Some old(er) friend of mine came in the shop a few months back to check on me. On the routine shop tour one of the gentlemen asked me about my 36, interesting because I had just gotten a PM from 40 & 61 Fords that follows: I mentioned that, yes indeed, the rear fenders had been welded shut so to speak and that the gentleman that I bought the car from was undoing this modification before he gave up on the project. So flash forward to today, my older friends came back in with some names. He believes this car belonged to Dave Babel. The same Dave of "California Woody" fame. My friend believes this car was built by a man by the name of Martin Hawe (sp) who was renowned for his metal working and welding skills. The last know whereabouts of Dave Babel's car was a used car lot in St.Paul. This would coincide with the story I got from the man I bought the car from. Now here is the tricky part, anyone got pictures of Dave Babel's 36? Or of any 36 3windows built by Martin?
El Polacko, Sorry, I forgot to get you the info I have. Shoot me a PM with your address, and I'll send you copies of the info I have. Just to clear up the names mentioned... Dave BABLER is the guy who was know as "California Woody". I also am guessing your friend is refering to MARV FAW. He was a "california'" cutomizer who was doing work in the Twin Cities area back in the mid 50's. It 's also interesting to note the the "Jack Colori Coupe" was here in the Twin Cities back in about 1955. That may have been the coupe that Dave Babler had back then. He appears to have brought back a few "california cars" to this area. He had a really nice 34 roadster that he had brought back from there in the later 50's. Attached is a scan of the photocopy of a picture he sent me....sorry for the poor quality Note the headlights appear to be molded into the fenders.
Porter Mufflers is owned by Dave Babler's son. Porter Mufflers is an Alliance member and H.A.M.B. vendor. May have photos? http://www.portermufflers.com/component/content/article/57-californiawoody.html