Pete Santini: Custom Painter Extraordinaire

Automotive painter Pete Santini is a legend in the custom paint world. Starting out as a kid helping out his father, he worked long hours to perfect his craft and settled into a rhythm of trying to make the next job better than his last.
On this episode we sit down and talk about how he did motorcycle dealer work without their knowledge when he was fourteen and how meeting journalist Jeff Smith, truly put him on the map. Pete talked about working on crazy projects, his father's inspiration and his many painting heroes that helped him keep his focus...
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Hosted by Brad King
Directed by Brad King
Written by Brad King
Music:
Momentum
Ender
Rock Slide
Nikolai Zizenko
Off Road Warrior
LNDO
Petalstone
Cody Martin

[@derrekjohnson777]

My favorite all time custom painter. One hell of a cool guy

[@chipchandler695]

Thanks for getting this one, Brad! I’ve loved Pete’s work for years!

[@legacymonument206]

His family lived across the street from me in Cypress, he used to drive that green Firebird by occasionally. He even allowed me to work for him for a little while at age 16. It was a privilege to be around all those cars and Pete's amazing talent. He is an awesome guy.

[@joseywales3789]

What an Amazing person Pete Santini is.... I remember the Magazines back in the late 80's early 90's with the Boyd wheels and the Santini paint. Total Artist and one of my Heroes 😁👍

[@papasmodelcarroom8450]

DAM!!!! Another awesome awesome interview with one of the absolute best custom printers.

[@paulstoll2145]

Love you man! Great interview, I did not know you had that Italian temper!!! Noe I am afraid and will not copy your work anymore.....

[@MrHammonds526]

I got to go with you into your new building, dang that was some time ago. Best place I have ever worked. Thanks for all the teaching. Pete you are the best in my book.

[@HammanD152]

Pete is the real deal! Besides being a custom painter, he is a great drummer! I use to mix with him on the drums and he could lay it down!

[@cookiemobers5650]

My brother, his best friend, hung around the shop back in the 80s. Robert Drury was my brother, and his friend was Steve Martin. They painted my brother's 64 El Camino at the shop. I believe Pete was at my brother's funeral. I always think about Pete when I see a custom car in SoCal. Good Memories.

[@zmotorsports62]

Great interview. I have followed Pete's work throughout the 80's and 90's when I was learning paint & body work. I am a mechanic who taught himself to do paint & body and was always trying to learn from the industry leaders such as Pete Santini. Most of those magazine articles that you posted were ones that I had and wore the pages out on drooling over his work. Thank you. Mike

[@aiccorp6001]

Other than a few more gray hairs, Petie doesn't age. He's still a funny , kind , great hearted man and mentor to many.

[@wfoguy]

Another great interview. Mr. Santini and I are the same age. We share reflections of our youth and our surroundings. The insight into his life story is very interesting. Being in the right place and time is so important to many stories. The accidents in life determine the outcome for many of us. :)

[@chuckechmalian908]

Great job pete. maybe Lunch some day. Chuck

[@stephenlea5765]

Thanks for the interview! The magazines helped me follow Pete’s work over the years.

[@markbrown-us4xe]

Back when we would water down the paint booth and have wet boots all day. Stocking hat and sticky arms. Fun stories and a Boss that can paint.

[@Moonracey1]

Absolutely cool interview, being born in Torrance and growing up in Carson before moving to NC in 97. I was a huge car guy and hotrodder. And always knew of Pete Santini and his paint. So this was really cool to learn of his history and you can absolutely tell hes a So-Calif guy. And I have to agree about some of the very coolest canvases to lay paint on and let incredible colors flow are on Hot Boats and of course the Funny Cars. But super appreciate the this interview iui ew Thank you it was awesome.