Wild Child's custom shop

[grim]

The Revolution: Wild Child's Custom Shop

• Note: The above link is the history of Wild Child's from over at the HAMB. It's a post in progress, but for those who are curious about what this place was it might help bring the story full-circle. Welcome to the show everybody.

In this series, you're going to see the complete reconstruction of Wild Child's custom shop. Before we get going though, let me personally thank and extend my respect to the many friends of Wild Child's who are pooling together their labor power to make this special place breath again... All of it means a hell of a lot to me everyone. To be honest, for a time, I wasn't sure if it was all over. This place is obviously very special to me; I grew up here, among many of you, and among this culture. For me, its environment has always been my translator for the world outside. When Wild Child's closed up, it was the end of the only world many of us ever understood or respected. So, to all of you who feel the same, it's an honor to be among those of you who live by the same code as those we've lost, and those who started it all; this is our tribute to them and ourselves.

Let's do it all over again. Enjoy the reconstruction of Wild Child's everybody!

-Wild Child, Jr.

Coming Soon - Episode 1

 

[Zeke]

I just read through your thread over on HAMB. You're a damn good writer and I suspect you do a bit of that. Looking forward to the progress. If I were in KC, I'd be over to help.

Loved the story about the torches (little more to the story than just the printed words ).

 

[grim]

Thanks for the kind words! Shame you don't live in Kansas City, or should I say, "shame I don't live in Long Beach."

I'm uploading pics to post right now buddy.

 

[Chachi11]

I just read through your thread over on HAMB. You're a damn good writer and I suspect you do a bit of that. Looking forward to the progress. If I were in KC, I'd be over to help.

Loved the story about the torches (little more to the story than just the printed words ).

totally agree. well done!

 

[kesslerbmw]

Looking forward to whats coming... I'm local, lemme know if you need anything, I'd be happy to help when I'm available. I know a few of the LOS Punk Rod guys, and lots of other people you may know.

 

[grim]

EPISODE 1: Masquerade (Part I/III)​

​

"Don't help me or serve me, but let me see it once, because I need it. Don't work for my happiness, my brothers—show me yours—show me that it is possible—show me your achievement—and the knowledge will give me the courage for mine." - Ayn Rand ("The Fountainhead")
​

I've never been religious; it's only when looking at a human in production that I can relate to those kinds of feelings and beliefs. I love the thought of, the image of, and the pay-offs of men and women building and designing. It's the courage of self-pride that impacts me the most. "It can be done - and so I can do it," I think that's what we all show up for, that bold estimate and test of discipline on us all. There's a reason why people hang out for hours - just to watch. Few to none have all of the knowledge and skill necessary to finish a project of such scale at the start; it takes those who can leap and say, "what I don't know I'll figure out," that inspire us all. That's what good design and production is; it inspires us to push the bar even further - and what a bar..

Building one's own environment is to declare the future, and then to make it so..

• I hope this project inspires the best and strongest in you. Not for charity, but out of my own selfishness; I want to see what you can make possible. I don't know how to do this - building construction. I'm in my twenties. I've never worked on a building structure, of any kind, in my life. I don't know how to finish it, and a month ago I didn't know where to begin. This is where it all starts.

​

(Part II - continued below)​

 

[grim]

EPISODE 1: Masquerade (Part II/III)​

Day I -

​

(Part III - continued below)​

 

[DrunkSmurf]

Well the cinder block and choppers look to be in good shape...lol...Aside that, it looks like a lot of work in your future.

 

[grim]

EPISODE 1: Masquerade (Part III/III)​

- Day 30 -

(1 car trailer, 1 lowered 70s dually, 4 garden hoses, 1 trash-find ladder, 1 box of rags, 8 buckets, 1 shovel, 2 squeegees, 2 full-faced respirators, 25 Tyvek suits, 2 scrapers, 2 bags of twist-on wire connectors, 2 boxes of contractor trash bags, 2 pairs of rubber boots, 6 pairs of rubber gloves, 2 rolls of duct tape, 1 neighbor's water supply, 1 Stanley Fubar, only Saturdays and Sundays, and 4 tons of demolition later... The Office + Kitchen + Bathroom + 1 sign older than I am = 500/3500sqft)

(Until next time friends...)
​

 

[grim]

Thanks Kessler, you and me both buddy, glad you reached out. Don't be a stranger; our address is on our Facebook page. Drop in anytime. The weekends are when you'll find us.

Thanks guys!..and tell me about it Smurf!

 

[Cactus1]

Looks better already!

 

[onething]

Amazing
Subscribed
Amazing

 

[tinbender 66]

I'm hoppin' on this ride!

 

[kngkong]

checked out the history on HAMB, so cool
subscribed!

Looking forward to seeing how this one turns out

 

[1983Camperspecial]

Great job and story man, This is the stuff I love to read about, Saving an old shop.

 

[Chloe Taylor]

A great story posted, enjoyed reading it... Thanks a lot for sharing...

 

[PrimeIsFine]

I'm a biter...errr, I mean, I'll bite.

 

[grim]

You guys are a real cool bunch. Thanks for all of this positive feedback everybody! I'm real glad to hear you like it.. I still owe you lunch Cactus! And I owe everyone an update. Keep an eye out; promise we'll be writing one shortly.

 

[Abomination]

Lookin' good!

Followed you over from the HAMB.

~Jason

 

[grim]

Well friends, it's been about a month since our last update.

To those who haven't heard, someone tried to take some of our own. A 17 year old girl, texting while driving, crossed over on Oak street head-on. In the process, our demolition trailer and one of our trucks was totaled. Everyone was injured, except the texter, but everyone is alive and out of the hospital. Heads-up for texts everyone.

The good news is, things are getting back on track as this comes to a close. An update is coming soon; we have a big object next to the shop to show everyone . Stay tuned.

 

[patman2]

And let me guess...she got off with a warning, and mummy and daddy bought her a new car and cellphone.

 

[PrimeIsFine]

Well, she was in her mommy's brand new car. Which the trailer promptly ripped the front off of. And the officer gave her two negligent driving tickets, one for each vehicle she hit.

Still doesn't make me feel any better though.

 

[tinbender 66]

Sorry to hear that Grim. I've been anxiously awaiting the next update. I'm not on the HAMB so I didn't get the news. Hopefully everyone is on the mend.

 

[Thruxton]

Sue her a## off.

 

[3bay]

Cool rebuild so far...I know there is alot of history in the old place, can't wait for another update!

Females and cellphones should be against the law!

 

[555]

Glad everyone survived. I had an older friend that worked at Wild Childs in the 60s. I know he worked on the "driftwood" molded frame trike among others. I was enthralled with choppers (still am) and visited the shop everytime I was in Kansas City.
I'm glad you are taking the time to recreate a piece of midwest custom history. If I was in KC, I'd be glad to help.
Regards,
555

 

[grim]

EPISODE 2: Out of the Box​

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[4StarCstms]

Subscribing ... I can't wait to follow along with your updates and see what you do with the place. ALOT of history -

 

[tinbender 66]

Hmm....I can see what you're doing but as to why...............?? Making that trailer mighty hard to steal?????

 

[onewaydave]

Hmm....I can see what you're doing but as to why...............?? Making that trailer mighty hard to steal?????

Did you notice the snake eaters on the deck by the tools in an earlier pic? Me thinks it might be a rough neighborhood. I could be wrong though.

Dave.

 

[GrandmaSideways]

As I said on your facebook page, ****** amazing. I also really like that you're picking up the reins. Dad must be proud.
So you're totally gutting the shop right? Presumably you'll be putting your own touches on it? Great to see this thread!
Sh*t, now I want to go out to the garage and start f**king around with my car, hahaha.

 

[patlalande123]

please add a little more of that bad *** c10 !

 

[jktruck150]

Looking good so far! Did I miss why you were taking out the trailer running gear?

 

[SuperSocket]

Hmm....I can see what you're doing but as to why...............?? Making that trailer mighty hard to steal?????

Could have saved so much time by going with a container, they are literally free and a lot of shipping companies will trade gladly that trailer for a new container.

 

[4StarCstms]

Could have saved so much time by going with a container, they are literally free and a lot of shipping companies will trade gladly that trailer for a new container.

I guess it depends on what you're going for ... I'll take a vintage trailer (ABF trailers are also dirt cheap, at least here - YRC stuff is too) over a container any day. Of course I'd probably have left the lights and axle under it thou, but having access to something that'll pull it makes a difference for me.

 

[WastedAgain440]

Man how did I miss this thread? Just subscribed, really good read on the h.a.m.b. and looks like this is gonna be a cool shop! Will you be using the trailer as a paint booth??Keep the tradition alive

 

[grim]

EPISODE 3: Making Waves (Part I/II)​

Unstack, clean, trash, clean, organize, clean, move, clean, repeat, clean....... repeat....... clean...... ..... .... ...

..And then, the waters foamed and swelled as the old ship's deck began to surface. When the waves began to show, that's when we knew we'd reached it....

Thanks out there, to so many strangers. So many people are showing up now; we're in shock. To those we don't see, we're getting your notes on the doors, and your words of encouragement go a long way.. To those we do, your friendship is well received. We appreciate the time you take, and we'll be paying your respect and friendship back in full.. Thank you to the people protecting us... There's been over 5 break-in attempts in the past 3 weeks - and none have even made it close with so many cool people in Hyde Park guarding the joint while we sleep and work. We're coming back, and with steady motion, thanks to you pushing our jump-start. We owe you pay back - so get ready.

​

This is what we've been working toward friends; the first shadow of the design floor... There's still a long way to go before we can sail this ship around the world again, but between you and me the view today is great...

Enjoy this week's update friends.

(Part II - continued below)

 

[grim]

EPISODE 3: Making Waves (Part II/II)

​

 

[grim]

Thank you man, and guaranteed on tradition! Glad you're here.

Nope, not a paint booth either..

Man how did I miss this thread? Just subscribed, really good read on the h.a.m.b. and looks like this is gonna be a cool shop! Will you be using the trailer as a paint booth??Keep the tradition alive

 

[sodbuster]

If you need some help, feel free to PM me.....if your going to the HAMB Drags......look me up and we will chat....I may be only off 2 day's a week.......but, I can throw in some 'free' back labor for a while......Oh yea, you have "Ibuprofen" stocked in the bathroom?

Chris