Problem Child’s Latest – Let Them Eat Cheese

Hot Rod Art – Custom AMC Hornet

Art from ProblemChildKustoms.com
Let them eat cheese…
…or at least the dust left behind this monster.

When the AMC Hornets were new, the ads read with slogans like “If you think it looks good, wait’ll you feel it perform!”, “It’s not our strong guarantee that makes our Hornet a tough little car”, and “It’s beautiful when you fill it up”… Taking those sales pitches waaaaayyyy out of context bred the bright yellow beast above.

For this AMC Hornet, right out of the box, I wanted to play up the automaker’s legacy, by using some references to Wisconsin, naturally, and then just say “screw convention”, and mess around with a largely forgotten car… Thus, we have an AMC, some Green Bay colors, and, uh, well… that’s about it, aside from the crappy “cheese” line at the start.

Moving along, I’ve had this sick road racing-inspired Hornet “buzzing” in my head for about two years, and have played with the drawing on and off over that time span. I had watched “The Man With the Golden Gun” some time back, and it re-kindled a love affair with all things AMC (even if it would have been better had they used Alice Cooper’s song of the same name… but that’s another story for another time). When the master, Steve Stanford played with some AMC concepts last year, it re-kindled my interest in the idea, and after seeing just how dedicated the AMC guys are, I finally got all of the sketches into one place.

The concept: A ’74 AMC Hornet built with a nod to the Mulholland road-race crowd of the ’70′s. A tube chassis with a 9-inch center section IRS and Corvette-based front suspension allows the car to sit right on the ground, and the full ‘cage helps everyone inside feel safe as the world rushes by in a blur.
Speaking of “rushing by”, motivational power would be via a twin turbo 360, backed by a six speed… no LS-motors or otherwise… this baby would be an AMC through-and-through.

Body-wise, a late-model Challenger hood would donate its center, while retaining the stock Hornet hood peak and emblem recess, as it looks almost natural that way. The factory parking lamps would hit the swap meet as air inlets were installed to feed the mighty engine. While we’re up front, let’s drill out the heavy front bumper, add some driving lights, and then lightly tuck it to the body, and rework the fenders for a flush-fit look. A chin spoiler and splitters further play up the idea, and help to cut through the night air.

Side-exit exhaust just looked so damn cool, and sitting as low as this thing does, it made sense, too. Out back, I’m seeing a pair of ’89 Mustang LX tail lights (nothing personal, just never liked the stock units), and a notched rear bumper to show off the rear belly pan.

Just wanted to share one of the little “side” projects that always seem to be floating around the Studio, and show a little love to the hard-core AMC crowd. Hope you dig it…

From Pikesan: Any other proud AMC owners out there? Let’s hear from you! Leave a comment. You don’t have to be a member to comment.

Show & Go Hot Rod is Double Trouble

When you intend to compete for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (the AMBR) at the Grand National Roadster Show, you’re asking for trouble. The time, planning, design and let’s face it, high octane dollars required to build an AMBR contender make it a mission for only the top shops in the country. The folks at The Hot Rod Garage asked for “Double Trouble” and that’s what they got by ignoring the lessons learned by recent AMBR winners. Past winners were modern-style show cars with custom milled billet goodies, one-off hand made body panels and alligator skinned interiors. Not for the guys at Hot Rod Garage, for them, it wasn’t enough to make a show car, it had to have “Show & Go!”

The trouble first started when Steve Kormondy had a Brookville roadster body and an all aluminum, brand spanking new Ardun derived flathead sitting, waiting for the right project. Deuce roadster body, Ardun flathed… yea, that’s trouble!

Not long after, Steve and the rest of the gang at The Hot Rod Garage out of Sand Springs, Oklahoma decided to pull in hot rod designer and illustrator, Jimmy Smith to brainstorm some ideas on what to do with Kormondy’s, not so basic bones. Jimmy’s known for his old-school, tranditional style hot rod designs and since they’ve worked with him on several past projects, it was a wise choice. Sketching the roadster high and low; with a hood then without and in a rainbow of fitting colors, Jimmy and the crew finally decided to build something befitting of that gorgeous Ardun mill… That’s how “Double Trouble” was born… the perfect blend of “show & go” taking the form of a 1960′s style ’32 roadster that legendary gasser racer ‘Ol Big John Mazmanian himself would approve of.

To be presented center stage in the main hall of the Grand National Roadster Show, an average “drag race” inspired machine simply won’t due. No, this had to be over the top and tasteful all at the same time while capturing the fit, finish and blinding shine that could (could it really!?) turn the tables from the “modern” roadsters it would compete against. Outrageous and subtle?! Well, Jim and Jason Smith of Hot Rod Garage pulled it off in spades!

Here’s a short list of the modifications:

• Relatively stock-style deuce rails were Z’d in the rear to let the rear sit a tad on the hunkered down side while a gennie “heavy” ’32 front axle was drilled and then chromed by Jon Wright’s Custom Chrome. (Look for a future blog about CCP’s chrome work for AMBR contenders)
• Real Rodder’s Wheels 16″ Halibrand inspired hoops ride out back while Radir’s 18″ 12 spoke spindle mount drag wheels steer the way up front.
• A polished, inside and out, Ardun headed flatmotor with a GMC style blower, all candy painted and detailed and hooked up to a 5 speed tranny. The somewhat exotic drivetrain culminates at a gleaming, ploished quick change to churn the gears out back.
• Art guy, Jimmy Smith and Hot Rod Garage’s Jason Smith designed the 60′s drag/new car (from the time) upholstered interior. A little hardcore race mixed with mid 60′s new car patterns fill the cockpit of the “show & go” roadster. Stitching was done by previous AMBR sewing genious Tracy over at the Recovery Room.
• The interior’s loaded with custom tricks! Check out the clear, red plexiglass dash! The gauges are mounted in chrome cups that are just barely visible… Of course all the wiring had to be, and is, a thing of beauty.
• Further forward is a chromed, red plexiglass inner firewall panel. At first glance you’ll wonder if you’re looking through to the front of the car! This piece was artfully and skillfully gold leafed and pinstriped by 1-shot slinger Ron Meyers. Ron really out did himself with artistic flourishes throughout the car, simply gorgeous work!
• Then, to push the “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” envelope, dig these custom touches:
• Belled holes in the rear, rolled pan and inner front frame rail boxing plates.
• Every bracket and clamp on this roadster is handmade and massaged into what you see here…..
• Sick Ardun style flathead by engine guru Chaz Rose
• Deep Candy paint by Jason Smith

The AMRB judges consider the list of modifications, that’s why each AMBR contender has an accompanying “build book” that shows off the handiwork from start to finish and details all the modifications.

3 of the 5 special awards given to the 12 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster contenders: Best Undercarriage, Outstanding Paint, and Outstanding Detail went to “Double Trouble” and the Hot Rod Garage.

Maybe more importantly though, MyRideisMe.com is awarding the 1st annual, “America’s Most Bitch’n Roadster” award to Double Trouble. OK, it’s nothing compared to the real AMBR, but this car deserves every accolade available.

Finally, we’re left to ponder, did the team at Hot Rod Garage and designer Jimmy Smith succeed at building a drop dead, over the top yet sinfully subtle show and go 60′s ’32 Ford roadster? Yes. That’d be yes.

Hot Rod Art Book by Designer Dwayne Vance

The Hot Rod Art book: Masters of chicken scratch is a book of 13 highly respected and talented artists from the industry.

While I am fairly new to the art and design scene in the Hot Rod world, I know many people in the industry from my years working as a designer for Hot Wheels. (Dwayne designed one of my favorite hot wheels) I now have my own design company and still do design work for Hot Wheels as well as several other companies. I design things from snowmobiles to concepts for video games. I started doing Hot Rod art about a year and a half ago and it only fueled my passion for the automobile. My fascination with cars began at a very early age. I grew up around cars and rebuilt my first muscle car at the age of 16 with my dad. I attended the Art Center College of design and received my degree in transportation design. My professional design career started with Troy Lee Designs in Corona, California, as a designer of high-end motocross protective gear. I then became a senior designer for Mattel, Hot Wheels Division. I developed everything from Hot Wheels to entire lines of toys. I then returned to Troy Lee Designs and eventually began my own company “Future Elements”.

I originally began The Hot Rod Art book as a personal portfolio to showcase my hot rod artwork. Once I started the Hot Rod Art book it motivated me to create some new hot rod art for it. Some of the new material I created for the book is very much my personal taste and is highly influenced by WWII aircraft. They go together so well because they all come from the same era. I combined the aircraft and classic cars to create some unique hot rods that you might see on the slat flats. The first part of the book shows the stages I go through to create different pieces of art. The last half of the book contains 12 other artists from up and coming to seasoned veterans like Steve Stanford, Thom Taylor and Larry Wood. I am always inspired by other artists and decided it would be fitting to include them in the book. I began by asking a few of my friends if they were interested in being in the book and they were thrilled about the idea. I then approached Larry Wood about doing the forward in the book. He suggested I ask Thom Taylor and Steve Stanford. As a result the book went from a personal project to a full blown hot rod art book. So please see www.hotrodartbook.com for more information and to preorder your book now.

The video below shows just a clip of the CD that’s included with the book.

Hot Rod Art Book Sample Video from Dwayne Vance on Vimeo.

Here’s a peak inside the book… Make sure you pick one up here: Hot Rod Art book

Complete list of artists featured inside Hot Rod Art Book: Masters of Chicken Scratch include Dwayne Vance, Brian Stupski, Randy Ricklefs, John Bell, Eric Brockmeyer, Michael Miernik, Max Grundy, Jimmy Smith, James Owens, Justin Chin, Thom Taylor, Larry Wood, Steve Stanford.

Sick Seconds – Fastest Street Car in America Build

After accomplishing a major record in Hot Rod Magazine’s Drag Week 2007, ProRides (www.goprorides.com) is about to embark on a new level of performance never seen before.

Not only did ProRides head to Drag Week with the intention of beating the old record (think mid-low 8 second 1/4 mile times!), but to finish the event, driving 1,000 miles while pulling a trailer. While the bets were being placed that the clean black Camaro wouldn’t even finish the week, the car shook the hot rod and race world by posting a first pass E.T. of 7.64. Truly the pass heard ’round the world! Granted, the ProRides team was as surprised as anyone, and the venture served to underscore the positive results that come from combining great companies and partnerships with a thorough process.

So many have asked “what is next?” After talking to Rob Kinnan of Hot Rod Magazine at this years Drag Week, the ProRides crew had the idea of building a 6-second ET capable car to drive the grueling 1,000 mile Drag Week course. Imagine…. a 6 second ET vehicle driving 200-300 miles per day while pulling a trailer!!! Unheard of, and a true torture test for the components involved… While many have claimed they have a street car that is very fast and even some that state in the 6 second E.T. range, it’s obvious that anyone can idle around at a local car cruise or show. The true test is actually driving the car on the street. This is the reason why the “Fastest Street Car in America” can only be crowned at this event. Hot Rod Magazine’s Drag Week is an open forum and anyone can register for the event, truly allowing virtually ANY street-driven car to prove its mettle, and crowning the fastest in the land with this legendary honor.

As the project gets underway, here is a short list of the projected timeline highlights:

• SunCoast Racecars is currently building the chassis to be on display at PRI 08. The rolling chassis will be on display 8 feet in the air for people to observe.
• SEMA 09 – Complete car on display with GearVendors which is in Hot Rod Alley accross from Hot Rod Magazine and Source Interlink Media.
• PRI 09 – On display with GearVendors
• ISCA indoor car shows during the 09 / 2010 fall and winter events.
• Goodguys and Super Chevy shows to compete both show and race. (This car will be dual purpose both show and race with two sets of Billet Specialties Wheels)
• 2010 Drag Week – Rewrite history!
• Debut the BuildBook – 100+ page of the entire build up of the car and companies involved

Coverage of the build will be inside of Hot Rod Magazine’s “Project Garage” section and on their website. ProRides is also working with Scott Killeen of the BuildBook series (www.buildbookusa.com) to document the entire build.

If you’ll be at the show, check out the rolling chassis at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show next week (12/11-13), in the SunCoast Racecars Booth, # 363 South Hall.

Scott Fisk, Car artist and Car-tooner

The artists and illustrators I’ve featured on MyRideisMe.com all are super talented and I could easily recommend them. In talking and getting to know them, I’m seeing a trend in the people that make art, especially car art, their living. In talking with Scott Fisk from Studio 669 and CAR-TOONER.com, I’ve found some of the same important features I see in Brian Stupski from Problemchildkustoms.com and from Jimmy Smith from Jimmyshotroddesign.com and it’s my suggestion you look for these 2 qualities in your next artist:

A true passion for all things cars.

A unique style they’re proud to use.

I think you’ll hear these qualities loud and clear after reading my talk with Scott Fisk.

Scott gave me his regular bio for starters. Like many other car artist, he’s been drawing his whole life finding inspiration from rod magazines and one of his instructors while getting his Fine Art degree in Signage and Graphic design in Boston. Struggling through college, Scott recalls drawing for drinks on cocktails napkins. He says, “I was good for about 3 drawings, then the quality started to go down hill, but the people loved it… so hey, way cool!” What great artist doesn’t know pain like that?

From their, I ask Scott a few questions and here’s what he said.

How do you choose the cars you draw?
….sometimes I pull them right out of a magazine..seriously..yet sometimes I just want to draw a particular “specimen” so I’ll google some pics for reference and go from there, but I always put my own spin on them… Once I had an editor call me and tell me that he had 2 features in an upcoming issue: a shoebox and a willys prostreet… Would I be able to get the artwork together in time to go along with the actual pics of the cars for that issue? What kind of time do i have?” I asked. “4 days” was his response. I got 2 ref pics of each to go by, that was it, and the end result was Feb. 08 issue of Rodder’s Digest with the illustration called “Shoebox-Willy”. The editor was tickled! He never had an artist smash something out in 4 days.. no egos here, get it DONE..page time is page time.

What was your first car?
…my first car was a TRUCK and it was GORGEOUS!.. this bad boy was a 1969 Chevy C/10 p/u.. 6 foot step side… 3 “on the tree” had a bad ass 8-track deck with 1 working speaker… wool blanket for a seat cover (that was before Mexican blankets became all the rage) it’s power plant was a mighty 292… I could pop the hood, sit on the inside of the fender well and change the plugs with ease (it was always fouling them out)… could work up a mighty sweat doing a 3 point turnaround since there was no power steering..thank god the steering wheel was 18″ around.
What do I drive now?..have a small handful… my daily is a dub (I’m a dubber to the core) also have a 90 fox wagon, have had it for the past 10 years, already gave it to my son (he’s 9)..should be a killer 25 year old ride by the time he’s behind the wheel…my last is the “ruby lounge” which is a work in progress..it’s a 1964 Olds dynamic 88…330 rocket, 2 barrel carb..Mexican blanket seat covers..YA BABY!

You said drawing “car-toons” so much fun, why?
Car-toons first bit me with the magazine, but the first artist that REALLY bit me was Lance Sorchick..this kat has some killer flow..lines always dynamic always deliberate..always “zooming”..like his stuff, but won’t copy his flow, dig?…I have done piles of “formal” renderings like the kind you find with Chip Foose..but it ain’t often that your average guy off the street can afford a 1500 plus rendering. So I do this dress down “fun” style where real people can afford ORIGINAL art..not a poster, not a likeness..but the REAL DEAL. This “car-toon” style allows me to do just that..I want to be the guy that draws for real people..there are no egos here, egos get left at the door in “my house”..if you have an ego that needs feeding?, I may not be the artist you’re looking for, but not just “car-toons” flow out of my studio. I also have my fingers inside of 5 different kulture clothing lines, my own 669 line of shirts as well as piles of tattoo flash..ya, you heard right…tattoo flash..ever want a 1-off tattoo just for you?..hit me up or even find my compilations @ kingpin tattoo. 3 artist flash books out as well through kingpin and poster bomb. I have also had the pleasure of working with Hasbro toys, Gennie shifter/Streamline Hot Rods and the U. S. gov’t (which is all classified, sorry) doing conceptual artwork for their applications. so nope, not just “car-toons”…

If you weren’t an artist what would you be?
Don’t even ask that question… I was put on this planet to be just this..an artist..was never about the money, that doesn’t drive me in the least..just need what I need to live.. and have fun along the way. take away my pencils, you may as well stick me in the looney bin. most important, it flows from my finger tips..”ol’ skool”..as time goes on there will be 5 gazillion graphic artists and a small handful of “ol’ skoolers”..that’s where I want to be, in the small handful. People search me out for my left handed finger tips, not the adobe generated prints. it’s kept me in pretty good demand for the past 3 years..let’s shoot for another 30, shall we?

With that, I’ll leave you a few select drawings from Car-tooner.com and Scott Fisk. If you ever see him at a show, say hi, you’ll be glad you did. And when you see first hand his passion for cars, maybe he’ll end up sketching for you too.

(all pictures with permission from Scott Fisk)

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