  Steveb Member Username: Steveb Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2006 |
My father worked for Kranjeke Buick in the 1940s in the body shop.He also Bowled for the Body Shop team in 1940..I have a pic of all five men..My dad Donald E. Beleck Sr. passed 7 yrs ago and Mom LOLA (his long time loved wife) passed this April 4,2006, Now I have all the pics of thier life and this is one my Dad was proud of..If anybody has info to this inquire please contact myself back ..Thank you for your time and effort in this matter.Steve Beleck/989-654-2409
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Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 632 Registered: 02-2004 |
Hi Steve, My dad worked there in the late 50's, there were a lot of long time employees there. I'll send this to my sister and see if she can identify anybody. | |||
Caldogven Member Username: Caldogven Post Number: 13 Registered: 05-2006 |
Steveb- I couldn't make out the first name of the guy with Zielinski on his shirt, but he sure looks like a painter I worked with in the early 60's. His first name was Marion, but he went by Red. I did bowl with him once in a late night fun tournament out Van Dyke near where he lived. The more I look at your picture it does look like the name is Marion, I'm sure it's him! | |||
Caldogven Member Username: Caldogven Post Number: 14 Registered: 05-2006 |
Steveb- I was in the body shop business for many years, and knew quite a lot of the bodymen and painters on the east side. What other shops did your dad work at? | |||
Steveb Member Username: Steveb Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2006 |
Caldo : Thanks for the response.The Third guys first name is MARION.My dad (Donald Beleck) left Krajenke Buick and went to Mathew Hargraves in the late 50s earley 60s till 1968 and moved to the northern country..Please keep any info ya can gather commin..My two uncles that also worked in Detroit for yrs was Ed Krejanke and the other was Frank Krajenke,there was also a Uncle Art Krajenke.All passed..Thanks again for your effort in this matter..Steve B.
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Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1680 Registered: 04-2005 |
Weclome to the forum Steveb, I took the liberty of PSing the last photo that you posted.  Is there anything on the original photo to identify what this "car" was called and who made it, and a date if possible. I take it that this photo was taken at Krajenke (?). | |||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 655 Registered: 12-2005 |
The rear roof line on that "thing" looks like an early 30's (production car)coupe roof--very much like a Ford if the shape of the rear window is accurate to my eyes. The front "bumper" is a Van Auken grille guard, a popular accessory for (normal sized) cars of that day. My guess is that this is a home-made piece together, made during the period right after the war when cars were scarce, jobs were not, and everyone needed wheels. It's more than a shade-tree buggy though, a little too well rendered for that. I'm guessing the person who built this worked as a body man, perhaps for Krajenke. It's all conjecture at this point, but those are my slightly educated guesses. | |||
Cushkid Member Username: Cushkid Post Number: 58 Registered: 08-2005 |
It looks almost like a reversed Cushman frame, Like the Good Humor ice cream was delivered in. | |||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 657 Registered: 12-2005 |
Cushkid--you could be right! Some meter maid is missing her Cushman. | |||
Karl Member Username: Karl Post Number: 4513 Registered: 09-2005 |
Something is very wierd about the rear wheel/axle - does the end of the car flare back and in, making the wheels look crooked and too far forward? Finally, what would Ralph Nader have said? (sarcasm) | |||
Steveb Member Username: Steveb Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2006 |
Guys: As I had first stated this auto was made out of old junk parts that was lying around the shop..The guy in the Pic closest to car is TED FRAPPIER(spellin?) body and paint shop..in detroit...The guy behind him to the right was Frank Kranjeke( my late uncle) the other man I do not know..Again this auto is a ONE of a KIND..Just would like to learn more BOUT IT AND ALL INVOLVED..my DAD (DONALD BELECK,nephew of Babe and Barney Kranjenke) did the painting of this buggy..Please keep on keepin on with info to thiscar..Also I posted a pic Of My Dad and 4 other guys from Krajenke Buick body shop in 1940..on Bowling team ..Thanks for all your effort in this matter..Steve B. | |||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1682 Registered: 04-2005 |
Maybe the front was a drive axle, and it had rear wheel steering. This could have been the rebirth of the cyclecar, but heavy iron won out, again. | |||
Hornist9 Member Username: Hornist9 Post Number: 18 Registered: 05-2005 |
I grew up in Kramer Homes in Center Line with a kid named Richard Zlotek. His grandfather worked as a mechanic at Krajenke's. I remember he had a big black 52 Buick that was spotless. He was elderly way back in the late 50's and early 60's. That's all I know about him. | |||
Steveb Member Username: Steveb Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2006 |
Thanks to all so far ,But I am no closer to finding anyone that know's anything of Krajenke Buick era or the car from Ted Frappiers(spelling) Body paint and body..Steve Beleck.Please if ya have any info please contact myself.Steve Beleck |
1940 bowling pic