There was a local club that ran from the mid 70's up to around 2013 (Henry's Hauler's of Western Washington), they were specific to 53-56 F-100's. My dad was a member in the 70's and 80's and myself and my sister grew up running around their shows. As of 2013 the club was officially no more and most (if not all) of the founding members have passed on. There are a few guys locally that are still around but I haven't seen a jacket or plaque at a show since the 90's. Other than finding the oldest member still in the area and asking permission to "get the band back together" how would you go about reviving a dead club? How many former members would you ask, one, three, more if they are still around? I have been told by more than a few people to just start running the plaque in one of my trucks and go for it but that doesn't seem respectful. Im not trying to bring it back to the giant influential club that it once was (they were pretty well known in the area) but it would be cool to get something going again.
that's a hard thing to do. But you could start by just running the plaque and spend some time talking with anyone who mentions it....
Technically a "club" only requires two people... I would start by getting the permission of any surviving members and then hunt down at least one more F-series owner who agrees to help you get it going. One of you is President and the other is Secretary/Treasurer. Then it's all about recruitment.
If you can find past family members you might be surprised how many may help or want to join if they a car people..
Running the plaque is your best option to find surviving members, since it was your dad's it's not really disrespectful as long as it comes up in conversation. Car people remember that kind of stuff, "hey did you know so and so, he was in that club"
Might want to check with the state to see if the club is registered. The original members may own the right to use the name. If it’s not and not registered as a 501 organization with the IRS then go for it. Young blood helps.
From a google search.... "The entity was incorporated on June 22, 2004 in Washington, expiring on June 30, 2011, disolved on October 3, 2011. The current entity status is Inactive."
Single marque/model clubs are tough unless it's a very popular vehicle. I'm active in a couple of clubs in SW Washington (Pierce, Thurston, Grays Harbor and Lewis counties mostly), and while I won't say these trucks are invisible, I have rarely seen more than one or two show up at events and a lot of times it's the same one or two. The last 3-4 years it's been late '60s/'70s Ford trucks more often, as well as late-models like Lightnings. So you might consider casting a wider net beyond just the '53-56 models. Run the plaque and see how much interest it generates. Maybe print up some flyers to hand out at events. A web page will help, and developing an email list is another biggy.
I may have known your dad back in the day as I attended a number of their shows at Marymoor park in the 80's plus they were regulars at Vintiques and the only allowed post 48 vehicles at Vintiques back in the late 70's early 80's. You might even have hung out with one of my kids at Viniques then if you were close to the same age. Personally, I would just run the plaque, carry a photo of dad with his truck and if someone older asks about it just flat say that you are honoring your dad and ask if they remember his truck or him. Those guys showed up and brought their trucks and supported a number of events every year and gave help and advise on putting on events to a few clubs in the 70's.
There was also a Portland F-100 only club called Henry's Half Tons. I have wondered where all that Iron went along with the people. Those two clubs often paired up together going north as well as south. Tri-State F-100 run was well attended as was the F-100 nationals in Reno. I wouldn't think any Old Guy that loved his F-100 would bark about some Young Bloods wanting to revive things. I like the way you're thinking. I've always had a thing for them. This wore a Henry's badge for years. Was sold I believe in 1986 and returned as you see it about 4 years ago. I built it in 1970 wit 68 GTX front legs. 1969 Galaxie rear suspension and a new 351C and C-6. Yah it's sectioned and Channeled. This also was a Henry's truck sitting next to the panel. That little girl is now 51. Holy Crap I feel Old This was a few weeks ago so you see I still have the sickness. I think you'll be shocked how much good attention you'll attract wearing the Plaque around and I think it will all be good. Once this one is Road Ready you can bet I'll hang my old Henry's Plaque on it.
I'm pretty sure the half tons are still around. I know there aren't as many but I know their Facebook page is still active. I love that panel! If you ever want to unload that hood keep me in mind!
Dad is John Kincl. He now has a custom 50 Dodge (maroon and silver) and is in the Saints car club in Port Orchard. He ran with Jim Babbitt who was also into effies.
I don't do Facebook, heck I'm lucky to be able to navigate this sight. I'm sure I'll find more than one old friend once I'm a little more visible on the event scene. As far as the Panel Hood goes, I'd love to rehome it. There is a catch. The Hood can go but it stays attached to the rest of the Truck. In order to qualify to be a new caretaker there will be an extensive interview and I have to be comfortable that the new person has what I feel is a realistic grasp of what is there as well as in front of them. It's not about me putting money in my pocket and watching it leave again. What happened after I sold it the last time really Pisses me off!
I would love a panel but Im already two chopped 56's deep along with a chopped 50 chrysler, 50 shoebox, 66 dart, 79 Ramcharger, 90 d150, dragmaster project and on top of that my wife just ordered a new Bronco. Im running out of room!
In my book, if your Dad was a member, you being his underage son also made you a member by default. You already have a stake in the name and don't need to ask anyone for permission to start it up again. You might want to contact any of the old members and see if they would like to get involved again.
my buddy got all into VW's back around 1982 and him and some other buddies started a club. after a while it just fizzled out and a few years later a bunch of other guys started it back up using the logo and art my buddy drew up. he thought it was funny. other than the VW aspect it was the best kind of club, like minded individuals, T-shirts and window stickers, and caravan to shows.
If you want to revive a dead club, you will need to get permission from the surviving members, collect the entire club history, and make plans to follow their rules, and to continue their traditions. Anything otherwise and you are just reusing the name.
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