California Hammin': The Collins Van (with Jim Stitzinger WA3CEX)

Avid Collins Collector Jim Stitzinger, WA3CEX, relates the story of the 1964 Collins Communications van rescue and restoration while exhibiting it at the 2013 annual AMI-West BBQ held at the home of George, WA6HCX in the beautiful Santa Ynez valley.

[@handymandave]

Hi Jim! Dave Arnold here. Long time ago we climbed an ice-covered tower in your Dad's side yard and lowered a bend beam to the ground I pray you are well and feeling blessed!

[@garyclark4930]

Our Club was blessed with John Hunt K7XE. He was an Engineer for Collins Radio in the late 40 into the 50s if I remember correctly. He eventually was given the job of traveling and demonstrating the Collins Radio Equipment. One of the perks was always having the latest and greatest equipment. He even showed us the Collins QSL Cards that he would send out. John is still around and is 97 now. Still gets on the air for a couple of nets. Also likes to participate in various SSB contest. It's nice to hear some of the history and see some of the early equipment restored and in working order. Keep it up. Gary KF6EWO

[@brianforbescolgate2352]

My late Dad - SK VE3FZO - would have loved to see this. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@ampman1961]

AWESOME!!! I got to meet Jim yesterday at his business warehouse. I was able to tour the van as well and I must say it's a remarkable "Icon" of the lustrous history of Collins Radio. People like Jim are the custodians of the past preserving these pieces for the future. What a great piece you did Gary! Rock on! Billy N6YW

[@james1787]

Very cool! Thank you for restoring and sharing this piece of Collins history with others. It looks great!

[@CaliforniaHammin]

Our pleasure to share this video! We've been away a while but we'd love to start making new installments!

[@VE3IPS]

What a great story and thanks to Jim I saw it a Pacificon 2014

[@JamesSanders]

Wonderful!! would love to have one just like it!!

[@vtradio]

I got to see this van at the ARRL Centennial Convention in July 2014. I snapped a few pictures of it, and sent one to a friend of mine that could not attend. You did a beautiful job of restoring it! My picture (at the left) is of me at the convention, not too far from the van display.

[@brucegordon7248]

Great story about the van!

[@MrMikeORourke]

Thanks for the view and saving the old van. Maybe I'll work you with my KWM-2. Mike AA8W

[@TheZeke1974]

Nice!!!! :-) I love vintage old gear....

[@CaptUante]

Hey C.H. I was wondering if you have a link to or have any on-line documention of the restoration. I'm doing a similar restoration to a 1963 Econoline myself. Similar in that it is going to be a "Communications" type van of sorts. Thanks!

[@timkridel3828]

Joe Walsh would love this.