DIY birthday idea for a 59 year old car mechanic?

I would go with tin signs that were seen in older service stations and use a tool atmosphere with paper products, etc. Might be able to find at Party City or Oriental Trading. Maybe use Matchbox cars/trucks in all models. Just think mechanic and go for it! Might even use cans or bottles of oil in decorating. Enjoy!

What are his hobbies and interests besides cars? You could get him a gift card from his favorite store so he could pick out exactly what he wanted and needed. Put the card in a small box and attach a Match Box car to the top of the box.

a wrench shaped cake.

Hello Flo,

Are you wanting to make a gift? A re-purposed mechanic themed lamp might be a fun idea?

I am thinking of making a fishing pole lamp soon.

https://www.google.com/search?q=car+mechanic+repurposed+lamp&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiE1OSKp9ncAhULk1kKHW9WD1gQ_AUIEigC&biw=768&bih=922

A model kit of a car that he remembers as a kid, his first car, a car he has always loved but never yet owned, etc., or Hot Wheels mini cars. Every mechanic I'm sure has stories galore about all of them !!!

p.s. Age is only a number. When it comes to cars, many of us will forever be teenagers.

Go to a car show? Some smaller towns have events where they do car shows on the square, which is normally the older part of town. People gather to show off their vintage cars. Then go out for a nice lunch afterwards followed by dessert.

Have a bakery make a 59 year old model of some car . Decorate with the colors of that time , and maybe play music from that era when you present him with the cake .