This all started here in this thread https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/a-v-8-parts-gathering-new-pics-02-01-24.1062374/ This thread will be a continuance of that thread but will be my own. I'm not much of a story teller but I'm going to give this my all. This all started for me right here on the HAMB browsing through The Chapel around March 2023 and seen a call for help from Jim Lyle @48fordnut He had recently lost his wife and wasn't doing great himself and was wanting to see some progress on his AV8 roadster. I had a huge urge to get in touch with him and see what I could do. Telling my wife that I was wanting to go help some old fella I had talked to on the HAMB work on a roadster that A. I had no idea who he was and B. he lived approx 4.5hr from me...got some odd looks from her but she went along. Jim and I got in touch and started chatting regularly on the phone about all sorts of things and we instantly hit it off. I loved hearing hot rod stories,stories from his military time and etc. We were able to get together a few different times during 2023 and work on the car. Few pictures below. Unfortunately I did not get to go see him and work near as much as I had hoped but he and I talked regularly on the phone about the car and life in general. On Feb. 13th I found out that Mr. Jim had passed away at home...its funny how quick life goes by but also how quickly you can become to feel like family to people you had met not long ago.
Jimbo good story! I while back I posted a thread on the Spirit of HAMB but you sir are in real life what I was talking about WOW Thank you, Dan
This month(May 2024)Mr. Jim's daughter and I started talking about the things left behind and I spoke of how much I'd love to own the car but also build it/finish it in memory of Mr. Jim. This last weekend I was able to acquire the roadster and most of the parts left and bring it home to Alabama with me. Made a cannonball run there and back with a very good friend and also stopped off at the Aviation Museum. Mr Jim flew on a B52 and served in the Air Force and had told me multiple times that I needed check it out and boy was he right! In front of the museum We made it home later that night and wearily unloaded everything and just piled it out in the shop floor. Shortly after my young daughter come running out and wanted to know if she could sit in it and all fired up The next day I started going through some things and simply sticking a few parts here and there to see where things where and start to get a visual of the car This will catch it up for now on the car and I will be going through and adding more detail about what is what etc as time goes. I plan to try to do a fairly detailed build of the car for myself(and family) and most importantly in memory of Jim Lyle...that's why the Lyle Roadster. Follow along and definitely give you input and info. I have worked on cars since I was a tiny lad but honestly never had the opportunity to own many early Fords so I have ordered a few different books and info to help teach what I do not know along the way.
Man that things got the look just dialed in. Great proportions and stance. looking forward to following along.
I followed Jim along with his build exchanging post and messages with help and such. Sending parts left over from my AV8 build that I didn't need just to help another guy make his dream. I admired Jim's drive to start from scratch on a new build given the health issues his wife Joy had and time it took to help her also. I wondered what would become of his car when it was posted about his passing. Enjoy the build and look forward to seeing Jim's dream come to completion. Cliff Ramsdell
Cliff I have read back through his thread and seen Mr Jim and you chatting; if any info was passed along that I may not know I'd love to hear. I admired Jim quite a lot and looking forward to finishing the project in his honor.
That picture of the USAF museum caught my eye. It's only about 4 miles from my house. Very cool place to check out. Did you see the SR-71? I believe I was in contact with Jim at one point as I saw he was in Warner Robins too. We chatted about rear axle narrowing and he was very friendly. He had mentioned his wife wasn't too well at that point. Sorry to hear about both of them. Looks like his car is in good hands. Good luck with your build!
It's definitely a cool place. We looked around for probably two hours and I'd love to gp back and look through it again and spend much more time. Did see the SR71..its wild to see in person and know they did over 2000 MPH! The P51 Mustang,B29,B16,B52 and "Spooky" gunship I spent the most time looking over. I appreciate the kind words and luck.
Good on you for helping him out & what a great opportunity to carry on his memory, it will be a special project for you & your family. Will follow along
Thanks for sharing your story. A build always seems better when there’s a back story to it. Congrats and good luck. I’ll be following along.
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