Jim Hetzler
In the early 70’s when Jim was about 13, he ventured out looking for info about brushes, paint etc, so he could pinstripe his model cars. No one would even talk to him about anything that would give him any info to go on. Jim saw an add in the back of a HOT ROD magazine and it said, “learn how to pinstripe”. He called the number and talked with a very enthused individual that told him to contact Sid Moses and he proceeded to list off a bunch of items he needed to get started pinstriping. He told him to find a nice sized piece of glass to practice on, you can draw a design on paper and tape it to the back of the glass to pinstripe over. Then the next day you take a razor blade to scrape off the striping and start all over. His last words were “wipe your hands off on the front of your pants so you don’t get paint on mom’s couch, when you sit down”. He never forgot any of this….but, at the time he had no clue who he was talking to.
Fast forward a few years while attending a Lead Sled event in Davenport, Iowa which had a number of custom car builders signing autographs he struck up a conversation with this Ed Roth guy and after talking a few minutes we figured out he was the mystery guy that gave Jim info how to pinstripe. Ed and Jim stayed in touch for many years crossing paths at events across the country. The last time they talked was at the Chicago World of Wheels April 2021 where he gave Jim a poster (which he still has), his heart sank when he heard the news a month later. Jim said he has the most respect for Ed Roth and his artwork….Jim has never taken any money for any rat fink related artwork. It occurred to him that he is hurting them both by giving it all away when they can both benefit.
Jim has been a full time pinstriper since 1976 which he owes it all to Ed for getting him started. Starting out with pinstriping, artwork has carried hm into lettering, airbrush, custom paint, gold leaf and so much more.
Jim is a proficient airbrush artist learning the craft from professional Michael Cacy.
Adding lettering and leafing to Jim's skills gives him the ability to perform most hands on tasks.
Jim started teaching Pinstriping classes 25 years ago just so others didn’t have to go through the struggles he did.
Highlights:
2026 Lifetime Recipient – Pinstripe Legends Milwaukee
Licensed RAT FINK artist
Selected artist for Butler museum Pinstripe display “American Stripes” and since moved to KKOA museum.
Writing a book dedicated to the “American Stripes” museum show highlighting all the pinstripers.
Texas Metal TV show – Pinstriped a 2019 GMC 1500
House of Kolor showcase artist – SEMA, 3-day hands on class instructor, tech support and color creator.
West Coast Customs – SEMA show case pinstriper TV special
Coordinate 4 charity Panel Jams January XPO car show Torquest Fest car show
Camp Courageous Car Show NSRA Davenport car show
2026 is Jim's 50th year pinstriping / 25 years teaching pinstripe classes.
Feel free to contact Jim for any projects you need created!