MOONEYES

Known around the world for its amazing gauges, valve covers and spun aluminum fuel tanks, the Mooneyes Speed Shop was founded nearly half a century ago by the legendary Dean Moon. Today it is still going strong, thanks to the undying devotion of one Chico Kodama, who sees to it that the proud Mooneyes icon is forever held in high esteem.

Back in the shop, the staff works hard to fab the hop-up parts. You won’t see a CNC machine here, only lathes, milling machines and drill presses. By the window, you’ll find cam-grinding legend Bill Jenks, who usually works on custom orders or builds one of Mooneyes famous gas tanks. At any stage of the process, Moon tanks are a thing of beauty; fabricated from the finest aluminum, each tank is finished in the company’s signature sunray surface. Traditionally mounted in front of the grill, the polished tank can easily clamp onto a deuce spreader bar in minutes. Over in the corner, Manuel Flores pumps out Moon discs spun from circle cut aluminum, each a different thickness. Like a fine ceramicist on a potter’s wheel, it’s mesmerizing to watch as he shapes the spinning aerodynamic covers.

Out in the yard, hot rod guru Ken Farrell wrenches on a ride, popping the new push-button transmission controls in the company station wagon. With the hand-painted wood grain ’63 Country Squire on a jack, he installs the Smart Shift to the rolling laboratory. Recognized for his development of Moon’s new-fangled fuel injection units, Farrell fuses new computer technology with classic hot rod ingenuity. Spinning wrenches on the concrete pad in the warm California sun, he is totally oblivious to the fact that he is occupying the same turf as the notorious Rat Fink reunion parties. These one-day events that host pinstripers, hot rod artists and music reunite rodding legends with the younger crowd. With over 500 cars attending last year’s Christmas party, the mid-December event was moved up the street to a bigger parking lot in Whittier.
Over in the photograph-filled office, Mooneyes’ head honcho Kodama manages the day-to-day operation of the original facility. Said to have once rebuilt an El Camino engine overnight, Kodama uses a straightforward, hands-on approach to running the speed shop and his mail order business. Proud of the company’s heritage, he continues to cater to individual rodders as well as celebrity builders. Determined not to become a mass production facility, giving special attention to every order continues to be his personal motto.

Step into the back room and you won’t believe your eyes–a Moon Dragster in living color? Bonneville strong man Fred Larson put this one together a few years back for the sole purpose of massive burnouts and drag strips exhibition runs. The original Moon Dragster is retired and now lives in Florida, but this newer creation dressed in American mags with drag slicks delivers all the thrills and chills of yesteryear. On the walls are faded posters from all the important strips surrounded by Hemis and small blocks perched on stands, waiting for their next tour of duty.
The three-garage-style buildings and the abundant amount of innovation that make up Mooneyes continue to make this place legendary. Just walking around, you can see where Carroll Shelby built his first Cobra. You can also see the two-tone pickup Dean Moon used to drive. And quietly standing in the corner, you can see a life-size fiberglass sculpture of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth keeping his eye on the place, making sure everyone leaves with one of his classic weirdo t-shirts. Back up at the parts counter, you’ll find the next generation of customizers, rodders and builders. So if you haven’t visited the Mooneyes facility, gas up the truck, grab your dad and make a day of it. Resting on the outskirts of Los Angeles just off Interstate 5 in Sante Fe Springs is the bright yellow palace of speed. You can’t miss it! For more information, visit Mooneyes on the web at www.mooneyes.com.

Story and Photography
by Jeffrey Conger