Last week I had a business meeting near two good Model T friends, so I "carved out" a little time, and picked up one, Dean Yoder, and we drove to the other's shop, Craig Beek.
Craig lives in the Quad Cities, and Dean and I were like two kids in a candy shop. Craig has several of the most beautiful, perfectly restored Fords I've ever seen under one roof. Unfortunately (for us) Craig is not a "computer" person, so his cars and tremendous knowledge are not shared to the extent that we are able to share our own immense wealth of knowledge on this forum .
Following are pics of some of Craig's cars, along with a few including Dean. Don't worry, I wiped all drool off the cars before it could affect the finish........
Prepare for sensory overload! (And enjoy)
All I can say is WOW!!!
Are there any two levers in Craig's collection?
Just wondering.
Thanks very much for posting these, Rob.
Keith
So how long did it take to wipe the smile off Deans face?
Great cars...this is better then viagra
I visited Craig's collection about a year and a half ago. Dean was along on that trip too. I didn't get to sit in any of them, though.
Craig says his '09 Landaulette is the only one known to exist. Many other very rare ones there, including the '10 Coupe and the '12 Delivery Car.
It's like going to Wonderland, only better!
Oh, by the way, thanks for posting those pics, Rob. I think I was too awe-struck to take any when I was there.
So fine. Keep it coming!
WOW....W-O-W....now that is some serious eye-candy.
Does he drive any of them?
Isn't his surname van Beek?
For many years there has been a handful of people that could answer questions on early cars and Craig is on of them.
I like the early cars but my wallet is a little to small to get too serious. Almost all parts on the 1909 to 1912 cars are expensive.
Ralph,
I don't think Craig has posted. He really doesn't use computers (what, a guy with all these hundred year old cars, and no computer?). Oh............
Danial,
No, Craig only moves/drives them for shows/judging. I definitely had the "yin and yang" of the hobby together. Dean drives 10,000 miles in a year with his Ts, and Craig hardly at all. But get them together and what an incredible wealth of Model T knowledge!
Merry Christmas guys,
Rob
Rob,
Thanks for the great early Ford pictures. Just a long shot but does Craig have any early parts that he will part with? I'm always looking for things like the(coil box, etc.) to make my 1909 more correct without using reproduction parts.
Merry Christmas, Steve
Steve,
If you email me, I'll give you Craig's number. rob4holly@hotmail.com
Rob
From my iPad
Thanks for sharing (rubbing in) .
I think we need a tour to the quad cities. ANybody what to come with me?
Dave,
Craig is a wonderful host! I asked before I posted if it were okay, and he said no problem. I think a few guests at a time would be well received. However, a bus load showing up on Saturday morning might be a problem .
By the way, Craig is the retired head of security for a major international corporation, and before that, was the Commander of a State Law Enforcement Agency, so I assume his shop is well protected.
Keith,
I don't believe there any 2 lever/pedal Ts, but my glasses were fogged up so quickly I might have missed one.
Rob
Absolutey gorgeous!
All of those are so nice! Thank you for sharing your visit with us.
Now, can someone please wipe the drool off my keyboard.
Like many with thin wallets, I need to be grateful for the two brass Ts I have worked my way back to and am now working on.
Drive carefully, and enjoy the holidays! W2
Okay. I had to look at all the photos again.
Not only does Craig have an Elaborate Security System he keeps a hungry pit Bull with Aids at his Museum
Craig is a Great Guy!!!!
-Don
I thought Craig's Landaulet was a Ray Wells body? Eric Edwards has built at least two and possibly three others. I guess that is sort of rare, but more can be built.
In any case Craig's collection is stunning and I enjoyed the pictures Rob!
White floor? Do any of them have oil in them? Just joking, just joking.
Dennis,
Craig keeps a "spotless" shop (showroom). I, on the other hand, keep a "spotted" shop floor.
Rob
Looks like these T's are really restored in a precise way. Even better than Ford built them in some ways. Especially with oil leaks.
If you notice in pictures of early Ford dealerships they usually had drip pans under them. At least in the ones I have seen.