Ron Hast - Deceased - 1938 - 2012
October 4, 1938 - August 20, 2013
Colleagues: Having noticed conversation regarding Abbott & Hast conversions of vehicles relating to death care and funerals, and having read comments in this forum, the following may be of interest.
We began to provide an affordable vehicle conversion that was not home-made ideas starting with 1960 station wagon models. The purpose was to provide an affordable support vehicle to funeral directors -- NOT to replace the formal hearse for ceremonial purposes. We considered standard production station wagon models, primarily for their dimensions to accept caskets and removal cots, and safety features including driver adjustments for size and safety. We did not change the chassis dimension, or other major changes, but worked with existing bodies which drastically affected cost for us and the funeral director.
Rear windows featured a palm leaf sand-blasted applique, purposely designed for the driver to see out, yet diffused vision from outside -- hiding the typical outline of a body on a cot. Side curtains were of special cloth obtained from a theatrical fabric supply, with a sunburst pattern starting from a rosette in the forward lower corner. This allowed the driver to see out, but blocked vision from outside. The curtains were hand sewn on a heavy wire frame by my first employer at age 13, a woman who was a remarkable seamstress. Landau bars were designed by Allan Abbott, cast of brass and chrome plated, and specially made only for us by Ferno-Washington. We did not sell any parts for other home-made conversions, avoiding any misunderstanding about cars we converted. We also modified rear doors for extended openings for ease of access. We did make a few ambulances, primarily for funeral homes that offered this service in remote areas. We have pictures somewhere in our files. We offered landau tops of vinyl full and half-crown design, and all metal tops, some with crinkle applique. Removable casket tables made by Ferno were offered as an option, and each car had raised post cups mounted to hold two cots (one post cup on the far right and left of the rear deck). Chrome nameplates were also an option for side window mounting. An A&H conversion (1962 Dodge Coronet) was the first funeral issue broadcast over the first TelStar Satelite as it transported Marilyn Monroe's body from the coroner's office to the Westwood Village mortuary/cemetery where she was taken -- not that it matters much. Cordially, Ron Hast
We began to provide an affordable vehicle conversion that was not home-made ideas starting with 1960 station wagon models. The purpose was to provide an affordable support vehicle to funeral directors -- NOT to replace the formal hearse for ceremonial purposes. We considered standard production station wagon models, primarily for their dimensions to accept caskets and removal cots, and safety features including driver adjustments for size and safety. We did not change the chassis dimension, or other major changes, but worked with existing bodies which drastically affected cost for us and the funeral director.
Rear windows featured a palm leaf sand-blasted applique, purposely designed for the driver to see out, yet diffused vision from outside -- hiding the typical outline of a body on a cot. Side curtains were of special cloth obtained from a theatrical fabric supply, with a sunburst pattern starting from a rosette in the forward lower corner. This allowed the driver to see out, but blocked vision from outside. The curtains were hand sewn on a heavy wire frame by my first employer at age 13, a woman who was a remarkable seamstress. Landau bars were designed by Allan Abbott, cast of brass and chrome plated, and specially made only for us by Ferno-Washington. We did not sell any parts for other home-made conversions, avoiding any misunderstanding about cars we converted. We also modified rear doors for extended openings for ease of access. We did make a few ambulances, primarily for funeral homes that offered this service in remote areas. We have pictures somewhere in our files. We offered landau tops of vinyl full and half-crown design, and all metal tops, some with crinkle applique. Removable casket tables made by Ferno were offered as an option, and each car had raised post cups mounted to hold two cots (one post cup on the far right and left of the rear deck). Chrome nameplates were also an option for side window mounting. An A&H conversion (1962 Dodge Coronet) was the first funeral issue broadcast over the first TelStar Satelite as it transported Marilyn Monroe's body from the coroner's office to the Westwood Village mortuary/cemetery where she was taken -- not that it matters much. Cordially, Ron Hast
