Good Humor Man back in Town.

For more than 40 years, Frank Flood Jr. has been immersed in the ice cream business but this summer he plans to debut a fun project that will hearken to the “old days” and raise some money for charity and worthy organizations.

Beginning with the annual Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department Inc. Jamboree this week, Flood will be out and about with a refurbished 1969 Ford F250 Good Humor Truck and will donate the proceeds to various causes, such as fire departments, benevolent organizations and charities. 

“It’s truly a walk down memory lane,” Flood said. “I met my wife in 1969 so I decided to buy one of those old clunkers and do it over.” 

His wife Laurie’s family are ice-cream business veterans. By 1977 the couple had taken over the family business and now run the successful, Canton and Avon-based World’s Best Sundae. Their kids have their own ice cream ventures as well.

But the new project is something a little different. While the family specializes in soft serve, the new venture will feature Good Humor Ice Cream, which allows Flood to use the name.

The truck came from Salt Lake City and needed a fair amount of work.

Many local businesses helped restore it, including Kurt’s Kustoms in Collinsville.

As with many old vehicles, there were some problems. During the first ride, a backfire exploded the muffler

“It was a little rough but we cleaned it, painted it,” said owner Kurt Lingenheld. "It really came out nice.” 

A subcontractor for Kurt’s, Robin Church of Robin’s Graphics, painted the graphics on the back of the truck.

Paul Mitchell of Tub and Tile Reglazing in Torrington refinished the porcelain on the freezer box, which had been damaged.

Some parts of the truck, such as the vinyl lettering on the side doors, are original. 

All in all those who worked on it and have seen it, seem to feel it will be a hit.

“It’s a cool old rig,” Kurt’s son Max Lingenheld said.

Those who want to read more about the truck or request it at an event, can log on to thegoodhumorman.com