Message from the President Apr 2025
Pushrod News – April 2025
Car Show Season Is Here!
The car show season starts in April, with scheduling and planning underway for all the summer projects coming up.
The 2025 Northwest Car Events book is out! If you want one badly enough, see Fred. He can probably hook you up with one.
Coming up April 4–6 is the famous Portland Swap Meet. It’s always a big event for car enthusiasts, so mark your calendars!
Pushrod Lunch at Clark’s
On March 13, the Pushrods gathered for lunch at Clark’s Restaurant. Eleven hearty souls attended and had a nice time.
Garage Visit – Fred and Gerri Scott
Our garage visit at Fred and Gerri Scott’s home was a very nice day!
Thirty-four members attended for good conversation, camaraderie, lunch, and gifts and prizes provided by Fred and Gerri. Nice weather was a bonus!
We even had some of the Pushrod legends show up. It was fun hearing stories from the old days and sharing memories.
A big thank-you to Fred and Gerri for hosting such a great gathering!
Pushrod Dinner – Ranch House BBQ
On Friday, March 28, the Pushrods will meet for dinner at the Ranch House BBQ in McCleary at 7:00 PM.
Great BBQ! See you there.
Hot Rods in Hoquiam – Car Show Planning Meeting
It’s time to start holding formal car show meetings.
Let’s try Wednesday, April 16, at Gil’s shop, beginning at 2:00 PM. We will hold our regular board meeting beforehand.
Everyone is invited to attend and provide input for our shows. We want your ideas and participation as we get ready for the summer!
April Pushrod Schedule
| Date | Event | Time / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 2 | Business Meeting | Hoquiam Elks, 6:30 PM |
| Friday–Sunday, April 4–6 | Portland Swap Meet | Portland |
| Tuesday, April 8 | Pushrod Lunch | Hoquiam BBQ, 12:00 PM |
| Sunday, April 13 | Spaghetti Feed | Hoquiam Elks, 12:00–3:00 PM |
| Wednesday, April 16 | Board Meeting | Gil’s Shop, 12:00 PM |
| Wednesday, April 16 | Car Show Meeting | Gil’s Shop, 2:00–3:00 PM |
| Friday, April 18 | Pushrod Dinner | Westport Winery, 7:00 PM |
| Saturday, April 26 | Garage Visit | Bob and Kathy Weyrick’s Home |
Rodder of the Month
Todd Wilson
April’s Rodder of the Month is Todd Wilson!
Todd has been a member for two years and brings a lot of club, car show, and automotive experience with him.
Meeting Todd for the first time gives you the impression of a serious guy who listens a lot and speaks a little. After hearing his story, you have to be impressed!
Early Years and Automotive Career
Born and raised in Puyallup, Washington, Todd graduated from Rogers High School in 1973.
He was interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry and attended Clover Park Vocational Technical Institute. He had three training choices:
- Mechanic
- Automotive upholstery
- Automotive counter and parts
Todd chose automotive counter and parts training. This was back before the internet and computers were part of everyday business.
After graduation, Todd spent 35 years working in the automotive aftermarket industry. During that time, he worked as a parts counterman, store manager, service advisor, and sales representative.
A New Adventure
Eventually, Todd wanted a change in his life. Something different and exciting!
He and his partner, Kim, began investing in real estate. They bought houses, fixed them up, rented them, and eventually sold them.
Todd did much of the hands-on work himself, including roughing in electrical and plumbing, installing wood flooring, and doing tile work. Together, they finished eleven houses!
They also acted as their own general contractors when building a new home on Anderson Island.
After selling that home, they purchased a home in Yelm and a second home in Ocean Shores. Eventually, Todd once again took on the general contractor role and built their forever home overlooking the bay outside Hoquiam.
Family
Todd met the love of his life, Kim, in 2001. They married in 2011.
Cars, Cars, and More Cars!
Todd is definitely a car guy. He has owned 98 cars and counting!
Currently in his garage are:
- A 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe
- A 1940 Ford Convertible
- A 1940 Ford Pickup, currently under construction
His first vehicle was a 1963 Datsun pickup. A classic!
His uncle later sold him a 1957 Chevrolet two-door hardtop, which was quite a step up.
Todd’s favorite car of all time is a 1955 Chevrolet Nomad, and he’s currently on the lookout for one.
Welcome to the Pushrods!
Todd Wilson is a hands-on guy who always has to be doing something.
He brings a wealth of experience and practical skills to our club. I look forward to putting those skills to use and having him contribute his expertise to our efforts.
Welcome aboard, Todd!
