Happy Thursday to you all.

Good to see Carpy and what better shop to see on 360? #theta360 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

Well Happy Thursday everyone, seems to come around way too fast, so this morning this will not be a huge Blog just as quick hello as people do follow what I do on the website.
Just amazing about technology and how far it has come, as the above is a few seconds that my buddy Zach Siglow recorded when he came to my shop to pick up his Motorcycle.
I am blown away with what technology can do to help in small businesses.

There are so many that can now render a bike on a computer to show a potential customer what their machine may look like, and they can see it right away, as before pen and paper and numerous phone calls and meets would take place.

If I had to design, say a Sportster for a client, with a few key strokes and the help of a 3D image piece of software, anything is possible.

Look how awesome this is for a Honda Twin Cafe Racer design for a customer, just insane eh?

Just check out the design of this Triumph Bonneville, I am so stunned by how cool this looks and am sure the Customer would be amazed too.

Just an infinite amount of ideas and prototypes you could do with out the days of sketching and trying parts to see if they can fit on the real bike.

Just wish I had the time right now to make something up and of course the software but- I think that is the way things are going and to be honest , I love it.

Look at how cool this rendering is of a CB750 in the style that I create.

Simply a joy to look at, so if you have the time, maybe have a go and let me know how you get on?

Its just your time and imagination you need and of course, a bucket load of Gold nuggets for the software. Ha Ha

Have a Great Thursday.

Barry Sheene Championship-Winning RG500s

Barry Sheene was one of my ALL time heroes as a teenager, I watched him race at Snetterton by Grabbing my Crash helmet that had no guts in it, I rolled some newspaper up and stuck it in there, I hitch hiked to the track, ran along the side field by the hedges and jumped the fence, just to watch him battle with Kenny Roberts, I will never forget that. I watched him race and then I had a long haul back to my house, so I began to stick my thumb out- numerous cars and bikes passed me and I was a little annoyed as to not getting a lift- as my mum had no idea I was at the races, she thought I was at my mates house up in Elveden Village, so had to be back by dark and the clock was ticking.

Then this Brown Rolls Royce came up, I thought to myself
‘Worth A try”
So out goes my thumb, I see the driver shake his head saying sorry, so being frustrated, I gave him the 2 fingers.

Feck me! it was my Hero Barry Sheene and I just gave him the 2 finger salute! I was devastated that i had done that but will always remember it.

Below:
SHEENE CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING BIKES ARRIVE FOR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
News / June 29, 2016

Barry Sheene’s 1976 and 1977 world championship-winning race bikes have arrived at Suzuki GB, ahead of the Barry Sheene festival at Oliver’s Mount next month and as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Sheene’s first world title.

The bikes have been shipped directly from Australia for various events in the UK this year, and will be on display at the festival to celebrate the achievements of Suzuki and arguably Britain’s greatest world champion.

Also on display will be a collection of classic Suzuki road bikes, including the GSX-R750F that was restored at Motorcycle Live last year, and the TL1000S that was built from brand new parts the year before, highlighting Suzuki’s commitment to its Vintage Parts Programme.

Suzuki GB’s Tim Davies, said, “With it being 40 years since Barry’s first world title, this year’s festival marks a very special anniversary, which is why we wanted to be a part of this event for a second consecutive year to celebrate such an occasion. The event at Oliver’s Mount is always a good one, but we decided to step it up a notch for this year’s event, and the display of the two championship-winning bikes is the first time that they have been displayed together at such an event in the UK.

“Alongside Sheene’s race bikes the GSX-R750F and TL1000S will be displayed and information available on our Vintage Parts Programme, which now has 9 bikes listed and is dedicated to helping owners of more classic Suzuki machinery restore and maintain them with genuine parts.”

Scott Beaumont, Oliver’s Mount’s Marketing Director, added, “Suzuki’s commitment to the Barry Sheene festival at Oliver’s Mount is absolutely fantastic and for them to step it up again this year by displaying Barry Sheene’s actual race winning machines is every road racing fan’s dream. This could be the only opportunity in our lifetime that we see these machines and we are very proud that Suzuki has chosen Oliver’s Mount to display them.”

The Barry Sheene Festival will take place at Oliver’s Mount on 23-24 July, 2016. For more information visit www.oliversmountracing.com

Sheene_Small-15

Gotta watch this too:

 

BELOW:

Silverstone Story 1985 Barry Sheene and Freddy Spencer

Another cool old documentary about Barry on TV back home on Channel 4.

Race of the year 1977 a year before I left school.

Below:
Barry Sheene at Daytona on Practice when the Crash almost kills him. This was a documentary filmed by Thames television back home.

Not great quality but real History.

A continued version with commentary from Murray Walker.

Barry Sheenes last race.
One of my other heroes “Rocket” Ron Haslam, team mate, banging it out on the track, Epic.

Fathers Day Roadster Show this weekend.

Well, it is that time of year again and the fathers day Roadster show is upon us and this year its hotter than hell, so get in early if you can.

The L. A. Roadsters Car Club was formed in 1957 and is still going strong.

The Club is well known for their beautiful 1936 and older roadsters and their Club uniform of red shirts and white pants.

 

 

Just a few little shots right now.

 

These are some great shots that Brian Brennan of Street Rodder took today.

Below is the Grand National show winner and one of my favorite Hot rods.

All types for everyone one, from old school to high tech.

L. A. Roadster Show

The 2016 Show is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th.

In 2015, we had another successful show and want to thank all roadsters, specialty cars, swappers, vendors and spectators for their loyalty and support of our show each year.

Our show is always held on Father’s Day Weekend in June of each year at the Fairplex in Pomona, California.

Each year, the L.A. Roadsters put on one of the largest roadster shows, swap meets, and commercial vendor shows in Southern California.

Lots of beautiful roadsters from all over the USA drive to our show and spectators came from all over the world.

I shall be going on Sunday for a look around, I have a long way to go with my Model A but love the thing to bits.

flatty2 may 2016

 

Pendine Sands 2016 Speed Trials

This is one of the best places in the world to experience Hot Rodding at its very best, sat on the far west side of Britain, Pendine Sands in Wales has so much racing history on this infamous beach.

 

 

I just had to post some photos I saw and will credit those who took them. the Sidewinders put this annual event on and a lot of work it needs to get to where it is, so when you get a chance, drop them a line than thank them for all their hard work.

Steve foster photo.

Photo: Steve Foster

This is an old mat of mine Matt Farrant and he posted the fasted time of 117 miles and hour with his flatty powered Roadster pick up and was the fasted man on the sand for the second year running, great job Matt.

Photo. S. Foster

I see my mate Melissa with the Bandanna on her noggin and she drove her ride on the beach faster than her old mans Hot ROD.

Photo. Steve Foster.

Photo : S. Foster

Mat Farrant giving it his best on the beach with a recorded speed of 117 , thats awesome.

Checking out the program  as these 2 Nostalgically dressed girlies enjoy the day. photo. S. Foster

Photo. S. Foster

OMG-Scot Blown Flatty, would love that myself, great job and shot.

Photo. Steve Foster

Love this shot of the roadsters on the beach lining up for their run.

Photo. Steve Foster.

My mate Sarah Bradley gets ready to run her roadster up the beach.

Photo Steve Foster.

Waiting for the flag to give them the go ahead to light them up and make the pass up the beach.

Photo. Steve Foster

Great shot here, love the Duvall style windshield and the frog mouths.

Photo S. Foster

Channeled 5 window looked Bad ass.

Photo. S. Foster

Braaap!

Photo. Steve Foster.

This looks so much fun.

Photo. S Foster

How can this not be fun?

Photo. S. Foster

This 29 Roadster is all set for his run at the speed trials.

Photo. S. Foster

As old timey as it gets, this bobbed fendered Roadster is itching to go.

Photo. S. Foster

T Roadster gets a helping hand.

Photo. S. Foster

Wishing him luck.

photo. S. Foster

Frigging amazing set up.

Photo. S. Foster

Number 362 gets a good start on his run up the Welsh beach of Pendine Sands.

Photo. S. Foster

Getting as much traction as they can as they start their run.

Photo. S. Foster

How low can you go?

Photo S. Foster

Great shot.

Photo. S. Foster

Another roadster heading out.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Heading into Pendine.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Chilling with everyone on the beach.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Lets see who is the fastest the.

Photo: Martin Stockton.

Where it all happens from the start to finish.

Photo: Martin Stockton 

A set of hungry Quads

Photo. Martin Stockton

Great shot on the line.

Photo. Martin Stockton

We shall meet you on the Beaches.

Photo. Martin Stockton

This 29 is almost ready for the take off.

Photo. Martin Stockton

5 window looks sweet.

Photo. Martin Stockton

This is a really cool shot, love the whole frame, the color is awesome.

Photo. Martin Stockton.

And we are off!!!

Photo. martin Stockton

Roadster Pickup is having some fun here.

Photo. martin StocktonAnother great shot looking through a model A window.

Photo. martin Stockton

Epic photo of the start line.

photo. Martin Stockton

Another cool capture of the start.

Photo. martin Stockton.

Taking it all in.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Putting the Modified through its paces.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Matt Farrant takes off on his 117 MPH Flatty, great job Matt.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Great photo and the geezer is having a blast.

Photo. Martin Stockton

My mate Sarah Bradley ,cruises the Beach.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Matt Farrant, giving it his best shot and winning the fastest flatty of the weekend at 117 MPH, Sweet.

Photo. martin Stockton

The VHRA official filling station.

Photo. Martin StocktonMatt Farrant, getting geared up and going through his check list procedure so he is calm and collected for his run.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Epic panoramic view of the run.

Photo. Martin Stockton

Awesome machine.

My Mate Martin Grossmith in his A Bone and now in the 100mph club.

Martin is sat and ready to wind it on at Pendine Sands.

Great photos here of some mates I know from back home, must of been fantastic experience.

Below is a vide of Dean Lowes Roadster pick up at Pendine.

 

 

These sands have been raced on for many many years, even in 1951 the motorcycles all took part in racing.

So, with over 150 entries at Pendine, this only seems to get bigger and better.

photo credit. Elie Rose and my mate Mel Gee driving.

Photo: Elie Rose photography with Mel in her ride.

Photo credit: Stefan Marjoram.com

Stefan Marjoram|Art & Photography.

 

Photo Credit: Stefan Morjoram. With Sarah Bradley in her Roadster.

Stefan Marjoram|Art & Photography

Stefan Marjoram|Art & Photography

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com “The Lads”

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com

Photo: Stefan Marjoram.com

 

 

 

The ‘Hot Tamale’ Otherwise known as the HTML

Well, this time we have come up with a fun concept for this machine, started off as quite a loud and obnoxious Orange color that would never get lost in a parking lot.  This bike is actually a friend of mine and he has designed me the New website.

So-if you need a web design or anything web related drop him a line atchristian@riggscreative.com

A very cool guy that will walk you through what ever need you require and, at a very affordable and workable price too.

 

So I always need a wee bit of information on the bike etc and what the owner does before I get started, as that gives me some cool insight to what they do and then can try and think of a name or theme for that creation.

  

The color concept on here right now was right ut of the 70’s and had quite a lot of corrosion from being sat outside for many years.

 

Christian purchased the bike down near the border in San Diego, so I thought that a cool name for this machine would be Hot Tamale, seeing as it was close to Mexico, but also as a double barrel, I am going to have the initial of that and it will say HTML, but thats also the machine code for websites etc and a great tie in with the owner.

 

To make the right start, I stripped the bike down to the frame, bead blasted it until the metal was clean, filed the frame for any imperfections, then all the hard work began on this as the whole chassis then had all the welds covered and smoothed and then 6 layers of high fill primer that was sanded by hand to get a really smooth finish to allow for a few layers of Candy paint to be applied.

  

Hard to appreciate the time and effort that goes into the preperation of a show quality frame, but this had so many man hours into it.

As you can see, this is a long process and to be honest you haven’t seen much of the entire work that has gone into the frame alone, first the frame is bead blasted and cleaned, then the welds grinded and filled smooth, then hit with high Fill primer and hand sanded until a smooth finish is acquired, then it has to be sanded again and the base coat of Aztec Gold needs to be applied.

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This machine undergoes so many procedures and work by hand, until you have tried this yourself, you will never inderstand the man hours alone just to get the frame completed as well as the tank, side covers and seat, as these have to all be painted at the same time as you cannot for the life of you, match candy paint.

IMG_6264

So, now all the parts that I want Candy have now been spainted and sanded and ready for the Color, and the color is Hot Tamale Candy, which I wanted to match the Red from the real Candy you used to buy as a kid and still available today. To get the Candy color of the kids sweets, I used an Aztec Gold base to set the base.

IMG_6260

 

So now its time to get some paint to try and emulate the kids Candy from the local store.

hottamales-retro

It was fun trying to match it but we managed to get it bang on to be honest.

Tamale

I am So glad that trying different colors finally worked out to the shade of Candy red we wanted and had to count all the coats of candy Red to make sure that it matches the rest of the parts, else it would all look different shades, Candy is one of the hardest to paint.

I think I did pretty good and as I said, this is a double barrel name so it works really well, a hot color that will really pop under the sun.

 Now the work begins on this machine and I have to be so careful not to scratch any of the paint work as you simply cannot match this color by touch up.

 I am being as careful as I can, but still needed a soft hammer to tap the swing arm into lace and then push through the spindle, and- this is all on my own today so really have to be careful.

 I rebuilt the front end and made sure that I chromed the lower tree, and then polished the upper to look as good as a chrome finish, then simply added the races and new grease and bearings.

 Front forks I machined and magnafluxed, and New tubes, as well as new seals and hardware, makes this stand out from the crowd, i am just going to add old rims as I am going to be polishing the hubs and painting Candy red in the centers.

Next up is My Hand made Battery Box that’s made from 6061 Aluminum and we use brass Rivets to give that Aircraft quality, nobody was making anything for the SOHC bikes and I needed some cool parts for my own machine and set about designing some neat styling to add to your inline four and from there on I continued to make more parts.

 This fits in the original area that the stock battery did, but you must admit, this looks way cooler? I have always liked the Hot Rod styling and think that this design of mine pulls that look off big time and is a very functional lightweight piece for the bike.

 So much to do, in so little time, but rebuilding is always fun when everything goes to plan. I was also fed up with dim headlights and not a huge fan of turn signals and wanted to clean the front end up, i started to fit these to bikes years ago and now it has become quite popular but I fitted my 32 LED Light and the internal signals are bright and very very cool.

So easy to wire up, they look clear, but when the turn signal is used they glow bright Orange.

 

Now onto to some cool stuff, as I thought long and hard about this creation and she sure is going to be bright and attention getting.

I then used brand New Genuine Honda rims and after the hubs were stripped, polished, painted and New bearings fitted, re-laced to the rims and finally, throwing on some vintage style Firestone tires to have that old School Custom Look.

I drilled more holes in the front Rotor than BP has done in the Louisiana state, then polished the center.

Just have a look at how much work this takes, I stripped the forks and then machined the fins into the lowers, then I magnafluxed them to check out of there was any hairline cracks, once that was established I polished them and fitted the dampeners and then brand New fork tubes and seals, as well as fitting New Black Factory gators and New chrome fork ear clips, to really make this stand out from the rest.

 

To match the front Brake Rotor, I did my usual and drilled the rear brake hub, then polished it to a chrome like finish, fitted new brake shoes, actuator and springs and this looks killer.

 

This makes all the difference when painting the center of the hub and making final touches to the rest, this is one sweet rear wheel.

 

 

With New Bearings, and I also powder coated the rear sprocket to match the tire, gives it some contrast, I even chromed the safety ring to give it a little more Bling.

 

 

 Of course, I stripped the original rear swing arm and then chromed it, fitted New Bushings and plopped this all together on my own on a Saturday afternoon.

 OK, this time I fitted brand New piggy Back Shocks, new Honda hardware and our 2 inches extended Alloy Shock lowers, gives this bike the right stance.

Oh yes, one of our finned rear spacers was a must on this creation.

 

 I like the way that this bike is taking shape and the Customer is letting me run with this, so I can use my own creativeness.

 

 

How can you not like this?   It really is a warm and Custom color that will really stand out where ever the bike is parked up.

 

Christians machine will get a lot of detail and a mixture of Aztec Candy Gold and the Candy Tomale Red to show this unique machine off.

150

As you can see, the Motor is in and she really is a head turner, I am going to do many cool little attention details you may not even notice at first but the owner is super stoked and thats the main thing for me. I am wiring the bike with all New wiring and New OEM controls.

010

As you can see, Aztec Gold and Candy hot Tamale red is a great Combination, the 750 digits are hand painted there are no decals here on the bike at all.

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So, with the Side covers fitted, I also Chromed the oil tank and then machined some Dipstick caps to embellish the top of the tank and go with the flow of other finned alloy parts that are through out this machine.

013

.Other things you may notice on this ride is I have started to fit the mounts for the Rear sets as these will set the pace of the bike and Instead of the stock Anodized black versions you see, I stripped that all off and polished the body to a chrome finish and really sets that off.

Below , this is how cool the turn signals are that are inside the headlight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What do you think? very crisp, sharp and modern, with a touch of yeaster year thrown in too.
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Been seen and be safe, that’s the name of the game these days and you will be seen with these 32 LED’s when they flash for sure, looks tasty eh?
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The rear Brake hub got all the attention as this will air the rear brake and help cool it too, but has the old school look of the racing days too.
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The Front sprocket cover got the same effect to make the design flow, polished Alloy looks so classic.
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I drilled the front Rotor and machined a smooth face, you try drilling and countersinking on an old drill press, takes some time but worth it in the long run.
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As you can see, I have used brand New rims and then used New Polished stainless steel spokes to give this bike a Classic era look, I also polished the hubs but painted the centers to match the frame paint just to add some more detail to the machine, and a OEM front fender hugs against the bigger Firestone tires.
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I stripped old forks apart, machined the lowers and then magnafluxed to check for any porosity or fractures, but all good, then polished and rebuilt with new fork tubes and oem Chrome Caps and fork gators.
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The Carbs were stripped, dipped, powder coated and rebuilt, also used new OEM intake manifolds with stainless rolled edged hose clamps and dressed with machine turned velocity stacks that set off the gold of the paint.
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Original Race Crafters finned Points cover was addd and my own machned engine covers were attached to give that Hot Roddy styling to the Motor.
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Sticking with all the speed Equipment, I machined an oil tank Cap and that really does set the bike off as many miss that part on a build.
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The rear shock reservoir got the same treatment to make all the lines flow on the bike and I loved the outcome.
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The kick starter is only for looks as we have Rear sets and an electric starter, but wanted to leave the kick starter on the bike do drilled and chromed it to make an accent.
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So many details, where do I start? But as you can see, I have polished the upper triple tree, I also made handlebar extensions to lift the bars up 2 inches, New handlebar controls, Custom Flake grips added, as well as New throttle Cables, levers and the master cylinder I stripped the anodizing off and polished to a chrome finish. rechromed original fork ears and added my Custom badges to the sides.
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These are the Original gauges but rebuilt them and look so much better now, I also added a Display bracket for the bike and will add a watch or compass to go in the top of the bracket.
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There is so much I have done to this machine but you can see from the photos that this is very detailed and hope that you like it.
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I also drilled the starter cover and fitted Gold Mesh underneath to give the bike a little more style and the exhausts are a one off and hand made section by section, a long and laborious job but boy did it turn out nice in the end.
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A very unique style that I was gunning for, as i wanted a similar shape to the old MV Augusta motorcycles of the day and they sound awesome too.
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This bike is tall as the owner is over 6 feet in height but sure has come out great, I used my Rocket four seat base and upholstered it with original Metal-flake Aztec Gold material and then added my oval LED stop-running light that sets the rear end off.
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The HTML or Hot Tamale as many know it comes as a double barreled name as the Owner of this machine is a Web Site developer who helped me design my New site and does an awesome job of building sites and helping in computer program coding and HTML is of course the coding, so thought it apt I added the lettering, it is hand painted no decals anywhere on the paint at all.
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As I said, she sits well, no blocks of wood for the side stand to sit on as MY side stands are made here and they dont need any assistance like so many buids you see out there, she stands on her own, high and proud,
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A great machine that looks very stylish and the owner loves the bike as we were in communication all the time with it and I am pleased to see it completed as it was a long journey but worth it in the end.

 

IMG_5329

This Motorcycle looks great and from any angle too, I am happy with the outcome and with Christians input, we managed to knock this build right out of the park for a well earned and deserved Home Run!

IMG_5321

Here she is on the San Diego side of the road, taking in some fresh Grey air as even the Gods were trying to Thunder clap their applause at the creation of this motorcycle that took a long time to get done right and to how we both felt happy with.

 

IMG_5317

Here she is sat on one of my Side stand, no blocks of wood or bits of metal to have it sit against, she sits loud and proud and a wicked machine.

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With a Blue sky above, the HTML really does stand out amongst the crowd, this was a long journey but the end was such a great uplift.

IMG_5294

Even at night she will turn more heads than a Dewalt cordless screwdriver.

IMG_5410

.Even stands out in a stable of thoroughbreds, a fun bike to ride and look at and hope it gives miles of smiles.

IMG_5327

 

Keep you eyes open for this Motorcycle if you are in the San Diego area and make sure you say hello to Christian the owner, as he will be more than willing to talk about the bike and how it became to be.

IMG_6157

These sweeping pipes are a sectional custom set that I do not want to reproduce, so many hours but so worth the look at the end of the build.

IMG_6166

Thank you for looking at this magnificent machine, it is always nice to think out of the box and as Sir Winstone Chruchill once said.

“Onward and Upwards” To the next build. Its been a long build but the outcome made it all worth while.

Hot Rodding even appears in Video Games

Hey Gang

 

[​IMG]
Well, I am not a video gamer but was blown away to see this guys take on a 31 Model A 5 window coupe, the detail on the Hot Rod is remarkable and he must either own a Coupe or has been schooled well as these are bang on the money, with the exception of the engine sound as a flathead V8 does not sound like that at all.
But check this video out and you can see all the detail really is right there and wanted to share with you today.

This gamer who designs for Grand theft auto by the loom of it also did a 5 window but this time with a hemi motor and lake style headers, unreal.

Below is another gamer and another Model A Coupe, not as good as above but great to see Hot rodding in the mainstream.

Maybe you have already seen these? I am not a gamer, I was always crap at it as the controls just wouldn’t correspond with what i wanted to do as i wanted a real steering wheel and gear shifter and red and blue buttons just felt odd, but great graphics though.

So – great stuff designers as you have kept all the right look for a Hot Rod, just wanted to share as a Blog today.

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