Commemorating 70 Years of Pianos on Sale

Posted on May 16, 2012 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck, News & Events, Piano Blog | 1 comment

We are soon celebrating 70 years of pianos in Houston, 1943-2013

Several years ago I was searching for a way to emphasize the long and rich legacy of Houston Piano Company in our promotional efforts. I considered the historic aspects of our facility–the Houston Heights location, the colorful group of lessees sharing our buildings, the close connection to the arts, metal sculptures, acting school, Women in film and Television (a national organization), Photographic Design Lab Studios, etc.–but I wanted something that just focused on our service to the piano lovers of Houston.

As I am a long term lover of Ford trucks and have owned them for many years, I began my search for a 1943 (as we were originally founded in 1943) to restore and feature on our web site and all our other promotional efforts. I was surprised to hear that there were no 1943 models due to the war, but there were a very few 1942 Ford pickup truck models manufactured. Finding one suitable for our needs would be a challenge.

See images from a year and a half ago of the truck we restored and follow the progress from start to finish!

My internet search concluded with our current specimen, rusting away in a farmer’s field in Kansas. It was taken to Indianapolis, Indiana for a year and a half for restoration work. Now it has been welcomed into the Houston Piano Company family that seems to grow each year. It will be visible in car shows, parades as well as (more…)

Still Truckin’ Along, and So Close!

Posted on Nov 10, 2011 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck, Image Gallery, Piano Blog | 0 comments

Because we feel bad it has been a number of months since our last update on the progress of Houston Piano Co.’s restoration project of a 1942 Ford Pickup Truck, we thought it best to include a whole bunch of great photos of the truck as it nears completion!

Let us know what you think in the comments down below. We can’t wait to see this thing around the store.

Click the thumbnails to enlarge the pictures below (more…)

A Symbol of Stability and Longevity – 1942 Ford

Posted on Jul 19, 2011 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck | 0 comments

This truck represents the date of the founding of the Houston Piano Company.

The times were hard and uncertain across America in 1943. But, tough times produce the best in people. The auto industry knew that war was on the horizon and American businesses braced for the road ahead.  The ’42 Ford pickup truck was rugged, strong and very reliable: exactly what people need in tough times. Ford built this truck knowing that it’s vehicles would also be used by the military.

Ford trucks were treated to a total restyle that year that was shared by all models. They no longer looked like
the car line. However, it turned out (more…)

The Pieces of a 1942 Ford Pickup Restore

Posted on Mar 28, 2011 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck | 0 comments

Alright folks, it has been too long for an update on our 1942 Ford Pickup Truck restoration project.  Here are some pictures of some of the final pieces of the puzzle!

We are super excited to see Houston Piano Company’s truck restoration coming together.  Please share your thoughts on our progress by posting your comments below!! (more…)

Steady as she goes!

Posted on Dec 22, 2010 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck | 0 comments

Apologies for taking so long to post these, but well worth the wait!  Here are plenty of new pics to show the progress on Steve’s rebuild of a 1942 Ford Pickup Truck.

This Classy Chassis

Posted on Aug 11, 2010 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck | 1 comment

We have received the first progress report on Steve’s restoration project.  As you can see from the pictures, the entire frame of this rare 1942 Ford pickup truck has been stripped to it’s chassis.

The frame has been completely removed, revealing a rusty old skeleton.

From the looks of things, we have a long way to go.  Good thing Steve is dedicated to reviving this forgotten machine – who knows what form it will take with some serious TLC!

Have you ever taken on a project like this?  If so, we would love to hear about it through your comments.

Don’t forget to visit Houston Piano Co!

Restoring a Piece of History

Posted on Jul 26, 2010 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck | 1 comment

Houston Piano Co. recently acquired a piece of history, and it is undergoing a complete ‘frame off’ restoration. 1942 trucks are very rare as WWll forced all manufacturers to switch to war material manufacturing.

Check out these pictures of the 1942 Ford truck as it started, and follow the restoration process as we post updates!  Comment if you have any ideas or tips on how we should bring new life to this great relic.

It will be fun to see how this project develops, and what this old clunker becomes when it is completely rebuilt ‘like new’.