This is my story..
Let me start this out right with my background..
My Name is Raymi Kelso.. I am a 24 yr. old girl from the high desert.. Born and raised and seeped in the hotrod culture.. My Father is the reason why us Kelsos' are crazy (in love) when it comes to cars.. My 3 older brothers and I have been working on cars since we were toddlers.. (some more then others).. My pop is an Auto body Technician (strictly by job titled) however he's' been a body man/fabricator/painter (mechanic when need be) a lot of times just a genius (however this is not to be mentioned to him-very prideful) for over 40+ years.. I am constantly amazed by the work he has done and continues to do.. Through this he has instilled so much knowledge and has showed us what hard work really is and that it does eventually pay off.. I learned early on why good body men have so many children (sanding) the main reason.. Finger sanding especially and blockin'.. Show a kid young and early on; make it look fun and you'll have an employee for free.. When it comes to a D/A or a straight-line anything that commands a lil' power at least 90 lbs of pressure in the compressor now that's un-chartered territory for the child filled with anticipation especially the ADHD ones. Which we all know the main reasons why hotrod kids are so screwed up ... (All the paint that was inhaled by parents building their Rod or custom or sled) or maybe from all the vibration off of the headers rumbling while it keeps a nice steady pace or Revved up at high idle just to watch the tach(ometer).. How about from the Engine torquing like the frame is just about ready to twist... The power and exhilaration of knowing that this is yours Sure you follow the basic molds of what a rod/custom/sled/rat should look like though in your own special way you turn it into what it should be (a reflection of you) Who you are as a person, your dislikes and likes an expression of you however exotic or mild mannered you may be if you truly pour your soul into it (the way you should in my opinion) there will be some differences that will hopefully stand out like the unique individuals we all are in this culture filled with so many subcultures nestled in.. The story of my life - Pop buys a car, builds with the help of one of us or all or none, we become attached almost like a family member, then he sells it.. (Hearts are broken everyday) Then the vicious process starts all over!!!! The story of my life.. Like the Irish say "An Irish man goes through life with brief periods of joy and an abiding sense of tragedy"(ol' Irish proverb from the top of my head hopefully it's quoted right-yet relatable).. OK so this is supposed to be a warning..
I Have a 66 Pontiac Catalina 2 door hardtop (my ol' lady cruiser) been parked in the back yard for over a year now..-Such a shame-Did what bodywork needed on it when I was 14.. I've had it since I was 14 (I'll probably keep it for the rest of my life..) The engine is out of a 69' Impala (which I learned how to drive in) With this car culture, which we dwell, there are certain stereotypes placed upon girls.. One mainly that we can't drive.. (However I'll prove you wrong any day).. Pop decided early on that I wasn't gonna be one of those girls.. So what's the main thing about driving that girls can't do right? (Backing up) Therefore in the lil' desert community I grew up in (with dirt roads and all) I spent weekends to make him happy backing up in the big 69 from the street into my gate.. Over, over, and over.. Seeing as I tend to be a risk taker.. The perfect car for a 14 year old girl is a 66 Pontiac (my boat)..Used to right poems about it in 10th grade English class and what color must my pop paint it.. Why no other color then bright Yellow.. So people will see me coming and get out of my way.. Guess what.. It worked.. For the past year.. I've been pouring all of my heart and soul into my new baby 31' ford model A coupe (with the help of my pop which is a lot sometimes) Standard 3" chop, custom built frame (all Kelso Kustoms built) yes jag rear end (they seem to be reliable and cheap) 350 Chevy with a 350 turbo tranny (lil' modifications here and there) Running a 32 grille shell of course (since I've always wanted a 32 since I was probably 7) American Graffiti inspired.. I was 7 after all.. In there lies the problem..
32 Grille Shell.. Trying to finish the coupe for our yearly family/friends outing 1st Sunday of June.. Antique nationals LACR Palmdale, CA. 1 week left pretty much falling asleep in the garage and then getting up at 3:45 am-4 to get ready for work in a small department store as receiver/sales support stocker.. Working hard for my measly 7 and some change an hour spending my whole pay check every week on car parts.. (I love speedway or they should love me).. Sacramento Vintage Ford (great place), CW Moss (Awesome shop) went on a nice lil' tour there.. Junk yards (yes junk yards) I was always the one stuck carrying the Canvas bag of standard tools.. High-performance swap meets, Model A swap meets model T swap meets.. Basically anywhere that might have what I need at a price I can afford or at least haggle with…….
We hope Raymi Will Keep Us Posted On Her Project!