Got a chance to go visit Marvin Bauman's place yesterday in S.E. Michigan. He's the guy who puts those V8 engines into 8N's, and if you've not been lucky enough to see what he can do with a 50+ year-old Ford, lemme tell you, the man is a master. He's also acknowledged as one of the leading experts on Ford tools, particularly the set that came with the N-series. (If you see tool set pics on John Smith's or Harry Kidd's websites, they were authenticated by Mr. Bauman.) He had a couple of complete and CORRECT tool sets for sale, and I couldn't resist getting one of those. The gentleman was also kind enough to let me wander around his workshop/storage area. Lots of N-goodies hanging up in the rafters! Where does he GET this stuff?? Man, I gotta go back down with more money soon and get some good stuff. Sure beats e-bay.... Got a peek at his next 8N project. As if the 3 V8-powered show pieces weren't enough, he's going up to another level entirely. Out of respect for him, I won't say what it is, but it's gonna be a blast (hint). This is on top of the 3 or 4 other N's he plans on restoring, the '52 Ford pickup he's hot-rodding, traveling to every swap meet in the western hemisphere....maybe there's two of him. I don't want to rave ('cause he's probably going to read this), but I came away more impressed than I already was. Mr. Bauman is generous with his time, advice and knowledge. The quality of work that he's done might be equalled, but I doubt it can be surpassed. He's one of the guys that makes this "hobby" so interesting, and he sets one heck of a high standard.
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