How You Got Started And How You Are Passing It On

[Ian Johns]

After reading some interesting threads I thought it would be nice to hear how some of you guys got started in MV collecting/restoring and also how you are passing it on to future generations.

Myself I've always loved restoring things from my first 1970 mustang when I was 15 till now. Family and work kind of took over for a while but then when looking for somewhere for my son to get his volunteer hours in highschool (kids must have 40 hrs volunteering to graduate) I read in the newspaper about a fairly new Military Museum looking for help with a 1952 M135. I went to meet Phil our curator and the next thing you know I'm volunteering for shifts on the front counter. Now I'm on the Board and Vice President.
At the time the museum only had an APC on display outside and even though it was great inside, the outside displays get people in the driveway. So we shoehorned an Iltis into my garage at home and in a couple of weeks of working at night mostly my son and I did what we could just to get the Iltis and trailer on display. The M135 went to a local highschool where they have a program for kids who might not have an interest in staying in school. Attenance was up greatly. They proceeded to do some of the work but unfortunatly they have limitations as to what they can do so back to the museum it came. Myself, Phil, my son and his friends from school rushed to at least get it presentable doing all the work outside.

Then along came a great man from Quebec (I won't mention any names) he has proceeded to donate in the last 3 years 9 vehicles and parts. Some for the school program and some for me to do. Being an all volunteer charity money is always short. The only thing we can offer is tax receipts.

I'm getting off topic. My wife and I acquired a busineess last year which has allowed me to squeeze the water truck into a corner. This works out great because when I don't have a customer in the shop my son and I work on the truck. I now have a 6 month old granddaughter and one day I'll have her turning a wrench. She already has her first pair of camo socks. lol


That's how I got involved and how I'm passing it on.