Long time lurker, but it's time to commit and get the ball rolling. I grew up on Long Island in the sixties and seventies. Vague memories of my father taking us to the dragstrip out in Islip. He had a Chrysler 300 that he always regretted selling. Another memory, clear as a bell, when I was eight years old we were in the Plymouth dealership. My father was trading in his 68 Lemans convertible on a Fury station wagon. They had a Superbird out front and I remember running my hand along the wing. There was a good half mile straight level stretch of Rt25A behind our house, and late Saturday night I used to sneak out of the house to watch the street drags that were held out of the A&P parking lot on the corner of RT25 and Bread and Cheese Hollow Road. While I was in high school, I got my brothers old Jeep and proceeded to restore it. Mostly out of the JC Whitney catalog. I had a knack for understanding things and figuring out how they worked. In those days, you didn't have the safety net of the internet to get online and get step by step advice on how to fix what you screwed up. I also had a Yamaha Enduro 175 that I decided to rip all the electrical off of to turn it into a dirt bike. Never could figure out how to get that running again. Last project I had was a '68 Mustang Fastback I bought when my wife and I first met 20 years ago. I've always been drawn to the old traditional style cars, loved watching AG, Hollywood Knights, The California Kid, Two Lane Blacktop. We moved to Nashville two years ago, finally bought a house this summer. Started looking for a car about two months ago. Initially I wanted to buy something ready to go, let someone else take the hit on the labor and parts depreciation. You definitely get more for your money. But where is the fun in that? Realized it's not about where you end up, it's how you get there.
Hi. Buying someone else's running driving project is usually the best way to get going IMHO. Sure you're gonna personalize it some but unless you're gonna change EVERYTHING on it you usuall come it way ahead $$$ wise. What are you looking for? Welcome aboard.
Short list right now is the 61-62 Tempest/Lemans, early 50's Studebaker Champion or a Henry J. It seems I can get a decent Tempest/Lemans for not a lot of money, but I've seem some pretty good deals on either the Studebaker or Henry J if you're quick. Goal is to have a platform for Nostalgia Drag Racing. I do want either a runner or at least a roller. I'm heading to Charlotte for Good Guys next week to see what else catches my eye. Unfinished project cars are always tempting, so I always have my eye out for that no matter what it is.
Thanks! I'm itching to get something going, but I'm trying to be patient. I'm not sure what I'll eventually decide on, but I'll know it when I see it. I've made enough mistakes in the past to know not to settle.
Welcome from the south of you. Try the turkey run in Moultrie Ga. next weekend, there should be plenty of stuff down there. It will be hard to find a motel room this late though.
The Jalopy Journal
