One of the most meaningful custom builds occurred in 2012 when the Baxter family from Pennsylvania approached Weld House to build them a coffee table, made from the hood of a very special vehicle to their family. Until this project, we knew that our clients liked their Weld House products but never did we foresee a scenario where we could deliver a product with such sentimental value. This 1982 Chevrolet Scottsdale pickup had been languishing on the side yard of the family home for a couple of years. Their family patriarch, Shorty, used that pickup on his vending route for over 20 before his passing. A truck like that, which facilitated the raising of a family, isn’t something you easily part with after such a loss. Ultimately, a decision needed to be made on what to do with Shorty’s truck, it could not continue to sit in the driveway alongside the family home. Fortunately, we were able to connect with the Baxter family and it wasn’t long before we had received the hood and VIN plates off the truck. This was a true family project. All of the Baxter’s were on board with converting a piece of the truck into a usable, tangible piece of furniture that everyone could see and enjoy when visiting their mom’s home. The original paint color of the pickup truck was the medium grey and it was in really good shape, very little weathering or patina. We chose a burgundy pinstripe detail to both commemorate Shorty but also tie in the Burgandy color of the truck’s roof. Our welding skills have greatly improved since 2012 but the overall design hasn’t changed, we still build this industrial style coffee table today. This table uses our early 9 pieces adjustable “feet” at the base of the 3″ square tube legs. Clear powder coat over the raw steel frame and legs work well with the new gloss clear over the freshly bent and welded tabletop. We say it all the time how thankful we are for our clients and their projects. Our best ideas and techniques originate with our amazing client and their wants, needs, and ideas !! Thank you!!
