Fikes clan wants to preserve more local history

With the 1954 Cadillac hearse project finished, the Fikes family is eyeing other needs in the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry’s fleet.

“We’ve already ID’ed some choice vehicles out there that need TLC,” Bill Fikes said.

The Fikes family members, some of whom own Alaska Custom Classics, an automotive restoration shop in Big Lake, are hoping MATI’s board will come up with a plan to help fund restoration projects, using the hearse as a revenue generator.

That and other donations could help them turn more derelict classics into road-worthy museum pieces.

“Anybody willing to donate to restore more vehicles, I would be willing to put my time and energy into restoring a lot of the cars the museum has,” John Fee pledged. “If we do that kind of work for the museum, we are guaranteed to have our work around for a long time.”

People interesting in donating to MATI or adopting a vehicle or piece of equipment to restore may call 376-1211 or mail tax-deductible donations to MATI, PO Box 870646, Wasilla, AK 99687.

—Vicki Naegele