Terry Stripling
Car Restoration
Words by Thomas Ingle | Images by Ryan McGill
For Terry Stripling, the art of restoration isn't just a pastime, it's a passion that courses through his veins.
Born in Fayette County and a resident of Walker County since 1974, Terry's professional journey began far from the world of classic cars, in the waterworks industry.
"I started in 1971 at a water plant in Fayette, Alabama, then in 1973, I moved to Jackson, Alabama, to start up a new water plant. They didn't have anyone who knew how to operate it," Terry says. "So, I signed a year's contract and went and trained operators and got them certified."
When Terry was preparing to leave the Jackson plant, he was asked to come to the newly-built water plant in Jasper.
"I operated the plant and got promoted to chief operator, then superintendent before I retired as the general manager of the Jasper Water Works and Sewer Board," he says.
Following this, Terry transitioned to consulting for water and wastewater systems before retiring in 2019. Now he is able to embrace his true passion: the restoration of vintage automobiles.
Terry's venture into restoration was sparked by a friend's simple suggestion to purchase and refurbish an old tractor. This foray into restoration quickly evolved, leading him to tackle a 1930 Model A Ford, followed by an undertaking that held personal significance a 1929 Ford Truck, chosen because it was the year his father was born.
"I went to Kansas after I bought it on eBay, and it was all in crates while the body and bed were just sitting on the frame," Terry recalls.
His collection continued to grow, each vehicle with its own story, including a 1954 Ford pickup (commemorating the years of his and his wife's birth), and the crown jewel: a 1975 International Harvester Travelall. Terry didn't just restore the Harvester; he transformed it, integrating modern fixtures such as a Chevrolet 6.0 LS engine, an automatic overdrive transmission, cruise control, a backup camera, a USB charger, and even flip-down cup holders, propelling it into the 21st century without sacrificing its vintage charm.
Beyond the meticulous restoration work, Terry takes pride in showcasing his vehicles at car shows across the Southeast, participating in events spanning six states from March through November of each year. These shows serve as both opportunities to display his craftsmanship and platforms to share his passion with fellow enthusiasts.
Terry's enthusiasm for car restoration is a perpetual source of energy that keeps him moving forward on the highway of life. 78