Restoring the 68-A Ford Cabriolet by Ray McMahon

Honoring Friendship, Passion, and Memories!

When my friend, Dale Krull, passed away on Christmas Day 2021, his 68-A Model A Ford Cabriolet became more than just a car—it became a symbol of cherished memories, deep friendships, and enduring family bonds. For our family, this restoration project is not just about the restoration of a Model A, but also about keeping Dale’s legacy and passion alive. It is also about “getting her done” for Mary in time for Gettysburg.

Our journey with Dale began at the Dearborn National Meet with our shared enthusiasm for the Model A hobby. Dale’s passion for the Model A was infectious. We talked deep into the night many times about Model A’s and Cabriolets in particular.

Dale showcased his high school Oval Window Business Coupe in Fine Point Judging for the very first time after what everyone in the Model A Ford world said was an impossible task to do in only nine months. Dale received a MARC of Excellence—a truly remarkable achievement made possible by Gerald and Branden Hochstetler of Gerald and Sons Restorations. It was Dale and Branden’s first attempt at Fine Point Judging. Dale aggressively pursued the parts he needed after receiving his score sheets to make changes to the car to show the car again the following year at the Oshkosh National Meet and shoot for the Henry Ford Award and the Master Restoration Award. Branden and Gerald went all out once again, and they received the Henry Ford Award and the Master Restoration Award with 484 Points.

This shared love for Model A’s was not the only common ground we had. Alongside Dale and his lifelong friend Tom Thews, we discovered that all three of us had served in the military, forging a bond that extended beyond our Model A passion. Even better, Tom had a great looking 68-B Cabriolet that received 500 points in Touring Class. Our shared experiences and “Model A fever” brought us closer together, forming a lasting friendship.

Dale’s dream of restoring a Cabriolet began after the Dearborn National Meet. Inspired by the camaraderie and the thrill of the event, Dale and Tom envisioned a future where they would drive their Cabriolets along the legendary Route 66 to sunny California. Determined to find the perfect vehicle, Dale began his search.

I knew of a 68-A Cabriolet owned by Gar Williams, a very well-respected member of the Naper A’s Model A Ford club. The car was stored in Gar’s airplane hangar. It was “mostly” complete but would need quite a bit of work to be judged in Fine Point. When I contacted Gar on Dale’s behalf, he initially declined to sell the car. Undeterred, Dale continued his search and soon purchased another 68-A Cabriolet in downstate Illinois. It was sort of a hot rod. It had a 5-Speed Trans, 1935 Wire Wheels and Fat Tires. It also had the early 1929 Cabriolet Top, Brass/Nickel Cowl Band and Original body tag on the passenger side wood cross member in front of the front seat. Body 194-002281 and firewall 5-21-29.

Fate, however, had other plans. Shortly after Dale acquired his Cabriolet, Gar decided he was willing to sell his car after all. I immediately relayed the news to Dale, who, accompanied by Tom, Gerald, and Branden, went to check out the vehicle. A deal was struck, and the Cabriolet was transported to Nappanee, IN. Gerald and Branden would do the restoration, and Dale would track down parts. The later 1929 Cabriolet had different color options other than Cigarette Cream and Seal Brown. Dale decided that he liked the Thorne Brown and Black combination with a Gold Stripe.

Dale’s vision became clear: he planned to restore the Cabriolet from Gar Williams while using the other as a driver during the restoration process. With his characteristic \ enthusiasm, Dale joined the Cabriolet Club and began sourcing the missing parts for the project. His excitement was contagious, and the restoration process was well underway when tragedy struck.

The news of Dale’s passing was devastating, particularly for his daughters, who lost not only their father but a guiding light in their lives. Tom lost his lifelong friend from their high school days, and the hobby lost a great guy who would give you the shirt off his back if needed. Branden and Gerald, who had already begun stripping the car down to its frame, were agreeable to see the project through. Dale’s daughters sought a buyer for the two Cabriolets, and I suggested they get an appraisal and offered to purchase the cars if the appraisal result was agreeable to them. All worked out well and the restoration continued at Gerald’s Restorations.

Dale’s daughters donated his Oval Window Business Coupe to the Gilmore Museum for everyone to enjoy when visiting there.

Restoring the Cabriolet is a labor of love, a way to remember Dale’s unwavering passion, his dreams of cruising down Route 66, and the countless moments we shared in our Model A discussions and adventures. As each part was meticulously restored by Branden and Gerald and as the Cabriolet gradually came to life, we are reminded of the profound impact Dale had on all of us.

This project is more than just about a car or hobby; it is about preserving memories, celebrating friendships, and passing down a legacy to future generations. Every turn of the wrench, every coat of paint, and every mile driven will carry the spirit of Dale Krull, ensuring that his love for the Model A lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

We have had many setbacks and successes with the restoration of this 68-A. It really takes a huge network of friends in the hobby to complete a restoration. The dedication of Gerald and Branden to get her done for the Gettysburg Meet has been amazing. Special thanks to Mitchell and Chris DuVall, who saved us from certain disaster, James, Doug Clayton, Mark Maron, Norm Langlois, Jim Sinclair, Lindy Williams, Alan Petrik, Gene Egert, and the Naper A’s for their help and support and to all the restorers who quietly work in our hobby. Mike at Classtique Upholstery for the interior and top materials that made this Cabriolet so special. And my family look forward to coming together every year to enjoy the venues and each other. And Mary, my hero and partner for the last 53 years who encouraged me to get this project finished. I can honestly say that I had my doubts at times, but she never wavered. Her words of encouragement will live with me forever.

The results are in from the Gettysburg National Meet. Dale’s Cabriolet Received 490 Points and the Marc of Excellence Award and the Henry Ford Award. Also, this 68-A is the first Cabriolet in the History of the Henry Ford Awards to be awarded the Henry.

Promises Made. Promises Kept.