Loyal custom and hot rod fans recently gathered once again in Paso Robles, California, at West Coast Kustoms' Cruisin' Nationals to celebrate with the vehicles that make their pulse rates quicken and shift into high gear. Over the years this event has grown from a small number of custom fans getting together to an event crossing many different styles and generations, yet remaining completely true to its traditional roots.
Unlike some unfocused events, the Paso Robles gathering brings together hot rods and customs, as well as their loyal fans who all share a love for everything traditional. Whether it be wild '60s show rods, nose-up gassers, fresh-off-the-lakebed early hot rods, or purebred customs, it all can be found throughout the weekend at Paso. Kicking back in the park listening to live music or cruising the vendors checking out everything you need for the rod and custom lifestyle is all a part of Paso. Throw in several hundred cars and it's easy to see why this has turned into a must-do event.
Dedicated disciples use whatever...
Dedicated disciples use whatever means necessary to be a part of the event.
One much-anticipated debut...
One much-anticipated debut was Kirk Hammett's '36 Ford coupe built by Cole Foster. Following years of well-focused attention, Cole masterfully reworked every panel of the sweeping beauty to perfection.
Kevin Francis' '41 Plymouth...
Kevin Francis' '41 Plymouth has been slicked and smoothed into one fine custom machine.
Cam Grant took some time out...
Cam Grant took some time out for a little repair work on his '28 Ford touring. Hopefully the trip home was trouble-free.
Kevin Pickening packed some...
Kevin Pickening packed some serious muscle into his '29 DeSoto coupe with a healthy Hemi for power.
Pat and Paul Bragg have been...
Pat and Paul Bragg have been slowly transforming their '50 Mercury for a while and displaying the progress each year at Paso. When it's finished it will almost be a shame to cover up the amazing metalwork.
Jeff Bachar shaved the bumps...
Jeff Bachar shaved the bumps off his '60 Chevy before spraying it with a marbleized charcoal top over a metallic green body.
Gary Cedolice rolled down...
Gary Cedolice rolled down from Pleasanton in his channeled '32 Ford coupe.
Dan Collins picked up his...
Dan Collins picked up his '38 Ford pickup from the paint shop hours before heading out to the event. The great chopped beauty gives this style of Ford a totally new appeal.
This slick Poncho is the Gambino...
This slick Poncho is the Gambino family cruiser. As head of the family, Alex has been putting in long hours making a name for himself with his shop, Gambino Kustoms, in nearby San Jose.
Sitting squarely on the deck...
Sitting squarely on the deck is Mike Bello's '30 Ford pickup.
Pat Patton has been making...
Pat Patton has been making the rounds lately in his cool '34 Ford coupe.
Skateboarding legend Steve...
Skateboarding legend Steve Caballero trekked down with his Road Zombie club members from Northern California in his recently revamped Model A coupe.
Eye-grabbing rainbow metallic...
Eye-grabbing rainbow metallic sets off the mild customizing of John Riecabona's '54 Chevy Bel Air.
Caddy caps and wide whites...
Caddy caps and wide whites set the mood on Bill Ross' period-perfect '40 Ford coupe.
With all the early styling...
With all the early styling cues intact, this '36 Ford roadster stays true to the original custom style of the prewar era.
This six-powered Chevy modified...
This six-powered Chevy modified looks like a page right out of the early lakes racing history books.
To get any lower the owner...
To get any lower the owner of this flamed Mercury would need to get out a shovel and dig a hole to park it in.
Mike Beckdolt impressed onlookers...
Mike Beckdolt impressed onlookers with all the custom one-off finned pieces under the hood of his '56 Chevy pickup.
Brandon Flamer may have pushed...
Brandon Flamer may have pushed his '27 Ford coupe into the event...
...but it shouldn't be long...
...but it shouldn't be long before he is tearing up the highway with his low-slung hot rod.
This fully dressed stovebolt...
This fully dressed stovebolt mill powers Mike Perez's '49 Chevy.
Kenny & Jessica Murray cruised...
Kenny & Jessica Murray cruised out to the West coast all the way from Farmsville, TX in their perfectly patina'd '59 Chevy pickup.
Nose-up bruisers like this...
Nose-up bruisers like this '56 Chevy gasser have been making a huge comeback in the last few years.
Dave Baker recently added...
Dave Baker recently added a killer set of 17-inch chrome reverses and white walls to his "Gold Rush" Mercury.