This month, we're taking a look at some of the shops in the local SoCal area. With so much talent and so many choices, it's hard to keep up with all of the good local shops. Hopefully, this will give you an idea of what's going on at some of the shops. You can also look back to some of our previous issues that have featured two other SoCal shops: Bio Kustumz, in Volume 32, Issue 4, 2006; and Devious Customs, Volume 33, Issue 5, 2007.
Name: GO-EZ Customs
Marital status: Married with kids
Originally from: Born in L.A., but raised in the I.E. (Inland Empire, SoCal.)
When did GO-EZ open? GO EZ opened its doors in late 2003. Art had been working on cars ever since he picked up a VW Bug at 14 years old. But, he's been around cars-specifically the lowrider scene-ever since he was born.
Previous jobs: Art used to sell Daytons and Gold Nardi steering wheels. He has worked at several shops in Riverside, California, when he was younger. He also worked at a body shop for a while and learned how to paint.
Number of employees: The shop has five employees, the owner Art, Scott who runs the office, Rich, Casey, and Grant, who are the fabricators, and Jeremy, who works part time.
First featured vehicle: Art's Suburban was featured in a Truckin' magazine sometime in '96-'97. His first juiced vehicle was an '86 Nissan 720 that was built lowrider-style in the early '90s.
Event: GO-EZ hosts an annual show, which began in 2003, and is hosted by them and Local Finesse, a local car club. This year's event promises to be bigger than ever and at a new location.
Directly from the owner: "We're a laid back shop with a lot of heart. We want people to feel confident and comfortable in our shop. We want them to feel at home."
First mini owned: An '89 Chevy Blazer that was rolling on 18-inch wheels when full-sizes were still rockin' 17s. Jeff took his Blazer all over the West Coast to participate in shows, and this truck helped to get him into Negative Chamber 12 years ago.
First 'bagged truck owned: In 1995
Types of vehicles owned: An '80 Regal on five stars with hydraulics in the front and a banging system, a '63 fullsize Chevy on Hydros, a '53 Chevy fullsize, and a '72 Chevy fullsize monster truck.
Owner Art Gomez took time off from his busy schedule to feed us and let us take some pictures of his shop. With only two weeks left before Forbidden Fantasy, the shop was very busy. | 
A stock-floored 4Runner was just one of the crazy things found in the back. |
GO EZ has a very comfortable showroom and waiting room, which is equipped with a big screen TV, video games, and a large assortment of minitruck DVDs. | 
You can always find Scott hard at work in the office. Whether he's sleeping or cruising Myspace.com, he's always up to something. |
When a truck needs attending, all available hands get on it so the customer's back on the road in a timely manner. If you call the shop, you'll probably be talking to Chris. And chances are, this is what he'll look like while talking to you. |  |