Main Street flashback: Oil industry veteran turns love for vintage cars into museum

If there is such a thing as a time machine, it might just be located at 184 Main Street in Trussville.

The Standard Oil Products Building, a quaint replica of a two-bay service station, invites curious glances from those waiting at the traffic light.  But, as it turns out, very few know exactly what they’re seeing.

The building’s concept is the brainchild of local businessman Rocky Neason, who is a 31-year veteran of the oil industry. While the storefront has been affectionately deemed a mini-museum, it’s currently a private collection of Neason’s vintage automobiles and collectibles, hosting everything from antique Coke machines to a rare ’62 Corvette Fuelie restored to perfection. 

“Standard Oil Products museum is turning into much more than my little private (archive.)  It’s for my own pleasure but it has turned into pleasure for other people,” Neason said, his enthusiasm breaking through his quiet demeanor as he discusses the project.  “I did it mainly because I love it.  I have cars at home … I kind of rotate them around down here.”

In fact, Neason’s love for cars can be traced to his childhood spent in the Legion Field area of Birmingham.  “When I was a little boy I was infatuated with cars, specifically Corvettes.  But with my family, there was no way we could have one. “

For Neason, the self-confidence of youth and an opportunity to prove himself launched a career that would immerse him in an industry that literally fueled his passion -— gasoline and oil. 

“I had a mutual acquaintance in high school whose father owned an oil company … where they represent different brands of gasoline.  So 10 years after high school, I approached my friend Joey to convince his father to give me an opportunity,” Neason said. 

While his soon-to-be mentor, Ron Moore, didn’t offer him a job, he allowed Neason to work on commission.  “I formed a consulting company.  If I sold something, I would profit.  He didn’t realize I would hang in there like a rusty fish hook and make it,” laughed Neason.  “I was given an opportunity back in 1983 and it kind of spread to this.”

Neason eyed the building on Main Street, which was built in 1960, for years before finally acquiring it.  Fresh paint and extensive TLC has given the building a distinctly Mayberry feel, paying homage to the Chevron/Standard Oil conglomerate that has played a large role in his life.

He enjoys the common interest from museum visitors, allowing photo shoots that have included local high school seniors, recording artists and non-profit groups, as well as welcoming those who just wish to browse and stir memories.

But much like a Hollywood set, the real magic actually takes place behind the scenes.  The rear of the building serves as Honeycutt Garage, where mechanic Chet Honeycutt does his repair work.  Honeycutt’s reputation in the business is at odds with his humble attitude.  Yet the fact remains that many collectors will only trust one man to repair their “baby,” and that man is Honeycutt. While he doesn’t restrict his workmanship to vintage cars, his expertise is underscored by the cars that surround him in the garage — a ’69 Mustang, 428 Cobra Jet and a ’67 Mustang Coup. 

“He specializes in classic cars and specifically Corvettes, especially mid-year - late ’50’s to mid ’70’s,” said Neason with obvious admiration.  “Of course he can fix anything.”

Honeycutt’s mechanical ability is likely hereditary, but ironically his father, who had a long and colorful career in the car industry -—  including the stunt industry and changing tires for such celebrity racecar drivers as Paul Newman — did not encourage his son to go into the business.  

“He said, I don’t want you around cars.  I don’t want you to do nothing with them,” laughed Honeycutt. 

“But I’ve been in love with anything mechanical from the word go.”

Neason and Honeycutt’s friendship can be traced back to childhood, when their parents both worked for the postal service.  Although the two lost touch for a long period of time, they reconnected when, fittingly, Honeycutt purchased a 1979 Corvette from Neason.  The two now see each other on a regular basis as Honeycutt dedicates much of his time to Rocky’s personal vehicles.

While he hopes to expand and relocate Honeycutt Garage to a nearby location, Neason plans for the current Standard Oil Products building to remain a historic replica and has initiated a move toward attaining 501(c) nonprofit status for the museum. 

“People drop things off.  The collection is growing by donations,” he explained. 

Neason hopes to work with the city of Trussville, potentially gaining permissions to erect historical pole signage and fully restore the building.

“I’m not interested in making money here at all -— it’s strictly for people’s enjoyment.  The old people come in here and smile and talk about the old cars they used to have.  And that’s what I enjoy more than anything.  I like doing for other people.  I’m very fortunate and blessed to have what I have,” Neason said.