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Projects Canadian Kustom Shop truck

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by Chris Stapley, Feb 23, 2019.

  1. I have acquired a really cool Ontario hot rod shop truck that had a fabulous past. 1939 Ford truck built by Gray Yanocko in Simcoe Ontario started in the early fifties and used or occasionally shown until it was stolen in 1962, revived and stored away in 1985 until two weeks ago when I brought it home to restore. Sectioned 5” various engines [​IMG]throughout the years. Was a basic shop truck, then a push starter at the drags with his rails and finally a show truck from 1960-62. Looking for any history of the truck or his hot rod speed shop and mail order business Grays Powerhouse![​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]


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  2. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    That's super cool...real nice having historical pics to back it up...
     
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  3. Seems more stuff shows up every few days too! Just received this one since posting! [​IMG]


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  4. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Its looks to have been stored away from Ontario's metal gobbling environment...

    I hope your bringing it back to is that the glory of 1956 or is it 58?

    Sharps looking Custom Truck...congratulations...
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2019
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  5. The era will be 1956 , very few changes but mostly due to missing proof at this time....


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  6. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Someday I'll make my way to your town to take in a cruise and say hello...I look forward to your resurrection of this unique bit of history.
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2019
  7. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    So @Chris Stapley Yanocko's name brings up connections to The Galt Strokers and The Purple People Eater @Fast Elvis is working on...is this a fact.
     
  8. jazz1
    Joined: Apr 30, 2011
    Posts: 1,534

    jazz1
    Member

    Maybe search pics/video of Grand Bend Dragway and St Thomas Dragway. Those would be closest tracks in your trucks heyday
     
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  9. I’d sure like that,,, Campbellford is home base!


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  10. Sure does, the body from the Purple Purple Eater shared space with my truck for many years, Mark actually has Grays last rail next in queue after the PPE![​IMG]


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  11. Actually the Kohler Airbase drag strip that Gray was instrumental in making a reality ( later to become the Cayuga Speedway) was his home base! [​IMG][​IMG]


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  12. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The Maple Leaf Hamb Element is kinda cool lately...especially since they're historical capsules...

    Perhaps you could do a commemorative photo shoot with TPPE when you complete the resto.

    That rail looks to have an upside down hood for a body...nice and rough around the edges...;)
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2019
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  13. 'Mo
    Joined: Sep 26, 2007
    Posts: 7,432

    'Mo
    Member

    So cool!!! Congratulations.
    Reminds me of Valley Customs' '37.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2019
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  14. choptop40
    Joined: Dec 23, 2009
    Posts: 5,113

    choptop40
    Member

    Wow , cool find...gonna be an exciting build...best wishes..
     
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  15. Torchie
    Joined: Apr 17, 2011
    Posts: 1,099

    Torchie
    Member

    Always great to another old custom come back to light.
    Canada has a rich history of great custom builds that continues to this day.
    Keep us posted on your progress.
    Torchie
     
    Stogy likes this.
  16. Cool find Chris !!! Not likely make it out your way till Stirling .Guess it a break from making license plates ... Oh right painting them LOL
     
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  17. chopolds
    Joined: Oct 22, 2001
    Posts: 6,208

    chopolds
    Member
    from howell, nj
    1. Kustom Painters

    That's going to be a GREAT shop truck!
     
  18. Hot Rods Ta Hell
    Joined: Apr 20, 2008
    Posts: 4,670

    Hot Rods Ta Hell
    Member

    Fantastic find! Would be cool to see it as a push truck if you make it to a nostalgia drags or behind a belly tank at Bonneville!
     
  19. Offset
    Joined: Nov 9, 2010
    Posts: 1,871

    Offset
    Member
    from Canada

  20. brad2v
    Joined: Jun 29, 2009
    Posts: 1,652

    brad2v
    Member

  21. rd martin
    Joined: Nov 14, 2006
    Posts: 2,463

    rd martin
    Member
    from indiana

    :rolleyes::cool:or help to push the ppe !!!
     
  22. Great find, gonna be a sweet ride ! Congratulations, when I seen that posted for sale (was that this past fall ?) I remember thinking "I really hope someone who appreciates it, gets it", it appears that has happened- keep us posted !!
     
  23. Best of luck with the restoration of Gray's truck...a very cool piece of early Canadian hot rod history. Gray was a true early pioneer of speed also. Here's one for you Chris....a picture of the plaque off hie 1958 appreciation award from the OTA.... if it wasn't for Gary Yanocko.....Ontario hot rodding and drag racing may have taken alot longer for getting going. Great see the truck in hands with Chris Stapley.
    10660167_10206285150719655_2486774886103750691_n.jpg
     
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  24. Neat old truck.


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  25. choptop40
    Joined: Dec 23, 2009
    Posts: 5,113

    choptop40
    Member

    any progress on the truck...keep us up to date...
     
  26. 54vicky
    Joined: Dec 13, 2011
    Posts: 1,599

    54vicky
    Member

    .last I read on another local forum he is still looking for a frame.he is pretty dedicated to keeping it period(no modern frame crap)he has the talent just needs the right parts to complete his vision
     
  27. 41rodderz
    Joined: Sep 27, 2010
    Posts: 6,540

    41rodderz
    Member
    from Oregon

    I was just going to comment that Kohler would have been closer to Simcoe and maybe you can find some history
     
  28. 41rodderz
    Joined: Sep 27, 2010
    Posts: 6,540

    41rodderz
    Member
    from Oregon

    Maybe some history can be found relating to drag racing in New York state, say Niagara Falls , New York or Buffalo area.
     
  29. eaglebeak
    Joined: Sep 17, 2007
    Posts: 1,269

    eaglebeak
    Member

    Cayuga, Kohler, was Mehlenbacker? dairy farm when we first ran there.
     
  30. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    @Chris Stapley...how's the project coming along...no pressure just a little excited for good reason of course...you are very fortunate...;)
     
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