the schaub coupester

One thing's for sure... If Raphael's coupester will be as quick as he's building it, it's gonna be pretty darn fast. Only three weeks ago, the ACES European Chapter member had started with modifying the frame. In the meantime he installed both front and rear end, put in the french flathead together with the 1939 Ford gearbox while he's currently fitting the drive shaft. Click here to check out the latest pics from his garage. By the way, the future hot rod's called coupester as Raphael hasn't decided yet on the type of body he's gonna put on. At least, it won't be a sedan.



Homebuilt cross member

traditional speed & kustom

In the age of blogs and user generated content, launching a new website means you're faced with a lot more work. There's no template to start with, no ready-to-use layout, no plug'n play. So, big respect to Jim Aust, owner of the SO-CAL Speed Shop LA, who jumped into this adventure in order to make his dream come true: an online magazine dedicated to traditionally built rods and kustoms. Now it's up to you to check it out, but be sure to have enough time on your hands as there's so much great stuff to discover.

solèr speed shop open house 2009

Last weekend, we decided to get the BBQ season started in style, so we drove to Chur to enjoy a laid-back saturday at the Solèr Speed Shop Open House. Click here for some summertime bbq pics.

take a walk on the mild side

Another car that caught my attention at the American Live car show was this mild custom Mercury Coupe. It might as well be sitting in a mid 1950s high school parking lot, probably owned by a kid from a wealthy home, judging by the flawless paintjob...

american live oensingen

Though I'm not a big fan of american car shows, I visit the American Live show in Oensingen almost each and every year since 1998. As there are mostly stockers from the 1950s to the 1970s, it's hard to spot any traditional rods or customs. But if there's a really cool car, it stands out from the crowd like a supermodel in an old folks home. Or just like Cheaters member Pierre-Yves' Olds coupe.

the simple truth

Once more, I say, less is more. And stance is everything. I know, I wrote this before, and I posted this 1932 roadster before (though it wasn't finished at that time), but there are things that don't wear out. Things like simplicity, and you got it, stance. (Bielle Chaude)

speed shop oberaargau

Traditional Hot Rods are being built everywhere... you just gotta keep your eyes open. I just visited a fellow ACES member Raphael, a talented young builder working on his model a project. Just a sneak peak into his garage... stay tuned for more to come.