Ron Wade, owner of the Vancouver car part supplier Chevs of the 40’s had a soft launch for his car museum August 16th. Wade expects The Museum to officially open within 4 months, located at 1015 NE 78^th Street in Hazel Dell.

“I made myself a grocery list of cars I wanted in the early 70’s”, said Wade. “Almost without exception there is not a car here that I didn’t specifically go after.”

Wade hopes to partner with Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobiles Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River to ensure patrons see a wide variety of vehicles during each visit. An entrance fee will be collected for visitors. Wade is also encouraging food cart vendors to use the property.

The Museum building on 78^th Street was originally built to Volkswagen specs in 1959. After that, it was a Alan Webb car dealership, but the building has sat vacant for the past 5 years. During that time, vandals broke in and stole the electrical wiring, A/C and heating, creating a massive restoration project for Ron’s team.

According to Ron, Chevs of the 40’s is the world’s largest supplier of 1937 to 1954 Chevy parts. Ron’s business has 800,000 parts on the shelf, which they ship worldwide within 24 hours of orders being placed. Chevs of the 40’s distribution center will remain on NE 112^th Street.

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