I've been thinking alot these last months about the origin of customs, why it became so popular and how the cars looked and what inspirered the builders. And as said in the beginning of this thread, some cars were definitely slammed. Also I do belive that some cars weren't as good build as the ones we have seen posted here. Maybe some cars looked like this: This one was photographed this summer, but it gave me the impression of how an unfinished and owner only one built custom - that didn't make it to Riksters site because nobody took a pix of it - would look like in the forties. No, it's not so badly build, but has a severe roof damage cause of welding with little experience. It isn't 100 % so to speak, and the owner agreed. And it's also very easy to see (one of ) the reasons why building a custom: take a look at the picture above with Emory's Dodge. See the cars in the traffic behind, don't they look dull? Later on, the reasons to build a custom changed dramatically.
Mid 30's to 1940 customs are absolutely my hands down favorites. Thanks Ryan, now I have to sell my '54 and my wife to get one, I'll prob'ly keep the kids though.
Anyonee have a close up pic of this grill I've seen this pic a tone of times but really wanna see the profile of the bars! Anyone??? Rikster??? Thanks Dave Hitch
I was told it had a padded top (think an Hall top) but I have never seen a photo of it though. But I very much would LOVE to see one!
That would be neat but still nothing will ever compare to the work of art that Bertolucci's steel top ended up being.
No... That metal top is the best ever, I looked at it for ours at the Sacramento Merc Gathering, and was lucky enough to have the master himself Dick Bertolucci explain me how he built it.
Nice post Ryan. Love the cars from that time when they're right and clearly some of em aren't. My favorite is the Jack Calori 36 3W. I might have added a 41 Packard Clipper grill but the LaSalle grille works. If a Clipper grille I'd have to mod the hood to fit somewhat. Stance? I think that one had it knocked.
When it comes to lowering, like most things in life, more isn't always better. Stock springs with reversed eyes. Everyone asks me when I'm going to lower it. I call it done.
Another "stance" from my high school days was the "rake".....Tail high and nose low......One of my favoites was a lime green 40 Ford (deluxe) coupe...Very cool!..Think he had Olds flippers on it...but it been a long time....
For me it just doesn't get any better than the early cars. My top three? Ralph Jilek 40 Ford Jessie Summers 40 Merc Niel Emorys 1937 Dodge All perfection to my eye...
this has been a getting my attention alot more as of late. I really think that I am ready for a true taildrager era custom. I think that I NEED one.
Thanks. It was major thrash to get it working for the Hayride. Still needs paint, interior and 101 other things but its on the road. I have got skirts, just ran out of time. All the bracketry on the fenders and mounting hardware on the skirts is done, just needs final mounting and paint.
The Ralph Jilek '40 has already been mentioned, so I'll add the Mel Falconer '39 built by Harry Westergard. What's the cut-off date for "early custom"? Is Jesse Lopez' '41 too new? This one is pretty neat too, by the Ayalas:
Yup ! Should"just" cover the back wheel.. The lead pic just needs a tank full of gas and a cooler or to in the trunk ... Spose any lower and it may need alterations to keep from bottoming out..
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