Hey... My name is Darren, I'm 33 and I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (for the geographically challenged, that's about an hour north of North Dakota). A regular winter here is bad enough, but this year has been extra bad. Most snow in 10 years and temps down to -40F. My garage isn't heated, so to get my fix I've become addicted to the HAMB. I've been around old cars, junkyards and swapmeets for as long as I can remember. It must be in the genes, my Dad was into hot rods from way back and my younger brother has the disease too. Have a wife and two little girls (wrench fetchers) and more cars and projects than space. Counting down the days until Back to the Fifties in Minneapolis. I'm attaching a bunch of pics. Hope they work...
My '63 Impala. My first car, I bought it when I was 16 and I've still got it. I drive it as much as I can in the summer. Has a 327 and Powerglide. I've driven this one to Back to the Fifties for the last 3 or 4 years without a hitch. First thing we do when getting there is uncork the header dumps. Sounds nice cruising the grounds, but even better at speed on the 494. If anyone is feeling generous and has a spare 409, this car has been crying for one for years...
My '51 Chevy pickup. I've had this one for a long time too, but just finally got serious with it last year. I call this one my 'no-buck' rod because I'd have to actually put some money into it to be 'lo-buck'. I yanked the rusted-solid 216 and dropped in a 261 straight six from a Canadian '62 Pontiac. Still using the granny-lo 4 speed and 4.11 torque tube rear end. I worked on the stance a bit too. Want to keep the straight axle, so I went to 15's in the front and kept removing leaves until it looked okay. Might try flipping the axle on top of the springs this summer. Went through the wiring and brakes and was able to actually drive this one to storage before the snow fell. Managed 60mph on the highway and it didn't feel too bad.
My '51 Chevy coupe. Seems to be a trend with me, but I've had this one a long time too. I share this car with my younger brother. When he turned 16, I gave him a 49% interest in it, with the understanding that he'd help out with its completion. Some good foresight on my part, as he eventually went into a bodyman/paint program and is now a journeyman painter. He did most of the bodywork while in school as part of his class project. The car runs a 283 and 4-speed and is almost ready for the road again. Still needs exhaust, but that doesn't stop me from booting up and down the street with it, flames shooting out the rams horns.
My brother's '56 Plymouth. We built this one in my garage last year. Yanked the original (but very tired) flathead six in favor of a 406 Chevy (not tired at all). The flathead was having trouble making it up the driveway. Backed it up with a built TH350 and 10 bolt posi rearend, which haven't exploded, yet. He did the interior himself (with mom's help) in a white vinyl and purple faux snake skin. Cheater slicks, wide whites, '59 Cad taillights, cut coils and blocks and fineline tape scallops and stripes for now and it's looking pretty good. If he can stop driving it long enough, plans are to do the body work and paint this summer.
My dad's '34 Ford 5 window. This is the one that got us hooked. I've only ever seen the handful of pictures he has left, and we all regret he ever let it go. His first car back in 1958. Channeled the width of the frame, Flathead, 3 speed, Ford Prefect headlights, deuce grill and plywood bench seat with couch cushions he found in an alley. Rough, but it looks oh so right!
My dad's '37 Plymouth. His current ride. I contemplated converting this to black and white to avoid any ridicule, but figured what the hell. All I can say is he didn't consult me before picking the colour! It does stand out in a crowd. 327 with a powerglide, Dodge Challenger rear axle, dropped tube axle up front. Currently undergoing a swap to MII IFS with rack and pinion and disc brakes. He didn't enjoy the white knuckle rides on the highway.
Thats the best intro I've ever seen!!!! Are you sure you are from Canada??? LOL!! Welcome, its fun here......OLDBEET
Wow that is one hell of an intro, nice stuff too. Should done that one in black and white like you said. It hurts my eyes. Welcome aboard!
Niiice ol beet,niiice Hey he's makin up for guys like me who dont have a digi cam!! Hell ofa nice intro!! You can never have to many Canuks on here!! Welcome Brother!!from the warm side!!
Wow. Welcome to the HAMB. It sure looks like you are a SERIOUS gear head. Very cool.... Now, if you don't mind. Maybe you can clear something up for me, seeing as how you have first hand experience with it and all..... Why do certain members of the older generations (no disrespect intended) seem drawn to....ahem...uhh...."that" color? I am as serious as a heart attack here.....I NEED AN ANSWER! Again I am not meaning to convey any disrespect. Rock on man, and you will like it here. VT.
Welcome from way down south.. Your rides are almost a definition of what the hambs about,and your Dads 34 is a TRUE DEFINITION OF A TRADITIONAL HOT ROD.period. That car should be in next years HAMB calender.awesome.
TheRev; Ever notice we call this NORTH AMERICA! We are so vain. All hot roders are cool. I'm goin to bed. I'm runker than a dat..................OLDBEET
a big welcome to you sir... that was one ripper of an intro. enjoy the ride, but remember to go back out to the shed when it heats up again! ...
Welcome, I agree with Oldbeet...that is the best intro I have ever seen as well. love the '56 plymouth and the '34 5 window.
Nice collection éh. Those rear tire on the pickup look like they will last a lifetime. Welcome from NL.
Nice intro & NICE rides, love the 63, one of my all time favorite cars,My friend had a 63, 09' in HS pretty fast car. the Plymouth must kick some serious ass!! How did you get pictures without snow in them?? Welcome to the HAMB JimV
Welcome to the HAMB...............I think you have all the qualifications to become a great addition to the zoo!! HRP
Welcome to the HAMB Thanks for all the great pictures!!! You made the intro police very happy - that NEVER happens - Way to go!!!
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