History Custom Car History: Wild Child's

But I'm getting a bit ahead in time.. Let me step back for a few more of the pictures.

(not sure about this car? Anyone?)

After all Carl got him a drivers license! What else can a guy do to repay a friend like that...

Imagine doing this with lead and files..

 

This is simply one of the best threads I've read on the HAMB. Grim, your words above are spot on and thanks for the excellent history lesson.

 

But as time goes by and money gets low other ideas have to emerge. From what I have heard Greene wanted to officially open a shop and needed some sort of way to show what he could do for easy advertisement. So a cheep police bike would do the trick.. After all if he can do it to a bike, he can do it to a car right? Wrong.. Bikes started showing up as most the customers - a lot of customers - a motorcycle club seen the potential in Jimmy's work & wanted jobs, a club called - The Hells Angels

Pictured later in Jimmy's yard with the bike in primer (Pictured is excited friend Ed Roth, a motorcycle magazine would emerge in the 60s from Ed.)

Another of I found of Ed Roth horsing around with Greene at the shows

 

A touch of clear for an old show

 

Time would pass and further shows followed for years to come along with many other shop bikes.

 

At the time Green was driving a 59 Chevy Daily. Does anyone remember the Roth T-Shirts "Wild Child" or the one with the 59 Chevy Fin with the antenna through it?

Later the car flooded

But ideas moved faster than nature around the shop plans had already been made before - to go under the knife..

It soon emerged better from the waters, as did customers wanting customs from the shop.. (I'll dig these boxes for completed photos - awesome..)

 

What happened to all these vehicles?! Has anyone on here seen any of these lately?

 

And with money made, a few nicer daily drivers emerged from the shop.. But c'mon why cut up a new split window, when you can find a perfectly good backrow beauty??

 

And with a few years of driving that Vette, guess what showed up at Wild Child's.. Corvettes, tons of them.. One of a stack of nice example shown below-

 

But as shows got bigger so did builds. Shown here is a vehicle you all know, I haven't scanned the shots of Greene painting it yet but I like the under construction shots the best. Apparently Bill Cushenbery was the nicest, most modest and thoughtful guy you'd ever meet...

 

Hey no problem. If this helps, the backs of the pictures have the address 4212 prospect written on them, so I imagine it's some flat spot in the alley behind that block. I wonder if there's still an alley there? If you happen to run by let us know, I'd love to see it.

 

Hmm I wonder.. Check out this picture I ran across, I thought it might have been a paintroom in the shop. Was this picture taken of him at Lockwoods, does it look familiar?


Also an interesting twist I think you'll like.. If you notice, on the dash of whistle bait, there is a string of pearls.. This car was evidently driven by the pretty young female companion of Erickson's.. I've heard numerous accounts of her strolling alone out of the corner grocery to put food in the car and drive away with all the boys in viewing radiuses hearts. (Note the name: "whistle bait") Heard the story from a few old rodders that happened catch "the disease," and heart palpitations, lusting over a lovely lady in a custom 52 - while at work at a small grocery.....

With that said I think this is a perfect place to leave off for the night - To be continued... Stay tuned

 

Thank You. Viva la HAMB!

 

Hi! Ray Erickson Here----- THE WHITE 52 fORD COUPE ---- The frenched liights, Louvers in roof, Scoops on quarter panels-The fender skirts, I personally did in 1956 when I chopped the top. The top color was 54 Olds' blue turquoise.-- Bottom color was Pure white!!!!!!!!

 

Wow, hello Ray it is an honor........this thread is awesome

 

this has got to be one of the coolest posts i've ever seen...

thank u!!!

 

wow, amazing history thanks for sharing with us!

 

Its a good thing that a picture is worth a thousand words because now I am speachless!

 

WOW ! thanks for taking te time to share this!

 

Great thread!

 

Any more pics of that wild 59???

 

Best pictures I have seen in a LONG time -- just priceless indeed

 

It's been a year since the last update and photos...we're due for another chapter (or five)!

I remember the Wild Childs shop as a biker hangout. Cool stuff there, but you made sure you didn't mess with anyone or you may find yourself "altered"! (Or at least the fear of what "might" happen would keep you in line...)

I seem to remember seeing a red XKE coupe being worked on and being amazed how little of the original metal was left!

 

I have to agree with that! Thanks for the great pics!! Man what a simpler time and way of life......I love the in progress chop pic done with a torch,priceless!!

 

Grim,
Very cool post........and with "Ray" on the HAMB now, I am sure that he will give alot of great stories from the past. It kinda' amazes me the history that Kansas City had on "hotrods/customs"......digging thru the little magazines and old HOTROD's there were a ton of cars from around the KC area.

Chris Nelson

 

Wow! GREAT THREAD! I really dig the pictures! inspiration for sure.

 

Is that a customline or a crestline photo,d above the two tone?

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253787

 

Holy Moly!!!!!!!!!