Cut Outs of Long Beach

A Cut-Outs group photo from Don Whitener's photo album. Don is the second guy from the right side. Photo courtesy of Kim Whitener.

A Crash Helmet Magazine group shot of some Cut Outs members taken in 1957. The members in the photo are, from left to right Ron Dulin and Dick Gonzales. The two gentlemen in the center are un-identified, while Glenn and Gary Thorton sits on the right side. The guys are posing in front of Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury, the "Strawberries and Cream" version of Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker Speedster and Gary Thorton's Pickup truck. Photo from The Cut Outs of Long Beach Photo Collection.

A photo of Chuck Bell with his 1932 Ford roadster. Photo from the Cut Outs of Long Beach Photo Collection.

A photo showing a lineup of Cut Outs club cars taken in 1957. From left to right we can see an Oldsmobile, Gary Thorton's Pickup truck, the "Strawberries and Cream" version of Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker Speedster and Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury. Photo from The Cut Outs of Long Beach Photo Collection.

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A flyer for the 5th Semi Annual Cut Outs of Long Beach Poker Run Dance, held March 28, 1957. Scan from The Cut Outs of Long Beach Photo Collection.

A Cut Outs group photo from Rod & Custom November 1958. Photo by Jim Potter

Photo by Jim Potter

Trophies displayed in the Cut Outs club house. Photo by Jim Potter

The "Strawberries and Cream" version of Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker. In 1957, Dick's Studebaker underwent an extensive restyling at Art's Custom Shop, earning its sweet nickname "Strawberries and Cream." Featuring sidetrim from a 1954 Buick, peaked and extended rear fenders with scoops, and frenched taillights, the car was finished in Oldsmobile Rose Mist and pinstriped by Mike Clines. Inside, the white Naugahyde tuck and roll upholstery completed the look, creating a custom car that truly stood out. Photo from The Cut Outs of Long Beach Photo Collection.

Jerry Feigner's 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air, of Wilmington, California. Jerry was a member of the Cut-Outs of Long Beach car club, and his Chevrolet was known as "Lil Honey Bee." In 1958 Mike Clines gave the car a scallop and pintripe paint job in his father's garage in Long Beach. Mike also added the chrome tape to the top of the car.

Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker

Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury of Long Beach, California. Dulin was a member of the Cut Outs of Long Beach, and his Plymouth went through seven iterations between 1956 and 1962. This photo shows the car as it appeared early in 1957.

Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury as it appeared early in 1958, after Mike Clines had added Gold scallops.

Bob Shelby's 1957 Ford of Long Beach, California. Shelby’s approach to customizing his Ford was a masterclass in subtlety and style. Rather than altering the car's iconic lines, Bob chose to enhance its natural beauty with a sophisticated blend of paint and upholstery. Striking scallops gave the car a distinctive yet tasteful look. The wheel spinners, sidepipes, and chrome bullets in the taillights added just the right amount of flair, while the matching interior and chrome tape on the roof created a harmonious and cohesive design. Photo from The Cut Outs of Long Beach Photo Collection.

Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury as it appeared late in 1958, after Ed Roth had helped him lay a two-tone Green and Gold scallop paint job.

Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury as it appeared early in 1959, after Larry Watson had given it a Candy Magneta and Pearl White panel paint job.

Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury as it appeared late 1959 or early 1960, after Larry Watson had given it a fogged panel paint job.

Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury as it appeared circa 1960, after Junior Conway had given it a Candy Tangerine paint job.

Car Clubs - Long Beach

The Cut Outs was a prominent car club based in Long Beach, California, organized on April 16, 1941. Renowned as one of the oldest car clubs in the Long Beach area, the Cut Outs were distinguished by their well-organized structure, which included a constitution, by-laws, and a formal oath of membership.

Membership Requirements

To become a member of the Cut Outs, applicants had to meet stringent criteria. Central to these requirements was the ownership of a car that met car show standards. This meant the vehicle needed to have sufficient modifications and be in such a condition that it would be acceptable at exhibits sponsored by car shows. Additionally, the car had to gain the approval of the club membership, ensuring it was worthy of representing the Cut Outs and carrying the club plaque.

Beyond the car itself, prospective members needed to pass a safety check, be over 16 years of age, hold a valid California driver’s license, and maintain adequate insurance on their vehicle. Membership also required a commitment to the club’s activities, including regular attendance at weekly meetings held every Sunday evening in the club's own clubhouse, the payment of weekly dues ($1.00 per week), and the purchase of the club jacket.

Code of Conduct and Penalties

The Cut Outs enforced a strict code of conduct to maintain their reputation and discipline among members. Violations such as drag racing on public streets or highways could result in suspension. Drinking at car shows or club meetings was also prohibited, as specified in the club’s by-laws. The club reserved the right to fine members for speeding, racing, or drag racing, with fines not exceeding $1.00 per mile-per-hour violation. Any member receiving such a ticket would automatically have their jacket and plaque suspended for a period of 21 days.

Activities and Community Involvement

The Cut Outs were active participants in the local community and the broader car culture. They held an annual five-day party at Big Bear, a popular mountain resort near Los Angeles. Every few months, the club hosted a large dinner banquet where members who had been with the club for over four years were awarded service pins. Their community service activities included participating in the annual Long Beach Safety Check and assisting organizations such as the City of Hope and the Retarded Children’s Foundation by offering their services and cars to help with fundraising efforts.

The Custom Car Spectacle

In 1959, the Cut Outs organized their first annual Custom Car Spectacle at the Long Beach Veterans Memorial Stadium. Held on May 30-31, the event marked a significant milestone for the club. It was also the first show where Ron Aguirre demonstrated the hydraulic suspension system on his show car, the X-Sonic, which would go on to become a pioneering feature in custom car culture.

Legacy and Recognition

Up until 1958, the Cut Outs were members of the Associated Car Clubs of Long Beach. As documented in Rod & Custom November 1958, the club at that time had 24 active members, with an average age of 20. The club's legacy is remembered not only for its contribution to the car culture of Southern California but also for its disciplined approach to membership and its active engagement in community service.

Members

Bill Egerer
Bill Rippee
Bob Ellis
Bob Shelby
Bob Schaffer
Chuck Bell
Dave Labs
Dick Gonzales
Dick Smith
Don Mendenhall
Don Milligan
Don Stark
Ed Chaiese
Gary Simpson
Gary Thornlen - President in 1958
Gary Thornton
Glen Morgan
Glen Thornton
Jack Murray
Jerry Feigner
Jolan Ellett
Larry Messick
Leo Peort
Mike Clines
Mike Reaney
Paul Richards
Ralph Wingert
Ron Dulin - Vice President in 1958
Ron Roach
Sandy Jones

Club Cars

Chuck Bell's 1932 Ford Roadster
Jerry Feigner's 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air - Lil Honey Bee
Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker Speedster
Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury
Bob Shelby's 1957 Ford