It would have been a great photo-op to shoot some T-Bolts in front of this joint last weekend. Oh well, maybe on the 50th anniversary. LOL
Anyway, I'm looking for ANY old photos of this place. Obviously, photos of Thunderbolts under construction or parked out front would be beyond cool. I've asked Dennis K. and he hasn't found any, and doesn't seem to think any exist. A lot of old obscure stuff continues to come out of the woodwork and I'd really like to believe somebody has these shots.
Thanks Bob, those are great ideas. I have scoured the net previously and will try it again. I have been on that coachbuilt site a few times too, very cool. The page on the factory where they built (modified) the 68-69 Shelbys is pretty interesting too.
There's a guy on ebay that has a business (I think) caled DST, in the same town too. He's a little "unusual" type of guy and doesn't email, etc...kinda cranky if I remember. He must have an unbelievable cllection of oem parts for our cars. I've bought a few things from him and will soon get an original Ford lingage set for my tripower.
Is there some relation between his business and the DST you discuss here? Actually, I didn't know DST was still operating.
You are referring to Tim Mason, the son of Jim "Hammer" Mason. Hammer worked at DST from 1959 till he passed away in Apr 2005. Hammer was the project manager on the Thunderbolt build, among other things, at DST.
The Dearborn Steel Tubing Co. that Andy Hotton owned in the 50's and 60's was sold a number of times and evolved into what is now known as Diversified Service Technologies or DST Industries that is now located in Romulus, MI, plus a couple of other locations.
When Tim and his dad formed their Ford Hi-Performance parts business, they acquired the rights to the Dearborn Steel Tubing name for their business.
yes the man is tim mason his father james (hammer)mason was forman &the man in the shop for over 50yrs when he passed away he left a lot to his son tim even trade mark for decal he has the factory stuff left from 60&up skinny
I'd like to think photos exist, but I have yet to find any and I've talked to about every (if not all of the) DST employees still alive from that era, and some that have passed on. Quite a few attended the Thunderbolt Reunion dinner we held last Friday.
BTW, the building on Trowbridge was only used to build the first eleven burgandy cars. Hollowell Engineering on Bailey St. was the location used to build the white cars.
Perhaps, someone may of snapped a photo as a visitor or driving by. However, most people in the early and mid 60's simply didn't take photos like we do today, especially at work. The fact they did work on prototypes, cameras were most likely not allowed on site.
Good question. I think it just happened. I believe the DSO builds (remaining 89 units) sold to the general public were painted white so the individual could paint and letter them to their personal choice.
Usually, on the Drag Council builds the factory teams were asked what color they wanted their unit painted.
Vintage Burgandy may of been chosen since the medium beige interior color was available with that exterior color. However, Wimbledon White was also available with the medium beige interior color.
Maybe Jack "Skinny" Fuche has some photos stashed. Also there is........
July 3 2009, 11:59 AM
........a DST painter from the late sixties still around, aka the Kount, that says some of the old DST employees gather on Tuesday cruise night at a location I don't remember, LOL, Rod.
sorry guys i only have one groupe picture from 62 no camera's allowed plus back in 60 we didnt have these didgital &throw away camaras just the old brownie&poloroid i will send the group picture if someone wants to post it i dont know how to post pictures on forem email me i will send it its a colector with all shop employes including (james hammer mason)
![[linked image]](http://www.dearbornflashback.com/fordsites/bobford01a.jpg)
![[linked image]](http://www.dearbornflashback.com/fordsites/bobford02a.jpg)