The Big Banana Car


The Mutant Brothers - Big Banana Car.
This is a photograph of the <strong>Big Banana Car</strong>.
This is a before and after of the <strong>Big Banana Car</strong> showing how it looked as a 1993 Ford F-15- and now as the <strong>Big Banana Car</strong>.

The world is a wonderful and amazing place and what better way to see it than from the comfort of a large banana?

It had long been the desire of Steve Braithwaite, a native of England now living in America, to be the most ridiculous man in the world. Having a goofy pompadour haircut for many years was simply not enough and so he had to think big. "What sort of car would the most ridiculous man in the world drive" he asked himself one day "I know, a banana car" he answered.

The Big Banana Car is based on a 1993 Ford F-150 pick up truck and is still a 4X4.
Click to enlarge photos of the <strong>Big Banana Car</strong>
Photograph of The Big Banana Car outside the former nightclub Bananas in Allentown Pennsylvania. Left to Right: Liz O'Neill, Steve Braithwaite
The Big Banana Car outside the former nightclub "Bananas" in Allentown Pennsylvania.
(Left to Right: Liz O'Neill, Steve Braithwaite.)
Photograph of the Big Banana Car at the Dairy Queen car show in Quakertown PA.
The Big Banana Car at the Dairy Queen car show in Quakertown PA.
(Left to Right: If you are in this photo please let us know your names. Email: steve AT stevebraithwaite.com).
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car at the Blue Mountain resort Fathers Day event
The Big Banana Car at the Blue Mountain resort Fathers Day event.
(Left to Right: If you are in this photo please let us know your names. Email: steve AT stevebraithwaite.com).
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car outside the Banana Factory in Bethlehem on a First Friday.
Outside the Banana Factory in Bethlehem on a First Friday.
(Left to Right: If you are in this photo please let us know your names. Email: steve AT stevebraithwaite.com).
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car in New York City with two of the execs from Zero Point Zero TV production company.
The Big Banana Car in New York City with two of the execs from Zero Point Zero TV production company.
(Left to Right: Helen Cho, Ron Kutt, Jennifer Williams, Steve Braithwaite).
Photograph of the Big Banana Car about the enter the Chicago Skyway toll booth.
The Big Banana Car about the enter the Chicago Skyway toll booth.
 Photograph of Scott, Jasmine and their mum Heather in the Big Banana Car.
(Left to Right:) Scott, Jasmine and their mum Heather in the Big Banana Car.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car at a roadside rest area somewhere along the great American highway.
The Big Banana Car at a roadside rest area somewhere along the great American highway.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car at Rockerfeller Plaza in New York City.
The Big Banana Car at Rockerfeller Plaza in New York City.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car with The Spade being interviewed for the Allentown TV news.
The Spade being interviewed for the Allentown TV news.
Photograph of the Big Banana Car with Steve and Liz being photographed for the Quakertown Intelligencer.
Liz, Steve and the Big Banana Car being photographed for the Quakertown Intelligencer.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car at the Quakertown airfield.
The Big Banana Car at the Quakertown airfield.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car drag racing a Cessna.
The Big Banana Car drag racing a Cessna.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car heading to an event somewhere along the great American highway
Somewhere on the great American highway heading to an event.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car at a car show in Quakertown Pennsylvania.
The Big Banana Car at a car show in Quakertown Pennsylvania.
Photograph of the Big Banana Car at Quakertown Produce.
The Big Banana Car at Quakertown Produce.
 Photograph of Liz O'Neill sitting in the Big Banana Car.
Liz O'Neill sitting in the Big Banana Car.
 A very dramatic photo of the Big Banana Car in motion taken by Liz O'Neill.
A very dramatic photo of the Big Banana Car in motion taken by Liz O'Neill.
 The best part of driving the Big Banana Car might be all the smiles and waves we get. Thank you.
The best part of driving the Big Banana Car might be all the smiles and waves we get. Thank you.
 The crew at Partners Real Estate in Brighton Michigan climbed in the Big Banana Car for a ride.
The crew at Partners Real Estate in Brighton Michigan climbed in the Big Banana Car for a ride.
Photograph of the Big Banana Car outside the Partners Real Estate office in Brighton Michigan.
Outside the Partners Real Estate office in Brighton Michigan.
 Steve Myers and his wife Anya with the Big Banana Car.
Steve Myers and his wife Anya with the Big Banana Car.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car stopping for the night at a Super 8.
The Big Banana Car stopping for the night at a Super 8.
 Rain or shine it makes no difference to the Big Banana Car.
Rain or shine. It makes no difference to us.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car outside a Micro Tel Inn with two documentary film makers. (Left to right:) Steve Braithwaite, Vince Clemente, Dan Billups.
The Big Banana Car outside a Micro Tel Inn with two documentary film makers. (Left to right:) Steve Braithwaite, Vince Clemente, Dan Billups.
Photograph of Julie and her family in the Big Banana Car.
Julie and her family in the Big Banana Car.
 Breakdowns do occur in the Big Banana Car but it's all part of traveling across America. This was on the way to the Chiquita Classic golf tournament.
Breakdowns do occur but it's all part of traveling across America. This was on the way to the Chiquita Classic golf tournament.
 I have to get the banana car fixed quickly because, as the signs says, there is no overnight parking.
I have to get the banana car fixed quickly because, as the signs says, there is no overnight parking.
 Interstate rest areas are a chance to meet people in the Big Banana Car.
Interstate rest areas are a chance to meet people.
 Photo of Fernando, the CEO of Chiquita as he checks out the Big Banana Car
Fernando, the CEO of Chiquita checks out the Big Banana Car.
We have to make sure that the Chiquita logo is clearly visible on the Big Banana Car.
We have to make sure that the Chiquita logo is clearly visible on the Big Banana Car.
 Photograph of Miss Chiquita next to the Big Banana Car.
Miss Chiquita next to the Big Banana Car.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car at the Chiquita Classic golf tournament.
The Big Banana Car at the Chiquita Classic golf tournament.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car reflected in a passing vehicle.
The Big Banana Car reflected in a passing vehicle.
 If you're backpacking across America you might get a lift from the Big Banana Car.
If you're backpacking across America you might get a lift from the Big Banana Car.
We don't just get smiles and waves from passing cars. We also get screams and gestures.
We don't just get smiles and waves from passing cars. We also get screams and gestures.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car entering the Baltimore Harbour tunnel.
The Big Banana Car entering the Baltimore Harbour tunnel.
 Photograph of Crystal and the kids in the Big Banana Car.
Crystal and the kids in the Big Banana Car.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car on highway 309 in Pennsylvania.
Photograph of the Big Banana Car on highway 309 in Pennsylvania.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car at the Who Hill family picnic.
The Big Banana Car at the Who Hill family picnic.
Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Steve with Ron Kutt. Ron's skills as a fabricator was an enormous help in building the Big Banana Car.
Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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Caption coming soon.
Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
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 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Caption coming soon.
   
   
   
   
Ron Kutt.
Ron is the owner of a small part-time welding company located in Sellersville, PA called RK Services, with the dreams of one day turning this vision into his full-time business. The birth of RK Services was in 1996 and Ron is a 3rd generation welder who believes in doing the job right and at a reasonable price. He is "A Kutt Above the Rest".
Like the name, he does a variety of services from equipment repair, modifications and custom fabrication. RK Services can do projects at his small shop or can come to you with a mobile welding unit.
For a free estimate or to reach Ron, he can be contacted at 267-718-8604.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Ron Kutt.
Ron is the owner of a small part-time welding company located in Sellersville, PA called RK Services, with the dreams of one day turning this vision into his full-time business. The birth of RK Services was in 1996 and Ron is a 3rd generation welder who believes in doing the job right and at a reasonable price. He is "A Kutt Above the Rest".
Like the name, he does a variety of services from equipment repair, modifications and custom fabrication. RK Services can do projects at his small shop or can come to you with a mobile welding unit.
For a free estimate or to reach Ron, he can be contacted at 267-718-8604.
Liz O'Neill.
Liz proved invaluable, not only during the construction of the Big Banana Car but also as an able co-pilot when criss crossing America in the finished vehicle. I really cannot list the ways in which Liz helped out they are too numerous. Her enthusiasm for the project was boundless and her energy and excitement was infectious.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Liz O'Neill.
Liz proved invaluable, not only during the construction of the Big Banana Car but also as an able co-pilot when criss crossing America in the finished vehicle. I really cannot list the ways in which Liz helped out they are too numerous. Her enthusiasm for the project was boundless and her energy and excitement was infectious.
Glen Lewis.
Glen is not only a very skilled auto mechanic but he is someone who doesn't need much direction. Give him the basic outline of a job and he goes non stop, working quietly until suddenly you look over and it's finished.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Glen Lewis.
Glen is not only a very skilled auto mechanic but he is someone who doesn't need much direction. Give him the basic outline of a job and he goes non stop, working quietly until suddenly you look over and it's finished.
Gene Toner and Gene Toner.
The two Genes are both very skilled auto mechanics and they see solutions before I have even noticed the problem.
They are our favorite pair of Genes.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Gene Toner and Gene Toner.
The two Genes are both very skilled auto mechanics and they see solutions before I have even noticed the problem.
They are our favorite pair of Genes.
Mike Hinkle.
I had heard stories of a mechanic in the area that sounded too unlikely to believe. Tall tales of a "Mechanics" mechanic. A guy that other auto repair shop owners go to when they are stumped. With some vague verbal directions whispered in a hushed voice I set out on a quest to find this man and enroll him in the Big Banana Car project. After a winding twisting journey through the roads of Pennsylvania I found myself standing before the gate to his kingdom. However, it was after 5pm on a Friday and he had gone home for the weekend. With a tear in my eye I turned and left, vowing to return on Monday.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Mike Hinkle.
I had heard stories of a mechanic in the area that sounded too unlikely to believe. Tall tales of a "Mechanics" mechanic. A guy that other auto repair shop owners go to when they are stumped. With some vague verbal directions whispered in a hushed voice I set out on a quest to find this man and enroll him in the Big Banana Car project. After a winding twisting journey through the roads of Pennsylvania I found myself standing before the gate to his kingdom. However, it was after 5pm on a Friday and he had gone home for the weekend. With a tear in my eye I turned and left, vowing to return on Monday. When I went back on Monday I outlined the Big Banana Car build and trip and the particular needs I had and stood back as he pondered my request and I nervously awaited his decision. "I'll help you" he said "on one condition. That I stay in the shadows with no publicity" "Certainly" I said "Not a problem" I presumed that he wanted to help but was embarrassed about working on a huge banana and didn't want his friends to find out but it turns out that, unlike me, he is just a very humble guy and simply wants to avoid the lime light.
JL Auto Body.
Jim Lacy and his team (Jim, Jim and Jim) did a really wonderful job of laying down the yellow base paint. They were very nice to work with and Jim himself had an almost constant grin and kept shaking his head in mirth every few minutes.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
JL Auto Body.
Jim Lacy and his team (Jim, Jim and Jim) did a really wonderful job of laying down the yellow base paint. They were very nice to work with and Jim himself had an almost constant grin and kept shaking his head in mirth every few minutes.
Yerkes Auto.
The team from Yerkes Auto in Quakertown ran all the brake lines, hooked up the master cylinder and booster and bled the system to give me a strong brake pedal.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Yerkes Auto.
The team from Yerkes Auto in Quakertown ran all the brake lines, hooked up the master cylinder and booster and bled the system to give me a strong brake pedal.
Custom Services Company. Sandblasting.
Glenn Singer and Leo Moyer of CustomServicesCompany sandblasted the very rusty F150 frame. It was an extremely hot day and we all remarked on how hardworking Glenn was. He had to wear a lot of protective clothing and must have been absolutely boiling as he crawled around, over and under the Big Banana Car frame spraying every inch with a powerful blast of sand. The frame came out looking fantastic! Glenn not so much.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Glenn Singer.
Custom Services Company Inc.
768 N. West End Blvd. Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: (215) 536-5339 Fax: (215) 536-6923
QuipCal.com QuipColor.com CustomServicesCompany.com
Keystone Automotive Bethlehem PA..
Much of the fibreglass and bodywork supplies came from Keystone and because I was in there so often they got to hear all about the Big Banana Car. Cathy mentioned it to her boss and they very kindly offered to provide the banana yellow paint.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Keystone Automotive.
3658 Route 378, Bethlehem, PA, 18015
800-441-4200 parts
800-355-7246 paint
Matt Kelly and Lindsey Joy Delozier.
We were working on the Big Banana Car outside the workshop and a little car pulled in the driveway with strange writing all over it. The owner is Matt Kelly and he had driven it all across Canada and Russia and he listened to the details of our project with great enthusiasm. He and his girlfriend Lindsay stopped by the next day and helped get the car ready for paint.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Matt Kelly and Lindsey Joy Delozier.
We were working on the Big Banana Car outside the workshop and a little car pulled in the driveway with strange writing all over it. The owner is Matt Kelly and he had driven it all across Canada and Russia and he listened to the details of our project with great enthusiasm. He and his girlfriend Lindsay stopped by the next day and helped get the car ready for paint.
Kelli and Rob..
Kelli and Rob deserve a big thank you. They have helped the Big Banana Car project in many ways from filming to junkyard trips to heavy lifting when swapping the engine.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Kelli and Rob..
Kelli and Rob deserve a big thank you. They have helped the Big Banana Car project in many ways from filming to junkyard trips to heavy lifting when swapping the engine.
Mark Steele.
Auto body expert and general automotive expert.
Mark has his own body shop in Bowling Green, Ohio. He has an astounding knowledge of all things automotive and the skills needed to repair and restore vintage automobiles.
The banana car project was started at Marks Bowling Green location and with his help progressed very quickly.
 Photograph of the Big Banana Car.
Mark Steele.
Auto body expert and general automotive expert.
Mark has his own body shop in Bowling Green, Ohio. He has an astounding knowledge of all things automotive and the skills needed to repair and restore vintage automobiles.
The banana car project was started at Marks Bowling Green location and with his help progressed very quickly.