Commemorating 70 Years of Pianos on Sale

Posted on May 16, 2012 in HPC Restores 1942 Ford Truck, News & Events, Piano Blog | 2 comments

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…)

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…)

Beware of Excessive Dryness: Piano Care Tip #7

Posted on May 12, 2011 in Piano Care Tips | 0 comments

Just as Piano Care Tip #6 says to be careful about excessive moisture, excessive dryness can also cause problems, and reek havoc on your pianos!

Too much humidity is a problem, but excessive dryness is an even more serious one, especially where heating or cooling systems are used to create artificially dehumidified rooms. Used in naturally dry climates, the piano has enough natural moisture to prevent excessive drying. However, if the air becomes too dry, the wooden and felt components will shrink. In extreme cases, the soundboard, joints, and other laminated sections may even come apart, even though they have been glued together carefully. Slight distortion of the parts may cause noise, and the tuning pins may work loose, making it difficult to keep the piano in tune. To avoid excessive dryness, it is best to keep some kind of leafy plant or a humidifier in the piano room.

Don’t forget to get your piano fix at the HoustonPianoCo YouTube Channel, and visit HoustonPianoCompany.com for everything else piano you need!

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…)

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!