Terry Bond

we've got a great house moving company locally. They moved the cape Hatteras Light House! Was going to search for something similar to the one pictured. It's actually in North Carolina. Was hopeful I could find something smaller that's part little country store with the awning out front covering the gas pumps. Have seen several recreated but I'd rather have an old original. My idea was to dismantle an existing building, load it on a trailer and haul it home to reassemble here on a new foundation, and try to return it to authentic appearance with gas pumps, signs, etc. My wife designs houses so I can get a pretty good discount on blue-prints. I think taking measurements and having a good blue-print of the existing structure would be a key to successful reassembly. I don't think we would need to be concerned about EPA, etc for just dismantling the building and moving it. Of course pumps at the new location would be non-functional. Pumps are long-gone at the majority of these old stations and what became of the underground tanks isn't something that has any connection to the building itself. A few years ago I almost got one up on the Eastern Shore. Saw the perfect building and stopped to ask permission to take some photos. The family that owned it needed to get it torn down or moved as they were going to sell the property. They asked me to make an offer on it, but within a month, the land sold and when I next went up that direction it was gone. Probably scrapped! I could have my wife design one and build a replica, but that doesn't sound quite right. I love those old Pure stations, but doing a brick building is not something that excites me. This little Pure station is located just off Route 13 near Cape Charles, Va.

A long-time "dream" of mine has always been to rescue one of the old abandoned gas stations found on back country roads. There are fewer and fewer of them still standing, and although we have plenty of room the thought of rescuing one is rather intimidating. Who out there has dismantled, hauled, and reassembled a real old gas station? Sounds like an interesting potential retirement project but what are the pitfalls (no pun intended). How expensive was your experience and what were some of the surprises encountered along the way? I know there must be some great stories out there so you can either inspire me, or discourage me. Open slate right now. Terry

Tommy, you and Debbie brought some great cars and really added to the show! We were thrilled to See the Richmond Region take the Old Dominion trophy home - both of them. I promised Debbie I'd write up something and sent it along for your newsletter explaining how the old original Old Dominion trophy came back to us after being on display for many years in Edgar Rhors museum in Manassas. Richmond really came through and brought a great contingent.

The 64th Old Dominion Meet is now in the history books. Nearly 150 of the finest vehicles you'll ever see were on the showfield on a nice warn day with plenty of sunshine and a light breeze. The rains held off until cars were snug in their trailers later that evening. For those now aware, the Old Dominion Meet Association has a long and proud history. It was founded in 1953 and exists as a non-governing organization that links AACA regions and chapters in Virginia in order to rotate hosting an AACA Style mini-national meet in various parts of the state. This year, it was Tidewater Region's opportunity to shine. Thanks to meet chairman Marion McAlpine and Tidewater Region President, Mark McApline, the Tidewater Region gang pulled off another absolutely first class event. It was held on the campus of the beautiful Founders Inn on the grounds of Regent University. My 1912 Triumph Motorcycle was proudly displayed in the lobby, while on show-day, on the grass out front we had two Dusenburgs from Dwight and Jane Schaubach, Jim and Donna Elliott's 1903 Cadillac and John and Lynn Heimerl's 1935 Chrysler Airflow. The cars were absolutely amazing including a great display of previously certified AACA HOPF and DPC vehicles. We were honored to have AACA National President Tom Cox, also a Tidewater Region member take time from his hectic schedule to come home just for the event. Here are a few photos:

We had a great time (with Robert Street) at the Tidewater Region hosted Old Dominion Meet at the beautiful Founders Inn here in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach vicinity. There were nearly 150 vehicles on the show-field for an AACA style meet. Vehicles from 1903 to the current allowable AACA year were on display including a good selection of Model Ts, motorcycles, muscle cars, even a great pair of antique delivery trucks brought all the way from PA for the meet. A nice Friday ice-cream social, a great awards banquet were all sandwiched in between some rain. Show-day was dry and warm. I'll try to get a few more pics up in the Meets and Tours forum. For those not aware, the Old Dominion Meet Association is a non-geographic AACA Region that is a non-governing body comprised of most AACA Regions and Chapters in the state of Virginia. It was founded in 1953 and ever since, has sponsored an AACA styled meet that rotates among member clubs. Some of the finest vehicles in the state (and neighboring states) turn up at these events.

Top's already down on the MGTC so we can join some other Tidewater Region AACA members for a run down to Elizabeth City NC for a tour of the museum and the town. Of course there will be food involved! If it rains we'll take the MGBGT but in any case, it's a weekend, and it's time to join our friends and play with an old car! Terry

Looks British. Brand name? Lucas? Desmo? P&H? Those are just a few of the more commonly found names that come to mind. Looks like it's in nice shape with good nickle plating. It would be difficult to pin it down to a specific car as so many probably used the same horn, and it was also available as an after-market piece that could be added on to any car. There were some knock-offs made in India years ago but this one looks like a good heavy quality item. These were used well into the 1920s actually, much later than bulb horns were used here in the USA. Get a close-up photo of the nameplate and I can probably scan a few pages from some of my early auto accessory catalogs that show this or similar horns. Terry

At first I thought it was MG TC, but then saw something about CV joint. Isn't that a controlled substance? Terry

First, you are making the right choice with new wheels. Not sure how much computer work is involved, perhaps turning out spokes? I know there is lots of hand work involved in assembly as well as finishing them. I had new wheels made for my 1914 T by Bill Calimer in PA. Great work and if you check the internet you'll find other sources with prices listed. Don't think they would be much different than model T. Would think $200 tops per wheel. You need to supply the iron parts - rims, hubs, etc. the time it takes to build them will vary. I allowed several months during the winter and can highly recommend Bill's work. Shop around, you might find a place close to you that you can actually visit to see how it's done and talk with the people there. Maybe even close enough you can deliver and pick-up. Terry

You can Google Danielle and learn more - she's a roller blade vet, burlesque/exotic dancer, film producer, history buff and lives in Chicago, is married to a French graphic artist and designer, and has kids and pets. Interesting lady. Terry

Yes indeed, we have the best old car magazine going and are blessed to have such a talented staff - West Peterson is number one!! Terry

Essex in a barn.

Have known several different folks who have been visited, starting with AACA First Lady Sally Barnett years ago. She wouldn't hardly sell them anything. They visited another friend of mine in Wisconsin who wouldn't sell anything either - until they got into his basement and managed to buy a particularly nice early and fairly rare bicycle. Heard he later told someone when they expressed surprise that he'd sold the bicycle, "no problem, I have another one even nicer." The visit a couple of years ago to my old friend Hank Snow's place in Boykins Va wasn't just a "free-style" encounter as it was depicted on TV. It was a wonderful tribute to a great old car guy that was probably set up that way. Regardless, it's about the only thing I watch on TV anymore besides some concerts on PBS and a few other car shows, like Chasing Classic Cars. The Minerva episode was fantastic. My wife and I call these "shut-up and eat your popcorn" shows. Don't try and analyze them or figure them out, just enjoy. And enjoy the popcorn! Terry

Victoria, I hope I've answered your question - was still typing when your response popped up. Terry

These badges first appeared several years ago and commanded prices in the hundreds of dollars, until word began spreading that first off, Ford never used a round blue background for their emblem, it was always oval. There was also a problem when it was discovered that Ford never actually had a plant in some of the locations identified on the badges. As I recall, the worst offender was the "Ford Guard" badge for "Belview." It's a small Michigan community with no Ford facility ever located there. There were also some well-known experts on Ford plant badges, etc and articles were published in some of the major hobby publications. Despite the publicity, they continue to appear, and folks that are not aware are still buying them. The one that sold for $52 drew five bids and sold for fifty bucks more than it was worth. There is another one currently listed on ebay (I provided the item number above) and the seller wants to get $199 for it. He apparently is willing to consider a best offer, so we'll see how many offers he actually gets. I guess it's like those fake brass taxi horns that proliferate. A seller would only have to do a little research on the item before listing it to see how many of them exist. Some sellers are honest-one is currently listed as a fantasy item with a buy it now price of 14.99. A prospective buyer would only need to also do a little digging before spending the bucks. Unfortunately, there are some sellers and indeed some buyers out there who just get sucked in. Wish there was a way to warn them. Here is a picture-

There is a sucker born every minute. Another one of these phony Ford Guard badges sold on ebay recently for $52. I see there is another listed - check item number 142334163797 I wish there was a way to warn bidders. Learned long ago emailing sellers does no good, and obviously ebay does not police things like this.

What a great meet! Annie, sorry we didn't see you this time. Really big thanks for all of the Hornets Nest Region folks for hosting another great event. The swap meet continues to amaze - it's a real treasure hunt out there! This has got to be the friendliest meet in the country, and whoever brought on the warm sunny show-day needs a bonus this year for sure. Robert, it was great to have dinner with you at the Speedway Club Friday evening and I hope you'll join out traditional Tidewater Region get-together. There were some amazing cars on the show-field that were being shown for the first time. I met first time judges, new members and old friends and that's what makes an AACA event such a great time. When does registration open for next year? Terry

Just don't forget to tell us where your spots are located so we can drop in and say hi. And-of course don't forget the antique spark plugs!!! Terry

It's her car too Marty. She lets me polish it. We've done the box and ship thing before while antique hunting on tours. I remember the box we mailed from Texas once - cost more to ship it than the stuff in it was worth. Trry

Thanks for the reply Daniel, your hard work is appreciated. I've subscribed since you could fit HMN in your back pocket and it was 90% Model Ts and As. Although I lament the now insignificant brass car section, the blame is properly placed on those who are brass car folks but have gone another direction for whatever reason. My method of digesting HMN has never changed - a quick look (even quicker now) at brass stuff, Model Ts, Model As, parts for them, then on to MGs and GTOs, then about third read I'll begin to wander around into the other sections. I still eagerly await its delivery and have passed copies along to many other old car folks who surprisingly have never seen one before. I consider it much like the Idiot-box in the family room - if you don't like what's on, just change the channel. I pass the vast majority of those silly ads inserted by auction companies, or car collections/dealers where no price is disclosed, and I'll occasionally just glance at the auction reports. I do miss greatly what used to be a strong "automobilia" section. It's been moved to the tail end of the mag and the definition has changed over the years to "modern toy cars." Still, that's business and I understand. Keep up the good work and may you guys never run out gas! Terry

Hey Bob, can I ride shot-gun on your adventure? Susan and I have contemplated cross-country in one of our MGs for a few years now. It may be my "retirement celebration." Only problem would be even if we take the MGBGT there won't be enough room for all the "stuff" I'd want to bring back! Ya gotta get some souvenirs along the way! Terry

If the first preservation was awarded just after receiving it's Senior award, it was probably still a pretty nice car at that time. What year did it win a Senior? You are right tough, a lot can happen since. I'd say the fact it won a preservation award in 2009 and perhaps nothing since could mean only it probably wasn't shown in a National Meet. It could still be a high quality car, but knowing it's history since restoration would be very important. Having those awards may not add value depending on how it's been treated since. If there is still a First Junior badge on the car it will indicate the year it won that award. Terry

I've thought about a liquor decanter, but it's quite large and hard to get a grip on to pour something out of. Full of hooch it would be a pretty weighty piece. It was also suggested it might be a tobacco jar, but again, small opening makes it difficult to reach in and take a pinch. Tobacco jars would have as lid that would have space for a wet sponge to keep tobacco moist. I have a number of automotive related humidors/tobacco jars like that and this one doesn't really fit in that category. I've seen the green and blue bottles before, both as after-shave bottles and booze bottles. Their shape makes them much easier to grip to pour from. Terry

Not 100% certain but it has more of a 60s feel to it. I know there was a plastic panel that slipped in where the light is and that had the name of the garage or parts store on it, or any other messaged needed (shop hours, etc). They were often hung in store windows. Not sure what other info you are looking for. Hopefully it still works. With a little cleaning it could be a nice addition to your hobby room. Terry

Got to see some demonstrations on this at the AGN in Williamsport PA last year. Amazing stuff. There was also recently an article in the HCCA magazine about how a 3d printer was used to make a pattern for a rocker arm assembly that needed to be made for an early brass era car. The medical industry is using it extensively producing artificial limbs, etc. The future is now and this stuff is pretty exciting. I understand 4d is on the horizon. Terry