Brian Radford, co-owner of Classic Muffler & Brakes, adjusts the carburetor of a 1939 Chevrolet. The shop recently opened in downtown Camas, next to Sears Hometown store. Classic Muffler, also owned by Radford's wife Pamela and his parents Robert and Donna, specializes in hitches, custom exhaust, brakes and general auto repair. Brian and Pamela also own Classic Automotive & Collision Center, in Washougal, which offers tune-ups and state-certified emissions repairs.
(Dawn Feldhaus/Post-Record)Robert Radford still remembers when his son Brian was 5 years old and enjoyed helping out by sweeping in a muffler shop in Lewiston, Idaho.
That was in the 1970s.
“He’s been around it ever since,” Robert said. “I wish all fathers and sons got along as well as we do.”
Today, they work together at Classic Muffler & Brakes, a shop that recently opened in downtown Camas. It is owned by Brian and his wife Pamela, as well as Robert and his wife Donna.
Another shop, Classic Automotive & Collision Center, in Washougal, is owned by Brian and Pamela.
“I wanted to expand into the hitch business, custom exhaust and brakes,” Brian said. “We do not just do automotive brakes, but boat and regular trailer brakes, RV brakes, and wiring for boats and RVs and trailers, and tow packages.
“We can custom build hitches,” he added. “My main focus is exhaust and hitches. It’s a hitch shop.”
The Camas business also provides general auto repair and tune ups.
Brian recently reflected on all the years he has worked with his dad.
“I love it,” he said. “It takes me back to the old days when we first started out. I learned everything from my father.”
Robert specializes in complete custom exhaust work on older cars and newer cars, including hot rods.
“I’m very meticulous in all my work,” he said.
The Washougal shop provides tune ups and state-certified emissions repairs.
“We offer complete auto repair, engines to transmissions, brakes, motors and head gaskets,” Brian said.
There is also a body and frame shop.
Classic Muffler & Brakes, 216 N.E. Third Ave., Camas, is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, by appointment. For more information, call 834-5021.
Classic Automotive & Collision Center, 730 “E.” St., Washougal, is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome. For more information, call 335-0522.
