Barn Find Hunter: K-codes and customs - Hagerty Media

Still chasing leads from a lunch stop in Midland, Texas, Barn Find Hunter Tom Cotter follows a gravel road to Rolands Customs, where he is treated to a smorgasbord of vintage metal. Before he parks his Woodie wagon, Tom marvels in a view that includes everything from panel trucks to an airplane.

The stash of cars is full of unique pieces, but one immediately caught Tom’s eye: a 1939 American LaFrance fire truck. Roland tells the story of the 10-year hunt to purchase the massive rig. The doors appear as though they were lifted from a bank vault, and the hood reveals an engine that stumps both Tom and the owner as to what the cylinder arrangement might be.

Tom also takes a minute to talk about the wild custom bus that Roland and his family built. A late 1920s school bus body sits atop a 1994 Ford F700 chassis and running gear. Built in just 30 days for a local church function, the bus then embarked on a cross-country trip to the SEMA show in Las Vegas. No small adventure, but the crazy build made the trip with minimal trouble.

Tom is off in search of more classic metal. Will he find more radical customs in the next Barn Find Hunter? More hi-po Fords? Stay tuned to find out.