Joe Baird
Joe Baird is giving the presentation at the Tumbleweed club meeting Tuesday April 2. It is a big step to talk about unusual Fords from a fellow that had no interest in cars until he was 16. Joe said his first car had a catastrophic failure shortly after he got it. I didn’t ask why it had a catastrophic failure but I’m guessing that as a young man in his first car maybe it was revved too high-just guessing mind you. At that point Joe met a fellow who was a hot rodder. This fellow was placing a V8 into a Vega and had no use for the old engine so Joe got it.
Joe moved from York, Pennsylvania to Orem, Utah during high school. He noted Orem, Utah was not a bastion of hot rodders. After high school Joe joined the military and that was his career. Note, Joe was a military computer operator and programmer. Good, now we have someone besides our 12-year-old grandkids to explain to us how computers work!
Joe was married in 1997. His lovely wife asked what he wanted as a wedding present. He told her an old car. That is how he acquired a 1947 Chevy. He enjoyed his military work figuring out how to improve computer programs and learning new things. He expects it to be the same learning about old cars. Joe says ‘I’m not a mechanic’ like some of the car club members. Joe retired and moved to Albuquerque in 1999.
A few years after he got the 1947, he decided he wanted a Flathead. He considered a 1931 frame to put a Flathead in. He ended up with a 1929 roadster. The model A is ok but as his son grew, he wanted a father son project. Unfortunately, his son hadn’t yet taken an interest in cars. Joe purchased a 1952 Ranch Wagon a few weeks ago. His son was with him during the purchase and during the first ride in that car. Joe is pleased his son has taken a keen interest in the wagon. Joe says his son pushing him to work on that car together is great.
Joe is very impressed with the knowledge in the Tumbleweed club. He has purchased all of Joe Abbin’s books. He said he really enjoyed Liz’s presentation at the last meeting and wants to stay involved with club activities. He is a little sad that more people don’t drive their cars to events. He assumes it is just easier to get into a modern car than to crank up the old Flathead. Maybe Joe can inspire more of us to drive our old Fords to more events.
Jeff Jackson