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Hayward, California: Big Mike the Muffler Man

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Bell Plastics

Address:
2020 National Ave., Hayward, CA
Directions:
Bell Plastics. In an industrial park. I-880/Nimitz Fwy exit 28. Drive west on Winton Ave. for one mile. At the stoplight, turn left onto Clawiter Rd, then make first right onto National Ave. Drive a quarter-mile. You'll see a blue building on the left; Big Mike is in the alley next to it.
Admission:
Free
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Muffler Man Big Mike.

Big Mike the Muffler Man

Towering fiberglass statue in the Paul Bunyan style, made in the 1960s. Spent decades as a car wash symbol holding a scrub brush, then a tire salesman until the business closed. In 2013 he reappeared at a plastics fabrication business.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [10/03/2013]

Visitor Tips and News About Big Mike the Muffler Man

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Big Mike's birthday.

Big Mike's Birthday

Sunday, August 27th was a major milestone for Hayward's favorite fiberglass Muffler Man, Big Mike. He's been a roadside fixture in town since 1967, imperiled when the business around him closed, then rescued and restored at nearby Bell Plastics. Collector and Bell Plastics owner Bruce Kennedy hosted an open house for Big Mike's birthday, inviting fans and the public to gaze upon the assembled roadside giants while snacking on hot dogs. Visitor were also treated to facility tours, and given special molded plastic keepsakes created before their very eyes! That's our kind of birthday party.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 08/27/2017]

Juggling for Big Mike.

Big Mike the Muffler Man

We didn't know until recently that Bruce Kennedy -- owner of four Muffler Men -- was an accomplished juggler, with many juggler pals. He has some juggling plans for one of his statues; his R&D department is still working on the details.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 04/12/2014]

Halloween Big Mike.

Muffler Man

Big Mike the Muffler Man in his Halloween costume.

[S Winston, 01/19/2014]

Halloween Mike may be the most terrifying Muffler Man of all time, although this one is pretty scary.

Bobble Head Bunyan.

Muffler Men Bobble Heads

Bruce Kennedy let us know that his two Muffler Men are now available as Bobble Heads. Big Mike (a Bunyan) and Big Don (a Cowboy) are accurately depicted -- and both hold axes. "If someone stops by they are $20.00 plus $1.80 sales tax. 1st class mail is $7.00. Or people can buy them on my website and pay by paypal. "

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 11/21/2013]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Firefighter Giant - Muffler ManFirefighter Giant - Muffler Man, Hayward, CA - < 1 mi.
Car Wash OctopiCar Wash Octopi, Hayward, CA - < 1 mi.
Kip's Burger BoyKip's Burger Boy, Hayward, CA - < 1 mi.
In the region:
"Birthplace of Silicon Valley" Garage, Palo Alto, CA - 14 mi.

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