Eye Candy

Long Island Bug Juice

07/15/2021 No Comments

Story & Images: Mark V

The Beetle, The Bug, and Love Bug are just a few of the names known to the Volkswagen Beetle! Did you know that during its original run of 65 years of production more then 21 million of these little guys were built worldwide. Know in Germany as the “people’s car” this ride over the years, and still today is a true cult classic. From Hippies right down to Disney, this car has been loved by all! My family was one of the many proud owners of one during my childhood in the 70’s and I have to say, what a fun beach ride!

Those were truly the days of the endless summer and being jammed in the back with my brothers made even more fun. I truly believe there will never be another car that that spells fun like the Beetle.

Just recently while at a local art show I ran into Rob, owner of USA Auto Body in East Patchogue, NY. Having never met Rob before we just started talking about cars and bikes as he admired my exhibit, while all along me not knowing he was a car guy at all. As time went on as we were talking, he takes out his phone and tells me to have a look. Low and behold! To my surprise he shows me a picture of his 1972 VW Beetle.

I suddenly went back in time to those days of summer, baseball cards, stickball in the school yard, and a very much simpler life. Oh, and yes, my parents VW Beetle!

When I tell you this ride, and of course see for yourself looked like a matchbox car from days gone by the only thing I could think of was I wanted it for the site. So I asked Rob to share his story on the Bug and this is what we got..

the tale

This 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible began its life with a red body, black interior, and black top. Being a “cheap guy”, I always wanted to restore a. bug, but it had to be a convertible. In August of 2018 I finally found what I was looking for. I knew I wanted to do a different paint scheme that would stand out from the others.

Being the owner of USA Auto Body in East Patchogue, New York did kinda help. I knew I wanted to do an orange car with a twist. And that color has always been right in my hand.

One day at the local deli I saw an Orange Crush bottle and in the label was the color was the color I wanted! Problem here is that the label goes from orange to completely white.

I called my paint rep Eric from Single Source and together we got to work on perfecting the color. The final results, the perfect orange with white pearl, just as I envisioned in my head from the start. Now I needed the whitest of white interiors and top to pull my dream bug together! Thanks to John and his crew over at Miller Place Auto Upholstery. I was gifted with total perfection! A custom white steering wheel, white and orange dashboard, along the killer with seats and interior door panels killed it! And let’s not forget “Crushed” label on the glove box door. Just like the bottle label but I added the “D” to make it my own. Dressed in three-inch-wide whitewalls on four spoke wheels was the finishing touch to a labor of love. Nothing was left to spare. I’m a happy man in the end and maybe not as “cheap” as I thought! It’s a cool classic, eye turner, and I have to admit I love every minute as I sit in this ride

There you have it, a blast from the past that rivals any ride at any car show. What makes it even better is Rob got exactly what he envisioned. Anyone who walks past this car smiles, as it is truly a feel-good ride, a ride for some of us that just reminds us of the way things were and the way things still can be…. I’m going to go have a cream sickle now! Enjoy the view.

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Green Devil’s Copper Chopper

06/18/2021 No Comments

Story: Green Devil

Images: Mark V

Built-in 2015 by Pat Tozzi, out of Green Devil Garage in Virginia Beach, Va. Green Devil Garage is a veteran-owned and operated custom vehicle shop specializing in custom motorcycles vintage hot rods. The owner Pat is an active-duty member of the US Navy with over 17 years of active-duty service.

The copper chopper came from the idea of wanting to do something big and fully custom. The saying “it takes a village” is very fitting for this motorcycle. Almost every part of this motorcycle has been handmade or modified to fit the bike. The lighting is made from vintage harmonica microphones from the 1940s. The frame and front-end hand made by George of Spartan Frame works and the tins were hand made by Kyle of Yocums Signature Hot Rods. Everything else was made/fabricated by or modified by Pat.

Green Devil Garage was formed in February 2013 by Pat with the idea of opening a shop where others could come to the shop and learn the basics of mechanics and fabrication. Shortly after starting the shop, Pats’ popularity spread. The shop transitioned to a custom shop and Harley Davidson service center.

Pat does like to take on the near-impossible when it comes to building and life in general, but his real motivation came from a conversation with a very big-name builder of custom everything (namely motorcycles, hot rods and firearms). In the beginning phases of Green Devil Garage, Pat asked this builder if he could be a “fly on the wall” and help around the shop for a week or two to see how things worked in this successful shop. Before this interaction, there were nothing but positive interactions between the two. The response he received to this question was, “I have four kids of my own I don’t have time to teach someone how to build motorcycles.” Mind you; this builder has made millions on television series documenting his time spent in other shops learning their skill sets…. In response to this Pat decided to go with a big “FU” if you will.

The build started with a longbike design in Pats head. He then contacted George of Spartan Frame Works. He talked over a long bike idea with five-spoke invader wheels, mechanical rear brake, and a flatside Shovel for the heart of the build. With all the measurements and ideas in the hands of George he then contacted Invader wheel company when it was still around and got the set of five spokes going. All good things take time, after a few months and all necessary parts in his hands he set up a roller and got with Kyle of Yocums Signature Hot rods. Kyle hand made all the copper and brass inlays you see on the bike. He’s an incredible craftsman with limitless talent.

The bike wasn’t built with any other purpose than designing and building something one of a kind. In turn, it allowed Pat to work with some of the best craftsmen in the custom world. Having connections like those are priceless in a world that has seemed to forget what goes into making things by hand and how possible it is to make an idea come to life.

Currently, the Copper Chopper is waiting for its big opportunity. Green Devil Garage does a lot of charity work. The bike has been on the back burner for some time. Being Pat is active military, his schedule is limited in being able to go full steam in areas concerning the shop. Shortly the Copper chopper is going to be raffled in conjunction with a charity. Keep watching Green Devil and see what’s coming!

For more on green devil garage

greendevilgarage.com

Iacona Customs And A Tribute From Two Brothers

06/18/2021 No Comments

Story: Gerard Siani & Christopher Saucedo

Images: Mark V

Brotherhood and being a brother are two separate words that mean so much to those who live by their true meaning. Before you, I present a special feature on a bike with two stories, one of brotherhood and the other from a sibling brother. The amazing work done by Steve Iacona, of Iacona Customs has once again showed his flawless ability to get it right and make it right for all involved. The images presented to you show the dedication and passion of a dying breed… the custom bike builder.

Admire the craftsmanship of the machine and the tale of two brothers as they share something special in their own words. – RC

Best Friend and Fellow Firefighter Gerard:

My name is Gerard Siani and Gregory T. Saucedo, and I were the very best of friends. We met after both having been assigned to the same Brooklyn Firehouse, Engine 321, where we worked side by side together for 8 years.

Early on Greg and I realized that we shared many common interests not the least of which was motorcycles, mainly Harleys. Those years together combined with our mutual interests caused us to become the closest of friends and brothers in FDNY.

Prior to September 11, 2001 Greg and I had decided to transfer to Manhattan to gain greater experience and as it turned out Greg was on duty that fateful day and died with his fellow brothers from Ladder 5. A short time thereafter for both riding enjoyment and sentimental reasons I purchased his 1992 Harley Sportster from the Saucedo family brothers.. Paul, Christopher, and Stephen, Firefighter from Ladder 13 in NYC.

As a tribute to my friend and to have both his story and bike remembered I decided to have custom bike builder Steven Iacona transform the 92’ Sporty into a show bike with the intention to honor Gregory by proudly entering it into various competitions in the hopes of winning first place or perhaps coverage in a major magazine.

IACONA ACCOMPLISHED BOTH.

Steve Iacona and I met for the first time in 2005 when I needed work done on my Harley. He came highly recommended and after meeting and speaking with him I quickly realized his attention to detail and the pride he had in his work was second to none. Over the years we become good friends and it was throughout this time that I gained a close-up view of the many award-winning motorcycles he had fabricated as well as a great appreciation and respect for his talent and abilities.

Iacona Custom Cycles has a stellar reputation for their work in customizing motorcycles. And after recognizing firsthand that this reputation was well deserved, I knew I could only entrust the ’92 Sporty to the skillful hands of Steven Iacona.

AS IACONA SAYS” THE BIKES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.”

The results speak for themselves; the bike was re-born and named ‘PHOENIX” in both a hat tip to Ladder 5’s nickname and in reference to the Greek mythological bird that rises anew from the ashes of its predecessor.

Gregory purchased this 1992 1200 Sportster, his very first bike, new from Brooklyn Harley

1992 1200 Sportster – His first motorcycle.

Older Brother Christopher Shares a Memory and Legacy:

It takes courage and conviction to go first, but it’s easier to do anything with real friends behind you. Our brother Gregory was the youngest of four boys but the first to do a lot of things; He was the first to join the New York City Fire Department with friends and family following, including his brother Stephen who resides at Ladder 13 in NYC. Gregory was also the first one in our circle to get a bike.

I remember his awkward first-ride home from Brooklyn Harley Davison in the summer of 1992. He rode his brand-new Blue 1200 Sportster the final hundred yards from home– only to crash it into some garbage cans and eat-some-crow as our mother and grandmother sternly greeted him on the front porch of our row-house in Brooklyn. It was kind of like Sesame Street with friendly but nosy neighbors, coming outside to see what was happening. Greg loved that little bike and although he eventually added a Heritage Springer Softail it all started with the 1200 Sportster. The clichés of motorcycles and tattoos are sometimes true. Gregory came into his own after he got that first bike, but his dynamic life was cut short.

Our brother died on September 11, 2001 along with 342 of his fellow firefighters and far too many others. Gregory’s final act of charging up the stairs of the North Tower of the World Trade Center took courage and conviction, 19-years later we find great strength in his memory. My brothers and I are honored and humbled with the magnificent transformation that Steven Iacona has created; this project was clearly a labor of love. Gerard F. Siani owns the bike now and appropriately he was one of Greg’s best friends. We Brooklyn kids use an understated parlance to mask our feelings, but this spectacular motorcycle speaks for Siani and says it all.

Our brother was never recovered and so, Gregory has no grave marker, and we can’t visit to pay our respect. This spectacular motorcycle is that respect and a fitting tribute to Firefighter Gregory T. Saucedo. This is the Phoenix reborn out of the emotional ashes of death. Iacona’s creation is a beautiful and powerful marker for Greg’s life. His many friends and family will never forget him and now we have this awesome and skillfully handcrafted machine to move forward with – in style and speed. That courage and conviction we learned from Greg is alive and well forever.

Closing…

Words to embrace from both sides of the fence. I suggest you find the good in these words, they are there. As Americans we are forever blessed for people like Firefighter Gregory T. Saucedo and all from Ladder 5. Take the inspiration of this bike, take the strength and courage shared by Gerard and Christopher, and all who served on that solemn day. Move forward yet Never Forget. Thank you, Steve Iacona, for allowing us to remember these thoughts, not just one day a year but every time we hear the throttle hit on the Phoenix! -RC

EVIL BAGGER BUILT ON LOVE

06/18/2021 2 Comments

Story: Tonian DelleCave

Images: Mark V

Typical and simple it began, a 2015 Harley Davidson road glide. The basic model is the original bare bones feature of this beautiful custom high quality performance machine. Today it stands and rides like nothing else on the road. Setting itself apart in character, style, shape, size, and presence. This bike is truly one of a kind. Refurbished, reassembled, and improved upon to emulate the personality of the owner, Doug DelleCave. We had only been dating a few months before Doug mentioned buying a new bike that I could ride comfortably on the back of. Feeling honored and amazed at this offer, I thought to myself how nice it would be not to be riding on the fender any longer with nothing more than a peewee pad to secure me. It’s all about the experience of riding for me, so I would have been grateful to ride with him in a sidecar, if that was my only choice. The ride brought us together in a way that created the foundation of trust we had been building. I thought of how easy it would be for us to die together on the bike, knowing every ride was worth it. Our most intimate times were spent riding together, and now with this two-seater bagger, we’re on a better built chariot.

The process of evolution this bike has seen is like no other. Doug’s passion for perfection and aesthetics, speaks to every improvement made on the road glide. Another passion, Iron Maiden, was a large element of inspiration for the direction he went in, regarding the paint job. However, much was done before he got to the paint. In other words, the skeleton of the bike needed to be rebuilt before its skin had a makeover, or in this case “tattoos”. Chaos Cycle started by stripping the bike to its frame, to stretch it and then cut off the stock neck. Welding a new neck meant the bike could fit a 26-inch front wheel. The frame was painted, and the front end was reassembled with progressive suspension springs, 18-inch bagger nation apes as well as a few custom parts were added in addition. Doug handpicked the rim, the coffin shaped rear-view mirrors, the elongated baggers pointed, as well as a custom derby cover with Eddie’s face on it. It is all in the details. The floorboards and foot petals mirrored the same gothic style coffin look, with a cross etched into each of the designs.

Furthermore, attention was brought to the rear suspension which included a full Dirty Air fast up with an onboard compressor and air tank was fitted. Chaos Cycle fit the Design tail, bags and gas tank to look uniform to complete the new bad ass look. Once the pipes and frame were painted a charcoal matte black color, it was time to work on the paint job. Doug turned to me one day, he had a true epiphany. After weeks of soul searching, who would be worthy or talented enough to complete his dream bike paint job? And then, a light bulb. Mike Calderone, or otherwise known as the Michael Angelo of our time, was THE answer. Would he agree to this though? For years, perhaps even decades, Mike has been a strict tattoo artist. He had been done with painting bikes. The chemicals, the health risks of using the paint as a medium had worn him thin. True to form and history, Doug got Mike to come through in agreement and consent of the job. His wish was made a reality. Doug is to Beatrix Kido, as Hatory Hanzo is to Mike, and a masterpiece was born. The dark, aggressive yet elegant look was fully complete, and nothing could have matched how perfect it looked when it was finally finished. The money, the time, the energy and collaborative creativity brought this dream to life. Here it stands, to ride and to rival anything else on two wheels or more.

A poem dedicated to my husband, and the bike we fell in love on:

Old lady girl. I’m his.

90 degrees feels really good at 90 miles per hour.

A Harley, we ride together. That gorgeous thing.

Many of our most intimate times were spent on that bike.

An adventure in every ride. We hold each other, we’re close.

I absorb the moment with every breath and thoughts of our love.

The act of love, passion runs through my head.

Not speaking, only feeling.

Enduring every gust of wind, every breath, every color and every smell.

The road is our best friend. The road is our foe. Happy and dangerous. Exciting vitality and an ominous end.

The faces are blurry gestures we soak in as if we were on a stage and our band were performing.

Cher and Sonny or

Sonny and Cher.

He goes first in my mind, always.

Who cares who sings first, we’re a harmony. Famous.

I grip my arms around him tighter and then tighter again as he pulls the clutch. 50-100

100 back down to 80.

Weaving and white lining, were invincible.

If we die, we die together.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now and forever, I’m his.

On that bike we’ve loved and we have lived too.

John’s Roadster

06/18/2021 No Comments

Story: Johny

Images: Mark V

I found this car around the July 4^th weekend of 2013. It was an ad on craigslist and the car was in Teaneck, NJ, so I took a ride over the bridge to check it out. I had just sold my ’68 Biscayne that I had worked on for several years but had talked about doing a roadster for a while.

I drove it around Teaneck for about an hour in 98-degree heat, the car ran well, stopped ‘okay’ but never once got hot. The temp gauge was pinned at 180. I decided then I could really use and drive this car, so I needed it.

It had the wrong tires(radials), it had some other stuff that was wrong like a chrome alternator and valve cover dress up kit but basically had really good bones and the car was a quality built car. I knew it had enough of the right stuff for a good start and that I could make it better.

Over the years, I removed the hood (I did something one day and decided the car looks way better without the hood, so it never went back on). I cut the windshield down a bit more to 6” and added a Sid Chavers “bop top” which gave it a killer chop look and improved the drivability. The top can be taken apart and stowed in the trunk but since it was put on, I’ve never taken it off. Riding in an open car in the sun is cool but it can be brutal! You get hit with shit from the road too, so eye protection is a good idea.

The last piece of the puzzle was the wheel and tire combo. The painted steelies were cool and were painted the same color as the firewall but I really wanted a set of chrome OE Ford rims. Along with the big and little bias plies, I think it completed the look I was after.

It was great to receive “best hot rod” award at the Rumbler’s show in 2019, it was totally unexpected. I really am not into this for trophies, I really just enjoy driving the car. I am glad they thought that it was worthy of the best in show title that year, that was a pretty big deal. It takes me back in time when I’m behind the wheel.

It stops traffic, people from all walks of life seem to dig it, even dogs look at this car. People always ask, “how fast can it go?” to which I reply, it will go down the road at 80-90 with my hands off the wheel but the real problem is “due to the drum brakes I need to know when I have to stop!!!!” Gotta watch closely for the holes on that BQE too!

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ACCOUNT

Long Island Bug Juice

the tale

stay in touch!

Green Devil’s Copper Chopper

For more on green devil garage

greendevilgarage.com

Iacona Customs And A Tribute From Two Brothers

Iacona Custom Cycles

EVIL BAGGER BUILT ON LOVE

John’s Roadster

Stay in Touch

info@rubberculture.com

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