I figured it was about time I registered on here. I've been coming to the H.A.M.B. for many years for tips and tricks. My name is Jon Dahl, and I currently live in Lawrence, Kansas with my wife and three kids. I've been working on antique cars since I was 14 years old. I started with a 1954 Dodge Coronet that my father and I rebuilt over a summer in 1994. I didn't know much about cars then, but it didn't take me long to get hooked. My old '54 Dodge was unique to the parking lot, and that old 241 Hemi purred. I traded the car for a 1966 Ford Galaxie at a car lot. The fellow who purchased my old Dodge chopped the top off of it and then left it as a four door convertible with no top of any kind. In my early 20's I made a few mistakes, and ended up with a wife and kid... and then another kid... and another kid. I wasn't able to afford working on my cars and raising kids. I really wanted to focus my attention on the cars, but my wife wouldn't let me. For some reason, the kids came first. I did try to have the occasional projects here and there, but nothing I could really do anything with or anything I felt p***ionate about. Then in 2004 my father p***ed away at 55 years old suddenly, and my world was turned upside down. I really felt lost at that point. It was in 2007 my sister just happen to be on eBay and found my old '54 Dodge on there. The first picture is my Dodge when I had it, and the second is the listing picture on eBay. It wasn't pretty, but I had to have it. We purchased it back, and I went to work. Unfortunately, the extent of the work needed for this car was way out of my league. Then one day while driving around, I spotted a 1957 Oldsmobile 98. The paint looked rough, but I knew I could save it. I talked to the guy who had it, told him I had a 241 Hemi, and we struck a deal. It was heartbreaking to let the '54 Dodge go again, but this time I felt good about it. This is my Oldsmobile on the lot right before the purchase: And this picture was taken just a few days later: That only took about 20 hours of polishing by hand with cleaner waxes, oxide remover, and other compounds. Recently, my family moved from Salina, Kansas to Lawrence. I'm now working full time on my own project cars. Currently my daughter and I have been rebuilding a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline together. My intention is to have this thing up and going by KKoA this year. If you've been to the KKoA in Salina, chances are you've seen me in my Oldsmobile. (Which isn't pink, it's "Royal Glow") I'm here to learn about this craft, as I've taken the plunge and made it my life. Something I've been dreaming of doing since I was a teenager. That's my story the shortest was I can tell it.
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
She maybe cute, but she's mean! For every hour I've been out in the garage working on that '48 Chevy, she's been out there with me helping. My two sons on the other hand have little to no interest working on the cars with me. It's been great having her out there with me. She can get to places in the cars that I can't.
That's great man, and welcome. I really like the 57 Olds. Same thing with me, my daughter was always helping me in the garage, while my son was busy playing electronic games. go figure!
Yep, sounds like my boys. My daughter insists the '57 Oldsmobile will be hers when she's old enough to drive. She even named the car "Marlene".
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