I've been watching Mike for a long time. He's one of the best builders on the net. No self-involved crap. He says this is the way I do it...and this is why. Straight talk and plain words. His ability to shape metal does not get the attention it deserves. A real craftsman and does it all himself.
My first car was a 1950 Plymouth when I was 16 years old. At 76 now the cars I have owned are just plain Jane. They have not been any more reliable than my early cars. So much electronics they do not even know how they work. Love when he changes his voice. 😂 Would be interesting to spend a day in his shop.
In my 66 years, I have only met a few guys that could do it all. Weld , fabricate, electrical, hydraulics , body and paint . Mike is so well versed on so many levels. I'm sure if he wanted to, he could do upholstery work, too . And then he gets on that plasma table and gets it done . Renaissance man
Big Steve. This is cool man. I'm 70 and have been wrenching on cars and things my whole life so I relate to Mike. I look forward to my Sunday Bello's Customs fix. Big thumbs up to you guys.
I don't have a custom, I'm just a dreamer when it comes to that. I watch your channel because I like watching people who have interesting and useful skills working... it's educational. Having watched other metal working shows, I immediately recognized you as a master of your trade, so I really enjoy watching you build and fix stuff. Many thanks to you and Big Steve for the great content!
My first car was a 1947 Chevrolet Fleetline, two door sedan, lots of chrome, big back seat, got in trouble back there. I was 16 worked for my dad, Chevron gas station in a small-town northwest California. Pumping gas, sweeping floors, cleaning all the tools, wiping down all the glass oil bottles full of Zerolene. Learning how to "fix" things. Dad was a good teacher. Let me make mistakes and then showed me how to fix them. More importantly taught me responsibility and morals, what it means to be honest and humble. I love watching you use all the "modern" tools. But I still believe the key is being able to "see" what you want to do and then use the proper tools to accomplish that. Back in the day, Dad always said, use the right tool. Sometimes he would make one if needed. Love your videos, brings back memories of working with my Dad. He also worked hard and Party'd hard.
Steve, you described my teenage years to a tee. I had a 1947 Chevy Fleetline 2 door coupe, vacuum shift and all. My dad was a mechanic at the local Ford, Chevrolet and Lincoln Mercury dealers. We lived in a small town North of Atlanta, GA.
Mike is a true builder and craftsman in the field of customizing old cars. His heart and focus is his genuine love for custom cars and it shows in his videos. I always look forward to watching a new video of Mike building custom cars. Real respect to Mike and his crew.
At 12 I worked in a transmission shop in hesperia California as a shop boy mopping cleaning learning shit it was there where I saw the LOWRIDER MAGAZINE. Got home and my mom got me my first subscription at 17 I bought my first car a 65 impala from there on it’s been a passion that has never stopped. Now at 45 I have my 54 Chevy 210 and a 53 3100 that me and my two boys are building. I’d just like to say Thank you Mike for sharing your knowledge and expertise to help the car building community do it the right way it’s very much appreciated:)
Watching Mike is not only interesting but it has been a real lesson to me. I started with my first custom when we used a torch and coat hangers to do our welding, and hammered out the welds when they were still hot. Man what a crap show against what Mike turns out today. A lot of us guys up here in Canada are real fans of Bello's Kustoms.
As a kid in the sixties I have always been into cars and working with my hands. Only recently have I gotten into hotrods and kustoms and now I look to Bello's Kustoms for inspiration. For me it has to be a driver. Cheers Mike, Big Steve for all you do
Mike has turned his quirk into a business, and is known for his work across the USA. IT IS COOL TO BE A QUIRKY KID. Just find your outlet. This is a story for ALL kids. Mike's LOKOCHON is a good quality to have for the work he does! It is an incessant drive (we sometimes call OCD) to recreate the beautiful curves and deep colors with sparkles in the paint, the stance, and all the other aspects of cars that caught his eye as a kid. I like Mike because I too have that drive to create. I like to see what his mind comes up with during the process and what it takes for him to create the beautiful treasures he finishes. The coolest thing about this channel and Mike is the willingness and desire to teach! That comes from real love for the people that know him and care about what he does! National Treasure, homie! That's YOU!
Ive always been working on cars, you gave me the inspiration to start my own channel, as i want to show the younger people how fun cars can be, thank you for the inspiration
Love 30’s to late 60’s.Cars and pickups. First car was a 53 ford. 46 chevy pickup, 54 chevy two door, 53 chevy two door,50 chevy pickup.46 willy’s jeep is my latest project. My dream pickup is a 36 chevy low cab. I have been working on cars since I was 15 and I am 76 now.Mike you are true craftsman.Much respect. Love watching you build cars.☺️☺️☺️
I bought a 49 Ford Business Coupe in 1995 and played with it for a few years. I haven't touched it since 1997. I ran across Bello's Kustoms 3-weeks ago and have now watched every episode. Thanks to watching Mike I now have a renewed interest to start working on the 49 again. Thanks Mike for a great channel.
Came across mike's name in comments on another utube show 2 and a half weeks ago I'm 5 years late have been going through his back catalogue since in absolutely awe of his talent I love his no bull sh1t talk get to funking work hommie old school teaching power hammer on bro my new favourite car
Bought my first car at 15 from my Uncle for 50 bucks a 64 Chevy Biscayne. Needed a complete brake system took care of that and had wheels at 16 the day I received my license. Since then love cars and fixing them up
This was another great Sunday special with Big Steve and Mike in the shop. Watching Mike work on these ranflas never gets old tu Sabes. Lots of love and respect from Tejas! 💯🙏💪😁😎❤️
How did we get in to old cars , old custom cars especially ? I got my first car the name year I got my Learners Permit to drive , in 1964 . It was a 1950 Chevy Business Coupe . I got into fixing cars up because I was broke . We lived 1/2 block off Whittier Blvd in ELA . Clean , old , lowered cars and cruising Whittier Blvd was a culture all on it's own . Our other cultures were girls , food and fix it tickets for being to low . It seemed like the L.A. County Sheriffs spent more time shining flashlights under your car to check for lowering blocks and heated springs than anything else . Thanks for all the great work . The cars you're doing now might get changed around a little , but they'll still be here in 50 years .
@@JimS-m1e The Whittier Blvd scene will never die . It's changed a lot overall , but old cars sitting on the ground is still a big part of it . The food is still the best in the world and music from the 50's 60's is still being played . With guys like Mike around , we know the cars will get built , rebuilt and rebuilt again . I hope the whole thing goes on forever .
Yeah bro and people use to go for Sunday drives. You know get in your hooptie and drive to Malibu, Vanuys, Long Beach it didn't matter you just went maybe have lunch at the Big Boys or a drive in restaurant. Good times
Ese Mike my wife and I are so inspired by your videos and work. Loving it from Midland -Odessa , Tejas. Since I was a kid I loved cars.My tio Andy Vasquez inspired a lot of good painters. I got into sign painting and now paint Kustom Kulture syle art,I would love to paint you something for your shop to hang on the wall. I'm building a 47 Dodge three Window Buisness Coupe with a 66 Coronet 383 / 727 combo.I bought a 1955 Studebaker Truck because of you.I have a 1964 Impala hardtop, I have a 1918 ford t bucket . I"m trying to get a 49 Mercury 4 door all original homie. Marco Gomez from Big Lake ,Texas is helping me. He's the builder of many famous cars also. Keep up the good work ese and holla at that Carapilla for me. My girl be crushing on that foo some times.
He's so right. Make it safe, functional and to your own standards. The more you do and try, the better you get, too. Been doing this for 40 years and guys like Mike still keep me motivated.
I got into restoring my 1968 Volkswagen Double Cab after restoring a 1979 Westfalia. The double cab needed a new roof, a new nose, new floors, everything was rusted and blown out. It has taught me to love metal work and welding (still hate grinding).
How i got into customs (shirt version): my band got asked to play a custom car show, and I was introduced to this. I loved it. Bought a 60 ford falcon cause that's what I could get. That was 13 years ago... and I'm STILL working on it (tail end of the build though... doing the last of the custom shit)(the REAL fun stuff).
I got into mini trucks when i was 16, started a rat rod build when i was 19, built the frame and got it road worthy over 7 years. always been into lowering cars/ trucks. 1st kustom was i started bagging my buddy's 41 ford about a year ago. Got a lot of inspiration from your videos on how I did the suspension. Mustang II front suspension and a triangulated 4 link. One of these days I'll do a feature on my youtube of it. I think you would be proud of me for it! haha. Currently doing a 40s style traditional build on my 29 sedan. Heavy chop but banger powered.
Today’s by far this is my favorite episode A little Q and A with Mike while he’s working on the Ranfla.. when asked if Mike has a favorite car and year it has me curious about the tattoos on his fingers…1936 Ford..what’s the meaning of that.. If too personal I’ll understand.. just curious.. As always Big Steve great production on this one 💪🏽
Good morning thanks for sharing your story with us Mike. I was 7 when my parents bought their first new car a 1970 Monte Carlo I got it in 1978 and been working on it ever since just did a LS swap
Very cool 🤙 I have been building cars since my teens. I started out lowridin. I'd like to build a couple customs. Been collecting the last couple years. I have a 36 ford 5 window, a 39 merc, 40 Lasalle, 47 cad, 54 cad/merc among many others. Time to start chopping 🤙
OYE! BELLO'S THAT'S THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE OLD CARRITOS, WE ALL HEARD THAT ONE SAME OLD STORY! OH! YEAH! MY GRAMPA HAD ONE JUST LIKE THIS! OR THE OTHER ONE! I HAD ONE WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND I WRECK IT! PURA STORIA LOCAS! FROM BACK IN THE DAYS! QUE NO! ONE DAY BELLO'S! I'M GONNA WIN THE LOTTERIA AND SEND YOU MY 1939 CHEVROLET MASTER DELUXE 4 DOOR & MY 1953 CHEVROLET CLUB COUPE! AND HAVE YOU DO YOUR MAGIC! PERO ALL ORIGINAL! BOTH PAINTED BLACK STOCK! THIS 51 GONNA LOOK NICE, THAT LAST EPISODE WAS NICE, THE ROOF! THE WAY IT TURN OUT, IT WAS SOME BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP. SMOOTH! KEEP DROPPING THE NEW VIDEOS. THANK YOU!!!! ADIOS....
I love hearing about the journey, that's what it's all about. Incredible talent, Thanks for expressing your desire. We can see the workmanship and detail, it's incredible. Love it all !!!
Hey Mike, what ever happened to that chopped 1941 Plymouth you had in your shop a while back? Ive never seen you ever wrk on that one. Thats a dream car of mind and man you did ut perfectly Brotha! Would love an update on that one, Fo Sho! 👊❤️🤙
History is what gives those cars their worth, the thought of what may have happened in those cars including that one on the lift, how many marital fights, how many kidnappings or even hit and runs, drive by's etc... even what shady characters may have owned them.. I do work in Chicago homes and at times homes that belonged to mobsters in Oak Park and Pilsen, and I always wonder who may have been beaten or tortured in the basements, history again gives everything its worth..
Great vid Mike and Steve. I enjoy the shop talk and hearing mikes history. I got my love for all the old and giving them new life from my grandfather. He was always messing with something. And I too love even just looking at my old skools. I’ll sit in the shop pull the covers off and just sit and smile lookin at them when I can’t cruise. Keep up the good work fellas.🤙
I'm a 53-56 Ford F100 guy! (Wife says I have too many) I love all well built cars. Just picked up a 30 Model A Tudor. Someone did a fairly good old school chop on it. Trying to decide to go flathead, or a 390 Cadillac I got sitting in the corner. You have the best Channel on RUclips! keep up the great work!.
First car 1967 Mustang. No money. Like you said one part at a time. Minimal tools. No summit or Jegs. Local stores with minimal hot rod parts. Lots of cleaning, polishing and fabrication. Today a 1966 Nova SS. Lots of tools and available parts. Still never enough money. Still have the same love and enthusiasm as I did on first car. Eventhough we like different cars I enjoy watching you go for it. You make what is really difficult look easy.
Mike has so much talent and really enjoy watching the videos of different projects. I started in teenage years learning with Dad who also liked taking old cars and fix them up, welding rust, tune engines, brakes or whatever. He taught me how to weld, turning wrenches and most important advice = "Think outside the box how to solve a problem" Little later when searching for a job (17 years old) I had 2 offers..one for a roofing company and second as a Body-tech at a local dealer-ship.. As young and not much knowledge I asked Dad...which one should I take ? He responded "Son, cars been around for a long time and most will have some damage or rust..that means you will never be without a job" So I picked the body-tech position.. didn't pay as much in the beginning as the roofing job but inside at least..learning something new except for welding that part Dad taught me. Became a helper for a excellent old style body-tech who could fix anything with almost no special jigs, doing lead work, knock out dents that looked impossible to repair...I learned so much from him, and he had patience when I screwed up.. lol Remember knocking out a large dent on a quarter-panel...checked with my hand back and fourth before spreading filler over the area..# 36 grit then filler...wait until it's hard and block & block.. Called the "Master" over to check my result...he took his hand slowly over my repair and said" Damn I almost broke my wrist" lol So I blocked and blocked, more filler...until it was straight.. Anyway..he was a great teacher, taught me frame-machine work, cutting cars in half that's been smashed bad in the front or rear, splice in a used section & how to set it up before welding the two together in a safe and strong way. 25 years of body-tech took a toll on my body,,but still miss it some days.
When I left school at sixteen on the Friday. My brother in law took me down to the local garage and on Saturday I started work there. I didn’t no what I wanted to do for work. But it worked out fine as I’d always been car mad. My dad had a big photo album he brought back from Bermuda. And looking at those cars and old black and white films. I think that was it. But I’d never thought of working on cars. Funny how life has a plan for you. Take care big Steve and Mike. What did you decide on for lunch.?
My Dad was a Drag Racer in the 70's and early 80s Sacramento Dragway ,Sears Point ,and Pomona were the three tracks but all those wild cars is what got me into Customs especially the guys running 60s style
These videos help you understand the ideas behind the car builds and how Mike's business has evolved from working on cars at his home to his kustom car shop today.
Hell yeah bro! Makes me wanna go out and work on some shit. Same, I love fixing stuff up or bringing things back to life. Used to take things apart when I was a kid and surprisingly was able to put stuff back together and have them work still. Hasn’t stopped. Much love from Midwest.
The reason is simple. Classic is better and driving with class and being your self is lokochooon! Haha mad respects to Mike desde watsonville California
Dad rodded his’20’s-30’s. My 1st was a ‘56 210 hardtop my sophomore year. Left the body stock but in 1967, I hit the wrecking yard and got total running gear from a 67 396 SS Malibu and the addiction was on..
My first car was a ‘56 Packard. Rebuilt the engine and was working on making it a custom. Drew a bunch of pics on how I wanted it to come out but the trans was bad, and in 1978 there weren’t options like now. Too much of a project so I got a ‘65 Riviera. Now that car oozes class. Painted it Lincoln blue in our garage. Good way for my dad to have me clean out the garage. Was beautiful. Moved to Vegas and got t-boned a couple days after. Have 3 Rivis now, two stock ‘63 and a custom ‘65. Was a minute from buying two ‘37 Packards right but they had sold right before I went to strike. That grill is my fav…. Keep up the fun how-tos Mike.
No exaggeration mike Bello is the best to ever do it hands-down the most talented car builder I’ve ever seen there is no reason he should not be at 250 K followers or 1 million followers as long as he posts episodes every week I definitely see it happening. I share Mr. Bello’s videos Every chance I can. Love goes out to the Locochons !!!!! Clean, clean, pinky ring !!!
Didn't have a ---- Cherry Picker ---- at the time ----- Used an old Block n Tackle under the 'Ol Apple Tree to pull out an old six cylinder out of a '41 Chevy Coupe ----- Those were the days ----- Thanks Mike for all you do -------- It's GREAT ---- just listening to you ------ Hope everyone there has a ---- Good Week ----------- Rodney
We're watching from Australia. Absolutely love everything Bello's kustoms. My grandfather and father were mechanics. It's in my blood - and my heart. Been to the US 6 times and we have American cars here. We build them to drive and enjoy. Not for anyone's approval 🙏🙏🙏. Grateful for your time
I have some old cars and I have been working on them for many years. I have learned a lot about details and the proper way to do things. I appreciate your sharing your talent with us. It keeps me going on my projects. Thank you
Love the customs bro. OLD, new, retorted, modified it does not matter. Just love to create and revive. Always wanted to build something cool. Could only afford to get into now in my 50s. Got 76 F100, dropped body, lowered, toyota hilux chassis, lexus v8 motor. Bought it in 2015, Just got it mobile few days ago. Still a lot to do. I am loving every minute of the build. Doing all the work myself...from South AFRICA
So, question for Mike What's it like getting these cars registered in Calif? I don't see any smog shit. Don't they have to get smog inspected? How about rust protection? What do you like? Do you generally go out for lunch or grill something at the shop? What was that surf music at the end? Good shit.
I really enjoy watching you work, Mike. You are so knowledgeable and well-rounded. You do every aspect of the build. Most guys don’t have that kind of knowledge in building.
Hey…when I was a little kid (7 or 8 years old) my parents took me to our city’s annual Rods n Relics show. I was hooked on all the cars! Especially, the kustom cars! Each car had its own unique style and I wanted one👌🏻
Mike, your my Hero Man! No shit, with all seriousness. Your so inspirational for me and sure hundreds of other dudes building cars. Your a true craftsman and an artist! Thanks for your videos and keep them coming.
Great episode, learned more about Mike which is cool. My current ride is a 56 Chevy Bel Air resto-mod. LS1, 700 R4 and 9 inch ford 3:70 rear. Sold a 40 ford Tudor sedan to buy the 56. Been interested in cars since I was 16. Enjoy watching, maybe one day I'll stop by the shop? Long ride from Connecticut though....
Using the plasma table and making those mountings certainly adds a level of professionalism not seen in a lot of builds. Love your work Mike, keep it sweet.
Nice work Mike. My ride is a 50 Studebaker shortbed pickup that I built from 3 junkers behind a body shop. Built a 454 chevy and a turbo 400 for it, a friend gave me a dana 60 posi axle for it with 4.10 gears, I changed the gears to 3.23 for better top speed, has 4-link coil over suspension, front axle and springs are stock but I put disc brakes from a 72 cadillac on the spindles, Monroe air shocks help with the 454 weight. Runs good, drives good. I built it 3 years ago when I was 63...................
Love watching him do his thing, I guess I'm a 37 ' guy if I had to pick a year i have 2 Packards both 37 alotta history went down that year keep up the good work with the smile and laughs hey what's for lunch
Your right Mike, old is cool. I'm old that's why I'm cool too 🙂. I bought my first car for $35.when I was 15. It was a 1950 Ford business coop V8 flathead, three on the tree. I think of that car almost every day. I wish I still had it. Those were the days my friend 😊!
I’m all about the lines of a car. The designer vision of how the lines come together. Pre war are the best. No cooking cutter like today. Don’t like garage queens. Build it to drive is my passion. When I see a garage queen I think, no, he has to protect it and wax it all the time. He doesn’t want to drive it because he might damage it or get it dirty. Not my cup of tea. Today’s video was an excellent concept on diving into Mike’s psyche. Brought me back to my time with my father as a 10-year-old working in the garage on our 54 Ford station wagon. Thanks again for the great work.
I've been watching Mike for a long time. He's one of the best builders on the net. No self-involved crap. He says this is the way I do it...and this is why. Straight talk and plain words. His ability to shape metal does not get the attention it deserves. A real craftsman and does it all himself.
My first car was a 1950 Plymouth when I was 16 years old. At 76 now the cars I have owned are just plain Jane. They have not been any more reliable than my early cars. So much electronics they do not even know how they work.
Love when he changes his voice. 😂
Would be interesting to spend a day in his shop.
100%
In my 66 years, I have only met a few guys that could do it all. Weld , fabricate, electrical, hydraulics , body and paint . Mike is so well versed on so many levels. I'm sure if he wanted to, he could do upholstery work, too . And then he gets on that plasma table and gets it done . Renaissance man
Big Steve. This is cool man. I'm 70 and have been wrenching on cars and things my whole life so I relate to Mike. I look forward to my Sunday Bello's Customs fix. Big thumbs up to you guys.
me too.. top shelf, long as the cameraman isn't having fits with the camera... lol ... "the Blair Custom Hot Rod Channel" I can't do those channels
Where's carapilla?!?!?!
Big Steve you are killing it with your videography, very creative and smooth. You do a great job of capturing Mike’s unique personality. Keep it up!
Cool, thank you
Big Steve
I don't have a custom, I'm just a dreamer when it comes to that.
I watch your channel because I like watching people who have interesting and useful skills working... it's educational. Having watched other metal working shows, I immediately recognized you as a master of your trade, so I really enjoy watching you build and fix stuff.
Many thanks to you and Big Steve for the great content!
This guy does awesome work , love the builds. Man has real talents. Much respect!!👍
My first car was a 1947 Chevrolet Fleetline, two door sedan, lots of chrome, big back seat, got in trouble back there. I was 16 worked for my dad, Chevron gas station in a small-town northwest California. Pumping gas, sweeping floors, cleaning all the tools, wiping down all the glass oil bottles full of Zerolene. Learning how to "fix" things. Dad was a good teacher. Let me make mistakes and then showed me how to fix them. More importantly taught me responsibility and morals, what it means to be honest and humble. I love watching you use all the "modern" tools. But I still believe the key is being able to "see" what you want to do and then use the proper tools to accomplish that. Back in the day, Dad always said, use the right tool. Sometimes he would make one if needed. Love your videos, brings back memories of working with my Dad. He also worked hard and Party'd hard.
Steve, you described my teenage years to a tee. I had a 1947 Chevy Fleetline 2 door coupe, vacuum shift and all. My dad was a mechanic at the local Ford, Chevrolet and Lincoln Mercury dealers. We lived in a small town North of Atlanta, GA.
'I wanna get more tools but the shop just isn't big enough'. What every mechanic/kustom guy never has said!🤣🤣🤣 Truer words were never said!
Mike is a true builder and craftsman in the field of customizing old cars. His heart and focus is his genuine love for custom cars and it shows in his videos. I always look forward to watching a new video of Mike building custom cars. Real respect to Mike and his crew.
At 12 I worked in a transmission shop in hesperia California as a shop boy mopping cleaning learning shit it was there where I saw the LOWRIDER MAGAZINE. Got home and my mom got me my first subscription at 17 I bought my first car a 65 impala from there on it’s been a passion that has never stopped. Now at 45 I have my 54 Chevy 210 and a 53 3100 that me and my two boys are building. I’d just like to say Thank you Mike for sharing your knowledge and expertise to help the car building community do it the right way it’s very much appreciated:)
😂😅 love the “teachers Voice” 👊🏽🤙🏼
Watching Mike is not only interesting but it has been a real lesson to me. I started with my first custom when we used a torch and coat hangers to do our welding, and hammered out the welds when they were still hot. Man what a crap show against what Mike turns out today. A lot of us guys up here in Canada are real fans of Bello's Kustoms.
As a kid in the sixties I have always been into cars and working with my hands. Only recently have I gotten into hotrods and kustoms and now I look to Bello's Kustoms for inspiration. For me it has to be a driver. Cheers Mike, Big Steve for all you do
Mike has turned his quirk into a business, and is known for his work across the USA. IT IS COOL TO BE A QUIRKY KID. Just find your outlet. This is a story for ALL kids. Mike's LOKOCHON is a good quality to have for the work he does! It is an incessant drive (we sometimes call OCD) to recreate the beautiful curves and deep colors with sparkles in the paint, the stance, and all the other aspects of cars that caught his eye as a kid.
I like Mike because I too have that drive to create. I like to see what his mind comes up with during the process and what it takes for him to create the beautiful treasures he finishes. The coolest thing about this channel and Mike is the willingness and desire to teach! That comes from real love for the people that know him and care about what he does! National Treasure, homie! That's YOU!
¡Mike es una máquina!
Ive always been working on cars, you gave me the inspiration to start my own channel, as i want to show the younger people how fun cars can be, thank you for the inspiration
Love 30’s to late 60’s.Cars and pickups. First car was a 53 ford. 46 chevy pickup, 54 chevy two door, 53 chevy two door,50 chevy pickup.46 willy’s jeep is my latest project. My dream pickup is a 36 chevy low cab. I have been working on cars since I was 15 and I am 76 now.Mike you are true craftsman.Much respect. Love watching you build cars.☺️☺️☺️
I bought a 49 Ford Business Coupe in 1995 and played with it for a few years. I haven't touched it since 1997. I ran across Bello's Kustoms 3-weeks ago and have now watched every episode. Thanks to watching Mike I now have a renewed interest to start working on the 49 again. Thanks Mike for a great channel.
15 minutes , 30 minutes, 1 hour , 1 and a half or 2 hours I don’t care
It’s a real pleasure to watch MR bello at work
Mike, you are an inspiration. I’ll likely never match your expertise, but I’m going to keep trying. Thanks to you and Steve for sharing.
Came across mike's name in comments on another utube show 2 and a half weeks ago I'm 5 years late have been going through his back catalogue since in absolutely awe of his talent I love his no bull sh1t talk get to funking work hommie old school teaching power hammer on bro my new favourite car
Saw a 1947 chevy in junkyard and fell in love with it. Was 18 now 53 and starting on 41 buick. Gets in your blood and passion never ends😊
Bought my first car at 15 from my Uncle for 50 bucks a 64 Chevy Biscayne. Needed a complete brake system took care of that and had wheels at 16 the day I received my license. Since then love cars and fixing them up
Bello's Kustoms love the videos and beautiful work Everytime man 😎
This was another great Sunday special with Big Steve and Mike in the shop. Watching Mike work on these ranflas never gets old tu Sabes.
Lots of love and respect from Tejas! 💯🙏💪😁😎❤️
Mike your drivers are show cars by my standards. Love your work, talent and Sunday videos. Best utube channel.
How did we get in to old cars , old custom cars especially ? I got my first car the name year I got my Learners Permit to drive , in 1964 . It was a 1950 Chevy Business Coupe . I got into fixing cars up because I was broke . We lived 1/2 block off Whittier Blvd in ELA . Clean , old , lowered cars and cruising Whittier Blvd was a culture all on it's own . Our other cultures were girls , food and fix it tickets for being to low . It seemed like the L.A. County Sheriffs spent more time shining flashlights under your car to check for lowering blocks and heated springs than anything else . Thanks for all the great work . The cars you're doing now might get changed around a little , but they'll still be here in 50 years .
Whittier Blvd by Thee Midnighters !!! FDW!
@@JimS-m1e The Whittier Blvd scene will never die . It's changed a lot overall , but old cars sitting on the ground is still a big part of it . The food is still the best in the world and music from the 50's 60's is still being played . With guys like Mike around , we know the cars will get built , rebuilt and rebuilt again . I hope the whole thing goes on forever .
I really enjoyed today’s video! Thank you.
Yeah bro and people use to go for Sunday drives. You know get in your hooptie and drive to Malibu, Vanuys, Long Beach it didn't matter you just went maybe have lunch at the Big Boys or a drive in restaurant. Good times
Bello's is The Trophy!
I would love to see a tour of Mike's personal cars ✌
I like LocoChon confessing a feeling........ Give the gente some shop talk and his opinions about the carucha lifestyle! You know what I mean.......👊👍
Such a genuine person and it's easy to just sit back and listen. Great one on one!
Another incredible insight into the creative mind that is Mike Bello’s who’s genuine talent and imagination is truly brilliant
Mike when you started talking about being a visual guy, I was like your in my head, congrats on the 50000.
Keep up the kool work
Nice change of format "Bib Steve" love the banter, you're customizing video like Big Mike does his "cool" customs.
Ese Mike my wife and I are so inspired by your videos and work. Loving it from Midland -Odessa , Tejas. Since I was a kid I loved cars.My tio Andy Vasquez inspired a lot of good painters. I got into sign painting and now paint Kustom Kulture syle art,I would love to paint you something for your shop to hang on the wall. I'm building a 47 Dodge three Window Buisness Coupe with a 66 Coronet 383 / 727 combo.I bought a 1955 Studebaker Truck because of you.I have a 1964 Impala hardtop, I have a 1918 ford t bucket . I"m trying to get a 49 Mercury 4 door all original homie. Marco Gomez from Big Lake ,Texas is helping me. He's the builder of many famous cars also. Keep up the good work ese and holla at that Carapilla for me. My girl be crushing on that foo some times.
He's so right.
Make it safe, functional and to your own standards.
The more you do and try, the better you get, too.
Been doing this for 40 years and guys like Mike still keep me motivated.
I got into restoring my 1968 Volkswagen Double Cab after restoring a 1979 Westfalia. The double cab needed a new roof, a new nose, new floors, everything was rusted and blown out. It has taught me to love metal work and welding (still hate grinding).
How i got into customs (shirt version): my band got asked to play a custom car show, and I was introduced to this. I loved it. Bought a 60 ford falcon cause that's what I could get. That was 13 years ago... and I'm STILL working on it (tail end of the build though... doing the last of the custom shit)(the REAL fun stuff).
I got into mini trucks when i was 16, started a rat rod build when i was 19, built the frame and got it road worthy over 7 years. always been into lowering cars/ trucks. 1st kustom was i started bagging my buddy's 41 ford about a year ago. Got a lot of inspiration from your videos on how I did the suspension. Mustang II front suspension and a triangulated 4 link. One of these days I'll do a feature on my youtube of it. I think you would be proud of me for it! haha. Currently doing a 40s style traditional build on my 29 sedan. Heavy chop but banger powered.
I saw American Graffiti and the Merc and 58 Impala .. the yellow Coupe.. and i love the look of them all. BTW..love this channel!! Great stuff here.
Mike will you build a 32 hot rod again?
I saw one of ur old builds super clean !!!!!!
Love your work Mike
Have you ever done a Hudson
I have a 53 Super wasp coupe
The lines are bad ass but
I would dig a modern drive train
And brakes.
Much respect ,much respect a true craftsman! Thanks for bringing us along Mike@
Today’s by far this is my favorite episode A little Q and A with Mike while he’s working on the Ranfla.. when asked if Mike has a favorite car and year it has me curious about the tattoos on his fingers…1936 Ford..what’s the meaning of that.. If too personal I’ll understand.. just curious.. As always Big Steve great production on this one 💪🏽
Locochone you the man 😂
Good morning thanks for sharing your story with us Mike. I was 7 when my parents bought their first new car a 1970 Monte Carlo I got it in 1978 and been working on it ever since just did a LS swap
So is Carapila OK? We know his older & we are concerned. Well i like seeing the team.
Very cool 🤙 I have been building cars since my teens. I started out lowridin. I'd like to build a couple customs. Been collecting the last couple years. I have a 36 ford 5 window, a 39 merc, 40 Lasalle, 47 cad, 54 cad/merc among many others. Time to start chopping 🤙
OYE! BELLO'S THAT'S THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE OLD CARRITOS, WE ALL HEARD THAT ONE SAME OLD STORY! OH! YEAH! MY GRAMPA HAD ONE JUST LIKE THIS! OR THE OTHER ONE! I HAD ONE WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND I WRECK IT! PURA STORIA LOCAS! FROM BACK IN THE DAYS! QUE NO! ONE DAY BELLO'S! I'M GONNA WIN THE LOTTERIA AND SEND YOU MY 1939 CHEVROLET MASTER DELUXE 4 DOOR & MY 1953 CHEVROLET CLUB COUPE! AND HAVE YOU DO YOUR MAGIC! PERO ALL ORIGINAL! BOTH PAINTED BLACK STOCK! THIS 51 GONNA LOOK NICE, THAT LAST EPISODE WAS NICE, THE ROOF! THE WAY IT TURN OUT, IT WAS SOME BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP. SMOOTH! KEEP DROPPING THE NEW VIDEOS. THANK YOU!!!! ADIOS....
Great video Mike....Fun....As for me, a Gabacho I like mostly 1936 - 48. But Like you, I also enjoy mid 50's cars as well. Keep up the great work!!
I love hearing about the journey, that's what it's all about. Incredible talent, Thanks for expressing your desire. We can see the workmanship and detail, it's incredible. Love it all !!!
The spanglish lesson on Ruca was dope
Hey Mike, what ever happened to that chopped 1941 Plymouth you had in your shop a while back? Ive never seen you ever wrk on that one. Thats a dream car of mind and man you did ut perfectly Brotha!
Would love an update on that one,
Fo Sho! 👊❤️🤙
This vato is funny 😂. I subscribed and liked homie
Started with the car mags in Jr. High. 72 now 50 years in autobody and car building and still going. Doing floors one a 64 C-10 now
History is what gives those cars their worth, the thought of what may have happened in those cars including that one on the lift, how many marital fights, how many kidnappings or even hit and runs, drive by's etc... even what shady characters may have owned them.. I do work in Chicago homes and at times homes that belonged to mobsters in Oak Park and Pilsen, and I always wonder who may have been beaten or tortured in the basements, history again gives everything its worth..
History again sold for almost 2 million! ruclips.net/video/JTgMupq8IEk/видео.html
History again sells for almost $2 million.. ruclips.net/video/yHj9cq1tRcY/видео.html
Mike, I've been droolin on that 37 Packard for over a year now... I WANT THAT CAR!!!
Great vid Mike and Steve. I enjoy the shop talk and hearing mikes history. I got my love for all the old and giving them new life from my grandfather. He was always messing with something. And I too love even just looking at my old skools. I’ll sit in the shop pull the covers off and just sit and smile lookin at them when I can’t cruise. Keep up the good work fellas.🤙
El perfecto. Great episode. Where is carriplla?
Need to do a shop tour 😎
I'm a 53-56 Ford F100 guy! (Wife says I have too many) I love all well built cars. Just picked up a 30 Model A Tudor. Someone did a fairly good old school chop on it. Trying to decide to go flathead, or a 390 Cadillac I got sitting in the corner. You have the best Channel on RUclips! keep up the great work!.
First car 1967 Mustang. No money. Like you said one part at a time. Minimal tools. No summit or Jegs. Local stores with minimal hot rod parts. Lots of cleaning, polishing and fabrication. Today a 1966 Nova SS. Lots of tools and available parts. Still never enough money. Still have the same love and enthusiasm as I did on first car. Eventhough we like different cars I enjoy watching you go for it. You make what is really difficult look easy.
Mike has so much talent and really enjoy watching the videos of different projects.
I started in teenage years learning with Dad who also liked taking old cars and fix them up, welding rust, tune engines, brakes or whatever. He taught me how to weld, turning wrenches and most important advice = "Think outside the box how to solve a problem" Little later when searching for a job (17 years old) I had 2 offers..one for a roofing company and second as a Body-tech at a local dealer-ship..
As young and not much knowledge I asked Dad...which one should I take ? He responded "Son, cars been around for a long time and most will have some damage or rust..that means you will never be without a job"
So I picked the body-tech position.. didn't pay as much in the beginning as the roofing job but inside at least..learning something new except for welding that part Dad taught me.
Became a helper for a excellent old style body-tech who could fix anything with almost no special jigs, doing lead work, knock out dents that looked impossible to repair...I learned so much from him, and he had patience when I screwed up.. lol
Remember knocking out a large dent on a quarter-panel...checked with my hand back and fourth before spreading filler over the area..# 36 grit then filler...wait until it's hard and block & block..
Called the "Master" over to check my result...he took his hand slowly over my repair and said" Damn I almost broke my wrist" lol So I blocked and blocked, more filler...until it was straight..
Anyway..he was a great teacher, taught me frame-machine work, cutting cars in half that's been smashed bad in the front or rear, splice in a used section & how to set it up before welding the two together in a safe and strong way.
25 years of body-tech took a toll on my body,,but still miss it some days.
When I left school at sixteen on the Friday. My brother in law took me down to the local garage and on Saturday I started work there. I didn’t no what I wanted to do for work. But it worked out fine as I’d always been car mad. My dad had a big photo album he brought back from Bermuda. And looking at those cars and old black and white films. I think that was it. But I’d never thought of working on cars. Funny how life has a plan for you. Take care big Steve and Mike. What did you decide on for lunch.?
My Dad was a Drag Racer in the 70's and early 80s Sacramento Dragway ,Sears Point ,and Pomona were the three tracks but all those wild cars is what got me into Customs especially the guys running 60s style
These videos help you understand the ideas behind the car builds and how Mike's business has evolved from working on cars at his home to his kustom car shop today.
Nice work as always. Love watching. Cheers Mike & Camara man.good shit.😅.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever, can't remember who said it but they were right.
Hell yeah bro! Makes me wanna go out and work on some shit. Same, I love fixing stuff up or bringing things back to life. Used to take things apart when I was a kid and surprisingly was able to put stuff back together and have them work still. Hasn’t stopped. Much love from Midwest.
The reason is simple. Classic is better and driving with class and being your self is lokochooon! Haha mad respects to Mike desde watsonville California
Dad rodded his’20’s-30’s. My 1st was a ‘56 210 hardtop my sophomore year. Left the body stock but in 1967, I hit the wrecking yard and got total running gear from a 67 396 SS Malibu and the addiction was on..
Thx Guys
Look forward to seeing your wrk all week.
Love and Respect 👊❤🤙
Such a great video! Thank you!
My first car was a ‘56 Packard. Rebuilt the engine and was working on making it a custom. Drew a bunch of pics on how I wanted it to come out but the trans was bad, and in 1978 there weren’t options like now. Too much of a project so I got a ‘65 Riviera. Now that car oozes class. Painted it Lincoln blue in our garage. Good way for my dad to have me clean out the garage. Was beautiful. Moved to Vegas and got t-boned a couple days after. Have 3 Rivis now, two stock ‘63 and a custom ‘65. Was a minute from buying two ‘37 Packards right but they had sold right before I went to strike. That grill is my fav…. Keep up the fun how-tos Mike.
No exaggeration mike Bello is the best to ever do it hands-down the most talented car builder I’ve ever seen there is no reason he should not be at 250 K followers or 1 million followers as long as he posts episodes every week I definitely see it happening. I share Mr. Bello’s videos Every chance I can. Love goes out to the Locochons !!!!! Clean, clean, pinky ring !!!
Great job and Video Mike and Steve Good questions
My first kustom was a parts car I bought from my Pop's for $50.00 buck's a 1968 4 door Toyota carona. Late 80s
Didn't have a ---- Cherry Picker ---- at the time ----- Used an old Block n Tackle under the 'Ol Apple Tree to pull out an old six cylinder out of a '41 Chevy Coupe ----- Those were the days ----- Thanks Mike for all you do -------- It's GREAT ---- just listening to you ------ Hope everyone there has a ---- Good Week ----------- Rodney
We're watching from Australia. Absolutely love everything Bello's kustoms.
My grandfather and father were mechanics. It's in my blood - and my heart.
Been to the US 6 times and we have American cars here.
We build them to drive and enjoy. Not for anyone's approval 🙏🙏🙏.
Grateful for your time
I have some old cars and I have been working on them for many years. I have learned a lot about details and the proper way to do things. I appreciate your sharing your talent with us. It keeps me going on my projects. Thank you
Love the customs bro. OLD, new, retorted, modified it does not matter. Just love to create and revive. Always wanted to build something cool. Could only afford to get into now in my 50s. Got 76 F100, dropped body, lowered, toyota hilux chassis, lexus v8 motor. Bought it in 2015, Just got it mobile few days ago. Still a lot to do. I am loving every minute of the build. Doing all the work myself...from South AFRICA
So, question for Mike
What's it like getting these cars registered in Calif? I don't see any smog shit. Don't they have to get smog inspected?
How about rust protection? What do you like?
Do you generally go out for lunch or grill something at the shop?
What was that surf music at the end? Good shit.
As a British mechanic I work Monday to Friday for money and weekends for love on my own shit or things I chose ...
I really enjoy watching you work, Mike. You are so knowledgeable and well-rounded. You do every aspect of the build. Most guys don’t have that kind of knowledge in building.
Hey…when I was a little kid (7 or 8 years old) my parents took me to our city’s annual Rods n Relics show. I was hooked on all the cars! Especially, the kustom cars! Each car had its own unique style and I wanted one👌🏻
Mike, your my Hero Man! No shit, with all seriousness. Your so inspirational for me and sure hundreds of other dudes building cars. Your a true craftsman and an artist! Thanks for your videos and keep them coming.
You’re an inspiration Mike . I’ve been working on cars since the early 80’s . I’ve had my own shop for 3 years now. It ain’t easy … keep on grinding
Love the channel.no room in my garage for a show car , if it’s not a driver it’s not for me
Great episode, learned more about Mike which is cool. My current ride is a 56 Chevy Bel Air resto-mod. LS1, 700 R4 and 9 inch ford 3:70 rear. Sold a 40 ford Tudor sedan to buy the 56. Been interested in cars since I was 16. Enjoy watching, maybe one day I'll stop by the shop? Long ride from Connecticut though....
Growing up on the east coast. Visiting the west coast in the 80s. Seeing the Mexican low riders. Wow the paint. People never got it in Ohio.
Great shop talk Mike. Keep sharing with your viewers. 100k right around the corner for sure!
Another great video mike I'd love to come out to Cali and wow with you for awhile I love watching you work you don't miss a beat.
Using the plasma table and making those mountings certainly adds a level of professionalism not seen in a lot of builds. Love your work Mike, keep it sweet.
Nice work Mike.
My ride is a 50 Studebaker shortbed pickup that I built from 3 junkers behind a body shop. Built a 454 chevy and a turbo 400 for it, a friend gave me a dana 60 posi axle for it with 4.10 gears, I changed the gears to 3.23 for better top speed, has 4-link coil over suspension, front axle and springs are stock but I put disc brakes from a 72 cadillac on the spindles, Monroe air shocks help with the 454 weight. Runs good, drives good. I built it 3 years ago when I was 63...................
Love watching him do his thing, I guess I'm a 37 ' guy if I had to pick a year i have 2 Packards both 37 alotta history went down that year keep up the good work with the smile and laughs hey what's for lunch
Your right Mike, old is cool. I'm old that's why I'm cool too 🙂. I bought my first car for $35.when I was 15. It was a 1950 Ford business coop V8 flathead, three on the tree. I think of that car almost every day. I wish I still had it. Those were the days my friend 😊!
I’m all about the lines of a car. The designer vision of how the lines come together. Pre war are the best. No cooking cutter like today. Don’t like garage queens. Build it to drive is my passion. When I see a garage queen I think, no, he has to protect it and wax it all the time. He doesn’t want to drive it because he might damage it or get it dirty. Not my cup of tea. Today’s video was an excellent concept on diving into Mike’s psyche. Brought me back to my time with my father as a 10-year-old working in the garage on our 54 Ford station wagon. Thanks again for the great work.
Tell you a one way to put it.
Old cars are like old music oldie bagoti's.
Cool sweet.👨🔧🪚🔨😎🤙🏽🤘🏽🤟🏾..
From the baro.🤟🏾🙋🏽♂️