want to thank the Rogues MC for the hospitality. On to the next show in 2012!

XS650 DPP Coffin

2011-04-16T14:37:00.000+02:00

This needs to be finished for the Rogues Show next weekend. Godspeed Tjeerd!

Reminder!

2011-04-14T23:28:00.000+02:00

The countdown to the Rogues Chopper Show has started. 10 more days left. Keep sunday the 24th free to visit the show!

Sweet sweet Skyline

2011-04-14T23:05:00.000+02:00

Seventies Crappy Paintjob...

2011-04-13T17:15:00.001+02:00

that was the brief I got from Tjeerd to paint this coffin tank. It will go onto an XS650 sissybarred, springer-front-ended, invader-wheeled chopper, of which I will post pics later. Here's the tank:

Depth Charger

2011-04-09T13:12:00.000+02:00

Chain gang

2011-04-06T19:55:00.000+02:00

I have some time after catching up with customers work. So I have been busy with the Green Machine. Mounting chain licence plate frames. Lookie:

And the chain steering wheel! Sweet!

Bell

2011-03-31T17:45:00.000+02:00

Of course, I was mistaken, Alexander Graham Bell didn't invent the Bell helmet...
He invented the Bell-housing, between a cars engine and gearbox.
On with the show:

Alexander Graham Bell...

2011-03-30T17:33:00.000+02:00

... inventor of the Bell helmet, would turn in his grave when he saw what I'm doing to one of his helmets...

This early Bell full face helmet wears a cream pearl with metallic gold scallops. It needs outlines and something on the back. Stay tuned for more updates.

Buy it now!

2011-03-27T15:51:00.000+02:00

Quickly!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-G20-Van-1979-Chevy-Custom-Van-Time-Capsule-Survivor-Cream-Puff-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem35b0ce4054QQitemZ230599573588QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

XS500 finished

2011-03-26T14:26:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I was at Short-Cut choppers and we test-fitted the tins I painted. It features a matt-grey base with satin flames and a high gloss outline. Another great project finished!

Spreads like butter, hardens like rock!

2011-03-26T12:59:00.000+01:00

A time for work and a time for play...mobil

2011-03-24T19:30:00.000+01:00

It's ready! A lot of work has been done by my apprentice Martijn. Well done, grasshopper!

Perfect Getaway Car of the week

2011-03-23T09:34:00.002+01:00

Can you guess from this vintage footage what car this is? It's not a car chase but some great speeds ar reached in Paris, in the early hours.

Answers on a postcard please.

Summer toys

2011-03-22T09:51:00.000+01:00

For sale in the Netherlands:
Boss Vette, Street is Neat:

http://link.marktplaats.nl/432811295
Nice van, a conversion but nice nonetheless:

http://link.marktplaats.nl/422344392

And a limo-van:

http://link.marktplaats.nl/311311954

Haunted House: the final insult.

2011-03-19T14:46:00.000+01:00

Playmobil Helmet

2011-03-17T18:31:00.000+01:00

New helmet project, check it out!

It'll take some shaping and sanding and a nice kolor, but I'm laughing every time I see it!

XS500 for Markus

2011-03-17T18:23:00.000+01:00

Another chopped Yammie from Short-Cut Choppers, this XS500.

I sketched out a flame design to show Markus and suggested matt grey with satin black flames and a white outline.
I mixed up a grey, added pearl powder and lots of matting paste.

Next week I'll add the wihite outline.

Out and about...

2011-03-17T18:17:00.000+01:00

Brought out the beast to stretch it's legs after a long hibernation.
You can hardly spot it between all that greenery, with it's camouflage kolors!

Perfect Getaway Car of the week

2011-03-16T20:13:00.002+01:00

What would be your perfect getaway car?
Behind the iron curtain in the 60s, the Tatra 603 was built for diplomats and other big suits only. It was a big streamlined luxury car with an aircooled hemi V8 in the back. The Czech peasants drove Skoda's. This commercial shows it has everything you want in a getaway car: fast highway cruising, off road capability, bomb-proof engineering and a luggage compartment you can fit a body in...