Folks Of Interest Walter P. Chrysler would be proud of my buddy---BCR

Ever get tired of hearing what's wrong with our world? All the bad news can bring you down if you let it. So on this Independence Day holiday weekend, allow me to tell you a story of positive news and true success. You might even see some cool cars and hot rods too.
Bear with me....this could take awhile.

 

I was traveling down the Interstate on the high plains of western Kansas recently and my destination was Ellis, KS which is sort of an oasis on the hot windy road that passes thru our state from East to West. It occured to me that in all my years living out here, I had never been off the highway and into the town itself. I was soon to be in for a treat.

 

I had always noticed the signs that read "Boyhood home of Walter Chrysler" and "Railroad Museum" but had never taken the time to actually drive into town. How ignorant of me.

 

One of my favorite friends is Mike Keller (BCR on the Hamb) who owns Big Creek Restoration and I wanted to stop for a few minutes and say hi to him. I was very impressed with the clean town with well kept homes and very nice downtown builldings and of course the brick streets which are still in nice shape. And unusual for Kansas, they have dammed up "Big CreeK" which resembles a small lake thru the middle of town. Some of the homes had their own docks or piers with small boats. Not something we see around here much. I took a few photos in the 107 degree weather.

 

As I drove up to Mike's shop, I noticed it was only 2 doors down from Walter Chrysler's family home. Both are on old U.S. 40 highway and along the railroad tracks where young Walter's dad worked. When he became of age Walter left home with a small tool box and learned the mechanic side of the railroad business and moved up the ladder of success while quickly becoming an icon of American history.

 

Mike's shop is in an old former Ford dealership building on a prominent corner of downtown Ellis. There was no sign and the place looked busy. True sign of success....word of mouth, no advertising....

 

Actually before it was a Ford dealership the place was a beautiful "Kent" gas station and cafe for travelers going across the busy mother road of US 40. At some point perhaps in the early 50's there was a fire in the repair bay and the building was badly damaged and remodeled in more modern style.

 

Once inside, I found my buddy Mike who was surprised to see me since I hadn't told him I was coming.

 

Right away Mike seemed suspicious of my visit and told me he knew the real reason I was there. To spy on his Model A hot rod.....you see we have this match race planned in 30 days at the Salina KKOA Lead Sled show. The drags are on Friday night. I will give him credit. His car is low and sleek. Flawless paint over ultra smooth body work. This was formerly owned by wingnutz in Wisconsin and used to be in rougher form and unfinished red primer. Anyway the car has a handbuilt (by Mike) lift off white top, along with some kind of big block Olds Rocket engine with dual quads, open headers, quick change rear, blah blah blah.....
But I will give him some credit. I have seen the car go down the drag strip at blazing speeds. However...I have yet to see it pull the front wheels off the ground....just saying.....
So we have this bet and the loser has to buy pitchers of beer after the drags at the Paramount Bar in Salina. I would like to warn Mike that I travel with an entourage of thirsty souls...all big bodyguards too. This could be expensive.

 

He began the tour and showed me around. Lots of cool projects were to be seen.

 

Everywhere we looked there was metal working equipment. Lot of hand formed panels, trim, and parts that are so obsolete that Mike has to make them himself. I was impressed.

 

He also has a handful of loyal employees who he is very proud of. These guys build fantastic quality street rods, hot rods, muscle cars, and original restorations. Many magazine featured cars and show winners have come from here over the years and yet.........
there was no mention of that and no bragging.
Actions speak louder than words.....

 

Wingnuts car looks nice! It will give it a new life for your buddie and will also keep people from saying hay isnt this so and so's car.

 

Nice story, Thanks.

And have a Happy 4th of July!

 

More cars...at first glance this car looked rough, but closer inspection showed very nice craftsmanship with perfect floors and roof. Engine wasn't too shabby either.

 

Back in the corner and hard to photograph was this project 33 roadster for his wife.
And speaking of his wife, she is a beauty and the couple have 2 happy kids---boy and girl. Perfect American family in my opinion.

 

Check out the hand formed grille surround trim on this street rod that some lucky customer will soon be driving. This car was SOOOO custom and trick it will really be something.

 

How about a restored 57 Fairlane convertible almost ready for paint?

 

Or maybe a traditional style pickup truck would suit your tastes better?

 

These photos are for my pal Engine Pro 5X who is a mutual friend of ours and lives nearby to me at the sausage capital of KS. Not Hamb cars but he knows what he is looking at here....

 

This car was loaded with every factory option you could get and the engine was VERY special......

 

How about an upside down Cuda on a rotisserie?

 

And although Mike loves the cars he plays with, he seemed even more proud of the pine wood derby cars that him and adult friends build and race on a long wooden track. Think beer and betting. ha ha--

 

And then I saw my favorite Dodge Brothers roadster pu owned by our good friend Corey.....man I love this thing. Hauls ass too.

 

maybee this guy could fix your car so that tendency to wheelie would go away
And install a Moparts HEMI so that you would have a chance

or you could start saving to buy the Beer!!!

will it bee cool enough to attend the races ??? or will the air conditioned motel room beckon to cool off

 

Mike is really proud of his town, the architecture of the buildings, history, and MADE me walk a block to see this cool art deco style lighted entry way into a business. It is under lit with bulbs that he said look way cool at night. I think my pal Stude Trucks from CA would like it.

 

I didn't get a picture of it but across the street and exactly 88 steps from his tool box (according to Mike) is a small auto parts store ( I think it was a Napa) that his friend and fellow car guy owns. Very handy....

 

Paul, it was an honor to have you yesterday. I am now Poverty Flats famous!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the nice comments. I will be away from the computer for a few hours but I will check back in by noon or so.

Thanks Paul

 

As I drove away I was thinking....
Here is an American success story.
In a small town you can:
make your own opportunity,
make your own fun,
raise a nice family and teach them strong values,
be a good neighbor and friend,
provide jobs for like minded local talent,
enjoy a fun hobby while earning a living wage.
That is how you become "RICH"..........
And I'm not talking about MONEY.

 

Thank you Mike for inviting me many times in the past and I am sorry it took me so long to come to your town. I loved it.
p.s.----
I have a "secret agent" lined up to fine tune my car for the drags----
be afraid--