VON SOLO

In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, John Von, a skilled craftsman in the world of custom signs, has crafted more than just aesthetically pleasing displays. He’s used his creativity and dared to be different to transform his lifelong love for race cars and hot rods into a rolling masterpiece. His 1963 C10, “VonSolo”, uniquely showcases not only his own creativity and attention to detail but highlights the true craftsmanship involved in any custom build. Beyond its striking appearance, VonSolo serves as a testament to John’s journey in the custom sign business, his commitment to preserving automotive traditions, and his mission to inspire a new generation of builders.

Originally from Ruidoso, New Mexico, John Von now resides in Fort Worth with his supportive wife, Tiffany, and their two sons. His journey into the world of signs began in 1990 when he started working at a local sign company, working his way up the ladder from the ground up. By 1993, he had established Von’s Custom Signs, a venture that has become the cornerstone of his life.

Von’s love for hot rods traces back to his early childhood in Midland, Texas, with his father. Reflecting on his journey, John recalls a time when C10 trucks were not as prominent, and it was race cars and hot rods that truly transformed his life. It all began with a drag race his father took him to when he was in the third grade – an experience that left an undeniable mark on young John. The sights, sounds, and the camaraderie of watching skilled hands wrenching on cars lit a spark that would define his future. After that, John couldn’t wait to get in the garage with his dad and build something together. Their first build, a ‘66 Mustang drag car, became a pivotal point in shaping John’s character. It was a frame-off build that involved dismantling every part, sanding it meticulously, and reassembling it – a process that taught John invaluable skills and life lessons. They went on to build multiple other cars together including a Comet, Vega, and a Road Runner.

The story of VonSolo begins in Arizona, where John, with the help of his friend Johnny Stigall, stumbled upon a ‘63 C10 truck. This chance encounter kickstarted a journey that would lead to the creation of a unique automotive masterpiece. The truck underwent a complete transformative process, starting with a Complete GSI Air Ride Chassis, skillfully handled by Jason Berland and his team at Arizona High Test. Jason’s expertise was instrumental in steering John in the right direction regarding various aspects of the build, from choosing the wheels to fitting everything seamlessly to the chassis. The intricate details and guidance provided by Jason, from the motor to the hard lines, were crucial in shaping VonSolo.

With the chassis assembled and ready to go, VonSolo’s journey continued at Tre5 Customs located in Peoria, Arizona. Tre5 took charge of the bodywork and assembly, bringing every remaining detail to life. Wrapped in white, the striking paint job by Frank Rechlin of iKandy Paint Works, seamlessly ties together Von’s Star Wars themed masterpiece. After eagerly awaiting the completion of his truck, John’s vision was realized in November of 2023. VonSolo made its grand reveal at Dino’s Git Down in Glendale, AZ. This was a light at the end of the tunnel for John and the beginning of a much bigger dream than just showcasing his creativity and the completion of his newly built truck.

John’s passion for trucks extends far beyond this build. Attending truck shows with Tiffany, he observed a concerning trend – the disinterest of younger generations in the truck scene. In an era dominated by video games, John saw an opportunity to make a difference. Inspired by his two most cherished childhood loves – Star Wars and hot rods – he embarked on a mission to build something that could capture the imaginations of young minds.

VonSolo, with its Star Wars theme, is not just a truck; it’s a vessel for inspiration. John envisioned it as a tool to bring joy to kids and ignite their interest in hands-on, creative endeavors. His concern for the dwindling interest in mechanics and building prompted him to fill a void he observed at truck shows – there were few builds designed with children in mind. VonSolo stands as a unique blend of John’s passions, a truck that speaks to the younger generation and encourages them to explore the world of building.

For John, it’s not merely about building trucks; it’s about preserving a culture that shaped him into the man he is today. VonSolo, with its Star Wars theme, goes beyond being a custom truck; it’s a symbol of uniqueness, encouraging others to build for themselves and express their creativity.

But John isn’t stopping with VonSolo. He admits that his dream truck is actually a Squarebody, but he couldn’t resist the allure of the ‘63 – which is a much rarer find compared to the Squarebody. With VonSolo completed, John’s next project, his black ‘85 Squarebody, is his true “dream truck.” This build, also sitting on a Complete Air Ride GSI Chassis, is currently taking shape in the small town of Wilburton, Oklahoma, with Josh Parker leading the build process. It will be another custom piece of art to add to his collection and inspire others. No matter what he builds, John remains steadfast in his belief that building trucks is about passion, individuality, and passing on a legacy.

His message is clear: inspire the next generation to embrace the hot rod community.