‘Inside’ Harley Davidson spring rally

By Thema Ponton
WBTW News 13 Reporter
Published: May 12, 2008

By now, you have no doubt seen and heard the thousands of motorcycles rumbling up and down the Grand Strand.

The annual Harley Davidson spring rally brings motorcyclists from all over the country to the coast.

But it’s not just the motorcycles that get the attention.

Steve Chaszeyka says Wizard Airbrush has been in business for 40 years doing pin striping and airbrushing designs on motorcycles and cars.

Chaszeyka says the unique designs give motorcycles personality, and he’s been asked to add some interesting personality over the years.

“I’ve done pictures of their kids on bikes; I’ve done pictures of their dogs on bikes, lot of skulls and Tasmanian devils and all kind of cartoons.” said Chaszeyka.

Chaszeyka says he likes pin striping the most because it’s like a dance or music and he’s the conductor, because each striping that he does is different so every motorcycle has a one of a kind design, but Chaszeyka won’t do nudes, perverted sayings, or swear words.

Fred Emmi, with EckArt incorporated says his company will do just about any custom design and put it on a mirror.

Emmi says the chrome plated mirrors and horn covers will last forever.

“And they’ll even do what they call one of a kinds depending on what you want, make one of them and that’s it and they’ll never be another.” says Emmi.

Vendors say the spring rally is a perfect opportunity for them to show off their not so ordinary products to thousands of people.

Vendors also say so far they have seen steady crowds, but most people say they are waiting until they get ready to leave to make purchases, rather than on the spot.