Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Muffler Man: Mr. Bendo
Fiberglass giant arrived in Nov. 1965. Named for his muffler shop's Huth Tube Bender, which could bend a single metal tube into a twisty exhaust pipe. Moved to new Sioux Falls muffler shop in June 2018.
Automotive Brake and Exhaust
- Address:
- 2516 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD
- Directions:
- Automotive Brake and Exhaust. South side of the city. I-229 exit 3. Drive north one mile on US Hwy 229 BUS/S. Minnesota Ave. Mr. Bendo will be on the right, between 34th and 33rd Sts.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
-
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Muffler Man - Mr. Bendo: The tailpipe-hoisting icon of Buck's Muffler Shop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, fell to a minivan on St. Patrick's Day. [03/18/2010] Complete Story...
Visitor Tips and News About Muffler Man: Mr. Bendo
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Mr. Bendo is awesome!
[Vance Erwin, 11/16/2022]
When Mr. Bendo moved to his new muffler shop in June 2018, the city of Sioux Falls ruled that he could no longer hold aloft his familiar tailpipe, as that made him a "sign" for the business and too tall to qualify for a sign permit. The people of Sioux Falls were angry about that, so on August 23 the city reversed itself and said that the tailpipe could return. The loophole, according to the city planning director, was that Mr. Bendo had never been classified as a sign when he first arrived in 1965, so he is in fact a work of art.
[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 08/24/2018]
Great condition! Pleased. Found Mr. Bendo along the way to the USS South Dakota. Look closely -- he really resembles Burt Reynolds. Or vice versa.
[Candy, 07/23/2018]
Mr. Bendo (along with Buck's Muffler business) is for sale!
[kemp0138, 02/28/2017]Page of 3 [Next 5 items]
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Jerry Wallenstein has put his muffler business and big statue on the market.