Commissioned by Dierdre Wilson
in remembrance of her father,
WW Bravenec, 1930-2019, who was a farmer and avid Star Wars fan.

1951 Ford 8N Tractor was converted into a futuristic mosaic, “Tractor Beam”. This conversion took 6 months, including ongoing design development. The tractor was first prepared for mosaic. The hydraulic and transmission oil was drained. Then, it was sandblasted, powder-coated, and received a final coat of UV protection. Design plans were approved, which included modified Star Wars phrases such as “May the Ford be With You”. Every Star Wars character was included in the engine area design. The name “Tractor Beam” was mosaic’d on the front of the hood. To simulate the spacecraft feel, a silver porcelain penny round was selected as the main covering for the hood and the 6-foot welded TIE fighter wings.
The client was deeply touched by “Tractor Beam” as a remembrance of her father. Darth Vader appeared at the unveiling, to the delight of all. Today, “Tractor Beam” sits high on a cliff in Fredericksburg, TX.