People go down to his shop and wander around during lunch when no work is going on. I did that once. Chip was there along with his wife, who I didn't know at the time. My friend and I were about to go have lunch next door at a little cafe and I asked Foose if he wanted to get a bite.
Kinda screwed the pooch on that one not knowing his wife was standing in the same room.
He declined, of course. The shop was not overrun with people but there were a dozen or so wandering in and out. The shop was messy and full to the gills. They were just about the move into a newer and bigger shop down the street.
Right around the corner is Erik Hansson's place, Scandinavian Street Rods. Erik builds 32 Fords and has a big reputation. He came over from Sweden after establishing a pretty big hot rod business there. He has a huge European clientele. But he says he's here in Huntington Beach because that's where it all happens.
A lot of it does.
A clip from
Rod and Custom:
"He's [Chip Foose] one of the most well-known car designers in the USA and has created big winners for his customers, including eight Grand National Roadster Show winners and three Ridler winners. Now he is building a war bird-looking hot rod for himself.
It all started a couple of years ago when Chip got an old stock '32 chassis from his dad, Sam, who had updated a '32 coupe for a customer with a complete new chassis. Chip had a little plan to build a '32 for himself, but the chassis was nearly too nice to cut up. After talking to Erik Hansson at nearby Scandinavian Street Rods, the problem was solved because Erik wanted the stock chassis, and to get it he would build a new old-looking chassis for Chip."
Read more:
1932 Ford Coupe - Classic Ford Hot Rod - Rod And Custom Magazine