Opportunity Knocks Outside the Box

In 2008,  Artefice was asked by an associate of one of the largest automobile collectors on the west coast if they would be interested in building  two wooden seat frames for a 1937 Horch, in addition to other wooden parts. The associate went on to say that the intent was to enter this vehicle in the Concours d` Elegance at Pebble Beach California in August, 2009.

We  have a very diverse company and a group of very diverse craftsmen so we took on the challenge. After building the wooden seat frames from Beech lumber like the original ones, we were asked to provide two wooden bows for the convertible top.  We were supplied with parts and pieces from  the original vehicle and managed to make two new ones that were in one piece out of white oak.

Next they wanted us to make parts for the interior. We were shown some black and white photos of what the vehicle interior looked like in its original state. We were then taken to the building in which the vehicle was being rebuilt so we could get a first hand look at the vehicle and to see  how the interior parts were to be used and how they were to fit.

We were asked to provide two (one left hand and one right hand) steam bent Walnut pieces for door and window trim along with two bands (one left hand and one right hand)  that housed an ashtray.  Next we were to also provide a complete dash which included the dash face with several cutouts and the dash top. All of this with the exception of the steam bent bands were to be covered with a Walnut Burl veneer.

This job was started on  July 14, 2008. Our woodwork was complete on June 1, 2009 and the car went to the show in August and won Best of Show.

Jobs like this don’t come along  every day. Step outside the box and accept the challenge when opportunity knocks. These kinds of jobs stimulate minds, rejuvenate the work force and add a whole new layer of  opportunity to your portfolio.