Beatnik

Chopit Kustom

It started out as a 1955 Ford and became the world's largest bubble top custom.  It features a hand made all metal body, small block Chevy with 6 deuces, Cadillac front ends cut and formed to fit the body on both the front and rear along with touches from many different manufacturers.  Hydraulics keep it on the ground when it's not being driven down the road, and the DVD player makes for a comfortable ride.

UPDATE!!!

In March 2009, Blackie Gejeian held the 50th Anniversary show of the Fresno Autorama. This is the most prestigious show in the world. Blackie himself travels the country to handpick the finest hot rods and kustoms. This year Blackie named Gary “Chopit” Fioto  “Builder Of The Year”. It was an honor to be selected for this award from such n icon in the hot rod and kustom car community. Chopit Kustoms was thrilled to have three Kustoms on display at this amazing show, which included the “Beatnik” bubble top,“Tuff Enuff”-the 50 Merc, and “Potion”- the 51 Merc.

Darryl Starbird at the wheel with Blackie, Gary and Gary's son, Nick at the Fresno Autorama 2005.

And, yes, the car is street driven.

Gary "Chopit" with Blackie at the Fresno Autorama 2005

The car has taken 3 years to build and debuted at the Blackies' Fresno Autorama 2005...the most prestigious show in America.  It took the "Best Custom" 8' trophy and had everyone talking about its' super radical design.  The dash, console and DVD perch have also all been handmade. In 2006, the car won the George Barris "Kustom D'Elegance Award, Outstanding Custom and 1st Place Class awards at the 57th Annual Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, the $20,000 Gold Award at Darryl Starbird's National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Meguiar's 2006 Best Custom, Top 20 Award and the America's Cup at Carl Casper's 44th Annual International Championship Custom Auto Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Top Wild Custom in Paso Robles Cruisin' Nationals 2005, World's Most Beautiful Custom Achievement Award at the 56th Annual Sacramento Autorama in 2006, 1st Place Handbuilt Custom and the Rothrageous Award from the Roth Boyz at the 54th Annual Detroit Autorama.  Boy, that was a long time on the road...it's good to be home.  

Awards:

These pictures taken at Blackie's Fresno Autorama 2005 courtesy of Dennis Modica, copywrited by Wild Rods, Inc.  Visit their website at www.wildrods.com

The Finished Creation...