Grease Monkeys: Automotive Restoration Hobbiests

  David Frazee, self-appointed coordinator of the Fraternal Order of Grease Monkeys, Engineers and Navigators, himself, a navigator , has been recognized for his contributions to the hobby by being appointed as secretary of the Model A Ford Club of America for 2025-26. Navigators are not known for their contributions as mechanics or for improving or customizing the design of factory built automobiles. They work tirelessly, for many years,   organizing and documenting the contributions of the countless mechanics and engineers throughout the many antique car clubs of the world.   Frazee has plans to attend many firsts for him throughout the next two years.   Expect to find him like a Manhattan tourist: frozen in the middle of a sidewalk, mouth gaping, looking up in wonder.  

We are adding a dozen founding members every month. Of course, what is not to like? For the 75 to 85 founders imagined, there will be no cost and no expectations.   Only if during the August meeting enough founders get together with goals beyond just fun and games will any money be collected and bylaws be agreed upon for the then “participating members.”.   The desired result for founders is illustrated in the picture above.   Most founders have had over forty years experience working to restore and maintain antique cars, and while we love those cars, Grease Monkeys are generous mechanics and show some interest in younger mechanics as well, sharing stories, diagnosing their mechanical issues, providing advice, and inviting them to work in their garages. Grease Monkeys should stand behind younger hobbyists—even sometimes sticking their head through the roof of a car to do it… The joys of artificial intelligence, am I right? Most of the Central California Region and ...

During 2024, I took 8 classes, 25 units. Most for mechanics, but one was an elective in Refinishing and one in Welding. I finished the program’s ten required classes Dec. 19th in five semesters; four is the quickest possible due to lack of instructors and classroom/lab space. I have a high priority level with scores of units, but others without that priority have been idle, taking only electives, unable to get the last few classes for a certificate needed for their promotion to mechanic.  Folks ask if I learned anything about Model A’s, and while not specifically, I learned to use machines, tools, and chemicals on many different steel parts in a safe and focused way. You’d think that after almost 50 years in various garages, I’d have had that down, but when you’re taught to fix Model A’s with hammers, pipe wrenches, bailing wire, Bondo, and duct tape, and you’re happy if it only squeaks a little as it makes its way down the road (Just add more gre...