Dale Tyndall remembers the fascination and excitement that heading to drag races brought to him as a twelve-year-old boy.  He was in awe over the sounds of the cars, the way they looked and the vast variety of colors and design.  Dale says that his initial interest in the automotive hobby was sparked at that time and has since grown into a passion.

By the time 1989 rolled around, Dale began his street rodding hobby, specifically.  He recalls seeing a Model T roadster for sale, and he says that he was simply amazed by the fact that such an old car could be restored to driving condition.

“I thought it was so cool that you could drive something like that on the street,” says Dale. 

He bought that car, but about decade later, in 1998, he upgraded to a 1941 Ford chopped custom that he worked on for seven years!

Dale says that by the time that car was finished, his six children were grown, and it was time to start another project.  And, that is where this beautiful orange custom comes into the picture.

In 2004, Dale and his wife Teresa began laying out the design for a custom 1937 Ford that carries a “Grill” theme. The couple threw ideas back and forth with a shop in Canada for some time, and the car was finally delivered in 2006.  The Tyndalls named their new baby “Grilled,” and threw a special “Grilled to Perfection” license plate on it for a special touch.

“The car turned out great,” he said. “At least that’s what people tell me.”

Being unique in that this ’37 has 3 windows, he adds that some say that Henry Ford should have made cars this way from the get-go. The car is simply phenomenal.

In addition to the awesome design, the color is also outstanding on the vehicle, and Dale says that the most frequent comments from other hobbyists are based on the glowing orange shade.  He says that he attends about eight to 10 large shows, each year, along with a few local cruise ins.

At these events, his baby gets a lot of attention.  The car has picked up Pro’s Pick and other various awards at shows in York, Syracuse and Hershey, to name a few.

And, recently, in the August 2007 issue, the Goodguys Gazette featured Dale’s car, making special mention of the marvelous paint. Dale says that Street Rod Builder magazine and ESPN have also shot photos and footage of the bright car and adds that the Ford will also be the cover car on a special 2008 Hot Rod calendar.

But with all that recognition set aside, Dale says that the real reasons that he loves this hobby are the friends and relationships that he builds at car shows.

“The awards are nice,” says Dale. “But, I like talking to the different people.”

He adds that he and wife Teresa are real “people-people:”

“It’s more about the people.  It’s nice looking at cars, but after three or four days, it’s more about meeting people from all different walks of life who all share the same interest.”

Story by: Becky McLaughlin