Anaheim Rod & Custom Shop Quality and Customer Service all the way!

Posted on August 30, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

30 Aug

Well, every now and again I like to Blog about experiences and companies that I personally have been involved with, be it helping out or having them help me out and today I wanted to concentrate on a great family run business located in the City of Anaheim just by the 5 freeway and it is called Anaheim Rod And Custom.

Now, before I start my ramblings, yes, there are a plethora of Custom shops located all over California, I mean, thats where it really all started here in the late 1940’s when the Late great Wally parks started the NHRA and from there on, Customs and Hot Rods have been created in this great State and Anaheim Rod And Custom is one shop that stands out in the crowd as one of the best Customer Service businesses that you will ever encounter.

Just a quick look at how Matt created the Front door of the shop.

Of course there were the Likes of Barris, Winfield and Daryl Starbird etc knocking out some head spinning work that was way beyond its time, but here at Anaheim Rod And Custom, that flavor has not soured at all, in fact there is always something cool and unique that is being worked on in the shop and the attention to detail is phenomenal.

So, lets get to the Beginning of this company:

Matthew Means started this business almost 20 years ago and has always had a hankering of being his own boss and starting an Automotive Restoration company, Matt was in business with a partner at the time and then met the adorable Pin up Girl that I know as Becky Sue. There is not too many business that is family orientated and work with each other every day and, if they do, then they understand that its not an easy venture with many bends in the road, but the straight away stretches out number the curves and when Becky Sue met Matthew at the Continental room- Which is an old school speak easy that has been around since 1925 in Fullerton. Well, it was meant to be.

A little video of the 1965 Merc Project that came out of Anaheim Rod And Custom for you to see.

I met Becky Sue at Fudruckers at a car show, I was doing a TV show at the time and we interviewed Becky Sue as she was a Car Nut and loved everything about Customs, Hot Rods and Pin Up stuff, so we got on like a house on fire. Well, to wind on a few years, I hadn’t seen Becky Sue for a while until I saw her in a Cool Parts car and was driving by my shop, she stopped as she recognized me then informs me that she met Mathew and they got married and have a Automotive Restorations Business called Anaheim Rod And Custom.

Now, bear with me on this, about 6 years ago, Mathew had organised a Huge Tiki styled Custom Car show at Don the Beachcombers on PCH, Becky Sue said to come along and meet her fella, well I not only met Matthew there, I met my wonderful Hawaiian Girlfriend there Jennifer Sun, who I am still madly in love with today and if it wasn’t for that show, I may of never had met Jennifer.

So I will always be indebted to these Two for helping me find the Girl of my dreams and like Becky Sue, we do a lot together and she helps me run my Business with book work, tax’s etc and general show organizing etc. Its Great having a partner in the business with you so understand these two who run Anaheim Rod And Custom.

So, almost 2 decades of building cars and painting under their belt, also Matthew wanted to pass on this business to his son when he obviously gets a little older, their first son was aptly named Atom Ford Means, so with a name like that, you better be in the Automotive business eh? They also have a wonderful bundle of Joy named Presley Mae and many times you might just catch them at the shop, learning the ropes as early as possible, nice to see too.

Now, I can go on and on about what they have built etc but what you all need to know is that this is one of the best Quality shops you will find that gives such personal attention to your machine, after sales service is also impeccable with a great atmosphere when you entire their abode, you are first met with a smile, a rare thing, a handshake and a tour of the shop, which you will find is very clean and organised. You can see me here walking in the Black tee shirt at their Open Day show.

Pretty much everything is done in house, even the paint, Matt has very good skills with paint, so much so that he has been requisitioned to apply the cool Custom coats of candy to many British Custom Motorcycles and as well as that, Matt is a dab hand at the Winfield style Fade away paints, including Pearlescents and Bold Candy Colors, to eye blinding and dazzling Metal-flake finishes.

What I like about Anaheim Rod and Custom is that Matthew is not deterred in any way with Long term projects, I believe that his attitude is ” Take the Bull by the Horns” and get the job done right.

I was stuck for space with my 1928 Model A Roadster, I needed a company I trusted that could do the work that I asked for. Many just said yeah, yeah yeah and to be honest, its just a job to them.

But Mathews approach is so unique to many I have seen, not only did I first of all hang out at his shop to see exactly what his work entails, I actually felt like part of the family there.

Their services offered are so vast, from Welding, Cutting, shaping Metal, Bead Rolling, Chassis work, Air Bagging, Custom Paint Spraying, to Major Electrical and the list goes on, from cars to Motorcycles to Boats, he does it all. here is my steel floor that Matt hand made and boy is is great and sturdy, comp[aired to the stock Wooden Model A floor base.

On July 23rd Anaheim Rod And Custom had their grand opening, My Roadster was there and we were invited to check the show out, turned out to be a real treat, cool Cars and Motorcycles, cool people and really had a fun time talking to new and Old Customers of Anaheim Rod And custom and look forward to more events like this.

Matthew took me aside at the shop, took his own free time to get me a full and detailed Estimate, that Becky Sue had typed out into a full bound Folder and gave me a few options if I wanted to save a little money ion one area and spend on another. This was all smooth and not rushed at all.

I hung out for a day when My Roadster was there to give a hand if needed, I was not needed at all but loved Matthews approach to what he did, yeah its an old Hot Rod but he dint abuse the vehicle and in fact went way above what he quoted me to do just because he wanted to do it right. How is that?

I spent in excess of $13,000 there but many had quoted more and I would of had less work, all the build was also documented and everyday at the end of the work day without Fail- I would receive Progress Reports and photos to show how much headway they had made. Now I dont know anybody that does that these days.

As I said too, Mathew and Becky Sue work also work with British Customs and have painted bikes owned by such celebrities as Tony Hawk, David Beckham and Orlando Bloom.

Many Motorcycles have been painted by Matt and you may not of even known, but he sure is great with that Spray gun.

Starting with a white pearl base coat and adding a layer of bright Candy Red, and finishing with a Black Candy top coat. The resulting presentation is stupefying, appearing nearly pitch-black in low light with metallic deep reds and purples shining thru the highlights in full sunlight, showcasing the curves and angles of DEUS handiwork.

Another bike painted and this time for British Customs, for Tony Hawks Foundation, this was auctioned off for charity, what a great job.

There is always something cool going on at the shop, plus there is great music and an ambiance that is like no other shop I have ever encountered.

The Paintwork is not cheap but- the attention and work that is put just into the Prep work is why his finishes are so great and the longitude is always going to be there, compared to many others.

Also- Anaheim Rod and Custom partners with bike builder Micheal Woolaway, of Wooly’s workshop at Deus Ex Machina and have painted numerous motorcycles for Deus.

I get Matt to paint for me as there is nobody better for the time and effort that he and his team put into each paint job, no matter how big or small the scale, the finish and quality is something that Matt finds must be paramount in any work that comes out of Anaheim Rod And Customs premises.

Tonya Kay is a great actor that takes on ANY role and encapsulates the character with her own twist, she is charismatic, sexy, sultry and quirky in her pin up lifestyle and has a passion for Classic Cars , and the photo you see that Speed Girls Captured is Tonya’s very own 1965 Buick Rivera that she aptly titled as the Grape Space Coaster and the Custom work was completed by Matthew means of Anaheim Rod And Custom in Southern California. I will let Matt tell you all about it in the Video below……

Beck Sue Means, runs the business side of the Company, sending out quotations for potential jobs and Custom Applications, Customer service, ie follow up calls to check how they and their vehicle are doing etc. As well as the rest of the internal tasks that you have to perform daily in a Busy Custom shop office etc. She is the VP there but also will roll her sleeves up and jump in the with the rest of the crew in the workshop if needed, her Pops was a mechanic and only makes sense for Becky Sue to follow in the foot steps of her Dad.

If there is anything you need from a Estimate for work needed at Anaheim Rod And Custom, then Becky Sue or any of them can be contacted at:539 S Central Park Ave E, Anaheim, CA 92802

Their Contact number is: (714) 203-6589 make sure you tell them Carpy sent ya!

This is a unique Company with so much passion for the Automotive art, Matt is multi talented and can weld, paint, wire, draw, sculpt etc, he has every base covered in your requirements.

From a Motorcycle Gas Tank that needs to be painted, to a full tear down and rebuild of what ever you have in your Shed, Garage or a project that is still sat on your driveway needing help, these are the people to call, you will not be disappointing.

YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR HIGH QUALITY RESTORATION, CUSTOMIZATION, PAINTING AND FABRICATION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

MOONEYES ANNUAL OPEN DAY WAS A BLAST

Posted on July 8, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

08 Jul

Well, going to Norwalk Blvd and stopping outside the famous Open Eyes, has always been a cool thrill for me, so much Hot Rod History in that little Yellow building and here we are again for the huge show that generates so much excitement and popularity, that I hope one day Shige can buy next door and make this an even bigger event.

I have been attending these shows since I moved here from other shores back in 2000 and to go to this show is a superb social event for me, some people I have not seen in years but also some people I have seen the day before, this is a fun family atmosphere with Genuine interest in our “Hobby”- ” Lifestyle”

The sun seemed to be up early today and as I kicked the Royal Enfield into Life, I could feel the beads of sweat running down my face like I was about to be shot out of a Circus cannon into an awaiting Net, that was made of wet paper . But the Royal Enfield jumped into life, ticking over like a well oiled sewing machine, I clunked the gear shufter into first and it ubruply Grinded into the gear and then it was go time, Revs up, Clutch out, arse down, elbows up and I am now off to Norwalk , with Blues skies and a full gas tank, life seemed to smile at me, as to say. ” Go on son, have a brilliant day.

Well, as I took the back streets, it took maybe 10 minutes for me to pull into Norwalk Blvd, and slowly but surely I could see Hot Rods, Customs and every kind of style of machine on either side of the road, as I pulled up to Mooneyes, I was ushered into the driveway, where upon I was blasted by the sounds of the 50’s, some fella playing a stack of platters and I was digging the vibe Daddy’O!

I took my Brain Box off and was Greeted right away By the Manager, Chico, such a genuine bloke that I have known for over 17 years now, he welcomed me and thanked me for attending, how nice is that? Don’t hear that much these days and it goes a long way in my book. ” What book is that I hear you ask?” The book of Pleasantries!

Man! Was it hot, not even 10:15 it was Hotter than the inside of a Pizza oven on a Saturday evening. But I was here and there were a ton of like minded souls there, soaking up the Sun, the Sounds and all the cool vendors and machines that adorned this infamous place for a Custom Couture that I dearly love.

I left my Brain Bucket sat on my bike, another cool thing with Mooneyes is its a safe place and I love that trust ethic at a show, very rare indeed.

The next person to take time out of their day was the owner of Mooneyes and a super friend of mine.

SHIGE SUGANUMA: What a fantastic Bloke, flys over from Japan to meet all his Customers and genuinely take time to see how you are and ask about how things in the business and life is going, a rare find these days.

With more and more people pouring in, I wanted to get around and try and take a few snaps with my phone, not an easy task as so many people darting about but, I wanted to try and share with you lot what I did today, as many like my Blogs etc.

I walked along to the Vendors and wanted to say hello to my mate Keith Weesner, such a superb artist, always has time to say hello and another bloke I have known over 17 years now and as crazy as I into Hot Rods and Art, maybe even more so.

So many rides parked all over the place, it was fun walking around, talking to people and checking the latest machines out.

I bumped into my mate Big Dan from the Dynotones, these guys are the best 60’s Surf, Instrumental band anywhere, they rock it 24/7, try and ctah them at one of their gigs.

http://www.dynotones.com/

I saw so many rides there today, everything from Nostalgic Hot Rods, to Metal-flake Kustoms, it was great to see other rides that I have never laid my eyes upon and everybody seemed to be having fun.

If you are ever in Sunny So Cal, check Mooneyes out, they have all you need for your ride and what a historic trip down memory Lane you will have.

http://www.mooneyesusa.com/

As the day got hotter, it was time for me to do another quick walk about and say high to friends and cross the road to see vehicles that hugged the kerbside and boy was there some neat rides there.

So, here is to the next event, this show is on until about 3-4 pm so go check it out, so easy to get to off the 5 freeway for Cars and Bikes, this has it all.

Check out the workshop too.

Hope to bump into you at this event next year, have a great weekend all of you.

Mooneyes Christmas event Irwindale

Posted on December 15, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

15 Dec

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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

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

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

I loved this tough 55 Gasser in Candy Paint, sure sounded menacing too.

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

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

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

Organ pipes on this roadster sounded like a broken fan in a fridge.

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

This green T was pretty cool.

Another channeled Roadster sits on the deck.

Now, I would drive this home no problem.

A nice sprinkling of Roadsters were here this year.

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

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

Well, it is the Christmas show.

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

This was a sweet 58 I would love to own.

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.

Plenty of Chevys thats for sure.

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

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

Even the Old Bill were cool.

Loved this Kustom Pontiac.

Nice color scheme I thought.

Always great to see some classic Tin here.

Frenched Lights and a floating grill was cool.

These are Custom from right out of the show room.

How can you not like this Lincoln front end.

Always loved these and the body goes on for miles.

Now this is right on the deck.

Rather odd choice of color but it works.

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

Slammed Custom Roadster for the use of a better word.

Three hungry birds.

I loved the artwork on the trucks door.

How clean is this and I love the color.

This sedan sat really well.

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

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

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

A couple of car club guys shooting the breeze.

Off the the strip to tear it up.

This Caddy is pretty straight bodywork wise.

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

Now that’s a lot of work.

How straight is this and love that color.

Some intricate masking here to get this effect.

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

Suicide doors on this Bow Tie.

Whats going on here, his own Smoker?

Clean, low and bell flowers too.

Nice 56 for belting around town in.

So clean.

Jeez, that push bike must weigh a ton?

Yep. that will give it some giddy up.

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

More random shots for you lot.

I am way digging that color.

Matt from Australia’s ride that he painted himself.

Plenty of GM rides here.

Different and nice to see from the Norm.

Hanging in some shade on this hot day in December.

Plenty of flake in this design, so many hours.

This is one tough looking 58.

Plenty to see today.

RUBY’S CAR SHOW WE ATTENDED

Posted on June 23, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 Jun

What a great little venue Ruby’s diner is up in Whittier, A stones throw from where I live and thought that a trip to check this Car show out would be fun to attend and get some cool grub at the same time, seeing as it is quite light until at least 8;30 pm, we took advantage of the weather and headed out to Whittier for a great evening with my 59 Club.

Caution indeed,as we parked up and took in the sights and sounds of Ruby’s Diner and what a great selection of cool stuff they had to show us here.

How about this awesome flathead Indian Chief, I would love to have been the owner of this ride and loved everything about it, even the oil leaks!

I painted this design on My leather jacket a few decades ago now and always loved the Indian logo, what a cracking American piece of History.

I didn’t see the owner as i wanted to hear it fire up and cruise down the road, but this show is always cool to see as you never know what might turn up.

Green seemed to be a popular choice of color for many of the cars that showed up today but its a cool color none the less and loved the rides.

The fairlane below was super clean and had every factory option available o it, a sweet long and wide machine that was just nice to look at.

The Pontiac Star Chief was also a hit at the show, Big Chromed D- Cup Over riders and sat lower than a snakes belly, this was really a nice car.

The 5 spokes and Lakes pipes on that Star Chief was a nice touch too. Blew a soft green Lincoln Continental Convertible looked awesome.

Four Door Galaxy was super clean and all original trim too, this has been cherished for many years that’s for sure and I loved it.

Below, this Yellow T Bucket had more tickets than cheap Angels deals and was Blown with open headers!

I would of loved the Dodge Lancer as the Body work was all original and loved the paint patina, not sure where the Hood went though.

Small Block Powered 1930 A Bone was sitting pretty on steelies and lakester headers.

I loved this49 Woody, awesome Super deluxe Model and Flathead powered with a three speed.

56 Wagon was clean and I have seen a few of these out here, loved to own one myself as I had a 55 4 Door in the UK in the 90’s.

Another Green ride, this time a Bowtie on stock rims and cleaner than many cat’s Arses.

Super smooth and clean 56 Belair that had custom 60’s tube grill, just lose the dice and this would be fab!

I know, but as I said, there is something for everyone at this weekly meet and this was really clean too.

Mopar at its very best here, plenty of people looked at this Plymouth, love the big intake scoop.

How can you not just stop and stare, such a menacing front end.

Little Canary yellow and Red 40 ford is so cool, an early owner so a Hot Rod for many years, flattys gone so now a street rod but loved it.

I loved this 53 it sat right, looked right and would of loved to own it and painted it a candy Root Beer brown with lake pipes.

This tidy 55 is a nice model and other than the Dice, I would of taken it for sure.

This show is Every Friday in the Summer and people are so friendly, if you get a chance, come over as I know you will enjoy yourself as much as we did and we continue to do so.

Many thanks to you all for coming out, we really enjoyed your company and the ride on this Hot Summer Night and look forward to our next meet, check out Carpy’s Cafe Racers on meet.com for more rides that we will be doing, come along, we are fun to be with.

YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR HIGH QUALITY RESTORATION, CUSTOMIZATION, PAINTING AND FABRICATION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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