Some projects are more than paint on metal—they’re history, memory, and love all rolled into one. That’s exactly what my dad’s 1971 Plymouth Satellite represents. This car has been part of our family for decades, surviving snowplows, cross-country moves, and countless family adventures. Now, it’s getting a transformation that honors both its past and my dad’s incredible Air Force career.
We’re calling it the “Martian Edition”. The inspiration? Outer space and Marvin the Martian. My dad, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, spent years caring for the KC-135 airplane as its crew chief. The crew even nicknamed the plane "Kosmic Kerosene", which proudly featured Marvin the Martian as nose art. Caring for that aircraft like it was his own, he instilled a love of precision and craftsmanship in everything he touches—and that same dedication is now shaping this Satellite.
The creative process began with the emblem. I sketched it by hand on paper, then had it 3-D printed for precision. Using Saral paper, I transferred the design onto the strobe stripe, carefully emulating the shape and style of the original Roadrunner decal while incorporating Marvin the Martian as the new mascot.
Everything was hand-painted with Alpha 6 automotive enamel, with a touch of hardener and high-temp reducer to handle the rainy weather on the first day. The yellow letters, inspired by the “Looney Tunes” font, were left to harden overnight before I returned to add finer details. Highlights on Marvin’s helmet and face helped him pop against the black background of the stripe, while Josh at Inline Six Paint & Body worked his airbrushing magic to create a subtle cosmic effect that gave depth to the black strobe stripe.
After layers of primer, careful sanding, and a lot of patience, the final touch will be spraying the car in Sassy Grass Green. This glossy finish will bring together the hand-painted emblems, cosmic strobe stripe, and vibrant bodywork into one cohesive, attention-grabbing piece of automotive art.
The result is more than just a restored car. It’s a tribute to my dad, to Kosmic Kerosene, and to the decades of family history tied to this beloved Satellite. Every line, every stroke, and every detail tells a story—and it’s one I’m proud to share.
🎥 See the Martian Edition come to life:
Watch the full restoration process in my YouTube video embedded above, where every brush stroke, highlight, and detail is captured. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel to follow along with future custom automotive and hand-painted art projects!