Hot Rods Just a Story...

Never expected to get so much replies to that thread/picture and my apologies. It took me a while to get back with what I wanted to say. I've had some health Issues like cancer and such, which turns your world upside down. So let me start now: I was born and have lived on Long Island In New York. Have loved everything Automotive since I can remember. Back then there was plenty of exposure with Drag Strips, entertainment even "Demolition Derbies"! All gone so long ago from here...Street Rods seemed to fair better and could use It all the time. I found such satisfaction In building a Hot Rod and driving It everywhere. The people I've met long ago and over the years are just the Greatest! I got my 1st 32 coupe in 1962 while In H.S. , not much but in me "It was Total Excitement". When I got it on the road I drove It everywhere to meets, runs, shows/you name It "I loved that Rod". I got drafted 1965 served 1 tour Nam (Army 4th Div) all the time thinking about how I would Improve the coupe...kept me sane for that year! Got home 1967 and went to work on 1st coupe. I changed everything, suspension, drive line, engine work...everything. When I got It on the road for the first time It was "Heaven"! Have been Involved with L.I.S.R.A. since the 1960's...the Greatest People Ever! What changed my life was in 1972 on way to Nationals in Detroit. I was following Ron*****s leaving earlier than the rest of L.I.S.R.A. group. We were just by Sandusky, OH on a shoulder less two lane road, not much traffic at 2:30am, no moon, no lighting and stopped to stretch our legs. Ron left first and was out of sight. I did my thing/TCB another drink if coffee, got In and floored It! Well over 100+ I guess to catch up. A rear indy tire blew and just could not control It...It happened to fast! I hit a wire guard rail on a shoulder which ripped the front end off, I went air born and slapped down on the driver side, this knocked me out. I remember the engine still running on it's side so loud with headers broken. Guess it woke me up and turned key off. the stewart warner electric was still pumping fuel all over. Pulled my self out of passenger door, fuel caught fire, jumped off and the whole thing went with a big wooosh fire ball...It was gone totally- I consider myself very lucky! But It hurt so bad...you feel like a big****, really. So I kind of withdrew from all of It. I really couldn't just sit around, I got a 35 ford pickup and built that. After a while I said I could build another 32 and so I did a #2 coupe. You know it's just not the same feeling or ride. So I withdrew again from all, pickup to. It's been sitting for over 50+ and forgotten. So I got the Bug again, So It's not the same, It Is what It Is "Just A Hot Rod", but It's my "ONCE UPON A TIME" to me...Frank
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Glad to see you back Frank, I'm sure our paths crossed. Keep on keeping on, I certainly can understand where you are at I've been there myself. Welcome home brother.

Pat 1st. Cav. D.co. 2nd 8th Vietnam 69

 

FORGOT #2 coupe Interior which was done a second time by Lacy Hunt...He was the Best of the Best!

 

Not “Just a story”, more like “ Quite a Story”!

 

I CAN TELL YOUR SUCH A NICE MAN WHO KNOWS EVERYTHING, PEACE BROTHER!

 

Glad to have had the chance to hear about you and see your coupe. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

I dont know you but thanks for the great story and glad you are back at it!!

 

Correction should be "more like"?

 

Lacy was a good friend, he did the interiors in both my Willys and most of the cars in Vintage Tin.

Pat

 

Great story!

 

You have had quite a journey. Glad to have you here and hot rodding again, enjoy brother, enjoy.

 

Great story’s about really great times!!!

Thank you for sharing.

Please share more.

 

Love the car and the story Frank! Glad you walked away in one piece!

 

Thankyou for your service. Very nice cars,great story.

 

What a story! Welcome Back!

 

It is odd that we find ourselves trying to get distance and remove such memories, and then need to go back and examine the tragedy for what, and why it was.
Thanks for putting it out here. Glad you can share.
Hot Rods Rule

 

Frank, I am so happy you " climbed back in the saddle" and rode the thing. I believe we have to. I did and became a better man for doing so.
Thanks for your service. I never had the honor.

Ben

 

Man this is phenomenal! Thank you so much for sharing not only the car but the story and photos. Wow!

@CTaulbert has a hand in the restoration of the silver sapphire shown next to your coupe in a few photos. Would be fantastic to see them back together!

 

Thank you for sharing your story and we’re glad you made it back. The next L.I.S.R.A. show & swap meet is 30 APR on Wicks Road. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for your coupe

 

Both of these threads need to be combined for continuity.

 

Killer car, hope you enjoy it again.

 

Just A Story... TRUE...my last word about this! Frank

 

Oh man!

 

Jim, I jut had surgery Kidney Cancer and on recovery. Did the last couple of shows but don't Think I can do this one just yet! listen this is going to be a great one and a lot off added clubs, Plymouths, Mustages, etc . I'm not dead yet but need a while...stay well, Frank

 

Thank you for posting pics.
Marcus...

 

Awesome!!

 

Heal up, get better and thanks for sharing.

 

Frank, it appears you may have been offended by a spelling mistake that has since been corrected. The word "lie" was corrected to "like".