A term George Barris used for custom, now in common use.

Kustoms are modified cars from the 1950s and early 1960s done in the customizing styles of that time period. The usage of a 'k'for 'kustom' rather than a C, is said to have originated from car builder George Barris This style generally consists of starting with a 2-door sedan, lowering the suspension, chopping down the roofline, sectioning and/or channeling the body, and removing most of the body trim, door handles, etc. Paint jobs often were black primer, though just about every other color was used, and this paint job was usually topped off with flames, scallops, or Von Dutch style pinstriping.

Kustom is a well known manufacturer of guitar and bass amplifiers and PA systems.