Day 1 - Let's Do This!!

Day 1
Today is the day I get all hooked up for the next 30 days with a live feed EKG on my heart.
On one hand I am grateful for the answers, as I've had a heart attack at 28 (nearly a decade ago), and recently I've had some pretty bad bouts of what seem to be electrical issues that spiral into much more.  My life has literally been altered the last few months because of complications. My cardiologist felt this was a life altering situation I'm in, and we need to get it figured out and under wraps as soon as possible. We've exhausted all other options and testing. So today, my next journey begins. It's going to be a pain to wear these wires and monitors. It's going to annoy the shit out of me and make me feel like I'm going crazy. But I know it's a medical necessity, and we need these answers to move forward with treatment or a procedure. Today, I am full of anxiety, a little scared of what we will eventually find, and honestly I'm just freaking out internally.  But, like everyday, I've been trying to keep my cool.

I've decided to do a daily blog for the next 30 days to write about it so I don't lose my sanity. It's something.  I also know my dark sense of humor and incorrigible behavior will undoubtedly take over. It's always my coping mechanism when shit gets deep.

So far I'm about 6 hours in and I'm managing to hook the two communicating/reporting devices up to my clothing without dropping them in the toilet when Mother Nature calls. I've pulled the wires by accident multiple times... I'm not looking forward to bedtime, for reasons I shall not mention here. Yet. Ha!

  ~ Kandi

Car Kulture Continues

Valentine's Day is bittersweet for me, as it's the anniversary of my fathers death in 2009. I give much if my automotive roots to my dad, Ken Cooper (1942-2009). Coop, as many knew him by, loved car kulture! He enjoyed installing some wild mod tops back in the day. He also enjoyed the art of lacing on vehicles, smoke patterns imbedded in dashes with an old torch, metal flake, pin striping, and the list goes on. I don't think there was anything he couldn't build or customize.

The past couple of years I've rekindled my love for the kulture as well. The art and expression individuals display with their iconic hot rods and muscle cars intrigues me beyond measure. I find it beautifully reflective of ones personality.  I've felt that way since I was a kid, and without my moms knowledge or permission, i would borrow her nail polishes so I could add stripes on the hoods and sides of my HotWheels cars.

Those that know my style see the kulture tribute in a recent build. And yet I'm still craving to learn one art that Dad would do, but I want to go above and beyond.  His shop chair would often have me sitting and spinning in it, or I'd be rolling around on the creeper when he needed me to stay clear.  When his pinstriping brushes came out, I would slowly roll towards him and watch in awe. Silence would take over the garage as he crouched down, leaned in, and braced his hand with the other. Often he'd have a big stogie hanging out of his mouth while he puffed away and begin his art of intertwined painted lines.

There were one or two times my dad would let me touch his pinstriping brushes and it was with careful guidance and a close eye. He treated them like tiny treasures that were irreplaceable if I went against the grain. I get it now.

One of his last remaining and well used brushes popped up in the hot rod shop the other day. It was a heartwarming reminder of time spent with him and his variety of automotive skills. I held the wooden handled brush in my fingers and rubbed the worn areas from years of use. A smile came over my face and ideas of what I would like to do with pinstriping rushed through my mind. Every once in a while when something like this happens, I can't help but feel that it's Dad letting me know his energy is still around, and though he's gone, he is still pushing me to follow my heart and pursue my dreams. Learning to pinstripe and letter has always been one of them. Thanks for the friendly nudge and reminder, Dad.

Kandi Blaze Cooper
2017

Kandi's Event Schedule 2017

As I began the drive home this evening, I took notice that the sun was setting just a tad bit later in the evening. Since the Winter Solstice, the days are now growing longer, and so we begin to approach the upcoming Spring & Summer months that we as gear heads and car enthusiasts crave and dream about.

Yes, car season is fast approaching. I can already hear the sounds echoing through garages as engines are tuned and the preparations begin for shows, dream cruises, and of course, racing. I even find myself spending more time than usual in the hot rod shop, working late hours, fixing bugs on common issues during an overhaul or mod-resto, and making sure she runs smoothly. Maybe on occasion I crack the garage door open, crank the Nova over, bring the rpms up a bit, and simply sit there and enjoy the build and dream of upcoming adventures. My senses are pleased with the site in front of me, the sound rumbling through the shop walls, and the smell of one badass street machine.

With all that being said, it’s time we released dates and scheduled events for those fantastic months! This year my schedule has filled very quickly with a variety of guest appearances, co-hosting, mc work, vendor spots, sponsorships, judging, and even some automotive classes and demonstrations. I still have a few available dates if you’d like to have me attend your event. Please feel free to message me or shoot an email to kandiblaze@yahoo.com and we can discuss details.

Below is an updated list as of 1/22/2017 of shows, dates, and information pertaining to Kandi Blaze’s scheduled events and appearances:

* February 11th & 12th: Chazziz DJ Service 8th Annual Indoor VALENTINE’S DAY Car Show at Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH. Kandi will be a featured guest and mc, along with the official unveiling of the ‘Atomic Fireball’, the 72 Chevy Nova – full off the subframe mod-resto. There will also be a Kandi's Kustoms llc Hot Rod Shop vendors booth and Taz from the Sketch Pad will be there too! Kandi will be bringing her choice award for one lucky registered attendee. To view the official show/event details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/chazziz/
* March 17th, 18th, and 19th: Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto - Rama in Cleveland, OH. Kandi will be located in the Concourse area (lower level) in spot 2611 with the ‘Atomic Fireball’, the 72 Chevy Nova – full off the subframe mod-resto. Red Vixen pinup model with Pretties for Pitties, a non-profit organization, will also be in the Concourse area. To view the official show/event details, please visit: http://www.pistonpowershow.com/
* April 1st: Kandi’s Annual Birthday Bash. Location to be announced.
* June 3rd: TRADITION Rod & Kustom Show at Quaker Steak & Lube in Milford, OH. Show is put on by Taz from The Sketch Pad. Kandi will be a guest MC, pin up judge, and have a Kandi’s Kustoms llc vendors booth on site with the ‘Atomic Fireball’, the 72 Chevy Nova – full off the subframe mod-resto. Kandi’s Kustoms hot rod shop will also be sponsoring a trophy and Kandi will bring one of her special choice awards too! To view the official show/event details, please visit:https://www.facebook.com/events/711044592395878/
* June 23rd & 24th: Highway Hellions Bootleggers Bash at Lake Wapusun Campground in Shreve, OH. Kandi will be there assisting with multiple aspects of this two event, including the Pin Up contest to announce the next Ms Bootlegger. Kandi’s Kustoms llc will also be a sponsor , have a vendor booth onsite, and Kandi will bring a choice award. To view the official show/event details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1186962474755710/
* July 8th: Ashland Downtown Dream Cruise and Car Show on Main Street in Ashland, OH. Kandi will be at this annual show in her hometown showing and accompanying a variety of vehicles done by Kandi’s Kustoms llc. Kandi’s Kustoms will also help sponsor a couple of trophies that Kandi will hand out. To visit the official show/event details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Ashland-Downtown-Dream-Cruise-and…/
* July 22nd: 4th Annual Kandi's Kustoms HOT ROD SHOP Cruise In for the Ashland Fire- Local 1386. This years event will be located at Kandi’s Kustoms llc – 500 Virginia Ave., Ashland, OH. Kandi hosts her hot rod shops annual event every year. This year the event will be held at the shop, have music, a Lil Miss Blaze contest and tons more! To view the official show/event details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/235612956881890/
* July 29th: 7th Annual Piston Jammers C.C PANTY RAID in Lambertville, MI. Kandi will be there assisting with the Miss Panty Raid 2017 Pin Up contest. Kandi’s Kustoms llc Hot Rod & Restoration Shop is a proud sponsor and will also have a booth onsite. Kandi will be presenting her choice award. This is a one-of-a-kind show of epic proportions. Red Vixen & Pretties for Pitties will be onsite and is a proud sponsor too! To visit the official show/event details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1633735249973657/

List will be updated accordingly. Stay tuned!!!

Chevy Nova with a Custom Kandi Blaze Red

We've given you sneak peaks of the 1972 Nova on multiple live feeds but for those of you asking, here is a video from about 2 weeks ago before the chrome reassembly began. Please note that video and images do not do this incredible ride any true justice!
COLOR:
Kandi Blaze Red - a custom quad color designed by Kandi with metal flake and pearl overlay. Adorned with painted SS stripes and airbrushed flames.
PLEASE READ:
This 14 month, off the sub-frame modresto by Kandi's Kustoms LLC is now in the final stages of reassembly. The exterior is now finished and we are beginning the installation of interior trim today and next week.
CREDITS:
Lead Body Tech - Kandi Blaze & Rob McCrea
Refinishing - Kandi Blaze
 Painter - Thomas Thompson
Airbrush Artist (flames) - Taz from The Sketch Pad
Special thanks to Jenna Krupar and Cheyenne Johnson for their help during teardown and the initial start on the body.

"It takes a team to build a dream!" ~ Kandi Blaze

Official unveiling takes place during Valentine's Weekend at the 8th Annual Valentine's Car Show in Wilmington, OH put on by Chazziz DJ Service. Kandi is a guest feature at the event and will be unleashing this beautiful Atomic Fireball to the public!

Become a fan of Kandi's Kustoms Hot Rod & Restoration Shop: www.facebook.com/KandisKustoms

The Loss of an Automotive Legend

It was two years ago at the 28th Street Metro Cruise outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan that I met the man that was one of my biggest inspirations and car idles since I was a small child.  Pete Chapouris, also known as the 'California Kid', was a legend and name I was highly familiar with growing up.

My dad, Ken Cooper (1942-2009), paved the way for my gear head lifestyle, but it was meeting Pete Chapouris in 2015 that to this day takes the cake for highlights in my career as a hot rod builder.

In August of 2015, Chapouris and I were being interviewed by a local Grand Rapids, MI news team before the opening of the Metro Cruise.  I kept catching Chapouris looking over at the featured ride we had taken to represent my hot rod shop.  It was a highly customized 1947 Cadillac and it captured the eye of many attendee, including Chapouris.

I had been a featured guest at the cruise and brought in to represent my shop and help judge a pin up contest.  After a long but exciting day of meeting people from all over the country, I finally got the nerve up to walk over to Chapouris and ask for an autograph.

Maybe that doesn't sound like a big deal to most, but this was the guy I had idolized since I was a small child.  I had watched shows about his work and documentaries with my dad on some of the builds from his speed shop.  And here he was, just feet away from me!  The man that was one of my biggest inspirations.

What do I say when I get up to him?  Do I start blabbering car talk, do I even mention cars?  What does a gear head girl say to the man that has now seen her work in person and that I feel I should bow down before, as my car hands are not worthy of this hot rod guru?!?! Eeeekkk!!!!

In front of my entire hot rod shop team, I nervously introduced myself as I extended my hand out to humbly shake his.

"Hi Pete!  I'm Kandi Bl...", I couldn't finish my last name, because Chapouris jumped up from his seat and interrupted me.

"I know who you are!" Chapouris shouted! "You're Kandi Blaze!"

Before I knew it, Chapouris was not only grabbing my hand to shake it, but grabbed me as well and gave me a huge hug in front of everyone.  I felt like I was in a dream!  I recall looking back at my team to make sure they were actually witnessing this.  I knew later I would ask them repeatedly about the story and experience, just to make sure I wasn't dreaming or had died of exhaustion.

Pete gave me a few words about our 'fantastic build', as he refereed to the Cadillac.  I was in awe at the words rolling off the tongue of one of my largest inspirations as a kid, and also as an adult in this business.  I could see the look in his eye that resembled the gleam in mine.  It hit me that the legend standing in front of me was looking almost as awe struck at me as I was at him.  I didn't really have many words after that.  At least any that I could muster up, so I mostly kept smiling.  It became obvious that we were both beyond honored to meet each other.

I've had the pleasure to meet some amazing drag racers, car builders, manufacturers, and some pretty big names in this industry, but meeting Pete is still the highlight of my career.

He may have left this word, and I for one am incredibly saddened by the loss of an amazing legend. I hope I can one day live up to similar expectations of others, and one day I am someones inspiration and drive to live their dream, just like Chapouris was for me.

Kandi Blaze

Memories at the Piston Jammers Panty Raid 2016

I had the pleasure of seeing an incredible variety of street rods, rat rods, customs, classics, and just outright badass rides at the Piston Jammers Car Club Panty Raid 2016 in Lambertville, MI! 

Me and my special guy (Rob) met up with our local friends from the Rebel Rousers and Highway Hellions Car Clubs, here in the Ashland, OH area.  The group of us all pitched tents after the main car show and we readied ourselves for the flame throwing rides and after party. And an after party it was!! 

I had the privilege of meeting some awesome assholes (I say that with love) that we look forward to seeing again. Was introduced to some of the gear heads of the Voodoo Kings Kustom CC in Illinois, Lucky Aces Car Club of Toledo, OH, and of course, the fabulous hosts of the show, the Piston Jammers CC!!! I ran into the beautiful Red Vixen too and her non profit. But forgot to get a pic of us.  

The trip home was pretty freaking fantastic and most memorable for me! My good friend Jim Roepke of the Rebel Rousers Car Club knew I needed some hot rod therapy. After breakfast on Sunday morning, I climbed in the passenger seat of his chopped blue coupe (see image above) and rode 1/2 the way back to Ashland, OH in this ride while he hauled a vintage teardrop trailer. 

In the group with us were Mike Wiles and his wife, Vickie. Vickie was driving the family car with their daughter, while Mike and Roepke toyed around a bit. Rob also followed the these two rides in the caravan of car enthusiasts. 

At a mid point we stopped off at an ice cream stand that was shaped like a giant soft serve vanilla cone. I'm not usually an ice cream type of gal, but I couldn't say no to this experience... Plus everyone else was eating it and we already pigged out at a greasy spoon 'all you can eat' breakfast buffet. What's a little ice cream?!?! 

Thinking I'd be climbing back in the truck with Rob, I hear my name being shuffled about. "Time to swap her out!" Is what I swore I heard. Normally that would be engine talk in the garage, but I had a feeling this wasn't the case. And it wasn't. 

I was getting to sit along side Mike Wiles with the Highway Hellions Car Club in his badass chopped rod.... I had Ohhhh my gawd! This ride! I admitted this was one of my favorite rides at the last several car kulture and club shows. To be able to sit in the passenger seat and toy around with Roepke was priceless! 

The entire experience of this event was one I'll never forget! It goes down in my books as one of then,last fun and memorable times I can recall with the people I call my gear head family. This event and show were the inspiration to my "Kandi's Pick" award I created for the Rebel Rousers Rumble.

 Looking forward to having a ride or two in next years show! A must to have on your car adventure lists!

Kandi's Kustoms 3rd Annual Cruise In Raises $1,000!

View a variety of images that day by visiting our Facebook album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.511579905707413.1073741850.223584011173672&type=1&l=f6f8036d50

September 11th is a day that will forever be embedded in the minds and hearts of many Americans. I had asked the guys at the fire station what day worked best for them for the 3rd annual Kandi's Kustoms Cruise In for 2016. The day they lost their fellow brothers was the day they chose, so I abided.

At 11am the cruise in kicked off to benefit the Ashland Fire - Local 1386 in Ashland, OH. Capt. Rob McCrea and myself, along with the retired firehouse dalmatian, Kelly, made the epic entrance into the cruise in on the restored 1928 Seagrave Firetruck, one of Ashland's oldest trucks that is still maintained an used for parades and events such as this. Of course I couldn't resist ringing that old fire bell as we pulled in!  Ashland Fire also brought down the large Tower 50 ladder truck and extended the ladder to fly the beautifully large old glory. The red, white, and blue waved mighty in the wind and shown brightly throughout the day's events.  A surprise visit from the historical society accompanied the day, as they drove the retired 1946 Seagrave Firetruck down and parked by Tower 50. It was a view that none of the spectators would forget.

At noon we announced the national anthem and the entire crowd of attendees, veterans, firefighters, gear heads, and children alike, respectfully stood in silence as we all faced the American flag flying from Tower 50. We followed with a moment of silence in honor of the bravery and lives lost on Sept. 11th, 2001. It was hard to believe 15 years had passed by so quickly.

Cars and car clubs alike continued to roll into the parking lot throughout the day at the Eagles Club, where we had scheduled this years cruise in in advance.  This year we teamed up with the Rebel Rousers Car Club and made a three day weekend with a pre-party on Friday night, the Rebel Rousers Rumble on Saturday at the old Ashland Armory, and the Kandi's Kustoms Cruise In on Sunday. Gear heads, car kulture clubs, and hot rod enthusiasts came from all over for the three day event that was labeled the, "Rods, Broads, and Heroes" weekend. All the proceeds from the Rebel Rousers Rumble went to benefit local veterans.  Proceeds from the Kandi's Kustoms cruise in benefited the Ashland Fire - Local 1386.

A "Lil' Miss Blaze" contest was held for ladies ages 4-14. Young ladies dressed in their rebel rockabilly or princess pin up best for a chance at the first annual crown. It was a close call, but the youngest of them all won the hearts of the crowd over and was crowned the 1st Annual Lil' Miss Blaze. Eleanor proudly wore her crown for the rest of the day and enjoyed having her picture taken on the antique fire truck with me and Kelly. Such a sweet girl, and little Eleanor never tired of walking around and looking at cars. Runner up was Mikayla Whiles. Each girl received a red rose and a huge thank you for participating.

Trophies this year were absolutely amazing! The most sought after trophy is the custom metal forged "Fire Fighters Choice" award. Local artisan, Gary Dreibelbis, did the design and custom metal forging of the fire truck. Thomas Thompson, co-owner, painter, and main tech at Kandi's Kustoms painted the truck, and Matt Lamborn applied the finishing touches with his incredible Pinstriping skills. Matt also did the gold leaf and pinstripes on the antique Seagrave. John McGlynn, stole the hearts of the attending firefighters with his customized 1929 Model A hot rod. He was also awarded the Kids Choice trophy.

My "Kandi's Pick" trophy consisted of a highly customized paint can that was stuffed full of fresh roses and candy... Of course! Mr. Daugherty, a local veteran with his beautifully done and patriotic 1968 Chevy Camaro would steal my heart for the win!

Since I had created a trophy for the Rebel Rousers Rumble, the car club showed up with a Rebels pick! Their choice nearly brought me to tears. They presented the 1928 antique Seagrave from Ashland Fire with their pick. There's a huge story hidden in here that's waiting to burst out! The emotional connection between the Sidle family, this truck, and the firefighters runs deep, and it was felt by the crowd yesterday when the Rebel Rousers pick was handed to Capt. McCrea and an appointed car club member gave a short explanation of why. My heart melted and it was accompanied by a round of applause from attendees and spectators alike.

A total of 68 vehicles registered for the 3rd annual Kandi's Kustoms Cruise In. There were a few more that joined the festivities but didn't register. Today I took down all the funds raised from the Kandi's Kustoms cruise in to the fire station and presented $1,065 to the Ashland Fire - Local 1386.

I couldn't have done it without all the donated door prizes from local business and individuals, along with an additional cash donation from the Rebel Rousers Car Club.

By the end of the day, I had handed out nearly all the freshly cut yellow roses to local veterans as I offered them a hug and thanked them for all they had done on our home turf and overseas.  Attending firefighters were given red roses and thanked for their services on the home front and locally. These brave men and women are our hometown heroes and this is what my cruise in and the three day Rods, Broads, and Heroes weekend is all about!

Images are gathered from a variety of individuals and photographers. Please tag, share, and post your pics from the 3 day weekend. Add a link in the comments if it's your business, car club, or you see yourself or someone you know.

Thank you to everyone for making this years the best success yet! Can't wait until 2017!!

Kandi 'Blaze' Cooper
Shop Manager & Co-Owner
Kandi's Kustoms Hot Rod & Restoration Shop
www.facebook.com/KandisKustoms

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