History Barris Kustoms circa 1953

Jive-Bomber submitted a new blog post:

Barris Kustoms circa 1953

Continue reading the Original Blog Post

 

I really like that chopped Olds. Those are cool pics, and it's interesting the angles the non-car-guy photographer chose to shoot from.

When are those wire basket wheelcovers going to come back into fashion? Lots of guys are going gaga over other aftermarket covers, especially Lyons right now. But nobody seems to care about the wire baskets. And here are two cars in the same lot wearing them.

 

That looks like a 49 Merc to me!

Just my 3.5 cents

Live Learn & Die a Fool

 

I would like to know more about the what looks like a land speed vehicle. It appears the frame came from another builder, and they will be sourced for the body. Rear drive hemi, and what appears to be round mounts for either fuel or water coolant/ballast.....

 

That is Chet Herbert's record breaking "Beast".
Nice article HERE: https://www.hemmings.com/blog/?p=79..._Ay4ljet6zfPKYsycM7uKt1CuMP9X04zoUSKMtnUYjcR8

 

Here's another article on Chet Herbert's Beast IV found online at Hop Up. If you can get your hands on a physical copy of Hop Up issue 12-4, there is a ton of incredible photos of it being constructed at Barris Kustoms and Dan Webb's recreation.
https://www.hopupmagazine.com/blog/2017/6/5/chet-herberts-beast-iv

 

Thanks for the quick answer,,, now i have more to research,,

 

Try wet sanding a car in a parking place and letting the water run down the street in today's world!

 

The dash looks like a 50 to me.

 

The Merc is Frank Sonzogni's '50 Merc.

Rik Hoving did an article on this series of pictures a couple of years ago and talked about a number of the cars in the background of the pictures.
https://www.customcarchronicle.com/...-magazine-photo-shoot-at-barris/#.XG7zsehKhPY

 

Love the steering wheel on the Chet Herbert car, I have one just like it out in the garage.

 

For Custom Car guy like me and K13 these photos are the bomb!!
The Barris shop was at it's height and they also show that the shop worked on more than just Customs. I can tell you they chopped and painted more then a few Hot rods as well.
There a article in one of the mags of the day that shows Sam chopping a Model a top using a hacksaw and a air chisel.... As well as Brazing on the fenders. LOL. The good old days......
Torchie

 

I want to know more about the steering box and it's combination box and spring mount.
Andy

 

Tony -

The Hemmings Daily article (by Daniel @Foul Strohl) and the HOP UP article (with photos by Tim @notrod13 Sutton) are great ... but for a quick overview of the history of the Chet Herbert Beast 4 'liner, checkout:

• my post in the LIFE Images of Bonneville 1954 (Part II) TJJ Blog / H.A.M.B. thread.
• my post in the Top 5 Barris Kustoms of the early 50s TJJ Blog / H.A.M.B. thread.
• the Chet Herbert Beast IV H.A.M.B. thread.

 

Here are few more of the Loomis photos shot at the Barris shop.

 

love the trophy shelf ! The shelves all bending from all the weight from trophies.. Good ole nude calender, which you couldn't get away with now.. cool pictures

 

I'm diggin' the third photo in Jimmy Bs above set with the Merc convert easing out onto the street. Just look at the background at what everybody else is driving. They must have lost there minds seeing this thing.

 

For sure! I've always marveled at how close the homes/apartments were behind the shop (25'?). Imagine the noise, dust, etc.

 

Notice the 2 pics... the calendar was either added or taken away.....







I vote on the latter....

 

Good eye.. I missed that detail.