Ed Roth's kids are building cars!

[jbwelda]

i think that is one of the koolest 58s i have ever seen.

[Joe Handley]

I think that may have started as a hard top '55 Chevy JB

Edit, found some more info on the car, not only was it a '55, but it was a nearly brand new convertible when Barris' shop did the work on it!

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/barry_mazza_custom/the-aztec-goes-west/071107twilightcruis-4.html'>http://http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/barry_mazza_custom/the-aztec-goes-west/071107twilightcruis-4.html

And here's some albums of the car from when it was new all the way through it's restoration!

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/barris-1/the_aztec_55_chevy/50s_aztec_photos/

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/barris-1/the_aztec_55_chevy/how_the_aztec_was_built/

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/barris-1/the_aztec_55_chevy/aztec_magazine_covers/

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/barry_mazza_custom/mazza_restored_1955/

http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/barry_mazza_custom/the-aztec-goes-west/

Edited November 8, 2010 by Joe Handley

[samdiego]

Keep the context in mind also. Roth happened at a point in Art that begged for that kind of expression.

[Dave Ambrose]

I was also thinking the budget challenged scenario also.

When I read about the method they built it - I was puzzled also. i would have thought they would have tried fiberglass/foam composite method. No need for a mold - the foam gets surrounded by the fiberglass. The finished product is much stronger than the fiberglass itself.

Check this link for a more detailed build: http://www.rqriley.com/frp-foam.htm

I believe hot rodding needs more creativity, also.

Interesting technique. But, it doesn't seem to be very friendly to compound curves. That severely limits you for automotive styling.

I also wonder if they use the same foam for surfboards? If so, it's pretty heavy. You can't use a lightweight foam like expanded polystyrene (EPS) with polyester resin. The resin will eat it for breakfast. These days, I'd be more inclined to use fiberglass or carbon fiber with epoxy resin and EPS foam. Better flexibility, durability, and handling.

[Greg Myers]

"pretty heavy"not unlike a "Lead Sled" ?

[seeker589]

i think that is one of the koolest 58s i have ever seen.

It was a 1955 Chevy. Bought new in '55 and the Aztec was completed over three years and finished in 1958.

The original owner was Bill Carr.

The Barris Kustom Techniques of the 50s series of books chronicals some of the most Iconic kustoms of the time. Great reference!

Or you can look at Mr. Handley's outstanding links.

Edited November 9, 2010 by seeker589

[seeker589]

Interesting technique. But, it doesn't seem to be very friendly to compound curves. That severely limits you for automotive styling.

I also wonder if they use the same foam for surfboards? If so, it's pretty heavy. You can't use a lightweight foam like expanded polystyrene (EPS) with polyester resin. The resin will eat it for breakfast. These days, I'd be more inclined to use fiberglass or carbon fiber with epoxy resin and EPS foam. Better flexibility, durability, and handling.

I'm unsure of the make-up of a surfboard core.

I am aware that some some foams and some resins are not "friendly" with one another.

You are correct that that method is not welcoming to compound curves. To solve that problem - there are large blocks that can be shaped and also foam kits where you are given the ingredients of the foam and you make it yourself by mixing a two part compound that then expands. I have not seen it in action - but it sounds good.