Story/Photos: T-Bone
The first annual Gathering of Kustoms
A decision was needed to be made. This weekend was the huge Ink-n-Iron festival at the Queen Mary. A feast of a festival for sure, but with a $50 price tag plus parking and such, I just couldn’t justify the cost. Fortunately there was another event going on. The First Annual Gathering of Kustoms in Corona. Hmm, Long Beach or Corona. Usually not much of a choice between the cities, and this time, I’m glad I chose the inland crown city.
There’s no doubt that this would be a small show. A parking lot show in an industrial complex. However the quality of rides was incredible. As I rounded the bend to meet up with my fellow Mercifuls; Gordon, Don, Bill, Jack and Gary M, I saw Coby’s VanGo parked in the lot. I thought for sure Coby would be at the Motorama taking place in the dome at Ink-n-Iron.
As you see in the galleries the quality of rides were incredible including some historic customs. John Denich brought his Grapevine tribute, Roger O’Dell rolled his green/white Caddy, while wife Marie O’Dell brought the ’57 Ranchero out, Gambino was there from Nor Cal. Trent Sherrill rolled in a nice ’56 Merc, Bones Noteboom, and The Pichettes were there too. You can’t get more Kustom than this show. Jason Bickford made the Best Kustom award which went to Mark and Yvonne Morton for their yellow/white ’54 Merc. Thank you John and the crew of Johnnys for putting on a great event. It was nice to cruise down the 91 together as a club. We look forward to next year.