By Dave Chapman

FLAT ROCK — Cruisin’ Downriver is a great place to see thousands of classic cars of all sizes, shapes and types. It also is a place where friends come to hang out and talk cars.

One person who is looking forward to this year’s cruise for that exact reason is Bud Ransford.

Ransford’s car club, Downriver Modified, is having a reunion during Cruisin’ Downriver on June 30 at Park Tire, 2256 Fort St., Lincoln Park.

Ransford said Downriver Modified is one of 13 original National Hot Rod Association clubs. Many of the club members worked at the old Detroit Dragway in Brownstown Township in the early years as flag men and technical inspectors.

At the reunion, Ransford will have his 1927 Ford that he has had for many decades. It has gone through many changes over the years since he purchased it for $75 and was able to bring it home in a station wagon.

As with many hot-rodders, Ransford came up with some amazing ways of saving money, such as using shocks off a motorcycle for the rear suspension. He also hand-bent the steel for the rear bumpers.

Should you like to learn more about the history of the hot rod days of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, stop by Park Tire during Cruisin’ Downriver and spend some time with Ransford and other club members.