The Dave Pettner Photo Collection

Captured in front of Gene's Muffler Shop, this Thunderbird showcases one of Larry Watson's beautiful two-tone paintjobs. Watson, a pioneer of candy and pearl paint techniques, operated his shop next door to Gene's, turning out some of the era's most iconic custom paint jobs. This location, on the border of Paramount and Bellflower, became a hub for Southern California’s custom car culture. Photo courtesy of Dave Pettner.

Photographed in front of Larry Watson's shop and Gene's Muffler Shop, this version of Ron Aguirre's X-Sonic featured a custom paint job by Watson that blended white with a soft lavender mist around the edges. Watson reportedly painted the car six times for Aguirre, continually refining its look. This version made it to the cover of Custom Rodder January 1963. The car remains a landmark in custom car history, showcasing early hydraulic suspension innovations and radical design concepts that set the stage for the future of custom Corvettes. Photo courtesy of Dave Pettner.

A fenderless hiboy 1932 Ford Roadster parked on the street outside Barris Kustoms, a legendary hub of custom car culture. Developed in November 1961, the Uptown Motel sign in the background adds to the period-perfect Southern California street scene, placing this moment right in the heart of the golden era of hot rodding. Photo courtesy of Dave Pettner.

A closer look at the engine of the 1932 Ford Roadster parked outside Barris Kustoms reveals a potent Chevrolet V-8, topped with a striking six-carburetor setup. This configuration was a hallmark of serious hot rods in the early 1960s, delivering both power and style. Photo courtesy of Dave Pettner.

This mildly restyled 1960 Chevrolet Impala belonged to a friend of Dave from Compton. The car featured a shaved hood, a unique 1953 Chevrolet grille, and a custom single-headlight conversion, giving it a sleek and distinctive front-end treatment. The reflection in the rear window reveals a white tuck-and-roll interior, a hallmark of early 1960s custom styling. The photo was developed in November of 1961. Photo courtesy of Dave Pettner.

Dave Pettner has been involved with hot rods and custom cars since the 1950s. Growing up in Compton, California, he started working in a body shop as a teenager and never looked back. Over the decades, Dave has built, painted, and worked on hundreds of cars, with a personal collection that has included everything from chopped Chevys to classic Fords. A true gearhead, he has owned nearly a hundred cars himself, always drawn to the craftsmanship and creativity that define hot rod culture.

Friends, Influences, and the Golden Age of Customs

Having lived near Barris Kustoms as a kid, Dave frequently visited the legendary shop, where he got to know George Barris and Bill DeCarr. His passion for custom paintwork led him to become friends with Larry Watson, whom he remembers as "the nicest person I ever met." He also grew up in the same housing tract as the legendary Von Dutch and would often see him around, though Von Dutch was older. The Cernys were also a major presence, with their shop located on Long Beach Blvd in Compton. After retiring, Dave worked with Larry Cerny painting cars, continuing his lifelong passion for automotive craftsmanship.

Although many of Dave’s early cars were built on a budget, his love for hot rods and customs only grew stronger over the years. He has continued working on cars throughout his life, running his own shop and helping countless friends bring their dream rides to life. With roots tracing back to Sweden and Norway, Dave takes pride in his Scandinavian heritage. But his heart belongs to American iron. While he has owned a few Porsches, his collection has always been dominated by Chevys and Fords.

From Wrecks to Rides – The Early Cars of Dave Pettner

Dave's first car was a 1949 Chevy, which arrived on a tow truck with a $12 tow bill. The owner refused to pay, saying it wasn’t worth the money, and left it. Dave’s father gave it to him in exchange for working. The previous owner was right—it was a rolling wreck. Despite that, Dave drove it for two years, though keeping it running was a challenge. Eventually, he traded it for a wrecked 1953 Chevy. The front end was badly damaged, but he found a decent replacement at a salvage yard on Main Street in Los Angeles for $25, turning the wreck into a nice car. Until he was 40, Dave got most of his cars this way—rescuing and rebuilding wrecks, making the best of what he had.

Capturing an Era – Dave Pettner’s Photo Collection

Dave's passion for hot rods and customs extended beyond the garage, he also captured incredible moments on film. His personal collection of photos, taken in Southern California during the 1950s and 1960s, provides a rare glimpse into a golden era of car culture. We are proud to feature Dave Pettner's photo collection on Kustomrama, so scroll down to explore his stunning images, each one a window into the past, documenting a scene that shaped the history of custom cars and hot rods.