That's why the Antique Auto Parts Swap Meet presented by the Montana Pioneer and Classic Auto Club Skunk Wagon Chapter, which begins today at Montana ExpoPark, no doubt will attract several collectors looking for the perfect hubcap or hood ornament.Terry, a Skunk Wagon member from Great Falls, knows a thing or two about car restoration. A welder by trade, he has restored cars as a hobby for decades, including the seven restored classics he currently owns. Several other projects waiting in the wings also are stored in his garages.
"It keeps me busy," he said. "It's better than money in the bank — a lot better than money in the stock market."
Terry deals mostly in Chrysler-produced vehicles including a 1933 Plymouth sedan with four suicide doors, meaning the hinges are toward the back of the car. "I've got a couple Chevys, but I don't brag about 'em," he said.
The '33 Plymouth "gangster car," as he calls it, even has some violin cases with mock Tommy guns riding in the back seat for good measure.
The car was rough when he got it, with chicken wire for a roof, but Terry began working on it in 1984, and now the six-cylinder beauty runs like a top and still pushes its original wood rims in doing it.
He said the family still drives the car, including to Helena for car tours, and that the ride is as smooth as it would be on metal rims.
Among his other vehicles are at least two Plymouth Dusters and a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. Terry keeps a file on each car, complete with receipts, but don't ask him how much time and money he spent on each one.
"I've never totaled 'em, and I don't wanna know," he said with a laugh.
As for what's next, Terry said he has "a bunch" of options scattered among his garages and shops. In fact, he is waiting for the day when he can concentrate on his hobby.
"I have my projects that will last me 'til I'm 125," he said, smiling. "I'm looking forward to retirement so I can stay home and do my real mission in life.
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