HOT WHEELS

Story By Tammy Marashlian
Signal Staff Writer

Twenty-two-year-old Robbie Argote-Carrillo and his mom Stacee Carrillo embrace outside their Canyon Country home with his new custom made wheelchair designed by Steve Flanagan of the television show “Paint Misbehavin’.” Francisca Rivas (The Signal)

Up until last month, 22-year-old Robbie Argote-Carrillo used an old, basic wheelchair that wasn’t too comfortable.

But with help from artist Steve Flanagan from the new TLC television show “Paint Misbehavin’“, that “thrashed” wheelchair is no more.

The Canyon Country resident, who has cerebral palsy, now gets around in a personalized, red wheelchair with flame designs.

The family has seen a change in Robbie since the gift of the wheelchair.

“He sits up better in this one,” said Stacee Carrillo, Robbie’s mom.

Robbie proudly agreed.

“It’s comfortable,” he said.

Flanagan’s original wheelchair to Argote-Carrillo, presented in May, featured heat-reactive paint that changed from red to pink.

A second wheelchair was created only with the color red and flames, after Argote-Carrillo didn’t like the pink.

The wheelchair was the fourth for Argote-Carrillo, who began using one during his childhood.

As an added bonus, TLC camera crews followed Argote-Carrillo and his family for a segment on the show that debuted last week.

Carrillo recalled the filming, which she said gave her son a chance to shine in the spotlight.

“He was pretty excited about it,” she said.

Carrillo was especially pleased that the show spotlighted the needs of people with disabilities.

Throughout the show, cameras followed Robbie and his family from Smart & Final grocery store in Newhall to their Canyon Country home.

Argote-Carrillo worked at Smart & Final for six months while he was a student at Transitional Learning Charter, a William S. Hart Union High School District school that teaches disabled adults life skills.

Argote-Carrillo, who attended Valencia High School before starting at the charter school, was able to take part in community-based instruction. Attending the charter school allowed Argote-Carrillo to become more independent as he learned daily activities, like how to take the bus, Carrillo said.

Earlier this month, Argote-Carrillo graduated from Transitional Learning Charter after two years at the school.

“It was a great program,” she said.

For more on Robbie and Paint Misbehavin Show visit www.hardlifestyle.com

Paint Misbehavin TLC Show (SPECIAL PROMOTION)

To promote the airing of the show on TLC Paint Misbehavin, HARD Lifestyle is offering an extra 500 sq. ft. of chroming materials FREE with every purchase of the Gemini Chrome System. That’s right get your machine now and get an extra 500 sq. ft. of materials FREE. Have a spray set up in your shop? Can you paint? Well NOW you can chrome! This system produces a 100% chrome like finish on virtually ANY substrate. Wood, Plastic, Glass, Rubber, Metals and even Styrofoam can all be given a mirror finish using the Gemini Chrome System. This 3 step process of a basecoat, chrome coat, and topcoat provide a durable scratch and chemical resistant finish for years to come. Head over to www.HardLifeStyle.com and get started now.

TLC’s Paint Misbehavin’ Introduction

TLC’s New Hit Show Paint Misbehavin (Steve Flanagan – The Ringleader)

Steve Flanagan and cast debuted Thursday night June 25th on TLC and TLC-HD with Paint Misbehavin. Paint Misbehavin’ follows Steve Flanagan and his crew of merry “paintsters” as they set out to show the world a whole new way to look at paint. We guarantee you’ll never look at paint quite the same way again. These guys have paints that change from heat, UV and more. They specialize in chrome paint and are even delving into the world of cutting edge tattoo inks. Look for Steve Flanagan and crew to take the paint world to new levels and let’s hope TLC is along to catch it all.

TLC’s Paint Misbehavin color changing cop car

The premiere episode featured Steve and cast as they set out to create the cop car of the future combining both the Heatwave Paint (temperature causes color to change) and radiant heaters in the doors to make the door switch from all black to black and white and reveal the cleverly designed HARDWAY PATROL LOGO. This Escalade is truly “cutting-edge” and could change the face of law enforcement with its total cloaking ability, able to switch from an unmarked surveillance unit to a completely marked black and white pursuit truck.

TLC’s Paint Misbehavin – Steve puts the Inferno fireproof paint to the test

The initial episode of Paint Misbehavin also featured the guys building up a demonstration wall and painting it with the fireproof paint Inferno. We then see Steve Flanagan with flamethrower in hand giving the fireproof paint the ultimate test. As the team continues to assault the wall Steve takes a few minutes to go behind the wall and experience fire protection first hand, ultimately “standing behind” this incredible paint LITERALLY!

TLC’s Paint Misbehavin – Steve and the guys build Robbie a HOT brand new wheelchair

Rest assured this show is not all tattoos and flamethrowers we also see a great “heartfelt” moment as Steve and the guys hook up a very special kid named Robbie who suffers from Cerebral Palsy and was stuck in what was a less than appealing completely dilapidated chair. Steve promises Robbie a HOT brand new chair designed after his favorite movies including The Fast and The Furious. Steve and Sam set in to making a real hot chair for Robbie and the Paint Misbehavin crew plan to present it to Robbie just in time for his upcoming graduation. It’s great to see the joy that the simplest of tasks can provide to somebody’s life. This team spends a lot of time coming up with REALLY big stunts but this heart touching moment seemed just as “grand” especially to Robbie and his friends and family who all turned out to see Robbie get presented with his spectacular chair.

See all this and more on TLC and TLC-HD’s Paint Misbehavin’. Find out more about Steve Flanagan and find complete show coverage at www.HardLifeStyle.com. What are you waiting for get on over there and sign up now for the email list to receive future updates as soon as they are announced.

Jeff Mersey Paints TLC’s Paint Misbehavin Cloaking Cop Car

Filming of TLC’s New Hit Show Paint Misbehavin (Robert Banks, Steve Flanagan and Jeff Mersey with the Cop Car of the Future).

Jeff Mersey joins the cast of Paint Misbehavin on TLC as Steve Flanagan and his crew of merry “paintsters” attempt to create the Cop Car of the Future. Steve knows Jeff is the man when it comes to throwing down paint and completely overhauling anything that sits on 4 wheels. Jeff started out by stripping Rob’s Escalade down to the bone. Rob could hardly stand to watch. It wasn’t long before Jeff was ready to get the truck into the booth and do what he loves most, throwing paint down. Before Jeff could actually paint the truck he and Brian from Cerritos College had to wrap the doors with the specially printed HARDWAY PATROL logos that would be hidden with Imperial’s Heatwave (Heat Reactive Paint). Jeff was on the truck till the wee hours of the night BUT it was all worthwhile as Mr. Mersey again pulled off a flawless finish and the team was one step closer to making the Cloaking Cop Car a reality. Now it was back to the shop to figure out how to heat the doors. See all this and more on TLC’s Paint Misbehavin, and head over to www.HardLifeStyle.com to get the behind the scenes peek at all things paint.

Jeff Mersey and Steve Flanagan at Cerritos College painting the Cop Car of the Future for TLC’s Hit Show Paint Misbehavin.

Paint Misbehavin Cloaking Cop Car Becomes A Reality

Mike Derfus from Sound Off Signal with Steve Flanagan at the filming of TLC’s New Hit Show Paint Misbehavin.

Mike Derfus came down from Sound Off Signal with a whole trunk full of goodies to equip the Escalade with everything it needs to transform into its black and white alter ego. On Thursdays episode of Paint Misbehavin on TLC we saw just what Mike and the guys were able to pull off, let’s just say it was a phenomenal job. The Escalade was definitely an intimidating beast when dressed out in black and white and the Sound Off Signal light bar, ghost lights and complete siren box, controller and mic added all the bells and whistles needed to really push this project “over the top”.
Mike and his crew came up with an ingenious way for Steve to be able to swivel the light bar on top of the vehicle so when it is in the off position is hardly even noticeable, and Jeff Mersey smoked out the lenses with some black and this thing was COMPLETELY hidden. When it came time for the unveil Steve hit the switch and the light bar swivels into position coming to life as the doors change and the Cloaking Cop Car becomes a reality. All this and more on TLC’s Paint Misbehavin. Now head on over to www.HardLifeStyle.com and check out the rest of these incredible shots.

Sean Heick, Steve Flanagan and Mike Derfus with the color changing cop car at the filming of TLC’s NEW Hit Show Paint Misbehavin.

Paint Misbehavin Inferno Fireproof Paint

Benny is in his “Hay Day” as the cast of Paint Misbehavin puts their fireproof paint Inferno to the ultimate test. TLC’s special which aired Thursday June 25th @ 10 featured Steve Flanagan and cast as they set out to display their hottest paints with a new twist. The team heads out to a special effects lot and frames up a wall partition to simulate a house and paints it with the Imperial’s Inferno (Fireproof Paint). Upon completion of the wall it was time to attempt to “light it up” with everything John had in his arsenal. Steve pulled out a flamethrower and really set in to the wall right of the bat. Soon after the flamethrower assault it was time for Benny to “play” with all of the BIGGER pyrotechnic toys on the lot. Always confident in the Imperial Inferno Steve decides to sit BEHIND the wall with John and play a little game of cards while Benny and crew continue to hit the wall with everything they had available. It was a HUGE success and the Fire Dept gave their complete testimony as to the incredible performance of the paint! Now head on over to www.HardLifeStyle.com where you can see more incredible shots of Inferno getting tested on TLC’s Paint Misbehavin.

TLC’s Paint Misbehavin Cop Car

Steve Flanagan and the cast of Paint Misbehavin show debuted on TLC Thursday night a Color Changing Cop Car. This cop car is straight out of the future, with doors that heat up and trigger the Heatwave paint causing it to switch from black to invisible and revealing the completely detailed Hardway Patrol logo on the side of this futuristic black and white Escalade. The Paint Misbehavin gang call out Sean Heick who works with the LAPD and is responsible for getting the LAPD as well as many other departments their road ready vehicles. If Steve could impress Sean the rest would be easy!

The day of the unveil Sean and Steve decide to take their new toy out for some real world testing. They go to a spot Sean knew was notorious for vandals and taggin’. Within minutes they spot a couple kids armed with spray cans wreaking havoc. They approach completely stealth with the truck all black and hit their switch. As the transformation begins we see the Heatwave paint disappear and the Hardway Patrol logo appear, once the transformation is complete the boys hit the lights and sirens and the taggers are off and running! This vehicle is really a great example of what happens when cutting edge technologies meet creative powerhouses like this crew. Stay tuned to TLC for any future updates on Paint Misbehavin. Now get over to www.HardLifeStyle.com and see the rest of these AMAZING pictures!

Paint Misbehavin’ TLC’s HOTTEST New Show (Network Premiere – June 25th)

Tune in tonight to TLC folks for Paint Misbehavin where you will see Steve Flanagan and his merry “paintsters” change the way you see paint! You’ll see the boys take a shot at making a cop car of the future using their Heatwave (Temperature Reacting Paint) and creating a cop car that can go from an unmarked to a marked unit at the flip of a switch. Steve also brings in the Fire Dept and Hollywood’s hot shot pyrotechnics guys to test the full capabilities of their fireproof paint Inferno. With a flamethrower in hand Steve and the Paint Misbehavin crew hit the Inferno with everything John has to offer. Will it survive? Find out tonight on Paint Misbehavin at 10pm on TLC and at 7pm and 9pm on TLC-HD.

http://www.hardlifestyle.com/paint_misbehavin_tlc_discovery_show.html

PAINT MISBEHAVIN’ SHOW (TLC)

PAINT MISBEHAVIN’ – NETWORK PREMIERE

Thursday June 25th @ 10pm on TLC

Steve Flanagan and his merry band team of “paintsters” build the cop car of the future, hoping to change the face of law enforcement with the flip of a switch. And, the team and their fireproof paint get a baptism of fire-straight out of a Hollywood movie.
Current Listings:

Thu 6/25	10:00-11:00pm	TLC
Fri 6/26	12:00-1:00am	TLC

Stay tuned for the latest show updates at

http://hardlifestyle.com/paint_misbehavin_tlc_discovery_show.html

Automotive Custom Painting

A car with a custom paint job is one of life’s true pleasures. It’s like being the kid with the best bike in the neighborhood or the biggest piece of birthday cake. Whether you drive a 64 Impala, a Bentley GT or a Lamborghini Murcielago, a great paint job will take your vehicle from ho-hum to head turner.

Actually creating a great custom paint job takes skill and finesse. Automotive painting is one of the most arduous and painstaking tasks in crafting an automobile. It can also be one of the most costly. If you are on a budget, there are options for you. Some paint shops can deliver a good paint job for a fair price. Your other option is to take on the task yourself. If the paint job is a success, you’ll have even more to brag about: a hot set of wheels AND a “do it yourself” tale to tell.

Achieving a great paint job is a step-by-step process. You simply can’t rush automotive painting. Follow the basic steps of preparation, primer application, blocking, final paint coat and detail application. This can seem like a daunting task for any beginner, but the entire job can be completed in just a few days.

Prepare Before you begin, check with local bylaws and regulations regarding the use of spray paint in homes and enclosed areas. The last thing you need is a legal holdup delaying your painting job.

Ice-T’s Bentley GT

Cleaning the car is your next crucial step. The car must be spotlessly clean and free of dirt. Use detergents to clean the car top to bottom, and then follow up with grease removers. After the car has been cleaned, it’s time to begin sanding. An air sander (preferably a dual-action sander) should be used to remove the old paint from the car. This kind of sander will not cause body damage because it removes paint without digging like other sanders and grinders. Every trace of paint must be removed to create a perfect palette for your new paint job. Automotive detailing tape or even duct tape can be used to cover and protect other parts of the car, including plastic moldings and windows. In addition to removing the old paint, all traces of rust have to be sanded off. Rust will spread if ignored or untreated, and the last thing you want is body rot happening beneath your new paint job. You can repair minor body flaws on the car’s surface using fillers. Shape the compound with care using a sanding board, then follow up with a glazing compound. This step will help to ensure a smooth-as-glass finish on your ride.

Mask

KMK DJ Bobby B “High Rider”

After the whole car has been initially cleaned, then sanded, a final cleaning takes place and the vehicle is ready to be masked. In this step, every part of the car that shouldn’t be touched by paint is covered and protected. Remember, you will be using high-grade automotive paint that doesn’t wash off with water. Cover your windows, every light and reflector, all window rubbers, all chrome, tires, wheels, door handles, wipers.. take a good look and what needs to be masked. If you don’t want even the tiniest bit of over spray on it, cover it up! The tools and materials needed for masking are available at automotive supply warehouses and hardware stores.

Prime Priming is an essential step to providing a good foundation for your new paint. A flawless prime coat will help you to achieve a perfect paint job. Valspar epoxy is a good primer choice, combining dependable filling capabilities with minimal shrinking. After the primer has been applied, a second coat in a contrasting color should be applied on top of the first layer. This will serve as a sanding guide. The primer should be sanded to a smooth finish, but don’t sand too vigorously or you could actually damage the body of the car. When the priming is complete, a sealer is applied and a final sanding takes place.

Finishing off

50 Cent Chrome Lamborghini

In finishing off the automotive painting, it is essential to achieve uniform color. The spray gun should be held ten to twelve inches away from the body to avoid streaks and runs. This is necessary when applying the basecoat, final coat and clear coat. Regardless of the type of car you drive, a new custom paint job can turn it into a real showstopper. Automotive painting can be a time consuming task, but you can do it if you take it step by step.
For the latest custom paint products you can use with your project check out www.hardlifestyle.com/paints.html.