Real Wheels: Restoring cars a family affair
Apr. 9—NEW BAVARIA — Cletus Gerschutz, of New Bavaria, enjoys working on and driving classic cars. He has owned this 1966 Chevy C-20 pickup for approximately five to six years. He brought it to the Gary Allen Memorial Classic Car Cruz-In.
"He's always liked that style of truck," said his wife Mary. "This truck was Smurf blue when he got it, even the chrome was painted Smurf blue."
The truck originally came from California. Gerschutz found it in Columbus. The seller's father had owned it and had passed away. The seller intended on fixing up the truck, but never got around to it.
The truck is all original. It is four-wheel drive and includes an automatic transmission.
Gerschutz completed all the body and motor work. He found cherry wood that he bought from a man in Wauseon, Ohio, to complete the bed of the truck.
"He has fixed up a 1966 Chevelle and he gave it to our oldest son and a 1969 Chevy Nova SS, which he gave to our youngest son. He's looking for a Camaro to fix up for our daughter," said Mary.
The entire family enjoys their cars, and that includes their five granddaughters.
"My oldest son's daughters call his car "daddy's special blue car" and know that they can't do too much while they are riding in it. Our daughter's two little girls love grandpa's truck," said Mary.
The family has driven all three vehicles to Mississippi's Cruisin' the Coast. They have driven each vehicle down and back, over 2,000 miles.
"My husband says these cars are to drive and enjoy," said Mary.
