Bill Patch & Johnny Cash with the "One Piece at a Time" psychobilly Cadillac
WELCH—It’s been on a long journey, but the “One Piece at a Time” Cadillac Welchkin Bill Patch built and gave to Johnny Cash in the 1970s is coming home.
Local coal man, Bill Patch, and his mechanics scavenged salvage yards looking for whatever Cadillac parts they could find. They eventually pieced them together into a sweet ride that was actually mobile. Patch took the car to Tennessee, found Cash, and just gave it to him. The encounter led to Cash and wife, June Carter, performing a benefit concert in Welch to help the LIONs Club raise funds to build the Civic Auditorium, which went up in 1977. Cash later returned for a second show at the Civic Auditorium, and he and Patch developed a long friendship. The 1949-1973 Cadillac Sedan Deville Coupe—or Coupe Deville Sedan, depending on which fender you happen to be reading—was on display for many years at Cash’s “House of Cash” museum in Hendersonville, Tenn.
When the “House of Cash” was closed, the car changed hands several times and eventually ended up on the inventory of Historic Auto Attractions in Roscoe, Ill., where it has been on exhibit for the last several years. Owner of Historic Auto Attractions, Cliff McDaniels, recently contacted the Welch LIONs Club, where it all started, told them he’s looking to reduce his inventory, and asked if the group would like to have the car back. The LIONs jumped at the chance.
LIONs Club president Charles Stoner said, “That car started out just an idea in Bill’s head, and he got it done. When we had the opportunity to have the car back, we knew we couldn’t let it pass. We’ve got some improvements we need to make to the Civic Center, and we think the “One Piece at a Time Car” can help us raise the money to do it.”
Harley Malone was one of the mechanics who helped Patch piece the car together. Now employed by the Town of Welch, Malone said, “You have no idea how many times we had to listen to that song! Over and over and over, trying to get it just right. I’m kinda glad it’ll be back here in town.”
So, what does the LIONs Club plan to do with the car? Raise funds in some way. Stoner wasn’t yet ready to make a formal announcement, but he did say Ronnie Dunn, who is married to Patch’s widow, Janine, has confirmed that he’d like to follow in Cash’s steps and help the community out with a concert sometime in the next eight months. We’ll keep you updated as the plans come into place.
Scroll down for some recent pictures of the psychobilly Cadillac from when it was on display at Historic Auto Attractions
Oh, and APRIL FOOL!
The car is still on display at Historic Auto Attractions, and you can see it and many of their displays online here. You should definitely go visit if you’re in the Roscoe, Ill., area.
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April 1st, 2010 at 3:40 AM
Ah, I was so excited there for awhile. That was mean!!!! I have heard so much about this car and would love to see it. Oh well!
Harley is a good guy.
Sue
April 1st, 2010 at 9:43 AM
That was not even cool!
April 1st, 2010 at 9:46 AM
It was soooooo cool.
April 1st, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Leave it to you, Tyson. Good one.
April 1st, 2010 at 1:56 PM
Really good one!! Let us know how many months everyone spends correcting the rumor!!
April 1st, 2010 at 7:57 PM
Nice one!! Now since it’s an article that means it has to happen so do your magic!
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:30 PM
I have been married to Keith Gilman for 6 years and Every time we come to Welch we hear the story. Man that was mean, Teasing a poor Kansas girl with such a story!!!!
June 30th, 2010 at 8:47 AM
Just visiting the site to see the car that my friend Bill Patch built and gave to Johnny Cash. Back in 1985 Bill and I used to run around together with his wife Janine. After the car was finished we road around in it Tulsa having a great time. Looking at this really brings back a lot of memories. Bill died of colon cancer and it was a tremendous loss to everyone that knew and loved him. He was a very special and giving person that was so much fun to know and be around. Never a dull moment. Cudos to you Bill for surprising Johnny with this great car!
August 9th, 2010 at 9:08 PM
Bill Patch was my uncle.
January 13th, 2011 at 4:00 PM
I wonder if it drives straight.
July 15th, 2011 at 9:49 AM
Jeff he wasn't just your uncle he actually sent you father on a date with your mother! Ask your aunt or mom. shanna
July 17th, 2011 at 9:26 PM
i want it
November 30th, 2011 at 9:30 PM
I have pics of this beaut from an old auto show in Toronto. Love it and the song. After 20 some years I thought it was gone.
Clancy.
December 27th, 2011 at 11:04 AM
I can remember when the car was on display in front of the house of cash in Hendersonville. I often wondered what happened to it and today I saw this picture on the ineternet. It is a sight to see!