RANCH
G&M Ranch is the homestead of Mike Carroll and Dr. Ginnie. 10 beautifully landscaped acres sit off the main road in a quiet country setting. G&M Ranch is much more than just a home - it's a collection of professions, hobbies and interests all centered in one location.
Mike Carroll Bio
Hillclimber Crew Chief
For the past 3 Decades I have had several restoration projects. No sales, just collecting. It all started off in 1987 with an 84 Lumber tin sign nailed up on the garage wall. Then a few more signs... then a 1940 Gilbarco gas pump. The fire was lit and burning well. Several more pumps, a ’29 Ford, a few Mercury outboard motors, a ’48 Ford, traffic lights, more signs, a 69 Pontiac, more pumps, and of course, Dr. Ginnie with a superb collection of Hog Oilers.
After graduating high school in 1965, Bay City, Michigan, 100 miles north of Detroit, I had a quick little ’55 Chevy 2 - door H.T. and also a B/SR ’29 Ford Roadster with a 301-2-4’s, 4-speed. I left for an unbelievable job at Ace Wilson’s Royal Pontiac in Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit. Ace was a nationally known Pontiac dealer of performance cars. I was a line mechanic under Charlie Brumfield and installed many a bobcat kit. Ace also campaigned with 2 GTO Tigers throughout the country. I was in Horsepower Heaven – lots of street racing.
It was then about time for me to get the draft board physical. My dad talked with the army recruiter and they thought I would be well suited for an aviation mechanic. I signed up... It also helped with the piled up traffic tickets I had collected (the judge dismissed several).
January 20th, 1966 I took the oath, as promised I attended a couple aviation mechanic schools then landed in Vung Tau, Vietnam, October 20th , 1966. I found Chinooks were much like my cars... lots of horse power... noisy, awesome horsepower, and constant maintenance.
January of 1967, I volunteered for flight status, and an extra $55 as Crew Chief. I got to see the real Vietnam during the day giving support to the infantry and artillery Units and the occasional downed aircraft recovery, and then return every night to a safe dry bunk in Vung Tau.
Project 425 is allowing me to relive my younger days and in a lot of cases reuniting with the same people of the Vietnam area both enlisted men and officers.
I often reflect on my gearhead days of the 60’s thru 80’s with some of the Street, Asphalt and Dirt round de round, and Drag cars I built and drove.
Dr. Ginnie Sayre
Veterinarian & Animal Lover
I grew up at the end of a dirt road in Plant City Florida. This is where I developed a love of farm life and animals.
I enjoyed learning new things and sports and did well enough in high school to be able to attend the University of Florida. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the University of Florida Veterinary School.
I love animals! I have always had pets and they share a big part of my life. Whether it's horses, dogs, cats or really any animal, I feel a connection to them. I've dedicated my life caring for animals and work with several groups; most recently at a large animal shelter.
I hate to see rescue animals suffer and it does my heart good whenever I can find a caring family to adopt a dog or cat. I also treat animal ailments and over the years have gotten better at my craft.
Life is good here at the G&M Ranch and if you ever visit, you'll see I have a few animals that we have rescued over the years.
Film & Photo
Locations and Props for your next shoot.
Project 425
Project 425 was created to keep alive the memory of aircrews who flew in Vietnam by restoring a UH-1H Huey (68-16425) and presenting it in parades and as a hands on display at local events. It is a private effort relying solely on donations. Mike Carroll was a former Chinook crew chief in Vietnam with the 147 ASHC Hillclimbers. Using his own money, donated parts, and volunteer help, he restored a Bell Helicopter UH-1H Huey #68-16425 to display condition.
The Huey has 2000 combat hours chiefly with B Company, 123rd Aviation Battalion, Chu Lai, Vietnam. It is placed on an aluminum custom trailer built by Mike and is used in parades and shown at local events as a "hands on" display.
