DUCK TAILS, FLAT TOPS AND CAR CLUB FRIENDS
From the early 50’s to the early 60’s was the decade of where teenage boys either belonged to a car club or wished they did. Southern California and particularly the Long Beach and South Bay areas were the hotbeds of activity.
The very different neighborhoods, (race, social and economic) factors determined the direction of the clubs activities and the style of their car customizations. Lead sleds, low riders and old Chevrolets were common place in the poorer Mexican and white cities. Areas in and around Long Beach like Paramount, Artesia, Lynwood, Compton, Bellflower and Wilmington all had not one, but several different clubs.
Nicer neighborhood clubs seemed to have newer cars or older, highly customized hot rods. Engine swaps or high performance engine rebuilding was something the low riders wished for, but often just settled with loud mufflers and a split manifold. The better off club members were attracted to both…