K-A-R-S owner Tristan -'I have a really cool job'

Previously, we have given an account of the wild automobiles of Spike, lead guitarist of the Dutch band Di-Rect. As you may have read, Spike had some of his cars fixed by Tristan of K-A-R-S. At K-A-R-S, cars are completely re-modified or even built from scratch. Tristan’s specialty is top chopping.

On the intro of the website Tristan Louwaars, 35, describes himself as a welder, a painter, an electrician and a mechanic. Tristan, born and raised in Heerlen, calls himself a proud Limburger. With his wife Angelika, he runs the shop in Heerlen. Tristan: ‘Most people will say I was born with gasoline in my veins. I was raised to be a car maniac. My dad was into car racing when I was born and he took me to all the races ever since I was a kid.’ Tristan has been creating things all his life; he enjoys working his hands. Starting with drawing as a child, he swiftly turned to making miniature cars. Which eventually lead him to customizing.

Tristan is pretty self-taught. ‘I followed a basic education at the Technical High school, specializing in motor vehicles, but I never finished that education. Everything else I know, I learned through experience.’ The original education was too theoretical for his liking. Instead, he preferred to practice the areas of preference. ‘I’ve taught myself to weld, to blanch, and spray-paint, and basically all related techniques. I started working as an all-round mechanic in a restoration shop. Most of the work I did was customizing. It was awesome to work there, but really I just wanted one thing: my own custom shop!’

Tristan puts the cars together completely, or gets an old one and thoroughly remodels it. But also for minor adjustments de Kustom Shop is the place to go. ‘Most of the technical processes are described on the website, but we basically build cars from scratch and everything in between. My specialty is top chopping; it really brings out the artist in me.’ Top chopping is the process of removing the hood of the car and taking several inches of the sides, after which the top is put back on. It creates an image of a ‘low’ car.

Obviously, I have to ask him about his most favourite car ever. ‘The finest car I’ve ever made always the latest. All of them are wonderful, but, honestly, my own 1952 Chevy is really one of my favourites.’

The website looks cool and smart. Upon entering the site you are given a choice between ‘old skool’ and ‘new skool’. To someone who doesn’t drive, like myself, it’s a tricky choice. Neither term means anything to me. Tristan explains: ‘The difference between old skool and new skool is mostly the age of the car and the way they’re build. Old skool is my passion; it is the style that was used by customizers in the 40s and 50s. I like the lines and silhouette of the cars and improving them. But, new skool is also a lot of fun and very fulfilling. It gives me the opportunity to translate my ideas onto modern cars, mostly Tuner. These cars usually belong to younger guys. In both cases, my work is to customize the car as the customer likes it. Well, my vision of it, obviously.’

The difference is beautifully implemented in the design of the website. When you choose ‘old skool’, you enter a site with a strong rock-’n-roll feel. Choose ‘new skool’ and you’re on a modern website with a trendy feel. On the site you can check the gallery to view pictures of the work Tristan did on Spike’s car. A step-by-step account in photos of the entire process, from start to shiny finish. You can have your car, your motorcycle or even your bicycle customized by K-A-R-S.

Tristan was a member of the international team of Pimp My Ride, the popular MTV programme that turns the most hideous cars into the most fabulous rides. Every car gets a style and look of it’s own, a unique design. For those of you who’ve never seen it, check www.pimpmyrideint.com. Tristan has had a taste of life on TV, and wants more. ‘We’re always working on TV broadcast opportunities, since I’ve had my time on MTV.’

K-A-R-S is doing really well; expansion is part of future planning. ‘We are planningn to expand the business, and create a larger shop. On top of that we’re adding a store.’ Tristan life and work revolve completely around his main passion. ‘I am lucky enough to be able to do everything I want to do. It’s a really cool job.’

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