Priceville car buffs rev up for Cruise-In
From The Decatur Daily
By Ronnie Thomas
Staff Writer
PRICEVILLE — Most antique vehicle collectors have one or two prized cars or motorcycles they’d rather exhibit.
Jimmy and Sandra Harmon of Priceville are no exception. He favors a 1931 Ford Roadster that carries a 1949 Ford pickup flathead engine.
Her favorite is a 1949 Mercury that once belonged to a preacher, who painted on small murals from the Bible. It is the first vehicle the Harmons ever displayed.
“During shows out of the area, we usually take only one or two cars,” Jimmy Harmon said. “But when it comes to our hometown, we do more.”
His wife added, “Yes, we usually clean out the garage.”
Daily photo by Gary Cosby Jr. - Emma Harmon, 6, and her grandmother Sandra Harmon set rubber rats on the hood of their 1932 Ford “rat” rod. They will display classic cars at Priceville’s Cruise-In on Saturday.
That means the Harmons could roll into Veterans Park on Saturday for the 14th annual Priceville Cruise-In with as many as six cars and three motorcycles, with towing help from family and friends.
For the fourth year in a row, the band Natchez Trace launches the 6 p.m. event, which runs until 10 p.m.
As a lead-in to the day, Priceville will dedicate its small playground at the park at 11 a.m. Also, the Cruise-In marks the community’s participation in the statewide Great Alabama Homecoming: Year of Small Towns and Downtowns. And Priceville is celebrating its 35th year.
The registration fee for each vehicle is $10. Town Councilman Tommy Perry said all proceeds go to Priceville Park and Recreation for maintenance, beautification and upgrades at Veterans Park.
The latest addition to the Harmon collection is the 1931 Ford Roadster. Wayne Mahaffey of Decatur rebuilt the engine and Wendell Hayes of Decatur built the car.
“I took three different parts from old cars, including 1930, 1931 and 1932 models, to weave into the Roadster,” Hayes said. “It has four-wheel disc brakes with a 1997 Mustang rear-end and a five-speed transmission.”
Daily photo by Gary Cosby Jr. - Jimmy and Sandra Harmon of Priceville have a passion for classic cars. They will display some of their collection, which includes this ’49 Mercury, at the annual Priceville Cruise-In on Saturday. Granddaughter Emma Harmon, 6, regularly helps them at car shows.
All who have seen the Harmon’s array of vehicles usually find one that captures their attention. The mix also includes a 1932 Ford “rat” rod, a customized pickup with a 1940 flathead engine; a 1952 Ford pickup modified with a five-speed transmission and three carburetors; a 1966 Ford Mustang, and a 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible.
Mahaffey helped the Harmons restore the 1932 pickup by rebuilding the engine. He also worked on the prize of the Harmons’ motorcycle collection, a motorcycle built on a 1993 Harley Davidson frame with a 1950 Ford pickup V-8 flathead engine.
“I pulled the heads off the engine and polished them,” Mahaffey said. “I made the handlebars and exhaust pipes, painted the motorcycle, basically finished it up and made it rideable for all.”
Jimmy Harmon said many who come by to inspect the motorcycle “just want to hear it run.”
His wife added,” Only crazy people would drive on one like that.”
The Harmons have shown as many as six vehicles in Priceville and plan to display six or seven this year.
“The show is so family oriented,” Sandra Harmon said. “There’s something for everyone, the proceeds go to a good cause, and we want to do our part. We have missed only one Cruise-In, and I have never lived it down. By mistake, I planned our vacation that weekend, about four years ago.”
Besides swapping shop talk with other exhibitors, Jimmy Harmon has an extra incentive to be present for Saturday’s show.
He’ll be celebrating his 63rd birthday.
IF YOU GO:
What: Priceville’s Cruise-In. The town’s annual picnic and display of antique cars will include a performance by Natchez Trace, food vendors and giveaways. Vehicle registration is $10.
When: Saturday, 6-10 p.m.; also play area dedication at 11 a.m.
Where: Veterans Park, Alabama 67, Priceville
Call 256-355-5476 for more information.
See Also:
Classic Car photos