It’s not a Delorean, but this Camaro SS survivor is a time machine.
Nostalgia is a powerful force, and for the owner of this super cool 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, it’s turned up to 11. You see, this is not only a really cool 1967 Camaro, with it’s factory-installed first year 350 V8, Rally Sport (RS) appearance package, and Super Sport (SS) performance goodies, but it’s a valued family member that has returned to the fold.
The Car
When a car arrives at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we like to verify it’s identity to see what we’re working with. This time, the VIN and cowl trim tag spell out how this car was built in the first week of November, and was originally painted Butternut Yellow with matching interior and black vinyl top. The RS SS packages are original, as appears the new for 295 horsepower 350 V8 and 4-speed manual transmission installed at the Los Angeles (Van Nuys) CA plant.
The Story
The owner was fortunate to have some great times in the car “back in the day”, as he and his brother would drive it in high school together. As you can imagine, there are many stories about those days. Unfortunately, his brother is no longer with us, and the Camaro got away from the family. However, our customer’s wife eventually located the car, purchased it, and presented it back to the owner for a very special birthday present. We can only imagine the flood of memories and emotions that day when he slid behind the wheel of this treasured Camaro once again.
Check Out The Story In The Video
Next steps for the Camaro SS
After reviewing the condition of the Camaro, the owner determined he needed a hand to get it back on the road. He contacted us at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to evaluate it’s condition and create a plan that brings the car right back to the condition it was in back in high school… or maybe a bit nicer! Although originally yellow, the owner’s experience and memories are with it in black, so black it should stay. We’ll go over the car and propose a least-invasive restoration and preservation to make it safe, reliable, and ready to burn up the streets once again.
What’s your car’s story?
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop mission statement is to “connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels”, and this is a perfect example. We are honored for the opportunity to work on this prized Camaro SS, and fully understand the significance of cars like these… they all have stories, but some are never known. In the end, it’s really all about the people and good times had with the car.
How can we help write your family heirloom Classic or Muscle Car’s next chapter?
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team stands at the ready to assist with your classic car’s maintenance, preservation, partial restoration, modification, complete restoration, or even to build a totally custom, bespoke, one-of-a-kind automobile that reflects your desires. Contact us today to start the conversation… we love a great car story!
The owner recently acquired this fun 1967 Ford Galaxie Convertible and is eager to transform it into a dependable and stylish family cruiser. While the car’s interior and bodywork, completed 5-6 years ago, are in satisfactory condition, he has a vision for several upgrades to enhance its performance, comfort, and safety.
Under the Hood Enhancements
The current 390 engine is experiencing leaks, prompting the owner to consider replacing it with a Ford crate engine. He’s leaning towards a new 347 stroker engine, aiming for a horsepower range of 300-400, while maintaining an automatic transmission. To improve fuel efficiency and reliability, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team will be installing a Ford 4R70W overdrive unit.
Focusing on Comfort and Safety
Since this Galaxie is intended for family cruising, the priority is to create a comfortable and safe driving experience. We’ll be adding Vintage Air air conditioning for enhanced climate control, along with a new radiator and heater core to address any existing leaks. Upgrading the power steering pump and lines is also on the list, ensuring a smoother driving experience.
Addressing Electrical Concerns
The V8 team has noticed that the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals appear dim, requiring some updates to the system.
Enhancing the Look and Feel
For a touch of classic style, the owner desires a new vintage-looking steering wheel. He’s also open to recommendations for suspension upgrades, aiming to improve the car’s handling without compromising its original character.
A Work in Progress
The owner acknowledges that the pictures he’s provided are just a starting point, and he’s open to further suggestions as the project progresses. With a clear vision and the assistance of qualified professionals, his Galaxie is well on its way to becoming a reliable and cool cruiser for the whole family to enjoy.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team has a performance engine machine shop job opening! We are hiring an Engine Machinist Technician for Restoration and Custom Cars at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL!
Are you an experienced engine machinist? Can you disassemble, clean, measure, machine, and reassemble engines and take pride in your precision work? Are you passionate about breathing new life into classic cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of engine operation and how to make power? If so, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop with a great Team culture, competitive salaries, and outstanding benefits. We are seeking a talented and experienced Engine Machinist for our in-house Engine Machine Shop.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Engine Machinist like you to our team!
Understand all the workings of an internal combustion engine, including design, theory, operation, and performance modifications.
Possess knowledge of all engine parts and their functions.
Ability to identify failure points and diagnose internal engine issues.
Understand engine and valve train geometry, camshaft operation and specifications, seat pressures, head flow, cam timing, oiling systems, and other internal systems.
Understand the effects of performance modifications to engines and how to implement them.
Possess knowledge of the differences between daily-driver, weekend cruiser, and various levels of high-performance engines.
Rebuild vintage and original engines for re-use in restored classic and muscle cars.
Have familiarity with aftermarket and high performance engine products.
Understand the operation of power adding devices such as superchargers and their internal engine requirements.
Be resourceful in finding specifications for vintage engines to facilitate their repair or rebuild.
Operate lathe, milling machine, engine parts Operates machine lathes to modify water pump castings, piston heads, valves and other such automotive components.
Operate boring and crankshaft grinding machinery.
Clean parts, before and after machining in agitator type cleaning tanks to remove grease and oil particulates.
Operate lathe, boring, or honing machines to refinish internal surfaces of bearing connecting rods.
Verify dimensions using micrometres, calipers and height gauges to ensure adherence to tolerance and specifications.
Ability to make recommendations to achieve performance goals of an engine.
Apply modern technology to vintage engines where required / requested, such as coatings, sealers, main seals, etc.
Grind metal surfaces of engine blocks and cylinder heads using portable and fixed machinery.
Repair cracks in engine cylinder heads or other vehicle parts using heliarc welding equipment.
Operate drum lathe to resurface brake drums or discs.
Operate flywheel grinder to resurface flywheels.
Assemble engines in short, long or full assembly configurations.
Ability to effectively work with individuals at all levels including management, customers, vendors and co-workers.
Ability to work independently.
Strong organizational skills.
Reconditioning various parts such as heads and connecting rods, assisting with or performing crank, valve and flywheel grinding and the installation of valve seats, helicoils, sleeves and valve guides.
Operate various other shop machines as needed such as drills, lathes, mills and other shop hand tools.
Collaborate with our passionate team to ensure every project meets our high standards of quality.
Engine Machinist Technician Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements:
Proven experience as an Engine Machinist Technician.
A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently on projects.
Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for overcoming challenges.
Excellent communication skills and a customer-centric approach.
Passion for custom cars and the automotive culture.
Join Our Enthusiastic Team!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to bring engines back to life, we want to hear from you! At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
About The V8 Speed and Resto Shop:
We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:
We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:
To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.
Values Statement:
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:
Happiness
Quality
Respect
Honesty
Loyalty
Teamwork
Passion
Innovation
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:
To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.
This Engine Machinist Technician position requires experience. This is not an entry level position.
This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude.
This is a full-time position. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
This job opening provides many benefits. We provide paid health insurance – PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off starts accruing on day 1. Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
Competitive salary based on experience.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.
If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you! We are hiring for this auto body shop job opening now.
Flip Through Some V8 Speed and Resto Shop Car Builds:
[dflip id="215882" ][/dflip]
Fill Out This Job Application To Schedule An Interview Today!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team has a body shop job opening! We are hiring an Auto Body Technician for Restoration and Custom Cars at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL!
Are you an experienced auto body repair technician? Are you passionate about breathing new life into classic cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a skill set that transforms vehicles into automotive masterpieces? If so, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop with a great Team culture, competitive salaries, and outstanding benefits. We are seeking a talented and experienced Auto Body Technician to join our dynamic team.
Auto Body Technician Job Description:
As an Auto Body Technician specializing in restoration and custom cars, you will play a vital role in transforming vintage vehicles into works of art in our body shop. You will be responsible for a range of tasks, including bodywork, panel installation and fitment, minor ding / dent repair, fitting of trim, block sanding of fillers, and primers, and body assembly. Your expertise will help preserve the timeless beauty of classic cars while adding custom modifications to meet our clients’ unique visions. You will be a critical member of the team working to perfect our customers’ dream cars!
Technician Responsibilities:
Perform top-notch automotive body restoration, including body filler application, sanding, panel fitment, and installation on classics, customs, and muscle cars.
Test fit, modify, and perform final assembly on body panels, trim, and other exterior items.
Collaborate with our passionate team to ensure every project meets our high standards of quality.
Auto Body Technician Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements:
Proven experience as an Auto Body Technician, with a focus on restoration and customization.
In-depth knowledge of automotive bodywork and repair techniques.
Proficient in welding, metalworking, and fabrication for vehicle restoration.
A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently on projects.
Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for overcoming challenges.
Excellent communication skills and a customer-centric approach.
Passion for custom cars and the automotive culture.
Join Our Enthusiastic Team!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Auto Body Technician like you to our team!
About The V8 Speed and Resto Shop:
We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:
We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:
To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.
Values Statement:
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:
Happiness
Quality
Respect
Honesty
Loyalty
Teamwork
Passion
Innovation
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:
To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.
This Auto Body Technician job opening requires experience. This is not an entry level position.
This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude.
This is a full-time position. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
This job opening provides many benefits. We provide paid health insurance – PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off starts accruing on day 1. Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
Competitive salary based on experience.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.
If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you! We are hiring for this auto body shop job opening now.
Fill Out This Job Application To Schedule An Interview Today!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop on a trailer due to running issues after an EFI conversion. It is a classic beauty – its striking red exterior, complemented by a white top and original style upholstery, exudes the timeless charm of a ’57 model. With a recent small block Chevy engine nestled under the hood, this car is poised to deliver an exhilarating driving experience once all the necessary adjustments are made.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop team is factory Holley trained on electronic fuel injection systems. This means that the beloved ’57 Chevy Bel Air is in capable hands, ensuring that it receives the precise care and attention required to address its concerns. As the restoration journey unfolds, the photo gallery below captures every moment of the ’57s visit to the shop, providing a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication that goes into reviving automotive legends.
As 2024 dawns, we at V8TV Productions are thrilled to mark our 20th anniversary—a milestone that signifies an incredible journey in the automotive world. Two decades ago, our venture began with the launch of the V8TV Television show, captivating audiences across the USA via satellite and cable systems. The response was overwhelming, with viewers reaching out to commission us to build cars for them, thus laying the foundation for the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves crafting dream cars for enthusiasts worldwide, powered by a dedicated team of 30 highly skilled technicians. Our presence isn’t just limited to our shop; we’re actively engaged in automotive events across the country, immersing ourselves in the vibrant community that shares our passion.
One such recent event was our attendance at the 2023 PRI Show in Indianapolis—a hub of innovation and camaraderie. Here, we had the privilege of exploring cutting-edge products while reconnecting with cherished friends and companies who stood by us from the outset. It’s a testament to enduring partnerships and shared commitment that some of the finest names in the automotive aftermarket, who collaborated with us two decades ago, continue to be integral in our journey, collaborating with us to create exceptional content and unforgettable cars for our valued clientele.
Reflecting on our evolution—from a television show to a global entity delivering automotive excellence—fills us with immense pride. This journey has been marked by unwavering dedication, tireless craftsmanship, and an unbridled passion for creating automotive marvels.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers, supportive partners, and our incredible team whose commitment fuels our success. Here’s to 20 years of thrilling rides, unforgettable creations, and the unwavering pursuit of automotive perfection. And as we look ahead, we eagerly anticipate the exciting ventures and innovations that the future holds for V8TV Productions, V8TV, and the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
We hope you’ll join us in our celebrations throughout 2024!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team enjoyed a night of music, food, drinks, games, and camaraderie at the V8SR 2023 Holiday Party! The main attraction was the on-site mobile escape rooms, in which two different scenarios were presented for groups to solve. One was a World War II submarine scenario, and the other, a holiday escape. The entertainment was provided by Roaming Riddle Mobile Escape Games. We’re fortunate that our Team and their families enjoy working together in-shop, and after hours!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team has an opening in our automotive upholstery shop! We are hiring an Auto Upholstery Technician for Restoration and Custom Cars at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL!
Are you an experienced and creative Automotive Upholstery Technician? Do you like to build custom interiors for amazing cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a skill set that transforms vehicles into automotive masterpieces? If so, V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop, and we are seeking a talented and experienced Upholstery Technician to join our dynamic team.
As an Upholstery Technician specializing in restoration and custom cars, you will play a vital role in transforming vintage vehicles into works of art. You will be responsible for a range of tasks, including; pattern making, sewing various materials, vinyl wrapping, spray glue techniques, interior assembly knowledge, deconstruction & documentation, interior fabrication and wood working. Your expertise will help preserve the timeless beauty of classic cars while adding custom modifications to meet our clients’ unique visions. You will be a critical member of the team working to perfect our customers’ dream cars!
Perform top-notch interior craftsmanship installation on classics, customs, and muscle cars.
Execute and ensure highest quality of interior fabrication and perform final interior assembly on seats, door panels, headliners, trim, and other interior items.
Collaborate with our passionate team to ensure every project meets our high standards of quality.
Auto Upholstery Technician Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements:
Proven experience as an upholstery technician, with a focus on restoration and customization.
In-depth knowledge of automotive upholstery work and repair techniques.
Proficient in sewing, deconstruction and assembly of car interior, wood working skills, vinyl wrapping, pattern making and interior fabrication for vehicle restoration.
A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently on projects.
Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for overcoming challenges.
Excellent communication skills and a customer-centric approach.
Passion for custom cars and the automotive culture.
Join Our Enthusiastic Team!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:
We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:
To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.
Values Statement:
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:
Happiness
Quality
Respect
Honesty
Loyalty
Teamwork
Passion
Innovation
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:
To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.
This Auto Upholstery Technician job opening requires experience. This is not an entry level position.
This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude.
This is a full-time position. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
This job opening provides many benefits. We provide paid health insurance – PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off starts accruing on day 1. Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
Competitive salary based on experience.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Auto Upholstery Technician like you to our team!
Experience required! This is not an entry level position.
This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
We provide PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off after 90 days, Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
Great working environment and awesome teammates to work with as well as lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.
If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you!
Flip Through Some V8 Speed and Resto Shop Car Builds:
[dflip id="215882" ][/dflip]
Fill Out The Application To Schedule An Interview Today!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Restoring classic cars is often like archeology, and V8 Speed and Resto Shop team member Mike Bess just had an Indiana Jones moment! The city of Kimmswick Missouri Historical Society had a historic travel trunk in their possession, brought to the USA by Theodore Kimm from Germany before he founded the town. The problem was that it was locked.. with no key. Read the story of how Mike Bess called upon his trove of historic artifacts to gain access to the mystery trunk!
A couple of years ago, the Kimmswick Historical Society purchased a travel trunk from the estate of a long-time Kimmswick resident. The KHS really wanted to own this trunk because it was the trunk that Theodore Kimm (the founder of Kimmswick) traveled with when he immigrated to St. Louis from Germany in approximately 1835. We now owned the trunk, but there was one problem… we could not locate a key to unlock the trunk. We knew it had to be one of those old-time long, skinny keys. The word went out to family and friends, and we must have tried 1,000++ keys. We put the key search on pause, and removed the pins from the hinges. We were “certain” that the trunk had to contain important travel documents, or Mr. Kimm’s journal, or something else as equally exciting. No such luck. The previous owner had stored several blankets in the trunk. We continued our search for the key. Perseverance pays off. Two weeks ago, a gentleman visited our Burgess-How Log Cabin. Nadine Garland told him the story and he asked to see the trunk. She brought him to the Museum and he spent a while examining and measuring the lock. He said that if he didn’t have a key, he could make one. Yesterday, Mike Bess returned to the Museum with the KEY!!!! KHS members are very happy because now we can freshen up the trunk and display it properly. Thank you Mike Bess! You are the Best.
