Dave Kindig and Kevin Schiele, of Bitchin' Rides fame, are no strangers to pushing boundaries in automotive design. Their latest project—a custom hot rod inspired by the iconic Art Deco era—brings together the timeless elegance of the 1920s and 1930s with modern automotive engineering. This unique build stands out as a testament to Kindig’s visionary creativity and Schiele’s expert craftsmanship.
Source: Street Trucks
The Inspiration: Art Deco Meets Modern Power
Art Deco, known for its bold geometric shapes, symmetry, and luxurious materials, is not a design style often seen in automotive projects. However, Dave Kindig, the founder of Kindig-It Design, thrives on blending unexpected elements. His goal with this hot rod was to capture the elegance of Art Deco architecture and streamline it into an automotive masterpiece.
Kindig’s approach to design has always emphasized the seamless integration of the past and present. He aims to maintain the authenticity of classic car aesthetics while updating them with modern technology and performance features. This project is no different, as the hot rod boasts sleek, flowing lines, intricate detailing, and metallic finishes reminiscent of Art Deco buildings, alongside cutting-edge suspension and engine systems.
Kevin Schiele’s Role: Mastering the Chassis and Suspension
Kevin Schiele, the shop foreman at Kindig-It Design, is known for his expertise in chassis and suspension work. His passion for automotive craftsmanship and problem-solving has made him a key player in all of Kindig’s ambitious builds. Schiele’s dedication to his craft, often described as meticulous, is what makes Kindig-It projects stand out in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.
For this particular Art Deco hot rod, Schiele had the challenging task of ensuring that the car’s modern engine and performance components would harmonize with the car’s vintage-inspired look. Known for his attention to detail, Schiele designed a chassis that would accommodate the power of a high-performance engine while keeping the ride smooth and responsive, staying true to his well-earned reputation as the “chassis guy”.
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Custom Craftsmanship: The Art of Building Unique Rides
At Kindig-It Design, no two cars are alike, and this hot rod was no exception. Every project starts with a hand-drawn sketch by Dave Kindig, which then evolves into a full-fledged custom build. With the Art Deco hot rod, Kindig worked closely with his team, combining their expertise in metalwork, fabrication, and design to bring his vision to life.
The project involved extensive use of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, a key tool at Kindig-It Design. These machines allowed the team to create precise custom parts that perfectly matched the intricate details of Kindig’s design. Whether it was crafting custom engine components or designing intricate trim details, the CNC machines helped translate the Art Deco style into the vehicle’s structure and aesthetic.
Balancing Form and Function
One of the most impressive aspects of Kindig-It’s work is the balance between form and function. While the Art Deco inspiration provided plenty of opportunities for visual creativity, the team at Kindig-It Design made sure that the hot rod didn’t just look good—it performed at the highest level, too.
Underneath the beautifully crafted exterior lies a powerful engine, capable of delivering the kind of performance that modern car enthusiasts demand. This hot rod is not just for show; it’s built to be driven. With Schiele’s expertise in suspension and handling, and Kindig’s focus on aesthetics and innovation, this custom creation delivers both luxury and speed.
A Showpiece for the Ages
While Kindig-It Design has built countless custom cars over the years, this Art Deco-inspired hot rod stands out as one of the most visually striking and mechanically complex projects the team has undertaken. It’s a perfect example of how Kindig and Schiele push the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive design.
The project also highlights how far Kindig-It Design has come since its inception. What began as a small operation in the garage of Dave Kindig’s family home has grown into a world-renowned custom car shop, known for creating one-of-a-kind vehicles that are as impressive under the hood as they are on the showroom floor.
As with every build that comes out of Kindig-It Design, this Art Deco hot rod reflects the dedication, creativity, and expertise of a team that has mastered the art of automotive customization. It’s a celebration of the past, a nod to the future, and a testament to the endless possibilities of car design.
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