History GENE WINFIELD SHOP TRUCK FOUND (official restoration thread)

[THE235KID]

The 1935 Gene Winfield shop truck has been found and it is here at it's new home in Texas.

Gary Hatfield of Hatfield Restorations is now the trucks new care taker.

The custom pickup will be recieving a complete, detailed, historic restoration back to the way Gene first built it.

The old truck is in very good shape considering how long it has been stored outside and for the fact that is has survived through 2 floods. It even has the original Tommy the Greek pinstripping on the dash. It is only missing the engine and transmission. Even the original dropped axle done by Gene himself is still there. Also the window stickers are still there from when Gene had the truck.

More to come later. I will be posting updates on the restoration.

I am very proud to be a part of the team that will be restoring this truck.

[skidmarks]

pretty cool, did you get all the wires? are they imperial or cadillac. has a 38-41 rear fenders on the 35-7 bed. rear of the bed is awsome

[THE235KID]

Here are some original pictures of the truck in its original form. Thanks To Rikster for the pictures.

[HOTRODPRIMER]

His Gene seen it yet? HRP

[Flea]

That's awesome, I love that exhaust

[meatball]

damn that is too kool.what has Gene said about it?? love the truck but I think Barris musta slid into his shop in the middle of the nite and added those side pipes

[ChevyGirlRox]

Wow, too cool! Please keep us posted on the progress!

[Flatman]

That, sir, is VERY COOL!
I will follow the updates avidly!!

Flatman

[HOTRODSURFER]

wow great find -that is one cool truck

[Carbs & Chrome]

Too cool!

[Anderson]

Very cool! where did you find it?

[JimA]

That's AWESOME!!!! There were pictures of it years ago stashed next to a house. Very glad it was finally freed and will be properly restored. Thanks for sharing! Jim

[ratster]

awsome. i like that truck

[stude_trucks]

Wow, that is a cool truck and looks like it hit some hard times for sure, but is still in pretty decent shape and a lot of the critical stuff is still there. Good luck with that!

[Pins&Needles]

That is awesome! Whats the history on where, who, and how you found it?

[Ian Berky]

Beyond cool! thanx for posting the old pics!!

ian

[abone1930]

Awesome find.Will it be restored in the blue state or gold state ?

[Mongo]

Too Cool !!!

[NITROFC]

Great pics ... great find

[hotrod1940]

I hope that the dash with the Tommy the Greek striping will be saved, somehow.
What a great thrill to have found this truck.
I am sure Gene will be pleased.

[Trashed & Hammered]

Hoo Doggy! Nice find Gary!!
Call Gene, He probably has the original templates for the logo on the bed sides and a bunch or other helpful goodies stashed away.

mynameisnotpete ........will it be Gold or Blue?

[oddrodgarage]

very cool...can't wait to see it return to its original glory...awesome find...any more details?

[Rudy J]

Wow man...thats awesome

[39cent]

WOW thats not too bad!

[timebombkustoms]

cant wait to see this done!

[SinisterCustom]

Holy Balls?!?!
That's a badass find!

[docauto]

I've got some of the rim laced wire wheels if you need some, maybe 3 of them...

[fur biscuit]

Originally Posted by hotrod1940

I hope that the dash with the Tommy the Greek striping will be saved, somehow.
What a great thrill to have found this truck.
I am sure Gene will be pleased.

ditto. ditto. damn!

[29EHV8]

Frickin awesome!

Lets here about where it was, how it was found etc!

-Shiny

[madwagon56]

great find!!!! keep us all posted on its return to the living.

[6deucecaddy]

Ill be watching this one closely. cool find.

[smittyshotrods]

A very cool find indeed! I also would like to hear more about where it was, how it was found etc!

[4t64rd]

Love the pipes...

[60'shotrod]

Great lookin' truck!

[Chrome Streamliner]

It's great that some of the Kool old stuff still exists and even greater that some dedicated Kustom guys have the desire and abilities to bring em back to life ! Congratulations on a neat find, I know Gene will Love it !

[Retro Jim]

WOW !! What a great find ! I am sure Gene is happy to see that truck is still alive ! Are you going to bring her back the way she was ? Maybe Gene can tell you anything you need to know about the truck . Again , great find !

[Tuck]

RAD I tell you... that makes me smile.

[hudsoncustom]

It's great when an old custom is found, and slated for restoration. It's even greater still when there is a wealth of information about the car to help in the restoration, and even better when the original builder is still alive and can see his old creation nursed back to life.

It'd be great to see Gene behind the wheel again..

[fab32]

Maybe I missed it in the pictures but did you get the origional grill and shell with the truck?
How neat to have the builder still alive to help with the details of how he put to together..................priceless!!

Frank

[straykatkustoms]

Originally Posted by hotrod1940

I hope that the dash with the Tommy the Greek striping will be saved, somehow.

Kongrats on the find and good luck with the resto. One of these days I would like
to own a kustom with some koool history. You've been blessed!!

Sounds like the truck will be going through a complete restoration. How would you
save the dash without taking away from the truck? I guess you could back mask the
striping on the dash and paint around it...... Would you cut the dash out and
keep it seperate from the truck and use it for garage art. Just having a "Tommy
the Greek" pinstriped dash is kool all by itself.....

Good luck with the build and looking forward to the build pictures.

Happy Trails,

Mick

[Preacher]

You have to tell us the story of how you found it... too cool

[glenn33]

That's just too cool. Please keep us updated.

[NONAME]

what's the history trail and the 65 Oregon plates, I'll bet Russ Meeks has something on it

[captainjunk#2]

thats the coolest , hope you keep posting pictures , as you restore the old shop hauler

[meatball]

Originally Posted by NONAME

what's the history trail and the 65 Oregon plates, I'll bet Russ Meeks has something on it

I'll let ya know I just forwarded this to Russ........odds are he knows something about it

[cactus1]

Wow! I was unaware that that truck was still around. Too cool!

[axle]

Man, nice find ! Years ago i owned a 36 Ford truck and bought a black & white photo of this truck from Gene. Always thought that was one hell of a truck.

I agree with a previous post - restore the pick up but leave the dash alone - like Jim McNeil did with his Hirohata Merc.

Congrats !

[manyolcars]

funny that the magazine article calls it a 34.

I have a 35 with a 34 title too.

[fuzzface]

When I saw the title I was thinking about the truck with the car rack on saying to myself that I thought it was still in his possession. I completely forgot about this one. I'm glad it was found and will be restored.

[Dreddybear]

Amazing! The world is a better place with that truck around...

[briggs&strattonChev]

was it really "found" as in it had been lost? Or did the previous owner know what he had and just recently decide to sell it?

Im glad its in your hands and not mine, I would find it AWFULLY tough to tear it down and redo it because I think it looks pretty sweet as-is.

[Marcy]

Wow! Too cool!
You could even have Gene re-spray the restoration.


Marcy

[fuzzface]

Originally Posted by Marcy

Wow! Too cool!
You could even have Gene re-spray the restoration.


Marcy

That would be cool.

[Cyclone Kevin]

Glad to see it's coming back to life, What color are you going to choose? Both colors look great! It'd be a difficult decission for me.

[Joe T Creep]

Wow. God I love seeing cars like this come to light.

[BIGREDTODD]

Originally Posted by fuzzface

When I saw the title I was thinking about the truck with the car rack on saying to myself that I thought it was still in his possession. I completely forgot about this one. I'm glad it was found and will be restored.

He still does have that truck...I still remember him using that to hit the swap meets in. It's now languishing in his boneyard...his boneyard, by the way, is pretty incredible...

BRT

[BIGREDTODD]

Originally Posted by NONAME

what's the history trail and the 65 Oregon plates, I'll bet Russ Meeks has something on it

Couldn't have been long after it was painted blue that it went to Oregon. The color pics show black 1963 license plates on it, the picture of it in gold at the show has '56/'62 plates...must have gone north, done the shows for awhile, then sold, parked etc. by '64-'65?

[Weasel]

Ryaaaan - why haven't you posted on this thread yet - you asleep at the wheel?

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by HOTRODPRIMER

His Gene seen it yet? HRP

Yes, he has. We stopped by his shop on the way back from Oregon. He was very glad to see that it was still around. He said he has been looking for it for 15+ years. He is a wealth of information about the truck and still has some of the original parts that go with it.

Originally Posted by The Fidgiter

Very cool! where did you find it?

When the truck was pictured in The Rodders Journal (last issue) the brother of our shop manager called and said he knew where this truck was.

Ended up that Gene traded the truck to an indian fellow for a T-bird and some cash. The indian sold it to a guy in Oregon after he wrecked it. That guy stuck it in his barn when it has been for all these years. 2 years ago he pulled it out and stuck it next to the barn. That is where we found it.

Originally Posted by abone1930

Awesome find.Will it be restored in the blue state or gold state ?

It will be restored back to the first version. The way Gene built it the first time he showed the truck at the Oakland Roadster show.

Gold with the flathead.

Originally Posted by fab32

Maybe I missed it in the pictures but did you get the origional grill and shell with the truck?

Yes it has the grille and the complete hood.

Originally Posted by NONAME

what's the history trail and the 65 Oregon plates, I'll bet Russ Meeks has something on it

No. It wasn't Russ. It was just a random guy who had the truck. He knew it was something but had no idea what he actually had.

Originally Posted by dreddybear

Amazing! The world is a better place with that truck around...

I agree. I am so proud to be a part of the team that is bringing this historic truck back to life. I feel honored.

[stude_trucks]

Originally Posted by Weasel

Ryaaaan - why haven't you posted on this thread yet - you asleep at the wheel?

I think he might be packing for his trip he mentioned or taking my goodies I ordered earlier today to the PO.

[fuzzface]

Originally Posted by BIGREDTODD

He still does have that truck...I still remember him using that to hit the swap meets in. It's now languishing in his boneyard...his boneyard, by the way, is pretty incredible...

BRT

Thanks for confirming what I thought. I sure would like to see his bone yard some day.

[THE235KID]

Please keep the questions comming. I will try to answer them the best I can.

[stude_trucks]

Originally Posted by mynameisnotpete

Please keep the questions comming. I will try to answer them the best I can.

Can I have it?

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by skidmarks

pretty cool, did you get all the wires? are they imperial or cadillac. has a 38-41 rear fenders on the 35-7 bed. rear of the bed is awsome

I believe the wires are from a T-bird. The rear fenders are from a 39 Chevy pickup.

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by stude_trucks

Can I have it?

HAHAHAHAHA I wish it was mine!! I'd give anything to have it. But I don't think my boss will part with it anytime soon.

[Muttley]

Find of the year.

[V4F]

Very glad someone got it that has the capabilites to fix it right . Congrats .. Steve

[SlowandLow63]

Thats gonna be one big notch in the belt to even touch that thing! Way cool find. Seems like Gene is thrilled to know it still exists and is going to cooperate with the resto?

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by SlowandLow63

is going to cooperate with the resto?

He said he would help in any way possible.

[Squablow]

Originally Posted by hotrod1940

I hope that the dash with the Tommy the Greek striping will be saved, somehow.

Originally Posted by straykatkustoms

How would you save the dash without taking away from the truck? I guess you could back mask the striping on the dash and paint around it...... Would you cut the dash out and
keep it seperate from the truck and use it for garage art. Just having a "Tommy the Greek" pinstriped dash is kool all by itself.....

That would be my question. Is the plan to save the dash as-is, even with a little wear on it, since it has the original artwork on it, or to redo it? Or do you replace the dash and keep this one untouched?

Personally, I'd have no problem stripping off the blue paint and all that, but the dash I'd probably just clean and leave it alone. Keep it in the truck and run it even if it's not perfect.

Very cool truck, I haven't seen this before. Gene is really a legend. No one can pull off a fade job like him. If I tried to do what he does it would look like I ran out of paint and sprayed a non-maching color on the last coat.

[cleatus]

Would be cool to have Gene himself re-spray the gold paint.

[stude_trucks]

Originally Posted by mynameisnotpete

HAHAHAHAHA I wish it was mine!! I'd give anything to have it. But I don't think my boss will part with it anytime soon.

Darn, that would have made a really sweet Christmas gift.

[Ebert]

Goose bumps...I love this stuff!!!!! Like others, keep the Greek's striping and keep us informed!!! Congrats......having Gene spray it would be the bomb!!!!

Ebert

[autobilly]

Great find! Lotsa hard work ahead but like you said, it's in remarkably good condition considering. I'm sure Gene will be interested in the resto.

[Busted Knuckles]

That chop is killer! Any interest in a trade for my avatar?

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by busted knuckles

Any interest in a trade for my avatar?

hahahahahaha

[Midwest Rodder]

Great find. Has to be great to be able to work on it!

[bumpercarkid]

Man thats a cool truck.

[lazyv8]

thats sooo neat!! congrats man!

[1935Ron]

Bitchin !

[35mastr]

How did you guys find it?Oregon is no where near texas.

[Burny]

Awsome! I love this stuff! Looking forward to watching it come together. I have a signed pict of this truck I got from Gene years ago and the chop was inspiration for the chop on my '37.

[Busted Knuckles]

Originally Posted by mynameisnotpete

hahahahahaha

Not just the pick but the whole pick up!

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by Busted Knuckles

Not just the pick but the whole pick up!

No, not really. Thanks though.

[Elrusto]

Dude, I need to take a ride to Canton just so I can breath near it!!!
Your one lucky cat!!!

[Royalshifter]

Gene has been after that truck for many years....I am surprized he did't get it.

[garvinzoom]

Awesome! I would leave the dash as found other than cleaning it up, wow...
Really can not wait to see this terrific find restored, thanks so much for sharing with us.

[Jay Rush]

Awesome find when I saw that truck in TRJ I thought the fenders where a perfect fit for that year Out of curiosity where in Oregon did you find it?

[Rusty]

Too Cool!!! Will have to come out and check it out.

Rusty

[hemifarris]

Great find!

[50mercfan]

i talked to mr.winfield a couple of years ago, he said that very few of his early cars survived. you guys are lucky, indeed. i would love to own any winfield kustom. i kinda like the blue version, but, it's not mine.....

[HomemadeHardtop57]

cool shit

[rusted40]

wow!!

might even learn some of his tricks from it.

[pecker head]

Suite ! Nice find ! Your the man Pete !

[geemann51]

I am not the jealous type, until now. I want it; man I love that truck.

[captain scarlet]

What a great find. Congrats I look forward to seeing the restoration and the finished car

[Evel]

so rad!!!

[MarkX]

Originally Posted by Dirty31

Too Cool!!! Will have to come out and check it out.

Rusty

Me too!..............................




will you be allowed to post photos of progress on the resto?......

[Dan Hay]

Hey, lets all go and check it out. Next HAMB and eggs at your shop!

[JohnJoyo]

Congratulations, that's an incredible find. Really glad you guys are taking it to how it was.

[hemi35]

Well done! Please kill the suspense & tell us how you found it...

[OLIVER BROS GARAGE]

Congrats and awesome find!!

[Sledge]

WOW! I've always wondered what happened to that truck. Sounds like it's in good hands! Congrats!

[sledish]

Save the dash, even if you have to replace it and duplicate it.

[billylo]

I think the thunderbird wires should stay. Whatever color your paint it.

[Payne]

Very cool post. I can't wait to see it restored.

[Flea]

The chop is perfect, when I chop mine I want it to look like that. How much do you guys think was taken out?

[Chuckles Garage]

WOW. Definitely find of the year!!!

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by sledish

Save the dash, even if you have to replace it and duplicate it.

I'm working on that. I agree.

Originally Posted by billylo

I think the thunderbird wires should stay. Whatever color your paint it.

Then it would not be correct. With a restoration like this you have no artistic license. Do it right or don't do it at all.

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by Flea

The chop is perfect, when I chop mine I want it to look like that. How much do you guys think was taken out?

Yes the chop it perfect. I live it. I believe it was 4 inches.

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by MarkX

will you be allowed to post photos of progress on the resto?......

I'm going to try my best to keep you guys informed on the progress of the truck. I can't wait to see it restored!!

[Anderson]

Man........I really hope you just go with the gold steelies version. I know it'd be original, but those weird hubcap things look like faux centerlines! Yuck! You guys should bring it to the Autorama and Ft. Worth.

Nobody ever restores anything to the "second" version of the car. Why not? I don't think there would be any shame in the blue version. It's still Gene's vision...he must have thought the gold version wasn't cutting it and wanted to improve upon it. And it's a looks great like that too.

[Lazer5000]

With pipes like that I smell a lot of burnt leg hair in your future! Killer truck.

[SuperFleye]

Thanks for posting the story!! I love threads like this

[SuperFleye]

Originally Posted by meatball

damn that is too kool.what has Gene said about it?? love the truck but I think Barris musta slid into his shop in the middle of the nite and added those side pipes

Hehe, Gene loved putting side pipes on his kustoms.... I think he often did it too make the car looks lower

[Rough Stock]

That is so awesome.... hardly a shop truck. More like a show stopping, scene causing, beauty of a truck IMO. Congratulations

[SuperFleye]

I really dig the pinstriping on the tailgate. It is so simple but yet so tasty!

[Nads]

How very cool. I really dig the blue version. I'm so glad she survived.

[Moriarity]

congrats, I am happy for you, good luck on the resto, cant wait to see it done

[Dat Dirty Rat]

Another one saved--Too awesome & kool!!

[roadstar]

A welcome addition to long lost customs that have been found and restored.

[guitarmook]

I would love to see y'all (and even Gene hisowndamnself) bring that down to the Roundup.

If you could possibly have it ready by then...

[61cad]

Has to be "FIND OF THE YEAR"

[53olds]

WHERE IN OREGON WAS IT???? i live in springfield OR

[Bigdaddy]

This is amazing!!

[tredboy]

i heard gene just found out about this on manday and that he's thrilled.


very cool.

[NTAPHSE]

Not to shit in your ice cream but it seems strange to me to restore a car when the builder is alive and could do it himself. Seems like Gene should be the one restoring it to me.

Comments?

[meatball]

Originally Posted by NTAPHSE

Not to shit in your ice cream but it seems strange to me to restore a car when the builder is alive. Seems like Gene should be the one restoring it to me.

Comments?

I would think anybody worth their salt could restore the truck,And havin Gene involved is a plus.Besides maybe Gene cant get it done in the time frame required or he might not have the time or even want to restore it...hell if I had ...lets say a barris car I would not take it back to him......JMHO

[stude_trucks]

Originally Posted by NTAPHSE

Not to shit in your ice cream but it seems strange to me to restore a car when the builder is alive and could do it himself. Seems like Gene should be the one restoring it to me. Comments?

I kind of agree on one hand. But, on the other, sometimes there is nothing worse that having to redo your own work.

Since they seem to want to have him involved, I am sure it will work out as he feels like he wants without any undo pressure on him to do the whole thing himself.

It would probably be my first choice to ask him, but can't blame some one else for not. It is still their car now, not his anymore.

Maybe they will just have him help with the fun parts and do the grunt work themselves.

[Jay Rush]

Originally Posted by NTAPHSE

Not to shit in your ice cream but it seems strange to me to restore a car when the builder is alive and could do it himself. Seems like Gene should be the one restoring it to me.

Comments?

But in reality Gene could get a different truck and build it the same way and it still would be a Gene Winfield shop truck

[pan-dragger]

what a find

[HotRodFreak]

bitchen!!!

[shadowmtkustomz]

Originally Posted by SuperFleye

I really dig the pinstriping on the tailgate. It is so simple but yet so tasty!

Cool '50 Dodge business coupe in this pic, too.

[cleatus]

Originally Posted by NTAPHSE

Not to shit in your ice cream but it seems strange to me to restore a car when the builder is alive and could do it himself. Seems like Gene should be the one restoring it to me.

Comments?

Well, really everything that Gene did to it is mostly (amazingly) still there, so all they are doing is the grunt work to take it back down, sort it out, clean it all back up and get it ready for Gene to do the re-spray, right?

I really do feel it would be best to have him spray it. Then, it really would still be his work that you are looking at and it would add, greatly, to the final (both emotional and monetary) value of the truck.

As excited as it sounds like he is about it being found, he's probably chomping at the bit for a chance to do the final finish on it.

I mean even if they took it to Gene for the entire resto, he might have someone else to the grunt part of the rehab, so not much difference?

[kruzr]

Nice find, how much do you think it;s chopped ?? 4"?

[THE235KID]

I finally got my hands on the pics of the truck with Mr. Winfield. And one last one of the truck right before it was sold.

There are a lot more pics. I will be posting them as the trucks restoration unfolds.

[NONAME]

what engine was in the final build Y-block ? I see it had a standard trans with column shift. 4 exhaust ports even spaced

[Silhouettes 57]

Another big hunk of Kustom History found.... Keep us posted, Thanks!

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by NONAME

what engine was in the final build Y-block ? I see it had a standard trans with column shift. 4 exhaust ports even spaced

It originally had a multiple carb Flathead.


The last documented engine it had was a 265 Small Block.

For the entire life of the truck it was suppost to have had an early Ford 3 speed trans. I guess it could have have had anything in it after people lost track of it.

[rob-redm]

Great find ! Can't wait to watch the restoration unfold and see it fully restored ! thank you for letting us see !

[CGkidd]

God that truck is so cool. I think that dash should be saved as is also. I am sure someone on here could scrounge up a replacement dash if they want to put a nice pretty one in it. Just my .02

[NTAPHSE]

Man, that's a trip to see Gene inspecting the truck. After reading some of the comments, I agree that Gene probably would not want to redo the truck a second time, and he would probably have a shop grunt do the work anyhow. I do think it would be awesome if he shot it though!

[Dirty2]

Cool truck . So did your wife let you go get it ?

[fuzzy bunny]

Where the hell are all of these historic cars coming from!?

[slick39]

congrats that just to cool can't wait to see it

[tikidiablo]

Originally Posted by fuzzy bunny

Where the hell are all of these historic cars coming from!?

I don't know, but at least some of them are falling into some good hands. No dubs for this one!

[Nitro-Flattie1]

way cool! I relly enjoy seeing these finds! :d

[DRUGASM]

let the adventure begin. will it be a driver or show piece?

seems like you could restore it, drive the wheels off it, and clean it up again and it will still have the same value.

good luck and more pics please

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by DRUGASM

let the adventure begin. will it be a driver or show piece?

seems like you could restore it, drive the wheels off it, and clean it up again and it will still have the same value.

I'd love to drive it. I'm sure it will be driven a little.

[madwagon56]

i love to see them driven look at bob paige and the x51 he drives it alot not just a trailer queen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[THE235KID]

Update. The truck has been asked to attend the upcomming Dallas Autorama. Gene Winfield himself might possible be there to be with the truck.

For more info click the link below.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...64#post3412964

[meatball]

Originally Posted by madwagon56

i love to see them driven look at bob paige and the x51 he drives it alot not just a trailer queen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kinda like the Madwagon nomad and the piewagon and the rest of them.ya gotta drive em..like I always say "its like livin with Pam Anderson and makng her sleep in the other room" that would be just wrong,kinda like not drivin this tuff some

[meatball]

Originally Posted by mynameisnotpete

Update. The truck has been asked to attend the upcomming Dallas Autorama. Gene Winfield himself might possible be there to be with the truck.

For more info click the link below.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...64#post3412964

damn can ya finnish it that fast??

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by meatball

damn can ya finnish it that fast??

It will be in "as found" condition. The restoration will take a few years.

[Elrod]

I can't wait to see this truck! Toooo Cool!

[Lost1]

Very nice congrats!

[hanginlow58]

very cool !! whatever color is decided it would be great if gene sprays it.

[29nash]

Originally Posted by hotrod1940

I hope that the dash with the Tommy the Greek striping will be saved, somehow.
What a great thrill to have found this truck.
I am sure Gene will be pleased.

I'm another to agree with that. Easy. Don't change the dash. Period.

But, alas.........................

[61cad]

Originally Posted by mynameisnotpete

Update. The truck has been asked to attend the upcomming Dallas Autorama. Gene Winfield himself might possible be there to be with the truck.

For more info click the link below.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...64#post3412964

Are you going let Gene guide / help with the restoration?

[shooter54]

i think it looked best blue-either way, it's one hell of a nice truck and a nice find.

[DYNODANNY]

That's a nice truck can't wait for the up date .

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by 61cad

Are you going let Gene guide / help with the restoration?

I'm sure Gene will be involved in one way or another.

[Guitar Guy]

they had power steering back then??

[Skimmer]

As said many times previously , Nice find keep us updated

[Jeem]

So who shot it blue....and when was that done?

Soooo glad my truck's chop is similar to Gene's (leaned A pillars)....

[K13]

Originally Posted by Jeem

So who shot it blue....and when was that done?

Soooo glad my truck's chop is similar to Gene's (leaned A pillars)....

Gene painted it blue but I'm not sure when he did it. Anyone?

[SuperFleye]

Originally Posted by K13

Gene painted it blue but I'm not sure when he did it. Anyone?

According to the The Legendary Custom Cars and Hot Rods of Gene Winfield book he painted it blue one or two year after he finished it. But I'm not sure when he finished it. Anyone know that?

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by Guitar Guy

they had power steering back then??

Look at it again. It's not a power box. The truck has a cross steer setup

Originally Posted by SuperFleye

According to the The Legendary Custom Cars and Hot Rods of Gene Winfield book he painted it blue one or two year after he finished it. But I'm not sure when he finished it. Anyone know that?

Thats correct as far as I know. I believe it was painted blue and sold in the mid 60's 65 or so.

[DRUGASM]

I just got the Gene Winfield book for XMAS exchange from a family member. His shop used to be about an hour from here in Modesto.

After seeing the original pictures from that book I realize how much work was really done to that truck.

As I said before, Best of Luck with the job ahead of you.

[X--GASSER]

incredible!!! I vote the blue version...

[VonKool13]

SUPER RADDDDD!! Totally diggin that rig! Gotta say, (like it matters), I vote the blue resto with the wires. Glad its being done though either way!

Find of the year!

[Del Clark]

Lucky!!!SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Lucky!!!!!!!!

[Tuff Tin]

It's nice to know that you will be restoring this beauty to it's original show condition. Most old rods get rebuilt into some ones new rod and the history is lost. Even Lonnie Gilbertson of Portland, OR has second thoughts of his Oakland winning car. He won twice with the same car but completely rebuilt it and now only has one show winner left. Would have been just as easy to build another car and have both winners in tow today. Those are his words, not mine.
Mike

[meatball]

Originally Posted by Tuff Tin

It's nice to know that you will be restoring this beauty to it's original show condition. Most old rods get rebuilt into some ones new rod and the history is lost. Even Lonnie Gilbertson of Portland, OR has second thoughts of his Oakland winning car. He won twice with the same car but completely rebuilt it and now only has one show winner left. Would have been just as easy to build another car and have both winners in tow today. Those are his words, not mine.
Mike

Yeah Lonnie told me the same thing years ago.....I liked it better red....I heard it was sittin in the basement of the Peterson........

[SapienKustom]

Good luck with the resto. Keep us posted

[7"Chop]

Found this on another thread.

[ProEnfo]

HRM Nov 1963
cc

[SlowandLow63]

Now thats cool! Gene's own for sale ad! I like that kinda stuff.

[Horsepower67]

Originally Posted by SuperFleye

According to the The Legendary Custom Cars and Hot Rods of Gene Winfield book he painted it blue one or two year after he finished it. But I'm not sure when he finished it. Anyone know that?

Finished and on the show circuit in it's first iteration in '61, painted it blue in '63, sold it in '65.

[Shaggy]

Slick!!

Tabs are '65 has it really been sitting that long??

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by Shaggy

Slick!!

Tabs are '65 has it really been sitting that long??

We believe it was driven for quite some time after Gene sold it. It was wrecked and repaired then sold again. The guy we got it from has owned it for 30+ years and he said he drove it for a while then parked it. He couldn't remember when.

You Texas guys should know. The truck will be at the dallas Autorama Feb 13, 14 and 15th. Also It might just come down to the Roundup!!

[SlowandLow63]

Originally Posted by mynameisnotpete

You Texas guys should know. The truck will be at the dallas Autorama Feb 13, 14 and 15th. Also It might just come down to the Roundup!!

It absolutely must! That might be my only chance to see it anytime soon. PLease, please, please!

[nitrohonkey]

This truck is why I decided to go back to fenders on my 36 ford! VERY COOL!

[NVRRDUNN]

Originally Posted by THE235KID

I finally got my hands on the pics of the truck with Mr. Winfield. And one last one of the truck right before it was sold.

There are a lot more pics. I will be posting them as the trucks restoration unfolds.

If it were up to me...before asking Gene about respraying it himself, I would consider his age and health and ask if he is feels any ill effects with urethanes or catalyst paints. After years of exposure to lacquers and enamels, and with the introduction of catalyzed paints, that stuff tends to accumulate over time in a persons body and when you reach Gene's age, it starts to show up. So even though "the MAN" is still with us and it would be tempting to ask him, I would personally like to see him with us a lot longer by not asking him to risk his health for the sake of nostalgia and the cool-ness factor. Just the fact that he is willing to be there during the restoration, his advise alone on details is immeasurable. By the way, GREAT PIX of him with that truck....did you happen to see the Chrisman brothers bonneville coupe in the background in that last picture??? I think its decked out in the Barris version for the Dobie Gillis TV show.

[Flathead26T]

Originally Posted by ProEnfo

HRM Nov 1963
cc

Only $1875 for that truck!! Damn even I could afford that. I guess back then it was just another truck. You are one luck son-of-a-gun for finding that truck!

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by Flathead26T

Only $1875 for that truck!! Damn even I could afford that. I guess back then it was just another truck. You are one luck son-of-a-gun for finding that truck!

$1875 was a lit of money back then. It wasn't just another truck!

[tuki]

hurry up some Gene can do the paint.he's 82 or so....he'll be around a few more years.he's young at heart

[THE235KID]

There is a full page story about the truck in the new Rodders Journal. It tells the whole story thus far.

Also the truck WILL be at this years Dallas Autorama. Mr. Winfield will be present all 3 days to sign autographs and talk to all you hot rodders and customizers.

The truck will also be at this years Lonestar Roundup. Going to be a great time in Austin!!

[R A Wrench]

Great thread, going to keep an eye on it. Any chance of more pics of the petro collection in the background, or maybe Gene's shop area? It appears that there is a lot more stuff to post on this site. Thanks!!

[THE235KID]

Small up date. We were able to get the original shop signs and i mounted them on the truck. It seems to bring it all together with the signs on it.

Well, got to load up! Off to the Autorama!! See you there!

[Anderson]

Saw Gene walking around last night, very cool! The truck looks cool too...didn't get to look it over very well but I definitely will this weekend.

[Speedrome]

I talked with Gene for a few minutes last night. What a nice guy.

He was telling us about flying from city to city to either chop a car or paint a car.

What a life!

Bart

[Elrod]

Gene was there this morning waiting for the day to start.

[DRUGASM]

gene is cool. he was at the sac autorama walkin through the merc room bright and early and i dont think i saw him slow down all day.

So I was cruising around a couple of months ago here in Oregon and stopped by a friend's house fondly known as Tex. I've only met him a short while ago but he's the real deal. He's always super inviting and always has some type of project going on and great stories to share. They unfortunately just don't make them like Tex anymore.

Anyway, on this particular day he says "hey, c'mon back. I've got something really cool to show you. Sitting on the trailer was THIS truck. He's talking a hundred miles an hour in his Texas drawl explaining how he came to have it in his back yard. It was amazing to see this piece of history close up. Amazing story. I'll see if I can catch up with Tex in the next few days and get his story...

[FIFTY2]

Saw it at the Fort Worth show.
Awsome!

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by SpnkyMcGee

So I was cruising around a couple of months ago here in Oregon and stopped by a friend's house fondly known as Tex. I've only met him a short while ago but he's the real deal. He's always super inviting and always has some type of project going on and great stories to share. They unfortunately just don't make them like Tex anymore.

Anyway, on this particular day he says "hey, c'mon back. I've got something really cool to show you. Sitting on the trailer was THIS truck. He's talking a hundred miles an hour in his Texas drawl explaining how he came to have it in his back yard. It was amazing to see this piece of history close up. Amazing story. I'll see if I can catch up with Tex in the next few days and get his story...

I don't get it? Your friend Tex had this truck on a trailer in his back yard a few months ago?? It has been in Texas for longer than that.

Does his last name happen to be Barnes?? If so, He is out general managers brother. Cool guy.

[chuckw2]

Originally Posted by NVRRDUNN

If it were up to me...before asking Gene about respraying it himself, I would consider his age and health and ask if he is feels any ill effects with urethanes or catalyst paints. After years of exposure to lacquers and enamels, and with the introduction of catalyzed paints, that stuff tends to accumulate over time in a persons body and when you reach Gene's age, it starts to show up. So even though "the MAN" is still with us and it would be tempting to ask him, I would personally like to see him with us a lot longer by not asking him to risk his health for the sake of nostalgia and the cool-ness factor. Just the fact that he is willing to be there during the restoration, his advise alone on details is immeasurable. By the way, GREAT PIX of him with that truck....did you happen to see the Chrisman brothers bonneville coupe in the background in that last picture??? I think its decked out in the Barris version for the Dobie Gillis TV show.

Gene still works every day and runs around like a 20 year old. First time I went to his shop he wore me out running around showing me stuff.

[Roothawg]

I have always loved that truck. I was wondering where it was.

[kiwijeff]

what can ya say that hasent been said! wow, what a great thread. cant wait for latest copy of TRJ, its not here yet. will follow this one.

[awbcrazy]

Originally Posted by THE235KID

Small up date. We were able to get the original shop signs and i mounted them on the truck. It seems to bring it all together with the signs on it.

Well, got to load up! Off to the Autorama!! See you there!

How cool is this to have that truck? WOW! Gene is one of my hero's, truly a pioneer. I almost had pleasure of driving him from the airport last year to the KKOA in Salina, but timing was not good. I did meet him at the show and I hope he is there again this year.
Here is the only image of the truck in blue that I have. May or may not help, but the comparison to your photo just ....wow.
I don't know who took this one, but it's from around 1985 out of Super Customs & Hot Rods premier issue.

[MeteorMan]

Here it was at the Round Up, hope the pics aren't too dark.

[awbcrazy]

thanks MetorMan, not bad pics at all. I really hope to see this in person someday, especially after it's restored.

[PUMPKINHEAD]

Got to see the truck at the Round Up. Very nice!
I hope to have the $$$$$ to go to his workshop at Merc Charlies in October. How cool is that, Gene Winfield and Merc Charlie!
Will definately keep checking in on this thread.

[MeteorMan]

I agree, it's always neat to see a car that's been getting as much press as this one, especially (for me) before it's restored!
The wife and I are planning a trip to Canton, Tx. later this year, I've already told her we've got to stop by Hatfield's shop to check out the progress.

[HOT13ROD]

Very cool good luck with it

[theHIGHLANDER]

I think it should go back to the last version, the blue, since that's how it ended up by the original builder. Certainly it's the best looking.

[buzz bomb]

I cant even wait to see this resto done!!!!!!

Buzz Bomb

[51shoebox]

now thats bad assss

[layin_frame_56]

Thats cool as hell.. I was just at an old friend of mines house and he asked if I had ever seen his father-n-laws old chevy of course not I said so he said lets go we went out to the barn and climbed over all kinds of shit and there she was a 36 chevy 4door looked like new. His father in law used it to run and get parts for his auto repair buisness back in the day and is the original owner...And now he has passed on so I may be getting a new toy.Due to the fact the family dont want it..

[banditomerc]

This is one of my all time favorites.How many more original shop truck sare out there and go unnoticed,lets see more of these.

[THE235KID]

Originally Posted by awbcrazy

Here is the only image of the truck in blue that I have. May or may not help, but the comparison to your photo just ....wow.
I don't know who took this one, but it's from around 1985 out of Super Customs & Hot Rods premier issue.

Great pic!

That picture was taken by Gene if I remember correctly. It was taken in the early 60's not the mid 80's. I'm sure they just used the old picture for their issue.

[THE235KID]

Oh yeah, The truck made it's way into the shop today and the restoration has been started!!!

I will keep you guys updated here on the HAMB. You can also visit our web site and check out the progress there.

[hotsilver]

Gene is the man....!