Renegades’ Roll Out The Rock n Roll Carfest

Rock n Roll moves like this are part of any hot rod scene

By Mark Humphrey

Altona, Vic/Aus. 30^th September 2014. Hundreds of local car enthusiasts got to showcase their machines last weekend at the 4^th Westside Autorama Car & Bike Show proudly promoted by the Renegades’ Hot Rod & Custom club.Prized customised rods were on show at Autorama

Cars from all areas of motoring were on display along with a handful of bikes which included some outrageous custom designs. Trade stands were scattered amongst the machines in both the indoor and outdoor static displays. Clothing specialists from the “ERA” displayed a vast variety of stock while the kids enjoyed their own time in the sun away from the hustle and bustle of the show.Two of the best modified bikes you will come across were on displat at Autorama

Standing at the entrance monitoring the day’s events was club president Ray along with his right hand man Allan. I caught up with these two fine gentlemen and asked what their thoughts were on the day. I started by asking Vice-president Allan about spectator numbers “well we’re not sure yet but early indications are that we’ll exceed last year’s numbers. We had more than a 1000 people go through the doors last year and it looks to be better this year” he said. He added “it’s the only car show held in the venue which is a feather in the cap for the club having put together 3 prior shows”. He went on to say “we have really good raffles, interesting trade stands, a photo both and of course Rock n Roll dancing. About ½ dozen car clubs also support the event which is why we think the Westside Autorama Car & Bike Show is in a healthy state” he said. Like most custom rod events a charity is usually the benefactor of proceeds with this event no exception. Allan noted that the Ronald McDonald charity would benefit from the proceeds of the day’s monster raffle.Renegades' top men. Ray (right) and Allan are all smiles as the fans just kept rolling in.

Turning to Ray, I asked him about the health of the sport and his vision “yes we are now recognised as a sport which is long overdue” he said. Ray added “the club has been going for 30 years now and this year’s event is as good as we have had here. It’s just getting bigger and bigger. We also try to push the Rock n Roll a bit as part of the culture” he said. Just reflecting on the culture I asked Ray about the changes he had seen in the industry of the past 30 years “well in the 80’s & 90’s the youth weren’t into the rock n roll but these days it seems to be the younger generation that have embraced the dance. We have a lot of guys and girls importing cars now and with the registration laws relaxed with regards to left hand drive it’s easy for someone to go hot rodding now a days” he said. Ray also noted that the ‘mid-life crisis’ played a big part in the sport with many purchasing their first vehicle during this period.

Every year for the last 49 the Victorian Hot Rod & Custom Show has been held in Melbourne with car clubs from all over Australia invited to participate in constructing a theme for their static display. The Renegades’ Hot Rod & Custom Club has taken out the award for the best designed theme 4 years running which included a moonshine whiskey theme and a merry-go round theme complete with cars on a merry-go round. This year the event celebrates 50 years and the Renegades’ are planning something very special for their static display. “I can’t say what the theme is going to be for the event but believe me it is going to be something special” he said with a broad smile on his face.

Any way you look at it, the hot rod scene is definitely a way of life for some folk. It’s a culture that is infectious and by the looks of it also enjoyable. Whether it’s the president of a club or a general spectator everyone is beaming with life it seems and none more than King Pin Kuztums clothing company owner Rob Bellio.KingPin Kuztums owner Rob Bellio in front of one of the selections for best car.

Being a sponsor of the Renegades’ Westside Autorama Car & Bike Show I asked Rob what the attraction was with the Westside Autorama show. “Well we like to support the industry that supports us. Although we are more the 60’s greaser style outfit we certainly do have interest in the hot rodding culture” he said. Rob went on to say “we like to work with the hot rod clubs and although we  promote our own events we certainly support the industry on equal terms and the renegades’ boys have a neat event going on here which I’m more than happy to support’ he said.

A quick look at Rob’s trade stand instantly gives you the impression that the company has been around for decades. Displaying clothing that dates back in time I asked Rob about his journey down this path “yeah we once supplied wedding cars and at the end of the stint we would hand out some t-shirts as a mark of thanks for their business and from there it has grown quickly to what you see before you” he said.

Considered a minnow in the clothing retail sector Rob has carved out a niche little market in the space of 18 months. Catering for the greaser/gangland style look of the 50’s and 60’s Rob designs and manufactures his own product and distributes the product across Australia and into some international markets. Guys and gals looking to start up their own gang head directly to Rob to get kitted out in the latest designed gang warfare type of clothing. “Nothing is offensive or abusive in our range. If half a dozen mates or girls want to start a gang they can come to us for clothing inspirations” he said. Rob added “we’re trying to re-created that 50’s & 60’s culture where mates got around in gangs all dressed up in the same gear. It’s not like the gang culture of today by any means’ he said.Rob and wife Lam (left) have a unique lifestyle  designing and producing 'greasy gear'

Indeed if you take a look at the range it’s easy to recognise the culture in the branding which is something that has propelled Rob’s vision into the spotlight. Having just signed an exclusive USA deal which will see his products distributed through 27 US based outlets, the future looks rosy for the clothing company with additional future projects also ear marked for early 2015.

Currently operating out of Dandenong Rob has plans to open a greaser style shop incorporating a pool shop, pinball & arcade machines, tattoo & art parlour, hair dresser and of course a retail outlet for his clothing brands which will include jeans and shoes soon to be added to the collection. “I just want to create an old school café style shop were you can come in dressed one way and leave dressed looking completely different. Somewhere to grab a game maybe a couple of drinks and just hang-out” he said. Sounds like a scene out of American Graffiti and maybe Rob should have been born into that era rather than today’s scene. Nevertheless Rob has a vision for his business and no doubt a lifestyle which we all could easily harness.

Plenty of trade stands including the girls from Black Cherry added to the atmosphere of the event.

King Pin Kuztums have their own show set for Saturday night the 7^th of Feb at Roxburgh Park. The night will include live bands, food and merchandise stands and of course hot rod and street machines. More than 2000 cars rolled out for their last event so a big turnout is expected in Feb.

For more details on Renegades’ Hot Rod & Custom Club go to: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006366188951&fref=ts

For more details on KingPin Kuztums events and their clothing lines go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kingpin-Kuztums-Clothing-Ink/285108008248606

Images from the day