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Old 08-13-2011, 06:49 PM
Kerry Pinkerton's Avatar
Kerry Pinkerton Kerry Pinkerton is offline
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Default Shop Visit Rouse Custom Fabrication

Last week I was on a road trip to South Mississippi to deliver some machines and stayed with Joe Hartson. Thursday Joe had an appointment and after I finished delivering my machine, I drove over and visited Mike Rouse in Baton Rouge, LA.

I first met Mike at FormFest 02 here in Huntsville at George King's shop and he attended some of the events in Oblong as well but it's been a few years and I'd never been to his shop.

Mike is a really nice guy and one hell of a fabricator!

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Mike's shop is small but very well equipped. He has immaculate P9.

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Also some really creative post dolly stands. This one is higher than normal and makes a lot of sense. Look on the bench behind and you'll see another post dolly holder.

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And a nice bead roller

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And shrinker/stretchers

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And a brake

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And a slip roll

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Do these 'Lancasters' look a bit odd? It's because Mike MADE THEM...and the brake, and slip roll, and bead roller. You sure couldn't tell they were shop made. VERY professional!

I got there at lunch time and wanted to take him to lunch but he wouldn't hear of it so we flipped for it and he won. We got to drive 'Triple Nickle', Mike's Flixible Chevy Step Van. VERY COOL! Originally had about 7 coats of paint and Mike used chemical stripper to get all the paint off and then polished the body. I can't imagine how much work that was.

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Monique likes it too!

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It was great catching up with an old friend but all too soon I had to head back to Joe's but Mike is coming up to the Dixieland meet so we'll get to spend more time with him there. Whatever project grabs him is going to be lucky. Mike is a talented metal shaper!
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Old 08-13-2011, 07:07 PM
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Since I didn't get to go to Mike's shop with Kerry I am going to go up one day this coming week to see him. I agree that Mike is a nice guy and an excellent craftsman. Not much he can't do. Kerry didn't take a picture of his louver press but I copied it and it works great. Mike and I grew up in the same neighbor hood in New Orleans lost touch for many years and got back together about 6 years ago. He is working on a 33 Chevy now and making some good progress. There is no wood left in the body, all steel now, and that is what I am going up to see this week. He use to race it about 50 years ago.
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Old 08-13-2011, 07:15 PM
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That looks like a fun trip Kerry. You re-tired guys have all of the fun.
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Old 08-13-2011, 07:58 PM
Onemorehammer Onemorehammer is offline
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It will be nice to visit with Mike again when he comes to Huntsville. A fun person to be around and very talented. Glad to hear that he will be at Dixie. Dan
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Old 08-14-2011, 04:15 AM
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I was lucky to meet Mike in several cases.

Good to hear from you again Mike.

Ben
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Old 08-14-2011, 12:28 PM
Mike Rouse Mike Rouse is offline
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Default I enjoyed the visit

Kerry,
I enjoyed your visit on Thursday. It was good to see you again.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Dixieland Meet.
This retirement thing is as good as it can get, work all day 7 days a week Joe, I will be at the shop all next week.
Hello Johnny see you at Dixieland.
Hello Dan see you at Dixieland.
Hello Ben Hope to see you again soon always a good time with you.

Mike
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Old 08-17-2011, 08:16 AM
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Yesterday I went to Baton Rouge to visit with Mike and see his progress on the '33 Chevy. He has been working on the doors making them termite proof, removing all of the wood. I was really impressed with the progress he is making. He has most of the pieces made and fitted for the window mechanism, door latch and guide, window template and window surround where the trim will attach and the inner panel. Those doors will look like they came from the factory like that. No pictures, didn't bring a camera with me.

I again offer to buy the '33 from him for three time what he paid for it but he refused saying that $30.00 just wasn't enough.

Thanks for taking the time for the visit, come see me anytime.
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Old 08-18-2011, 11:27 AM
Mike Rouse Mike Rouse is offline
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Joe,
It was great seeing you at the shop.
The doors are progressing.
See you soon.
Mike
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