Greg Miller Adds Two Classics to His Collection: The 1964 Ford Galaxie & Rambler American 440

We’re proud to announce that collector Greg Miller has officially added two more custom Rendered Wrench art pieces to his collection—each one a tribute to the cars that shaped his story.

The first is a signed and numbered print of his 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL, a true survivor with a history as remarkable as its design. This Galaxie was parked in 1974 with just 38,400 miles and remained untouched for 25 years. Greg acquired it in 1999, still wrapped in factory plastic. Today, it shows only 49,300 miles and retains its original paint, interior, and drivetrain. He’s made a few thoughtful updates—radio, tires, side mirrors, and front disc brakes—but the car’s soul remains untouched.

In Greg’s own words:

“This car is a true survivor. It was parked in 1974 with 38,400 miles and not driven until I bought it in 1999. It still had the factory plastic on the seats. It now has 49,300 miles and is all original except for the radio, tires, side mirrors, and front disc brakes. Original paint, interior, and drivetrain.”

This Galaxie print captures that legacy in vivid detail—an homage to preservation, passion, and the quiet power of keeping history alive.

Greg is also purchasing a second custom piece featuring his 1964 Rambler American 440 Convertible, a car with its own sentimental weight and unique charm. This upcoming print will showcase the Rambler’s personality and Greg’s connection to it, continuing the Rendered Wrench tradition of honoring not just the vehicle, but the story behind it.

Each piece is crafted to celebrate the machines that move us and the people who preserve their spirit. Greg’s Galaxie and Rambler now stand as visual tributes to a life lived through horsepower, heritage, and heart.

Stay tuned for the release of the Rambler print and a deeper look at the stories behind these two unforgettable classics.

What an amazing email from Greg Miller one of my customers these are just two of the pieces that he has purchased from me and is now using them when he goes to car shows with his vehicles. So proud and so thankful for such a great Rendered Wrench Community.

A Fabulous Day at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Yesterday’s visit to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum was nothing short of magical. Tucked away in the scenic bluffs of Wisconsin, this place is a living tribute to the golden age of rail travel—and I got the full experience.

From the moment I arrived, the staff welcomed me with open arms and generous access to explore the trains up close. I wandered through historic railcars, marveled at the craftsmanship, and even got a behind-the-scenes look at the mechanical heart of the museum. Watching the crew work on one of the locomotives was like stepping into a time machine—grease, grit, and pure passion in motion.

Though I didn’t get to ride the train this time (the route winds past old mines, lakes, and stunning natural landmarks), I’ve already promised myself a return trip. That ride is calling my name.

Whether you’re a history buff, a train enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good adventure, this museum is a gem. It’s not just a place—it’s an experience. Can’t wait to go back.

Peace from Symco: Where Engines Roared and Spirits Soared

If you weren’t at the Symco 2025 Car Show this year… well, you missed one heck of a weekend. Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s countryside, Symco transformed into a living, breathing celebration of horsepower, heritage, and pure joy. From the moment you rolled into town, the energy was electric—like stepping into a time capsule where chrome gleamed, engines growled, and every corner buzzed with laughter and music.

The People: A Community in Motion
This wasn’t just a car show—it was a reunion of kindred spirits. Families, gearheads, vintage lovers, and curious newcomers all mingled like old friends. Kids darted between hay bales, couples danced to live rockabilly, and old-timers swapped stories beside their beloved rides. Whether you came to show off your build or just soak in the vibes, you were part of something bigger: a community that honors the past while revving toward the future.

The Action: More Than Just a Show
The events? Nonstop. From the thrilling mini bike races (yes, we cheered like maniacs as #5 tore up the dirt track!) to the jaw-dropping burnout contests and pin-up showcases, there was never a dull moment. Each car told a story, each race sparked adrenaline, and each laugh echoed across the fairgrounds. The craftsmanship on display—from rat rods to pristine restorations—was nothing short of art.

The Food: Fuel for the Soul
Let’s talk eats. Whether you were craving smoky BBQ, hand-cut fries, or a sweet slice of pie from a local bakery, Symco delivered. Food trucks and hometown vendors lined the paths, serving up comfort and flavor with every bite. It was the kind of food that made you slow down, savor, and smile.

The Entertainment: Heartbeat of the Weekend
Live bands kept the rhythm rolling from morning till night. Guitars wailed, drums thundered, and voices soared—turning the show into a full-blown festival. Dancing under the stars with a brat in one hand and a cold drink in the other? That’s the Symco way.

So here’s the deal: if you’re smart, you’ll make sure you’re at next year’s Symco Car Show.
Because it’s not just about cars—it’s about connection, celebration, and the kind of fun that sticks with you long after the engines cool. We came, we saw, we revved. And we’ll be back.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025: Where Dreams Take Flight

This summer, I stepped into a world where the sky wasn’t the limit—it was the canvas. At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, held July 21–27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Wisconsin, I joined over 704,000 fellow aviation enthusiasts in what can only be described as the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

Organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), AirVenture is more than an airshow—it's a living, breathing tribute to innovation, history, and the human spirit of flight. Founded to support experimental and recreational aviation, the EAA has grown into a global community that celebrates all things airborne—from vintage warbirds to cutting-edge drones.

A Global Gathering in the Heart of Wisconsin

This year marked the 72nd edition of the fly-in convention, and it shattered records:

• 704,000 attendees from over 94 countries

• 10,000 aircraft on display and in flight

• 962 commercial exhibitors, showcasing everything from avionics to art

The sheer scale was breathtaking. I wandered through Boeing Plaza, where the Pratt & Whitney 747—the “Queen of the Sky”—towered above the crowds. I watched the Goodyear Blimps, Wingfoot One and Two, float gracefully overhead, making their first dual appearance in the company’s 100-year history. And when the sun dipped below the horizon, the night drone shows lit up the sky with synchronized brilliance.

Through My Lens: Art in Motion

As an artist, I came to AirVenture not just to witness aviation, but to capture its soul. The roar of engines, the shimmer of polished metal, the quiet reverence around historic aircraft—all of it became part of my visual story. I photographed moments that spoke of resilience, curiosity, and connection. The crowds—families, veterans, pilots, dreamers—formed a tapestry of humanity drawn together by flight.

More Than Planes: A Festival of Learning and Legacy

AirVenture isn’t just for pilots. It’s for anyone who’s ever looked up and wondered. From KidVenture activities to veterans’ salutes, from workshops and forums to fly-in theaters, the event offered something for every age and interest. I saw children building model planes, elders sharing stories of wartime missions, and young adults exploring careers in aerospace.

Why It Matters

EAA AirVenture is a celebration of motion, resilience, and imagination—values that resonate deeply with my creative mission. It honors the people behind the machines, the stories behind the spectacle. And it reminds us that flight isn’t just about physics—it’s about possibility.

 In Motion and Memory: Honoring Chad Alan Miller

At Rendered Wrench, we believe motion tells a story. But sometimes, that story carries more than horsepower—it carries heart, legacy, and love.

Greg Miller, one of our cherished customers, recently shared something deeply personal: a tribute to his son, Chad Alan Miller, a Green Beret whose life was defined by service, leadership, and unwavering courage. Greg’s vehicle, wrapped in Rendered Wrench’s design, now serves as a rolling memorial—a symbol of pride and remembrance that turns heads and touches hearts wherever it goes.

In our exchange, Greg wrote, “I want to do a little bragging here.” And rightly so. Chad’s military career was extraordinary. From his early days in the Army to his role as a Green Beret, Chad embodied the values of honor, discipline, and sacrifice. His obituary speaks to a life lived with purpose—and a legacy that continues to inspire.

Greg shared that over 300 people attended Chad’s celebration of life, including a fellow Green Beret who flew in from Hawaii. The Ballad of the Green Beret played, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Even the photo lab technician who printed the memorial images was moved, calling the tribute “breathtaking.”

This is what Rendered Wrench stands for: honoring the people behind the motion. Greg’s truck isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a vessel of memory. It carries Chad’s story forward, reminding us that every mile driven is a mile in tribute.

We’re proud to share this story on our blog, Under the Hood: Stories in Motion, because Chad’s life deserves to be remembered, and Greg’s love deserves to be seen.

To Greg, thank you for letting us be part of this tribute.
To Chad, thank you for your service.
To our readers—this is your invitation to be part of a movement that honors motion, meaning, and the people who make it all possible.

Had the pleasure of creating these beauties for Kim Weckerly of his 1933 Plymouth. He chose 1 to keep and the rest went to fuel for good.

A Day in Saint Paul — Chrome Dreams and Endless Miles

Yesterday’s visit to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Street Machine Nationals in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was nothing short of exhilarating. Set on the vast grounds of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, this annual summer gathering is a celebration of horsepower, heritage, and pure American muscle. With thousands of stunning street machines, hot rods, and custom builds stretching across what felt like miles of pavement, it would truly take days to see it all.

From roaring engines to glistening chrome, every inch of the show was packed with passion. I spent the day weaving through the spectacle—camera in hand—capturing the unique details and personalities of these beautiful beasts on wheels. It was a visual feast for any automotive artist, and I walked away with enough inspiration to spark an entire new series of artwork.

There’s something magnetic about Saint Paul’s Street Machine Nationals. It’s not just about cars—it’s about community, craftsmanship, and the stories behind every bolt and flame decal. I’m grateful for the connections made and the shots collected. Stay tuned—some of these incredible machines may soon roar to life again… on canvas.

The Stories Beneath the Chrome – Iola Car Show Reflections

Barefoot and grateful — sitting under the shade of my tent at Iola, taking a quiet moment between the roar of engines and the rush of connection.

The Iola Car Show wasn’t just a place to showcase art — it was a gathering of history, horsepower, and heart. Over the course of the weekend, I had the absolute honor of meeting collectors, builders, veterans, bikers, mechanics, and visionaries — each one with a story humming just beneath the surface of steel and chrome.

These weren’t just cars. They were memories. Legacies. Dreams rebuilt from rust. Engines passed down from father to son, father to daughter. Paint jobs layered with patience and pride. I listened to the stories behind the machines — stories of first loves, family road trips, garage rebuilds that took a decade — and each one made its way into the atmosphere of the tent and, eventually, into my art.

The music? Classic rock and Americana, pouring through the air like sunlight. The people? Some of the kindest, coolest, and most inspiring I’ve ever met. And the cars? Let’s just say… they didn’t whisper. They roared.

I sold art. I sketched commissions. I talked legacy pieces and met folks who understand what it means to preserve not just a vehicle, but a story. There’s something deeply powerful about turning motion into memory — and that’s what this show was all about.

Iola, thank you. For the welcome. For the wisdom. For the fuel — in more ways than one.

— Candace J Johnson
Photographer | Artist | Storyteller of Speed