Mike Ness And His Cars

Mike Ness from Social Distortion has many old cars and hot rods. He loves to customize them. Black Kat Kustoms was founded by Mike Ness, leader of the legendary Social Distortion, in 2003 to extend his creative passion and counter culture attitude to the world of clothes, cars and bikes. Ness is known for his music but his day to day life has long centered around hot rods, customs, bikes and choppers. Black Kat combines the same dissatisfaction with the mainstream that drew Ness to the likes of Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones and the punk rock movement with the hard work and sweat he's been putting into his garage for years. This is not a hobby, it's a way of life.
When Ness was attending Troy High School in Fullerton, CA, there was one thing that kept him in class and that was the chance to do graphic arts - he hated everything else. Now when it comes to designing and building, the Black Kat Kustoms approach is just like he writes a song - totally self indulgent. Every detail of a Black Kat product reflects his personal ideals and rebellious spirit. Read more at www.blackkatkustoms.com
Song is "I'm In Love With My Car" by Mike Ness (Audio is edited; half step down) I do not own these pictures or the songs. For entertainment purposes only.

[@dirtyvet5404]

All these years later and found this video. I have a deep respect for Mike and his band. I agree with Mike on the love of vintage anything from the days when products were built to last and with style. the 30's 40's and early 50' were great as Mike said. Even after becoming a rock legend he remained (humble &) true to his roots sporting vintage style clothes. The (Dickie's) Apollo Muffler Shop jacket he wore in a live concert was a classic.

[@shawnkimball5287]

i love everything about mike ness. ive loved mike ness since i first saw another state of mind in 85. hes got the best taste in just about everything. yes mike ness is my hero. and he can do no wrong. every little change in his music has been about his love for it.

[@kustomhooligans]

I got t see SXDX for the first time in 2001 and got to meet Mike watch their sound check, I now of maybe 5 ppl there. After their set. I brought over my 1966 Epiphone Casino and asked him to sign it. He says to me "Kill that cigarette bro, you're killin me." And he waves his hand in front of his fave as if to wave the non-existent smoke away. Then, ten minutes later, I see him standing on stage, tuning his guitar and HE'S SMOKING A FUCKIN CIGAR! It reminded me of the scene from Man on the moon with Jim Carrey as Andy Cauffman as Tony Cliffton and he makes everyone extinguish their smoking materials, then comes out smoking a cigar! "HEY, I PAID TEN BUCKS FOR THAT!!!"

[@johnfiskin4188]

I doubt mike customized these cars. He might have tinkered like we all do, but this is a high level of customization that only someone doing it for years could do.

[@Dooshtv]

Hes been doing for 25 plus years black kat customs its his

[@LySTER138]

+david C he's right dude, Cole did his 54 bel air.

[@LySTER138]

+david C Cole foster and the salinas boys.

[@hawaiialoha9084]

AWESOME! NICE WORK.💥🏁

[@michaelschneider4701]

Badass, thanks for sharing! Makes me wish I never sold my 54 belair

[@MrMeAndMyDogs]

Mike ness is my fucking hero, always was. Since the first time i heard sickboy

[@rogerkelley8882]

I. Love. Mike nes. And his cars. Kasey Leigh Kelley ❤

[@stevecoronado8608]

Those pictures of the Pontiac is when I owned it. The car was originally owned by Eric Maaske who then sold it to Ness. I purchased it from Mike back in 95. I miss that car. If anyone knows the whereabouts of the 55 Pontiac, please let me know.

[@gregggarner7752]

Nice job. Thanks for that.

[@eddiemontes3952]

The 54 chevy was done by Cole foster of Salinas Boyz

[@sashafeatherston7185]

That is quite cool but also made me laugh my ass off!!!!

[@adamfindlay7091]

Mercury? Buick, Ford, Desoto?

[@taddricketts7921]

Seen him in Laguna, quite a bit, used to see him in orange, all you have to do is keep your eyes open and keep yer distance, plenty of "Interesting" people in the 5 Counties of SC

[@bonessixtyone]

I never saw his 60 Impala coupe?

[@mustangtony2933]

the '54 was really nice. I kinda cringed when they chopped the '36 Ford.

[@tds909]

Cole foster did the work on Mike's cars

[@LySTER138]

True, Cole also did Kirk hammetts 36 ford. Them Salinas boys got bitchin skills!

[@kustomhooligans]

Cole Foster is a great builder but Mike's had cars done by other people since his 2 cars done by Cole. I think the reason was there's people who do work that's just as nice for less, spend $45,000 to restore a car instead of $90,000. His prices may be lower now that the whole "discovery channel" b.s. notoriety and over night "master builder" bullshit is DEAD. Not to discredit the men and women who are TRUE to their craft and put the time in but it got ridiculous for a while there. I've been in the car & motorcycle industry for 18 years and came in about 2 years before the whole scene exploded and next thing I know, there's shops popping up all over the country and people are calling themselves Master Bike & Car Builders when they can assemble a kit bike but cannot true a set of 74" flywheels or even know how to use a timing light or adjust drum brakes. You cant be a master of something if you haven't mastered all aspects. Sorry for the rant lol Good times, anyway!

[@TokyoBlue587]

Black Kat Kustoms shop

[@sonnyramone3545]

Cole Foster is a GOD...