As you've read in the previous pages, the Hot Rod culture is alive and well in the VW community as well as staying put in the V8 crowd. But it's not only a requirement to have a Rat Rod to drive down the street, it's imperative to look the part. Usually this style comes with the territory--you like the cars, you like the style, so you embrace it--but for those of you with a neo Rat Rod in your garage and just nothing to wear when you cruise in it, then peruse these next pages and visit the stores for your new duds.

As you would know, if you watched Johnny Bravo on Cartoon Network (and who doesn't?), it's all about the ladies. Or rather, impressing them. Rolled sleeves to showcase your muscles and a club jacket to show your loyalty go a long way in that department.

You can see from our example to the left, and those on the next page that, although there is a distinct mode of dress and style, each rodder brings to the scene his or her unique vision. There isn't a directory called How to Dress Rockabilly, nor is there a definitive piece or accessory that you need to have in order to speak kustom. Instead, you need to have the love for old school rock and roll pumping in your veins and feel the urge to wrench on the iron and steel that make up your car to be considered kulture cool.

We didn't want to give you a laundry list to follow or a "where to shop" guide persay, but let me lead you through all that is the Hot Rod lifestyle. Your job is to soak it in and learn.

Kool Kat Tunes
Hot-Rodding was originally associated with rockabilly, the first form of true rock and roll, but has since broadened its spectrum into the world of what's known as "surf music." The Beach Boys and songs like "Surfer Girl" and "Surfin' USA" is the norm when it comes to this genre, but there was a smattering of other artists that weren't ever as commercial: The Ventures, Dick Dale and Jan and Dean are a few. All of these artists remain in the rockabilly catalog today, but there are a few eccentric cousins to keep them company nowadays. Groups like the Road Kings, Hot Rod Trio, Three Bad Jacks and, of course, the original Stray Cats cover that old school rock and roll style. To add some flavor to the mix is a movement of psychobilly, represented strongly by Tiger Army. A lot of what makes this scene so rich is the heavy following of original greats like Wanda Jackson (queen of rockabilly as she's known) and Hank Williams. A lot of this stuff isn't on amazon.com or at Borders. To order these righteous tunes, try the vendors link on vivalasvegas.net.

A Look Back...
There are those who wear old bowling shirts and 50s-inspired shoes because it's all the rage right now. Then there are those who know the history behind the Kustom Kulture phenomenon and adhere to respecting it. Just because Justin Timberlake and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Carson Kressley wear Von Dutch shirts doesn't mean Von Dutch himself wouldn't just roll over in his grave if he knew about it. Kustom Kulture has survived decades of style influences and social changes, yet still manages to hang on tenaciously.

Von Dutch was an icon in his time and continues to be so today. He and the venerable Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, George Barris and Robert Williams were those that gave birth to a culture filled with pinstriping and flames: Hot Rods. It was the end of WWII and the beginning of the 1950s that were an important time in Southern California. After the war there was a plethora inexpensive, used cars around the Southland. What to do? With an overflowing urge for self-expression ready to bubble over, this new generation took the car world by the reins.

Stylists like George Barris, working from his North Hollywood Barris Custom Shop, expressed their creativity by pinstriping and fabricating custom cars. Barris is known for his zany designs such as the Batmobile and the Munster's Coach.

Born Kenneth Howard, Von Dutch created the iconic images of his name in recognizable script and a flying eyeball that were worshipped by the underground of his time.

Ed "Big Daddy" Roth started out by working at Sears and pinstriping after work. He then fashioned the Rat Fink and other characters and gave them a home in the custom car culture of SoCal and beyond. Anyone over 40 remembers the Rat Fink and Beatnik Bandit models they painstakingly put together when they were a kid. He was once quoted as saying, "I build the car first then make a drawing. Are you paying attention Detroit?"

Colors
Car clubs are like family. As in, "dude, we are so close we are like brothers." Though members may not actually spew those sweet nothings to each other, they are still just as loyal and committed to each and every member of the club. And just like a familial last name, the car club unites under one moniker. Usually car related (Drifters, Shifters, Hoodfellas), these names are the identities of each group of cars. The club may have a look to which they are adhering or might just have a year cutoff, but every one has a unique personality, which is commonly reflected in the club jackets. The jackets are reminiscent of old letterman's and usually star the name across the shoulders and a logo or picture underneath that. On the front there will be a name or nickname over the left breast. Different clubs may have variations on this regular design, but for the most part, the jackets have a sameness in style but a distinctive design, color or pattern flair.

Kustom Gear
Mooneyes is one of the most recognizable shops from the Southern California area, though they cover the country with customers using their parts. Mooneyes sells parts for many different cars but is known in our circle for its collection of VW wheels, rims, engine parts and mufflers. They also sell clothing in case you didn't know. And patches. And stickers. And other fun stuff. So hook yourself up at moonequipment.com for your gear. For automotive stuff go to mooneyes.com.

So-Cal Speedshop is also particularly known for parts and accessories, as is Moon, but they also sell other things. They have bitchin' clothing and personal accessories--the kind you put on your clothes. Patches, duh. See them at so-calspeedshop.com.

Rockabillies and speed demons beware! You guys loved the Premier Road Rats 1:64 and 1:24 two-car sets so much, Jadatoys went ahead and made the Road Rats 1:24s a line of their own! These primered beasts are not for the faint-hearted. Yeah. Right. Check out the new line of 1:24 scale Road Rats die-cast models at jadatoys.com.

Remember those very cool signs from when you were a kid? The ones that said Mobilgas and Texaco in bright bold lettering and just looked so neato? You can get reproduction ones from rusticdecorating.com and they carry plenty to choose from. This one is the Last Chance Garage plaque--we know you're jealous. Head over to site and pick one up.

We saw this vendor while at the Rat Fink Reunion in Whittier, Calif. last December They carry an impressive array of purses, wallets, belts and other accessories. Like others, this case has a leopard lining and large vanity mirror as well as a hard, toolbox-like exterior detailed with hand pinstriping. It's available in a variety of colors and designs. They also carry bowling bag purses and metalflake vinyl and tuck n roll accessories. You can even custom order designs. See them at trophyqueen.com.

Rockabilly Kittens
Mrowr! Since the dawn of Bettie Page, women have been freer in their sexual expression and sensuality. Rockabilly chicks have embraced that feeling with exuberance. Just like the men in the rod scene, the girls have a style of their own. From cat-eye sunglasses and leopard-print Doc Martins to red gingham midriff shirts and button-down cardigans, the past is summoned through clothing styles with just a bit of a flair for the present.

Nobody wants to fit into a group neatly or nicely, but rather a person would like to convey a certain image or give an impression to others by what they wear and the attitude they exude. This is incorporated perfectly into the rockabilly style and the women of the scene are no exception.

The girls we show here were at the Rat Fink Reunion sponsored by MoonEyes. If you go to any Hot Rod show, your eyes won't be lacking the sight of any of these purrfect kittens.