6 replies to this topic

[Mark S]

Does anyone remember a short-lived speed shop on the south side called Ranger Bob's Secret Lab? In the early/mid-'70s when my friends and I were nuts over hotrods we discovered this place, and I just came across an old business card that jogged my memory. I have no idea who "Ranger Bob" was or how long it was in business, but I recall going there a couple of times. There was no showroom to speak of, just a small area with a counter. (I believe a sizable garage area was alongside or in back) The shop was buried in that commercial/industrial area south of Berry between Hemphill and I-35, where no one would find it without a strong dose of determination. It really was a secret lab! I've scanned the front and back of the card:

 

[bburton]

I know nothing about Ranger Bob, but wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed strolling through your BLOG. Very fine work.

[Ghost Writer in Disguise]

Thirty years ago I was delivering paper goods to a Revco or Eckerds or something on Alta Mesa. On the delivery door was a bumper sticker for Ranger Bob's Secret Lab. I think it had a cartoon of a castle against a black sky. I assumed it was a club, if an oddly named one. I never saw another sticker like that, nor heard anyone talk about it but I've always been intrigued at the memory of that sticker and wondered what Ranger Bob's Secret Lab could have been. Well, tonight I finally know! Thanks for clearing that up.

[Mark S]

I know nothing about Ranger Bob, but wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed strolling through your BLOG. Very fine work.

Thank you for the kind words... that's a great way to start my day!

[Mark S]

Thirty years ago I was delivering paper goods to a Revco or Eckerds or something on Alta Mesa. On the delivery door was a bumper sticker for Ranger Bob's Secret Lab. I think it had a cartoon of a castle against a black sky. I assumed it was a club, if an oddly named one. I never saw another sticker like that, nor heard anyone talk about it but I've always been intrigued at the memory of that sticker and wondered what Ranger Bob's Secret Lab could have been. Well, tonight I finally know! Thanks for clearing that up.

How about that, I don't believe I ever saw one of the stickers. I vaguely remember them advertising on radio... on KZEW? I also recall "Ranger Bob" as being a bit of a character (in a good way), exuding sort of a disc-jockey persona. Sure wish someone comes along that knows about that place, who Bob was and what became of him.

[Falcon67]

Old thread, not much to add really. Why it popped into my head after all these years is a mystery and I about fell out when Google actually turned up a hit. It's been a long time so my memory has many holes in it. I'm pretty sure I met "Bob" a couple of times when I was in the Auto Parts business, working for Allied back in the mid 70s. He was loosely affiliated with the Scotty's Auto people, or at least that's where I ran into him. At least once in the Rosedale/Ayers location. IIRC, the Camaro that Scotty's ran at Green Valley had the Ranger Bob sticker or signage on it. He did back door head, carb and misc engine work for hot rodders. He's possibly the guy that did the head work on my first 302 build. I never did get over to the shop. I had a business card at one time - where that's gone in the last 37 years...LOL. Love to see the pic of the card you scanned.

If Mark S has always been from Wedgewood, then we may well have crossed paths at one time. Used to cruise Grandbury by the Wedgewood Lanes and all over every where else. Still have the car - white 4 door Falcon.

However - I do still have a Zoo Freak sticker. I'll have to post a pic.

[Ghost Writer in Disguise]

Thirty years ago I was delivering paper goods to a Revco or Eckerds or something on Alta Mesa. On the delivery door was a bumper sticker for Ranger Bob's Secret Lab. I think it had a cartoon of a castle against a black sky. I assumed it was a club, if an oddly named one. I never saw another sticker like that, nor heard anyone talk about it but I've always been intrigued at the memory of that sticker and wondered what Ranger Bob's Secret Lab could have been. Well, tonight I finally know! Thanks for clearing that up.

At Ties 2 The Past, an antique mall on Camp Bowie, a dealer has in a display case a Ranger Bob's sticker just like the one I saw on that drugstore delivery door lo those many years ago.