Starting a 1963 Comet with a Paperclip & The NASCAR Trailer Woodshop 📎🚙🪵
About this episode
A fascinating conversation unfolds as Mark shares his unique journey of transforming a NASCAR auto hauler into a mobile woodshop for kids. He discusses his early automotive experiences, including his first car, a 1963 Mercury Comet, and the lessons learned from working on it. The episode also touches on the importance of arts and trades in education, with Mark emphasizing the need to inspire children through hands-on woodworking projects. Listeners will enjoy the blend of nostalgia, creativity, and community engagement throughout the discussion.
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What do you do when you retire from a corporate career but still want to build things? If you're Mark Freibaum, you buy a 24-foot NASCAR auto hauler and transform it into a mobile woodworking shop for kids. 🛠️🏁
In this episode, we sit down with Mark inside his incredible "Woodworks on Wheels" trailer to discuss his mission to bring the lost art of shop class back to a new generation. We also take a trip down memory lane to his first car—a 1963 Mercury Comet that his dad rescued from a junkyard for $35 (and required a paperclip to start).
We also cruise through his memories of owning a massive 1964 Buick Electra 225 (the legendary "Deuce and a Quarter"), racing slot cars in the basement, and his current project: creating 3D-printed Bugatti-inspired Pinewood Derby cars.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- 🏁 The NASCAR Workshop: How Mark converted a bare auto hauler into a state-of-the-art mobile woodshop to teach kids trade skills.
- 🚙 The Junkyard Comet: The story of his first car, a 1963 Mercury Comet, which was bought for $35, fixed by a high school shop class, and started with a paperclip.
- 📏 The "Mantis": Why he misses his 1964 Buick Electra 225, a 21-foot-long luxury land yacht he bought for $500.
- 🏎️ Tiny Racers: From HO slot cars to a Bugatti-themed Pinewood Derby event, how model cars spark a lifelong love for engineering.
- 🛠️ Trades & Arts: Mark’s philosophy on why woodworking is both an art and a trade, and why it's vital to keep these skills alive.
Mark was hooked on our podcast after hearing the unusual Trabant and Tucker episode with Andrew: https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17009738
Whether you're a maker, a classic car fan, or just love a story about giving back to the community, Mark's journey is sure to inspire you to build something great.
🔗 Links & Resources:
- Visit Mark's project: woodworksonwheels.com
- Check out our content and 60+ episodes on LinkTree 🔗🌲 https://linktr.ee/carsloved
- Check out our Guest-inspired Road Trip Playlist on Spotify: 🎧🚗 https://carsloved.com/playlist
📢 Join the Conversation: Did you take shop class in school? Let us know on Instagram @toallthecarsivelovedbefore
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Rich Rebuilds
"...So it says Rich Rebuilds. Oh, yeah. Rich has a YouTube channel. I think I saw that he wrote a book recently."
Rich Rebuilds is a YouTube channel where a guy named Rich works on cars, often changing them from using gas to using electricity. It's a fun channel to watch if you like cars and creative projects.
Rich Rebuilds is a popular YouTube channel focused on automotive projects, particularly converting gas-powered cars to electric. The channel showcases creative builds and modifications, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Dodge Charger
"...Dodge Charger SRT with a big V8 and took the body off and put a Crescer Minivan body on top, for example."
The Dodge Charger SRT is a fast car that has a strong engine, making it exciting to drive. It's part of the Charger lineup, which is known for its sporty design and performance.
The Dodge Charger SRT is a high-performance variant of the Charger, known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty features. It's designed for enthusiasts who seek both speed and style in a full-size sedan.
converting cars from gas to electric
"...He's converting cars from gas to electric. He's done about everything."
Converting cars from gas to electric means changing a car that usually runs on gasoline to one that runs on electricity instead. This is done to help the environment and reduce pollution.
Converting cars from gas to electric involves replacing the internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery system. This process is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options.
Porsche
"...they've been working on Voltwagens since the 50s, since they first came to town. Now, they do restorations on all things air cooled. So whether it's Voltwagen and Porsche..."
Porsche is a car company from Germany that makes fast and luxury sports cars, like the 911.
Porsche is a German automobile manufacturer known for high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans, with models like the 911 and Cayenne.
Volkswagen
"...they've been working on Voltwagens since the 50s, since they first came to town. Now, they do restorations on..."
Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes many popular cars, including the Beetle and Golf.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and various models of cars and SUVs.
Chevrolet Corvair
"...whether it's Voltwagen and Porsche or the American Corvair. Yeah. Such an interesting..."
The Chevrolet Corvair is a small car made by Chevrolet in the 1960s, known for having its engine in the back instead of the front like most cars.
The Chevrolet Corvair is a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1969, notable for its unique rear-engine layout and innovative design.
Volkswagen Super Beetle
"...he recently got his own Voltwag in 1972 Super Beetle named Miss Maggie the Bug. Yep. Just a small matter of his being about 2000 miles away..."
The Volkswagen Super Beetle is a type of car that was made in the 1970s. It has a unique round shape and is known for being fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Super Beetle is a variant of the classic Beetle, featuring a more powerful engine and improved suspension. It was produced from 1971 to 1979 and is known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout.
Every Car Has a Culture
"...He came up with the Every Car Has a Culture. And we took that statement..."
This phrase means that every type of car has its own group of fans and stories. People often feel a special connection to their cars, which can create a community around them.
'Every Car Has a Culture' is a phrase that suggests each car model has its own community, history, and identity, often shaped by the experiences of its owners and enthusiasts. This concept highlights the emotional connection people have with their vehicles.
Honda Prologues
"... guest. All right. And I think that's all of our prologues. So again, help us grow if you like what you're ..."
The Honda Prologue is a new electric SUV that Honda is planning to release. It's important because it shows that Honda is moving towards making more electric cars, which are better for the environment.
The Honda Prologue is an upcoming electric SUV that represents Honda's commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility. It is significant as it marks Honda's entry into the growing electric vehicle market, aiming to compete with other manufacturers in the EV segment. The mention of the Prologue indicates excitement around new technology and Honda's future direction.
NASCAR auto hauler
"I am currently inside a 24 foot NASCAR auto hauler. And for those in the car biz, they should be no strangers to this thing."
A NASCAR auto hauler is a big trailer that carries race cars and all the gear needed for racing. It helps teams transport everything they need to the racetrack.
A NASCAR auto hauler is a specialized trailer used to transport race cars and equipment to and from racetracks. These haulers are designed to accommodate the unique needs of racing teams, including storage for tools, spare parts, and other essential items.
Pinewood Derby
"...why don't we shrink the Bugatti's and race them down a Pinewood Derby track? Love it. Love it. And they loved it."
A Pinewood Derby is a fun race where kids make small wooden cars and see whose car goes the fastest down a track. It's a great way for kids to learn about building and racing.
The Pinewood Derby is a racing event for youth organizations, where participants build small wooden cars and race them down a track. It's a popular activity that emphasizes creativity, engineering skills, and friendly competition.
three on the column
"...it was a 1963 Mercury Comet Capri with three on the column. Three on the tree. Three on the tree."
'Three on the column' means the car has a manual gear shift that is located on the steering column instead of on the floor. It typically has three gears for driving forward.
'Three on the column' refers to a manual transmission system where the gear shifter is mounted on the steering column instead of the floor. This setup was common in older vehicles and allowed for three forward gears.
Ford Capri
"... the car for $35. And it was a 1963 Mercury Comet Capri with three on the column. Three on the tree. Thr..."
Mercury Comet
"...bought the car for $35. And it was a 1963 Mercury Comet Capri with three on the column. Three on the tre..."
The Mercury Comet is a small car that was made a long time ago, from 1960 to 1977. It's known for being stylish and fun to drive, especially models from the early years like the 1963 version, which many people remember fondly.
The Mercury Comet was a compact car produced by Ford's Mercury division from 1960 to 1977. It is significant for its role in the early muscle car era and is often appreciated by collectors for its classic design and performance. The mention of a 1963 model highlights its vintage appeal and the nostalgia associated with driving such a car.
Edsel
"...it is very closely related to an Edsel. I don't know if you knew that. It's not the prettiest car..."
Edsel was a car brand created by Ford that didn't do well and is often remembered for its unusual designs. It was made in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Edsel was a brand of automobiles produced by Ford Motor Company from 1958 to 1960. It was intended to fill the gap between Ford and Lincoln but was ultimately unsuccessful and became known for its unique styling and marketing failures.
starter pin
"...they couldn't get the starter pin to work, so it, it would take a paperclip to start the car."
The starter pin helps start the car's engine. If it doesn't work, sometimes people use things like a paperclip to get the car running temporarily.
A starter pin is a component that engages the starter motor to crank the engine. If it's malfunctioning, alternative methods, like using a paperclip, may be employed to start the vehicle.
power steering
"...the car was just fabulous. It didn't have power or anything, big benches, and you had to turn the wheel 100 times to go left or right."
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. Without it, you have to use a lot more strength to steer the car, which can be tough.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer the vehicle by using hydraulic or electric assistance. Without it, turning the steering wheel can require significantly more effort.
starting car
"...it was just a great, great starting car, but it was, it was hitting."
A starting car is a good choice for new drivers. It's usually an older car that's easier to drive and learn in.
A starting car refers to a vehicle that is suitable for beginners or those learning to drive. These cars are often older models that are more forgiving and easier to handle.
tie rod
"...we learned all about how to tie rods. I remember I'd never heard of a tie rod before and we had to, we had to do quite a bit of repairs..."
A tie rod is a part of the car that helps you steer it. It connects the steering wheel to the wheels, making it possible to turn the car in the direction you want.
A tie rod is a critical component of a vehicle's steering system that connects the steering gear to the steering knuckle. It helps in transferring the motion of the steering wheel to the wheels, allowing for directional control of the vehicle.
fender
"...we had a little fender bender, literally, we couldn't find another fender. And so we just drove around without it..."
A fender is the part of a car that goes over the wheels. It helps keep dirt and rocks from flying up and hitting the car or other people.
A fender is a part of a vehicle's body that covers the wheel well. It helps protect the vehicle from debris and can also enhance aerodynamics.
BMW
"...he certainly did not go out and buy me a BMW for my birthday..."
BMW is a popular car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. People often want them because they are known for being nice to drive.
BMW is a well-known German automotive brand recognized for its luxury vehicles and performance-oriented models. The mention here suggests a desire for a BMW as a birthday gift, indicating its desirability.
Buick Electra 225
"...I bought the car instead of selling it to the public. And it was a 1964 Buick Electra 225. Yeah. That was a big car, right? It was 21 and a half feet long..."
The Buick Electra 225 is a large car known for its luxury features and spacious interior. It was made by Buick in 1964 and is famous for being very long, measuring 21.5 feet.
The Buick Electra 225 is a full-size luxury car produced by Buick from 1959 to 1990. The '225' refers to its overall length of 225 inches, making it one of the longest cars of its time, designed for comfort and luxury.
455 cubic inch V8 engine
"...it had an eight, eight cylinder 455 in it. And that's, yeah, the deuce and a quarter..."
The 455 cubic inch V8 engine is a large engine that provides a lot of power. It was used in big cars like the Buick Electra to help them drive smoothly and quickly.
The 455 cubic inch V8 engine is a powerful engine option that was commonly used in larger American cars during the 1960s and 1970s. It is known for delivering strong performance and torque, making it suitable for luxury vehicles like the Buick Electra.
luxury car
"...it was a luxury car. It had, you know, beautifully embroidered bench seats and, you..."
A luxury car is a type of vehicle that is designed to be very comfortable and stylish. They usually have better materials and more features than regular cars, making them more enjoyable to drive.
A luxury car is a vehicle that provides a high level of comfort, quality, and performance. These cars often come with premium features, advanced technology, and superior materials, catering to consumers looking for a more refined driving experience.
Dodge Dart
"I had a, I had a Dodge Dart that had a push button transmission. Push button automatic."
The Dodge Dart is a small car made by Dodge that was popular in the 1960s and 70s. Some versions had a unique way to change gears using buttons instead of a traditional gear stick.
The Dodge Dart is a compact car that was produced by Dodge from 1960 to 1976. It was known for its innovative design and various engine options, including a push-button automatic transmission in some models.
Volkswagen Beetle
"My parents had a VW bug, which was in the 1960s, and that they used until the floorboards rusted out completely."
The Volkswagen Beetle, often called the VW Bug, is a small, round car that was very popular in the 1960s. It has a unique design and was known for being reliable and fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the VW Bug, is a compact car that was produced from the late 1930s until 2003. It is famous for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout.
Nash Rambler
"They had a Rambler station wagon with the wooden, the wooden panels on the side. Oh yeah. Nash Rambler."
The Nash Rambler is a small car that was made in the 1950s. It had a distinctive look and was one of the first cars designed to be smaller and more efficient.
The Nash Rambler was a compact car produced by Nash Motors from 1950 to 1959. It is known for its unique styling and was one of the first American compact cars.
Triumph TR3
"...as a dream car to tool around in, it's a Triumph TR3."
The Triumph TR3 is a small sports car from the 1950s that is fun to drive. It's known for its good handling and classic design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Triumph TR3 is a classic British sports car produced in the 1950s, known for its agile handling and distinctive styling. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and is celebrated for its performance and driving experience.
Triumph TR4
"...the Triumph TR3s and TR4s, I like the threes with the little scoop on the front..."
The Triumph TR4 is another small sports car that came after the TR3. It has a slightly updated look and is also popular among classic car fans.
The Triumph TR4 is a British sports car that succeeded the TR3, produced from 1961 to 1965. It features a more modern design and improved performance compared to its predecessor.
Dodge 1974 van
"...your least favorite car? A, the Brown Dodge 1974 van. I know you had some great times in it, some not so great times..."
The Dodge 1974 van is a type of vehicle made by Dodge in 1974. It was popular for carrying families and goods, and many people have memories associated with them.
The Dodge 1974 van refers to a model produced by Dodge during the 1970s, known for its utilitarian design and versatility. These vans were often used for family transport and commercial purposes.
carburetor
"...we had to start popping the engine cover off of it and spraying ether down into the carburetor so it would start..."
A carburetor is a part of an engine that helps mix air and fuel so the engine can run. Older cars often used carburetors instead of modern fuel injection systems.
A carburetor is a device in an internal combustion engine that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. It was commonly used in older vehicles before the advent of fuel injection systems.
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