Thursday, October 26, 2000:

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From Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Monday, January 4, 1999

Transported to the past
Auto shop works to bring rock legend's car back to life

By TERESA COX YOUNG
Avalanche-Journal

Tim Walker has restored lots of cars in the past 18 years: a Model T, a Model A and about 20 different Mustangs.

But his latest project is one that will probably be the most memorable.

In between regular customers, Walker and the other body shop employees at Bigham Automotive are restoring the 1958 Chevrolet Impala driven by Buddy Holly until his death in 1959.

In its present state, the car would seem ordinary. The wheels, fenders and insides have been stripped away, leaving only the faint pink frame. Nearby, various parts lean against the wall, awaiting their turn to be renewed.

As is, there is no trace of the legend behind the automobile. But the car's history is more apparent, as tinges of rust peek out from floorboards and dents plague the rear quarter panel.

According to the story, Buddy drove the Impala to the Lubbock airport, tossed his keys to a troubadour friend and boarded the plane for that fatal trip.

''His buddy drove the car for five years, and got rear-ended,'' said Ricky Bigham, adding that the wreck dented both the front and rear fenders pretty badly.

Since the car was still in Holly's father's name, Buddy's friend had to wait for the insurance claim to be made and for the check to arrive. During that time, the Impala sat crumpled at an Amarillo body shop.

''When the check came in, Buddy's friend took the check and skipped town,'' Bigham said. ''So it sat in that body shop for about 15 years.''

Years later, the body shop owner contacted Bill Clement of Lubbock Ð known for both his affinity for Chevys and his fascination with the rock singer Ð and offered to sell the car. Clement hung up in disbelief, but the shop owner persisted.

When Clement finally saw the car, he knew he had hit gold. He purchased the auto and had it towed back to Lubbock. But, unsure what to do with it, Clement let the car sit for another decade.

In those years, several offers would come for free restoration jobs. One from Las Vegas offered to restore the car, provided it could remain in the city to be used in a rock and roll musical show. Disliking Las Vegas, Buddy's mother made another of her sons promise he wouldn't let the Impala leave Lubbock.

Earlier this year, Clement and Rick Bigham, owner of the automotive repair shop, were talking when Bigham made a similar offer. He and his men would donate labor for the restoration project if Clement would provide the parts and supplies.

He accepted.

''My first thought was, 'This is so cool,' '' Rick said. ''We're not doing this as a publicity stunt; we just want to keep Lubbock on the map.''

The Bighams estimate the labor costs will total around $30,000, with at least that much in parts and supplies necessary to bring the car back to original condition. The goal is to have the car ready to drive in the Buddy Holly Festival in September.

Ricky said the project is aiming to restore as much of the original vehicle pieces as possible. But with time and the elements against them, some parts rusted beyond repair and will have to be replaced.

When it's complete, the automobile will feature the original mechanical dash clock and radio, new seats and a new coat of paint mixed to match the original color Ð Cay Coral. And the car will be worth much more than Clement paid for it.

''Most people who would restore a car would get one in better shape, but with this one, the value and the sentiment is worth it,'' Ricky said, adding that though the car is structurally sound, the seats and parts of the engine were stolen.

The restoration project has elicited interest and excitement from many, including overseas fans of Holly and former newscaster Bryant Gumbel. And Peggy Sue Gerron has even visited the car and signed a book the shop is keeping to document everything being done to the Impala. KDAV, the new 1950s-music station in Lubbock, is following the progress with periodic updates.

Besides the joy of seeing a classic car return to its original state, the Impala project has meant more excitement among the shop's employees. It's also been a history lesson.

''I grew up hearing about Buddy Holly, but I didn't really know,'' Ricky said. ''For me, this project has meant learning more about Lubbock history. I've read more books about him and how he came about.''

And Walker, who said he used to play in a band behind a Buddy Holly impersonator, said it's a privilege for him as well.

''This will be the peak of all my restorations. To get to say that we did Buddy Holly's Chevy will be impressive through the years,'' Walker said.

Rick Bigham agrees. ''These guys are donating a lot of the labor,'' he said. ''They fix cars everyday for money, but they're fixing this one for love.''

Teresa Cox Young can be contacted at 766-8745 or tcox@windmill.net