Name is Bill Phillips and I am in the middle of nowhere Montana along with 5 other old guys who love building rods, restoring old iron (every coulee in Montana has something of interest to a rod nut), and go fast tin. We are at present building 3 rigs: a 1937 Chev business coupe into a street rod, restoring a 1940 Ford sedan for a grandkid, and for this coming year; a nostalgia 1951 Henry J gasser for the local (and first sanctioned NHRA drag strip in Montana) drag strip. In high school I started going to the local automotive machine shop after school, by the time I graduated I was a journeyman automotive machinist. I built engines for everything from tractors to funny cars. This was in the 60's and 70's. Started a family and chased higher income which took me away from rods, but I tried to keep a hand in. Started a welding shop on the side and got into metal fabrication, then worked part-time in the body shop side of metal work. But due to kids, schools, medical etc, never got the time or money to just build a rod for the sake of building a rod. Every barn find I found and fixed up ended up being sold just to pay the bills (I was not the only one in this pickle). All these years later (retired) and kids all gone, I have found some guys who, like me, never got out of the mental state of rods and racing. I can now put my hands back into the past and have a blast doing it. It is good to be me, and it is good to be home.
Welcome home Bill, your story coinsides with many on the HAMB. I'm sure your experience will be honored and respected. Its great to have some buds that share your affliction! Brad Outlaw
Welcome to the Hamb from your neighboring state of Wyoming. Where in Montana are you located? I am also a Henry J owner and would like to see pics of yours. Lots to see and learn here on the Hamb. enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome from CT! I remember my Grandfather driving from Santa Monica CA. to CT and back in a Henry J back in the late 50's
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