By Kathy L. Collins
Plant City artist Robert Woods has created something extraordinary. Woods (RG Woods Art in Metal) was commissioned by the owner of Paul Davis Restoration of Tampa, Darren Impson, to design and build a half scale 1930’s era fire truck.
“Darren and I were going over the idea and the design for about six months. He wanted something unique. Something that no other Paul Davis Restoration office in the country had for marketing, so we decided the fire truck was perfect idea,” said Woods.
It was built from a 150 cc scooter that Impson had stored in his warehouse. Woods designed and built the fire truck from the axles to the functioning fire hose.
“I designed and fabricated the chassis, all steering parts, body frame, sheet metal, aluminum diamond plate, wood ladders and the fireman axes. I painted the truck fire engine red and attached all the Paul Davis Restoration of Tampa logos. The truck has an AM/FM CD player, siren, flashing light, head and tail lights, chrome bell, three 12 volt batteries with internal charging system, bench seating and working cab doors and tail gate,” said Woods.
The fire truck made its debut run in the Annual Brandon 4th of July Parade winning an award for its appearance.
“A true compliment is the fact that Paul Davis Restoration of Tampa is receiving an award from the Community Roundtable of Brandon for Best Decorated Vehicle in the 4th of July parade,” said Woods.
Woods is a talented artist who creates works of art from metal, wood and glass. Woods said, “I infuse all my talent and skill as an artist into every piece I design and build, from stationary works of art to moving pieces such as the fire truck.”
At present, Woods is busy creating new metal art pieces for local art festivals.
For more information on Woods work, visit www.rgwoods.com or call 731-8778. For more information on Paul Davis Restoration of Tampa, visit www.pauldavis.com/Tampa.
