MetalMeet Librarian/Advertising
04-16-2006, 07:51 PM
Bugly Tools and Services takes it over the top........
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/BuglyBashLogo.jpg
Roger and Johnny along with the rest of the Bugly Headquarters staff, obviously had been very busy making sure that all preparations for Bugly's April Fools Meet was as good as it could be. According to Roger, this is the first time he's seen parts of his shop in a long time, and doesn't even remember some of the stuff he found. Roger will tell you that they just kinda threw things together, but I saw a lot of attention to taking care of folks and making sure that everyones needs were attended to. I quess you can say that sometimes the unexpected happens, and all you can do is punt. Well, this was one of whose last minute game winning field goals, that eveyone will remember far after the season is over, and has been entered in the history books.
Activities Underway
I arrived on Friday afternoon, and there was already a garage full of "Bench Racers", and I could tell that Roger had already given up on trying to keep things under control. It's a wise man who knows that control is an illusion. Gator was already there, Kerry had pulled in and unloaded several machines, and Mike and Spanky had dropped by Mittler Bros on their way in from Iowa, and brought a new "bead roller" down for show and tell. Several projects were already underway. Ron Gibson was getting a Ford Pickup hood ready for the "Lucky's Louvers" presswork with help from Andy Bird, and Mike Wahl, while Jerry Kelly was putting a patch panel on another fender he had brought with him.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032018.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032015.JPG
Matt and Johnny kept themselves busy for a time discussing a "Bondo Buck" that had been made of a truck dashboard, and an unusual but very versatile "radius gauge" being displayed, while Bob and Mark pondered the finer details of Paul's new "multi-purpose metal shaping machine".
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032014.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032020.JPG
'49 Studebaker Pick-up Bed Project
There were several projects going on in different parts of the shop, well two shops actually. Friday night saw work on Andy's 1949 Studebaker pick-up bed with a lot of help from Paul and Jerry and others helping to remove the old rusted out backwall. If my foggy memory serves me right, by the time the shop finally got closed up for the evening at about 1:30 AM, Johnny, Ron and Matt had joined in, and they had fabricated a new blank doublewalled sheetmetal backwall all bent up and ready for final fit.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032030.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032036.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042049.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042078.JPG
Bugly's new Post Dolly stand
"Rookie" Phil showed up with his version of Wray's post dolly design, painted up with the "Bugly" logo and all. He brought along Caleb, Rick, and Josh. It wasn't long before he was able to talk Chris into laying down some "pin striping" on his work of art.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032033.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032038.JPG
The Artists at work
Artist Chris did several "pin striping" projects for other guys including one of Kerry's E-wheels for Grant (bottom left), a Welding Helmet for Tim D, and spent a lot of time teaching others the finer point of pinstriping. Top left looking on is Tim, Phil, Dave, Rick, Nick and Uncle Johnny. On the right, Phil, Rick and Nick look on as Chris helps Caleb with a little instruction. One of the outstanding projects was Andy's "Flame-out" which started out as "E-wheel embossing", then turned into a lesson in "relief by bead rolling", then ended in "color by flame annealing" and "texture by sanding" (bottom left). It Really turned out beautiful.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032039.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042092.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020005.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020034.JPG
Bench Racing and other Pastimes
Gator had hauled in all the way from Maryland, Keith from Sedalia MO, John "Boogiemanz" Brown from Tulsa OK,(with stories of 3 flat tires and being stuck in traffic west of St Louis for hours), and Doug Hawkins all the way up from Oblong, IL. Meanwhile, Mark who hauled in from Bloomington IL., visited with Roger, who hauled all the way in from "across the parking lot", with Hostess cupcake in hand.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042048.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032019.JPG
Friday afternoon and evening was full of "get-togethers" all around the shop, as old friends and new, caught up and shared "tall tales" and a lot of good laughs.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032023.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032008.JPG
Gator and John, Tim and Chad, along with Kerry and Mike, doing a little catching up. Earlier outside, Gator with Tim and Matt.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032025.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032016.JPG
At right, Tim was demonstrating the Bead Roller for David, Chad and Nick.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032032.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032035.JPG
Roger visits with friends Ed Wargo, his son Mike and his girlfriend. Chad and David chat in the background. Below left, Big Mike caught me snapping a picture of him and BoogieJohn and Chad.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032028.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042079.JPG
The Saturday Afternoon Rush
For most of the afternoon on saturday, the shop was pretty crowded with all the projects underway, and all the visitors and friends that were taking in all the sights and sound. It was a real "party" atmosphere, and everyone was having a great time visiting and working together. These two pictures only show the main shop. There was another whole group in the welding area, and outside doing some painting. The Studebaker truck bed was moved next door into the other shop building, and there was a crew working on that project.
The sign-up sheet showed 104 attendees, and I'm bettin' at least a least a couple of dozen visitors didn't sign in. All in all, it was a huge event.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042051.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042053.JPG
Lucky's Louvers
Ron Gibsons hood was the first to go under the "louver press" on saturday, under the watchfull eye of Uncle Johnny. Grant had his done on Sunday.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042064.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042065.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042072.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042082.JPG
Metal Shaping 101
As is tradition at MetalMeet events, Kerry Pinkerton gave his sought after "Metal Shaping 101" seminar, which must have set a record lasting 3 full hours. The group of attendees kept Kerry busy with lots of enthusiastic questions and comments. The weather was absolutely beautiful, and the setting was great, out under the Circus Tent away from all the noise in the shop.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042043.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042047.JPG
Welding seminars
One of the activities that drew a huge crowd on saturday afternoon was the impromptu "Welding Seminar". There was huge interest in TIG and Oxy-Acetylene welding, and it so happened we had some very accomplished welders that were eager to share their knowledge with others. Just below, Andy Andrasko demonstrates the TIG process for several of the crew. Roger and Johnny had a really nice TIG setup, and a Henrob 2000 to play with. It was a great opportunity for all who were interested. Second row, Ron plugs up some holes in his hood, and in the third row, Mark cuts out a blank for a "slapper", and FriarTuck plays with the Henrob 2000.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042089.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042090.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042094.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042097.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020025.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/P4020043.JPG
The PowerHammer Project
Tim Doty brought all the parts to his mini "Anders Hammer", and was getting ready to assemble it, when someone said, "why don't you paint it first". Well, a group pitched in, sanded and prepared it for paint, and Phil layed on a nice bright yellow, that would be the envy of any safey conscious tool guy. After a good bake in the sun, Tim assembled it, and had it working that evening. Great project, came together with a lot of participation from the group. The only drawback was Tim was in town scrounging up the yellow paint when I took the group picture. I don't have a clue what Tim and I were discussing, but I'm sure it was real important. Nick the "Purfman" admires the finished project.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042084.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042100.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/P4020007.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020010.JPG
Individual Projects
Several folks were busy with individual projects which gave others a great opportunities to learn something new, or discuss various tecniques. Uncle Johnny instructs Caleb and Josh on the use of a Beverly Shear, as Rick looks on. Jesse takes on a rather large fender wheeling task while Roger's friend Al from north of the border looks on, and later, Todd watches as a new motorcycle tank top section takes shape.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042050.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042098.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042091.JPG
Staunton locals Paul Jensen and Steve Handegan test out Buglys new Anoka style power hammer, then turns it over to Caleb who gets a feel for the machine, while Nathan Fenton along with his dad and a friend looks on. Keith talks "Flex Patterns" with our Canadian visitor Fred.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042040.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042074.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042073.JPG
Tony Goodrich brought along a friend Jim Gloe from St. Louis and spent the afternoon instructing Jim on the basics of "tuck shrinking", while at right, Todd puts the new Bugly post dolly stand through a vigorous workout.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042075.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042070.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042095.JPG
Uncle Johnny get a hand from wife Kristi with a "flex pattern", while "Mr. Bugly" himself has a one sided argument with a hunk of sheetmetal.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/P4020035.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020042.JPG
Chad brought a fender from his "Hupmobile" project which needed some work, and is shown here talking it over with Jesse and Tim D. Todd brought copper for making "Roses", but I believe most of the copper sheet ended up being pressed into "Rat Rod" license plates.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042045.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042046.JPG
The Setting
Bugly Headquaters is situated in the rolling hills near Staunton, IL. It was the first green grass I had seen since last October, since I've still got three feet of snow in my backyard. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, T-shirt friendly, under beautiful blue skys. Saturday afternoon dinner was catered by the Bugly crew (Johnny's wife Kristi and her folks Harry and Jean), and included Taco Soup, Meat & Pasta dishs, and Brats and Sauerkraut. I've never seen so many Hostess chocolate cupcakes in one place in my life. The coffee was alway hot and fresh, and there were two refridgerators full of cold water and sodas. The hospitality was warm and generous. I can't think of a single thing that could have been better. (Well, we could have done without the rain squalls and hail on sunday. Roger said he would try to do better next time). A special thanks to Johnny's better half Kristi and her folks for putting on such a great feed on saturday, and for the impromptu Brat barbeque on friday night after so many folks showed up early. Just another example of the wonderful hospitality extended to all visitors at the Bugly Headquarters compound.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042081.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042086.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042085.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042087.JPG
My wife Barb, being the world renowned quilter that she is, (at least in my world) decided that it would be nice for the group to be able to give something back to Roger and Cindy, and Johnny and Kristi, for all the hard work they put in to hosting such a wonderful event. So she ginned up a Quilt to be signed by all the folks who visited, to commemorate the event. The quilt was displayed where anyone who wanted to sign it could do so. I think it was a big hit, and hope it goes a little ways toward saying "Thanks" to the wonderful Bugly Headquarters staff.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/Quilt.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/ThankYouPatch.jpg
The Group
This is a picture of a good number of attendees on Saturday about Noon. It was a pretty fluid group, coming and going through the various areas so it was impossible to get everyone together at one time. I apologize to anyone who didn't make the group picture. As you can see by the size of the group, just getting them all in one location for a picture should have been challange, but Roger just lit off the siren on his bullhorn, and magically, everything came together. Of course, since the chow line was about to form up, there was a little more incentive to gather around. Roger and Johnny were presented with the Momento Quilt, and were kind enough to pose for the camera.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042063.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P40200451.JPG
Later in the afternoon, Roger and the Bugly crew held the Door Prize drawing, and handed out dozens of wonderful prizes including April Fools Meet T-shirts, MetalMeet T-shirts, and other items donated by various folks. It was a huge success.
Buglys "Rocky Mountain Region" office had a stack of Posters printed up so that Roger and Johnny could autograph 'em, and folks could take home a momento of their visit to "Bugly Tools and Services" headquarters. I think Roger and Johnny had a lot of fun with it, or at least they were really good sports about becoming celebrities and all.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/BigBugleySign_small.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/BuglyTools_small.jpg
I want to thank Dave Edwards for contributing several really great pictures to the cause, (otherwise I'd never get in one of these write-ups). Thanks Dave.
It was certainly a pleasure to be part of this great event, and I enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. The group just gets bigger and better every time there is an opportunity to get together. Folks came in from all over the country, and from north of the border too! From Wyoming to Maryland, Alabama to Canada. A million thanks to Roger, Johnny, and the whole Bugly crew.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/BuglyBashLogo.jpg
Roger and Johnny along with the rest of the Bugly Headquarters staff, obviously had been very busy making sure that all preparations for Bugly's April Fools Meet was as good as it could be. According to Roger, this is the first time he's seen parts of his shop in a long time, and doesn't even remember some of the stuff he found. Roger will tell you that they just kinda threw things together, but I saw a lot of attention to taking care of folks and making sure that everyones needs were attended to. I quess you can say that sometimes the unexpected happens, and all you can do is punt. Well, this was one of whose last minute game winning field goals, that eveyone will remember far after the season is over, and has been entered in the history books.
Activities Underway
I arrived on Friday afternoon, and there was already a garage full of "Bench Racers", and I could tell that Roger had already given up on trying to keep things under control. It's a wise man who knows that control is an illusion. Gator was already there, Kerry had pulled in and unloaded several machines, and Mike and Spanky had dropped by Mittler Bros on their way in from Iowa, and brought a new "bead roller" down for show and tell. Several projects were already underway. Ron Gibson was getting a Ford Pickup hood ready for the "Lucky's Louvers" presswork with help from Andy Bird, and Mike Wahl, while Jerry Kelly was putting a patch panel on another fender he had brought with him.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032018.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032015.JPG
Matt and Johnny kept themselves busy for a time discussing a "Bondo Buck" that had been made of a truck dashboard, and an unusual but very versatile "radius gauge" being displayed, while Bob and Mark pondered the finer details of Paul's new "multi-purpose metal shaping machine".
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032014.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032020.JPG
'49 Studebaker Pick-up Bed Project
There were several projects going on in different parts of the shop, well two shops actually. Friday night saw work on Andy's 1949 Studebaker pick-up bed with a lot of help from Paul and Jerry and others helping to remove the old rusted out backwall. If my foggy memory serves me right, by the time the shop finally got closed up for the evening at about 1:30 AM, Johnny, Ron and Matt had joined in, and they had fabricated a new blank doublewalled sheetmetal backwall all bent up and ready for final fit.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032030.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032036.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042049.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042078.JPG
Bugly's new Post Dolly stand
"Rookie" Phil showed up with his version of Wray's post dolly design, painted up with the "Bugly" logo and all. He brought along Caleb, Rick, and Josh. It wasn't long before he was able to talk Chris into laying down some "pin striping" on his work of art.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032033.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032038.JPG
The Artists at work
Artist Chris did several "pin striping" projects for other guys including one of Kerry's E-wheels for Grant (bottom left), a Welding Helmet for Tim D, and spent a lot of time teaching others the finer point of pinstriping. Top left looking on is Tim, Phil, Dave, Rick, Nick and Uncle Johnny. On the right, Phil, Rick and Nick look on as Chris helps Caleb with a little instruction. One of the outstanding projects was Andy's "Flame-out" which started out as "E-wheel embossing", then turned into a lesson in "relief by bead rolling", then ended in "color by flame annealing" and "texture by sanding" (bottom left). It Really turned out beautiful.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032039.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042092.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020005.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020034.JPG
Bench Racing and other Pastimes
Gator had hauled in all the way from Maryland, Keith from Sedalia MO, John "Boogiemanz" Brown from Tulsa OK,(with stories of 3 flat tires and being stuck in traffic west of St Louis for hours), and Doug Hawkins all the way up from Oblong, IL. Meanwhile, Mark who hauled in from Bloomington IL., visited with Roger, who hauled all the way in from "across the parking lot", with Hostess cupcake in hand.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042048.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032019.JPG
Friday afternoon and evening was full of "get-togethers" all around the shop, as old friends and new, caught up and shared "tall tales" and a lot of good laughs.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032023.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032008.JPG
Gator and John, Tim and Chad, along with Kerry and Mike, doing a little catching up. Earlier outside, Gator with Tim and Matt.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032025.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032016.JPG
At right, Tim was demonstrating the Bead Roller for David, Chad and Nick.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032032.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB032035.JPG
Roger visits with friends Ed Wargo, his son Mike and his girlfriend. Chad and David chat in the background. Below left, Big Mike caught me snapping a picture of him and BoogieJohn and Chad.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB032028.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042079.JPG
The Saturday Afternoon Rush
For most of the afternoon on saturday, the shop was pretty crowded with all the projects underway, and all the visitors and friends that were taking in all the sights and sound. It was a real "party" atmosphere, and everyone was having a great time visiting and working together. These two pictures only show the main shop. There was another whole group in the welding area, and outside doing some painting. The Studebaker truck bed was moved next door into the other shop building, and there was a crew working on that project.
The sign-up sheet showed 104 attendees, and I'm bettin' at least a least a couple of dozen visitors didn't sign in. All in all, it was a huge event.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042051.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042053.JPG
Lucky's Louvers
Ron Gibsons hood was the first to go under the "louver press" on saturday, under the watchfull eye of Uncle Johnny. Grant had his done on Sunday.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042064.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042065.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042072.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042082.JPG
Metal Shaping 101
As is tradition at MetalMeet events, Kerry Pinkerton gave his sought after "Metal Shaping 101" seminar, which must have set a record lasting 3 full hours. The group of attendees kept Kerry busy with lots of enthusiastic questions and comments. The weather was absolutely beautiful, and the setting was great, out under the Circus Tent away from all the noise in the shop.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042043.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042047.JPG
Welding seminars
One of the activities that drew a huge crowd on saturday afternoon was the impromptu "Welding Seminar". There was huge interest in TIG and Oxy-Acetylene welding, and it so happened we had some very accomplished welders that were eager to share their knowledge with others. Just below, Andy Andrasko demonstrates the TIG process for several of the crew. Roger and Johnny had a really nice TIG setup, and a Henrob 2000 to play with. It was a great opportunity for all who were interested. Second row, Ron plugs up some holes in his hood, and in the third row, Mark cuts out a blank for a "slapper", and FriarTuck plays with the Henrob 2000.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042089.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042090.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042094.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042097.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020025.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/P4020043.JPG
The PowerHammer Project
Tim Doty brought all the parts to his mini "Anders Hammer", and was getting ready to assemble it, when someone said, "why don't you paint it first". Well, a group pitched in, sanded and prepared it for paint, and Phil layed on a nice bright yellow, that would be the envy of any safey conscious tool guy. After a good bake in the sun, Tim assembled it, and had it working that evening. Great project, came together with a lot of participation from the group. The only drawback was Tim was in town scrounging up the yellow paint when I took the group picture. I don't have a clue what Tim and I were discussing, but I'm sure it was real important. Nick the "Purfman" admires the finished project.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042084.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042100.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/P4020007.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020010.JPG
Individual Projects
Several folks were busy with individual projects which gave others a great opportunities to learn something new, or discuss various tecniques. Uncle Johnny instructs Caleb and Josh on the use of a Beverly Shear, as Rick looks on. Jesse takes on a rather large fender wheeling task while Roger's friend Al from north of the border looks on, and later, Todd watches as a new motorcycle tank top section takes shape.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042050.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042098.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042091.JPG
Staunton locals Paul Jensen and Steve Handegan test out Buglys new Anoka style power hammer, then turns it over to Caleb who gets a feel for the machine, while Nathan Fenton along with his dad and a friend looks on. Keith talks "Flex Patterns" with our Canadian visitor Fred.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042040.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042074.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042073.JPG
Tony Goodrich brought along a friend Jim Gloe from St. Louis and spent the afternoon instructing Jim on the basics of "tuck shrinking", while at right, Todd puts the new Bugly post dolly stand through a vigorous workout.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042075.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042070.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042095.JPG
Uncle Johnny get a hand from wife Kristi with a "flex pattern", while "Mr. Bugly" himself has a one sided argument with a hunk of sheetmetal.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/P4020035.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P4020042.JPG
Chad brought a fender from his "Hupmobile" project which needed some work, and is shown here talking it over with Jesse and Tim D. Todd brought copper for making "Roses", but I believe most of the copper sheet ended up being pressed into "Rat Rod" license plates.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042045.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042046.JPG
The Setting
Bugly Headquaters is situated in the rolling hills near Staunton, IL. It was the first green grass I had seen since last October, since I've still got three feet of snow in my backyard. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, T-shirt friendly, under beautiful blue skys. Saturday afternoon dinner was catered by the Bugly crew (Johnny's wife Kristi and her folks Harry and Jean), and included Taco Soup, Meat & Pasta dishs, and Brats and Sauerkraut. I've never seen so many Hostess chocolate cupcakes in one place in my life. The coffee was alway hot and fresh, and there were two refridgerators full of cold water and sodas. The hospitality was warm and generous. I can't think of a single thing that could have been better. (Well, we could have done without the rain squalls and hail on sunday. Roger said he would try to do better next time). A special thanks to Johnny's better half Kristi and her folks for putting on such a great feed on saturday, and for the impromptu Brat barbeque on friday night after so many folks showed up early. Just another example of the wonderful hospitality extended to all visitors at the Bugly Headquarters compound.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042081.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042086.JPG
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042085.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/PB042087.JPG
My wife Barb, being the world renowned quilter that she is, (at least in my world) decided that it would be nice for the group to be able to give something back to Roger and Cindy, and Johnny and Kristi, for all the hard work they put in to hosting such a wonderful event. So she ginned up a Quilt to be signed by all the folks who visited, to commemorate the event. The quilt was displayed where anyone who wanted to sign it could do so. I think it was a big hit, and hope it goes a little ways toward saying "Thanks" to the wonderful Bugly Headquarters staff.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/Quilt.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/ThankYouPatch.jpg
The Group
This is a picture of a good number of attendees on Saturday about Noon. It was a pretty fluid group, coming and going through the various areas so it was impossible to get everyone together at one time. I apologize to anyone who didn't make the group picture. As you can see by the size of the group, just getting them all in one location for a picture should have been challange, but Roger just lit off the siren on his bullhorn, and magically, everything came together. Of course, since the chow line was about to form up, there was a little more incentive to gather around. Roger and Johnny were presented with the Momento Quilt, and were kind enough to pose for the camera.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/medium/PB042063.JPG http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/P40200451.JPG
Later in the afternoon, Roger and the Bugly crew held the Door Prize drawing, and handed out dozens of wonderful prizes including April Fools Meet T-shirts, MetalMeet T-shirts, and other items donated by various folks. It was a huge success.
Buglys "Rocky Mountain Region" office had a stack of Posters printed up so that Roger and Johnny could autograph 'em, and folks could take home a momento of their visit to "Bugly Tools and Services" headquarters. I think Roger and Johnny had a lot of fun with it, or at least they were really good sports about becoming celebrities and all.
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/BigBugleySign_small.jpg http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3983/BuglyTools_small.jpg
I want to thank Dave Edwards for contributing several really great pictures to the cause, (otherwise I'd never get in one of these write-ups). Thanks Dave.
It was certainly a pleasure to be part of this great event, and I enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. The group just gets bigger and better every time there is an opportunity to get together. Folks came in from all over the country, and from north of the border too! From Wyoming to Maryland, Alabama to Canada. A million thanks to Roger, Johnny, and the whole Bugly crew.