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Flash Back. Arlen Ness 1977 “Harley Hauler”

Published by Cyril Huze May 14th, 2010 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.

Since this year Arlen Ness is celebrating his 40th Anniversary in the biz, a short flash back to show the industry younger cats how it was in the 70’s.

No Semi to trail custom bikes and parts to shows around the country. Arlen had this van customized for him for his long, long miles on the road. A Ford 77 E 100 that went to some of the best in the business to get its full customized treatment.

Looking at Arlen standing by the van and knowing that he is not tall, what’s the distance from ground to roof? 5 foot? Less? So, I guess only 1 or 2 Digger style bikes could fit in the rear, or the van was pulling a trailer. What kind?  The van had 6″ chopped from the roof by Dick Dean with another 8″ sectioned from the frame. Hood was louvered by Jack Hagerman and Ness forever fabricator Bob “Mun” Monroe did all the interior mods, seats, door panels and dash. Danny Grey was responsible for all the upholstery. Body work and paint was handled by Paul Mc Helly, with Jeff McCann and Dick DeBenedict applying the very popular at the time gold leafing and pinstriping. And when was the last time you saw Arlen Ness standing being his parts counter?  Nostalgia…

13 Comments

13 Responses to “Flash Back. Arlen Ness 1977 “Harley Hauler””

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  1. 1 johnny May 14th, 2010 at 7:46 am

    thats why he’s the godfather of cool……………………

  2. 2 Bill Skoros May 14th, 2010 at 7:49 am

    That van still kicks ass today! I wonder if he still has it or if its even around….

  3. 3 gabehcuoD May 14th, 2010 at 10:09 am

    straight P-I-M-P ! The van is bomb still today…

  4. 4 ODee May 14th, 2010 at 10:43 am

    Cyril, this is why you are the greatest…awesome treat to start the weekend, thanks!

  5. 5 kody May 14th, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    the van is red now, and is at Arlen Ness of Las Vegas ( last I heard at least). It’s been updated quite a bit.

  6. 6 live2rideaglide May 14th, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    HI GUYS CAN ANYONE SAY DISCO ARLEN. ARLEN IS WAY COOL AND HE IS STILL SETTING THE STANDARD FOR CUSTOMIZATION TODAY ALONG WITH HIS SON. I LIKE THE EVAN BETTER THAN THE SEMI. RETROGLIDE. BE SAFE EVERYBODY.

  7. 7 Mediaguy May 14th, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    Arlen the Cowboy!

  8. 8 Bryan Rohrer May 15th, 2010 at 3:24 pm

    One word…NICE!!!

  9. 9 Harley guy May 15th, 2010 at 4:18 pm

    He was, is, and always will be, the King Of Custom! And the dynasty continues with his son and grandson. Hail to the King!

  10. 10 nicker May 16th, 2010 at 9:41 pm

    I wonder if “Mun” put a front clip under it………???

    -nicker-

  11. 11 jatinder pal May 17th, 2010 at 9:37 am

    The man had worked hard for all these years and had not stopped till today.
    Dont stop arlen,u r the godfather of choppers.

  12. 12 ZN May 17th, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    The van is at the Arlen Ness in Dublin, Ca where he still works almost everyday. He also still cruises the van from time to time….

    ZN

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