I'd like to introduce the cars of Bud Craft, age 76

Bud Craft lives in the mountains of central New Mexico. He's retired and builds cars. The kind of cars we like and aspire to build. He's a craftsman and I don't think he's ever gotten much attention. If he got out more or lived near a coast, I think he'd be in most of the magazines... probably once every eight years!

The last car he finished in 1998 was built for the History Channel's Great Race. It was a Model A speedster. I had seen pics of it on the internet before but had no idea he built it. Here's a link to some photos.

http://www.nwvs.org/CarPhotos/038A/038A.shtml

He told me the other day, "I learned a long time ago to work on one car at a time". Prior to the Model A he built a Mercury with a chopped windshield and carson top.

I visited him last week. I hadn't been in his garage for probably 18 years. Not since I went there with my dad. They were good friends. He was very anxious to show me his latest creation.

He told me he started this right after the A speedster. Probably the next day. That makes seven or eight years of construction BUT it's "nearly" finished!

I walked in the door of his garage and my jaw just about hit the floor.

What is it?
Homebuilt boattail roadster.

What did you start with?
Tubing and sheet metal.

Where's your English wheel?
Don't have one.

Please tell me you have some construction pictures.
Yep, let me go find them.

I just glided around it slowly, taking it all in from every angle. Bud built this.
Wow.

 

wow

 

It's in two tone primer. Didn't even ask him if it will get paint. I did ask him about the grille shell. Answer- I built it. I also built...

the frame, body, windshield, steering wheel, seats, dash, knock-offs, door latches, and on and on. The hood side trim is from a Cadillac.

Have I mentioned the center headlight pivots with the front wheels?

It will have a built flathead- it's on the engine stand. Lincoln Zephyr trans, Ford banjo rear, the front axle is probably aftermarket but is mounted suicide style. Lincoln front brakes.

Hot rod parts.

Here are some of his construction shots.

 

Very nice!! Show us more.

 

I'd really like to do Bud justice with fantastic descriptions of his craftsmanship but I think maybe the photos will take care of themselves.

Enjoy.

 

Last few for tonight. I've got some detail pics I took while I was there. I'll let these soak in for awhile.

Dan

 

Now that is cool! Can't wait to see and hear more about it.

 

Very nice quality.

 

this is what the "scratch built" car kids should be aspiring to..

true coachbuilding right here
simply beautiful

thank him for sharing this with us

 

Now that is a true "CRAFSTMAN". Everything built out of the mind and with his own hand's and ingenuity!!! Some body get him a entry form to the HAMB drags!! That is one I would love to look over for hours and just ask questions on how every this and that was accomplished.

 

Beautiful car!

 

I love seeing these kinds of build, definately inspires you. Thanks for sharing.

 

Dan,
Beautiful work, thanks for sharing it with us. Your friend is a craftsman that deserves recogition.
Larry T

 

wow

 

so what's the secret to building such a beautiful car without an english wheel???

 

The word "wow" doesn't even come close...
but a hearty "wow" is all I got.

 

Beautiful!

 

Next time someone uninformed ,asks what the difference is between "ratrod" and "traditional",show them these pics.Then if they don't understand,SLAP EM!!!What beautiful craftsmanship,thank him for sharing,he's a master of a dieing art.Soak up as much info as you can from him,you're right he's not had the recognition he so rightly deserves.

 

These kind of men are true Icons in their own rite! Thanks for bringing his art to our attention!

 

Stunning! I love this stuff.Thanks and my compliments to Mr. Craft.

 

One word...

holy****in****!

 

I gotta go home now. My mommy is calling me... Geez, that makes me feel like I have the ability of a nine year old. AWESOME ! What a great eye for proportion and stance as well.

 

I called Bud tonight to get a little info before I posted. He said he has some construction pictures of the '29 Speedster too so hopefully I'll get them before long.

Here's a couple of pics of that car if anyone skipped over the link.

I wish I could find some pics of his old custom Merc.. He sold it awhile back and all I've got right now is a fuzzy business card pic. It's a candy blue convert. with a grey carson top. Big toothed grille, frenched headlights, etc...

Dan

 

He's one talented guy with a hell of an eye for design. Thanks for sharing.

 

Thanks for sharing those pictures. Bud really is amazing! Tell him we are all drulling!

 

I don't know his way, but one way is to collect parts that already have the curves you want in them, then cut and weld them into the final product you are making. If you don't have a lot of compound curves, you can use unwheeled metal.

Aluminum you can use a "*******" and a "s****."



I like how he did his frame.

 

OHMIGOD!!! "Nuff said, I think.

 

OOH, OOH, OOH, I have a question! Why are'nt you over there picking up any and all knowlage and skill this man is willing to p*** along?Man I tell ya I 've worked with a few "oldtimers" in the past and if you are willing to sit down with them and have an open mind and a closed mouth most are willing to p*** along what they know to you.
The most influential man I ever worked with was always coming up to me and asking," want me to show you an easy way to do that". I also learned not to say sarcasticly." no I'd rather struggle like a dumb***", because then he let me. It's always better to receive an offer of help right away than to sheepishly ask for it later when your frustrated.

 

I totally agree on the "coachbuilding" aspect. You make a perfect left door, then you make the same perfect door for the other side that is the exact opposite on the other side! Amazing work.

 

Yeah, he's the real deal.