Episode 12: Efrain ”Bugs” Gonzales - Legendary Custom Painter and Pinstriper ✨DEDICATED TO DANNY D ✨

There are not enough words to describe the qualities and characteristics that make Efrain "Bugs" Gonzales who he is. Seen and done it all, his captivating story begins in Mesa, Arizona where at a young age his love for cars began after seeing a commercial for the, “California Kid”. Shown the importance of humility and hard work, Bugs and his family spent their summers picking in Northern California, where on his drives up, he would notice the beautiful pinstriping and hand painted lettering on big rigs that would change his world forever. Naive to lowriding at first, that all changed once Bugs began cruising Central in Phoenix, Arizona, where the sights and sounds of cars hopping, cruising, and hitting the switches left him feeling like he was in, "Boulevard Nights". The boulevard was also the place a scroll design on a 1976 Caprice done by the legendary "E.T" struck Bugs and inspired him to learn how to stripe. But before he began to lay down lines, Bugs' journey in automotive art began as a painter's helper for his friend Jesse Anaya, who helped Bugs' paint his 1964 Impala. Not only did he receive a beautiful piece of art, he soaked up valuable knowledge and information that gave him the confidence to run with his dream. His introduction to striping also came soon after, when he saw a man by the name of, "J.B", pinstriping at a local car show. Overflowing with curiosity, Bugs had his '64 striped, but watching J.B would be an understatement. Bugs examined everything he did while he striped his car; the way he held his brush, his toolbox, his paints, his brushes, everything. Bugs went on to practice the art of pinstriping religiously and after a year, he was given the opportunity to stripe his buddy Anthony's car, and that's where "Bugs Did It" was born. This led him to seek the guidance and respect of Butch Tucker, one of the greatest stripers in Arizona. Although hesitant at first, Bugs' put aside what he had heard and put it all on the line to learn from the best and accomplished exactly what he had set out to do.Everyone says '90's car shows were something else and Bugs was there to experience it. At a car show in Phoenix, Bugs meets a young Mister Cartoon, who had been intrigued by his striping and was eager to meet him. Although Bugs never thought of Los Angeles, he and Cartoon exchanged numbers and kept in touch. After a few three in the morning phone calls, Bugs decided to take him up on his offer and see what LA was all about. Cartoon quickly introduced Bugs to Los Angeles, and soon Bugs found himself actively going to shows, working on perfecting his craft, attending LA Trade Tech, and meeting a network of artists, including OG Abel, Doc Guthrie and a very special artist, Danny D. Always paying his respects, Bugs never forgets the impact Mister Cartoon had on his career and life. Together the two were members of Lifestyle Car Club, created timeless works of art, and contributed to the rich culture and history that still impacts others to this day. Bugs is not only a gifted artist, he is a one-of-a-kind friend. Bugs reminisces on his friendship with the late and great Danny D and the memories they created. Together, they formed a bond that was founded on respect, encouragement, and loyalty. Whether it was breaking bread or working together to create lasting work, Danny D and Bugs were the dynamic duo that has inspired people all over the globe. The legacy left by Danny D is remembered by Bugs and he continues to embody his gentle personality everyday. The memories and experiences of Efrain "Bugs" Gonzales are enough to write a book. It is a story of sacrifice and devotion; the one of a pioneer who changed the art of lowriding and automotive art, and will go down in history as one of the greatest to ever live. We cherish and celebrate the life and legacy of Efrain "Bugs" Gonzales and Danny D Galvez, not only for their contribution to what we love, but for carrying themselves with their humble hearts.