History 1982 Kustom Kemps of America

It`s alive and well and in the same condition. --------
I have no idea why I didn`t take a pic of this Merc. The top pic is from the 82 show.

 

And now it`s in the Garlits Museum.

 

These were scanned from a book. I have lots more pic`s but my scanner isn`t working yet. Class of 57.

 

The top pic was taken at the Host hotel. The bottom pic is from a later date.

 

. Was able to meet Marlin years later. Hell of a nice guy.

 

From a magazine article.

 

What ever happened to Clarence Crayton. Good guy.

 

Do you read the What Ever Happened To thread. Link somebody. Good news and a happy ending with the Heart and Soul Merc. @OG lil E

 

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/what-ever-happened-to.1016572/page-58#post-12279317

 

Thanks for taking the time to post all the cool photo's, what I really like about the cars and the people who build them is the individuals that build them never lost sight of what they were building and never seem to get caught up with current trends. HRP

 

Back in the day, I did a collage for my Jr. High art class that featured Marlyn's Chevy. I love that car!

 

Wish I could have been there in '82. Is this the Frank Sonzogni Merc?

 

Yes, here is a pic of it in 87 in Springfield Illinois. I got my scanner working, so I`ll post some more pic`s.

 

A little off topic but it was there. Notice the Chevy in the background with Ford fenders.

 

I believe it is owned by Larry Dames.

 

The more I think about it, yeah, I wish I was there in '82, (did make it in '84) but I was just learning about customs and would have had absolutely no clue who Frank Sonzogni was, or the history behind Mr Dames' white Merc. If I win the big lottery, I think I'd have to contact Mr Dames and put in the amount needed for proper restoration, back to Rod and Custom April 1955 Cover Car status. I mean, we're talking 38 years ago. If I understand, the car is still white, the same condition as pictured above, No?

 

As afar as I know its still white.

 

Not knowing the history of the car myself, I really liked it the first time I saw it. Here`s what it used to look like. I heard the current owner didn`t know the history of the car when he bought it out of Arizona in the 70`s . Wonder when he found out about the history of his car. Also heard that he is working on another project and will tackle the Merc later. ????

 

Time for a bump.

 

This car was from South Dakota. The second picture was from a later show.

 

Ron House`s ? Merc from New York with cut down convertible top bows.

 

And behind it? Isn't that Bob Oman's Merc from Nebraska?

 

This show was widely covered in magazines and special issues as well as a book or two.