In case you didn't catch the beginning, here are the first three parts so you know where this roadsters coming from. If you want the shorter trip just read Part 1. Part 1 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232944 Part 2 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2488194#post2488194 Part 3 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3221169#post3221169 I took a maiden voyage today. After 55+ years in a garage and a lot of cleaning and scrounging for the past year and a half, I was able to get the "Pyle Special" back in running shape. Albeit not in perfect running shape yet. I still have to sync the carbs and figure out a oil leak that's buggin me. I need to bleed the brakes and adjust them once more to see if I can get a better pedal to the brake. They are spongy and wouldn't stop me if I had an emergency. I can tell you I've learned a lot over the past years and a half. Still a lot of learning to do too. The monthly banger thread has been a huge resource and those HAMBer are something else. I am grateful to that bunch. I plan on getting my Pop in the roadster tomorrow. I don't know that I'll be able to get him to drive it since he's 100% blind in one eye and the other is fading fast. Here in Irvine, CA the El Toro Marine base was closed a few years back and I planned on taking him out on to the tarmac and let him loose. I figure he can't run into anything there. I need to get the roadster running better to do that. I'll get some pictures and video of that too to share. The thing is crude but it has been one heck of ride so far and I've only taken it around the block. Anyway here's what the lil bugger sounds like with the open header. <embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://i274.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid274.photobucket.com/albums/jj277/tuck_the_shopdog/Roadster%20Images_3/v_00040.flv"> <embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://i274.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid274.photobucket.com/albums/jj277/tuck_the_shopdog/Roadster%20Images_3/v_00039.flv"> I found the HAMB shortly after I'd begun to tear into the roadster. I can honestly tell you it would have been a whole different experience not having found this place. Gaters
McFly, You're 100% correct. I don't think I've had that kind of feeling about a car, driving it for the first time. Honestly, there was a bit of trepidation wondering if something was going to put me into the curb but I knew I was just being overly cautious. Second or third time was getting into the, "This is bitchin" stage. I need to find out where you're gonna be now so I can see your roadster too. Thanks, Gaters
Jimmy B, Yeah, I was getting a bit too anxious to get in it and drive it, especially after I got the motor to fire. I had to slow down to make sure I had everything in place before jumpin in. If you make it to the states, come by and I'll let you drive it, I know you're a big fan of this era of hot rod. Probably not any different than any other roadster to drive but there is a bit of nostalgia mystic that gives you a bit of tingle. Way cool! I've always appreciated your well wishes along the way. Gaters
You know it! Wasn't gonna happen today unfortunately but I hope to get it going sometime this week. Gaters
HA! No kiddin. I haven't seen a cop yet! My neighbors are pretty jazzed about it too. They've been watching me over each weekend pecking away at the thing. I don't want to wear out my welcome with them either though. I plan on putting a glass pac on it sooner than later. Dog walkers, kids in the park stop playing, bicyclers, joggers, people in other cars have all given me a thumbs up or a wave. I don't know how friendly the cops will be if I get spotted. It's not registered yet either. Gaters
Geez, I don't know how I missed these threads. Just went back through and caught up. What a great car and AWESOME that you have such a history.
Irvine, CA. It's made the safest places to live in the US for a few years and there is good reason, the cops will swarm a skirmish. Gotta appreciate the hard work of the Police. If I get a ticket, I may change my tune. It's the people that get uptight that can ruin a good time. Just cause I like to park on my lawn, drink beer and....smoke cigarettes!! Cigarette will get you more time than a high speed chase in CA. JK kiddin, I don't have a lawn. Gaters
You have a great roadster & an amazing piece of history. It will be an honour to be able to drive a Hot Rod that was there back in the day on the lakes. I am planning a trip to the US in 2010 so I'll drop by .
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