Planning makes it possible…
Somewhere along the coast towards San Francisco is a two-car garage dedicated to hot rods and the lifestyle surrounding the genre. Within the slightly stretched and gently expanded structure is an absolute museum of rodding memorabilia, tools, painting equipment, vintage model toys, posters and pin ups, car show awards, and, of course, a few rods. How it all fits is an absolute mystery, except to Tom, who created the space over many decades of planning and thinking things through.
“When you’re dealing with limited space, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it, it just means you need to figure out how to do it,” said Tom. “Sometimes you can add onto the garage a little bit, and that helps, sometimes not. But a little thought can go a long way.”
Tom has also enjoyed creating his space over a number of years, slowly bringing it all together. Enter Tom’s garage, and there’s a lift on the right holding a 1956 Ford Pickup. Under it is a 1934 Ford Hot Rod. No big deal – until you realize that neither have access to a door. Both are backed by and facing a wall.
“With a little back and forth, you can get the Coupe out, then lower the Pickup, and roll the lift over to the door, and it can get out,” Tom said. “It takes a little effort, but it’s not so bad.”
The garage is complete with a number of cabinets that look like they’ve been salvaged from a home kitchen or bathroom, but thanks to all the art and imagery Tom’s hung up, they’re hard pressed to be noticed. It’s a great example of how a fabulous garage can be created without breaking the bank and reusing various products. Somehow too, it fits so well with the Hot Rod motif, it’s a timeless, homemade style that always has appeal.
In one corner, seemingly hidden in plane site is a 1915 Ford Hot Rod in beautiful condition. Parked sideways, against the back wall, it allows space for Tom’s custom 1952 Chevrolet Fleetline Coupe, or whatever else he might want to park there. Opposite the Ford are three beautiful engines, each looking like they’re ready to drop into a car and roll down the road. Again, just like the car in the corner, you don’t really see them until you’re standing right above them. He’s devised a little working area with some tool boxes, and created storage areas in storage areas.
“I know where everything is,” he laughs.
It’s a fun place to test the observation skills – look carefully, and you’ll see steering wheels everywhere, along with vintage tools and equipment that Tom likely still uses in his craft.
A side door leads to an office-storage room with more wall décor dizzying the brain, filing cabinets, a desk, papers, and so on, and outside is an open car port under which Tom creates his latest rides.
“I’ve always loved Hot Rods and Customs, and have been fortunate enough to have created a number of them over the years,” he said. “I like the garage, it’s been a great place to work and hang out, and it does what I need it to.”
