Alan “AJ” Johnson

Alan Johnson has an equally colorful history in his field. In his youth he was drawn to drag and Jersey skiff racing and hot rods, he now tops the charts as being one of the most prolific pinstripers in the country. Alan’s specialty of pinstriping and gold leaf restoration has received him the highest of accolades in the industry. AJ’s amazing wife, Judy, who expertly manages Alan Johnson Grafix, works daily by his side. Judy and Alan met in college (Newark School of Art and Industrial Design) she is also a wonderful artist, as are both of their sons, Eric and Chris.

In an amazing collaboration, on a snowy weekend, in late February at Alan Johnson’s studio in Blairstown, NJ, this memorable project was a rare opportunity for Bill and AJ to get a chance to work side by side, it was amazing to witness their unique friendship in full swing, which is based on mutual respect and hard work, while these “gentleman of the brush” put the finishing touches on the Kopper Kart just hours prior to it’s debut at the Detroit Autorama 2008. As they quietly laughed and talked, telling delightful stories over many hours, making intense work look effortless.

As soon as the Kopper Kart team, Vic, Mark and Daran, (John & Ron not present) arrived and unloaded the truck, it was prepped and Alan immediately began developing a plan for the miles of pinstriping that was necessary to complete the job. Early the next morning Bill arrived and the magic of the masters began. AJ and Bill sketched and finalized the lettering pattern for the copper leaf for the tailgate. The restoration research, which AJ refers to as “Autoarcheology,” continued utilizing enormous collection of reference provided by the Kopper Kart team.

What a treat to see history in motion. What could have taken weeks to execute, happened in a weekend, right before my eyes. Each master to his task, no bravado or panic, just bringing together the best of their skills to execute this dream restoration project and get it on the road to Detroit! I feel blessed and humbled to have been in the presence of the warmth and extreme talent of these charming gentlemen who are without a doubt in a league of their own.

By Carol Mitlesdorf, contributing editor and photographer