I've mentioned a couple of times that I'm mentoring at the Gilmore Car Museums "Gilmore Garage Works". This is a program for young people who might not have the advantages and opportunities that most of us take for granted. They get to participate in the restoration of an old car, hang out with some grey beards, and pick up some life skills along the way. It's also an opportunity for us grey beards to hang out in a clean shop and learn some life skills. (My actual skill set is as yet undetermined, but some of the kids don't what an open end wrench is, or what a Phillips screwdriver is, so I seem like I know what I'm doing to them!) We've been picking away at the '31 Willys Knight project. While it's not a particularly exciting car, it does have the sleeve valve Knight engine, which makes it rather special. It's also framed in (mostly rotten) ash, which makes it typical of most cars of that era. It's being put together from bits of several different cars, missing lots, so it's a challenge. My old shop teacher from high school (he seemed old to me, but in reality I think he's only 3 or 4 years older than I am) drafted me into the program, he and I have been working at replacing the bad body framing. We finally got the doors hung on the drivers side, and were happy to find they fit nicely. I guess I must have learned something after all. In additon to the Willys Knight, we have a '26 Buick sedan, a '26 Chandler (with the "Pikes Peak Special" engine, a rarity I'm told) and what I think is the coolest project in the que, a '35 Packard 110 coupe. There's talk of prepping that car for "The Great Race", which I think would be great for our Garage Works team and the museum. In order to help fund all of this, we're selling a donated '41 Cadillac Touring Sedan. It's complete, rust free, piles of extras including another flattie. Some of the guys are all geeked about it being a "full cl***ic", which I guess is important at the country club, but it's still another old 4 door sedan. It'll make somebody a nice car pretty easily, and help keep us from dipping to much into the endowment for the program. Cheap too, if anybody thinks they'd be interested, I can provide some info. School season is coming to an end, but we are planning on have a monthly day long session in the summer. Then we may be able to see actual progress! Here's a few pics from last Thrusdays work night. The military academy kids were visiting from Battle Creek.
Good luck with the program.More of us need to get involved with kids.especially cars. Both restorers and rodders need to cultivate a new generation of motorheads and let them appreciate the past. Good luck and keep us posted.
That's pretty cool. I might have to stop down that way for one of the days, sounds like fun. Do you have to be young, to learn?
Very cool program. One of my favorite places that I have visited. If you have never been there this is a must see car places.
Brian, Great job getting the kids involved! Do you have any info on how to get a kid into the program? I have a 15 year old nephew going to Gull Lake High and he has been coming over helping me in the garage for a while and would LOVE to get into something like this. Thanks for any info! Dave
I hope someone buys the caddy to help your program. I need to get back to the Gilmore. I LOVE THAT PLACE.
Brian, That is a great way to spread the knowledge. Too bad it is so far away to offer to participate.... How are they planning to sell the Sedan?
I think it's going on ebay and Craigs list. The museum director is handling the sale, it's offered to museum members at a "pre-ebay" price which is pretty reasonable. I don't want another project, but it's tempting...
We've been to the Gilmore...what a place. Plan to spend the day when you go. I even geeked out over the pedal cars : ever seen a COE pedal car pulling a trailer with a pedal race car on it? They have a vintage Shell station and a restored diner. Gary
Great way to give back Brian...once again, the Gilmore is one of this country's greatest yet most underrated automotive museums and one of my absolute favorite places to take in a car show.
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