Born in Southern California, John Gilbert was ingrained with a dedication to customizing, restoring, and racing vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles. In his early years John owned Crazy John Custom Paint, Auto Exotics, and Cycle Craft. Later, he served as editor of Tailgate, Custom Classic Trucks, American Truck, Highbeams; tech editor for Hot Rod Bikes, Classic Trucks; and feature editor for Rod & Custom and Street Rodder. His photographic images have appeared on over 250 magazine covers.