Blog Posts About The Karl Kustoms Vehicle Vault

Summer Nights Feature: Twin Triumphs

One of the best things about being part of the classic car world is the friendships you make along the way. Tom O’Donnell and Dennis Costello, both from Ankeny, Iowa are perfect examples of this. We spotted them at a recent Karl Kustoms Summer Nights event, where they were deep in conversation standing next to…

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Sounds Of Summer Nights Feature: 1959 GMC Stepside

the smell of fuel and barbecue, and rows of cars and trucks that each tell their own story. It’s what we love most about these events: enthusiasts bringing their builds, swapping stories, and showing off a little history on four wheels. Let’s spend a little time with Chris Marshall of Waukee, who rolled in with…

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Karl Kustoms 1940 Ford Coupe Custom Build

We have built, modded, restored, and hot-rodded countless vehicles over the years. Each one has been special in its own way, but our 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe build that made it to the Final Forty at the 27th Summit Nationals this year stands out for the team as one of the most memorable. The Karl Kustoms…

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Sounds Of Summer Nights Favorite: 1989 Ford Mustang GT

The Sounds of Summer Nights always brings out an impressive lineup of rides, but few cars capture the vibe of a warm summer evening quite like Karsten Shelburg’s 1989 Ford Mustang GT. A true Fox Body Mustang GT time capsule, this car doesn’t just show up – it steals the spotlight. A Fox Body Family Legacy View…

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1957 Chevy Bel Air – Heirloom Turned Hot Rod

If you’re into classic rides with a twist, you’re gonna love this story. We’re talking about a 1957 Chevy Bel Air that’s more than just a car – it’s a time machine packed with family history. Owner Steve brought this beauty into Karl Kustoms for a full rebuild, and our team brought it back to…

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Meet The Karl Kustoms Krew: Zack Watertor

Karl Kustoms is the place for specialty modifications – inside and out. Let’s take a close-up look at a beautifully restored Bel Air – and Karl’s own Zack Watertor’s handiwork – to see how our upholstery pros get the job done. From smart upholstery details to hidden battery trickery, Zack’s craftsmanship shows why he’s the guy you want on…

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One Cool Caddy: 1947 Series 62 Convertible

The 1947 Cadillac Series 62 was the last of the second-generation passenger cars that brought us two new models: the Coupe Deville and the Eldorado. It was a complementary series to the entry-level 61 Series and became larger and more stylish as the series progressed. By 1947, the cars were available in a 2-door coupe,…

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1969 Dodge Charger: The General Lee

What do you do when a car you’ve dreamed of owning for over 15 years shows up on the auction block at Mecum? You bid to win. That’s what Brandon Corrigan of Johnston, Iowa did as soon as his son pointed out a 1969 Dodge Charger up for auction in Texas. Anyone with a television…

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Classic Royalty: The 1978 Ford King Cobra

In 1978, Ford took on the Pontiac Trans Am by introducing the Mustang II King Cobra complete with a deep air dam and a striking cobra emblazoned on the hood – Trans Am style. This Mustang was equipped with a V8 and was offered with an optional Fashion Accessory Package that included Southwest-style Fresno cloth…

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Kustom Upholstery Highlight: 1956 Bel Air Wagon

A 1956 Chevy Bel Air Wagon is an awesome American classic. Its timeless design just seems to get better with age. Our client loves his and asked us to design a custom interior for his pristine example. As Zach Watertor one of our talented upholsterers at Karl Kustoms put it: “We went a little overboard.”…

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