Ten Club stalwarts met at the Club House on the morning of November 21 to work on the AA Truck restoration project.
The first order of business was to store the running chassis in the shed we built specifically for the AA. The honor of driving the chassis from the Club House to the AA shed was given to Club President Norm Devitt. Norm happily carried out his task but afterward agreed to take a crash course in how to shift the AA transmission.
The AA truck restoration project started several years ago with the donation to the club of two AA hulks by Leo Desautels. The first major decision taken on the donation was that neither truck was worth an individual restoration.
However, it appeared that one AA truck could be created from parts of the two hulks. Over the years various members of the club have worked hard and done a marvelous job of restoring the components and assembling them into the running chassis we now have. The chassis looks great and runs beautifully.
While the chassis was being restored in the Club House, the second frame and a variety of parts have been stored in the AA shed. At the workbee, the second frame, which has the body to be used in the project, was brought to the club house for removal of the cab and assorted body parts to be used for the restoration.
The cab, fenders, hood, running boards and related body parts have been taken to Ron Smith in Acme for restoration work. It is anticipated that Ron will complete his work over the course of the winter. Glenn Smith has taken the gas tank for cleaning and the bumper for straightening. Sid Gough has assumed custody of all the assorted extra parts such as the second frame at his Irricana residence. Thanks to Paul Chudek and Norm Devitt who made the deliveries to Ron Smith and Sid Gough.
Some decisions still to be made include how the truck should be finished. Possibilities include a gin pole-tow truck assembly (Paul Chudek has the parts), a flat deck or a box for grain or gravel. The Executive will welcome suggestions from the club membership.
Another decision to be made is what the Club will do with the finished restoration. A main purpose in undertaking the project was to carry out an educational experience for members to learn about restoring the Model A Ford. This objective has certainly been realized but the process is ending as the project nears completion.
Should the truck be sold? Could we use the truck for community services or projects? How to use the truck could be a factor in how it is finished. The Executive will welcome comments and suggestions.
... Report by Jim Rouse
