Jay Rod's Machine & Fabrication LLC

03/16/2025

When I was a young lad back in the 90's I would watch Herman Barnum race his buggies in Otter Lake, his green and yellow buggy with police lights on top, with a bulldog hood ornament always stood out. Fast forward to 2006 and I bought that buggy, and still run it. Through the years and many parts later, he shared lots of wisdom and laughs with me. Then he started sending me some of his customers to get work done on their buggies. Within the past 3 years he would always call me asking what parts I needed when it was time to restock his shelves. He believed in me and supported the work I did. I always let him know how much I appreciated him, I hope he knew how much it meant to me. We were never competitors, just good buddies that could help each other out. He will be missed greatly here and the VW community. My heart goes out to Stephanie and Terry, the rest of his family, and to all of us that lost a legend yesterday. R.I.P. Herman

View Herman L. Barnum's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/03/2025

It's been awhile since I've gotten out in the shop, happy holidays everyone!!! Just finished up this 1915cc that's heading to Alaska. Huge thanks to

09/28/2024

People showing up for the Saint Helen Buggy & Off Road poker run!!!

08/26/2024

Had a great weekend. Thanks to Dan Willhite Herman Barnum CB Performance Stefan Campbell Pierce Manifolds for having all the parts needed to get my buggy up and running for the Michigan Sport Buggy Association old school round up. I really do appreciate what you guys do for the old school buggy community. Thanks to Gary Penn for hosting the after party. Good seeing new and familiar faces, lots of good stories and knowledge passed around Saturday. Sorry I don't have many pictures, I was too busy talking... Go figure!!! Can't wait till next year.

07/19/2024

Project "too long" is finally making forward progress. Tree bars welded on, seats lowered and kicked back, computer box relocated, Jamar pro X shifter installed, pedals moved forward. Next on the list is a custom aluminum dash and pulling the V-Tech motor out to install a new pressure plate and clutch disc. Waiting on some AN fittings to make custom length brake and clutch lines, then wire everything back up

07/15/2024

Back in stock!!! Hoodies and tee shirts. Hoodies $40, tee shirts $20. Also now available are hats. Classic trucker snap back, $25. Flat bill fitted hat (colors available Red, Black, Blue). If you're interested, message me, call me, text me, hell you can send a letter in the mail

07/08/2024

I hate this part. Gotta take off the vacation shoes and put the work boots back on I'll post our week long shenanigans pictures later.

04/30/2024

Some people have asked if I'm still doing business... yup!!! Spring time is here, 1st on the list is the beautiful buggy, I've had it in my shop way too long, I'm very thankful for this customer understanding my family life is very important to me. After that I have a transmission install lined up. Then I have a few engine builds, some carburetor jobs, and some misc fabrication jobs. Thanks to everyone waiting patiently while I get my ducks in a row. More updated to come!!!

04/27/2024

"Customer stated" better make sure your buggy can handle another season before you work on other people's buggies. Well... I made it to first crossing, I guess I'm good to go.

04/27/2024

This is what's happening in the shop up north today!!!

04/21/2024

Huge thanks to the great people at Schwerin Excavating getting my driveway back in order. No more muddy mess. Super fast, great on price, just an overall great experience.

01/07/2024

Had to do some maintenance work on my personal vehicle... I noticed a new clunk and the front end was a bit lower than usual. I put new shocks on it a few days earlier before it broke, I think the old siezed up shocks were not allowing the leaf springs to flex. So when I installed new shocks the springs flexed enough to break the front mounts.