Need a crash course in rockabilly and "kulture"

Funny, there was an episode of Daria about this approximate culture. http://www.hulu.com/watch/226626

I can't hate on it.

I don't know why, but I freakin' love the pinup look with tats.

I also dig PBR, but partially buy it because they are such big supporters of live music.

I go to the Mobtown Greasball when I can... Same type of thing, different place... Some of the cars have amazing customizing. Some of it GRM type work also... Worth a look if you like cars and want to see something different once in awhile...

mobtown link

I may have to go there too as recon. Its way closer to my house buy like 2 hours.

you know, it's weird, but i've never thought of the greasers/rat rodders/pinup girls as the automotive hipsters, but now that i've read this thread it all makes perfect sense..

ThePhranc wrote: All I know is neat cars, pinstripes and hot pinup girls. And why is everything spelt with a K?

The "Kulture" is a revival of the old 50's-ish hot rodding "Culture." In the 50's, hot rodders took what they had and modified it to what they wanted using parts they could afford. That sometimes included lights from granddad's old tractor, a windshield from an abandoned boat, and a doorknob re-purposed as a shift knob.

The new Kar Kulture movement is a nod to those early hot rodding days, but since its being done with modern parts, tools, and occasionally modern technology, its respectfully spelled with a "K". Its done the same way (taking what you have and making what you want) but since there is often more money thrown at it and sometimes an artificial patina, its not quite the same.

Kulture has a huge GRM flavor to it. Some of the big names have big dollars to throw at a project, but there are just as many folks doing it in a very cheap, GRM way. For instance, my buddy and I built a 32 Model A pickup with cast-off parts. Total cost was $1400 and it was really sweet. We had a frame and a cab. We added a chevy 350/TH350 (free), a shortened 49 Olds steering column, a 56 Buick steering wheel, a Ford steering box, a 34 Plymouth rear axle, a Mustang radiator, a radiator grille from a Massey Ferguson tractor, then fabbed up a bed from wood. It ran, drove, was safe, turned heads, and we sold it for $8000.

White t shirt pack a reds rolled up in the left sleeve one over your right ear, engineer boots ,pants tucked in and your belt buckle over your left pocket. Lean up against a wall and observe. They wont even know you are there.

novaderrik wrote: you know, it's weird, but i've never thought of the greasers/rat rodders/pinup girls as the automotive hipsters, but now that i've read this thread it all makes perfect sense..

TRoglodyte wrote: White t shirt pack a reds rolled up in the left sleeve one over your right ear, engineer boots ,pants tucked in and your belt buckle over your left pocket. Lean up against a wall and observe. They wont even know you are there.

Funny how being a hipster means living a cliche.

Some reference material from the linked event I went to in May...it's kind of a socialogy experiment going to these things, like shopping at Walmart, but better.

Vintage Torque Fest

Speedcult (no K!)

ThePhranc wrote: All I know is neat cars, pinstripes and hot pinup girls. Oct 13th in Fredericksburg,VA there is the 3rd annual Rockabilly Hot Rod Rumble: Hit rod and Kustom car show presented by the Karb Kings VA. We plan to set up a vendor booth with some neon and cut vinyl but my knowledge of the scene is very limited. I'll bring the standard fair of car logos trimmed in neon but I wanted something more specific to the demographic. And why is everything spelt with a K?

Hang out on the forums (aka "the H.A.M.B." - hokey ass message board) of http://jalopyjournal.com. Set up an account, introduce yourself. Read for a month to get the lay of the land, then post asking the community directly what vinyl products they'd like to see.

my guess? NOT vinyl pin stripes. Those guys take pride in doing that stuff themselves. Maybe anything garage-art related. (the PBR sign is a good choice. Also maybe tiki/palm tree stuff. Any old logos - e.g. crane cams - that you can legally use) Bring a booth babe.

Vinyl pinstripes even make me cringe.

Ohh... I forgot about tiki and Hawaiian themes. Do that.

I like the lo-buck approach these guys take to pre 60's cars. A guy I used to ride motorcycles with evidently runs the Billet Proof shows now.

I could care less how someone dresses. Do what you do for all I care.

I bought the wife a pin-up photo session a few years back. I'm not sure who enjoyed the gift more. Her or me.

I dig the cars. I don't care how someone dresses. Pin-up stuff is hot. What's not to like?

One of the vendors at the Torquefest event I went to early this year was an outfit called "Murder Pinups."

Google it if you like-- perhaps marginally NSFW.

I had no idea that there were folks who like to see women in vintage lingerie posing with weapons over a simulated murder victim.

Apparently I've led a very sheltered life...

I'm kind of indifferent, my best friend is pretty hardcore into this/punk rock but maintains enough normalness to lead a regular-esque life.

I'll be at the big show in Edmonton next weekend.

You can't really complain about anything that looks like this though (now imagine it on BMW 5 spoke 17" rims)

I started on the neon flame shooting headers yesterday.Nothing special just headers a quick turn up and some stylized hot rod flame patterns.

What I really liked from the Speedcult folks was the "Dead Hooker Storage" signs cut from steel plate.

Someone would probably find it inappropriate for display in the workplace though...

I do like the concept of minimal weight with maximum power. The skull and dress gets old. My daughter loves the goofy look and we both love the shooting flames. Yes, the cop made him stop shooting flames into the air that night.

Some of the younger kids have made some sweet bicycles.

I'm just gonna leave this right here---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1Gno_JOxbI