Bruce was a gem among men. He responded to my very first inquiry about the evolution of the Ford Flathead V-8 with such grace and compassion that I truly felt comfortable asking other questions going forward over the years. That box of notes is a Historical Hot Rodding treasure.
Truly a very special person, the world would be a much better place if everyone worked harder to be that sharing with everyone else.
The more I find out about him the more amazed I become. Another story….. He was a fellow who most times loved to share his knowledge but hesitated to brag about himself. Very humble. I believe he treasured his privacy. Probably for various reasons. I read that he had various cool old cars, but for all the years he was on the hamb, he never shared any pictures, even after trying to persuade him, He explained he didn’t have digital camera. Now here I find out he didn’t even have a computer. Wow. That box blows me away. So I came up with an idea of doing something really special for him. And surprisingly, knowing in advance what I was up to, he didn’t ask me NOT to do this……. I suggested we all take up a collection and buy him a camera so he could share his inventory. The collection happened and the camera was delivered. ( Don’t recall who that was) I thought finally we could see his stuff and do something for this man who spent his lifetime helping people. Bruce, I’m still waiting…. I don’t recall ever seeing a vehicle Bruce owned. That’s Bruce for ya!
Interview with Zack Suhr mentions influence of the late Bruce Lancaster and a nod to Ryan Cochran https://www.hemmings.com/stories/gow/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=EDaily&utm_campaign=
One of his posts near the end of his life just gives you a little sample of the kind of research and digging for information Bruce did. It's doubtful that any other member of the HAMB knew these tidbits of info. The irony of the last line in his post is striking. I took the liberty of highlighting it.
I think I met him at the Road Agents show in Connecticut back in '04 or so? Such a nice guy. It was awesome when he would post on your threads, helping out and asking questions. He'd go back and research info and report back. And he was always so enthusiastic about your build. He was so into it, living vicariously into each of our projects. Want us to succeed in getting these old flattys on the road. Bruce Lancaster, Paul Howard, Steve Harwood, Tom Phelan, and many others. I think those guys smile down on us when we fire up these cars and rip them around.
As has been said previously, Bruce was a treasure and his never ending wealth of knowledge is missed, we should all try to be a little more like Bruce when it comes to helping each other. Bruce Lancaster - the man - a walking ,talking encyclopedia, especially automotive related. Bruce Lancaster - the Liberian the bigger than life persona! HRP
“I may like traditional cars, but I am not a traditional old man. Most old men are jaded. Grumpy. Not me. Getting old doesn’t mean you have to give up on learning new ways of thinking, doing, or teaching.” Bruce Lancaster Words of wisdom for those of us who are of that age group. Thanks, Ryan!
His mind was hungry for minutiae. His heart was a Big Block. He gave all he had. Thanks Ryan ( Good that he left evidence ) I used to (Fordbarn) see him magicly produce tough facts to lost Barners.
Bruce is what happens when you put education above ego. This is something most kids are capable of, but seems very rare for older folks. He never settled with, "I've been here long enough to know..." And he seemingly never got jaded to the idea that there are other ways of thinking and doing things. I know the chances of me pulling that same sentiment off as I get older are very slim... But damnit, I'm sure gonna try...
I remember a post by Bruce on the Ford Barn a few years back. He'd been looking for a particular bit of old Ford information for quite some time with no luck. One day he he happened to knock a pile of magazines off the corner of the bathtub ("Don't ask", he said) and one of the issues fell open to the page with the exact answer he'd been hunting. Of course he shared that information, and at the end of his post he said: "Research continues, aided by Providence and gravity". What a line, and what a man. Terry
Bruce was one of many on this 'site who replied to a query I had, regarding a reground flathead camshaft__ Here's the thread! https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/flathead-8cm-camshaft-question.865252/
I never met Bruce but whenever I had an issue his posts were some of the first that I would look up on the HAMB. He didn't know it, but he was a valuable resource when I was building my car. In fact, I was browsing his posts over the weekend and found information that will help me solve a current issue I have. He may have left us, but he still helps all of us because his wisdom and knowledge still lives on the HAMB.
Bruce also had a sense of humor. On a write up on Ford three speed transmissions, at a wrecking yard he bought a sought after 3” shifting fork for 3.00, he explained’ “it was greasy, know your power as a consumer”. I also sold him an Ansen master cyl. bracket and he wrote “dead presidents on their way”….
I was just reading up on Rich Fox earlier today, these guys Bruce, Rich & others have left so much for others to glean from, their legacy goes on, through generosity of their time & knowledge. Thanks @Ryan
The Jalopy Journal
