RodRides is a community that embraces the history, culture, and craftsmanship of cars, people, and stories. We build tradition.

Our mission is to bring together multigenerational communities to complete heirloom car builds for families. 

We believe in the restoration and perservation of our history, trades, skills, and crafstmanship. 

We provide hands-on educational and mentorship opportunities for youth and various community activities for adults and seniors that are funded through community support and donations. 

Our project named “Opa” arose out from a Grandpa with Stage 4 cancer (aka Opa) eager to see his grandson learn craftsmanship and mechanics. Our RodRides Community Built ’35 Chevy Truck was in his barn and when he decided to sell his truck to RodRides, we jumped at the chance.

Our goal is to rally the community to finish his truck alongside his grandson on an incentive based program and return it to the family.

This project is funded by community support, sponsorships, and donations. Please see below if you are interested in how you can be a part of this restoration across the generations.

Mel Lee Ellenwood sits across from me in his living room, in his casual cowboy attire; his walls are adorned with family photos and memorabilia he’s salvaged from trash piles. Behind him, a giant bear hovers over his head. “This is just normal to me,” he says.

We sit there trading stories and beliefs about why we both salvage things, our respective work ethics, the importance of creative visions, of being yourself, the joy of living life in a light-hearted way. Ultimately we center on how to pass to the generations coming up the importance of fixing things and using our hands.

This multigenerational community project is funded by the community, sponsors, donors, and garages. Please learn more and consider offering your support.