Tag: Ford
My late father Lester
My late father, Lester, had me involved in Model A’s at a young age. As long as I could remember, he tinkered with a ’29 Roadster. Over the years, my brother and I helped assemble, paint, and eventually complete the little car with him. For some of the bigger jobs we couldn’t help with as kids, he relied on an old friend named Artie. Artie was a tough guy truck driver that looked every bit of the part. He was a “collector” of many things, some people now call it hoarding. For example, he had some kind of small switching locomotive in his driveway. Old box trucks on his property were loaded with motorcycle parts and literally tons of train memorabilia. He was single, answered to no one, and collected whatever he wanted.
Fast forward many years to 2008, and his health began to turn. He asked my father to help him sell off some of his things to pay for medical bills. We went down to his house in Elizabeth, NJ, and began to help take an inventory. About a week into this, I finally made my way into the detached garage. Lifting the doors just revealed more piles of old boxes and junk. But one thing stuck out and caught my eye. It appeared to look like the headlight bar and grill shell from a Model A! I went back and asked my father if Artie ever had an A. He said he remembered him having a pick-up, but that was 40 years ago. Digging a little deeper in the garage revealed this 1930 Pick-up. My father couldn’t believe he still had it, and neither did Artie… It was pretty rough from being in a dirt floor garage in NJ. Humid summers, cold winters, leaky roof, you name it. But the little truck was complete and had good bones. A deal was made and I took the Pick-up home to my garage. Over the next several years we restored the truck to its current state.
I will never forget the fond memories Model A’s have brought me over the years. My father and Artie are now both gone, probably collecting junk somewhere up in the sky. Myself and my wife, Helen, create our own memories now in our A, and enjoy driving the truck to shows. We wave back to the pointing onlookers, many who have never seen a car this old running down the road.
Thank you, dad, and thank you Artie, for this great hobby.
Ran into Greg and Nicole in Berlin, Ohio
From Jim Zimmer
Ran into Greg and Nicole in Berlin, Ohio.
Paul Ganninger Kirkwood, MO
Vice President
As a member of MARC’s Missouri Valley region I have served as President as well as holding various other offices. Married to my wife Pam for 33 years, we have two children, twins Katie and Alex.
I have been active in the Model A hobby most of my life and would like to share my love A’s with others. My focus will be on the recruitment of young members to our hobby so that we can survive and thrive.
Some activities that I have done.
2005 National Membership Meet m St. Louis, Missouri – Co Chairman
2018 National Meet in Branson, Missouri – Co-Chairman
2019 National Meet m Dearborn, Michigan – Co-Chairman
2017, 18,19, and 2021 Undercarriage Judge in Fine Point.
I believe Board members of MARC should be an advocate of all aspects of the Model A hobby and be supportive of activities that attract NEW young members and retain existing ones. Focusing on Younger members will ensure that our hobby will survive and thrive.
Retired from a career in management and finance. I presently own a Closed Cab Pickup, as well as a 160-A that I am restoring for Fine Point as well as a 60-C and 160-B for future projects.
Curt Hillman Standish, Michigan
Treasurer
I was born and raised in rural Michigan. My wife Wendy and I were childhood sweethearts and married while in college. After college, graduating with a Certificate in Mortuary Science, we moved to Standish, MI, also small-town America. We raised a daughter and son, who are grown, and have a rambunctious 4 year old grandson. I have been a licensed funeral director for 45 years and owned Arenac Abstract and Title Company for 33 years . I served as Councilman, Mayor, and City Manager for the City of Standish. Additionally I have been a member of Kiwanis International for 33 years and have been active in improving our community by serving on several boards including the Economic and Industrial Development boards, our local hospital, and Arenac Opportunities (an organization whose purpose is to promote the general welfare of the mentally handicapped citizens in our county). In all of these capacities I have been responsible for budgets upward of $2,000,000.
I was active in Boy Scouts as a Youth and as an adult, for 14 years, serving as a Den Leader and Assistant Scoutmaster. My wife and I started a coed Venture Crew – BSA where we served as Leader (assistant leader) for several years. Scouting has allowed me to establish excellent rapport with the youth, something I would continue to work on if I have the honor of serving on the MARC Board of Directors.
In 1976 I met a retired oil field worker and his wife. We established a long friendship of 16 years. It was through him that I acquired my 1929 Model A Fordor. Our friendship led him to ask if I would serve as executor of his estate when it was needed. Of course I agreed, but stated that I would not accept payment for the service. A few months later the gentleman took me to the Secretary of State’s Office and added my name to the title of his beloved Fordor because he knew I would provide loving care and not turn the Model A into a hotrod. It was his way of paying me for my services. After the gentleman passed, the car became mine. A few years later, the Fordor became severely damaged in a hail storm. I totally dismantled the car, scrupulously labeling all parts down to the nuts and bolts. Then, unfortunately “life” set in and the Fordor sat idle for 17 years until I was able to do a total driver frame-off restoration over a two year time period. I managed to restore it just in time for its first outing to be driving my office secretary and her new husband to their wedding reception .
I have been a MARC member since 1992, first as a member of the AuSable A’s in Northern Michigan, and currently with the Script A’s in the Greater Flint area since 20 I 5. I am also a Life Member of MAFFI. We really enjoy the wide variety of activities of our club and have met many wonderful people who are so willing to share experiences and knowledge of the “A.” We love mingling with people from the across the nation who have the same passion for keeping cars original. Recently we became friends with a lovely couple from Australia, who attended the most recent National convention. My wife and I attended the Ground Breaking and Grand Opening of the Model A Museum in Gilmore plus three additional Model A Days. Over the years I have attended nine Michigan Model A Roundup’s and seven Membership Meets. In 2016 , our Script A’s hosted the membership meet and my wife and I are involved in many activities. We attended the 2018 National Meet in Branson where T had the privilege of serving as a Touring Class Judge, giving me the inspiration to tune up my restoration. I entered my 29 Fordor for judging in the Touring Class at the 2019 National Meet in Dearborn. I received the Award of Excellence, 500 points.
My love for cars and restoration led me to sponsor a Car and Bike Show in Standish in 1986, hosting 150+ vehicles on show day. After 25 years of running that car show, my wife and I decided we wanted to focus on the older cars that were kept as original as possible. We started one of the first shows in Michigan that focuses solely on Model A and T’s and other historic cars 1931 and older. We have held eight annual shows which are held at the Standish Historical Depot and Welcome Center, working with Hagerty Insurance Agency, establishing a Youth Judging program for our show.
I have been Chairman of the Arenac Heritage Route Authority, the organization that owns the Standish Historical Depot, a 50 I (c)(3) since 2002. The inter-local governmental authority focuses on the restoration and preservation of the Depot which was built by local farmers and merchants in 1889. During each of the last 8 years , we have kept the history alive by attracting people from all over the state to see these vintage cars at a perfect setting like the Standish Historical Depot and Welcome Center.
I look forward to serving the MARC Board and its membership. The success of all organizations comes from the grassroots level, the Reg ions. Without the work of all the Regions , MARC would not be where it is today. Since we are all getting a bit older, I will strive to pique the interest of the youth in belonging to this wonderful hobby, keeping the ” A” alive for generations to come. This can be done through various programs and events, including the Youth Judging Program sponsored by Hagerty Insurance. It may also be possible for the Regions to work with their local Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) to adopt Vintage Car Restoration as part of their automotive curricula.
James Zimmer
Director of Regions
My fascination with Model A Fords began at an early age when I noticed a derelict 1930 model A four door sitting in a field in 1961. At $75 it was too much to contemplate.
In 1972 I bought my first one, a non running 1929 Tudor for $500. I was thrilled when I sold it for a $25 profit a few weeks later!
Since that time, Model A’s have more or less followed me home, probably owning more than 20 Model A’s at one time or another.
I have restored two A’s, a 29 roadster pick up, a 31 wide bed pick up, a 1926 Model T coupe and am currently in the process of restoring a 30 standard coupe. I also have several other A drivers and projects awaiting restoration.
My wife Becky and I joined MARC in 1987 and have attended many National meets and co-chaired the 2018 membership meeting in Granville Ohio. I have also had a number of articles printed in the Model A News over the years.
I have been fortunate to have held director positions in 3 regional clubs, the Scioto Region in Columbus, Ohio, the Niagara Frontier Region in Buffalo, NY (also a member) and currently holding that position in the Model A Drivers of East Central Ohio region since 2018.
Our regions motto is “Just Drive Them” and that is what we do!
Tom Hovetter
Director of Membership and Public Relations
My name is Tom Hovetter and I have been asked to submit my name as a candidate for the MARC Board of Directors. Although, I am currently not a member of a local club, I remain active in the Model A hobby. I was previously a member of Hub City Model A Ford Club in Boonsboro, MD, serving as vice-president for two years and then becoming president, serving in that position for ten years. In 2017, I had the honor of chairing the National Meet in Gettysburg, PA. I have been a fine point judge at the 2018 and 2022 National meets. I have attended 7 National meets beginning with the 2007 National Meet in Williamsburg, VA.
I have always loved antique cars, hoping at an early age to some day own my own antique car. In 1984, that dream became reality. I purchased a 1930 2 door sedan in need of love and restoration. As many of you know, restoring a car is a labor of love and dedication. Finally, after 9 years, the 2 door was finished. I, now, also own a 1916 Model “T” Runabout, a 1930 Deluxe Roadster, and a 1928 Sport Coupe, which is finally being restored after sitting in pieces for fifteen years. In addition, I own a reproduction 1936-37 Mullins Trailer. Purchasing an original Mullins is on my list. One special hobby of mine is collecting authentic, period correct vehicle awnings.
I have had the honor for the last 23 years to own Fehl Awning Co., Inc. in Walnut Bottom, PA, a business with a proud tradition of manufacturing custom awnings and canopies since 1890. Yes, that’s correct, 1890.
I believe that the success of MARC begins with the local clubs and that the duty of the MARC board is to empower the local clubs to help with that success. It would be my honor to be able to serve you and the local clubs.
Model A Drivers of East Central Ohio
fall tour and picnic
The weather was sunny but cool and the back roads were very colorful.
Worth the Wait
1931 Roadster Restoration Takes 37 Years
By Karsen Palmer Price
Growing up with a body man as a father, my sister and I grew up watching cars come and go at our South Charlotte home. My father, Claude, worked by day for Toyota and by night for himself. He could fix anything, from totaled cars to rusty antiques, but he never kept anything for long.
One car never went on the chopping block — the restored 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan that belonged to my grandfather. The car was like a member of the family. However, as most Model A lovers can attest, “You can’t have just one,” Claude says.
A member of the Queen City Model A Ford Club since 1973, Claude’s dream was to build a Roadster, “because they looked neat.” In 1976, fellow Club member Reid Robinson told him about two Roadster bodies that were for sale nearby. My dad appraised them, quickly realizing one was in better shape than the other. He bought both for $350, then stored the good body in my grandmother’s garage. He repaired the other and sold it for $700.
Over the next 30 years, Claude collected Roadster parts. The family joke was that he had an entire car stored in the attic!
In August 2007, at 62 years old, my father started on his dream project. “I decided I wasn’t getting any younger,” he jokes.
By this time, the good body he’d bought in ‘76 wasn’t so good. Every panel needed to be replaced or repaired, including the floor pans and rails. “I sandblasted the body and started cutting,” he says.
But then came a roadblock. In early 2008, Claude was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and had a radical surgery. He was out of work for six weeks – the longest hiatus of his life. We weren’t sure he would live long enough to complete his dream build. He started back on the project that summer with a renewed focus.
In 2009, my dad decided to find out if the engine that had been sitting for 33 years would crank. My mom, Beth, and I watched as he hooked up a lawnmower gas tank to the engine, installed a battery, and turned the ignition switch. It ran like a champ! Mom put a video of the engine running – and my dad dancing happily – on YouTube.
Still working full-time, Claude devoted every extra minute to the Roadster. His grandson, Zach, and granddaughter, Peyton, helped with the car on weekends while visiting “Nana and Poopaw.” They learned to do light sanding and some assembly. I spot welded a quarter patch panel with my dad watching on, and my sister helped get the running gear in the garage, plus turned her hand to sanding. My mom photographed the car’s transformation along the way, helped with nuts and bolts work, and gracefully accepted being a “Roadster widow.”
When the body was ready, my dad took it to Town and Country Toyota, and asked painter Scott Williams to do the honors. The car was painted Bronson Yellow with Seal Brown trim, with orange wheels and pinstripe. Shue’s Auto Top and Trip installed the upholstery kit. Then came the installation of body to chassis.
In 2013, the Roadster finally was finished – 37 years after the first part was bought. The finished product contains parts from 21 different Model As, including an original 1931 N.C. license plate.
In 2014, my parents took the Roadster on its first overnight trip to Hendersonville, N.C. The car has since been driven all over North and South Carolina, and won second place at an AACA show at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Sadly, my parents only had four years to enjoy the Roadster together. My mom died unexpectedly in 2017 from rare uterine cancer. Today, the Roadster is a cheerful spot in my dad’s garage, residing comfortably beside the Model A Sedan. And I can happy say that, as of this writing, my dad hasn’t decided to sell it … yet!
