Pin Up Girl Painting I just completed

Well, as it is almost the end of the year, I wanted to add something today as I was in a painting mood and a few months ago I had a customer come to the shop to purchase a bunch of parts, on his arm was a tattoo similar to this and that inspired me to have a go and see if I can paint a big Canvas as this would make a great wall hanging for someone.

girlpaint 2

 

This is a BIG panting and It measure 24 inches by 30 inches, its on a stretched canvas and I used a Electric blue water base for the background, the rest of the painting I used Enamel by “House Of Kolor”

girlpaint3

I have always liked to doodle around with paint etc, I am no artist and there are so man cool talented people out there, but for me, this is my sort of Therapy to get away from work and just enjoy drawing and painting.

 

girlpaint5

 

If you like this, it is available for sale at $150, this would look great in a Club room, Garage, Gallery, workshop r anywhere to be honest.

girlpaint6

 

 

I thought I would show it on here as I paint all sorts of things as well as make steam punk style lamps too.

girlpainting10

I am sure most people can sketch and draw, I wish I had the finesse to knock out some cool Hot Rod Girl B- Movie poster but alas, I donot have that skill.

girlpainting13

I just wanted to try and show another side of what I am into, you may not like it and that’s fine, just something I love to do to get away from the other things I do ere at the shop and give me a break from Motorcycles and Hot Rods etc.

girlpaint 8

Have a go yourself sometimes as you will be amazed at what you can do when you put your mind to it and of course, if you are into that style of painting or subject, then it helps you out so much more.

girlpainting17

Thanks for looking and I hope I at least made you stop and think and maybe just get you to have a go at drawing or painting.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !

Well, as it is now that festive time of year, I thought that it was only fitting on this nice crisp Christmas morning, that it was time for some merriment and put a few things of that nature on the Blog today, I didn’t want to celebrate the season too early, seems like people start way to early these days, but now is the right time to get you lot into the Christmas spirit.

Have a great day today and hope that world flies by faster than Santa with a Rocket powered sleigh!

A bit of JD Mc Pherson now.

A rare bit of footage from the Collins brothers “The jets”
Jeez I feel old seeing these. Ha Ha.

Irelands Imelda may knocking this one out of the park.

This is for those who run out of time and of course idea’s for that certain someone at christmas and not sure what to buy for them.

So, let me take this opportunity to wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas, thank you for all your orders, inquiries and phone calls.

Hoping 2016 find you good health, great wealth and of course happiness.

Peace and Grease Everyone.

CARPY

Some tunes to blow away the cold blues.

Saturday, its a little cooler today but not like back home for sure and to remind me of the cold and wet of jolly old England, here is some cool stuff I know that you will enjoy if you are interested in rhythm and blues.

 

Sister Rosetta Tharpe is a name I am sure you would of not heard of, she was to me, one of the best Blues- Gospel artists who never got the recognition of her skills. Elvis Presley adorned her Music, Chuck Berry listened and learned from her chords, this Black woman from the USA started this style of picking that nobody had ever heard before.
For me, she was and always will be “The Godmother of Rock n roll”

 

 

Below we start of with her on a British tour and yes in the wind and the rain, she still entertained the crowd and gets right into er guitar, not many would even do that today, so sit back and enjoy the talents of Rosetta and her booming Vocal chords.

I will never tire of her classic songs that are delivered with more punch than Mike Tyson, what a thunderous champion of the Blues.

cropped-shout-it-out-sister

So I sure hope not only are you amazed to not of heard of this wonderful lady, but with any luck like me, you will stop and think that she deserves so much recognition into the Rock n Roll hall of fame.

 

 

I was amazed by her power of her vocal chords, she also was a great guitar player and just had that natural ability to pull in the crowd, you cannot help but love this woman, I was blown away by her presence and musical talent.


So here is a documentary if you are hooked like i was many years ago, this will tell you all about this wonderful lady of the Blues!

Enjoy.

Mooneyes Christmas event Irwindale

Well, Saturday Morning soon came around, a little apprehensive about the trip to Irwindale today as yesterday we had Rain on and off all day and the forecast was dry as a proverbial bone.

 photo 026_zps4f9b3ep6.jpg

 

But it was a nice morning and no sign of rain, but, we came to the decision to jump in the wagon, and head out to the freeway and see what this years Mooneyes show had in stall for us, on many occasions the sky’s have closed and it has poured down with H2O, so this time we were prepared.
 photo 027_zpslzawctql.jpg

The traffic was pretty good on the 5 and the 605 was even more clearer, so it took us maybe 25 minutes to make the trip to the Drag strip, but there was the usual line to get in and, I could see there was many vehicles already at the show and knew that this event would indeed be a doozy!

 photo 030_zpsknlirg80.jpg

We parked on the Oval track where they race the Speedway, so kinda cool being lined up on the third turn and headed down the incline, trying not to walk like a professional shopping cart pusher.

 photo 031_zpswvrchcrx.jpg

Once in the show, the air was filled with BBQ and Hot Dogs, as well with a good sprinkling of Rockabilly Music, and high revving cars as they staged and drag raced up the 1/8th mile strip.

 photo 032_zpsxxnqxzac.jpg

So many cars had turned up and it was fun to walk the lines of machines, checking them out and seeing what the trend is this year in the Custom world and I noticed a few Lavender painted cars in a flat finish, so that seems to be the go this year.
 photo 033_zps6ti8xqi5.jpg

Mooneyes is always a fantastic annual social event for me and was great to be able to approach some well known names in the Hot Rod industry, just to shoot the breeze etc.

 photo 036_zps8xuvwiqf.jpg

Shige from Mooneyes is always there and will stop everything he is doing to chat and genuinely ask how you are etc, so great to see him and Chico, along with Bob and Go manning the busy station, selling their infamous wares.

 photo 037_zps3p4cphgz.jpg

There were many vendors this year and ranging from cool plaid Pendletons, to custom pomade, there seemed to be a little of everything at the show and was a enjoyable checking different vendors booths to see what they had created for sale.

 photo 050_zpslhp6p0ei.jpg

I saw Vintage Hot Rod Club Coats I would of given three arms and a leg for but wrong sizes made it a unsuccessful scavenge for me this time but, proves that there are still wicked clothing out there if you are at the right place at the right time.

 photo 052_zpsxszvcfdr.jpg

 photo 053_zps9pxllhjd.jpg

 photo 054_zpsvokhhfqe.jpg

 photo 080_zps8wjnsgkn.jpg

I saw Big Nick Barns, another Ex pat living in SoCal and has been dealing in the Vintage Clothing industry over 30 years and always seems to come up with unique apparel and love seeing it.

 photo 077_zpstrgptnv9.jpg

Jennifer and I watched Buddy Dhugi and his wonderful wife Suzi, play as they always do for the moon show and this year kitted out with Christmas sweaters, albeit it was bloody hot this year.

 photo 056_zpssccpykqc.jpg

 photo 057_zpshileudxz.jpg
 photo 058_zpscwe88hcq.jpg

But their set was pretty cool and they rocked the event as they usually do, we made sure to stop and chin wag as these are the best events for an annual social gathering for us.

Next band was my mate Big Dan and he plays in the Dynotones, an awesome 60’s Surf Guitar combo and boy do they rock, loved every song and hope to book them for my annual party in march 2016.

 photo 085_zpsz6zhth3l.jpg

 photo 085_zpsz6zhth3l.jpg

We grabbed some food and hung out with some good people, I spoke to some mates I hae not seen in years, like Dean from Dice Magazine etc and Dennis Roth was in his element having fun with people in his Crazy Custom Flaked machine.

 photo 064_zpsxwopwp7r.jpg

 photo 067_zpsrlvnjtro.jpg

The sound of bands playing, and Gassers racing up the strip every few minutes is an awesome experience and one you should at least try Once, just to be able to truly understand what I am on about, it is a really cool show- busy but cool.

 photo 118_zpshnzkyv1h.jpg

So many cars to see, make sure you allocate a few hours just to observe these fantastic machines as we walked isle upon aisle and people were more than happy to tell you about their car and how it came about etc.

 photo 071_zpsaqxwzjfw.jpg

Now this Roadster you see is a show car, something many of you and I dream about, Jennifer asked the guy if it was his and with a smile on his face he said yes.
 photo 196_zpspgexly7p.jpg

I asked him about the 40 ford dash and he said it was a 40 ford dash but- he did not build the car, he won it in a raffle.

 photo 195_zpsa3ex7bwp.jpg

I was gobsmaked as i remember the Roadster being as a raffle car at Ventura a few years ago, he said he had watched the Roadster being built via instagram etc and he bought ONE $20 ticket, he went to the show but came home as it was his 32nd Birthday, the phone rang and he thought it may be one of his buddies wishing him all the best, but infact it was ventura asking him if he had abought a raffle ticket for the car. He said yes and then she said, well you have won it!!

 photo 197_zpssmdlkglc.jpg

 photo 199_zpst9lwcbya.jpg

Jeez, for $20 a $40,000 Built Roadster, they even had the builder drive it to his house and he drives it every weekend, lucky man, I always hear about raffles and never believe they are legit and you never see the winner, but this was the real deal and for $20 he won that awesome machine.

Jenn informs me she is doing Raffles from now on and, I tend to agree with her it seems like it may just be worth the chance, but such a great story on that Roadster.

 
Mooneyes always brings over their super cool pinstripers from Japan and they turn out some super cool work quickly.

 photo 060_zpstqvbzstu.jpg

A great event and so much to see, make sure you get here early to be able to take it all in.

 photo 062_zpsrchmizha.jpg

Another Pinstriper is Hot Rod, he has been doing this for many many years.

 photo 072_zpswxos8z2r.jpg

This Blue 29 Roadster was pretty cool parked up and sun bathing.

 photo 074_zpsu7xw9svr.jpg

I loved this tough 55 Gasser in Candy Paint, sure sounded menacing too.
 photo 075_zpsd2ntkwm0.jpg

This mid 60’s Ranchero was so bang on the money for styling .

 photo 076_zpsfiwhzlwu.jpg

Legends in the Hot Rod Art world, Robert and Suzy Williams were in attendance too.

 photo 083_zpsnax6ijco.jpg

Here is my mate GO hat works at Mooneyes and is a super nice fella.

 photo 090_zpsnfp1raba.jpg

Organ pipes on this roadster sounded like a broken fan in a fridge.
 photo 091_zpsoas1xayo.jpg

29 roadster pick up but too low to pick anything up.

 photo 091_zpsoas1xayo.jpg

This green T was pretty cool.

 photo 094_zpsx7q5z2tr.jpg

Another channeled Roadster sits on the deck.

 photo 094_zpsx7q5z2tr.jpg

Now, I would drive this home no problem.

 photo 098_zpsbwiovtzb.jpg

A nice sprinkling of Roadsters were here this year.

 photo 100_zpsj4zmzfnd.jpg

A few Custom Low riders too, a lot of masking to do this.

 photo 103_zpsoyrce6nv.jpg

Like I said, there are all sorts f machines here, enough for everyone’s taste.

 photo 104_zps3t6zisez.jpg

Well, it is the Christmas show.

 photo 105_zpsu84qhgti.jpg

Now this is what I am talking about, I love the straight Axle Gassers.

 photo 106_zpsh8yycuyp.jpg

This was a sweet 58 I would love to own.

 photo 107_zps959epukb.jpg

Amazing, as I live in SoCal, youd think you seen all the rides and then you come to Mooneyes show and loads of cool stuff not seen before.

 photo 110_zps6i4ifzqf.jpg

Plenty of Chevys thats for sure.

 photo 111_zpsnouakhnp.jpg

I dug this pick up, would be a fun parts ride.

 photo 112_zpsp8bnofai.jpg

This was pretty cool to see and I am sure he has fun with it with that Motor.

 photo 113_zpsjabqjazl.jpg

Even the Old Bill were cool.

 photo 114_zpsc5eoeegv.jpg

Loved this Kustom Pontiac.

 photo 115_zpskrajulje.jpg
Nice color scheme I thought.

 photo 116_zpsn0jswrdl.jpg

Always great to see some classic Tin here.

 photo 117_zps9w0xbzg8.jpg

Frenched Lights and a floating grill was cool.

 photo 120_zpspmwe5tjy.jpg

These are Custom from right out of the show room.

 photo 124_zps9iogjltc.jpg

How can you not like this Lincoln front end.
 photo 125_zpsdofi8x3k.jpg

Always loved these and the body goes on for miles.

 photo 126_zpsfyo1a4j8.jpg
 photo 127_zpsadishw3d.jpg

Now this is right on the deck.

 photo 127_zpsadishw3d.jpg

Rather odd choice of color but it works.

 photo 129_zpsatjbfcjq.jpg

Loved this 57 Belair as a gasser, the best years for me for gassers are the big straight axled heavy Bricks.

 photo 131_zpstpeihsnk.jpg

Slammed Custom Roadster for the use of a better word.

 photo 132_zps8ho7tmwh.jpg

Three hungry birds.

 photo 138_zpslkv7uud4.jpg

I loved the artwork on the trucks door.

 photo 139_zpsrew09jbb.jpg

How clean is this and I love the color.

 photo 140_zpswhazsxto.jpg

This sedan sat really well.

 photo 141_zpsfe7w0m27.jpg

The sun was out and so were the Hot Rods this weekend.

 photo 142_zpsrmsehkei.jpg

A cool 56 Gasser awaits its turn before going up on the 1/8th mile.

 photo 146_zpspyoqccpv.jpg

This 1948 Rag top was cool as hell and loved the color.

 photo 149_zps0e56q3vz.jpg

A couple of car club guys shooting the breeze.

 photo 150_zpslerboxrm.jpg

Off the the strip to tear it up.

 photo 153_zpscajoc3vk.jpg

This Caddy is pretty straight bodywork wise.

 photo 157_zpsf1elzzyi.jpg

A Candy red 58 Pick up look good basking in the Sun.

 photo 158_zps2hoyj4bk.jpg

Now that’s a lot of work.
 photo 159_zps0xbsxvke.jpg

How straight is this and love that color.

 photo 160_zpsn9gef6qf.jpg

Some intricate masking here to get this effect.

 photo 161_zpsjiqgmlxg.jpg

I think this is Keith Weesners 5 window and boy is it nice.

 photo 167_zpshinzphhh.jpg

Suicide doors on this Bow Tie.

 photo 168_zpseyykdjdh.jpg

Whats going on here, his own Smoker?
 photo 171_zps7dmuysrg.jpg

Clean, low and bell flowers too.

 photo 172_zpsjlqq7ekl.jpg

Nice 56 for belting around town in.

 photo 172_zpsjlqq7ekl.jpg

So clean.
 photo 177_zpsehwvg2kg.jpg

Jeez, that push bike must weigh a ton?

 photo 178_zpsprqvuqvg.jpg

Yep. that will give it some giddy up.
 photo 179_zpsk9yqivwv.jpg

Thats one way of making sure the hood closes on that Caddy.

 photo 180_zpsculglgou.jpg

More random shots for you lot.
 photo 182_zpsmhdtwfec.jpg

I am way digging that color.

 photo 183_zpso9ygighu.jpg photo 184_zps2mhgggfb.jpg photo 185_zpshxi3z8ps.jpg

Matt from Australia’s ride that he painted himself.

 photo 187_zpscligrlww.jpg

Plenty of GM rides here.

 photo 188_zpsjclmitlv.jpg

Different and nice to see from the Norm.

 photo 191_zps2ykqeeqi.jpg

Hanging in some shade on this hot day in December.

 photo 192_zpsnh8fwtu5.jpg

Plenty of flake in this design, so many hours.

 photo 193_zpspu3wxc15.jpg

This is one tough looking 58.

 photo 200_zpsymzlolnd.jpg

Plenty to see today.

Thursday Tunes- something to make the day go by way smoother.

Happy Thursday Folks

I have been into Classic Rockin tunes for as long as I can remember and Today I thought I would share just a few twangy tunes that I have always dug. Instrumentals are a great form of entertainment, I cannot carry a not in a bucket but can play the air guitar like a pro.

So below are some great Instrumentals that I have always dug, I know you may not like them all but I really do and thought that you may like

OK, first up with a little “Uprising” by the Cherokees.

If you liked that then you may well indeed be into the next band, which have this awesome 1961 hit that always got people jiving on the dancefloor.

This is “Stick Shift- by the Duals.

 

These are Los Beatniks from Mexico, not the Argentine group of the same name.
For those who don’t know the geography of Mexico, Tampico is a city in the state of Tamaulipas.

Next up we have a great 60’s sound from The 2nd Track of of the self titled release by The Reigning Monarchs.

I have no Idea why The Fireballs give reference to this title being a Bulldog- But as I own one, thought I’d bung it in here anyway.

 

Now we are off to a little Burlesque style shaker named Wo’Now by the Milkshakes.

 

Here we are with a great rendition of “Linda” by the Starfires.

 

I loved Jiving to this many years ago and always a hit on the dance floor, this time we have.

Lastly, you have to finish this series off with the classic “The Whip” By the Frantics!

Triumphs should be a good option for 2016

Hey gang

Wednesday and as its hump day, I thought i would try and show some of the Trumpys that are going to be seen on the Tarmac in 2016..

Thruxton new9

I am happy to say that they have such a great set up now and needed it to be honest, as the suspension is just what the proverbial Doctor ordered.

Thruxton new 8

Triumph’s updated 2016 lineup blends cutting-edge modern technology with the old world charm of its legendary motorcycles

Since its launch in 1959, there are few bikes that have influenced pop-culture and, more importantly, retro-style biking as much as Triumph’s Bonneville has. The current Bonnie, after its 2001 launch, had been left virtually untouched for fourteen years, a testimony to the British maker having hit the nail on the head in preserving this motorcycle icon’s heritage.

Thruxton new 14

Come 2016 though, Triumph will bring in five new, thoroughly revamped Bonnevilles, all ready to roll out of the state-of-the-art Hinckley manufacturing plant we recently visited, some of which will hit Indian shores around the upcoming Auto Expo 2016. The new bikes are powered by a new range of substantially more potent engines, deploying either a 900cc or full-blown 1200cc capacity, in parallel-twin layouts, with liquid cooling and fuel-injection, and are expected to bring the Bonneville into the 21st century while keeping intact their timeless appeal.

Thruxton new 14

Starting with the most affordable amongst the new crop of Bonnevilles, the Street Twin is expected to be the most popular offering from Triumph when it goes on sale here in India. One look at it and you know for a fact that the Street Twin can’t be anything other than a Bonneville. To be made available in four paint schemes, black, a matte black, red or silver, the Street Twin is easily distinguished by its black 10-spoke alloy rims, as well as the blacked out bits on the lower parts of the bike, including the handsomely detailed engine.

Thruxton new 1

The Street Twin pumps out a throaty and a rather exciting exhaust not from its smoothly profiled, brush finished twin exhausts. Expected to be priced close to the current Bonneville, the Street Twin will come powered by a four-stroke, 900cc, parallel-twin powerplant, which churns out its peak torque of 8.16kgm at amazingly low engine speeds, making it very rideable in urban conditions, while also holding ample punch across its rev range.

Thruxton New 12

The smooth-running engine comes mated to a six-speed transmission and Triumph claims that the new Street Twins offer a 36 percent bump-up in fuel-efficiency, this in tow despite the promise of more exhilarating performance. And if that wasn’t enough, the Street Twin won’t feel a budget Bonnie, Triumph walking the extra mile to load up this new motorcycle with goodies like ride-by-wire throttle management, a switchable traction control system, a slip assist clutch which feels relatively lighter, plus an ABS system to widen the braking safety net. The Street Twin comes with a single disc rotor in front. In terms of features, the Street Twin gives you a gear-indicator on the instruments bay, a USB socket and engine immobiliser to mention a few.

thruxton new 7

Next up, the Bonneville T 120 is a modern-day Bonneville on which attention to retro-style detailing has been placed above all else. The bike, riding on shiny wire-spoked wheels, looks exotic thanks to the chromed out engine cases and the bright and old-school peashooter exhausts. Its twin front disc brakes and the twin-pod instrument cluster make it simple to differentiate the T 120 from a Street Twin. Triumph has worked to improve the ergonomics on all the 2016 Bonnevilles, so expect riding comfort to have taken a step forward. But the real plus over the Street Twin here comes in the form of the big leap on the engine front; the T120 getting a torquey 1,200cc, parallel-twin powerplant that sounds gruff and grunty.

Thruxton New10

As on the Street Twin, the T 120 comes with a ride-by-wire throttle, and six-speed gearbox, supported by a slip-assisted clutch. In addition to switchable traction control and ABS brakes, there are also two riding modes, Road and Rain. The T 120 also offers the luxury of heated grips for comfortable riding on winter mornings, apart from a USB charging point. Cruise control is optional.

Thruxton new6

Expect the Bonnevilles to offer a comfortable, upright riding position, as against the the sportier Thruxton, up next.

Triumph has upped their game on the upgraded, and not to forget, the stunningly styled 2016 Thruxton and Thruxton R models, Both the bikes come generously equipped with really top drawer specifications and beautiful detailing, which can be seen in the finely crafted Monza-style fuel filler cap. And you simply can’t miss the bar end mirrors, a neat design touch on the Thruxton that few other bikes can carry off so well. Although held together by spokes, the 17-inch Thruxton wheel rims are alloy constructed, as is the swingarm. Extras on the upmarket Thruxton R include a colour matched seat cowl, buffed steering headstock and clear anodise swingarm. There’s that authentic café racer look you can’t miss, and besides the aggressive styling, Triumph has given the Thruxtons the added bite of a specially tuned 1,200cc, parallel-twin powerplant that delivers 11kgm of maximum torque, twisted out at a sportier 5,000rpm, and marking a massive 57 percent leap on the previous model.

Thruxton 2016c

The Thruxton R comes with all the bells and whistles, stainless steel exhausts without catalytic converters for added oomph, Ohlins fully adjustable suspension at rear and Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa Tyres. And a set of floating twin disc brakes in front, clamped on by Brembo callipers. Besides the new bikes, also on offer is a mile long list of accessories and custom parts to match all the 2016 Bonneville bikes.

Thruxton 2016aaa

As for the bikes themselves, there’s virtually nothing that stays the same between these new Bonnevilles, and the pre-2016 bikes, save for the aplomb with which they have carried forward their legacy.

Thruxton 2016aa

Battle of Trafalgar union jack goes up for auction

GREAT PIECE OF BRITISH HISTORY UP FOR GRABS!

The Union Jack

 

A man from the Vale of Glamorgan is selling a rare union jack flag, said to have been flown at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Arthur Cory, 49, said the flag had been kept in a cupboard at Penllyn Castle near Cowbridge, since he was a boy.

The flag, one of only three surviving from the battle, is expected to fetch up to £50,000 at auction.

 

It is said to have flown above Nelson’s warship HMS Leviathan.

 

 

The flag’s “most probable” route to Penllyn Castle was through Mr Cory’s ancestor Nicholas Cory, a rear admiral on William IV’s Royal George yacht, the auction house said.

 

 

Roland Elworthy, senior valuer at Holt’s Auctioneers, said he had “no doubt as to the flag’s provenance”.

Roland Elworthy, senior valuer with the flag

A great piece of British History, hope a Museum manages to snap it up.

I shall be interested to see what it fetches and were it eventually will belong.