Page 22 - HIWT Summer 2013 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

INTRODUCING YOUTH TO WELDING THROUGH

MOTORSPORTS

For several years, Carl Bilski “The
Sandman” and the guys at Sandman
Motorsports have been hosting a youth
group to introduce young people to
welding and to encourage them to
continue their education at Hobart
Institute of Welding Technology or
similar schools.

Recently, the Sandman crew added the
concept of Rat Rods to their program.
A “Rat Rod” is taking of an old car or
truck, along with odd parts from other
vehicles, and applying them to a reliable
chassis and drive line to make the
vehicle road safe for the daily driver.

“My love for old trucks and cars comes
from my great-grandfather and father and in what they drove The students were enthusiastic to learn the processes and
in their day,” explained Carl. “I proudly carry my dad’s procedures necessary to complete the project. All of the
original tool box that he carried since the 1950’s with his design, work, and welding was done in-house at Sandman
tools in the bed of my truck. Some of the young kids (ages 13 Motorsports by Carl and the crew – Lee, Bruce, Barry, Scott,
through 16) in our program seem to like the era of the 1930’s Kenny and Taylor – as they shared their love and passion of
through 1950’s. So we found a 1950 International Harvester welding and fabrication with the students. It took the students
(IH) dump truck cab, running boards with fuel tank, hood, and and crew about five months to build the Rat Rod that is now
grill bar with the IH logo. We then added front fenders from a street-ready.
1930 Ford, a front bumper from a 1932 Ford, and 1931 Chevy
headlights converted to 12v. All the front parts are mounted The Sandman Motor Sports
on our custom-built, tilt-forward carriage designed by The 4274 Marks Road
Sandman along with the rear tow truck bed and boom.” Medina, Ohio
www.henryjmotorsports.com
All parts were then mounted
on a 1964 Chevrolet
heavy half-ton pickup
chassis with a 350
cu. in. motor and 350
transmission,” Carl
continued. “The doors
were lettered in period-
correct style with my
great-grandfather’s
phone number
SHadyside 1-0156, in
his honor. Most of the
youth group had never
seen parts this old! But
their creative input has
been fun and exciting!”

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