A 1964 shot of Gene Autrey's radio and tv 'fleet'. KMPC was radio's answer to public service/news coverage. Original mobile studio van top center, above.
Old images of my 'favorite' LA radio station and the encouragement of peers to provide anncr/music at local events. That's NOT me (right) but I did use a card table during my first VW gig.
After 4hrs of the 'table' I decided if I were to do this for real, I realized I needed more ROOM. Remembering the KMPC van, I began my search in 2006. Once I located my look-a-like truck I contacted surviving 'PC types: Engrs., talent, news. They all came through, sharing photos, stories and memories of the 'cowboy', himself, Gene Autrey. The KMPC710 website was very helpful, putting my quest for remaking the van within reach. Many colleagues donated hours helping on this project.
So, with this much space (similar cargo area) how do I use it. Needed to get 'on the air' for the 2009 season. Didn't want the 'catering truck look' but we decided to cut the right side out and create the awning window, paint the old letters on the side, then rub, peel and scrape it to give an 'aged' look. It worked. Suddenly, my '61 Ford looked OLD!
A few samples of car show Dj setups. From the basic to advanced in-car designs. (Interim 'studio' set up below).
Mobile studio van, partly visible at right behind tree, during 'Party on the Blvd.' car show in Layton. Nice to have that T-Bird out front.
Final design: continue with the 'catering truck' look, or go with a complete remake of the original KMPC mobile studio? Take a look at these photos of era parcel van and the 'PC truck. Using just three available shots to base the window sizes, the author has returned to the large picture windows shown in these two pictures. Bottom shows minor dings fixed and ready for window cuts.
Photo at left shows a nice design that will be incorporated (in part) into the SOTS mobile studio truck. This design, embraced by the author, moves the point of interaction between the Dj and the car/event show goers from pop-up awning on side to a more controllable tailgate opening at rear. Orig KMPC truck had tailgate design with access to studio via rear, while engineer and anncr (talent) occupied both sides of forward area.
OK... so Dj's have fans, too! This fan was lured to truck by milk not music!
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The BIG BAND Opening for the Roger Carroll show on KMPC
