DAGO'S SPEED SHOP

Dago's getting his scoot ready for Born Free

2012-01-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

WATCH OUT!

Hibernation

2012-01-24T22:49:00.001-08:00

THE LINCOLN HEIGHTS/EL SERENO CONNECTION

2012-01-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

I've been buying parts from a little shop in the Lincoln Heights area for the past few years called B&B Harley parts.Owned buy a cat named Manuel who's been building scoots in the area for years.Well,after We started talking about some bikes from the area that I remembered back around 20 years ago or so. turns out He built em'!He let look through a box of old pics.
I came across some pics that really blew my mind and took Me back.
He let take some pics to scan.these are few of the painting/molding pics.

EasyRider weekend

2012-01-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

Attended the show this weekend.Not the greatest show in the world,but it was still a good time spending the day with My Pop's and Son and some good friends.
Figured I'd put the bike in the show since it was still somewhat fresh.

My two future riding Buddies. My Son and My Godson

It was a cool surprise to see Howard,aka,"THE TREE"there. Growing up,I would hear stories about this dude named Tree,from my buddy Walter's Dad and his friends.About this big guy who they used to ride with that was able to ride the longest,stretched out choppers with drag bars,one handed and still manage to jockey shift while making u turns.These stories made this guy seem like some mystic figure to Me.
I finally had to the chance to meet Howard a few years ago when my buddy Ross and Howard were building his latest chopper,yet another version of 'THE TREE".We spent the day bullshitting,talking choppers and eating burgers.By the end of the day it was like I'd know him forever.A big dude with a big heart!

Howards bike from the seventies,which Ross and Howard also built together.featured in Easyriders twice I believe.

New Wheels for Christmas

2011-12-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

I found these pics at my Mom's house.probably 78' or 79',I can't remember.I got a brand new Mongoose for Christmas.The first pic is Me coming in from taking out the trash and seeing it!The last pic is Me and my old friend/neighbor,Junior,after going for a thrash and ride in the mud! Good times!

Drink All Ye' And Be Merry !!!!

2011-12-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all,and to all a good night!!
From everyone at Dagos Speed Shop

Not All Is Well In Japan

2011-12-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

Don't let that last post fool you into thinking I don't have any love for the Homies in Japan.
On the contrary,I think most of what they're doing over there is cool,and I'd be lying if I said I didn't grab some inspiration from their enthusiasm.
They definitely put their own spin on things.Funny thing is,some of the stuff they do,and get away with over there,We would think is kooky over here!
I recently ran across some pics of my 68'Cad that I shipped over there a few years back.Needless to say,I was kinda bummed.

SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN !!!

2011-12-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Beasts of Burden

2011-12-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

I've seen this posted on other places,but never clicked on it. I'm glad I did! I was laughing while I was watching it and after. Anyone who's ever owned a kick start bike knows that feeling!

Over the past 20 years or so,I've had bikes that have been Mother fucker's to start.....and I've had bikes that I could start wearing flip-flops. Some have even been the same bike!! I've put together bikes for Cats that come in with electric start,and they say.."get rid of the electric start,I want this fucker kick only"! I always laugh when I think of all the fun they're gonna have when they're all sweaty in front of the Chicks,kickin' their ass off! Gotta love it!!

6 Over - Kick Start from Wild Honey Productions on Vimeo.

JOHN LENNON LIVES

2011-12-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

RIP John Lennon....The heart of the Beatles!

Check this shit out!
John Lennon....Guitar
Eric Clapton....Guitar
Keith Richards....Bass
Mitch Mitchell....Drums

Quick redo?

2011-11-28T22:50:00.000-08:00

This was supposed to be a quick redo on My buddies Jay's shovelhead. It's bee a while since We've touched it.As often happen's,time,money,family and other unforeseen situation's force us to put our dreams on the backburner. I was and still am excited to see this scooter finished. It was never meant to be a show bike or a real spit and polished bar hopper. Just a cool runner! hang in there,Brother. Good times are just around the corner!

time saver

2011-11-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

I recently scored this cabinet of drawers from work,out of a utility van that was going to salvage. I had to cut it out of the van with a sawlzall. I found some wheels for it at the last swap meet. I spent the last 2 nights sorting nuts and bolts,and still only about a 1/4 done. I was just complaining to My Homeboy Matt the other night about wasting time looking for a nut or a bolt. This should streamline some of the actitvities in the shop!
Below are some of the Hi Tech methods of hardware storage I had been dealing with for years!

2011-10-28T00:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dago

2011-10-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Putting together a scoot at the LB swap
Today's My little Buddy's birthday! He turn's 10 today!

The Lord blessed Me when He sent down Diego! He's into everything that I'm into and He's already got a good eye for style!! He's My biggest supporter and My bestest friend! Whenever I come up with something cool,He's the first Dude I wanna show.

Nothing can compare to the bond between a father and Son.

I Love You Dago!

D and I at the GNRS 09'

Diego at the drags a few years back

STILL RECUPERATING

2011-10-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Playboy Mansion party/show was outta sight!......Sensory overload!
I'll just be tossing pics up now and then

These are a few pics from the Saturday morning move in.

I split before all the car's and bikes were there.
Gotta admit,it felt pretty cool riding up through Beverly hills and up onto the Playboy Mansion grounds on my Scooter!

When We went back in the evening,The place was transformed into an Grownup Disneyland!

HEADING TO THE MANSION TO PARTY WITH HEF AND THE GIRLS THIS WEEKEND

2011-10-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

A few friends and I got invited to bring our motorcycles out to the the Playboy Mansion this weekend.Their having their annual Muscle car show called "MUSCLE CARS AT THE MANSION'. This year they decided to include some vintage motorcycles.
just so you have an idea,if you have to buy a ticket,it's gonna cost you ....$750.00!!
I have a feeling it's gonna be out of sight!!!!

Check it out....http://musclecarsatthemansion.com/2011carroster.html

OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY

2011-09-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

one of a kind piece here,folks! you'll never see another one!
painted and striped by Ken Howard,aka, Von Dutch.

contact Me if your interested

JAIL BAIT

2011-09-16T19:07:00.001-07:00

Should be cool

2011-08-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

GREG BOJORQUEZ GALLERY SHOW IN BERLIN

2011-08-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

If you any where near Berlin,Germany,go check this out!

PM 12 SPOKE ............SOLD

2011-08-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

aluminum 15" performance machine 12 spoke for sale. has both side adapters for a disc and sprocket.........contact me if interested

Be There.......Or Be Square

2011-07-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

REFERENCE MATERIAL

2011-07-25T16:08:00.001-07:00

The one started it all

2011-07-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Found this pic of my 68' coupe from back in 2000'.

GOOOD MEMORIES

2011-06-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Stumbled across this old Lowrider magazine from the early 80's.
this issue has my Dad's old Fleetline in it. I remember that day like it was yesterday! I believe the front shot was taken right under the 1st street bridge in L.A. The rear shot was taken somewhere in East Los. I think in Maravilla. You can see the top of my head in the back seat of that shot. That was the first car that My Dad and I did together. We started on it when I was 9. I was 11 when these shot's were taken.My Aunt Patsy,who was 17 at the time,is the model!I ran across the car about two years ago at the Pomona swap meet. The owner was selling the car at that time.It blew my mind that it looked exactly the same,except for wide white's. It still looked beautiful.It had gone thru a few owners since my Dad sold it back in 82'.Obviously,each one had loved the car. When I started talking to the owner about the car and telling him that My Dad and I had built the car,He thought I was full of shit! he didn't even know about it being in Lowrider! The thing that tripped Me out the most was that My Dad had an old St. Christopher magnet right under the start button on the dash,and it was still there! I wish I could of bought the car that day!

Brown Beauties

2011-06-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Dutchman outtakes

2011-06-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

In Memory Of Our Fallen Protector's

2011-05-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

It's easy to forget about the Brother's,uncle's,Cousin's and Father's that died protecting us here at home,so we could continue doing all the cool shit We like to do! So to them I give a Big THANK YOU!!
And to all the guy's still fighting the enemies of the U.S.A.....Hope you get home safe

Finishing up for the big show!

2011-05-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

It Takes a Steady Hand

2011-05-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hand painted and gold leafed by by Danny D of Baldwin Park

photo by The Dutchman

Lowridin' Granny

2011-05-02T20:36:00.001-07:00

Ran across this pic of my Grandma sitting in my Dad's 57'. Sometime around 1968

FOR SALE

2011-04-24T09:55:00.001-07:00

Hit me up if your interested.......Dagosspeedshop@verizon.net

My Two Favorite Girls

2011-04-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky!!

My little girl! where does the time go?

Awkward moments

2011-04-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

I had this pic with the post I put up for my Homeboy Greg's print sale.
There's a funny story about this pic. Well it's funny now anyway. This pic is from 2001. Greg hit me up for a location for a shoot He was doing with this model. He wanted to use my bike and garage for the shot's.
This shot was taken in my driveway with my old Shovelhead! My wife was at work at the time.
Needless to say,She wasn't too happy when She finally saw the pics! It got a little awkward when She asked,"Are those YOUR boots she's wearing?"....We're cool now though.

It's gotta lay

2011-04-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

Tuff day at the office

2011-03-27T19:28:00.001-07:00

Greenspan's Car Show

2011-03-13T17:12:00.001-07:00

Greenspan's is a clothing store in Southgate ,California that specializes in old school clothing like Pendelton's and all the other cool stuff. This was their second year throwing this show. My uncle and I cruised out to hang. Beautiful day!! These are a couple of car's that caught my eye!

Go check this out!

2011-03-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

Greg Bojorquez is one the baddest photographer's out there today! This a rare chance to buy print's of some of his original photo's. Check out his website for a peek at some of his work,or to book ........ http://www.gregorybojorquez.com/24827-home

Been Busy!

2011-02-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

A few days after Christmas,my buddy Johnny,aka,Johnny C,aka,Johnny Surprise,aka,Atwater playboy,and I shook hands on a pact to put something together for the GNRS. Well...We made it!
There's nothing like a little pressure to light a fire under your ass! It literally was almost up to the last minute. our move in time on the thursday set up day was between 11:00am and 2:00pm.
At that time,I still didn't have any tanks or back fender,yet. My buddy Ross was still bending the oil lines,too! Throughout the day,Johnny and I would call each other and check on the other's progress. I knew,or at least,hoped that we had until 9:00 pm to get to the show. That's when they kick everyone out to get ready for the show opening the next day.
At around 3:00pm,My Buddy Ray showed up with the Tanks and fender...which still needed to be color sanded and buffed!
While I worked on the bike,He did his thing with the paint. Just a little info..He texted Me the night before at around 10:00 pm,while I was down a Homeboy's house,borrowing some parts that didn't come back from the chromer(that's a whole other story!),that He had burned through the clear on the rear fender because the paint was too soft and that it wasn't gonna happen.His exact word's were,"It's over.It ain't gonna happen".I wrote back,"You don't get it.It has to happen!".So,He worked through the night to repaint the rear fender.
He said that He had never worked under that kinda pressure before. Anyone who's ever gotten something ready for this show or thrashed on something to get ready to take off for Paso Robles' knows it all too well!
In the end,He came through with some real nice Kandy Root Beer over gold pearl and a Roman Gold Base.
Somewhere around 7:00 pm,We put Gas and oil in it. It fired up on the 4th kick. Mind you,this motor has sat around the garage for 5 years! I was stoked! After I told Johnny that I had started My bike. He said fuck it and made sure his started too! After My Dad and I loaded up the bike,it was time to deal with some L.A. traffic. We made it there with about an hour to spare. Johnny showed up about 20 minutes later. Both bikes fired up for the judges and We were in!

Johnny's 68 Shovel

Thank you to everyone that came through for me with the part's,blood,sweat,and almost tear's!

Wicked Shovelhead for Sale

2011-02-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

My good friend Ross is selling his 72' Shovelhead. You won't find a nicer bike in this price range!
It made a big splash at the 09' GNRS,where it placed in the top 3 in it's class. It has only a handful of miles since then. It's full of nice details and hand crafted goodies. Turn key and ready to ride!

For more pics,see the feature on Bikernet......http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=213

Contact Ross at zzhotrod@roadrunner.com
for all info and price

Out of Slumber

2010-12-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

Decided to throw my 65' motor in something,so I can have something to ride.It's been 5 years since last fired her up!....Can't wait

2010-12-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

Rest In Peace "Uncle Jav"

2010-12-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

Arlen Ness Digger Sporty for sale "SOLD"

2010-10-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Arlen Ness chassis. Early PM 12 spoke mags. Motor SOLD. will seperate wheels from chassis
email....Dagosspeedshop@verizon.net

Flipping in Germany

2010-10-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

Michael,from Germany,just sent these photo's of the Hollywood flipper caps that I sold him,installed on his 41' coupe. I'd say they found the perfect home! I think Dean,from Dice Mag, has a brother he doesn't know about!

He also sent a pic of his 53' coupe

Heading to Born Free 1

2010-10-11T23:31:00.000-07:00

Keepin' an eye on the Man!

2010-09-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

While he was watching me in the rear view mirror!

Pat Kennedy Rockers on Ebay.......SOLD

2010-09-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

YOU SNOOZE ........YOU LOOZE !

Shovel Goodness

2010-09-03T12:07:00.001-07:00

Dago's speed shop invades Canada!

2010-08-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

The 68' sporty has finally reached it's new home,up in Canada! after month's of waiting,Rick's finally got his new Baby. I can't tell you how glad I am that it's gone to someone who really dig's it!
He say's he's been riding it everyday. Rick got the bike just in time to make the big "Gas Town Motorcycle show" held in the historic district of Vancouver B.C.
He had been telling me about the show for some time,but I had no idea it was that big of a show!
the quality of the bikes there is outstanding.

what made the story even sweeter was when he told me that the Sporty took First place in the "vintage chopper" class at the show. I'm glad they didn't call it a Bobber! Gongrats,Rick!

2010-08-02T17:51:00.001-07:00

MY OLD 300

2010-07-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

and my Pop's. the one responsible for me getting into all this madness!

A good day in So Cal

2010-06-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago,Maurice from the Netherlands dropped into town for the day. It just so happened that I had popped the new windshield in the nomad. So I said what the hell,let's clean it up and roll around L.A. for a bit. It was cool to be cruising the car again. Since I had been bodyworking the roof of the car,working on my house and working in the shop on various bikes and other projects, I hadn't had it out on the highway in about four years. We stopped in and saw a few friends in different parts of the city,had some good grub and came back to my house for a good BBQ with some other Buddies. It was a good day!

One special stop was to see my Homeboy Barry. Barry has been one of my closest friends for about 20 years now. Barry and I met at Laidlaws Harley Davidson dealer. It's funny how you meet some of the most important people in your life. This stop was special because Barry's father,Barry Cheshawalla,Sr had just passed away a few day's earlier,and this was the first chance I'd had to get together with him since his father was in the hospital a week before. Barry and his family are Osage Indian. The blanket that we're holding in front of the car carries a great significance! It's the blanket that Barry Sr. was to be buried in just a few day's later. I was honored that Barry suggested we should take a picture with it. Rest In Peace,Big Barry.
Thanks to Maurice for making sure he got the shot. And thank you Barry,for being the friend and Brother that you are.

Born Free Weekend

2010-06-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Had a real good time at the Born-Free chopper show last weekend.forgot my camera at home.the 68' Sportster's new owner,Rick,from Canada,came down for the weekend to attend the show and ride his bike in the California sun..his buddies Reilly and Shawn accompied him as well. We managed to find a bike for Reilly to to ride as well. The best part was taking these guys through some L.A. traffic and seeing em' split lanes for the first time!priceless! I nabbed these pics of us riding into the show off Mark Kawakami's site.it sure was nice to see the Sportster riding down the freeway.I know Rick was lovin' it. All in all,a great weekend!

It's only a mtter of time

2010-04-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

the cool thing about this picture is that it wasn't staged.we were selling some goodies at the Long Beach swap this weekend. I turned around and saw Diego burning up the track on his racer he just pieced together.
how many of do the same thing in the garage,mocking up new projects and such.I know for a fact I've mocked up and tore down more bikes than I've actually put together.the swap was kinda dead,but it's beat a day on the golf course any day.

For Sale

2010-04-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

Pat Kenedy rocker boxes,push rod tubes and custom oil lines for sale.
email me if interested............Dagosspeedshop@verizon.net

FOR TAIL DRAGGERS ONLY

2010-04-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

original Hollywood flipper caps
no dents and no pitting on flippers
super hard to find
caps measure 14" outer diameter
rear opening 7 1/8"
if interested contact me at DAGOSSPEEDSHOP@VERIZON.NET

EVOLUTION OF A SHOVEL

2010-04-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

STAY TUNED!!!!

Bygone Era

2010-04-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

for sale........SOLD!

2010-04-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

2.75"x19" Avon Speedmaster.NOS
contact at...... DAGOSSPEEDSHOP@VERIZON.NET

SCHOOL IS IN SESSION

2010-04-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

I GOT THE FEVER

2010-03-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

some tweaker needed some money the other day.came up on this 66'XLCH motor and some Knucklehead parts for what it would cost you to fill up the tank of your SUV.I didn't think it would be polite to show you the K model oil bag that came with it too!.............TWEAKERS RULE!

looking for a kicker cover.66' and down style.

check this out!

2010-03-03T23:50:00.000-08:00

Kim Tabs for sale

2010-03-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

19" and 18" KIM TABS for sale.complete with axles.rear has Hurst/Airhart caliper.very clean.
contact me at...dagosspeedshop@verizon.net for details

EVERY WHERE I LOOK !

2010-02-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

pan shovel coming together

2010-02-25T23:05:00.001-08:00

been squeezing it in here and there between all the other projects.it's starting to talk to me!

I love this Little Guy

2010-02-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

I love everything about this picture!Barry Weiss was too cool this weekend at the GNRS.he saw Diego admiring the bike,a 1958 Gilera, and made sure that he got to sit on it.his mom wasn't too happy about this shot.......but I love it!

Inspiration

2010-02-01T00:08:00.000-08:00

My good friend Ross Suderno's 72' shovel from GNRS 09'
you can look at this this for hours,come back and look at it again,and find more custom touches you missed the first time!

Ross has been building custom scooter's longer than most of us have been alive!
I've had the pleasure and priviledge of knowing Ross for around 25 or so years.
my buddy Walter's dad,Walter Sr.,and Ross have been close friends since childhood.
that's how I came to know Ross.ever since I can remember,every car or bike that he has owned has always been super clean and had some neat tricks done to them.
I always joke with Ross about how knowing him is sometimes a curse.Because every time I do something on a project that I'm working on,I always think,"what will Ross think when he see's this".but it makes do better work!..everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like him.Thanks Bro!

I can't tell you how cool it was to be able to share the experience of having a motorcycle at the roadster show for the first time with Ross.it was cool!

check out the Bikernet website for a full feature on the shovelhead,and a just glimpse of what Ross is all about.
http://www.bikernet.com/bikebarn/PageViewer.asp?PageID=3098

WHEN WE DIDN'T HAVE TO WEAR HELMETS

2010-01-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

I finally got a scanner!
I found these pics in my old album.pics of my first scooter.
a pearl white 59' pan in a heavily molded and raked wishbone rigid.just before these first pics were taken,the bike had pullbacks,a high sissy bar with king/queen seat and another square headlight!check out thee gold plated D-rings!built in 69' and untouched till I got it.these pics were taken sometime in 90'-91'.before the helmet law went into effect.
My homeboy Walter and I used to ride the shit out of our scooters!Good times!
these last were taken just before I got rid of it for a pro street Camaro.around 92'.what a Dumbass!!
the little girl in the picture is my little cousin,Sarah.she's about 24 now!Dam,I feel old!

38 Timez Magazine Japan

2009-12-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

Oryu just sent me a copy of the 38 Timez magazine witht the pics he shot.wish I could read the article.can anyone translate?
Thanks alot Oryu!We'll see you next time you come out.

Hot VWs cover shot

2009-12-22T22:06:00.000-08:00

My Buddy Damon just stopped by and dropped off a copy of the new Hot VW mag.it hasn't hit the stands yet.turns out Damon and I are on the cover.awesome spread on his car inside.go check it out!

WORD!!!

2009-12-17T18:11:00.001-08:00

" SUPER COMPANY LOCOS"

2009-12-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

me,Johnny C,Greg B,Trevelen,the other Rene-the ugly one!

A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

2009-12-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER 7,1941
NEVER FORGET!

Hot VWs Magazine shoot

2009-11-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

On Saturday,my Buddy Damon's 57' oval was being shot for a feature in Hot VWs Mag.he asked if they could do the shoot at my pad.I said hell yeah!it's always cool getting together with friends.it was also an excuse to take a break from working on my house!our homeboy mike,also known as "GUH GUH",showed up with some hot carnitas,tortillas,guacamole,salsa and a cooler full of Heinekens.it was a kick ass morning and afternoon!!
I also had the pleasure of meeting R.K. Smith.it slipped my mind when Damon told me during the week that R.K. would be shooting the car,that he used to work for Street Chopper back in the day.he got there early,before Damon,to scope out the scenery.when he saw all the motorcycles,he mentioned it.then,I remembered just reading his article in the new issue of Street Chopper.we started talking motorcycles and he was telling me some good stories about the early days with Tom Mcmullen and AEE,flying in Tom's jet and other crazy stuff.I enjoyed our conversation very much.
My Buddy Ben Salazar also brought down his baby blue 67' sedan.Ben's car has also previously been featured in Hot VWs.the green 67' belongs to Art Gutierrez.with Art being a few years older than us when we were growing up,this car was the one that most used to set the bar.When I first got into,and started working on cars,it was all about Volkswagens.in the mid to late eighties,I lived and breathed em'. at that time,I had one of the fastest street bugs around town.although I'm sure that would be up for debate.when I get a scanner,I'll post some pics of the good old days.
Damon ,Ben and Art are members of Der Kleiner Panzers car club.for those that don't know.that's the premier VW club that's known worldwide for keeping the whole Cal look alive.to be in that club,your car's gotta be the shit!and if you see any of these three up close,it would be hard not to be impressed
our homeboy "Pep" rolled up in his super clean Elco.so Damon wanted to get a pic of every bodies rides together.so I pulled my nomad out too.the funniest part of the day,besides all the shit talking,was when I went to put my car away,I did a kick ass burnout in front of my pad and my wife came out to see which one of my friends was making all the noise.and it was me!!!

the shop truck

2009-11-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

just came across this old photo from life magazine and noticed that this old scooter hauler has the same hubcaps that I have on my truck.this photo was taken from the life magazine archives.google their biker pics.they kick ass.

BIG TWIN MAGAZINE

2009-10-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

just got an email from Maurice,aka,"The Flyin' Dutchman".he sent me some pics of the spread in Big Twin mag.Maurice is in Afghanistan,shooting pics of the action over there.be safe Maurice.

Shovels new Home

2009-09-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

with my home addition in full swing,I haven't had a lotta time to anything interesting enough to post.but,let me tell you.I've been working my ass off!

Well,my 78' shovel has literally found a new home up in the Great White North.I just got an email from it's new owner,Rick,from Canada.he say's he love's the bike.I bet if he could get up the stairs,he probably be sleeping next to it!I'm glad you like it ,Rick!
so,now that I need a scooter to ride.I came across this little gem.like I said above,I don't have alot of free time to play with MY toy's.So,I'm gonna try and keep as many of the parts that came with it,on it.nothing fancy,just a runner.

2009-08-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

Looks like it's gonna be a good time.

SOLD!!!!

2009-08-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

2009-07-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

Long Beach swap find

2009-07-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

I was at the Long Beach motorcycle swap this sunday,and I managed to pick this out of a pile of parts.I'm pretty sure it's the real deal.the signature looks right on.I believe it says Encino under the signature.if I'm not mistaken,he was working out of there in the mid 50's,early 60's good sources say it's the real deal..."VON DUTCH"
before I gently cleaned it.

after.the colors are still very bright.you can see light checking in the lacquer.

looks like I have to build a bagger now!!

38 TIMEZ PT.4

2009-07-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before that this fleetline has raised the bar,as far as fleetlines go.this is my compadre,Rob House' 50 CHEVY.this car started out as a long beach swapmeet buy.it was painted baby blue,had no motor or trans,and had all stock suspension.but it was a nice starting point.
one of the cool things about this car, is that the transformation was over a period of time,and was driven as it was being worked on.alot of people really liked the car when it had primer spots and no hood.it looked crazy.but you could aleady tell by the quality and style of the work that had already been done up to that point.that it was gonna be something special.
I knew that this car would turn out nice.but it turned out even nicer than I had imagined.all I can say is I'm proud to have lent a helping hand with this car.
It's funny the way people become friends and a part of your life.Rob and I first met in 89'.we were both into VW's back then.Rob pulled up to me at a stoplight in San Gabriel.when the light turned green,it was on.we've been homeboys ever since.if you ever run into him,ask him who won the race!

38 TIMEZ pt.3

2009-07-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

this 61 Panhead belongs to my buddy, Ernesto"Big Ern"Torres.if you knew Ern,you would know that it's no surprise this bike is so clean.in auto shop,our teacher Mr. Kim,nicknamed him "car wash".because he was always cleaning his car instead of working on it.HA HA. Ern,Walt and I have been friends since kindergarten.
notice the Kilo speedo.it started out as a pretty complete and original basket case Mexican police bike.he's had this bike going on 19 years now..Ern, Walter and I first started working on this thing in Walt Sr's garage.Ern's one of the smart ones that has held on to his first Harley.as is Walt Jr.
throughout the years, this bike has gone thru alot of changes.getting better as the funds permitted.the first incarnation was in a swingarm frame that I rattle canned gloss black.full fenders,a 21" font wheel, and apes.this last paint job was done by Walt's little brother, Antone.
the frame was hardtailed by Walkers, and powdercoated.
this bike has never been in any magazines or entered in any big shows.but it could easily be RIDDEN into any show,grab a trophy and be RIDDEN out!

38 TIMEZ part 2

2009-07-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

here's a few more shots from the day.
this is Walt Sr's 39 ford pickup.he's had this truck for almost twenty years.
this truck is indicative of the kinda style that Walt Sr. has.clean and simple.and it has to be slammed!this truck was built to be a driver,and it has been it's entire life.Walt drives it daily to his Hot Rod/Classic car repair shop in Pico Rivera.

I'm sure you've seen plenty of cars with fishtail exhaust tips before.on other cars, it always seems corny,because I know that Walt did it almost twenty years ago.and the fact that he had his first Harley,a 47' Knucklehead,when he was 17,legitimizes it.
I was just a kid when I saw Walt making this roll pan out of an old water heater tank.after all these years and miles,not a single crack on any of the welds.that always stuck in my head throughout the years, that you didn't need a english wheel and all that other shit to end up with a bitchin' final product.just craftsmanship.use what you got!
with Walt Jr. and I being best friends for the past 30 years.Walt has always been a big influence in my life, with the cars and bikes,as well as being a great family Man.thanks Walt!

on another note.Walt Sr. has photo albums with coolest bike and car photos from the 60' and 70's.I'll work on him to try and post some up on here.by the way,that tattoo on Walt's right calf was done by Jack Rudy,when Good Time Charlies was in ELA,on Whittier Blvd!

38 TIMEZ magazine shoot

2009-07-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Oryu from 38 TIMEZ magazine,from japan,stopped by yesterday to shoot some pics I had some friends over as well.

this is my homeboy Walt's 49 sedan.chopped by him in his garage.he just finished putting the body back on the chassis.everything underneath is real sano!it has a 235 straight six with a hot cam,dual carbs and headers ,with a four speed trans and hydraulic clutch.it even has a/c.there's alot of little details that appear to you the longer you look at it.and of course there's Walt's signature machine gray paint on the block.(he's been painting all his engines this same color for the past twenty something years)OCD?
from this angle you can see how nice the top flows.in the past few years,there have been alot of chopped cars coming out.but only few manage to nail it like this one.mustang 2 front end and four link in the rear with bags all the way around let's it lay.this car work's so well because there's no gimmicks.just style!

I have a few more pics to post later.

Mark Kawakami

2009-06-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

had the pleasure of meeting Mark a few weeks ago.talented dude.he's a guy like most of us,into cars and bikes and taking care of his family.click his link on the right.

DAGO'S FIRST SCOOT

2009-06-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

picked up a mini bike out of the scrap metal bin at work.I took it home to my son.he went ape shit.I did some research on it and it turns out it's a Bonanza from the mid sixties.
we starting tearing it apart today.stay tuned

2009-05-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Pimping at the DUB show.My homeboy Greg B. shoots for DUB magazine and hooked up a spot at the show.lot's of crazy shit to see there.

2009-05-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

sorry for the lack of updates.I've been super busy with an addition to my house.as soon as the sun goes down,I head into the shop to work on the scooters.long days!!!
I plan on taking a break this saturday to get down to the street chopper party.see ya there.

2009-04-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

INSPIRATION!!

2009-04-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

the shop wagon
I should be breaking it out with the top finally painted before the summer's over.Man,I miss driving this thing

78' SOVELHEAD FOR SALE SOLD!!!!!!

2009-03-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

$9K O.B.O email if interested rastengo@verizon.net

Flyin' Dutchman Photo Shoot

2009-03-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

Grand National Roadster Show

2009-03-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

A few pics my buddy Greg gave me from move in day of the show.
My Pops,Johnny Cocaine,Myself,John Edwards and Scott Craig.

My Homeboy Robs fleetline.this car is so beautiful.We did most of the work on this car in his garage.definitely a car that has set the bar.

Rob's panhead
rolling in the sporty.

2009-03-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

there,s something about this little scoot that does it for me.I brought this one in for a little makeover when I needed something to ride to Paso a few years ago. the cat's from japan gave the inspiration for this one.a no nonsense road bike.Matt from O.C. owns it now,and has been throwing his flavor on it.we're gonna bring it back into the shop for another round of mods in the near future.

2009-03-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

71 shovel

2009-03-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

came across this shovel from the son of an old biker.the dude had this bike since new, and just modified it as the years went by.it even came with an original service manual that the dude bought with the bike.if only old motorcycles could talk!since I finished it,it has changed hands a couple of times.it now resides in Arizona with Robby over at the foundry.I talk to him every now and then,and He says he's still riding the shit out of it.Fuck Yeah!!

2009-02-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

I happen to come across some pictures of my Pops and my godfather with their rides,from the mid sixties.the pic of my dad next to the 57' is pretty cool,just for the fact that he was on his way to pick up my Mom for the prom.

2009-02-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

this is the first post in my new blog.I really don't know how to start it off,but I'm gonna start with this.a 68' sporty I just finished with the help of my nephew Benny.this started when he came to me with the idea of building a motorcycle from scratch for his senior project at school.it was awesome to see him evolve.he has since gotten a job at a reputable fabrication/hot rod shop here in Whittier.we have to remember to take the time to show the younger guy's that want to learn how to do this stuff how to do it the right way and how to have a good eye.otherwise they're gonna learn it from somewhere else.like American chopper!and lord knows we don't need any more of that shit!