Gonzo, I'll say. I spent around 15 years in the bike world there myself...long story. Too long for this thread; attached, Mick
Back to hot rods, got talked into showing the pickup at the Cow Palace in 1981, then the Oakland Grand National Roadster Show 81 and 82, then the Moscone Car Show in 82 in SF. Won 1st Place in my Class "Altered Rod Pickup" at all four shows and "Most Popular Entry" presented by Popular Hot Rodding at the Cow Palace and Moscone Center. There were only a handful of vehicles in my class but still thrilled to win. First shot, the folk's and I. Pretty exciting, Mick
Then in 1995 I bought a 38 Willys and within a short time I installed a Blown SBC in it but it looked too small in there. So, I stuck the blower motor into the hot rod and installed a Blown BBC in the Willys.
Mick, Great history on the truck. Cool story. Oh, welcome home. I was also in Nam. 1st battalion 5th Marines "C " company tanks, Hill 34 Da Nang
Had my friend Chris aka: Choke build a cage for the pickup so I had removed the "old" upholstery. I made templates and had a local shop make it in black tuck-n-roll. That way I wouldn't have to leave the pickup in an uph. shop for weeks, installed it myself in my garage...
Hi Joe! Didn't expect to see you on here. Marines in DaNang, man Joe..."WELCOME HOME!" My Pop was a tank driver in WW11, Battle of the Bulge, drove Patton around in a Jeep too. You guys are heroes!
A few guys at our Friday Night Gathering don't know our names and merely call the wife and I Mr.and Mrs. Instigator because it states INSTIGATOR in gold leaf above the doors. My wife recently pickup a 34 Ford coupe so we put MRS INSTIGATOR above her doors, ha!
What an amazing story Mick, one that every Hot Rodder should read. You did it your way and that is what is most important. Thank YOU for your Service to our Country, God Bless you and "Welcome Home"! Your truck is awesome brother.
Thanks much AHotRod, I really appreciate the compliments on the little pickup and the welcome home means a lot. There's a lot of "in between" stories they may be of interest to fellow hot rodders, Mick
Fantastic story Mick; I've really enjoyed reading it. Many thanks to you and all the rest that have served our country. And please keep the stories coming!
For those of you who are building a Model A pickup , I've tried a variety of seats. Initially a backseat from a Jag sedan, then a couple of 65 Mustang buckets, then I used a coupe of bar stools and had them swivel to get in and out easier but the best seat I've found that fits perfect [especially if you're running a 4-speed] is the seat I have now which I got out of a mid 70s CJ5 Jeep [rear bench].