There’s something special about a tool with a history. Every time you pick it up, you’re not just working on a car; you’re connecting with the guys who used it before you.
I just got back from a road trip to pick up some incredible legacy tools from my family. These aren’t just shop upgrades; they’re the building blocks for the future of “Days of Pain and Victory.”
The Five-Generation Roadster
Before we loaded up the tools, I got to check in on my dad’s latest project. It’s a tribute build for my great granddad, Joe Hahn, and my granddad, John Hahn. It’s a roadster built on a custom boxed frame, powered by a Mercedes-Benz turbo diesel.
This motor normally pushes a 3,800 lb sedan, so in a 2,000 lb roadster, it’s going to have some serious torque. Dad’s been working on getting the stance just right, dropping the engine and transmission lower than we originally penciled out. It’s going to be a five-generation build when you count my daughters getting involved, and I can’t wait to hear that turbo spool up.
The Haul
We loaded the truck down with some heavy-duty history:
- The 8-Foot Shop Cabinet: This thing is massive, painted in “Potlatch Green” and “Caterpillar Gray.” It’s perfect for getting organized. I’ve already moved my safety gear, welding supplies, and come-alongs into it.
- The “Hurricane” Air Compressor: This is a truly unique piece. It’s built from a Willys Overland motor where the two center cylinders act as the air compressor. It puts out high-volume, low-pressure air, which is going to be perfect for sandblasting once I get it mounted on a small trailer axle.
- Grandpa’s Victor Professional Torch: A full-size set of bottles. There’s a time for a plasma cutter, but for heating up metal to get the perfect bend or warming up a thick plate to get a high-quality weld, you just can’t beat a torch.
- The Pfaff 545 Sewing Machine: Upholstery is in our blood. My great-grandpa, grandpa, and dad all did it, and I did some seats back in high school. I’m finally getting this heavy-duty machine into the shop so I can tackle the interiors on the Impala, the 36 Chevy, and whatever else we build.
The Murray “Hot Rod” Mower
One of the coolest things I brought home is an old Murray riding mower. My grandpa bought it back in ’63 or ’64. My dad mowed with it, I mowed with it, and it was the first thing I ever did a wheelie on (third gear, drop the clutch—works every time!).
It’s currently “upgraded” to 8 horsepower from the original 7, and I’m planning a full restoration. I want to recreate an old family photo of us on the mower and trailer, but this time with me and my three daughters.
Final Thoughts
The shop is an absolute disaster right now with all this new gear, but it’s a good kind of mess. I’m already getting the cabinets organized, and even though this isn’t the “permanent” shop, these tools are going to make the work on the new 40×60 build so much easier.
Speaking of the new shop—the footings are ready! Stay tuned for a big update on that next week.
Wheel it, Wreck it, Wrench it, Repeat!
— Josh
Days of Pain and Victory 
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