The date: July 18, 2011. A young man joins the HAMB to gawk at old cars and trucks, lurking, reading, learning from the exceptional collection of talent and knowledge contained in a far corner of the internet. Underutilized in his new corporate job at the birthplace of the Model A, he delves into this new world, unaware of what awaits him. Slowly, a vision materializes, one of a ‘35, maybe ‘36 Model 50, flathead powered of course, ‘39 box, maybe an aftermarket overdrive for easy cruising. The search begins. Somewhere on Craigslist, that beautiful menagerie of swap-meet leftovers, he finds it - in South Carolina for $3,200. It’s really just a collection of parts, rusty, but with a good aftermarket frame, mostly true to spec, and all the sheet metal, with a motor promised to run. This piece of tin finds its way to his garage, where it does indeed run, and there begins his true initiation, the real work and engagement. The oracles of the HAMB divulge their secrets through old threads and new, questions answered and opinions given - all to a stranger working alone, in his garage. He wants to take it to Alaska, he says, but alas, never makes it. The nine months of work, tearing down, sandblasting, powder coating, painting, rebuilding a Columbia 2 speed - all comes to naught for lack of knowledge on how to time a crab distributor. Embarr***ed, he shies away from his erstwhile home, relegating himself to lurker status once again. Time p***es, life happens, and he finds himself missing the old intrigue, the opinions, the offered ***istance on a topic only a certain few truly care about. So he hits the old bookmark, and staring back at him is a reminder of the beauty in this hobby, an old photo offered by the Man himself who makes it all possible. So here I am, fellas, with the telling of the story I never returned to finish. That old truck never made it to Alaska, but I made it shortly later on a 2,000 mile roadtrip through Michigan on my honeymoon. Not a bad trade off. These days I’m pulling together a new engine, a bit more hot rod than stock. Stay tuned. Mike
As a fellow Michigander and flathead fan, I'm loving this project. I grew up in Novi and still make it back there several times each year.
The Jalopy Journal
