Dave Gray Bitten by the ‘Car Bug’

Dave Gray Bitten by the ‘Car Bug’

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Chipman Car Crafters President Dave Gray admittedly was bitten by the “car bug” as a young lad and his love affair with all things automobiles continues today.

“The car bug came to me when I was young. My stepfather had friends with cool cars and we went for a ride in a few. The first car was a 1969 Cuda 440 6 pack 4 speed, (brand new) and so on. In the mid-80s I got into the hot rod side of things and built a 1947 Chevy 4 door sedan, had a small block 350/ 350 combo and suspension upgrades. This was a cool sleeper. The 4 door was to accommodate the kids.

At this time we got a bunch of car nuts together and started The Ocean Idlers car club Parksville, BC we had lots of fun and we put on a lot of cool car shows. The club became big and got more than the original group wanted, so we branched out and started the Sea Side Cruizers Car Club with the idea to keep it simple. That is not how it is today.

Dave Gray and his 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe.

(Dave Gray/Submitted Photo)

Dave Gray and his 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe.

(Dave Gray/Submitted Photo)

Building vehicles is a task of patience and a huge learning curve, I have been able to have good friends about to help with many ideas and experience to get to where I am today. Building a car is not cost effective in most cases but you can say you did it, you can buy a car cheaper and enjoy the car show circuit sooner rather than later.

I got involved with the Chipman Car Crafters in 2017 and was given the task of President in 20202021. Of course, the highlight of the year is the annual Show ‘N Shine that is always held the first Sunday in June. Gray said the support of its members is the foundation of the car club and their support is the only way they are able to do what they do and he is grateful for all of their efforts.

Dave Gray’s 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe.

(Dave Gray/Submitted Photo)

Dave Gray’s 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe.

(Dave Gray/Submitted Photo)

“The car show is in the right setting and the food that is put up by the Chipman Golden Seniors, the Chipman Fire department and the Chipman Historical society makes the show what it is.” He said the Village of Chipman provides a lot of support behind the scenes which is very much appreciated along with the sponsors who help make it possible.

The car show has been a fixture in the community for over 20 years and attracts thousands of visitors each and every year.