Shifted into Drive: A New Chapter Begins!

After a long hiatus, I’ve finally found the motivation to return to my blog. Most readers might not know about my connection to the Forney Museum of Transportation in Denver, Colorado—I serve on its Board of Directors. Like many nonprofit organizations, the museum continuously faces the challenge of securing funding. With the reduction or elimination of many grants and government programs, fundraising has become even more difficult.

Personally, I’ve never been fond of the “ask your friends and family” fundraising approach. We’ve all encountered sweepstakes as a fundraising tool, but I recently discovered a unique platform that caught my attention. What makes it stand out? It was created by a nonprofit specifically for nonprofits. To participate, organizations must undergo a vetting process and demonstrate that they’ve held valid 501(c)(3) status for at least a year.

Another feature I appreciate is its transparency—you can see the exact amount raised each time you visit the page. That kind of visibility builds trust and accountability, something I believe is vital for meaningful support. Check it out at http://Forneysweeps.org

The Forney Museum of Transportation is home to an extraordinary collection that spans centuries of innovation and craftsmanship. Highlights include the legendary Union Pacific ‘Big Boy’ Steam Locomotive #4005, Amelia Earhart’s stunning 1923 Kissel ‘Gold Bug’, a classic Forney Locomotive, and a Colorado & Southern Caboose. From a rare 1923 Hispano-Suiza to a comprehensive Indian Motocycle collection (1913–1953), the museum celebrates the full spectrum of transportation history.

Visitors can also explore a Denver & Rio Grande Dining Car, a vintage Stutz Fire Engine, an 1888 Denver Cable Car, a 1923 Case Steam Tractor, the early 1817 Draisenne Bicycle, and a 500-piece Matchbox Collection—just to name a few.

But the Forney Museum is more than just remarkable artifacts—it’s a hub for community and education. Initiatives like the Annual Bike Giveaway provide bikes, helmets, locks, and gear at no cost to adults and children in need. Through partnerships with local organizations, we also offer bike repair services and promote cycling safety throughout our community.

To further engage and inspire, we host a monthly educational lecture series that explores the past, present, and future of transportation through interactive dialogue with experts and enthusiasts alike.

By entering our current sweepstakes, you’re not only supporting the development of exhibits and programs that serve our community—you also get a chance to win a truly amazing automobile. It’s a win-win for transportation lovers and changemakers.

Please support us and enter at Forneysweeps.org

1930 Model A Ford

model a (3)It’s been a busy late winter and spring here at the shop.  During that time I’ve added a couple of vehicles to the ever-growing fleet.   This one is a 1930 Ford Model A Deluxe Coupe.   I’d been looking for a Model A for some time, and heard about this one through a friend of a friend.  It had been restored sometime during the 1970s by the father of the seller.  She inherited it, but was unable to drive it, so it sat in her garage for the last 10 years.  After hauling it home I performed a complete service and tune on it.  Nothing sounds as wonderful as an old 4 banger Ford idling.  Thunka, Thunka, Thunka!

After the Model T’s were discontinued in 1927, the American public anxiously awaited the unveiling of the “New Ford” during the period that the factories were tooling up for Model A production.  Model A Fords were manufactured from 1928 through 1931.  Although all Model A’s were virtually identical mechanically, the styling was updated beginning with the 1930 model year.  It differed from the 1928-29 cars with the most recognizable features being the radiator, which became more upright and rectangular and the wheel size being changed from 21″ to 19″.  It was thought that the 1930-31 cars looked more modern.

I especially like this particular car because it has the stock trunk instead of a rumble seat.  Hopefully this summer we’ll manage to take a few weekend trips in this great old car!

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