East Bay Road Lords

The East Bay Road Lords was a car club established in the heartland of San Lorenzo, California in the late 1950s. In December of 2023, Jess Daves, a past and present member of the club, told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama, "It was established in late 1957." Photo courtesy of Jess Daves.

Jess Daves' 1951 Chevrolet Sport Coupe. "The Chevy is my High School ride," Jess told Kustomrama. Modifications included a nosed and louvered hood, a custom-made grille opening dressed up with a 1957 Chevrolet grille bar, frenched and tunneled headlights, and a scallop paint job. The photo was taken at Jess' High School in San Lorenzo. Photo courtesy of Jess Daves.

Another shot of Jess' Chevy taken at San Lorenzo High School. The deck lid and doors were shaved, the rear quarter panels were modified to accept 1955 Chevrolet taillights, and it ran lakes pipes and custom hubcaps. Photo courtesy of Jess Daves.

Ray Butler's 1951 Mercury. Mildly customized, the car was nosed, decked and shaved for door handles. It ran Lancer hubcaps and a car club plaque in the rear window. Photo courtesy of Jess Daves.

A club roster dated December 9, 1958. As 1958 came to an end, the East Bay Road Lords had already begun to cement their reputation in the local scene. The club's roster boasted approximately 22 members, each bringing their unique flair and passion for custom cars. This early roster laid the foundation for a community that would thrive on camaraderie and a shared love for automotive artistry. Photo courtesy of Jess Daves.

Jess Daves's association with the East Bay Road Lords is not only foundational but also deeply personal. Having joined the club in its nascent stage, Daves witnessed its evolution firsthand. "I got into the club in late 1957," he recalled, marking his entry into what would become a lifelong association with the Road Lords. His journey with the club encapsulates the evolution of car customization trends and the enduring spirit of the car club culture. This photo of the guys in the club was taken in 2004. Photo courtesy of Jess Daves.

In 2023, though dispersed by time and distance, the members still found occasions to reunite, reliving the glory days and reigniting their shared passions. Photo courtesy of Jess Daves.

Car Clubs - 1950s

The East Bay Road Lords was a car club established in the heartland of San Lorenzo, California. This distinguished club originated in the late 1950s, marking an era that witnessed the burgeoning of car clubs across the United States. In December of 2023, Jess Daves, a past and present member of the club, told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama, "It was established in late 1957." This period was a time of great enthusiasm and innovation in car customization, laying the groundwork for what would become a lasting legacy.

As 1958 came to an end, the East Bay Road Lords had already begun to cement their reputation in the local scene. The club's roster boasted approximately 22 members, each bringing their unique flair and passion for custom cars. This early roster laid the foundation for a community that would thrive on camaraderie and a shared love for automotive artistry.

Jess Daves' association with the East Bay Road Lords is not only foundational but also deeply personal. Having joined the club in its nascent stage, Daves witnessed its evolution firsthand. "I got into the club in late 1957," he recalled, marking his entry into what would become a lifelong association with the Road Lords. His journey with the club encapsulates the evolution of car customization trends and the enduring spirit of the car club culture. In 2023, though dispersed by time and distance, the members still found occasions to reunite, reliving the glory days and reigniting their shared passions.

Members

• Ray Butler
• Richard Cooper
• Jess Daves
• Woody Doming
• Bob Garretson
• Terry Gerry
• Darryl Gile
• Don Grubb
• Alex Haugner
• Bob Junett Jr.
• Damon Kelly
• Mickey Kierkes
• Dick Lockwood
• Alan Mars
• Ron Moschetti
• Bob Rose
• Lonnie Robinson
• Mike Schneider
• Jerry Schulz
• John Stevens
• Bruce Wescott
• Mark Yarnell

Club Cars

• Jess Daves' 1951 Chevrolet Sport Coupe
• Ray Butler's 1951 Mercury
• Jess Daves' 1955 Buick