Frank Fagundes was born in Hanford, Ca in 1945. He graduated from Hanford High School as a very well known young man. He bought his first ’55 Chevy in 1962 and ever since then he has had a deep love for the ‘55. The one he drives now is his third one and absolutely gorgeous. Frank works for Utility Trailers as a salesman and has been doing that for years. He has been a member of the Hot Rods of Fresno for the last ten years and continues to support his club with every ounce of passion he has. Back in 1977 he and his wife moved out on Copper Drive in Clovis on a few acres. Frank's detached garage was built to house his four hot rods; a 1940 Ford coupe, a 1955 Chevy, a 1941 Ford Pick-Up, and a 1969 Camaro. Frank’s garage started out as a three-car garage, but wanting a service station look he extended it out and added gas pumps and a service bay. He went all out by adding a lot of service station memorabilia like a restored Coke machine and a ton of signage. Later he added on to the other end of the garage and added a hoist and a workshop. As the pictures show, the station looks realistic and has a real feel of nostalgia. One day someone came riding by on a horse, stopped and wanted to buy a Coke thinking it was a working service station. Frank’s station is a continual work in progress and he still has many hopes and dreams for the place. If you drive by, go and hit him up for an ice cold Coca-Cola.
Written by: Garland Sharp
Photos by: Hot Rod Coalition