What a trip...
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
wow, Bob! I was also interested in seeing the inside. Too bad it was stripped, but, I bet there may be a lot of artwork drawn onto that table top, perhaps not...it's still great to dream.
I can dream since my dad was really a lover of pinstriping and lettering and lived in the Keys in a trailer, first decked out like a ship with a steering wheel overlooking the gulf, then it burned down, but he then went to an airstream. He was a very interesting character and living down there and visiting him formed a lot of my character too. He loved Von Dutch's work and others and gave me my first mack stripers left from another signperson that came every winter, named "Gary". I admire you man, Bob, for doing so much with all of Von Dutch's legacy. You're a great person.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
I just talked to one of my customers, who just got back from that auction. He said the bidding had started at $500,000.00 and went down from there. He said that there was just two guys bidding on it. But what does a person do with it? I would love to see the look on whoever bought it wife's face, when she sees that bus being towed onto her driveway. And when she says' What's that?" Von who? You paid how much?
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Alicia: The ol' boy will probably tell her to "step to the rear of the bus"!):-)
Posted by Brent Logan (Member # 6587) on :
The back window alone is worth $46K.
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
I think the back window was removed from the bus for the VON DUTCH auction at Petersen's in LA. I may be misinformed about that!
Posted by Dale Flewelling (Member # 2577) on :
My son just came back from the auction and brought back a bunch of cool photos of the bus and old signs. Curious why it's not in the museum.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
It's probly a bio-hazard.
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
The Dude who bought the bus has it back up for sale already!
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
I bet his wife made him do it. "It's me or that bus Charlie!"
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
i would'a said,, Your right honey, you make a good dinner, and you can bait a hook, but, i'm goona miss ya a bunch..
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Just got off the phone with Steve Kafka. He's the proud owner now of the BUS. It's in for a full restorsation so if anybody out there has any pictures or knowledge about the Bus, PLEASE contact Steve or myself (I'll pass it on to Steve). Any INPUT from LETTERVILLE would be SO COOL!
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
I guess the secret is finally out and I'm happy as I had all this information from Steve kafka and yet promised not to say a word. I guess Steve probably kicked himself for not attending the auction to begin with, being only 4 or 5 miles from it and could have saved a bundle. I was in that bus many years back when some miserable SOB lived in it. I met Dutch at a friends shop where I stored my racecar on Sepulveda and Ventura blvd in the 60's theis fella Tom introduced me to him and Audie Murphey at different times of course. I think dutch and the bus was in Calabasas at the time but I could be mistaken.
Oh well enough memories for this ol'man
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
That is something to trip on, never got to meet Von Dutch, but I do remember eating pancakes Kiersten had made, with you and Frank Magoo at the Percells last year. I was the younger guy among you two, kind of funny in a way, when I get around younger people I feel like the older guy. Anyway it was interesting to hear you guys talk about ole Von Dutch (Kenny Howard)
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
A Bus!
Tells me more that I need to know......Piece of Junk..
Sorry People. We all wish for..... Response!,,.. and the after life of being "Creative Beings!"
[ January 28, 2007, 07:11 AM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Either you appreciate creative genius or not. Well, what can one say......It's obviously way over your head!
Posted by Brent Logan (Member # 6587) on :
I think this bus belongs in the Smithsonian.
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Now THERE'S a man who "gets it"!
[ January 28, 2007, 12:36 PM: Message edited by: Bob Burns ]
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
As long as a man has his sh(t togther in one spot....it makes sense. The bus just happened to be that spot for a magic artist with a mind of his own. Like it or not the cat was one enigma that could not be touched by society and the game of life as we all know it. I call it "Von Dutch Blues" It just doesn't need to be explained, it just is.
Jack
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
I'm with Alicia on this one.
Yup, guess it's above my head ... in another galaxy somewhere.
Still, I'm thrilled to see something regarding our trade gaining fame with dollar bills attached to it no less!
I can't help but feel John Jordan or Rick Glawson's rides should then command millions ...even if they were rusted out Pintos!
~nettie
[ January 28, 2007, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: Janette Balogh ]
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
If this is the Case then I have a "Saturn "that I drove and sat in.. for over a 10 year period!
Going for $25,000 All Artwork and Decals comes with it!
[ January 28, 2007, 06:54 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
I don't know if you realize this Stephen but I would say that a good 99% of persons here haven't a clue to what it is that you exactly do for a living. If you are part of this website which includes sign folks and pinstripers maybe you can include some of your work and give us some of your expertise in this field and leave the remarks back in Lower Sackville.
BTW Stephen I live on Nova Scotia Lox Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
"LOWER SACKVILLE.........!!!!!" hahahahaHAHAHAHA
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Thanks Joey!
I think I have placed more artwork than you have on this site! Can you please show us the talent of you strips! So you say you lived here in Nova Scotia? I doubt that my friend... But if you like to visit my Blog. or "HRM" Nova Scotia Please do so at your spare time!
Lower Sackville! What a place to be!!
Sorry 'Bobby Burns' This space is taking! Nice to see your work as well!..... Can I see some more?
I am cleaning my nose with my kleenex! With new ideas
Sorry guys.... I got to go as I have better things to do with designs...
[ January 28, 2007, 08:17 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
I'm with Alicia and Nettie too, guys. It looks like something my son scrapped a few years ago. It's already been stripped of anything that looks valuable. What will they auction off next? Who else will benefit from the cash cow that this has turned into? Seems like he is worth more dead than alive....more's the pity. He could probably have used the money that people are falling over themselves to spend on his stuff now. I'm also getting a bit tired of the Stephen bashing. That doesn't seem to be how I thought Letterheads behaved. Love....jill
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Thank You Jill...BBBBB
I truly think I am ending my posts...
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Abe Lincoln's log cabin is a piece of crap too, but it REPRESENTS something! You either get it or you don't!
Stephen, as far as my work is concerned, I'm retired and don't do signs anymore.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Stephen, it says I live on Nova Scotia Lox, LOX, do you know what LOX is? Reading isn't your strong point I see.
Blog! do I see a link on any of your posts for your blog?
Jill, there is alot of valuable stuff in the bus as well as how valuable this bus has become and the driveline has been rebuilt is the past six months which now makes it drivable. Steve Kafka bought the bus to restore and turn into a museum, he paid 200 grand for it, know any signman with that kind of cash.
As far as John and Rick, may they rest in peace. Ten years ago and I'm sure I'm not alone, I hadn't a clue who either were but the Dutchmans name has been synonomously linked to pinstriping and the custom car culture for over 50 years and there are more stories on this guy than any ten signmen put together and you can throw in Walt Disney too. I'm not faulting anyone or putting them down in any way shape or form but unless they were born in a carrot patch off the beaten path and never knew who Von Dutch was then theres no excuse because whether or not he was or wasn't liked for his way of life and style, he certainly is an Icon to this day.
I could remember Chester Cunningham, Emmette Morelli who I worked with, Al Zanetti, Rick Glawson and also John Jordan whom I've never met but I cannot remember where any of them had all the woldwide stories which keeps them alive on a daily basic for which is why the VonDutch name does to this day and the prick died in 92.
I must add that alot of this non remembrance is because of the seperation of your business from paint to vinyl unlike pinstriping and the younger crowd wanting to and keeping this craft alive every day from the time he passed. I'm really trying to be nice but its hard to tell the truth when so many haven't a clue to what has been going on for all these years and now they are just getting into it after reading a couple of books and going to a couple of meets.
I'm not sorry for my reply but am sorry that others can determine what someones motives are just by looking at the words and not understanding what was written.
I'm also tired of hearing how business is bad while sitting on your dupa and how cold calls are against your statagy to make ends meet or how going out of your town is out of the question while those from out of town invade yours. The questions go on and on and yet the answers are always the same.
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Let's See!
Joey and Bob........ You both like to burn Bridges!!!!! Shall we talk about real things like....Graphics or just place I live at..... Lower Sackvville.... Nova Scotia.... Oh! by the way that's in Canada?
[ January 28, 2007, 09:28 PM: Message edited by: Stephen Deveau ]
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Von Dutch was a very different sort of fellow from what I've heard and read. Unlike others here I never met the man, only known him from accounts I have read and tales I've heard...
He certainly influenced automotive art and lots of other things too in the artworld.
His antics regarding how he treated folks (badly for the most part) are legendary. In some folks eyes that alone made him worth looking up to. OK for them, but it didn't do much for me. Although I like striping and automotive art, my world doesn't revolve around it by any stretch of imagination.
The place where he chose to live and work speak of his rebellion against society. It was his choice. That's OK too, even if its hard for me to understand.
To some this bus is worth a lot... even stripped of much of what made it belong to the automotive icon. Obviously a few were willing to put their money where their mouth is. Another OK from me.
All that being said the sad carcass of a bus wouldn't get a second look from me and little chance of a bid- even if I had the money.
From what I hear Von Dutch didn't want or need much money when he was alive - by his choice. It makes me sad to see folks on both sides suing and counter suing over who has the rights to his estate. It also makes me sad to see others now profiting from what he left behind, powered by greed for the most part.
I'd rather celebrate the things which pleased me about his art, back when he was alive and doing the work... the rest... well, lets just get on with life.
-grampa dan
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Von Dutch
I have to agree with Joey! Rick Glawson, Chester Cunningham, John Jordan, Al Zanetti, Ed Roth and many more were/are masters of their art, but as a rule, know only within their trade. Exception: being referred to customers by those who knew of their talents.
Von Dutch (Kenny Howard) was an exception to all the standard rules. He was know world over for his talents and exploits. He hated money and all that it brought into life. He was extremely inventive and a master of pinstriping, signs, art, mechanics, guns and knives. The exploiting of his name on fashion items must have him turning over in his grave….he would have hated it.
Now as far as the worth of his bus. Von Dutch was not the kind of neighbor anyone wanted. He was a dour lil guy who would rather insult you than say hello. His hate of material things made his place a noisy eyesore. After many threats by the City, he bought the bus and moved his ‘stuff’ into it and lived there. It was a combination machine shop, art studio and home.
Now for all of you that don’t know, and say what makes him an Icon … if you see a group of old sign guys, pinstripers, car buffs and/or mechanics … just ask. They will regale you with story after story of him and the crazy stuff he did.
Now that you know about Von Dutch … stop the inane comments … or I will send the Madden & Burns Dynamic Duo to your place to stand around and bad mouth you!
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
WELL SAID, JOEY.......some people just don't get it! Ignorance is bliss!
[ January 28, 2007, 10:37 PM: Message edited by: Bob Burns ]
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
OOOOOOOOOOK.
Sorry guys, put me on the "I just don't get it" list. Not worth arguing about, tho.
It's a good thing they aren't relying on me to buy this stuff. I seems to make Bob, Joey & others happy.
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Vinyl slappers and keyboard jockeys won't get it Joey and Bob, they don't have the background...
Having never to have learned a craft, they are incapable of understanding loyalty to a craft and the concept of remembering your heritage, in all fairness, they don't have a heritage to look back upon in the same craft lite we do...as they belong to the new way, they can't see where it is that crafters come from, understandably, but we crafters do and it's human nature to preserve the past, if for nothing else, to have it as a reminder to not do that again, but mostly to reveiw what has been done, which of course leads to vision for someone today to produce tommorrows stuff...
All that said, this country is full of little/big exhibits of things that belonged to someone famous before they died, nothing wrong w/that now is there? Elvis must have a thousand little museums scattered around this land and beyond, how is it "you" get this, but not a bus, beats me, sounds like arguing for the sake of argument...
I wholeheartedly support Steve Kafka in his efforts to restore this bus and keep it's history accurate(the reason for call out for old photos/stories that pertained to Dutch), when done, yes it could very well end up in the Smithsoniam(sp), it is a part of American history and definitely represents the times as far as the period this country rebeled...it was all about rebellion during those years, or didn't the flower children thing really happen and I've imagined it all? Not the case, it did happen and it was all about revolt and rebellion, enough so that this country took a huge course change afterwards and hasn't looked back yet!!!
So why all the critques and criticism over this bus? You'd think being in the industry we are and how fragile our heritage is, all would be up cheering for one of us doing what they think is right, and if it has to go there, it's not your money now is it? What claim upon that money do you legitimently have, do you really think Steve gives a rats patootie what you nay sayers are saying? He didn't acquire his wealth,(enough to squander away selling price of this bus and a whole lot more to come to finish it) by being a fence sitter and going thru life taking as it came, no, Steve is and always has been a man of vision and lots of energy and when directed, positive results come in gobs...look around, half the stuff out there is available because of Steve, his latest effort is w/Blick to bring hard to find items to industry more readily, so become more informed before jumping on a popular ship and make absolute fools of yourselves in bagging on someone that's out there doing it, not talking about it....
BTW, restoring bus will also make it one of few Dutch items not in a private collection, another reason Steve did this, almost all of Dutch's stuff was bought by one buyer and stored in a warehouse miles from civilization, never to be veiwed by the public again, at least until he sells or dies, and if he's in his mid thirties, that could be awhile. So in essence, Steve is making it possible for the public to veiw one of his belongings......and before someone goes there, what the hell's wrong w/living the way he(Dutch) did? You'd be surprised to find out some of your modern day heros live just like that, right damn now!!! They lesser men because of that? Damn rights they're not!!!
So in closing, let's just let it be, enough is enough, OK?
Don't agree? Cool, just don't announce it, fair? Like stated going in, this isn't about "you", it's about a bus that a icon, like him or not, used to own, his aura is still there, it's the thing to do and again, it's not my or your monies, so why are you concerned to the point of rudeness? Doesn't make sense to me, what does though is if you have anything from that bus or Dutch, pertaining to that bus or it's contents, please give Burns or Kafka a call...it's important to us, so give us a break, we don't hound you on your special projects, leave ours alone unless you have something positive to say or contribute...
(ps: Stephen, if you end up as famous as Dutch, that Saturn would bring a wad more than that!!!)(AD-that is-lol)
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
all i got to say ....STEVE D. you probably have a t-shirt with VON DUTCH on it....AND BELIVE THAT HE IS A CLOTHING DESIGNER....i been to nova soctia, dallhousie and campbelton, mocton & st johns............THERE IS NO ART THERE!!!! ONLY SNOW AND COLD AND JULY FOR SUMMER!!!!!! i cant agree with jill that get bashed....YOU CREATE THE BASHING.....since you have no idea who von dutch is or what a diamond reo is(this was his pickup truck) then WHY IN THE HEEL DID YOU EVEN POST HERE!!!! that livin in an igloo gettin to you???????????? as for your car WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT IT....YOU ARENT KNOW PAST THE EDGE OF YOUR TOWN.... now just stop bein a A.H.
[ January 29, 2007, 01:30 AM: Message edited by: old paint ]
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
No, no, no...this will not go the way of posts of past when they got personal, this isn't about "us", it's about a bus... that is going to go thru a restoration at the hands of very talented, dedicated artist, Alton Gillespie. He and Steve have carved a deal, it will be restored to as close to it's original condition as research and memories will allow...
I didn't write earlier what I did to focus on one person, it was a blanket statement...it's intent wasn't to incite, rather to explain why it's important to receive all w/same open mind as you do w/your own...
I'm first to admit I know that alot of meaning is lost in written words w/o luxury of seeing them uttered, but what is evident here to me is some ppl. that are misinformed or uniformed on the subject and probably would have a totally different opinion on this particular portion of the subject if better informed as to nature of the truer story...
I'm also first to tell you, Dutch was a PITA, but all that doesn't cut a hill of beans, he's the one that got enough ink to become the indentifiable icon of the era, so we work and live w/what's given us, can't change the past...and speaking of the past...(and remember, these are blanket statements); Isn't it common knowledge amongest artists that they don't get fair and due aclaim until after death and when they do prior, it's nowhere near in scope to the one coming after death... To make money on the death of an icon has and is BIG business today, as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow too...I'm sure Bruckner doesn't consider his "take" adequate compensation for taking care of Dutch all those years, but some think of his "take" as astronomical, perception, very important to know it's the correct one when dealing on the subject...some facts are still facts, but when veiwed from a different perspective, reveal a different truth...
Truth is, bus was quite the marvel when he first finished it, had to see it to believe it, I was impressed...he lived, worked and played in it, as tight as it was, he made it work like a swiss watch...as explained earlier, it will probably be one of few, if any, collectibles outside of a private collection...
Steve's hope is to get the word out as soon and far as possible to try and get to the pieces and photos of the bus before they're lost forever or outpriced to be affordable for the restoration...his focus is accuracy...I hope we can remain focused on what's important here, THE BUS...
btw; it has new running gear and driveline, brakes and wheels...it isn't totally a wreck!!! lol
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
What a amazing World!
I say it is a piece of JUNK and others like to hang it on a wall!
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Von Dutch is my hero! Magoo, you are undoubtedly a close second. You said it all!.....and S.D.......you should just go away now and play in the snow or something!
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
quote:I'm also tired of hearing how business is bad while sitting on your dupa and how cold calls are against your statagy to make ends meet or how going out of your town is out of the question while those from out of town invade yours. The questions go on and on and yet the answers are always the same.
Hmmm...maybe I'll just go roll myself a big doobie and ponder this pearl of wisdom.
quote:as far as my work is concerned, I'm retired and don't do signs anymore
No...you just make money from selling a book about a dead man. And come on here to stir the pot now and again.
quote:Von Dutch (Kenny Howard) was an exception to all the standard rules. He was know world over for his talents and exploits. He hated money and all that it brought into life. He was extremely inventive and a master of pinstriping, signs, art, mechanics, guns and knives. The exploiting of his name on fashion items must have him turning over in his grave….he would have hated it.
My point exactly.
quote:and before someone goes there, what the hell's wrong w/living the way he(Dutch) did?
Who said that? All we said was the bus looked like a rat. I hope Steve can fix it up, and that would be great. And at least it was purchased by someone who paints.
quote:all i got to say ....STEVE D. you probably have a t-shirt with VON DUTCH on it....AND BELIVE THAT HE IS A CLOTHING DESIGNER....i been to nova soctia, dallhousie and campbelton, mocton & st johns............THERE IS NO ART THERE!!!! ONLY SNOW AND COLD AND JULY FOR SUMMER!!!!!! ...since you have no idea who von dutch is or what a diamond reo is(this was his pickup truck) then WHY IN THE HEEL DID YOU EVEN POST HERE!!!! that livin in an igloo gettin to you???????????? as for your car WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT IT....YOU ARENT KNOW PAST THE EDGE OF YOUR TOWN.... now just stop bein a A.H.
This, from someone who posted a photo of himself in a Von Dutch T-Shirt and a Speedo?
Fight nice, boys. Love...Jill
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
So, is Steve Kafka's efforts to restore the Von Dutch bus very different from the efforts that were made at meets to help secure the work of Rick Glawson in last few years?
They are significant and without them, the history of the creators becomes less easy to see. Any efforts to see that history preserved and passed on should be welcomed before these items are lost for all time. Rapid
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Jill(beans): If you can remember back that far, you'll note that I started this post about the sale of Von Dutch's bus! It then snowballed into grade-school opinions of the value of a man's place in history. As usual, this board gets derailed by a few who like to hear themselves and their know-nothing grade school opinions on things they know little or nothing about. You know who you are, and everyone else knows who you are. Those of you who fall into this category need to get busy at the eisel and make a buck instead of wasting your time quoting (and mindlessly commenting) on what is ultimately a waste of energy and time.
Posted by George Williams (Member # 516) on :
sorry, i don't post here ofter..but this is too good to pass up...i know steve kafka and he is a very talented, competent artist..but, as one striper said to me..."if he was around in the early 1900's. he would have been a snake oil salesman"...i must go now for i am not retired and do not have unlimited time to expound my theories on the contributions of people, who happened to be at the right place and the right time, have made to my craft...thanks
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
...since you have no idea who von dutch is or what a diamond reo is(this was his pickup truck) then WHY IN THE HEEL DID YOU EVEN POST HERE!!!! jill this is what you should read.....the above quote. my posting of me in speedos and VONDUTCH t shirt....was just what it was....and i didnt buy the shirt ...some got it for me as a bday present. I WOULDNT EVER SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE SHIRTS...it was a clothing statement....i would no more wear the VD tshirt as dress then i would SPEEDOS... i didnt know the man, but for an AMERICAN ARTIST he is one of the few we have that made a hugh impact on a lot of people. hes right there with ed roth, geo barris,and a few more....these people are who ALL AUTO ART PEOPLE see as the fathers of that type of artwork. am with bob, joey, frank...steven d need to get out in the world as soon as possible.
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Sorry Old Paint
I have traveled to every Province and State in North America and I mean every one, including the NWT. is that getting out in the world enough for you?
Mr Burns! you asked myself to go away and play in the snow!
Not a problem as you will remember that most of the inventions of today came from this little Provincial area.... Alexander Bell/ Marconie....
Hell even Ketch-Up was invented here.
So you see that if this great artist 'Von Dutch' bus was anything useful to society then I like to know about it! As a member and director of the Inventors Society of Nova Scotia...
I love helping others forfill their ideas with my artistic talent.... with hopes and dreams..
Please spare myself with the lower than comments.
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
......O BROTHER.....!
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
Magoo, you deserve some sort of award for your efforts to keep this post headed in the right direction, you're some sort of helmsman! Some folks are clueless about the importance of the restoration and that's understandable not everybody on here is a pinstriper or a gearhead. Anybody that is, well, they get it. I was into cars at a very early age, buying Hot Rod magazines when I was ten years old or so.I was well aware of Von Dutch years before I even thought about picking up a brush.
Somebody help me out here but I seem to remember one of the rod magazines had an aricle a number of years ago, on the most influential people in hot rod history. They listed ten or so people and Von Dutch was in there. Von Dutch was unique in that he is unquestioned as the originator of "modern pinstriping". Who was the first to put muliple carburetors on a car??? Who was the first to chop a top??? Who was the first to throw a spitball??? Whatever he was like in real life, it really doesn't matter, he got the ball rolling and a ton of us are in his debt. To hear Alton Gillispie is going to do the restoration is really great news!
[ January 29, 2007, 11:16 PM: Message edited by: George Perkins ]
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
On a lighter note..
quote: Hell even Ketch-Up was invented here.
Sorry ,, It was invented in China.. Posted by Tracie Johnson (Member # 6117) on :
We (well, my husband and his partner) have a little Von Dutch item here as well. It's from a deal they brokered which they are doing a sympathetic restoration on. It's currently out of the shop but should be back this week. I'll post a pic when it comes back and a little history as well.
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
I personally could care less about "Von Dutch", but I believe in Kenny Howard.
We have all travelled down a road that needed more definition, but only a few of us have ever walked away from the experience by saying..."I did that!"
I have some old vehicles parked in my yard too....but that doesn't make me important. The point that Bob is trying to make, to all the pilgrims in the world, is that Ken did something important, at a time when being unusual was, well you know, not normal.
It took alot of courage to be different, to show your "colors", to be art-oriented.
"Von Dutch" suceeded because he didn't care what other people thought.
How's that for a bowlful?
Ask Burns...
Posted by Ron Costa (Member # 3366) on :
Thank you Jeff, well put.
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
ditto
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Chinese is on Burns this time. I was starting to think it was Frank's turn but I think he is busy.
I'll be waiting in the garage, OK?
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
This guy walks into a Councilling Center. "Doc! Ya fat, old bald bastard! My Friends and Family think I need to talk to an overpriced asshole like you. I have some problems making friends."
I don't get it. Bob makes a post about a Man and a Period in History that is of great interest to many of us in Letterville. Stephen comes along and trashes the discussion, insinuates we have no taste. As a result, a good discussion deteriates into a useless dicussion that finally settles on the orgin of ketchup. Give us a break!
Kenny Howard, Ed Roth and the other characters that originated in the 60s are just as important as The Ventures, Beach Boys and other events that define a period many of us grew up in. Some readers may not even have been born yet, but whatever happened to showing a bit of respect for your elders?
Let me remind you all one more time. We may all live in different countries and/or cultures, but when we come together here in Letterville, and live meets, we put all that other stuff off to the side and join together as Letterheads.
I'm hoping the "Red Thong" will sell for big bucks in another hundred years. Now that's art!
[ January 30, 2007, 01:02 AM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
Posted by david drane (Member # 507) on :
quote:I'm hoping the "Red Thong" will sell for big bucks in another hundred years. Now that's art!
Just so long as it has the original skidmarks!!! Posted by Ron Gibbs (Member # 3882) on :
I think it is Awesome that Kafka is the owner now of Dutch's bus!If anyone is going to preserve History then I'm sure it is in good hands.As a Striper/Airbrush Artist Dutch is one of my mentors .We need these icons and as crude as some of their work was he was legendary and helped to set in motion the fabric ,the soul,and the spirit, that many of us Custom Painters used as a foundation for our own artistic existence. Ron.
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Bruce, don't you go gettn' me any deeper than I'm already...ya, let Burns do it, I'm broke, wawawawawawawawaaaaaaaaaaa...
Jeff: jus' gotta let slip your bluegrass fun eh? I'm so green, another wawawawawawawaaaaaaaaa...
Thanks Mayor: yayayayayayaaaaaaaaaa...
Curtis: hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...
Bruce: you still in the garage? nananana...
For real now; I know there was a wooden, handcraved sign of the eyeball that, correct me here Bob if wrong, hung from side of the bus when parked for any period, that I would like to find and inquire as to it's status, if anyone were to run across that, and it's not hard to miss, I believe it was about 4-5' tall and about 12-15' long(or more), I'd appreciate a call, or eliminate the middleman, steal an ol mans pleasure and call Kafka yourself about it...lol
BTW, feeling slightly better than two weeks ago, thanks all, returning to ongoing post now, brrrrr,blisssttt, busserrisd, pringgggg.....bye
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Frank: There was a wooden sign on the back below the window the full width of the bus with a 3 dim. cut-out"VON DUTCH" lettering logo on it. Don't know what happened to it! Either the Bruckers or Nic Cage probly has it hidden away!
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Damn, it's cold in here... My coffee just froze.
Where heck is that Burns guy. Sheesh. His tires probably froze to the street. I knew I should have gotten Meyer and his trusty ol' Studebaker to get a ride.
Damn, it's cold in here...
Posted by George Williams (Member # 516) on :
i received a pm from frank magoo and he asked me to please respond..the only way i know to do it is in this forum...frank..i have worked with steve on several occasions and had dinner with him a couple of times..i'm sure you're aware he's a great promoter and a good artist...the remark was said in fun and was not meant to inflect on his character...he has done well with his kool ties, brushes, vector art, artwork and other venues he has pursued..i'm sure he'll do well with this..as far as other stripers mentioned, i don't feel it right to involve them in what has obviously struck a nerve...i'm sure you and other stripers have had bull sessions discussing their personal likes and dislikes of others in the profession..that is where that came from...as for the retired part, that was directed to the fact that some people are probably justifiably proud of their ability to retire and maybe that was just sour grapes to me...thank you for your professionalism in your response and i do respect your loyalty to your friend and craft...having spent 30+ years in the business, i just do not feel this particular item justifies a great place in history but with the right promotion and restoration anything is possible...thanks again for your reply
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
quote:Originally posted by Steve Shortreed:
I'm hoping the "Red Thong" will sell for big bucks in another hundred years. Now that's art!
And if anybody aquires and wants the Belvidere Pack restored.......please don't call me.
Posted by Bruce Evans (Member # 44) on :
With all these lawsuits, it amazes me how many people are trying to make a buck off of this guy.
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
George.....paint a flying eyeball on it! Itll be worth thousands!
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
George;
"i received a pm from frank magoo and he asked me to please respond"...
Thank you George for second response, it said volumes...
Man's honest, can't fault that...thanks for clearing up my question George, feel better already...
30+ years? Sounds like you're one of us!!! lol (ol fart)
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
I was coerced by a close friend to set things straight regarding some opinions that some may have about Von Dutch and myself. Dutch and I were friends since 1954, but particularly after his move to Arizona in 1969 until his death in 1992. Much has been said and written about Von Dutch.....mostly by those who never met him. The ones that DID meet him usually saw only his "rougher" side. Of course, I was witness to much of that, but I also knew him as a husband and father and as a good provider for his family. The best part of Dutch was not just his abilities as a craftsman, but as a friend to those he liked. He was one of the funniest people I ever knew. Our friendship was close enough that in 1987 he signed over the rights to the flying eyeball logo to me. His health by that time was beginning to go 'south'. After his death, his daughters sold his name to the clothing people (VON DUTCH ORIGINALS). I guess they assumed they also bought the FLYING EYEBALL, but Dutch had legally given it to ME. The lawyers are into it now.
Some people on this board are of the opinion that I'm in this VON DUTCH thing for the money. Well I havent made a dime! The book I'm responsible for is self-published and a work of love, not the buck! You cant make money on a DTP bankroll. VON DUTCH ORIGINALS however, is a $300 million dollar company illegally using a logo that belongs to ME! And BTW, Dutch's widow never got a dime from them. I also keep a website on Dutch, all at my own expense.
So, like my friend Von Dutch, I don't really care what anyone thinks about any of this, but it's the truth from the horses mouth. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT!
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
ummm, I never thought you were in it for the money either, strange huh!!
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Joey....you dont know the half of it!
[ January 31, 2007, 06:44 PM: Message edited by: Bob Burns ]
Posted by Ron Gibbs (Member # 3882) on :
Out of curiosity did any of you ever see a video of Dutch being interviewed by Ed Roth and filmed by Bob Spina.It's a couple hours long !Just an Incredible video. Ron. www.gibbsairbrush.com Posted by Mike Clayton (Member # 723) on :
To Steve D.
When you start ignoring the history of your craft, you are doomed to failure.
MC
Posted by Bob Burns (Member # 268) on :
Ron.....yes its a great video. Filmed in 1980 at Dutch's shop in the Brucker "compound" in Santa Paula.
[ January 31, 2007, 09:23 AM: Message edited by: Bob Burns ]
Posted by Ron Gibbs (Member # 3882) on :
Bob,Bob Spina gave me an original Beta format copy and I had it put on DVD.I really think anyone would be hardpressed to find a better interview with Von Dutch. Ron.
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