Here Ya Go Beer Lovers!

Jim Grillo, NBC5 Street Team

From the beginning, Dave Leach was surrounded by larger than life and unique items. From a 5300 pound anvil to one of the first diesel converted pick-up trucks form 1965. All these items are part of his father’s collection. Now Dave was waiting on the opportunity to have a world’s largest or most unique item for himself.

 

When a friend told Dave, there is a giant can available on eBay, Dave jumped at the chance and acquired this enormous can. Once his bidding was successful, Dave took ownership and brought the can home. The can was black, mounted to a trailer, and in pretty rough shape. Originally made from a steel drainpipe with fiberglass ends, the can is 21 feet long and eight feet in diameter.  He and a friend spent over almost a year of their free time, sanding, welding, buffing and getting the can and the trailer in a form where something can be done decoratively. After all the repair work was done, Dave clearcoated the can, in order to protect it from the elements, and provide a sound surface for decal application.

 

So what does one do with a huge can with no decoration or graphics? Paint it? No, wrap it! Dave had heard of Road Rage Designs and contacted them to help him fulfill his dream of having his project culminate in a work of local beer history and art. Contacting the G. Heilman Brewing Company, Dave explained his vision, and they eagerly supported his dream, and provided plenty of artwork to select from in order to have a realistic replication of the Old Style beer can of the 70’s. Why Old Style? Because it is a Chicago tradition, and his father’s beer of choice for years.

Adding a final realistic touch, Road Rage Design adds a simulated born on date (, and their name to the bottom of the can. Voila! Dave Leach now has the giant can he dreamed of, and was thoroughly impressed with the speed, accuracy, and final output of his dream.

It is also a dream of Dave’s to have this officially designated the World’s Largest Beer Can, and has contacted the Guiness Book of Records to have it documented. Good luck Dave! 

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