Rex Rod and Chassis
Form follows function
Sometimes I have a little time, sometimes I like to visit the people I love and admire , sometimes I love seeing my friends succeed. The road for Rex rods has been a very long and winding one with even a time when most thought they would never see it again. I won't talk about the old days or what brought Rex back , but only whats happening now.
I met Keith years ago on assignment for Ryan from the HAMB, I was sent up to shoot some photos of his best friend and show off what he was up to and to get shots of the Glass slipper a known dragster from way back. Thats where I met this man and our relations started. He had a sectioned off area behind his father Verns shop where he would build a few cars here and there and get motors together. It was very low key and just my speed nestled in the wine grapes of northern California.
Years have gone by now and Keith found himself in Austin TX , much closer to his friend and brother Ryan Cochran. What brought him there in the grand scheme of things is family. Not only his immediate family but the cast of characters that call Keith a friend. It was a twisty road to get where he is now and things dont work out the way we plan because sometimes there are plans for you that you don't know about. This brings me to standing on the doorstep of greatness outside Austin Tx on a little farm road.
Just down this farm road on the road to many tiny towns the best landmark I can think of is a limestone quarry and thats about where you have to turn. When in there the only sign you might see is a large M for Martin Brothers , which you may recognize for their TV show on Velocity channel , great group of people. If you go a little further into the proerty you'll find another unmarked metal building and thats where I stood , wondering if anyone was there . Knocking and thinking everyone was on lunch I decided to take the plunge and walk on in and thats when I was greeted by my pal Keith. The shop is huge and extremely organized, it was Keiths, all his and an essence of him. It is Rex Rods and Chassis, back by demand.
Mr. Tardel is one of the best engine builders I know , if I had the fun tickets I would surely send them his way if I actually had a vintage engine I wanted to make power. one day Im sure I will make the call but for now id have to keep daydreaming. I walked in as he was pulling apart a HEMI for a customer for checking out and refreshing as it was a fresh motor that had been left out in the cold. On deck were a few flatty mills done and ready to assemble. Also was one of his new products I totally love and cherish the engine plate for a flatty. Simple and works.
Out in the shop was Arnettes newly finished sedan, a few coupes one of which is Acme Johns that is just about completed now , a bonneville car getting put back on the street and a managere' of parts and machines for work.
Rex has had its ups and downs since I saw the first ad in Garage magazine#1 years ago. It landed in Texas and is here to stay.
