MHRA Rod Shop—Car Repair

The Michigan Hot Rod Association is an alliance of seven car clubs. One of their missions is to help fellow car enthusiasts get running again when the unthinkable happens and their car breaks down while attending an event they are at. This volunteer group of dedicated car guys has been helping get rides on the road safely again since the early 1950s. Mark Simpson joins MHRA member Rick Banister to take a closer look at the inner workings of the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA) Rod Shop’s trailer and the services they provide.

Typically the items that break down on most cars at events are those items that frequently wear out on any car, Banister explains. Water pumps, starters, alternators, fuel pumps, and ignition coils are common repairs in the MHRA Rod Shop, but they come equipped to take on nearly any project that comes their way and even have a professional welder on staff to handle challenging repairs.

The MHRA’s iconic trailer stuffed with tools and common consumables needed to repair cars has been a beacon of safe harbor for those who have had the misfortune of breaking down at a car show. Rick further explains they are committed to assisting in any way possible to get enthusiasts home safely, even to the point of working on cars well into the evening or towing a vehicle home when possible.

Let’s face it: none of us wants to break down, but cars simply do and sometimes without warning. I for one am thankful that this great team of car enthusiasts is there to assist me should the unthinkable occur. My only regret is the MHRA Rod Shop is not at every car event I attend each year, but I hope other car clubs may become inspired by their lead.