Like they say on the Rolling Bones website: "You can't make this stuff up!" I spent the better part of this past weekend with Gary (Hot-rod Roadster), running around to a few shops and really enjoyed it. On Saturday morning we made a trip up north to*****by, Ia, to Keck Custom Machine . Gary had a 283 built to put in his '40 Coupe project and we brought some parts up there to bolt on and get it ready to break in. Brian Keck is the owner of the shop and does very good work. His work ranges from alcohol burning, Hilborn injected sprint car engines to a hopped up flathead that he had in the shop while we were there. He also had an aluminum Keith Black (if I remember correctly) hemi in the shop the last time I was there. It had electronic Hilborn type injection on it. The 283 he built for Gary has a steel crank, ported and milled heads, and a nice cam in it. The work Brian does is second-to-none! He ran it today to break it in and Gary is picking it up tomorrow. It should be alot of fun to drive with the 4-speed that will be bolted to it. My uncle John also came to help on Saturday and it's always fun having him around He helped out quite a bit to get this whole engine project together -- really does go out of his way to help others out. Great guy - he's helped me out quite a bit, too. Here are some photos of the Machine Shop and a few of the cool parts, engines, etc. in it. Brian was doing some porting on this Gary's fresh 283 Gary, Brian, and Uncle John 4-barrel for break-in, but Gary plans on running a 4x2 setup (more to come) Malcolm
Some of the equipment in the shop (don't have as many photos as I thought, of the machines) Some of Brian's treasures Getting the engine set up on the run stand It was getting late in the day and Gary and I had to head back to Omaha. On our way back, we met up with my dad in Sioux City, Ia, to pick up the deck lid for Gary's '40. He fixed some rust on it and the rear fenders and metal finished as much as he could on each.
On Sunday, Brian and Uncle John had to run down to St. Joseph, Mo, to pick up a '66 Plymouth Belvedere that John just purchased. Gary and I had planned to meet them on their way back through Omaha, to check out John's new purchase. In the mean time we stopped at Tom Scott's home body shop to check out the progress on Gary's '40 coupe and drop off the deck lid. It is coming along very nicely. Tom does very good work and in a rather quick way, too! Our next stop was at Davey's (Roadburner1) shop near Fremont, Ne, to check out the latest projects and visit. While we were there I picked up some shocks and wheels for my 'A' Roadster project, too! It was time to head out to meet John and Brian, so Gary and I headed towards Omaha. On our way, John called and told me they were broke down just south of Omaha in a strip joint parking lot! The belt tensioner pulley broke and the belt came off of his truck. They didn't have any tools with them, so Gary and I stopped at my house, grabbed some tools, and stopped at Napa to grab the belt tensioner****embly and a new belt. We took off down I29 and took the exit towards the Playhouse.... and there they were! -- Actually in the strip joint parking lot! We were joking about it the whole way there and I just couldn't wipe the grin off my face the whole time we were there. What a story Couldn't have set it up any better. It WAS Sunday afternoon, so they were closed for business. If they had been open, I can guarantee John and Brian would have been in there while they were waiting for us! A few photos: We drove Gary's '68 Dodge pickup the whole day. It's a pretty cool truck (for a Dodge ), runs good, and the heat works good, too! John was showing a little crack, hoping to make a few bucks The Belvedere has a nice Satellite interior installed and is a pretty solid car It took about 45 minutes and they were back on the road. We stopped for a great dinner at the Cracker Barrel and everyone headed towards home. What a great weekend! It certainly helps the cold winter days pass by, and is a great reminder that we are another weekend closer to great spring weather and driving our hot rods! Malcolm
Nothing takes away cabin fever faster than getting out and doing car stuff. Just hangin out in other guys shops, or driving around in an old pick-up seeing friends. Was a good weekend Nick, I had alot of fun. Thanks for riding along for the whole thing. Could they have picked a worse time to break down in a stripper parking lot. Gary
Looks like a fun weekend. Glad to see the progress on the '40, she's gonna be a mean one! Leave it to Uncle John to break down at such an inopportune time! Right place though
Sounds like a great weekend. Hopefully the snow stays away and you boys can join us here in Detroit for the Autorama next month.
I like your style !!! Gary As soon as Brian saw my truck he asked if I knew you. He's definetly one of the good ones. Gary
great story... I cant beleive that Uncle John allowed such a bad time to use their lot. I heart Uncle John! I cant wait to check out that new 283.
Just got back from*****by and Keck's machine shop again. We started the new 283 and ran it for about 20-30 minuete's. It's a little cold blooded but after it settled down and would idle it sounds "BAD-ASS" Super responsive, fast revving and that great sound you get at idle with a nice little cam. Can't wait to get the 4 speed behind it and see what it'll do. A big thanks to Brian Keck, Nice job. Gary
[quote As soon as Brian saw my truck he asked if I knew you. He's definetly one of the good ones. Gary[/quote] Funny, yah ..Brians one of a kind ..Man of few words
after close examination of the website, it actually has some pictures pertaining to our hobby!!! just check out the ol cab hahahaha in all serioiusness great story!!!!
The Jalopy Journal
