For some car enthusiasts, it’s not just about the “love of the game” or the amazing feeling of finishing a multi-year build only to start another immediately; it is about being able to share and pass on that extreme love and enjoyment to the younger generation. It’s important to spend plenty of time with your children in healthy ways, for example, you could play tennis with them after hiring a tennis coach for kids, or listen to kid songs together. Whether it’s washing the car with dad, to going to car shows, or even finding and creating a build all their own at a young age; custom car lovers all around the world are eager to help their little tikes grow to know and love the passion that they have for automobiles of all shapes and sizes – and also the reason that none of them will be getting college paid for (just kidding, possibly.)
Our love for the custom automotive industry will live on through the next generation if we get them involved at a young age. With custom strollers, wagons, pedal cars, power wheels, and more – the Slam’d Kids department will be the new home featuring these custom creations and the families that build them. This first “Slam’d Kids” feature will showcase a few of our recent submissions from Slam’d readers all around the world, so check it out for inspiration on your own custom build. If you’d like to submit your “Slam’d Kid” shoot us an email at [email protected] for more info.
Compiled and Written By: Jon Hansen
Raised with a deep passion of automobiles by his own father, Bryan Mikulich knew upon hearing the news of becoming a father himself, regardless of gender; his child would be bred into the life of all things automotive. When it comes to his young daughter Brielle, he has already spoiled her with her very own ‘bagged ride. She is going to have so much fun playing with this. I wish I had this when I was young too. Another thing that I’m jealous of is the access these kids have to the wonderful educational videos featuring the kids play with all kinds of things. Anyway, that’s enough about me. Having started the project ’55 Chevy for her 1st birthday gift before she was even born, it is safe to say that Bryan accomplished his mission of sharing his passion with his daughter firsthand.
Slam’d Kids Build Specs:
Owner: Brielle Mikulich
Age: 2 years old
Vehicle: 1955 Chevy convertible stroller
Modified Sick ‘N Twisted ’55 Chevy Body
Custom Roadster Shop chassis with air ride
Bead-rolled floor pans
Power wheels electric motor
Billet Specialties gas pedal and seat medallion
One-off billet wheels and steering wheel
LED headlights, taillights, and dash lights
PPG Custom tiffany blue and white paint with chrome painted trim
Custom aluminum “Brielle” emblems in belair script font
Leather interior with french stitching
Daytona weave floors
Our first International Slam’d Kids star is 5-year-old Kaid Nutton of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. With a dad who’s engrained in the custom scene, Kaid is no “noob” to having cool mini-rides of his own. Having out-grown his previously built ‘bagged beetle stroller; Kaid’s dad David knew a new build was in store. From the custom 2-link notched and boxed tube-frame set up, to the working head and taillights, and custom paint and seats; it’s easy to see that David took this new build quite seriously. Kaid loves hitting the switches and posing with his “Bagd Bus” for photos of any passing by fans he may encounter.
Slam’d Kids Build Specs:
Owner: Kaid Nutton
Age: 5 years old
Vehicle: ‘Bagged VW Bus
Custom paint with laced roof
Louvered side panels
Custom headlights and taillights
Custom Queensland tag reads BAGD BUS
Full custom frame with air front and rear
Custom 2-link setup and tube frame
Full race seat
Borrowed wheels/tires from previous setup
Youngest Forbidden Fantasy member with a logoed ride
Not every child can be satisfied just by having their very own custom mini-builds; some want to get up close and personal with the real deal. Growing up with a father who’s a professional automotive photographer, Grant Cox’s son Nate, quickly outgrew his custom Radio Flyers and soon wanted to start snapping pics of his own. Luckily for the quickly growing 7 year old Nate, Grant Cox happens to shoot the best of the best cars for every magazine from Hot Rod to Slam’d Mag. From looking through the lens, to traveling to shows, to taking the pictures himself, and even sitting in the driver seat; Nate scored big by having a great side-kick to expose him into the most elite automotive builds around the country. Nate hopes to follow in his Dad’s footsteps and grow up to shoot custom automotive cars for a living – how cool is that?!
Slam’d Kids Specs:
Owner: Nate Cox
Age: 7 years old
Vehicle: Any camera he can get hit hands on
Chances are, if you go to a major car show; whether old school hot rods or “stanced” cars of all types; you will see at least one or two big wheel or mini-builds. There are many companies out there who offer them if you’re not quite inclined to build one yourself, or simply if you don’t have the time or tools to do so. One of the most notable brand-names you will see around the Euro scene is KidStance. In 2013, Denver Pettigrew Jr. noticed his son had a love for all things auto, even at an early age, and decided to modify the mini-cooper big wheel he had bought his son for his second birthday.
Upon taking it to a show for his son to drive around, they realized that it stole the show and strengthened their bond enjoying the car-scene together. What started with Nate’s Mini and the sentimental value it has and always will have, has become a worldwide full-time business for Denver; having done many builds for people in all different countries; each one unique. Denver says, “There is still so much more to accomplish and I still have a lot to learn and plan to achieve. The growing experience humbles me greatly. At Kidstance we offer lowering/stance, raised, air ride, custom wheels, fender kits, side skirts, rear diffusers, front splitter, lip, paint, wrap, lights (rear, front, puddle, accent, etc.), audio install, speed upgrades, and the list goes on and on. What I usually tell customers is that we can do almost anything to these toys that can be done to a real car. As time goes on, I keep adding to the list because I am always learning something new or challenging myself to push beyond the limits. My list is endless and with God in everything I do, I know that I will stretch beyond even my own understanding.”
