I am lucky enough to still have my dad and he is my best friend, talk to him almost every day. he's the only one who's ever told me how it was when i was a jerk as a kid. now a little older, hopefully wiser and a father my self i hope i can be half the father he is. my earliest memories are hanging out in his garage and going and getting ice cream listening to the beach boys in his 40 ford in the early 80's
I saw your car too. And I saw you when you picked up your award. Roadster looks great. Love the Ricklifs flames. I was mostly hanging out in the shade under the trees on Holly Street.
Going to have to clean out the shop in a few years when I finally reach 7 Saturays. Looking forward to retirement in a big way, but dad's stuff is going to be a bitch. His machinist's tool box is on the bench where it's sat since 55. All his tools in the back shop are where he left them. I had a shop full of Model T's, parts, and V8 60 midget stuff that Mom wanted sold. Had to watch it all go out the door less than 6 months after he passed. It was rough, but Mom was right, it hurt too much to look at the stuff, and it was better to cut it clean and quick. At least his midget means as much to Mom as it did to him. We put it in the Justice Bros. museum, and I drive by it every day going to work. Ed put it right in the lobby entry, and I can see it from the road. That's kind of cool.
Dean those pictures of your dad are awesome. I am lucky enough to still have a long road ahead with my dad. Ive learned a lot about cars and all around craftsmanship from different places but I owe it all to my dad because if it wasn't for him I would probably be playing video games right now. I feel confident in doing most stuff by myself because I grew up watching him not only build his own hot rods but also doing EVERYTHING around the house. I remember when he hired a guy to paint the house, but he helped paint from the roof anyways and our house is a 12/12 pitch. haha. oh man. My dad is awesome. I really look up to him. He can do it all from Build a car to remodel the house to run a business to raise a family.
I lost my pop this past november to cancer. If i was ever confused and need some insight or some history on something he knew the answer. its really weird not to be able talk to him. Had a dream the other night with him in it which we were talking about how to correctly mow the water or something dreamish like that, but it was nice to see and to just have a conversation with my pop..
My father is still around at 77 and I talk to him everyday.My avatar is a picture of him ,myself and my sons in Kentucky last month at the corner of Harp Road where he grew up.I cannot image loosing him and Dean if it brings you comfort to have his stuff around leave it where it is you will know when the time is right to move it.
My car past memories are around my grandfather. He had an old manual tire changer. When I was 16-18 and could only afford to buy the tires (that balancing on a machine hurts a teen), my grampa would show me how to use it. Even after I learned and could do it blindfolded,,,,, he showed me how to use it. I now have the changer,,, my kids use it,, and I let them borrow the memories too. Was 10 years ago, still welt up thinking about him. People never really pass if they are remembered.
I lost my dad back in November of 05. He was 83. He wasn't a car guy, but what he taught me about being a man and doing the right thing will stay with me forever. He was part of "the greatest generation" who went to war and helped save the world. When he came back home, he raised a family and continued to build on the American dream that he believed in. Even though the current government is so far out of touch and gives me a case of the red ass on a daily basis, I still fly the flag every day in memory of my Dad and guys like him who fought and died for our way of life. He was in the Army Air Corp and I have his pilot wings on the dash of my 40. I figured if they got him through 26 missions safely, then maybe they will help keep me safe when I'm out running around in my 68 year old car. I think of him every day and I always smile when I jump in the 40 and see those wings.....
All great stories of great dads. My dad is still around and we talk nearly every day. At age 62 he is still wrenchin away on cars. He tries to teach me about them but I'm too old to remember at this point. I'll never hesitate to help him out though. He's also taught me how to fix things around my house which I'm truely grateful for. I love my dad and can't imagine what my life will be like when he's gone. To all those who have seen their dads go, keep their memories alive. And to those who still have their pops around, keep making memories to share with others.
I lost my mom this year to cancer, but I still have my dad. I know I'm one of the lucky ones! My dad had me when he was 21 and in the Army. My dad always said we did a lot of growing up together....lotta truth in that! The three of us (my brother is 2 years younger) did EVERYTHING together! Dad bought me my truck in 1977, my brother his '41 Panel in 1980, and himself a '38 tudor sedan soon after. We all still have these rides, in different states of completion/operation. Go hug or call your dad and thank him for making you who you are!
Well today has been 10 years since my dad past away from cancer. He is the one to blame for my hot rod madness. He gave me my first hot rod that i still have. Below is the first hot rod i remember him having, 1949 chevy. He was an awesome man who taught me a lot about life, being a christian (even though i am not perfect) and to love life. He lived his life to the fullest and the way he wanted. I think about him everyday and every time i work in my shop. I wish i could find the 36 chevy coupe he had. Last i heard it went somewhere in missouri. This 49 is now a drag truck that someone else own's locally.
If you still have your father, value him. Lost my Dad in 92 after a long bout with Alzheimers, miss him every day, looking forward to seeing him again in the hereafter. We had breakfast together most Saturdays when he was alive. He grew up in Bakersfield and was a WW2 sailor and master finish carpenter, just old enough to remember his father making wagon wheels. This came in handy when he had to build new carriages for the Civil War ere cannons in the Hanford CA city park. Some hooligans loaded and fired the old pieces one night, and the next day the city fathers found the barrels buried in piles of old wood. My dad saw the humor in it because he had pretty much been a hooligan himself until he met and married Mom. He built 2 hotrods, 37 and 39 Fords, and was later proud of his black/white 56 Buick Special and Dodge pickup with Chrysler big block and pushbutton transmission. He always had a big shop, his extensive toolbox was always open to us kids, and that's why my brothers and I are still building cars today.
Wow! When I started this thread I didn't think it would get much response. Was just feeling a little sentimental yesterday thinking how I missed my Dad, and posted some thoughts. You guys are great!! I have read, and enjoyed each story, and can feel a connection with every one. Guess it just proves HAMBer's are the best!! Today is good. Thanks, again guys.
Go hug or call your dad and thank him for making you who you are![/quote] Amen to that brother. I thank God that I was able to tell my father that he did a good job at raising my sister and I. He was a humble manand tried passing the credit over to my Mom. Sure, she deserves a lot of it but, he taught us to stand up against anything the world threw at us and to stand on our values and to not back down from anyone. To never allow anyone to intimidate us and to love and fight for our country, right or wrong. Not our government but our country. He finally accepted the fact that he hadn't done as bad a job as e had thought he did. I also was glad that the last 10 years of his life, which was very hard due to his health, I was always able to openly say, I love you Dad. And he would respond with, I love you too, Son. It is such a cleansing feeling. When he passed on, there were no feelings of regrets, or I wish I could of, should of or would of. A son always wants to make their father proud and a father always wants their son to surpass them in all things. As I pray my son, The Bullfather is on his way of doing with his life. Two short stories here; When I was 7 years old my father and I were riding in his 1935/37 Packard 5 window couple. I believe it was a 110 coupe. Anyway, he pointed out all these old clam shell fendered cars and fat fendered cars and said to me, You know son, someday they will built those cars again. I thought to myself, I thing Pops lost it out on Long Island Sound when he went fishing and sat in the sun too long. To me back then a 1957 Ford was the cat's meow. Little did I know that in a short few years I would fall in love with them. Then 30 years later start a small local magazine about rods and customs. Second short story. I was re-building one of my hot rods in my father's two car garage. He had taught me the basics of auto repair since I was a kid, not because he liked cars but, because that was Dad, he could fix anything, it was always a challenge. ' He's standing there watching me replacing the heads or something and says, Son, can I ask you a question? I said, Sure Pops. He says, Why do you love cars so much? I responded with, Why do you love boats so much. He then says, Aaaaah, Now I understand! He sure did enjoy driving my hot rods toughs, LOL RIP my Best Friend I know you are still with me. Sorry for the long post guys.
My Dad passed 4 years ago on the 4th of July. Now, fireworks have a really special meaning to me. He wasn't really a car guy as far as working on them. Whenever I had a car torn apart in the garage he'd walk in and say "What the hell are you doin' now" but he never asked me "why".... On a side note he always wanted to "run to the store" in my cars. Dad did get into outboard boat racing in the early 60's and won a few of the local races in Gold Beach OR. Talk about a proud son.. That was me. Oh, I'm the short kid in the 1st photo, about 7 years old at the time. Best of all, he had the unique ability to teach me so many things that I didn't know he was teaching me at the time. I use those lessons nearly every day and can hear him in my mind when one of the lessons applies.
Yep, my Dad died in 1999. He was 76 years old. He was not a car guy but there are a couple of cars I associate with him that he had when I was a kid and someday would like to have one just like his because it would remind me of him. I miss him terribly.........
Didn't say much about my dad but I should. Dad was a good man & great father. Big outdoors person who lived to hunt & fish. Funny- I never cared for it. He was a perfectionist & a great businessman- those I got! He was a welder & fabricator for Airline Welding & Engineering & always dreamed of having his own business. So- he quit- got a friend to quit & started their own airline welding & fab business. Catchy name- Dialco and Associates. Partners Dick & Al. My dad was Al. Dad got sick & his partner lived up to his name. Mom got nothing from the business. So much for friends & a handshake. He was always the jokester & loved to throw parties. I can't tell you how many pics I've seen w/ dad wearing a lampshade for a hat! He grew up very poor & with a dad who was mean. He didn't think so- always respected his dad & never said a harsh word about him but you tell me. Grandpa worked the bakery business. Worked all night & came home at 8am. Slept all day- got up & lit the 1st smoke & never stopped. Dinner was at 4pm & grandpa ate alone. That was the rule Everyone else ate later. Grandpa had steak. Dad couldn't have steak because that just was the way it was. So- when grandpa was done- Dad got to knaw on the bone or eat the fat. Any snacks were hidden away in grandpa's bedroom- especially fruit. Grandpa ate a peach or an apple- dad got the leftovers stuck to the seed or got the apple core. My dad was the exact opposite of grandpa. He swore we could have steak anytime we wanted it & the fridge was always overflowing with fresh fruit. He craved fruit & I still love it to this day. Everytime I BBQ a steak or search the store for fruit- I think of dad. I think I'll have a steak tonight.
HI all I lost my dad 10 years ago Annerissim, he was 48. I lost my granddad 2 years ago My dad was into cars from day one. First car was a 57 Chevy married my mom and got shipped off to Vietnam with the 173rd airborne, in 1969 many cars later I was born in 1985 he is the one who give me my passion for cars and what I do for a living. He was a Huey, Chinook, Apache, helicopter mechanic, machinist welder. I grew up just outside of Fayettville NC he was stationed at the 82nd airborne. He bought a 70 mustang when I was 2 we built the car from ground up I know not Hamb material but I am sure some would appreciate It has a trans am front sub frame hand made fiberglass TILT FRONT END runs off Hydro's. But that is another story we finished it when I was 11. And as usual move on to the next project 1930 Model A Ford Tudor Sedan total basket case boxed frame 302 c4 12bolt rear non filled roof He hated cars with filled roofs. drop axle up front no Mustang 2 BS anyway he passed away just before the car was finished. Do to cirstumstances me and my mom had to sell. My mom passesd away in 2003. Hemoragic stroke. So I started out looking the Model A located car no chances of buying it back so I went for next in line LAST CAR HE FINISHED the Mustang. Well you guessed it same guy had it my dad traded it to for the Model A hadn't talked to this guy since we sold I was 11 then 20 when I found it car had sit for 10 years me and a real close friend fired it up with a little work and drove it from my home town Fayettville NC to Savannah Ga. Where I have started reworking the car it was stored outside under some oak trees for 10 years. My granddad passed away he was into cars as well gave this bug to my dad he had a 1964 impala he bought the year I was born he went through the car from the ground up. Was his main source of transportation. he was 78 still driving it everywhere with 4 wheel drum. factory a/c 4 door hardtop. Well my grandma don't drive, and things worked out so I got the car So I now have my granddads Impala and my dads last finished car I am currently working towards my A&P so I can follow as a Aviation Mechanic as my dad did I was always out at the base in planes tanks big trucks whatever and naturally I fell in love so followed right along hopes this wasn't way too much info But those 2 men who were in life a very short time have left the biggest impact any person other than the good lord up above and my wife anyone will ever leave. There is almost nothing I do in everyday life they don't come up in some shape fashion or form. I have been reading here for a while just joined thanks to KustomRiv kicking my butt to join and this particular post really hits home with me Thanks Travis I will post some pics of both cars if anyone interested.
My Dad had a massive stroke at 46 in 1979. He fought his way back but a whole bunch of small strokes got him at 63. I'm really sad my Dad didn't get to meet my son and daughter. My son reminds me a lot of Dad. Same easy-going temperament. Hope he's watching over them. Rest in peace old mate.
Not too much info. You shared your feelings, and that's what this thread is about. Glad you decided to join. And, post the car pics if you want to. WQe'd like to see 'em.
My dad fought through a stroke at 72, and another at 75. At 83 a clot on the brain took him quick. He never suffered. He was blessed. You can bet your Dad is watching out for your kids. It's what Dads do.
Love my dad. He got me into all this. We are teaming up for real for the first time next week. I don't want to let him down- I'm working extra hard to make him proud. Jim
I love my Dad ! It's hard seeing him w/alzheimers; used to be so competent now he doesn't even know how to tie his shoes. He used get on me for messing w/his tools & taking every thing apart (not always putting stuff back together very timely) When I was in H.S. he'd let me pile all my friends in his '65 malibu convertable and drive to the beach (what a trusting soul
All I can say is my dad and I are best friends and nothing else will ever come between us and our cars! On any given weeknight there is a little bit of something I can't describe when we are working in the garage together! It can be totally quiet for 2 hours except the radio blarring out old tunes and we get shit done! Then we go in for the night and see each other at the same place same time next day with two fresh minds and ideas of what to do with out cars! I know one day he will go but for the mean time I plan on doing this for the rest of his life, then someday maybe I will be able to do the same with my kid if I have one!!!
I still have my old man around but i too know one day he wont be around.I cant tell you how many cars he has bought and then sold so i could have a christmas or a birthday i was to busy bein a punk.He finally got a car he likes.A chopped 48 ford.He has helped me build my 54 chevy and its amazing how much a dad can teach you.I grew up around hot rods since i came out the whom and i wouldnt have it any other way.I now have a son of my own hes only 1 but i can only hope i can do half as good as he did with me.If you still have your old man around charish that shit dont be a punk listen to him he will always be right remember they been around alot longer.Take the time and learn things the right way and always live each day likes it the last.To everyone who has lost there dads my heart goes out to all of yous.
My pop passed away in 2002. I really miss him! Every once and a while I still think "I have to ask dad about that". Then it hits me like it was yesterday. I'm actually having a hard time writing this. What a sap huh? My dad was born in 1933 the youngest of three brothers. He never went to college because he had to take care of his parents. He joined the army and became an instructor teaching heavy equipment. He was a crane operator like his dad, and started a business in '61. He came up with the idea of running TV cameras through sanitary and storm pipes,while working construction, to check for cracks and leaks. Through his own studies, he built his own camera and all of the equipment to run the business. He was a whiz with electronics, he could operate mills and lathes, he could weld, and he was amazing when it came to designing specialized tools or equipment that he needed. He was, honestly, one of the smartest men I ever met. In my whole life I never saw him stumped. He was one of those guys that just had an astounding knowledge base! He always had time for people if they had a problem. Incredibly he thought himself to be uneducated because he was never able to attend college!? I luckily spent my whole childhood and up into my mid twenties working with and learning from him. He was a big guy, but I was more affraid to disappoint him than getting a backhand from him. I still love my pop and miss him immensely! The only rub we ever had.... he always had to have all of his cars and trucks STOCK! I wanted every vehicle I owned to be chopped, have a big block, and have huge meats out back. I think he enjoyed needling me. Thanks dad for everything you did for me and taught me!
Lost My Dad 13 years ago. He was a good father and a good freind. He was 51 when he died. Still dosn't seem fair. He was allways hauling something home. Here it was cars and deer Anouther car Growing up I give that poor man some greif I'm sure, but he never give up on me. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think about him.
The Jalopy Journal
