Needle in a Haystack: 1 of 3 remaining F100 Sleeping Bear Dunesmobile Will it Run | Barn Find Hunter

We have been searching for four years for some of the last remaining Sleeping Bear Dunesmobiles, made famous by a northern businessman, Louis Warnes. This truck is one of the seven original trucks, but since the program closed in 1979, the number has fallen to just three remaining. Of the three, this is the only one with the original paint job and Dunesmobile lettering on it, making it the rarest of the bunch.
This isn't the only generation of Dunesmobiles. Before WWII, Louis was running an assortment of 1930's cars over the rolling sands of Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes, before it was a national park. After WWII, the business took off, and he bought a fleet of 1948 Fords that he then used up until 1956 when he replaced them with Oldsmobile Super 88s. Then there was the final generation of Dunesmobiles, which were an assortment of 1965, 1966, and 1967 Ford F100 pickups that ran until the program closed.
Join us as we get this local legend running and introduce you to its new owner, where it will go on to live out its days as it once was and become a cherished piece of Michigan history for future generations.
If you know of any or have a lead on any Dunesmobiles please email us at - [e-mail]
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuilds | Time-lapse engine rebuilds from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineR...
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFInd...
Jason Cammisa on the Icons | The definitive car review
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Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
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[@danielbroughton7949]

Great to see the boss is a real car guy! It adds to the authenticity and honesty of Hagerty. Love it.

[@douganderson771]

As a kid we would vacation as money would allow in the Sleeping Bear dunes area. We would beg and plead for the dunes ride, in one of the 48 Ford's' occasionally we would achieve our ride. What a wonderful memory, thanks to you and your crew. Now that my wife and I have returned to Michigan to be closer to family. I will add a 4th of July trip to the dunes to the bucket list. If we are lucky ,maybe we can see the Ford pick up in the parade.

[@patteahan8704]

Oh my god when I was a kid in the 80s we went on this dune ride and I remember riding in the back of these trucks!

[@dannyfowler7055]

My cousin in Cleveland, TN was hitchhiking and caught a ride with a fellow in a newer Ford truck, Joe wanting to start a conversation and sound cool asked “does this have Twin I-Beams”, to which the old guy replied, “No, it’s just got one headlight on each side”. 😉

[@dougshaw2944]

Just throwing it out there; a huge 'Thanks!' to Hagerty, and The Boss here, for all you've been doing in media lately.

[@marck145]

Legends never die

[@tim_g3478]

Very cool nostalgia! I remember riding in the modified pickup trucks in the 60’s. Glad you didn’t disappoint the boss on getting it to run!

[@paulmartin7737]

Not sure if the boss would have appreciated hanging the arse out in the mud though........ 🙂

[@250xrider1988]

As an F100 guy and a duner, this is a cool find with a great bit of history learned. Look forward to seeing updates!

[@randysrestoration]

Always great episodes but this one has so much meaning. I grew up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and have been to Sleeping Bear once when I was very young. I simply do not remember what vehicle we were in but did go on to buy a '46 Ford Coupe at 15. October 11, 1965 My dad pulled into driveway with a brand new 1966 F100 the same color as this truck J code Red with same red interior. I am in process of building a Clone of that truck dad bought new. I had heard of this one #28 years ago and sure wanted it but never pursued it. I currently own 9 1965-66 Ford trucks and more than half of them are under Full Restorations at this time. I do have all the parts needed to build the Sleeping Bear '66 just floating around if in need look me up. AZ stuff so it's really nice. Dad's truck was Red/Red with a 352 and 3spd column shift. Learned to drive in it that Fall in 1965. Yrs later used it for my DL test when I turned 16.

[@James-ik8yz]

Any trucks for sale? Maybe 4x4 ?

[@randysrestoration]

@@James-ik8yz i do have a 1966 F100 4x4 i would consider selling. It’s got a 25k mile 2.7 Ecoboost in it not the typical FE

[@wesalexander2693]

Grateful Hagerty customer here, great company, thank you for these wonderful videos, true automotive enthusiasts!

[@Hipsterhugger]

I've been on the Mac Woods rides through the dunes. So much fun.

[@DavidReese2ndA]

I've had a Ride in these trucks once when I was a young Boy.. My Grandfather took all of the kids, We had So much Fun...

[@christhomas5898]

Love to see it restored. I live here in Michigan Been up to those dunes many times. My parents took us in the late 60s camping and In the early 80s me and my buddies took our Quads / 4 wheelers up there paddle tires and all. What fun that was. Great memories up there through the years. I keep a great pic on my fridge of me rocking it in the dunes. ❤

[@poita_m7142]

Big shout out to Mckeel, Hagerty CEO for saving this piece of Americana. Please turn the restoration into a YT series. 🙏

[@johnmcdermott8523]

I rode in one Sleeping Bear dunesmobile in '68. Maybe it was this one!?

[@taurota1554]

Awesome and outstanding.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@markfortin421]

That is so major cool, it blows my mind! Thanks Tom...without you the rescue of this piece of history wouldn't have happened. Nice start to the future of this truck, can't wait for updates down the road!

[@michaelroberts6450]

Went there as a child in 1970, have some family pics of me and my sisters on the dunes. Great memory this was something special to watch I hope they get that truck restored. It's such a historical piece of automobilia. Imagine taking a brand new truck and cutting it up day 1. Roof delete, 2ft of frame extension, filler panel for box opposite side of step entry, elongated drive shaft I would think too.

[@drrick8839]

I’m not a “Truck Guy”, but I am a fan of great stories that are told very well and this video has both! I truly enjoyed my time watching this. I want to thank you for it.I now, of course, just have to explore your other videos. I have a very strong feeling that there will be many others as enjoyable as this.Prace, DrRick

[@ejkrakowiak6905]

You also have to check Mac Wood in Silver Lake and they have a dune Scooter museum nearby in mears

[@shadymaint1]

I can't wait to see this thing restored and backnon the road. I sure hope it shows up at the car show in St.Ignace.

[@tomlanore4283]

My dad was born in 1925 in freemont MI. I was born in 1967 in freemont then the family moved to Charlotte MI in 1969. I remember my dad telling us about the dune rides when i was 12 or 13. It sounded like fun then and still does.

[@Fastang444]

I remember as a very young age going on the sleeping bear dunes in one of those trucks. A bit scary because I’d guess I was around 5 years old. What a great piece of Michigan history so thanks Barnfindhunter.

[@paulwiley9102]

Glad you found it, have fun

[@terryhawkins4493]

What a great Episode. Great to see such a family connection to this vehicle. I hope we get follow ups

[@davidhalloran2764]

What a great job of interviewing, "Show me how you got in." Great job, Tom!

[@bigmikex2333]

When it's done you can still take it to the dunes at Silver Lake.......that would AWESOME to see!

[@xmo552]

Man those were heavy heavy vehicles with low power and only 2x4 traction. I'm amazed that the gentleman was able to produce a business of it. At first glance I thought this was just an old freeway stripe painter and/or cone layer/collector.

[@johnjesus971]

I am so jealous! I wish i could have experienced Sleeping bear dunes in one of these.

[@alfromnc6115]

I'm from MI this brings back memories...I hope to see the restoration...BTW watching gas boil out of the carburetor on a hot engine...gave me one of those "sharp inhale" moments... Good luck eh!!!!

[@RobertBelt-x6d]

How Kool is that...! Revived..., Running and Driving... Hope to see restoration KZbin videos progress along the way one of these days... 😊

[@thekingsilverado3266]

I had a few of those trucks when I was a kid and they rode like you were riding on a cloud. So smooth. There downfall was the steering rag knuckle area would wear out sometimes snap.

[@chadjones4236]

Great story in regards to his dad have to see it when its done those straight 6's will run forever only melted one down out of 11 I've owned🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@howardpringle9346]

Great to see Dave again. I miss his weekly contributions to Hagerty.

[@BigBoyCarz]

Very cool!

[@neonryder8897]

It's amazing that there's popped into my feed because I was just having a conversation with my grandmother about you know what she did in the past and stuff like that. Apparently just after they got married to my Grandpa they went on a little vacation in to northern Michigan and believe it or not they're apparently rode around in one of these trucks

[@GregMosley-l7b]

What a great Boss!

[@markwellington1254]

Very fun video! Saving a past work of motor vehicle art is always fun.

[@somerandomness4285]

That's awesome! Gotta come to CT and check out the crazy stuff here!!

[@MH-ev3wr]

Totally, EVERYTHING is better on the Coast compared to Flyoverland, amirite?!?!

[@Hootman865]

What happened to the Jeeps? We moved south in 1980 so I haven’t been back. I remember the extended Jeeps. I was even lucky enough to drive one of the Ducks.

[@ronniebraine9692]

Great video Tom. Cheers!!

[@jgwilliams5951]

Just excellent ! Thanks , looking forward to the updates

[@bellevue260]

Very cool truck! Went to South Haven, MI in the late 80s and took a dune tour in an old Dodge or International. It had four rows and a airplane family lap belt for each row. That thing floated over the dunes with those balloon tires. It was so much fun!

[@roberte.schultz8099]

If memory serves Pierce Stocking used Ford pickup trucks YEARS AFTER Louie Warnes started the dune ride operation out of Glen Haven. First with 48' Ford convertibles, then 56' Oldsmobile's.

[@danchandler3799]

There are other dune scooters still running. Macwoods dune rides in silver lake. Very cool to see this get saved

[@rick7858]

Good to see Davin doing his best again 💪

[@TonyPhillips-jy7ev]

Wow! Nice find and cool history!

[@01FozzyS]

Such a cool relic going to a great owner.

[@Rocket-ck3qn]

That man right there Mr haggerty he could find my dream car, people would laugh at me, but I respect that gentleman

[@douglasmesina6922]

Cool story.

[@slyboogey6263]

So cool, I love the show...but even better when they save the car

[@James-ik8yz]

My Late Father worked for GM. Pontiac / Oldsmobile. He helped get those 56 Oldsmobile. 😮.

[@yannisgouras4482]

Looks like it might have a bent frame from the way the front right corner is angling up still a very cool truck to find and definitely belongs in the Michigan Historical Center

[@ronnieroberts9478]

1966 was the last greatest year of the American automobile

[@evanjohn503]

that's a great one, cheers

[@kphillipsmusic]

Beautiful

[@TheJohndeere212]

Great video!!

[@derekwalters6132]

Tom you’re right sometimes a vehicle reaches a point where restoring it is foolhardy, however sometimes it’s not about the return on investment. Mr Hagerty has a sentimental attachment to that old truck and that can be the motivating factor behind fixing up a vehicle. I own my FIL’s last truck and I keep it goin, I’ve pulled parts out wrecking yards done countless repairs to it because it was the last truck he owned before passing. She’s said maybe it’s time to let it go but I know deep inside she appreciates the fact I still put it back together and keep it running awhile longer. I’d restore it to new condition if I had the money knowing full well I’d probably spend about $50,000 to end up with a truck at best would end up being worth $6,500 on a good day but I know it would make her smile and to me that’s worth the money.

[@carlachambers3771]

I would love to have that International. Wow

[@michigandon]

The Dune Scooters (as they were called at that point) that I remember were all either Scouts or Ramchargers.

[@choochoothelilsavage9573]

Awesome

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

cool ,seen a article about the Oldsmobile and nice this find is not a muscle car

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

Very cool indeed. I'd personally much rather have the "balloon" tired '48 Ford, but you can't beat having both lol. Now what would be really cool, removing that tired old I6 (even though she's a tank and runs great) and either swapping in 5.5L stroked Coyote, or maybe a 429/460 with a good cam, heads, and some legitimate pistons that make compression 😅 Give the kids in the parade riding in the back some cam lope and excitement....ohhh.... nothing more exciting than an 8-71 on a BBF 😅

[@dougg1075]

Very interesting. They used to be a part of peoples world but now gone.

[@udflyer98]

I'm not familiar with the "Dunesmobile" at Sleeping Bear Dunes because our family has been going to Silver Lake for over 70 years. Mac Woods is the OG of Dune Scooters beginning with model A Fords. They were running International bus chassis when I was a kid. The "new" scooters are on stretched F-350 chassis.

[@Damien.D]

Hagerty big boss find his childhood fond memories dream car... Davin : *dirt-track race it with a carburetor boiling gasoline everywhere \m/ *

[@MineGames131]

I talked to the owner on Facebook Marketplace. Had I known there was any chance of it running maybe I would have bought it.

[@jerrys9226]

If that’s a 300 six they were great engines. I’d like to see it when it’s restored.

[@rndmprsn3532]

Fired the parts cannon! Been there!

[@arkhsm]

It wants to live again !!

[@ben-1673]

Ace Welding and Machine

[@nathanielcampbell3488]

My old friend got one of those 10 or more years ago, he took off the bed and made a flat bed out of it

[@random13627]

very cool

[@natielou143]

Drifting and boiling gas in the bosses new ride. You may have just out whistlen dieseled Cammisa.

[@karlnitz1126]

Mac Wood and Bills used Dodge power wagons modified into the Dune mobile in the seventies.

[@jhonsiders6077]

They have these in Saugatuck Michigan to this day they run on private property last time I was up there they were running diesel Dodges .

[@thomashudgins996]

Let's see the engine rebuild on RedLine Rebuild, the frame-up restoration on another Hagerty channel, and the finished restoration on the main channel. Please do a frame-up restoration.

[@GunShowFinds]

I think I might know where there's another one for sale!

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Time stamp 19:30, that Ford body style is newer than the pickup found. Maybe there are some of them still in existence?

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

a 2wd dune rig that's not a buggy? Now I've seen everything

[@CycolacFan]

How did they manage to find the roof? Was it kept with the truck all those years…? In one of the photos it looks like it might have had seats from one of the Olds.

[@billmoran3219]

The screwdriver was to jump the starter solenoid when the key switch didn’t work !

[@gavinclark50]

Start with 5000 grit!!!

[@fajareraim6136]

i think this is the exact car he showed us, both has number 28?

[@kentkirkpatrick7953]

Your business cards also need to include a section of sand paper!!!

[@aidangraziosi370]

17:35 exhuast not coming out tip?? Mouse nest in muffler? Air escaping to nearest rust hole or leak

[@spookydog6959]

science works😁👍

[@ThomasSmith-fz6wq]

Did he ever use Chevy trucks or any other brand? And we're the 67 through 72 model Ford trucks the last ones?

[@Martin-xh1hd]

THE MR MCKEEL?!?!

[@sallyb3]

🎉🎉🎉🎉Bravo Zulu 🎉🎉🎉

[@timothydockery534]

The ford tempo had a ladder rack in the background

[@rjs2005]

Words cannot express how cool it is to see McKeel himself in the video, turning wrenches and showing such enthusiasm for bringing a small piece of history back to life. It makes me proud to be a Hagerty Driver's Club member.

[@travisosborne7281]

Absolutely

[@TheSecretOfNem]

I'm proud to witness this resurrection without even being a Hagerty Driver's Club member.

[@markmartin9671]

This truck found the right owner. It will be a survivor ! Great episode.

[@lgun1]

How often do you see a company CEO out helping change spark plugs on an old project, to help get it to run?

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

....once.... Great video!

[@jamesonpace726]

Mr McKeel is right, you have brought joy to many an old car guy like me. Keep up the great work....

[@stymiesnerdly771]

I absolutely love Sleeping Bear Dunes, M22, and that Leelanau Peninsula area. Gorgeous scenery.

[@Redmist.65]

Great episode and congrats to Mr Hagerty for his new purchase! Glad you managed to get it running and "driving"!

[@Lillia-nu2xt]

You've got skills, keep honing them

[@poncho6784]

Tom, you’re a national treasure. Automobiles and America are so interconnected in modern history. So what you do with Haggerty is just a blessing

[@murdoc6501]

This was just heart warming! Appreciate that Mr. Hagerty is going to restore this and his own personal connection to a place and vehicle! Go Barn Find Hunter and Hagerty, keep moving forward!

[@jdgimpa]

I lived in Michigan until 8 years ago. I remember riding in one of those trucks at sleeping bear dunes in 1967, when I was 15 years old. I also rode on Mac Woods dune rides on a cold October day the same year. They weren't officially open that late in the season but Mac Wood himself took us out on the dunes. They were using International 4 wheel drive trucks at the time. I got to ride in the front seat with Mac. On one steep dune we lost traction half way up so he just coasted backward down the dune, put the truck in 4 wheel drive and climbed to the top. Thanks for bringing back a memory that I hadn't thought about in years.