Search and Restore – Features AZ’s Studio PCK

Posted by pikesan on Oct 9, 2011 in Art & Photography, Featured | 0 comments

Tim Strange’s Hot Rod Reality TV with at Taste of Arizona

Saturday morning’s got a new hot rod TV show and it’s always fun watching since I know Tim and I’ve heard some of what’s going on backstage at the show. One thing I know we’re missing is the details of Tim’s work. If they spun off that show and only showed the building parts, it’d still be a hit.

I met Tim through Brian Stupski over at Problem Child Kustoms in Gilbert, AZ or just a few miles down the road from MyRideisMe.com headquarters. Brian’s hot rod art was featured on the show helping out with a 1967 Ford Mustang. Take one look at the art and you’ll know why this was no gimme for a friend… Brian’s work is top notch.

Here’s Brian’s take on the build and his part in Search and Restore:

Having the good fortune to have made some incredible friends over the years is one of those things I’m thankful for every day. Nothing compares to being able to call one of the most skilled builders in the industry as a friend, or simply ask for an opinion or advice when designing… Occasionally, they call and do likewise. Case in point:

Tim Strange gave a shout some time back, and asked if I’d help out on a Mustang build for his show Search and Restore. I was in, no further questions asked.

From the Search and Restore site:

Paul Kahler made a life-changing decision after the 9/11 tragedy. He enlisted in the US Army. And of all the jobs he qualified for, he made a promise to his 5 year old son to avoid combat duty.

So Paul became an Army cook. While serving in the Iraq War, Kahler couldn’t avoid harm’s way. While delivering ice to troops, Paul’s convoy was hit with an RPG. He sustained injuries to his face and neck earning him the Purple Heart.

After his discharge, he took a job with the Colorado National Guard, and is furthering his education by taking night courses to get his certificate in family counseling. Tim Strange and the team found Sgt. Kahler to be a perfect candidate to fix up his broken down 1967 Mustang Coupe, reuniting an American hero, with his classic all-American dream car.

A chance to honor a man who believed in his country, and left his job and family to serve? Amazing.

I sat with Tim, and we threw ideas around and sketched the initial car, working in products from sponsors as they joined… I’ve worked with Tim on a number of projects over the years, and it’s always a blast, but this one, well… it had a different vibe. There was an underlying need for it to be just a bit more special. I threw my guts into it, and we came up with this rendering.

(There’s the rendering hanging on the wall for reference along the way)

Once we had things where we wanted them, I set out to complete the artwork while the build team attacked the manual labor. Tim rounded up an all-star team, and these guys poured everything they had into making this one great pony car.

Here’s the lucky owner receiving the rendering on canvas, signed by the build team:

By now, you’ve probaly missed the show airing on Spike TV, but have no fear! All four episodes are available online here: Military Mustang Build on Search and Restore

HUGE thanks to Tim for the offer to be a part of this, and our respect, thanks and gratitude to Mr. Kahler for his sacrifice and service. Tune in, and give the man a few moments to enjoy the experience of one man receiving something in return for all that he does.

Rendering by Brian Stupski. See tons more great hot rod art here: www.problemchildkustoms.com

To learn more about Tim Strange hot rod building, go to Strange Motion Rod and Custom and he’s got a “Strange Words” newsletter that covers the shop and a little about the show.