Technical Look what someone just gave me!

I stopped by the house of an old gentleman whom I met a few years ago. He turned 88 recently and made his living as a tool and die makes. I drop in on him just to talk and see how he is feeling. The man has heart issues so you never know at that age when the old ticker will turn off. He has made me several parts in his shop and I just can't thank him enough. He had an auction last year and sold some really nice HEAVY DUTY machine equipment and a few old classic cars. He recently sold a 67 Vette to one of his friends who was recovering from cancer but always wanted the Vette. It was what we would call a barn find....dust and all. He has a 57 Chevy in perfect shape that he build and finished.....get this......3 years ago! He also has a 49 Chevy truck he also restored to original. But the crown jewel is his 1935 Auburn Boattail Speedsteer...... That he and his brother also rescued from a field many years ago. Anyway, I noticed he had a trailer hooked up to a Suburban and I asked where he was going "Off to Pennsylvania for an Auburn meet". He is driving to PA at 88 with the Auburn and wife. Can you think of a better weekend? What a talented and nice guy! So here is what he gave me. He said "come to the shop I have something for your truck" needless to say I was really touched he wanted me to have something he held on to for years. He said it may be from the 30's? Maybe someone on here can tell me when these first came out. Well that's it. I know, you all thought he was going to give me the truck right? I only wish.... Ha ha

 

There was a thread on these a while ago. I am pretty sure there were pics of originals and old ads from catalogs, old prices too

no idea on how to find that thread.

 

That's very cool. I would certainly treasure that piece. Like you said..........you never know, but it sounds like he's going to enjoy every minute 'til the very end. More power to him, I hope he lives to be 120. I've seen numerous repros of the devil thumbing his nose, but none show the kind of detail exhibited by this piece.

 

After reading a little of your post, I thought you were getting the boattail. Nice score, though.

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/name-that-vintage-devil.194747/

 

Direct from the front pages of J. C. Whitney & Co. (new and hot items, too new to list). It's the devil thumbing his nose at the world.

 

nice information
thanks all

 

I've seen a lok of these over the years but not with as much detail. HRP

 

One of my uncles had one of those on his 34 farm pickup. It was identical to that one. That was in the 50s.

 

If that's a genuine oldie, it is highly desirable to the restorer crowd.

 

Cool

 

That does look like a very nice old original in great shape. It's nice to be nice to old people!

 

From the title, I thought someone gave you crabs until I read your post.

 

Most of the ones you see are repros that do not have fine detail. I hope you have a rod with a screw on radiator cap to use it.

 

The repops don't have that "ball with the stud" mount.

 

UPDATE......I didn't quite have enough time to really tell some other interesting things about the man who gave me the Devil ornament. A few years ago, I joined the area AACA club because I had bought a nice '35 Ford Tudor from another member who's husband had passed recently and wanter to meet some classic car folks. I was told there was a gentleman that lived just down the road from me who had a nice collection of vehicles. So I dropped in on him and he welcomed me and showed me his car collection. I failed to mention that the day I showed up he was selling a 31 3 window? (I'm not shitting you guys), that was not hot rodded but in need of a total restoration. But hell, it was a 31. I didn't say a whole lot but I was drooling and my mind kept saying "this isn't real". He then showed the 49 Chevy PU, the 57 Chevy, the Auburn, 2 Crosleys, a 20's something???? 4 seater in great shape and the Vette. On another visit he showed me how he made some type of dash panel for the Auburn by "making his own dies for it". I said "you made that panel" and he said "oh ya, you can't just buy this stuff anymore" Ok I'm impressed! So I try and stop in regularly on the old guy just to say hi and see how he is making out. Like the WWII vets left, machinists like this are a dying breed! Don't think he used a CNC machine but you never know? Guys like this just make stuff with their eyes, a caliper and know how. I forgot to mention today when I dropped in the wife said he was in the shop so I walked over and peaked in. I see him working on the lathe and ask what he is making? "I'm making new spark plug connectors for the Auburn". The man never ceases to amaze me! (Photo attached) He tells me he has lost a lot of weight recently and said " I used to be able to cary a small block with one hand and now I can't cary my dick"! We both laughed quite hard. I said "I didn't realize your dick was that heavy" now he laughed! I am going to post a few pics of the Auburn, the 55, the 49, his shop and Carl when he gets back. I'm 54 but feel like a H.S. kid around him. As they say, he has forgot more than I'll ever know! I know this is not what us HAMBEers are looking to read about here, but these guys are the ones who started it all. Have a good night folks!

 

Very cool.

I guess "The Shocker" is older than I thought! Ha ha ha

 

I'm thinking it may not be a good idea to put this on my ride. I can unfortunately imagine going to a show and not seeing it when I return. Too bad!

 

Sad but true. I still have the winged motometer for my 26 T and the original 33 Chevy Master Eagle. Even years ago I never left the cars sit without being close by.
Actually never had anything walk off but others have. Nice stories. Some of these old guys amaze me as do a lot of young guys who are just as good.
About all I can make is saw dust, metal shavings, and paint dust.

 

I am one HAMBer that likes to read things like this!

 

Yes, the story was great, made me laugh out loud. I wish I could have hung out with my Uncle more, he was an awesome body man and car restorer.
It's cool that you are able to hang out with him, gleaning all the knowledge you can, sounds like a great guy.

 

Brings back great memories of hanging out with my old friend Arthur Richmond near Dalton GA. If Arthur didn't like you, he wouldn't sell you anything if you had a sack full of cash. If he liked you, he would give you stuff.

 

It must have been more than a few years ago when they pulled an Auburn Speedster out of "a field".

 

I agree.

 

My dad's buddy, Mel gave me one in about 78. He said he had been carrynng it around since the late 40s...had it on an old model A.
I put it on my 49 ford pickup and forgot to remove it when I traded it off..damn!

 

Me too! Years ago an old car club guy stopped by the shop as he did every once in a while and asked if I'd like some old car magazines. I never would have guessed this guy would have subscribed to Hot Rod and CT News in the 1940's. Bob

 

Nifty part, and more valuable is the friendship with the guy. Lots of knowledge to be learned there.Hope you are able to keep up with the old boy!

 

Rocky that old has the right look. I know you miss the truck as well.

 

You're right, I will check and see exactly when that Auburn project was completed. It's probably been more than "a few years." Hey at least you are paying attention to details.....ha ha!

 

Great story, if you have more keep 'em coming.The knowledge and enjoyment you'll get from this gentleman are priceless and the way he is living his life are a lesson to us all.
This ain't no dress rehearsal as it's been said.