Family Member

And It’s Older Than Most of the Kids!

- Joe Greeves

IF YOU’RE A REGULAR READER OF THIS MAGAZINE, YOU KNOW THAT A VEHICLE OFTEN ASSUMES A LIFE OF ITS OWN. Far more than just simple transportation, a cool custom truck invariably leads to a wide circle of friends from the show circuit, mechanic friends who are acquired during garage sessions and a collection of family members who enjoy it as much as the owner. A prime example is Joe Henke’s 1950 F-1.

Although Joe teaches industrial air compressor maintenance for a living, he’s been an active automotive enthusiast his whole life. He learned the basics from his dad, Tom Henke, while growing up in the family auto mechanic business. As it turns out, he’s also been involved with this F-1 for most of his life as well. His grandfather bought the truck way back in 1976 intending to do some repair work and flip it, but the charm of the truck rearranged those plans and he kept it for 10 years. In 1986, when Joe was 17, Granddad sold the truck to him for $125, just what he paid for it years before. Although the price was right, the truck was rough. Joe estimates there were probably a dozen coats of paint—and some were done with a brush! It didn’t make any difference. It was a cool classic that was both transportation and freedom for a young 17-year-old.