So I was wiping down the old 5W this afternoon and caught a glimpse of this through my car's "porthole" window. Now I knew it was there because I put it there, but I had kinda forgotten about it. I did this so I would have Pete "looking over my shoulder" as I cruised my dream car around. Pete was a hero of mine as a kid, an inspiration as a young adult, a mentor, a cheerleader, and a friend as I got older. He is a really BIG reason why I have a hot rod today and a successful "side hustle" selling hot rod parts all over the country. I just wanted to stop and say: Thank You Pete. One more time. View attachment 6134133 View attachment 6134132
I met Pete back in the 80's when we were all racing at Fremont, our paths crossed many times. He used to write a column in Drive Magazine, and was a good writer. The article I remember most, when he wrote about getting older, but when you get in your hotrod, and look down the hood, you feel 18 again !
Visited Pete at SoCal from central Texas almost 8 years ago. Went to the shop expecting to buy some SoCal t shirts. Pete was behind the counter arranging the stock. Told him we were from Texas—-he asked jokingly—-“You got any money”?? Before we could answer, he said “come on”—-spent a good two hours giving us an extended tour of the shop from A to Z. Very funny man and was extremely personable and treated us like old friends. This was in November, he passed away the next January. I have had hot rod Fords for sixty years and had visited many shops, but his tour was one that will stick with me forever. What a gr8 and gracious human being and such a gr8 ambassador to the hot rod world; his kindness that day was unbelievable!!!
Pete was fun to talk to, and always willing to engage in conversation. A true ambassador for the Hot Rodding world.
This is Pete’s 1st claim to fame. By the time this feature appeared on the pages of SRM, The T was already apart and being re-purposed by a new owner who extended the wheel base and put a Chrysler in it. meanwhile the rolling stock drive train and partial color was utilized to build what really put him on the map. just this past Tuesday, His former boss and teacher at Blair’s passed away. He’s the one who spent time with Pete C & Pete E. Crafting motor mounts & chassis components that P&J’s continue to offer. “Making Peter Proud along with Mike Hoag of M&S. Welding fame - Blair’s Chassis Shop.”. .
The Jalopy Journal
