Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominic Battaglia.
Dominic, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started painting helmets back in the early 80’s to help pay for Motocross parts. Since I was young, I loved any type of art I could get my hands on. That, coupled with my love of motorcycles and cars, led me to where I am now. After a year as a butcher, and then construction, I decided it was time to pursue my passion. I worked for a few shops in the 2000’s, and was never happy with the quality of work they put out. So I decided to branch out on my own and start Loose Cannon Customs.
I have a unique talent in the fact that I can do airbrushing, pinstriping, drawing, etc, so at Loose Cannon Customs, you can bring ANY type of paint project and we can handle it. We don’t have to outsource to anyone. It makes my job a LOT of fun seeing what people can come up with and how I can execute it.
Has it been a smooth road?
The automotive industry is a tough one in California. I have been a hard worker my entire life, and I know that’s the only reason I have gotten to where I am now.
There are a lot of (expensive) rules to follow in this industry, but they are all well worth it to run a business I can be proud of. Making sure all of your ducks are in a row with the State have been the largest challenge. Constant rule changes keep you on your toes!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
San Diego County’s premier custom shop. Whether you’re interested in classic restorations, custom airbrushing or just an amazing head-turning paint job, our team can make it happen for you. We love to paint, and we’re proud of our work.
Looking for a one-stop-shop to handle your next restoration? See why so many of your fellow classic car enthusiasts have trusted Loose Cannon Customs to plan, manage and execute restorations and dream builds. Having successfully restored hundreds of complete cars – always with the highest feedback from our customers – we have the expertise to help you plan your budget, source all parts and get your car back on the road in all its glory. If you want to get it done and get it done right, look no further than Loose Cannon Customs.
It’s not easy to look at a car as a paint canvas, but once it’s done the results are incredible. Rest assured that your project will be in good hands with Artist Nick Battaglia, a man who can transform old rusty sheet metal into one-of-a-kind artwork. In fact, Nick has been painting for over 20 years and, not surprisingly to his many fans, has won numerous awards for his work.
Those are exerts from our website. I have to admit though, the coolest part of my job here is delivering our customers a top notch product. As per sample, we are in the middle of a full restoration of a VW Van for a gentleman that lost his son in the Ghost ship fire. We will take great care of that van, knowing how important it is to our customer. We are looking forward to that project!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Operating a business in Santee has been a joyful experience. We moved locations from Miramar 6 years ago, and Santee welcomed us with open arms.
San Diego is expensive, I am not sure there is much we can do to avoid the “sunshine tax”.
Pricing:
- full re-paint STARTS at $5000.00
- artist renderings start at $300 and will be applied towards the project if you move forward
Contact Info:
- Address: 8745 N. Magnolia AVe.
- Website: www.loosecannonsd.com
- Phone: 6194488870
- Email: info@loosecannonsd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loosecannoncustoms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LooseCannonCustoms/?ref=bookmarks
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/loose-cannon-customs-santee-2

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