In another post about what you got done this weekend, I could have added that I drove to Eau Claire, Wisconsin(about 1400 miles roundtrip), which I did. I Met Shifts, no, it was more than just meeting him. He is one Kool Kat. Before I could load up the transmission(an awsome piece of hardware) I was invited to partake of liquid refreshment. We talked for some time, and he showed me photographs of some of his former rides and the rails for the frame of his current project. You folks have got to persist in getting Dave to post some of his stuff, including the sectioned Ford and the Custom Merc which the dude who sang "Drove my Chevy to the Levy" now owns, or at at least did. It seemed that I was in a time warp, slowly taken back to the "Day" There were stories of the 427 powered rod, races won, cars bought and sold, built and raced,and a demonstration of the transmission dyno. I gotta tell you, the dyno is a real man's tool. Every transmission that comes out of the shop is tested on the machine. The shop is another story. Lifts and transmission jacks every where. The build benches are Heavy Duty. the room that the builds take place is bigger than most of our shops. I will say this. When this man tells you about transmissions or offers tech info or diagnosis, LISTEN to him. Before I arrived, the man's hospitality had already sprang into action. He had arranged ourmotel accomidations and he done good. The room was right close to his shop and one of the best Steak houses I have ever eatin in.The place even had live entertainment. I was saddened to find out that Missouri money is no good in Wisconsin, at least in Eau Claire. While we were talking and drinking that liquid refreshment, Dave called his wife to come by the shop, and we visited for a while and loaded up the 700r4. The icing on the cake is the Really nice creeper, he threw in. I have never met a more gracious or generous man before. His wife is just as nice as Dave. Dave is the kind of man that reading an article about a displaced family, doesn't just say "that is too bad", He goes and gets the family and provides housing for them nd gives the son a job in his shop. There is quite a bit more to that story. The family is from another country and did not speak any English. They had known another American from years ago, had an address, and sold their house, came to America, only to find that the folks they came to be with, had been deceased for years. So no one could help them, but were going to send them back. Dave sees the article in the local news paper quite by accident. We of the HAMB thought he was gracious in building a killer tranny and auctioning it off to support the place we love, but I am telling you, that aint nothing when you get to know the man behind the trnsmission. I do not know if you can tell, but I was impressed beyond belief. We had a really good wqeekend for the drive, sunshine all the way there and back.The downside was listening on the radio to the Chiefs getting a thrashing by the Vikings. I know with out a doubt, I am going to have this guy come down to line the 700r4 out when I get it in the Coopy Doopy Doo. I learned quite late that there was another HAMB doins in Mrnominee about a 15 minute drive from Dave's place over at Mel's. I wnted to come by, but did not know about it in time to adjust the schedule. One more comment, then I will quit for now. When Ryan tells you he is a motning person, take it with a grain of salt.(insert Smile face). But look out for his "Puppies". Ryan, Thanks. Without the Hokeey Ass Message Board, I probably would not have met Dave and the other Kool folks asociated in this "Family" that have crossed my path or I theirs.
Kool story. It's good to see there are still alot of great people in this world. It's not everyday you see a story like this. Congrats to both of you. later plmczy
I was about to head out to the garage when I decided to read this story.I'm glad I did.It is good to be reminded that there ARE people in this world who care a lot more than just the "bottom line".The sad part of it all is you will only hear about it from someone else;they would never dream of saying anything themselves.What is even sadder is that this post will probably drop to the bottom before the day is over and be forgotten.I truly hope not.I would like to meet this man and his family some day just to shake his hand.And maybe ask him if he does Dual-Range HydraMatics.
To bad we missed ya. It was pretty short notice. All we really did anyway was decide that the crank in Mel's '59 is as good as junk. -Bugman Jeff
safariknut, It is true, isn;t it? We talk about wanting good stuff on the HAMB, but the o/t stuff gets the most responces. Even during the Tech week, real quantitive posts took a back seat and, most, fell off the page quickly. I do have to think that is because there are many HAMBers, and posts move quickly any way. I am glad you read it and the same to you Bugman. I am sorry to hear of Mel's plight. I wish I had parts for her. Dave is a very nice guy, has a great crew working for him. Anyone that gets a chance to make his aquaintenance, shouild do so. Jim
Wow! Sounds like you guys had quite a great time! Hope you had a cheese curd or two, or thirty All is not lost on the crank sitch, soon I'll have a new lamp! ~Melissa
Glad to hear your back home safe and sound. Both you and Dave should be commended for so generously supporting the HAMB. It makes me smile to know that two great people have met and became friends.
plmczy, Thanks for the kind words. Mel, It is amazing that you mention cheese curds. Dave,s wife ordered cheese curds Sat. night and I retired after working 30 plus years for Schrieber Foods, a leading private label cheese company. Incidentaly, Schrieber first plant and their corporate office is in Green ay, Wisc. Hotrodladycruzer, Dave may be talking to you. I told him, if he needed any help in pooting pics, to contact you. I hope that is ok with you. I do plan on coming back to the area. Especially when I get the Coupoe runing. When I do, I am planning to be in Michigan, too. I really want to experience the Woodward Dream Cruise, one of these days. Gotta have some more cookies. About the HAMB, I get more outa this place than I can ever put back. Jim
Of course it's ok for Dave to contact me. I'd be honored to have the opportunity to help him out in any way I can. As far as the Woodward Dream Cruz goes, I can't wait to be able to host you and your lovely wife here in Detroit. My door is always open and your name in on the guest room. Another show to give some thought to attending is the Back to the 50's show in St Paul, MN in June. It's not too far from Dave's place. I'm hoping to be able to meet him and shake is hand there.
Denise, I have been to St. Paul. Twice in the same weekend. insert smiley here. Seriously, how ar from I94 and I 35e is the Back To the Fifties? There are some locals here who go almost every year. Bill Daniels from Carthage, Gary Glasgow(Night Prowlers) and Tom McAllister. Bill Baker from Lamarr used to go, but spends most of his time in a truck. Jim
Guess I did not express me self too good. I meant to ask, How far is BT50 from that intersection? Maybe this June, if the Mercury sells. Next If it doesn't. I really want to drive up in the Coopey Doopy Doo. If I have to drive ol Red, I guess I could. Jim
How far is the fairgrounds where the show is held? I don't know, 5-10 miles? I really don't have a clue. It's close though.
Thanks for all the kind words. I just got back to work today(bout w/ the flu). I look forward to meeting as many of the HAMB members as possable, esp the ones like JimC. We had a great time both at my shop & over dinner. Seems like we have been friends for years. I am thinking about having an open house & BBQ at my shop just before the BTT50s.Need input on this tho.Dave
I have to agree! Dave helped me out a TON with my 700R tranny in the spacetruck, and he tried to help me out with the C4 tranny in my A (Although I believe that one is now a lost cause). If you have any tranny questions definitely give Dave a call FIRST. He even sent me a hat and some bee...uh, soda huggies! Definitely a class act. Thanks again Dave!
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