Hey all: I just retired and wanted to get back into old car "stuff". A 1947 Chevy coupe was my first car. I was a mere 16 years old (1961) back then & bought that car for $110.00. Man, was I proud. Also way back in the 60's, I worked in two different body shops in Illinois, then moved on to other occupations, mostly to make a better living, but still did body work on the side at my house every now and then. The last time I did anything major bodywork-wise was around 1979, when I fixed my stepson's Nova. Jacked the roof back in shape, replaced both p***enger doors and installed rear quarter panel, then total paint job after his wreck. I sort of burned myself out and haven't done much bodywork since. Bought my 1930 Chevy coupe from my now ex brother-in-law in 1964. He wanted to buy a 1919 Depot Hack and was in a state of financial embarr***ment, so had to get rid of the coupe in order to make his next purchase. I still have that car today, more on it later. I also had a new 1964 Barracuda, not a hemi, but it did have a factory installed four on the floor with a Hurst shifter. Gold paint, Chrysler's version of Chevrolet's "Sierra Gold", for those of you who remember that far back. I was hot stuff at 19 years old. Ha! I wish I still had that car today. Got drafted in 1968, so everything pretty much got put on hold while I went to rural southeast Asia for a meet and greet there. The coupe went into my Grandfather's barn, where it stayed for the duration. In 1970 I came home and started college on the GI bill. That first Summer I was back to civilization, I purchased a 1956 Chevy Panel truck that had a 327 V8 in it already (The best engine Chevy ever produced, I'm was told) but the body was pretty rough. I had to replace both rocker panels (of course) and both rear quarters (which were flappin' in the breeze) before I could even drive it on the street. It turned into my work vehicle and I drove it everyday, grey primer and all. If I can find any old pictures, I'll post them later. I wish I still had that truck today. In 1972 I bought a new Firebird, not the Trans Am, just a plain bright red Firebird, although it did have a white vinyl top and white leather seats, a decent looking ride, all things considered. I wish I still had that car today. Also bought a 1953 MG (TD series) which I really did enjoy. I used to take it to the local drive in movie theater on the weekends quite a bit. By about 1978 or 1979, I myself was in a state of financial embarr***ment (like the one mentioned above) and had to let the TD go to a local collector. I wish I still had that car today. Ok, the wife's telling me it's time for dinner, so I stop for now. We going to get blasted, as is most of the country, with untold amounts of snow tonight and for the next few days, so stay warm and I'm glad to be a new member on this forum!
Welcome o the HAMB from Erie, PA! Enjoy! Building up one of the mouse motors myself with Hilborn stacks, Vertex mag and camel hump 202 heads!
Welcome to the H.A.M.B. from Nor Cal and the Cam-Snappers Hot Rod Club! Check out the New club group! Love to have ya! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/g...hp?groupid=619
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