My life is an open book...I don't hide behind some "internet handle"....I'm posting this so maybe we can get to know one another better....maybe better understand where you're at in life to help understand your opinions on things....
So here it goes....
anlauto = alan and lynn automotive. My brother came up with that idea when he was setting me up with my very first email address about 20 years ago.....Has nothing to do with ANAL Auto..... :rofl:
Alan Gallant going on 52
Married once 16.5 years now, wife Lynn, school teacher.
One son age 14 high school Eric
One daughter 12 grade school Rachel
Live in Georgetown On. before that Burlington ON. Only ever lived in two places.
Run a automotive restoration business MOPARS only
Restoring Mopars for 32+ years
Never missed a Carlisle show since 1994
That's all for now...
Anybody else care to share ? :smile:
This is a great thread!!!!!! As soon as I'm back to my computer I'll share more. But hope to learn a little more about everyone and put some faces to the users names.
"Has nothing to do with ANAL Auto"
OMG, I just about died laughing at that. even with my wacked sense of humor I never had caught that.
I think it's a great idea Alan. some folks will be private and thats totally OK. I love the idea of getting to know some of peeps though, especially since I generally can't attend the big events where folks gather.
ec_co - I've had the same hotmail username since the mid 90's when I was into graphics design/3d modeling 'eyecandi' ... so shortened to EC ... the CO part is just Colorado.
Cole going on 46 next month
married once @ 15 years now to my wonderful wife Janine.
one daughter (27) up in Canada and one son (20) here in Colorado
currently residing just north of Denver for the last 9 years, prior to that the Pacific Northwest was (and always will be) my home - mostly the Spokane area, but spent many years in Portland and a couple in the Seattle area.
I currently work in Tech Support as the Support Team Lead for one of the largest auto dealer services companies (think Autotrader, KBB ....). The software I support wraps around all the major wholesale auto auctions across the US, which is why I can help out if you ever need (if you are a buyer for a dealer you know my software, there is nothing else like it in the industry). I don't make a lot, so progress on my project is pretty slow, but I absolutely love what I do and that means more to me than $$ sometimes. we all have our callings in life (Alans' is certainly Mopar restorations!) and mine is to help people out via support and customer service.
my e-body is a 1970 Barracuda that my dad bought in '73 and drove up until @ '87 when he parked it (nothing wrong, just wanted to drive something else) and it sat there until 2014. It took me 20 years to convince him that I wanted the Barracuda for myself as my ultimate dream car, and not to fix and flip it. if I have anything to say about it, it will remain a family heirloom to pass down to my kids.
:drinkingbud:. Great start Alan and Cole. Yes that Anal comment had me laughing so hard! :rofl: great photo of your family Alan. You have a lot to be proud of.
I've seen a rich man beg
I've seen a good man sin
I've seen a tough man cry
I've seen a loser win
And a sad man grin
I heard an honest man lie
I've seen the good side of bad
And the downside of up
And everything between
I licked the silver spoon
Drank from the golden cup
And smoked the finest green
You know where it ends, yo, it usually depends on where you start
At 51, I finally get it.
:)
I'll play...... Jess Tackett, 58, live in Jackson Ky (always have), married 34 years, two daughters. Retired Auto Tech instructor. Been restoring old cars (for personal use only) for 42 years. This is a pic of me, my home and my all time favorite ride........ 70 challenger, 440/6 4spd, 3.54dana, dressed up to look like K's ride.
Quote from: anlauto on January 12, 2017, 08:51:02 AM
ANAL Auto..... :rofl
:rofl: I'm not going to be able to look at your handle the same
Anyways
A bit about myself. Names Adam. 31 years old. Live on the east side of gta my whole life. :canada: Currently out side of port perry. Married 8 years with one daughter 4 years old. I'm a mechanic specializing in hydraulic repair.
Now for the car. was searching specifically for a rotted shit box. Wasn't too picky on make just something sporty and fun. And I didn't want to drive all over the country to get it. Looked at a few Chevy and fords. Then the challenger came up. It checked all the boxes plus I always like the body lines. The biggest thing was it wasn't a high option or in demand year. Perfect car to learn on. I'm a year and a half in and still on metal work. (Educations cost money that I will probally never get back but that's ok).
I spend a lot of time reading and gathering information on the forum. I appreciate all the knowledge that is shared. :ohyeah:
Follower of Christ.
31 in a week.
Married once for 8.5 years to my amazing wife. Love her.
2 daughters (6 and 4) and a son (almost 2). Love them.
Pharmacist, like my dad was.
2 Plum Crazy T/As that my dad used to own.
Beautiful family Koby :worship: ....I knew with all those cars you have, you must have sold drugs for a living :crazytalk: :cheers:
Really cool getting to see everyone's face and family. Great photos and history so far.
I'll add a bit about me. My wife and I met as young kids (10 and 12 years old) and hung out together as kids before starting to date a couple years later. We've been together our whole life. No kids, 2 dogs and lots of nieces and nephews (more then I can count). My wife works the corporate grind and I'm a small business owner (www.columbiasigns.com). My brother and I run the sign shop with a few long time employees. My wife loves to run and has done over a dozen half marathons and did her first full marathon last year. Like most of you, I have a passion for E-Bodies and spend my free time working on them or talking about them online. Only been to Carlisle once, but do most of the West Coast mopar shows each year.
I'm 60 and retired. Spent 30 years as a Train Dispatcher and Yardmaster and 10 years messing around driving truck (after 30 years in a high stress job I enjoyed no hassles driving truck). I was 13 years old when the E-bodies came out and needless to say they left a lasting impression on me.
I weld, paint, upholster, do the diffs, trans and engines in my cars. I have found I can do it twice if I have to but will get better results than paying others to work on my cars.
I like my Mopars to look original and love all original restos and really nice drivers the best.
Sheldon
34 years old, no wife, no kids just a 140lb Cane Corso aka Italian Mastiff. I work in my family Custom sheet metal business with my borther, father and mother. I do CNC punch programming CNC laser programming. I grew up watching my brother and dad restoring his 1970 T/A while I pretended to work on my Firebird trans am peddle car.
After a year of waiting for my Hellcat the dealer called and told me it was in I was welding and all dirty left work jumped in my truck and went to pick it up.
I really enjoy this thread and glad some people take the time to reply...It's so nice to put a face to the name :grouphug: :toast:
Quote from: Cuda Cody on January 31, 2017, 09:36:54 AM
Great photo @Markp (http://forum.e-bodies.org/index.php?action=profile;u=186) You must have been soooo excited to get that Hellcat! :clapping:
I was freaking out. The Hellcat is a forever car for me. It feels like your driving a E-body when your looking over the hood. I only put 1500kms on it this summer. I was scared to drive it anywhere. I was afraid to park it anywhere I was scared just driving it that someone would hit me.
Nice photo of your family Darren. You probably have the nicest 72 Challenger in existence right now. :clapping:
I would have to :iagree:
Ok I guess I will play along . . .
So my name is David and I am a MOPAR junkie . . . I love ebody's mostly! I am 56 years old and married for almost 8 years . . . my first. We have no children but a small dog that is like our kid. (Some or you have met him at the Mopar Nats) I live in Michigan about 1/2 hour north of Ann Arbor and right about in the middle of Detroit and the capital of Michigan, Lansing. I bought my first cuda in high school in 1982, my first car! Paid $1800 for it and I still have it today. It is a black on black 73 stroker 440 4 speed. It was originally a 340 car and I still have that motor in the garage. Then in 1996 I bought a cuda convertible in Jax, Florida. Paid $7500 and drove it home to Michigan that same day with no issues. Next day tore it to pieces and started the restoration. Now purple with white strobe, white interior, 440 auto.
When I was about 28 or so, I was a competition slalom water skier and traveled around to complete on the water. Now I'm old but still have my competition ski boat plus a pontoon boat and 2 - 1500cc jet skis. I am a real estate broker here in Michigan with 3 offices and about 40 sales agents. I have been dealing in foreclosures for the past 5 or 6 years but that is coming to an end here soon. At one point I was watching about 350 foreclosed homes but today I have maybe 10. Times are looking up for the real estate market! Looking forward to having a beer with many of the members at the yearly Carlisle show in July! Great times there . . . . pictures are below!
Nice thread, I'm in!
If it's not obvious my name is Matt, I'm 47 and have lived in the Detroit area all my life.
I've been a carpenter for 30 years or so and now specialize in custom furniture, cabinetry and architectural elements such as stair railings etc.. I work for myself and by myself in my shop in Royal Oak. These days I do just as much metal work as I do wood. Here's my website which is in desperate need of an update. http://mattmichalec.com
I'm a lifelong Mopar guy myself with a couple of B-body projects and a '67 Imperial Crowne Coupe as my fair weather daily driver in addition to the Challenger vert.
I'm now married since June to my second wife and soulmate Jeannie who has two grown kids I'm honored to call friends. I never had any of my own kids but have 8 nieces and nephews who are mostly young adults at this point. My mom and dad are hanging in there and have been married for almost 60 years! Here I am with my bride and the Imp in upstate NY.
I'm loving this thread! :grouphug:
:iagree:
Some of you may already have seen this but my dad and I got personal for Hagerty a few years ago.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?utm_medium=email&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Hagerty+Weekly+News+05-07-2014&v=ICVFEnDIsFc&feature=youtu.be&utm_term=&utm_source=ExactTarget
:)
Just found this so here goes.
Murray - aged 59. Live near Mitchell, ON, Canada. Married to Linda for 36 years and we have 3 children aged 32, 31 and 30.
I grew up on a farm and I've farmed since 83. Our farm operation changed direction a little in 08 and I've had a little more free time since then. I really enjoy the operation we are running now.
In the past I golfed a bit but I never really got into it. Then I took a few guitar lessons because I thought it would be cool to be able to play but I found out I didn't have the passion for it. THEN I bought the Challenger and fell deeply in love with the car hobby.
The picture was taken last summer in Ireland on the farm that my ancestors left in 1850 when they emmigrated to Canada at the end of the famine. The river in the background is the Shannon.
This thread keeps getting better and better!!!! :clapping:
Ok, I am willing to play. My name is Mike, I am 56 and live in WA north of Olympia with my wife of 29 years. I am a life long Mopar enthusiast due to a ride in a 69 Roadrunner at the age of 16 in Mandan ND. I grew up in ND building Mopars and street racing them every summer. My favorite was a 74 Challenger which I installed a 440 6 pack and eventually a 4spd; had over 18K in it when I had to sell it for $1500 due to a new son and no money (1st wife).
I spent over 26 years in the US Army, 17.5 of which were in Special Operations, specifically 1st Special Forces Group. Half of that time I was stationed overseas in Okinawa Japan and deployed all over Asia serving as a sniper and sniper instructor as well many other jobs/duties. I spent my last 4 years in the Army running all of our combat training, evaluating equipment for our organization and representing my organization in many venues. I retired from the Army in 2004, but went to work for Remington Arms in 2003 and remained until 2016. During that time I developed and ran Remington Defense and then Remington Defense International.
During my time in the Army I did not have a lot of time for cars except in 83-85 while at Ft Bragg NC where I had a 70 AAR, 73 Challenger and a 70 GTX; all of which were sold when I went to Special Forces and deployed overseas. In 2000 when I returned from Okinawa the 2nd time, I knew I was going to retire and purchased a 70 Challenger RT 440 AT AC from Ben Snobar (was not a smoking deal). That propelled me back into Mopars hard and since then I have amassed a collection of sorts; 70 Challenger RT, 73 Cuda, 70 Roadrunner, 53 B3B w/56 Desoto 330 Hemi, 61 Jeep FC170, 10 PCP Challenger RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 01 Ram 1500, 09 Caliber, and 05 Durango. Fortunately I have 2 40x60 shops for all my toys but since living the work force do not have the disposal income to get too crazy with the waiting projects (Roadrunner and Jeep).
Lastly, I am all about the hotrods and have little interest in restored cars, I respect them and what it takes to do the work but am much more interested in restomods, G machines, etc so long as its Mopar..
Wow 70chall440 . . . Great story! Very nice to meet you! Would like to meet you in person in Carlisle at the MOPAR show if you can pull yourself away for a few days! Very cool!
:worship:
Id love to make it to Carlisle at some point, went to the Nats in 15 which wasn't bad but not as impressive as I thought it would be; great swap meet though.
Several cool stories! Here is mine, my name is Brandon Crowe almost 36yrs old married working on 12yrs. I have an 11yr old girl and 9yr old boy. I work at a manufacturing plant owned by Domtar. Most of my saturdays and about all my evenings when not working are spent on the softball field with my daughter she has always been a stellar athlete, she is a pitcher for her Fastpitch travel ball team Carolina Elite SE 05. My son enjoys baseball gonna be fun balancing that if he gets on a travel team too! My wife works for one of our middle schools in our small town in southeast Georgia. I enjoy taking the boat out fishing and hunt as much as I can. Been into mopars for as long as I can remember. My dad had a 71 polara custom with a 360 ended up being my first car. Then I wanted a truck so he found a 70 long bed sweptline that we rebuilt. I had a lot of fun in those old cars. When I was 15 we built a 87 Ram 50 with a warmed up 340-904. It ran 7.50 in the 1/8 back in 96, I was drag racing before I had a drivers license. Still drive with 2 feet a lot of the times now just out of habit. He gave me my 71 barracuda for graduating high school, he never did and it was important to him that I did in 1999. I still have the cuda it's tore down for rust repair now after several years of being raced and enjoyed as much as a kid could! It first had a 360 in it from out of the D50 then later after a trans mishap that took out the engine along with it. We built a 440 for it and later changed the heads on it and went to a solid lifter can and more stall. This got the cuda down to 7.60 driving it 50 miles to the track. My kids love the car and all the others that we have gathered over the years. My father in law is into cars too and always tells me to put a chevy motor in it to go fast! Not gonna happen he lives in upstate New York just outside of Lake George. I highly recommend attending that car show every September if you ever have the chance! Between all us gearheads I think my kids will continue the tradition.
Ya know.... ...there's a lotta Viper guys on this ebody forum...
Just sayin'... :vipermanhiding:
I recently found some photos of a teenage ViperMan (with his adorable teenage highschool girlfriend) in front of his dad's '72 Cuda he drove to school every day. I'll try and get some scans and then come back to play...
Not to be am alarmist or anything, however I am the President of a training company in which we train international corporations on security issues such as abduction management (how to keep from being kidnapped); as a part of this training we provide a class on personal cyber security and actually do a comprehensive investigation of several students in the classroom. the biggest issue is social media and forums; it is amazing what you can find out about people. I would just caution all here to think before posting too much current personal information and especially family pictures; there are a lot of strange people in this world and once you post something it never goes away. I just wanted to put it out there, do as you will but know that there is no safe place online; again not trying to scare anyone, just suggesting caution.
No worse then Facebook...
Quote from: 70chall440 on February 01, 2017, 12:14:10 PM
Not to be am alarmist or anything, however I am the President of a training company in which we train international corporations on security issues such as abduction management (how to keep from being kidnapped); as a part of this training we provide a class on personal cyber security and actually do a comprehensive investigation of several students in the classroom. the biggest issue is social media and forums; it is amazing what you can find out about people. I would just caution all here to think before posting too much current personal information and especially family pictures; there are a lot of strange people in this world and once you post something it never goes away. I just wanted to put it out there, do as you will but know that there is no safe place online; again not trying to scare anyone, just suggesting caution.
:iagree: That is what I tell my friends that live on facebook,
Yeah, Facebook is the biggest source for sure. The thing is that it is like a spider web, once you figure out what someone is into, who they are connected to, etc you can find out practically anything and everything about them. This is one of the biggest tools for pedophiles, scammers, etc.
Pretty hard today not to have an online presence but I for one prefer not to make it any easier than needed for someone.
Again, not saying not to add to this thread or any other, Just wanted to make the point.
So far I guess I'm the old man of the group. Brad, 69 years young and retired. And to you newlyweds out there my wife and I have been married 46 years. My original E-body was 1970 triple black, 383, 4-speed 'Cuda that I factory ordered and actually led to us getting married. It's a long story so I won't bore you with the details. Four kids, one daughter 43 years old, and three sons from 41 to 35. 10 Grand kids; 3 boys and 7 girls from 19 to 6 years. Currently restoring a '70 Cuda, matching no.s 440 U code, 4-speed, Dana 60 4:10 gears, super trac pack car. Car was originally lemon twist yellow with a black vinyl top over black vinyl interior. I just couldn't go with yellow, so it's also going to be triple black like my first 'Cuda. Been restoring it since 2009 but two major back surgeries and a full knee replacement side lined me for approx 4 + years on and off. Also, my best friend is my paint and body man and he's so busy that it's like pulling teeth to get him to work on the car so that has also accounted for some long delays. Been a member of CC.Com for several years and have a multi-page restoration thread over there. Hoping to get the car in for final paint work soon and have it on the road this coming summer. Born and raised in So. Calif and for some reason I'm still trying to figure out why we moved to Utah in 2004 after I retired. Currently on my third snow blower. :headbang: Besides restoring the 'Cuda I like to fish, both fresh and saltwater, especially Long Range Sport fishing out of San Diego. I'm also the charter-master for two Long Range Trips a year; a 7-day in August and 10-day in Nov. We just celebrated our 21st anniversary trips and during the 10-Day I caught my personal best Yellow Fin Tuna weighing in at 247 lbs. During these cold/snowy Utah winters I also build/wrap custom fishing rods. Lastly, weather and health permitting, I get in as much time as I can riding my Harley with a custom American Eagle and flag paint job. Thus my screen name: USRAPTOR. US = United States. Raptor = Bird of Prey. Thus United States Bald Eagle. That pretty much sums it up for now. First picture is of my original 'Cuda. Second me and my 247 lb tuna. Third, wife and I on our last 10-day fishing trip. Fourth: My Harley's custom paint job. Photos of my current restoration can be seen at: http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
That day two look with the mags and the Polyglas...is absolutely beautiful :drooling: that's how they all should be :worship:
Yep, I knew I wanted to put mags on it so I ordered it with 15" steelies and dog dish hub caps and the Polyglass tires. When they installed the mags at the tire store they asked what I wanted to do with the original wheels/hubcaps and I told them to through them in the dumpster. :crying: :headbang: :pullinghair: If we only knew then what we know today!
Yup: I flatout love that look. That's the way I remember the nice ones in my town back then too. No stock wheels.
Sheldon
Mike, is that a Dragunov you're cradling there? If it is, do they shoot decently?
Quote from: jimynick on February 02, 2017, 08:37:18 PM
Mike, is that a Dragunov you're cradling there? If it is, do they shoot decently?
Yes it is and off in the distance is Pakistan... I carried and shot it for about a month or so, they are decent rifles for what they are and were designed to do. They do not compare to US or western rifles as they were not designed with the same use in mind, they are more of an area denial weapon rather than a precision rifle.
Thanks Cody. I do but they're on my other computer. I'll have to fire it up and get them. Yes my 'Cuda is an original N96 car. Reader's Digest version of Cuda and my wife. After getting the car I had a day off from work during the week and took it to my Dad's work (AT&T)to show him. I asked him if he wanted to drive it and he said he had some paperwork that needed to be dropped off at the main building so he/we drove it there. We went inside and he started to introduce me to every body including my wife to be. A few weeks later I was talking to him on the phone and as I was about to hang up he said, "Jeanne wants to know when you're going to take her out?" I responded, "Jeanne who?" and he said the girl he introduced me to at his work. Since he had introduced me to several people I told him I didn't remember her and he proceeded to describe her. I vaguely remembered her and since I had recently broken up with my long term girlfriend and figured that since she wanted to go out with me whey not, I'm easy. He gave me her number and I called her. However, since I was working graveyard at the time it took us a month to find a date we were both available. (Found out later she was in the process of breaking up with her long term boyfriend) Anyway, we go out (Friday Dec 13th. That should have been a warning) to dinner and a show. I figured since she told my dad she wanted to go out with me she was going to be "easy" and afterwards took her back to the house I rented with three other buddies. I used my best "moves" on her and got totally shut down except for a kiss. Later I took her home to her apt. and she invited me in so I figured this would be it. I tried my best moves on her again and except for a few kisses got shut down again. We talked to 4 in the morning and when I left I knew my bachelor hood was over. We were pretty much inseparable after that. A few months later we were on a date when she remarked it was the anniversary of our first date. I responded "Yeah, it's a good thing you told my dad you wanted to go out with me." She looked at me with this incredulous look on her face and said, "What, I never told him that, he told me you wanted to take me out and wanted to know if he could give you my phone no. What was I supposed to do, tell my boss didn't want to go out with his son?" We got a good laugh out of my dad playing cupid and the next time we saw him gave him a hard time about it which he loved.
That's a great story! I could totally see my MOM doing that exact thing! lol :D
Love the paint job on the Harley. Got any close up photos of the tank?
[/quote]
Here you go Cody.
Looks like one pissed off bird :steamingmad:
Quote from: anlauto on February 03, 2017, 09:48:53 AM
Looks like one pissed off bird :steamingmad:
Alan, it was. This was painted right after 9/11.
Great artwork!!!!! :clapping: Love it.
Quote from: usraptor on February 03, 2017, 09:47:26 AM
Love the paint job on the Harley. Got any close up photos of the tank?
Here you go Cody.
[/quote]
Love that bike
Thanks guys. It gets a lot of attention whenever I ride it. In our circle of riders it's called the 9/11 tribute bike. Since it was painted the guy who did it has become a renowned expert and teacher in air brushing. I'd hate to have pay him to do it now. :takemymoney: BTW Alan, he has since moved to Canada.
Guess I will join in,
My name is Tony Hathaway 31 years old.
Married twice, no kids with the first, only lasted two years (she wouldn't stop stripping, and I "drank too much") lol
I've owned 14 camaros, 3 mustangs, 2 71 Dart swingers, a few Ford pickups, several square body chevys, and several cummings and duramax powered pickups. Currently have an 02 duramax, 06 suburban, 13 300C, and the '70 Barracuda.
I have two children, boy-6 and girl-4. He wants a camaro but has recently showed more interest in a charger. Married to a great woman named Lindsay, she wants a '69 roadrunner.
My dad was a body and fender man his whole life, we always planned on doing a project together but I couldn't procure the funds until it was too late, he passed away in August of 2011.
My other mentor in the body and fender trade was my ex father in law Rod, he helped me quite a bit learning how to work metal, and paint. Unfortunately he passed early in 2011 as well.
This leaves it quite difficult to be able to ask someone how to do certain things so I'm sure many questions will come from me as I tear it apart.
I have worked almost every day since I was around 13, with my fathers health being not so great I had to help support and pay the utilities. We did a tree trimming buisiness, then I worked construction (hvac and a pipe fitter) for three years. I was a merchandiser for Coca Cola for two years then went to be a heavy equipment mechanic for 5 years. Now I currently work in the oilfield for the last 5 years.
I have wanted a Cuda since I was 7 years old, my neighbor had a huge POS Cuda then but I loved that thing! I told my dad that I wanted one, he only said "you don't want one of those rust bucket pile of s$?$ cuda's" finally convinced him in around 2008-09 ish that if I found one that would be our project (he wanted a '72 Nova).
So now starts the slow process of slowly building my car into what I want.
:D
Great story Tony! Sorry for your losing both the older men in your life, but I bet your Dad is watching and hopefully, will guide your hand as you build the car you've always wanted.
:iagree:
I`m one of the many Jeffs that seem to own E-bodies (Carlisle joke), been around a number of places on the internet as torredcuda. Always loved cars as early as I can remember and like most started with Matchbox, Hot Wheels and Aurora slot cars. My Dad was never a car guy but did some of his own work more out of nessecity (money) than wanting to but did have some OK cars. I remember a 4 dr `55 Chevy when I was real young,a Rambler, a `65 Ford Country Squire wagon, 6 cyl, 3 on the tree and a few others. He then bought a used `70 Duster that was a /6 3 spd on the floor that he really liked and had a few more /6 A-bodies after that. My first Mopar experience was in high school when a kid who always had fast cars, usually Chevelles showed up with a `73 `cuda, 340, 4 spd painted candy apple red with Cragar S/S wheels - I was in love! My first car ended up being a `68 Chevelle 396 4 spd car but previous owner yanked the big block for another car and threw in a 307/ powerglide. I only paid $500 for the car and although it wasn`t fast it looked and sounded cool and being a dumb kid I probably would have wrapped it around a tree or something had it been a 396 still. Second car was a `73 Satellite and then had a few others till I finally bought a Barracuda in `83 which I still own along with a few others and I have become a total Mopar or NO Car fanatic since. I`v been divorced and now married again to my love Cori with both of ours first kid Ryan who is 2 1/2.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1097.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg346%2Ftorredcuda1%2FCarlilse%25202011%2F114.jpg&hash=9c9fa6153126b68417a785981ddd55fc80b7e549) (http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/torredcuda1/media/Carlilse%202011/114.jpg.html)
Glad you came over to good side of the force :)
I have set this as a sticky as I think this is a great idea by Alan . . . :bigthumb:
Good thinking! :grouphug:
Quote from: Spikedog08 on March 14, 2017, 12:35:28 PM
I have set this as a sticky as I think this is a great idea by Alan . . . :bigthumb:
Yea...we have a lot of new members who need to fill us in ! :grouphug:
These are great stories and I want to play. My Name is Chet Biggers and I'm 52 years old and will have been married for 30 years this September. I have to great daughters 29 and 26. My oldest daughter has two sons so I'm a Papa as well and love being that. They are 3 and 1/1/2 years old and the oldest loves hanging with me in the garage where I spend a lot of time restoring my AAR.
I grew up in Arkansas working in my dad's shop where he restored, painted cars of all makes and that's where I was introduced to a Cuda. B5 Hemi is really all I remember about it. He didn't have it long but it was long enough to fall in love. I spent many days after school and during summer working there not realizing that someday all that I'd learned would come in handy someday. Though someday didn't come until about 5 years ago. My family and I left Arkansas and moved to Nashville TN 23 years ago so I could pursue a record deal in the recording industry as a Country artist never looking back at ever touching another car other than putting gas in one until one day out of nowhere I saw an AAR pulling out of a parking lot only miles from my house. It had been since I was a kid that I had saw one so I flagged the driver down and we talked and I glared and the bug was back. I couldn't quit thinking about that AAR. I had some success as a songwriter but had gotten tired of the industry,writing and pursuing so I started a computer IT business and it was young so taking a daunting project like this was intimidating. As hard as I tried I couldn't stop thinking about it so I started looking and a year into my search a came across one. Really talked serious about it with the wife and ended up buying it.
That was four years ago and I'm excited that I'm almost finished. I really didn't know what to expect getting into it and I had to re-learn a lot about body work, primers, paints, etc because it had been almost thirty years since I had done this type work. I also had to learn every aspect of this car in order to do it right and I'm still learning. If it weren't for the various forums like this one, I'd be in a mess. Most is done except the interior. I finished the seats about a month ago and I hope to start moving everything in, in the next couple of weeks.
I'm glad to be a part of this community as I learn a lot. I hope someday soon I can start passing on what I've learned.
Thank you for sharing your story Chet! Your grandson looks like a great helper. And just think when he's our age he'll look back and remember how great it was helping papa out in the garage. Memories he'll always cherish. Congratulations on 30 years of marriage too.
Really looking forward to seeing photos of your car when you're all done. Looks like you're doing a top notch job! :bravo:
Thanks Cody. Being my first, I'm pretty excited about it.
Love this site!
That is a great story and I'm really glad you shared it! Welcome aboard Chet! Appears you will fit right in around here! Side note, we have a club meet every year at the Chryslers @ Carlisle in PA so certainly try to plan to attend! Most information is in the Carlisle Thread on this forum! Definitely would like to see that AAR at the show!
:banana: :banana: :banana: :wave:
I have been kinda reluctant of sharing to much personal info just because of the security issues that 70chall440 mentioned. My Facebook is very restricted also. But OK, I can share a picture an some info, its nice to put faces on the screen names.
My name is Ken Skoglund, 56 years old, from Sweden, my wife, Audrey is american, we lived in Los Angeles for about 10 years before we moved over here. Been married for 24 years, 3 kids, ages 21,18 and 14, a boy in the middle there. 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 Challengers, also have a 2000 Harley Superglide.
I work with film sound and music, work is sometimes overwhelming with no free time so I try to work on the car when I have a more normal work schedule. I also play guitar in a progressive rock band. Had e-bodies since I was 18. (7 of them). I like other cars also, especially the 58 Chevy Impala (I bought one in East LA, rust free, for 5 grand, shipped it here when we moved, but got stupid and sold it again). Picture of me and my wife at the Sweden Rock Festival.
Thank you Ken for sharing! Rock on my brother!!! :banana:
Mike Goodman (29) and I live North of Dallas, Texas.
I have had several muscle cars, some Mustangs, a Dart, and a Duster. I currently am going on year 3 for my 'Cuda restoration/modification [see Facebook.com/GoodysGotaHemi for details]. I am daily driving a 1976 Dodge Warlock right now. My Dad's 1972 Challenger was built on the TV show "Overhaulin'", which was a cool experience.
I am a graduate of the Universal Technical Institute automotive program and BMW S.T.E.P, those earned me ASE/BMW Master tech certifications. I went back to school for a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA. I work for Peterbilt Motors [Class 7/8 Truck OEM] as a Program Manager. I have been married for going on 8 years and have a 15 month old running the household.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgoodmanmba/
https://www.facebook.com/GoodysGotaHemi/
Great stuff ! :banana:
I wear T shirts older than you Mike... :haha:
Impressive for a 29 year old guy! :bradsthumb: :slapme5:
Seriously Ken!! You're 56 and you have hair like that! Life's just not fair. :Thud:
I'm Erik and I'm 46. Originally from a small rural area in NW NJ that had more cows than people. Moved to PA in 2004. Divorced, no kids. Just a golden retriever named Pickett. My username is pretty simple my name and a Challenger I owned a few years ago. I have owned many Mopars starting in 1987 when I bought my first '70 Challenger 340 4 spd FC7. I've had A, B & E bodies, and always liked the E-bodies best. I had a slant 6 convertible '70 Challenger and a '70 Challenger R/T 440 4spd super trak pak in FY1 (should have kept that one). I play ice hockey and curl (yes the silly sport with the rocks and brooms). My other big hobby is collecting/restoring/repairing toy trains. Been doing that since I was 5.
Current Mopars are my '70 Challenger R/T SE 383 auto B5 and a '68 Barracuda convertible 416 4 spd in Omaha orange.
Here is a self portrait
Thank you for sharing your story Erik. :banana: Ice Hockey at 46! :bradsthumb:
Here, here to the hockey career! I'm 59 and still play goal. Some of the guys we play with are in their 30s, a couple in their 20s. One of the 30s played college hockey in the US. The only guy I've ever ducked a shot from. :stop:
I can't keep up with those 20s kids anymore. Think I need to switch from the beer league to the geezer league!
I've really enjoyed reading the stories in this post and being able to put faces to names. Here's mine...I'll try to keep it
short. :)
I'm Laura...mother of 2, grandmother of 3. I grew up around cars. My brother is 13 years older than I. He was constantly working on cars and I loved to watch and ride around with him when I was young. As I got older, I never really had the opportunity to restore a car myself...married, kids...you know the drill. When my kids got into their early teens, I gave them an Autotrader and told them to pick out a car they liked. I would hunt one down and we would work on restoring it together. When they turned 16, it would become their car to drive. They both thought it was a great idea. My son picked a Challenger. I found a 70 RT/SE and brought it home. Within 2 hours of starting to tear it down, my son pulled me aside and said "Mom...this is not for me. I do not enjoy this at all". I explained that if he didn't work on it...he doesn't get to drive it. He was OK with that and that's when the car became mine. The car was finished 4 years later and turned out beautiful. Pixie received the same opportunity and she chose the Duster. She, on the other hand loved working on the car. We got the car disassembled and ready for paint and body work when she went off to college...and her father and I divorced. Unfortunately, I had to sell the Challenger so I am currently without an E-body.
When I first started working on the Challenger, I joined CC.com...I think it was only a month old when I discovered it. Shortly thereafter, I become Administrator on that site and continued for the next five years until my divorce...when I dropped off the face of the planet. The 10 years between then and now have been a blast. I remarried a wonderful man (albeit a chevy guy...but I'm working on that). And now I have the opportunity to finish the Duster with my daughter. I have loved getting back in touch with all of you and promise not to fall off the face of the planet again. :grouphug:
Hello,
My name is Mike, and have a Challenger addiction. I'm probably the only one here that can say he's owned all 3 generations of the Challenger.
Before I get into that...I'm almost 55, and I have worked for a major defense contractor for the last 35 years.
My first Challenger was a '78 that I bought in the early 80's. A 4-cylinder import, but it had the plaid seat interior, and overhead console with the low fuel gauge. I liked the car, but sold it because it didn't have AC. I worked second shift back then, and my shirt would be drenched by the time I got to work in the summer. ::) Sorry I don't have any pictures of it.
My next Challenger was a '70. What an awesome car. I sold it to a guy in Russia 3 years ago.
Then I moved on to the modern Challengers. I have now owned an '09, 2013, and now my favorite of all time...A 2016 Challenger in Plumb-crazy with white stripes and a white interior. He's named Barney after the purple dinosaur on Sesame street. I have some really cool mods to show off at Carlisle this year. :D
Thank you for sharing Rev and MEK! :drinkingbud: Great to hear a little history on everyone. :banana: And the photos are wonderful. Can't wait to see you guys at Carlisle. :yes:
My name is Russell, I'll be 59 this summer and been hooked by performance cars in one form or another since I discovered Hot Wheels as a 10 year old when the originals were released back in '68. Unlike my report cards seem to indicate, I eventually paid attention enough to graduate (although there was that one 5th grade incident involving Friday Auditorium and spitballs which won me a 1 week vacation as a non-participant in a 4th grade classroom ... ::)) haha. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY moving with my parents to Montgomery, Al early February '74. I arrived just in time for the local car culture of the Deep South and the beginning of Southern Rock to intersect.
My parents always let me come and go as I pleased as I was the last of five kids, the others having been born in '33, '35, '37, and '41, and I'm pretty sure they'd had enough of keeping tight rein on things by the time I arrived in '58. I made quite a few solo trips on the NYC subways to Manhattan/Times Square in the early '70s - and yes, I had to dodge 'creepy characters' on at least two of those occasions :vipermanhiding: as this was way before Rudy Giuliani cleaned things up. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but as a kid growing up, I loved every second of it.
I toned it down enough to start an IT career beginning as an IBM System 360 Mainframe Operator in July 1976, a month after graduating HS and stayed a Mainframe Operator for various Data Processing centers until the end of August 2001 when I lateral transferred to my current position as Desktop Support Technician. Seven of us techs support approximately 1500 end users for the Alabama Department of Labor. Our current project is updating department personal computers to MS Windows 10. With 23 years at the state this coming September, retirement is planned for the end of 2019.
I bought my first Challenger, a '73 318 Rallye, in January '77, and have owned several Mopars since; '70 (A66) 340-4, '71 R/T 383, '70 R/T 440, 2nd '73 Rallye 340, '70 R/T SE 440, '68 Charger R/T 440, '70 Charger R/T 440, '67 Valiant 225, 2 '67 Coronet R/T 440s, and briefly my Dad's '68 Polara 318. I also bought a 1986 D250 brand new, finally selling it just before Christmas 2013.
The only one I still own is the R/T SE. In late 2006 I agreed to take it to a local collision shop owned by a good Mopar buddy, managed by another long time Mopar buddy. Things went well with it getting fast-tracked until late '07 when manager Mopar buddy endured a series of anxiety attacks. Unable to continue at the shop, he left under less than positive circumstances. The owner promised to finish my car but as often happens, keeping the business going took precedence, and my car languished more than it progressed. I had work stopped by September '10 and it's been a rolling shell with the drivetrain bolted in and living in a local storage unit since then.
I made pretty much every wrong move that first attempt at having it restored :stop: while nearly losing my house in the process - long tangled seriously redunkulous story - but things are ok now. A true restoration likely won't begin until after I retire but I'm ok with that. I have the car and a great forum with all the great folks here; many from c-c.com, plus members I hope to meet one day as once my Challenger is done I plan to enjoy and drive it - A LOT :driving: :driving:
Last year was especially tough as my two oldest and best friends moved through different life events; I drove up to Charlotte for Tony's wedding during the summer and East Stroudsburg, PA to attend Billy's Memorial Service in December (colon cancer).
Below are the report cards. class pic from 5th grade (Tony and I are in our Bluejackets Guard uniforms with Billy front row far left), with Mom and our cat at JFK Airport leaving for Alabama, my '01 Durango daily driver while I still had the truck, my first 70 Challenger R/T, and my current R/T SE the day it left body shop H*ll and pretty much how it sits today in a 10x20 storage unit.
Oh... and me :) Tony had a Caricaturist at his wedding to do free art of any guest who wished to have one.
@erik70rt (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/erik70rt_219) ice hockey and curling in PA, we may have to make you an honorary Canadian. Up here we just call it HOCKEY though!
Great idea for a thread.
Jason here. I am a 42 year old father of two (17 year old daughter and 10 year old son)! I am not officially married, but my wife, Ann Marie, and I have been together for 19 years this June.
I spend my days sitting at a desk. I work for a global accounting firm, but I am not an accountant. I manage our Canadian sales tax compliance practice, basically I over see the preparation and filing of sales tax returns. It is not a sexy job, but the pay is pretty good, and after 17 years with the firm I still have an opportunity to grow.
My interest in cars goes back as long as I can remember. My dad is a bodyman by trade and always had cars he was doing on the side at home and a few of his own. Lots of corvetts, which is probably why I love them. One of my favorite cars that my Dad owned was a stock 29 chev. When I was 5 my dad took my kindergarten class around the block in that car one afternoon. Not sure how many trips he made that day, but it took a few!
I actually spent 5 years working for my dad in his body shop after graduating high school. Working for family was not for me, so I went back to school which lead to my current gig.
My taste in cars is pretty varied, I like the very old to brand new, most makes, models, cars truck, hell even elCaminos can be cool...not Rancheros though the are UGLY!!
I have had my Cuda since Oct 91. The paint on it was done in 93, by my dad.
I drove it as my primary transportation in the summer of 93, then it went it to storage for 14 years or so. Its a long story.
Now I am enjoying working on it, and driving it. I hope to redo it sometime in the next several years, although with all the family commitments, I never have enough time to work on it.
Not much else to tell really, I can be found most mornings at the gym, always had a love of lifting weights, and evenings found watching a hockey game, usually while I am trying to get some work done, after I put my son to bed. My daughter trains at her dojo (karate) every weeknight, and recently competed at the National level with the Ontario Provincial team. It is her passion in life. My wife runs here too and from the dojo every night.
The weekends, I am usually running my little guy around, he is autistic (high functioning), and has some form of therapy every weekend.
Makes for a busy life, but its a good life!
Jason
Yup: Cars come after family for sure.
Quote from: RusTy/SE on March 26, 2017, 12:05:06 AM
My name is Russell, I'll be 59 this summer and been hooked by performance cars in one form or another since I discovered Hot Wheels as a 10 year old when the originals were released back in '68. Unlike my report cards seem to indicate, I eventually paid attention enough to graduate (although there was that one 5th grade incident involving Friday Auditorium and spitballs which won me a 1 week vacation as a non-participant in a 4th grade classroom ... ::)) haha. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY moving with my parents to Montgomery, Al early February '74. I arrived just in time for the local car culture of the Deep South and the beginning of Southern Rock to intersect.
My parents always let me come and go as I pleased as I was the last of five kids, the others having been born in '33, '35, '37, and '41, and I'm pretty sure they'd had enough of keeping tight rein on things by the time I arrived in '58. I made quite a few solo trips on the NYC subways to Manhattan/Times Square in the early '70s - and yes, I had to dodge 'creepy characters' on at least two of those occasions :vipermanhiding: as this was way before Rudy Giuliani cleaned things up. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but as a kid growing up, I loved every second of it.
I toned it down enough to start an IT career beginning as an IBM System 360 Mainframe Operator in July 1976, a month after graduating HS and stayed a Mainframe Operator for various Data Processing centers until the end of August 2001 when I lateral transferred to my current position as Desktop Support Technician. Seven of us techs support approximately 1500 end users for the Alabama Department of Labor. Our current project is updating department personal computers to MS Windows 10. With 23 years at the state this coming September, retirement is planned for the end of 2019.
I bought my first Challenger, a '73 318 Rallye, in January '77, and have owned several Mopars since; '70 (A66) 340-4, '71 R/T 383, '70 R/T 440, 2nd '73 Rallye 340, '70 R/T SE 440, '68 Charger R/T 440, '70 Charger R/T 440, '67 Valiant 225, 2 '67 Coronet R/T 440s, and briefly my Dad's '68 Polara 318. I also bought a 1986 D250 brand new, finally selling it just before Christmas 2013.
The only one I still own is the R/T SE. In late 2006 I agreed to take it to a local collision shop owned by a good Mopar buddy, managed by another long time Mopar buddy. Things went well with it getting fast-tracked until late '07 when manager Mopar buddy endured a series of anxiety attacks. Unable to continue at the shop, he left under less than positive circumstances. The owner promised to finish my car but as often happens, keeping the business going took precedence, and my car languished more than it progressed. I had work stopped by September '10 and it's been a rolling shell with the drivetrain bolted in and living in a local storage unit since then.
I made pretty much every wrong move that first attempt at having it restored :stop: while nearly losing my house in the process - long tangled seriously redunkulous story - but things are ok now. A true restoration likely won't begin until after I retire but I'm ok with that. I have the car and a great forum with all the great folks here; many from c-c.com, plus members I hope to meet one day as once my Challenger is done I plan to enjoy and drive it - A LOT :driving: :driving:
Last year was especially tough as my two oldest and best friends moved through different life events; I drove up to Charlotte for Tony's wedding during the summer and East Stroudsburg, PA to attend Billy's Memorial Service in December (colon cancer).
Below are the report cards. class pic from 5th grade (Tony and I are in our Bluejackets Guard uniforms with Billy front row far left), with Mom and our cat at JFK Airport leaving for Alabama, my '01 Durango daily driver while I still had the truck, my first 70 Challenger R/T, and my current R/T SE the day it left body shop H*ll and pretty much how it sits today in a 10x20 storage unit.
Well there is someone else from Alabama :wave: same age too Hello
Quote from: Cuda Cody on March 26, 2017, 09:54:10 PM
@Cudajason (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cudajason_260) great story. I've always liked your Cuda paint, but now that I know your dad painted it I LOVE it! :twothumbsup: Don't ever re-paint it. When you son or daughter own it one day it will mean a lot that their grandfather painted it and their dad drove it. :alan2cents:
Thanks
@Cuda Cody (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cuda-cody_1). To be honest the paint is much more subdued than what I wanted, but dad sort of went his own way. It all worked out though. I love it! The problem is that pictures lie! the body, which has never had any panels replaced, is in much worse shape than it appears. It really needs at least a passenger fender, truck drop offs, and at least lower quarters.
The plan is to redo it before I hit 50! I would consider repainting it the same way, with some tweaks. The one thing I can guarantee, it will stay pink!
Quote from: erik70rt on March 27, 2017, 06:13:26 AM
@Cudajason (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cudajason_260) That's not the first time I have heard that! LOL You should hear me talk sometime. Growing up around a bunch of Canadians has definitely rubbed off. So now I have to ask you my standard question I ask all Canadians that I meet........... What's your favorite Stompin' Tom tune? :drinkingbud: :cheers: :haha:
Wow Stompin' Tom! True Canadian! Favorite song...come on, the Hockey song. LOL, to be honest, I am not really a fan, but what hockey fan has not heard that one! I have always been more of a Tragically Hip fan.
Fun Fact...Stompin Tom's memorial service was held in my home town of Peterborough Ontario.
Hello Timbbuc2! Yep, I'm just down the road aways in Montgomery. :waving:
Guess I will role call into this as well.
Mike Fust here. Wife Tami. Married for 30 years. I met her while cruising the local blvd. She was younger sister of a friend's girlfriend. Couple of years and girlfriends later we finally got together. From date one back in 83 we were a couple. She had a 68 Mustang I had a 74 Challenger. Same ones we still own. Many years and a few houses later we had our only kid. She is 16 and on a high profile school basketball team. D1 state champs the year before when a freshman.
For me, my trade is plastic injection toolmaker. Went thru the ranks of manual building. Then to CNC operating and programing. From there cad designing of the molds. Mastercam, Pro Engineer and now Solidworks. Ran the shop for 12 years but got burned out from too many hours every day because of too many duties forced on me. Abruptly walked out after 27 years. Took another for 3 years. And then... first place called me back. In my absence they realized I was an asset to them. Current new/old job is a Program Manager for all their offshore molds being produced. Less work more pay. win win.
Thanks for playing along.
Cool story.... and very cool you both still have the same car and each other. Pretty lucky guy you are.
Quote from: YellowThumper on May 31, 2017, 10:10:44 PM
Guess I will role call into this as well.
Mike Fust here. Wife Tami. Married for 30 years. I met her while cruising the local blvd. She was younger sister of a friend's girlfriend. Couple of years and girlfriends later we finally got together. From date one back in 83 we were a couple. She had a 68 Mustang I had a 74 Challenger. Same ones we still own. Many years and a few houses later we had our only kid. She is 16 and on a high profile school basketball team. D1 state champs the year before when a freshman.
For me, my trade is plastic injection toolmaker. Went thru the ranks of manual building. Then to CNC operating and programing. From there cad designing of the molds. Mastercam, Pro Engineer and now Solidworks. Ran the shop for 12 years but got burned out from too many hours every day because of too many duties forced on me. Abruptly walked out after 27 years. Took another for 3 years. And then... first place called me back. In my absence they realized I was an asset to them. Current new/old job is a Program Manager for all their offshore molds being produced. Less work more pay. win win.
Thanks for playing along.
I have to agree with Alan. It is nice to put a face to someone posting.
Guess I'm up. Shane Kelley age 51 and I have lived in Southern Illinois all my life. Been into fast cars, fast boats and high end audio equipment pretty much my whole life. I also enjoy cool signs for my shop/man cave.
I have been the Collision Center manager for the last 22 years. Bodyman/painter before that. Started out a mechanic but the need for paint and body kind of moved me to that direction in my early 20's. I just seemed to have the natural knack for it. I still restore other vehicles on the side to finance my projects. And I truly enjoy building Mopars. I have restored many other makes and models in the past but my passion is Mopars. So that's all I will be doing from now on. It just more rewarding that way. My first car in high school was a orange 69 Road Runner with a air grabber and 4 speed. Blew up plenty of motors with that one. I would work on it all week long just to street race it on the weekends. Owned a few cool Mopars in my life. My favorite motor is a 340. Great all around light weight motor with excellent power when built right. I currently have a 71 340 4 speed Cuda nearing completion and 71 340 automatic Road Runner (good 20 footer). I usually drive the RR to work a couple times a week (90mile round trip). I love driving these old cars. Currently restoring a 69 383s 4 speed Barracuda for a customer.
Been with my lovely wife Rosemary for 10 years. Have a 31 year old son from my first marriage. Live in the country and have 3 dogs (Hemi, Chief and Buddy) and a bunch of chickens.
Here is my history.
I started into Mopars with my second car, a 1972 Plymouth Satellite Custom. After seeing the movie 'Vanishing Point' (first national broadcast in 1978) I wanted one. Drool. I was working for a restaurant in Washington, and my new manager mentioned his 'baby' a 1973 Dodge Challenger, it was partly customized, the TA spoiler was blended into the body, wheel well flares molded (excellently done and the nicest I have ever seen), a small hood scoop (on a powerbulge) and a pontiac Tach on the hood, a rollbar on the inside. The car had only 18,000 miles and was cool. Drool #2. I wanted one badly. I swore that I would have one and soon.
Well, I was a senior in high school, working, bought cars and motorcycles, so getting a loan wasn't a problem. I had six loans approved, but which to get. Kompact Kar Korner (still in business) had a 70 R/T 440-six pack 4 spd, black, the 73 Rallye, Doug's Lynnwood Dodge had a 70 R/T, another 440 4BBL, 4-spd. BBC Dodge in Burien had a god awful (paint job) 70 R/T 383 4 spd, and a 74 Green 318 Auto, a private party had a 74 360 Auto. I was like a kid in a candy store, which one! Well I bought the fastest one I could, and it was the 73. OMG, that was a bullet.
I loved that car, and it was a few months after I got it, I was in the Navy (well, my last year in high school I was already in delayed entry, since I was 15, I knew I was going into the service), missed the car when I was away, used to cruise in Everett Wa, Colby Ave, Golden Gardens, Lake City, etc. Great times.
Needless to say, my girlfriend hated the Challenger, way to fast, had a lope behind the rumble, etc. Not to mention it got 6 mpg on a good day. I was also on the police radar. I was followed and watched. A lot of stories, and all true. To that end I was number 3 from Tacoma to Everett to watch out for. They had a picture of my car in every police station, and when I got home from boot camp was followed from downtown Bothell all the way home. The cop flipped on the PA and said "Hi Christensen, nice to have you home again". Another side story in a moment.
Well, with 6 months, left in the Navy, girlfriend, possibly getting married, I traded the 73 in on the 82 Challenger. Even with the car payment I was saving money. The 1982, may not get a lot of respect, but I will tell you, it's a stealth beast in it's own right. I left Fife, Washington at 9:15 am with stops for lunch and gas, I was in Treasure Island, San Francisco, at 10:07 pm, average speed 69 mph. in 1981, national speed limit was 55. The guy, who had the 1973 that was customized, we left snoqualmie falls at 5:35pm and went blasting through maple valley and were back in Lynnwood washington, parked in his driveway at 6:15 pm. Maple Valley we were doing better than 85 with the speedo buried.
Well needless to say, I got out of the Navy, broke up with the girlfriend and after a few months, wanted another Challenger, the bug bit me again, and wanting (no more like longing) to see the road from the Powerbulge hood and Rallye dash was fire in my blood. I started looking.
Working as a Correctional Officer in Monroe, Wa, I spied a Challenger in the back yard, After shift I went and spoke to the owner, and bought the car. (paperwork posted on FB). Anyways wanting to restore the car, and with little information available, I bought the dealer manuals and began decoding all parts that I could, I then got in touch with Chrysler Historical and worked with them for over 18 months going over the option codes, production figures, etc.
The main Challenger, became my Vanishing Point clone. I guess I had one of the first VP'ers in the country.
I stated E-Body Specialties, and was being contacted all across the country for parts and information, I started doing Insurance appraisals and dealers were calling me to look at their cars. With no real hard facts and only pretty pictures in magazines, I produced a book on the Barracuda and Challenger, all the option codes, production figures, misc, including the TV cars and a chapter on Vanishing Point. It was during this time I was able to get in touch with Barry Newman and ask some major questions about the movie. While everyone else was concentrating on the car, I wanted other things answered. I was writing a Vanishing Point II novel, had a story outline and partial script. Which I sent to Barry for his approval. To that end I was given all material for Vanishing Point II, and am the reason why the remake wasn't released on Nov 1995, but Jan 1996 and was called Vanishing Point, I called Fox. Letter posted on FB, etc.
This went on for a few years, I started restoring cars, buying and selling parts, connecting people and generally having a great time.
Was heavily involved with the Seattle Mopar Club, even ran into a meeting when I was back for my 20th high school reunion. (Ok, what are the odds, of being at a pizza joint (any pizza joint) the same night as a monthly MOPAR meeting! (and they say GOD has doesn't direct).
Well, after getting married, boys and their toys must at times part ways. Moving to another state, etc, life goes on.
Remember that meeting that I stumbled upon, well I must have gotten bite. Lightening struck again. We (wife and I) were at a church dinner group (Dinner for eight - 4 couples) and we drove up with my wife's Subaru. Well there it was, parked under a tree, car cover covering it up. I noticed the crease line down the trunk (you can't hide it from me, I can smell Challengers). I got out, pulled up the car cover to reveal inset rear quarter lights (it's either a 70 or 71) I called out Dick- any plans for this? He said naw, a guy offered him $1500 for it but never came through. I just about screamed, my hands were shaken. I said, 'If you want $1500, consider ii in my garage'. I went home listed an old Fireball XL5 (1960's TV show) playset and bought the Challenger. It's the green one that I posted. Well I get the car home, rip out the standard dash cluster, put in the Rallye one that I had tucked away with the Tuff steering wheel. Working in pest control, I knew some local folks, and traded some stuff for a set of road wheels for the 71. It wasn't looking bad. Got a lot of thumbs up and oh, well, it was a Challenger.
Added: As a side note. When I bought this Challenger. I drove it to my in-laws in Boise. My Mother-In-Law (MIL) asked if I had ever seen a Movie called Vanishing Point. It seems like a good friend of hers, used to date Barry Newman. I sent Barry a picture of my latest Challenger and (below) is the letter back. Edited due to personal stuff. But there from Kowalski - "Drive that Challenger", so it seems I have multiple connections to the movie 'Vanishing Point'
Then after several hard winters, no garage, not enough money to keep her up and do repairs, I sold the 71 on Ebay. It went to a guy in Indiana who was thrilled with the condition. Bought it for $1500, sold it for $4500.
With the age of unhealthy gas, etc, I have always wanted another Challenger. Name runs deep in some souls.
I started looking and by this time. the prices were like saturn V's off the launch pad, to high for me. But I found a 1982 Challenger in Lynden, Washington on craigslist. Called the guy, made the plans and flew up to buy it and drive back to Boise. I left Lynden at 10:30 an, stopped in Stanwood to see my brother, stayed for a while, had lunch with my sister in Everett, and then blasted to Boise, Idaho and was there by 10:20 pm. There was a grim from ear to ear, blasting from three states in a Challenger.
I'll attach a picture of my 1973 that the guy who bought it after I traded it in on the original 1982, had to sell it. I had caused so much trouble, that he couldn't drive it around without getting pulled over, etc. PS: I still have a warning ticket from the navy, where they clocked me coming out of a stop at 33 in a 25 mph zone.
In closing, yes, the 1973 did in fact come with the dana rearend. One time I punched it too quick and torqued the yoke, before the universal busted. The 1973 had the oats behind the wheaties.
Well, there is my life with Challengers. Glad to be here.
That's a great story Steve! Certainly you will fit right in around here! :clapping:
Thanks,
I could probably write a book of all the stuff. It has been really nice over the years with the groups.
I was on the Vanishing Point Yahoo group, I remember posting how I teared up seeing the 71 go, knowing that it might be my last one.
Thanks again.
I just added another tidbit, to my history.
Added: As a side note. When I bought this Challenger. I drove it to my in-laws in Boise. My Mother-In-Law (MIL) asked if I had ever seen a Movie called Vanishing Point. It seems like a good friend of hers, used to date Barry Newman. I sent Barry a picture of my latest Challenger and (below) is the letter back. Edited due to personal stuff. But there from Kowalski - "Drive that Challenger", so it seems I have multiple connections to the movie 'Vanishing Point'
and posted a scan of the letter.
When I was in the Navy, I had some T-shirts made of my Challenger, I'll pull it out and post it. There is also a blue T-shirt that says The Challenger Man. I'll post that also.
That letter just raised the definition bar of cool! :bravo:
Supercool story Steve!
Vanishing Point also started my interest for Challengers.
Quote from: soundcontrol on June 08, 2017, 09:50:35 AM
Supercool story Steve!
Vanishing Point also started my interest for Challengers.
That, mod squad and medical center.
Quote from: DetMatt on January 31, 2017, 03:06:27 PM
Some of you may already have seen this but my dad and I got personal for Hagerty a few years ago.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?utm_medium=email&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Hagerty+Weekly+News+05-07-2014&v=ICVFEnDIsFc&feature=youtu.be&utm_term=&utm_source=ExactTarget
:)
That's really cool that you got do that with your dad.
Quote from: cuda dad on June 10, 2017, 10:04:15 PM
Quote from: DetMatt on January 31, 2017, 03:06:27 PM
Some of you may already have seen this but my dad and I got personal for Hagerty a few years ago.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?utm_medium=email&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Hagerty+Weekly+News+05-07-2014&v=ICVFEnDIsFc&feature=youtu.be&utm_term=&utm_source=ExactTarget
:)
That's really cool that you got do that with your dad.
:iagree: Beautiful story and car! :clapping:
Hello: I am Ronald Beulke and have a 1970 440-4 speed Cuda clone...I will soon be 64 and broke my camera trying to take my picture.... My 1st car was a 1960 valiant and my favorite is the 1969 Road Runners as I remember riding my bike to the dealership to see the new cars before I could drive and they had a Hemi 4 Speed and several 440 6 Packs ...I just retired early so I will not be doing the big buck stuff that I had hoped for and want to build a cruiser... It has been sitting in my basement for 18 years as I knew I would regret selling it and it didn't eat..I am very interested in disc brake upgrade,17" wheels and tires and possible overdrive conversions and fuel injection...I love all the info here and elsewhere...Thank-You for sharing...Ronald----- :tool: :popcorn:
I still really wish I could find my dad's old Cuda. BS23H2B504792 :)
Hey all -
My name is Scott, I live in Clarkston MI with my wife and youngest daughter. We are all car nuts and I have had countless rides (too many to list off all). My current stable is my favorite:
First few pics of my Challenger, the GTX (getting ready for restoration), Grand National, wife, youngest daughter, and extended family with grand daughter, and lastly my back propery (~5 acres) with my first pole barn (34x34).
I was in the Marine Corps in the early 90's, after I got out I got into the IT field where I continue to work for a company call Citrix. I enjoy working on my cars, motorcycles, cold beer, family & friends. I love Mopars, I always have as a matter of fact the GTX that I have used to belong to a neighbor of mine when I was growing up and I had told him that if he ever wanted to sell it he should let me know... 33 years later I did it.
This is my second marriage and I inherited two wonderful kids and even got a grand daughter out of it, with 2 more on the way this year. My youngest daughter (Keelin) is 16, then we have the boy (Jesse) not pictured who is 24, and Tawnie (27). I am very proud of my family and extended family.
WOW wldgtx, that is a great story and looks like a wonderful family! I can totally see us hanging out! HEMI GTX . . . awesome! Do you go to any weekly cruise ins? I saw one on 59 I think it was Thursday at the bowling alley just past Williams Lake rd . . . looked like a cool show.
Quote from: Spikedog08 on June 22, 2017, 08:09:57 AM
WOW wldgtx, that is a great story and looks like a wonderful family! I can totally see us hanging out! HEMI GTX . . . awesome! Do you go to any weekly cruise ins? I saw one on 59 I think it was Thursday at the bowling alley just past Williams Lake rd . . . looked like a cool show.
Thank you. I would dig hanging out as well. I have not been to the car show on 59, is it every Thursday? I will have to check it out.
Thanks for sharing some photos of your cool cars and wonderful family. You are a lucky man. :twothumbsup:
Quote from: Cuda Cody on June 22, 2017, 08:45:14 AM
Thanks for sharing some photos of your cool cars and wonderful family. You are a lucky man. :twothumbsup:
Thank you, yes I am very lucky!
My hubby Tom and I have a Mopar addiction, so I guess we are co-dependant that way. We have operated 'CudaJunction for nearly 20 years.
My Mopar love started young. There was a super cool older kid in the neighborhood that had this awesome Cuda, all of us stupid young kids would hang out and ask stupid kid questions, he was kind enough to put up with us, probably because his little brother was one of the stupid young kids. We were hanging out while the cool kid was wrenching on this car. I was the lone girl in this group and asked a stupid young girl question and the boys laughed. The cool kid then asked me if I could run the gas a couple times and I about died. I slowly slid into the driver's seat, ran my hands over that steering wheel and operated the gas pedal as if my life depended on it.
Game over. I was a fan for life. That car was a 1970 440+6 Cuda auto. I had a chance to buy the car in the early 90's, but I passed and have regretted it ever since. Someday I will a 6 pack car, but maybe a 4 speed. :banana:
If you see us wandering around a show with this guy, Dodger, say hello. We have people that have seen us for years that come in looking to say hello to Dodger, then they get around to talking to us. :yes: Here he is making himself at home with some friends at a show.
And every Ford guys dog is named Shelby.
let's start it !!
my name is Lilian, French, I am 49, male and married for the third time to wonderful wife Nathalie. I have a son in law, Paul who lives in Bora-Bora (French Polynesia).
we live in France after 2 years on a French Island near NewFoundland where we got to work there. My hometown is near the Swiss border (20mn drive) and the Swiss city of Geneva.
I got in US cars when I was 11 because of a fellow neighbour who bought and drive a 79 transam black and gold.
I bought my first muscle car in 91, was a 72 challenger 318 that I kept a year before moving to mustangs. I have owned 23 69-70 mustangs sportsroof during the following 20 years and some chevys (mostly camaros and Blazers) before buying a 71 barracuda 318 that I kept 6 years and restored !!
now I am the owner of a 70 383hp cuda, a 66 fury III and half of a 70 428 mach 1 mustang (you'll see below why half)
I used to do top restoration for mustangs (and was famous for that here in France) but no more my cup of tea; I am into drivers now, Time is running so fast that I prefer to drive my cars and hang out with friends than stay alone in the garage !!
I used to work in commercial real estates but now worked on my own dealing with cars, parts and all that can be bought (sometimes repaired ) and sold !! my wife worked as a psychiatric nurse and we enjoy having quiet times, BBQ and playing with our 4 cats !! we live in a rural environment with very little noises so it is so pleasant.
I used to travel a lot, I spent the last 2 years mostly in Canada (Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia), before that I worked a lot with Asia so traveled there a few times. we visited 26 of 50 US states in the last 10 years mostly the low south half of USA. My favorite place in the US is the Pensacola area and I would give an arm to settle in Fort Walton Fl !! who needs one ?
Next trips will be in trains as we planned to go in the Orient Express to Far east and also take the train between Montreal and New York as it is said to be a wonderful trip.
but now here is my face :france: :france:
by the way, we have a large community of mopar fans here in France as they were sold new at dealerships and roadraced by an official Chrysler team in 1970 to 1972 !!
Damn... I dig that fury!
Nice story, you are 100% correct, time is like a thief in life. Either you use it up and enjoy it, or waste it and watch it fly by.
I suppose I can chime in here too...
Im Andrew Wanzer, recently turned 33, married for almost 12 years now with 2 kids. I met my wife in middle school and this coming December celebrates 20 years since we first started dating...the first time. We currently live in the panhandle of Florida and just got here from Colorado. I have a 70 Challenger R/T factory sleeper. I got the car from my dad in the form of a bribe, he bought it in 76 and went with the original owner in 69 to pick it up...so its kinda been with the family since its birth. :haha: It was my daily driver until I dropped a valve going up to Montgomery AL a couple months ago. Now Im getting ready to have some fun with her and build a stroker with a donor engine and keep the factory block stashed somewhere else.
Ive been in the Air Force for 13 years and for some dumb a$$ reason I decided that I wanted to start from the bottom again and recently got my commission and changed jobs into Aircraft Maintenance. I loved what I did and am now starting to love what I do.
Nice.
Glad you made it to the "dark side" it is a special place.
As for your wife. I have extreme regards to the woman's programs and those who work in them. Such a battle for recognition compared to the mens. I have a highschool daughter that plays. Eyeing D1 for her future in a few years.
Mike.
Lots of good stuff here. I wish everybody went by their real name though. Easier to know who is on Facebook. Hell I have friends on Facebook and don't even realize who they were on here until reading through this.
Having the facebook link under our avatars help if anyone wants to connect on facebook too. Not everyone knows you can put your facebook info in your profile here. :)
Quote from: Shane Kelley on August 12, 2017, 12:10:35 PM
Easier to know who is on Facebook. Hell I have friends on Facebook and don't even realize who they were on here until reading through this.
My name is adam harloff. from ontario, 30 years old, married to my wonderful wife nicole of 3 years (been together for 12) We have a 2 year old son that i love to death and soon (oct) be another welcomed into this world. I'm a licensed electrician and volunteer fire fighter. Mopar has always been in my familys blood. Its all my dad ever owned, its all my brother has ever owned and all i've ever owned. I don't have any black and white photos of myself standing beside a 1971 e-body or anything lol. My dad did factory order a 74 cuda 360 blue with a white stripe that my mom made him sell in 83' when they had my brother. (would love to track that car down for him). I have own 8 mopars so far (dodge, chrysler, and rams).
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUPc3OyJ.jpg&hash=b295b74a0190475591254447c0cb5e0d7bcee6b5)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FDZjiqDX.jpg&hash=b22576bbcf7d97f05ca3b544b42704f9a8a96c9a)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FiNwecVa.jpg&hash=d038accc10e3510df6088d4bbd82a3470703aeae)
My first vehicle
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FE7lZQYJ.jpg&hash=ec6a6af6f58a6d28cbad819fceb8344e39349282)
2004 Rumble bee (dunno why that is so small)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FEWK4lvs.jpg&hash=e035b821fc1e62ea427d639bb7ca45c95d7e0bd3)
2006 dodge ram srt-10
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F7lrYpBT.jpg&hash=63195183145a28a1ee5815becc73f8f02de12a96)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FYcIoRwP.jpg&hash=769a7ad7524c9f614661ce83a83a6442daa795b4)
First house with the trucks
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FHGy979l.jpg&hash=ee642939e4da3603af9d06e33beac4fb4c927334)
One of our trucks
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FLbMdFqc.jpg&hash=5180e31a941691bde7d4daf7befdb08304d06b77)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FnA4PeRV.jpg&hash=3a59f3b9295295369a50a0352e064548bf570bf9)
I recognize those 2 Rams ( 2004 Rumble Bee/2006 SRT-10 ) from the "Rumblebee.org" forum. I was a member there too "AARumbee" but the site is very quite now with little activity. I think you sold the Rumble Bee to someone out west in Alberta, but can't remember. Nice group of Mopars.
Anyways thanks for sharing and welcome!
Quote from: 700 AKN on August 31, 2017, 09:29:40 PM
I recognize those 2 Rams ( 2004 Rumble Bee/2006 SRT-10 ) from the "Rumblebee.org" forum. I was a member there too "AARumbee" but the site is very quite now with little activity. I think you sold the Rumble Bee to someone out west in Alberta, but can't remember. Nice group of Mopars.
Anyways thanks for sharing and welcome!
You are 100% correct sold it to a lady out west.
Dan from Australia age 39. Wife and 2 kids with one of our other Mopars (no pics of the family with the Challenger sorry).
i normally don't reveal personal information on the web like this but this group seems very decent.
Thanks for all the others that have shared.
That's a cool shot. That's what owning a Mopar is all about for me right there. Here's an out of focus fun shot of my Hemi Charger. We just drove it 500 miles and brought back a first place award, it was a fun family day in a rare Mopar.
Hi guys!
Peter here from Hungary.I'm 38 years old,been happily married for 7 years now.Got a 4-year-old boy and a 16-year-old step daughter.
I'm a wood industrial engineer but I've been building marquees/temporary structures for 11 years.
Travelled the world but my favorite place is The United States of America!On our honeymoon, we were there for 6 weeks and we made an oath that we will live over there.
Don't have an E-body yet.Actually tonight I just got the news that the car I was after is no longer available so back to saving more money.
However,I'm no stranger to '68-69 Chargers as those two cars that I have ever owned.My very first car was a 1969 Dodge Charger, the very first one in the country!
I got into Chargers because of Dukes of Hazard and Bullitt.Didn't know what Mopar was because over here we don't have many of them.Matter of fact there is not ONE Cuda in Hungary.There are only 3 Challengers!
In my life family comes first,no matter what,not even losing my job over it!
Also believe in having a good story in my life is important!From trying to join the French foreign legion to hunting,well was planing,crocodiles,riding bulls or running with them in Pamplona,scuba dive,sky dive,riding motorbikes,having a '68 Charger.But the best thing ever happened to me to have a son.
I also am a big believer in Karma and help who I can!
Thank you for letting me join this group!
Peter
Peter, we are lucky to have you. Thank you for joining us and sharing. Beautiful family. :welcome: :rebelflag"
I used to live/traveled there for a year in 2004-05.Been to Hawaii(Ohau),San Francisco,Palo Alto,L.A,Las Vegas,D.C,Miami, and NYC.
I love New York City.Lived in Brooklyn for 3 months just next to Prospect Park on Flatbush ave.
I don't mind where I could live there,anywhere would be great!
Would love to live/work on a horse ranch for a while but guess my wife would get bored there.Plus she is terrified of horses!
Ideally would like somewhere in a suburb or a small town because of my young boy but a big city would be cool as well.My son loved New York City when we were there in June.
I got a job offer from a company that the English company I work for bought out but the working visa is impossible to get.
So we just dream on!
Quote from: Roadman on September 09, 2017, 06:25:21 PM
Peter, we are lucky to have you. Thank you for joining us and sharing. Beautiful family. :welcome: :rebelflag"
No,thank you for having me!
You know guys have to tell you something.You Americans got a bad rep for being obnoxious,loud and rude on holidays.But I have never got so much help from anyone but you guys Americans.I know there are bad apples everywhere but everywhere I have been had no bad experience.
For our '69 Charger, we needed a lot of parts even a gas tank.So when we were on our honey moon, a well-known member of the dodgecharger.com forum offered to collect our parts at his house and when we got to New York just picked them up from him.
I was carrying the gas tank and my wife was pulling the suitcase.It was so heavy that the wheels broke off of it.She was fuming with me,heheh...Anyway, we went from Long Island to Queens where we stayed and when had to get on a bus.People saw my wife struggling with the suitcase and helped her to get it on the bus even offered their seats up.
There are so many stories when people were so kind to us that I can not tell one single bad thing that we experienced.
I know bad things happen there as well and I guess just got lucky but generally people were friendly and helpful.
When I bought my '68 Charger another forum member allowed me to keep my car at his place for 4 months and collected my parts.He packed them and believe me there were a lot of parts, you would not believe it.
Could go on and on but won't.Over here in Hungary where I live or England, where I work, is totally different!
So I'm the one that is lucky to belong to here!
Our '69 Charger.My dream was to drive her to the church on our wedding day!
What a great story Cavemanno1! Welcome to the forum to you and your family. I absolutely love your wedding picture with the Charger...just beautiful!
Thank you Rev-It-Up!
Quote from: Rev-It-Up on September 09, 2017, 08:04:32 PM
I absolutely love your wedding picture with the Charger...just beautiful!
:iagree:
Great wedding pic!
My name is Cody. I'm 25 years old from British Columbia, Canada. Grew up watching The Dukes of Hazzard and fell in love with the General Lee. My parents got me a 1969 Charger project we rescued from a field back in 1998 for Christmas when I was 6. Still have it and quite a few other cars now. Always looking to add to my collection; it's an addiction!
I'm married, have been since 2015 to the love of my life. No kids but have a dog, two cats and a bunny. Just about to start a life long career with a good friend's company inspecting wooden power poles. Super excited. In my spare time, I'm also the associate editor for Mopar Connection magazine.
Quote from: 69bronzeT5 on October 26, 2017, 07:03:11 PM
My name is Cody. I'm 25 years old from British Columbia, Canada. Grew up watching The Dukes of Hazzard and fell in love with the General Lee. My parents got me a 1969 Charger project we rescued from a field back in 1998 for Christmas when I was 6. Still have it and quite a few other cars now. Always looking to add to my collection; it's an addiction!
I'm married, have been since 2015 to the love of my life. No kids but have a dog, two cats and a bunny. Just about to start a life long career with a good friend's company inspecting wooden power poles. Super excited. In my spare time, I'm also the associate editor for Mopar Connection magazine.
:clapping: :clapping: :clapping: Great story. It is great to see young people who love these cars as much as us old folks! :haha:
Quote from: Rev-It-Up on October 30, 2017, 06:24:10 AM
Quote from: 69bronzeT5 on October 26, 2017, 07:03:11 PM
My name is Cody. I'm 25 years old from British Columbia, Canada. Grew up watching The Dukes of Hazzard and fell in love with the General Lee. My parents got me a 1969 Charger project we rescued from a field back in 1998 for Christmas when I was 6. Still have it and quite a few other cars now. Always looking to add to my collection; it's an addiction!
I'm married, have been since 2015 to the love of my life. No kids but have a dog, two cats and a bunny. Just about to start a life long career with a good friend's company inspecting wooden power poles. Super excited. In my spare time, I'm also the associate editor for Mopar Connection magazine.
:clapping: :clapping: :clapping: Great story. It is great to see young people who love these cars as much as us old folks! :haha:
Hey, who are calling old? :pokeeye:
Welcome Cody. :wave:
Quote from: blown motor on October 30, 2017, 06:50:27 AM
Quote from: Rev-It-Up on October 30, 2017, 06:24:10 AM
Quote from: 69bronzeT5 on October 26, 2017, 07:03:11 PM
My name is Cody. I'm 25 years old from British Columbia, Canada. Grew up watching The Dukes of Hazzard and fell in love with the General Lee. My parents got me a 1969 Charger project we rescued from a field back in 1998 for Christmas when I was 6. Still have it and quite a few other cars now. Always looking to add to my collection; it's an addiction!
I'm married, have been since 2015 to the love of my life. No kids but have a dog, two cats and a bunny. Just about to start a life long career with a good friend's company inspecting wooden power poles. Super excited. In my spare time, I'm also the associate editor for Mopar Connection magazine.
:clapping: :clapping: :clapping: Great story. It is great to see young people who love these cars as much as us old folks! :haha:
Hey, who are calling old? :pokeeye:
Welcome Cody. :wave:
I agree, great to see the young folks enjoying the classics! Besides, we need ANOTHER Cody around here just to confuse things.
Quote from: cavemanno1 on September 09, 2017, 07:24:11 PM
Quote from: Roadman on September 09, 2017, 06:25:21 PM
Peter, we are lucky to have you. Thank you for joining us and sharing. Beautiful family. :welcome: :rebelflag"
No,thank you for having me!
You know guys have to tell you something.You Americans got a bad rep for being obnoxious,loud and rude on holidays.But I have never got so much help from anyone but you guys Americans.I know there are bad apples everywhere but everywhere I have been had no bad experience.
For our '69 Charger, we needed a lot of parts even a gas tank.So when we were on our honey moon, a well-known member of the dodgecharger.com forum offered to collect our parts at his house and when we got to New York just picked them up from him.
I was carrying the gas tank and my wife was pulling the suitcase.It was so heavy that the wheels broke off of it.She was fuming with me,heheh...Anyway, we went from Long Island to Queens where we stayed and when had to get on a bus.People saw my wife struggling with the suitcase and helped her to get it on the bus even offered their seats up.
There are so many stories when people were so kind to us that I can not tell one single bad thing that we experienced.
I know bad things happen there as well and I guess just got lucky but generally people were friendly and helpful.
When I bought my '68 Charger another forum member allowed me to keep my car at his place for 4 months and collected my parts.He packed them and believe me there were a lot of parts, you would not believe it.
Could go on and on but won't.Over here in Hungary where I live or England, where I work, is totally different!
So I'm the one that is lucky to belong to here!
yup welcome to great site, I love your story and your Charger. Thats what I want next
Thank you everyone for the kind words :cheers:
My Name is Alan Caponigro-I am 62 years old. I worked for Island Auto Chysler/Plymouth in Scranton PA. from 1974 to 1977. Got hooked on Mopars when I was 13 when my brother bought a 64 Sport Fury with a 413. My 1st car was a 64 Belvedere 2-dr post that my father gave me at 16 years old. I grew up around-GTX's--Road Runner--Cuda-Challenger--Duster-Superbirds. They all just littered the car lots in Scranton PA. Bought my first Hi-Po Mopar in 1973 At 18 years old. A ZZ1 1967 GTX-440 Console Auto. Street raced that for 2 years and then put it on the strip for 3 years then back to street-sold it in 1980. Opened up a 1 hr Photo Studio in 1985 and my own Karate Studio in 1986. I received my 5th degree Master Instructor rank in 1997. Married to my first and only wife Colleen in 1989. She is the best. We have no children ( by choice) -Love Chocolate Labs-had 2 so far. Been to every Carlisle from the beginning 1990-91 ? up until 2002 which was the first and only national all Mopar Show I entered our 70 Challenger R/T Convertible which took 1st place in Light modified and a Celebrity Pick from Rich McCrillis. Moved to Summerville South Carolina in October 2002. I am a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. I started working my present job at Anchor Sign Inc. in Nov.2003. WE are one of the largest sign Co. in the country doing signs for CVS-Dollar Tree-Pizza Hut-Krispy Kream Donuts-Tim Hortens-Jason Deli and many many more. I ran the graphics dept there for 8 years and now run the Digital Print Center. I have own over 70 cars in my lifetime and 4 motocycles-all Motocross bikes-I use to race back in the late 70's early 80. Currently beside our JS27 we own a 67 GTX. We have owned a bunch of Mopars in the past. Also love Photography and a very strong 2nd Amendment supporter.
Here you go Cody :
The first one is Rocky who we lost 2 years ago to Cancer (Lymphfoma). He was diagnosied at 9 years old and we did the whole Chemo route and was able to keep him with us for another 17 months. The second Gray faces lab is Samurai. He was out first and we had to put him down in 2003- he was 12 but had bad hips and his eyes-ears and kidneys all started going at the same .time. Both of these guys were GREAT LABS.
Great to see you over here to Alan! :wave:
Do you have any photos of your labs?
Here you go Cody I added then to my original post.
JS27
The original aborigines in Australia believe that none of life's wisdom is revealed to us until beyond 50 years old.
Nah: I'm past 60 and no brains yet.
Hi, name is Pat. Just joined up this morning. I bought a lightly used 72 Challenger in 1973, my junior year of high school. I'd been working pretty much since I was 15 and I figured $93 bucks for a car payment wasn't too bad. One of the few students in the school who had a car. In the attached picture I'm standing right after high school graduation next to the car. This was in late May of 1974. Location in once was a boom town known as Craig, Colorado.
I went to college that fall. I didn't want to go but people with more say than I saw to it that I went to school. I ended up loosing the car, but that is another story.
Picture is a bit blurry but it is a scan of 43 year old picture! It was a Rallye car with a 340 four barrel, column shift and a front bench seat. Gave me a taste for fast cars.
After I dropped out of college I bought a 1973 Satellite Sebring Plus and then moved on to such other cars as a 1977 Camaro RS with the blackout hood, then a 1978 Pontiac Trans am with the full "Solar Gold" package with a TA 6.6, then an 82 and 83 Trans Am. The 83 was a pace car edition. Later on I switched to a Nissan 300 ZX and then a 96 twin turbo 300 zx that I modified and was scary fast. Then I switched to fast boats for several years.
Sold my boat, a 25' Nordic Rage with a 496 Mag HO that I installed a Whipple supercharger on . . . . . . and so I decided I needed another project. So now my 72 Challenger is in the works.
Thanx for reading.
Welcome back to your roots PatO! Great choice for a project.
Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Take full advantage of this sites vast knowledge base.
I introduced myself in the newbie area when I first became in the hunt for an e-body. Haven't really posted much since I haven't found "the one" yet, but I do read here just about everyday. I am in still in the hunt for the right car, but I'm not aggressively seeking one like I did when he bug first bit. After learning a lot here and seeing what's out there, I became concerned that my "need" to "have on NOW" would cause me to make a huge mistake. So now, I've relaxed on the hunt and am slowly but surely building my knowledge and refining what I really want in a classic car. I've expanded my hunt to more than just e-bodies, but still all Mopar.
Anyway, thought I would tell more about myself in this thread.
For a living, I am the operations manager for Beaver Valley Power Station (nuclear) Unit 2 which is about 30 miles NW of Pittsburgh. I love my job, but it can be quite stressful at times, but I enjoy the challenge. I am also a 9.5 year Navy vet, served on submarines and worked in the engine-room.
For hobbies, hiking and backpacking are my passion, I'm a season ticket holder for the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Benedum center Broadway shows, home theater, cooking, firearms/shooting, computers, and of course, cars.
I bought a house, after first joining here, with about 1 acre of land and great garage space..., from another Mopar guy. I'm probably going to build more garage space.
Here's some pictures of the house and hobbies.
House, garage space and driveway were big pluses for me. :D
(https://s20.postimg.org/47xydiuq5/b503e56e66f4e625f52dd62466e19b66l-m2xd-w1020_h77.jpg)
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/20024178_10213241702178272_1466204330227607962_o.jpg?oh=1b35ca28334f6f023e6304dc47f421e1&oe=5AE88B7A)
An older picture of one of the control rooms of my power plant.
(https://s20.postimg.org/qxkl5s7yl/1-061010154849_zpsb50c7cde.jpg)
Recently build a new computer. Intel i7 8700K running at 5.2ghz!
(https://s20.postimg.org/b8y28j7wt/IMG_20171128_202938.jpg)
Took a Bondurant High Performance 2 day driving class to learn how to better handle my modern Challenger. Here's me hitting the apex.
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/19222643_10212922366875089_7981065595383061205_o.jpg?oh=92df87acfc45c0bccdd8f229d1170316&oe=5AEE58F7)
Any my FC7 Challenger SRT.
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17884383_10212235210696614_7811171900851056121_n.jpg?oh=e7444ec34525994dcfccee178615e83a&oe=5AB728DC)
Next to a BMW M2. I've actually been considering one of these as well.
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/14310326_10210157764961769_3854026384386937432_o.jpg?oh=43762b4408fd8f522bfea40f8eab19aa&oe=5AFF3CC9)
Backpacking with my 16 year old nephew. His tent on left, my hammock setup on right.
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/19800576_10213129486292945_4477594199714391944_o.jpg?oh=5f568eb4fbb9d01a58ec86be4842e048&oe=5AF12722)
It was his first time and here he is setting up his first tent, while I coach and criticize from the comfort of my hammock. :D
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19702334_10213114380635313_4502148500842687484_n.jpg?oh=46653743b8b86c0ad2be78905c0e3ba1&oe=5ABD58DB)
Somewhere in the Mediterranean in 2003.
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/2254_1097896408790_7859_n.jpg?oh=bf085ae3d1b2ce49f488943f8d07e3c6&oe=5AB7E6EE)
Symphony.
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17388916_10212007054272846_491465024465560775_o.jpg?oh=3fea93788f67f5b0e433b82324218b0e&oe=5AFE3411)
Benedum center.
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16806951_10211800065538257_8125993213091555944_n.jpg?oh=418c3d6c6cdd2dae7a1b7fa02dae59d8&oe=5AF084F5)
Oh, and I forgot to mention that now that I have land, I've gotten into having a tractor. :D
(https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/25075081_10214465655816348_2583045202782583358_o.jpg?oh=34397a27e198bd0d075f4d4b37af7a59&oe=5AF7E7C3)
Great story JustinHEMI! House looks great! Wish I had that much garage space! The picture of work looks intimidating . . Damn that’s a lot of gauges!
I wish you luck searching for your hot rod! Certainly post your wants in the cars wanted\for sale area! Many cars change hands around here so good luck! Plus then we know what you are searching for!
:wave:
Cool house!
I read "built a new computer" and connected that with the powerplant picture, I thought whaaat??? :)
My name is Bruce. Born and raised in Troy, NY. Chemical Engineer from RPI. Global color technology manager for a major engineering plastics company. I'll be 60 in 2018 and will likely retire in 2 years. Been married 32 years, have a daughter and son, and a grand son and grand daughter. Cancer survivor 6 years this month.
First car was a 1965 Dodge Coronet in 1976. Second car was a '74 Gold Duster. Painted it black, dyed the vinyl roof black, had fender flares made and put N50-14's on the rear. My buddy had a '72 Dart also painted black. Nothing cool after that until that same buddy and I got the bug about 7 years ago. Went to my first Mecum auction with him in Indy. Didn't buy anything but 2 months later he finds a '71 Challenger survivor in Vermont. I was torn between a 'cuda or Challenger. One of my business trips to Detroit went to the Chrysler Museum when it was open to the public. In Walt's garage in the basement, there was a '70 cuda' nose-to-nose to a '70 Challenger. That decided it for me -- liked the stance of the 'cuda better. Found a 70 'cuda on Craigslist in SF area and bought, and have enjoyed it ever since. Since she was a '70 from the SF bay area, named her Gracie after Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane.
As we get ready for retirement, instead of downsizing, went from a 1/3 acre sub-division lot to buying 41 acres where we would build our retirement house. First thing I had built was a 40x60 pole barn with a 10' porch and 10x30 shed on the front to house Gracie. Designed the house myself and worked with a local custom builder. 2,400 sq.ft ranch with full basement. All 36" interior doors and one handicap access shower just planning ahead.
For my retirement project, decided I wanted a '69 Roadrunner to restore. Figured I would buy on close to retirement (2018/2020). But of course, at 2016 Carlisle, saw a Roadrunner that was an interesting buy. Since I wasn't really wanting to buy, hadn't researched prices or availability. Back at the hotel that night, did some searching on Craigslist and eBay. Don't I find on eBay a '69 Roadrunner, 383 4 spd, numbers matching, fully complete, fully documented with bill of sale, window sticker, fender tag, located in Burlington, KY (20 minutes from my house back home!). Contact the seller through eBay, tell him I'm very interested, but won't be back in KY until Thursday (auction ends Tuesday). He sends his phone number, talk to him, he's not the owner but selling for an older guy he met at a car show that doesn't do eBay. They put the reserve at $20K, so no risk that the car would sell. Just feeling out the value. Told him I would be there Thursday to look at it. Ask the guy what he does. Other than restoring Mopars (doing his 2nd '68 Superbee), he is the building inspector for he county. Asked him if he knew that new house on 41 acres that my builder built. He did and was one of the inspectors! Small world. Had to buy the RR. Will sit until I retire. She was originally from a dealership in Flint, MI, so named her Gladys of Gladys Knight and the Pips.
Some pics to follow including the grand kids and Toby the poodle:
Sweet story! Home looks beautiful! And nice collection of bass guitars! Glad you shared your story and hope retirement treats you well!
:twothumbsup:
Thanks for the story. Small world indeed!
Boy, am I ever jealous! LOL You've got it all happening, so good luck with the restorations and congrats on some nice cars, too! :wave:
OK guys here goes. Name is Bill. Wife is Barbara. Both born in the first half of the last century (gosh, that sounds awful). Native West Virginians. High school sweethearts and still in love today. Started college after high school until Uncle Sam called. Got married. Moved to Richmond, Va. for a job. Came back to WV when another job was available. Worked for the Power Company at their newest generation facility for 36 years. Was an Outage Coordinator responsible for hundreds of contract folks doing the repair/maintenance work. Retired in 2008. Have one grown daughter and am very proud of her. Honor student at West Virginia Weslyan. Got her Executive Business MBA from WVU and she and her husband now own the Miracle Ear franchise from Southern WV to South Western Pa. Have one three year old Grand Daughter and another little lady due this coming March.
First car was a '58 Volkswagen. Painted it bright Orange--J.C. Whitney provided some spray dye for the door panels and some Walnut dash knobs. So cool. I even reversed the rear wheels to present a wider stance. Tires stuck out under the wheel well opening and would rub the lip just enought to "chirp" when you banged the gear just right. Cold as he!! in the winter. Had a long handled scraper to clear the windshield (inside and out). Vacuum wipers you know. First real car was a 1968 Firebird--green with pale green vinyl top--white inerior--350 2bbl--floor shifted power glide. Wife got hit--totaled. Next was a '70 1/2 Z-28--loved that car. Gas crunch--traded for a Datsun pickup--YES, I KNOW!!!! Saw "The California Kid" and started my search for a '34 Ford. Seven years later I drove my Red '34 with Gold Ghost flames to my first cruise. 350 SB -350 Turbo - 10 bolt posi. Next was a '37 Chevy 2-dr sedan made in the traditional Street Rod fashion. Next was my '70 Challenger 440 Six-Pack. Acquired as a basket case with fender tag and Build Sheet. Original FC7 but had been painted some dumb brown color. Stripped to bare metal and restored to as original condition as I could. Sold it last Fall to a guy who had more money than sense and went out a bought a 2017 Challenger R/T Scatpack, Shaker in Green Go ( I will always refer to this color as Sublime--I don't care what you say!!). Spend my spare time cutting firewood, wood working and running my equipment on my property. New Holland LX 485 Skid Steer, 1150C Case Track Loader, Kubota B7610 Tractor and my Mahindra Max 24 Backhoe. Thanks for the opportunity to share my life with like minded people.
Great story Bill! Sounds like you have owed some cool cars! Hope life is treating you well! :wave:
You have to watch what you post because the government keeps attrack of everything you do, say, and own.
Quote from: ZEN357 on April 10, 2018, 04:30:39 AM
You have to watch what you post because the government keeps attrack of everything you do, say, and own.
I hope so because they are going to be pretty freakin' bored watching me.
Hello everyone, by this time you know me or seen my post. I just wanted to say that my granddaughter will turn 1 next month, AND guess what????? My son just informed me yesterday that I will be a grandpa again. :woohoo:
But my name is Tim , married my high school sweet heart in 1976, Been in the textile industry all my life making elastic. Its the kind of job no one ever thinks about but darn glad someone does it.( Holds up your drawers) I am a Technical Manager, and since 2008 I have worked all over the world, training setting up plants and doing plant evaluations . Not the most elaborate job in the world but it fed the family and allowed me to buy my ebody.
Soon I am going to be posting a video of the type of machines I work with, and I am designing a program where the machine will weave the side view of a ebody. Just something I wanted to do. Just imagine 500 separate ends of yarn moving all at one time and a computer program to weave in any name or figure you desire. Will post pictures later.
Tim
Congrats on the grandkids Tim.
I still can't figure out how those weaving machines work getting colors in the right place and not unraveling. , have watch How it Works and all,l.
Please post , would be interesting to see the machine in action.
Really interesting stories. We go through our lives doing a lot of the same stuff everyday not thinking anything of it. However other people are doing different stuff but with the same goals in mind.
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on April 19, 2018, 07:25:17 PM
Really interesting stories. We go through our lives doing a lot of the same stuff everyday not thinking anything of it. However other people are doing different stuff but with the same goals in mind.
Yea like when my goal is to make it rich. so I work hard everyday, when other people with the same goal, just rob a bank ! :veryexcited:
Alan: You get to my age and your only goal is to live to get up the next day.
Very funny!!! Love the story!!!
Page 13 seems appropriate
Well lets see if I can keep some sort of positive spin on this ....
I am 58 married once at 50 / separated 4.5 years later, devastating mistake :Thud:
I was born with a Snap On wrench in my hand
My passion is cars / Mopars , I have owned over 100 Mopars now
I love music but cannot play , I have other interests but nothing seems to stick .
Just building & racing cars . All I have done is study & practice building engines & cars the best i can , I am obsessed with performance , nothing can be left stock even if it looks that way .
My life has been committed to building cars for people & will continue to be my commitment as long as I live .
I have no kids or family other than my adopted family of Mopar people !
I moved to Panama 7+ years ago as I could not afford both rent & food in Canaduh .
I am wiped out financially for the 5th time in my life right now & I am not even trying to rebuild this time . No goals left .
I own a 06 Caravan & a 06 Cummins for work & my Chall is safe , tools & clothes , nothing else .
My quality of life is only about 1000x better here in Panama & I appreciate every day here & good food is affordable .
There are maybe 12 Mopar Muscle cars in all of Panama if you include a 318 Coronet & a slant 6 Demon , so nothing to work on .
I have my health & friends & Christ what more do I need ?
Pucture Shot by my Friend Melanie last year at Carlisle
Good luck there in panama, sound like your a real mopar man, I was in panama several times with the army. It was kind of a bad time for me, this was in the 90s, but would like to go back for a visit :unitedstates:
Panama has been the best change I have made in my life just the lack of Mopars as a downside .
:wrenching: Well I am in, my name is Angelo been married 14yrs no kids except for our German Shepard and Parrot. Got fascinated with e-bodies when I saw a wrecked and stripped black cars quarter panel sticking out of the tall grass that had the letters AAR on it, I was about 12 years old and being hooked on cars ( Thanks to Hot Wheels ) I was wondering what AAR stood for? Did my research and found out about Trans-Am racing and All American Racers then saw Vanishing Point and that was it. Owned a 69 Charger, now own a 71 Cuda that I found in Puerto Rico while stationed there. Have her in the states being restored in Texas. I am currently in the Army soon retiring hanging up the boots after 21 years.
Welcome aboard.
Boots off, kick your feet up and enjoy the great people who make this site.
Wow what a diverse group of people we have here :) This is awesome, glad I found this thread.. So here goes..
My name is Alan, AKA LedPhoot.. You can guess how I got that nickname, it was bestowed upon me by a group of friends for driving whatever car I was in as fast as possible all the time. Even at 48 years old I can still get a bit nutty. I currently commute in a Chevy Bolt (please forgive me, but it costs $2 a day round trip to work) and I was able to shock the hell out of a guy in an AutoX'ed out Miata on Bear Creek Road the other day when we got to the stop sign at highway 9 he pulled up and went "Holy crap you drive the F*ing shit out of that thing" I smiled and said Thanks, that was a lot of fun and drove off.. Anyway... I am married to my best friend Suzie, we have two kids and a grand daughter now :) as well as two awesome dogs. We live in the Santa Cruz mountains and we have a ranch out in Escalon as well. Motorized vehicles have been a big part of my life, I am the youngest of six and with four older brothers growing up in the 80's I got to see and drive a LOT of muscle cars. I learned to drive stick in my brother's '73 Cuda, which is my current project. My first car was a '70 Cobra Torino, some other notables were a 74 Challenger, a '67 El Camino, a '83 Turbo 280ZX, '73 Challenger which I traded to my brother for the '73 Cuda I learned to drive in. I work in information technology with 29 years of experience now as I enter in to management. I am also in to Harleys and quad runners. If I had the time I'd like to have snowmobiles and boats too.. I love things with motors :D
The '73 Challenger I had and the '73 Cuda had been sitting untouched for almost 15 years. My Challenger was very close to a complete drivable car and the Cuda was a very nice shell. My brother started talking about selling the Cuda and I couldn't bear to see that car leave so I worked a deal with him for my Challenger that I have owned since '95 and that rekindled the fire / passion for these old cars. The Challenger is registered and running / driving now, only a couple months after we started. The final touch for that car is to go to the exhaust shop and that's it.. My brother can then decide if he wants to keep or sell it.. If he decides to sell it I will probably find a way to scrape together the money and buy it from him as well ;) The Cuda is well underway, the drivetrain is completely done, currently working on wiring / fuel lines / brake lines etc.
This site, all of you, have been VERY helpful, great advice and TONS of inspiration. Thank you all for being here and providing your support.
Quote from: Chryco Psycho on July 09, 2018, 05:24:33 PM
Panama has been the best change I have made in my life just the lack of Mopars as a downside .
You could start a Mopar import business :twothumbsup:
True , need cash flow though
I will start out by saying..Glad I found this site.. So many nice cars that I had no idea were even still out there..Drifted away from the car scene many years ago....
My name is Eric Smith, Age 59 and it is showing, been married to my lovely bride Becky for 31yrs and have 3 sons, now 30,28, and 26.. All great kids and have never given us any problems..
BTW. met my bride at the Daytona 500 infield in 1984...That is a story in itself...
Work: I am a Plumbing Contractor and will never retire..
My forum name CNUMB is a nickname given to me by my friends when we tournament fished for 10yrs.. Team Comfortably Numb, yea, sure you guessed a huge Pink Floyd fan.. We were a family team, Fished SKA in the southeast US.. now retired from that..
Anyway fell in love with Mopars back in the mid seventies, owned a 74 Challenger from 75 to 83, still wish I had her, have had many Dodge trucks and vans thru out the year.. Currently have a 2015 Ram 2500 crewcab Hemi as my daily driver..
Once you own one of those Challengers you never forget, so back in 2014 I started driving my wife somewhat crazy by looking at 1970-74 Challengers.. Spent 3 yrs looking and looking, just could not find anything worth pulling the trigger under 50K..and of course the wife's approval... So last October I told her I give up, I will probably just die an angry old man with no toys.. 2 weeks later my dealer I buy my work vehicles called to tell me about this new 2018 Challenger RT with 6 speed manual just showed up.. Well I told the wife time for a 106mile trip to my nice dodge dealership.. The car came back home with me that evening..I just drive it here and there to car shows... Now I am beginning my search for a 71 again ...Now that I found this site and what some of you can do with a trailer of parts and a car that looks like it is on its last set of rubber, I will need to start saving a few $$$$$.. Some of you all's work is Amazing!!!!
The first pic is a family pic from 1993, one of my favorites, a recent pic of me and the wife , the 74 I had, one of our best tournaments in Key West, and a car show the beginning of August with the 18 RT
Look forward to meeting some of you one day...
Welcome in and thanks for the info.
Nice color on the 74. Looks familiar.
Mine started life flat hooded also.
Quote from: CNUMB on August 20, 2018, 01:32:59 PM
Anyway fell in love with Mopars back in the mid seventies, owned a 74 Challenger from 75 to 83, still wish I had her, have had many Dodge trucks and vans thru out the year.. Currently have a 2015 Ram 2500 crewcab Hemi as my daily driver..
Once you own one of those Challengers you never forget, so back in 2014 I started driving my wife somewhat crazy by looking at 1970-74 Challengers.. Spent 3 yrs looking and looking, just could not find anything worth pulling the trigger under 50K..and of course the wife's approval... So last October I told her I give up, I will probably just die an angry old man with no toys.. 2 weeks later my dealer I buy my work vehicles called to tell me about this new 2018 Challenger RT with 6 speed manual just showed up.. Well I told the wife time for a 106mile trip to my nice dodge dealership.. The car came back home with me that evening..I just drive it here and there to car shows... Now I am beginning my search for a 71 again ...Now that I found this site and what some of you can do with a trailer of parts and a car that looks like it is on its last set of rubber, I will need to start saving a few $$$$$.. Some of you all's work is Amazing!!!!
Look forward to meeting some of you one day...
Ahh, many of us know the pain of Challengeritis. It gets in the blood and never leaves.
I have to ask, how much are you loving that active exhaust on your 2018? Back in 2016, it wasn't available on anything less than a 6.4 liter engine.
Wow some cool stories since my last visit here! Welcome to all! Please note everyone is welcome at our club meet in Carlisle PA at the MOPAR show! There is a countdown to our annual meet on the front page! It's a good chance to meet some of the great members here and attend the best MOPAR show out there anywhere! Please put it in your calendars and plan to attend!
:yes:
My insurance would consider that collision. Prepare for the deductible. Aka, not worth it.
PDR does magic and probably around $100 you can get it resolved.
First me. I'm a retired IT manager/IT instructor/systems analyst. Grew up in Western Pa, and then moved to NC in 2012. Been married to my loving wife Cyndi for 44 yrs, and have 3 grandchildren that i'm close too. Living off of mostly just SS and a small IRA. So, i have to be careful with my money.
I grew up with my Dad always owning Mopars. Learned to drive in a 60 Dart Pioneer 318 poly, torqueflite, and manual everything. It ran well. Probably thats where my Mopar love came from. Back then most families had full size cars with a base V*, and the 318 Poly easily outperformed a 283 chevy with powerglide, or a Ford Galaxie with 289.
While a senior in HS, the 66 Charger came out, and local dealer had a red one with a Hemi in it !! I stood in the showroom with a buddy falling in love and said some day, ill own one of these !
Then my first new car was a 1970 Challenger, slant 6, 3 sp manual, with PS...and bare bones. Loved that car, even tho it was cursed... Two ridiculous accidents in first two years of ownership. First, while sitting at a gas pump, was hit on rear side... Then while driving home one day from work, a 17 yr old with first day of his license, turned left from right hand only turn lane right in front of me. There went the front end. So traded it in later that summer on a new 72 Charger 318, auto with air. Loved that car also, but i put 60K on it in two years and so traded it. Wish i still had that one as well.
Many years later decided to get into a classic car and found on Ebay a 66 Charger 383 auto.. i didn't win the bid. Two weeks later was contacted by the seller, who said she refused to sell the car to the winner, as he showed up with a truck and 3 buddys and was going to strip the car and sell for parts. She backed out, and contacted me. Ended up getting it for $2,000. Car was complete but with tons of rust. I remember when i started to tear it down, finding a street sign under the drivers carpeting, covering up the large rust hole in the floor. But, with the wife's help did a "drivers" restore on it doing all of the work myself, except for overhauling the 727, and the final paint job. No it wasnt a Hemi, but, a lively 383 4V. One love down, one to go.
Then, in 2015 i came across a 74 Challenger on craigslist. Owner had invested around $12-$14K in it but had to sell as he lost his job. He had it partially torn down for rebuild. He wanted $9k.. i Bought it for $5K and i spent the next 2 years restoring it... Doing all of the work myself including overhauling the 904 Torqueflite, but the final color and clear coat i had professionally done. Then, i blew the built 360, and redid it with salvage yard block and made a 408 stroker. Right now i'm finishing overhauling an A518 and getting everything ready to put it in.
My name's Mark and I'm 47 and live in the UK.
I'm married to my lovely Wife Tamsin and have 3 kids, Maddy 21, Amelia 14 and Henry 12.
I design furniture for a living. My first proper job was working for the Sultan of Brunei running the design team and living in Borneo for a couple of years. I designed furniture for his palaces in Brunei, Las Vegas, London and a couple of other places.
Then I moved back to the UK and worked for the Queen's Nephew, David Linley for 15 years as Head of Design. I now work for a competitive company to Linley.
I've played guitar most of my life and still try to play as much as I can.
And I've been a car nut my whole life. I used to own a Lotus Esprit Turbo for 15 years and loved it. And also a 1972 Mustang Convertible for a couple of years which was great fun, but sold it to buy a 1969 Mach 1, which I've kept.
I bought the Challenger a couple of years ago and am enjoying that massively! I used to have a Hot Wheels Dixie Challenger as a kid and have wanted one ever since.
The Challenger is one hell of a car, goes like stink and looks just great.
Thanks for reading :)
I know it's quite old, but just seeing this thread and love it. So here's me:
My name is Rick Baker and I have a 70 Challenger Convertible (duh). I live in Houston TX, moved here in 1991 from Tulsa OK. I just retired last year (yes in the middle of a pandemic) and now split my time between car, yard/house work, and doing mission work with my Church.
I've been in to Mopars since 1973 when I bought a 69 Bronze Satellite my senior year of high school. I stuck with B-bodies for quite a while and drag raced several GTX's and even a '76 Volare RoadRunner. I bought a 70 Challenger RT off the back lot of dealership (they practically gave it to me as it barely ran) and have been E-bodies ever since. I've had several but now just have my Blue convertible which I also rescued, from a back yard in about '89. It's just a driver and not a show car. I go to some local meets and around town as much as possible.
This pic is my wife Beth and I about a year ago doing a drive-by birthday party for a kid we know. Blasting tunes!
I've been on this site for a few years, just now seeing this thread.
May of 1970, myself and mom (dad didn't drive) went up the Decarie expressway in Montreal to pick up the new car she ordered, a 1970 318 purple Duster. On the lot was a new model that I had never seen before. Back then, 5 year olds could easily be car aficionados with so much diversity (and colours) between models. This was a new one - It was called a Barracuda. Love at first site. it became my obsession, cutting pics from magazines, drawing it best I could. I yearned for one, hoping that they would still be around when I was old enough to buy a car. I was afraid that they would non existent when I got older (the naivety of the young brain).
I finally purchased my first car crush in 2017.
Pic of me and me other girl, 1965 Mustang fastback.
This is a great thread to bring back...Hopefully more people will join in, or even update their status... :drinkingbud:
Real name is Dave, I'm 46 , married for 24 years with two kids. 18 yo son and 16 yo daughter. Also like a lot on here we have 2 cats and 2 dogs all from local shelters...
Grew up in a rural area with tractors and equipment to fool with. Graduated to several off road bikes throughout my teens and early 20's. Some off road Jeeps as well... Mopar family as Pop has a '57 Royal and owned a 68 Charger and a Ramcharger along with some uncles that had GTX's and Sport Fury's back in the day..
Went to the local votech school for auto mechanics in high school and worked at a couple of Dodge dealers and an independent shop till I started working as a professional firefighter in 2000. Still worked part time at shop on my days off for years. 5 years ago moved to manage our fleet of equipment and now oversee almost 200 pieces of fire equipment and several people. Also responsible for the design and purchase of new apparatus.
Had a '74 Barracuda as my first car. Modified that into a '90's street machine with a 383, flow masters etc.. had a '73 Sport Satellite as a driver and then bought my Challenger in '93 as an somewhat unfinished ride. Been working with, cruising and enjoying that one since then.
I don't think I did this when I joined up so better late than never.
Real name is Jacob, live on the MD/WV line and only 10 mins from PA. Grew up loving NASCAR or basically any other type of fast car. Was raised to love Fords since my Dad is a diehard Ford guy haha. Ice hockey and baseball were my sports growing up.
Had cancer at the age of 13 that was inoperable, so Chemo and radiation to beat that which I still walk with a limp (gangster walk)
Ive been married (for a year), divorced, Work in corrections teaching inmates how to cook and work in an industrial sized kitchen so they will have a job skill when released. Have been doing that since I was 20 I'm now 34 as of two weeks from now.
Currently dating a girl whose I've known basically my whole life. She has two kids who I adore and trying to be a great role model to the little boy and steer him towards old school Muscle cars ;-)
So you don't play pool ? :haha: :haha: :haha:
Quote from: anlauto on July 09, 2021, 04:37:36 AM
So you don't play pool ? :haha: :haha: :haha:
Oh man I forgot about that one haha :crazytalk:
Quote from: Poolshark314 on July 09, 2021, 06:04:21 AM
Quote from: anlauto on July 09, 2021, 04:37:36 AM
So you don't play pool ? :haha: :haha: :haha:
Oh man I forgot about that one haha :crazytalk:
What part of Maryland?!
Quote from: Rdchallenger on July 09, 2021, 07:19:08 AM
Quote from: Poolshark314 on July 09, 2021, 06:04:21 AM
Quote from: anlauto on July 09, 2021, 04:37:36 AM
So you don't play pool ? :haha: :haha: :haha:
Oh man I forgot about that one haha :crazytalk:
What part of Maryland?!
Montgomery County but I heard there is a show coming up at Cushwa I would be interested in if you were going
Quote from: Poolshark314 on July 09, 2021, 04:35:30 PM
Quote from: Rdchallenger on July 09, 2021, 07:19:08 AM
Quote from: Poolshark314 on July 09, 2021, 06:04:21 AM
Quote from: anlauto on July 09, 2021, 04:37:36 AM
So you don't play pool ? :haha: :haha: :haha:
Oh man I forgot about that one haha :crazytalk:
What part of Maryland?!
Montgomery County but I heard there is a show coming up at Cushwa I would be interested in if you were going
You picture reminded me of Dee Creek Lake I thought you may have been closer to my area haha
Quote from: Rdchallenger on July 09, 2021, 05:31:54 PM
Quote from: Poolshark314 on July 09, 2021, 04:35:30 PM
Quote from: Rdchallenger on July 09, 2021, 07:19:08 AM
Quote from: Poolshark314 on July 09, 2021, 06:04:21 AM
Quote from: anlauto on July 09, 2021, 04:37:36 AM
So you don't play pool ? :haha: :haha: :haha:
Oh man I forgot about that one haha :crazytalk:
What part of Maryland?!
Montgomery County but I heard there is a show coming up at Cushwa I would be interested in if you were going
You picture reminded me of Dee Creek Lake I thought you may have been closer to my area haha
Haha not Deep Creek but I do go there
I dont post much but i like this thread.
I live in Alaska working for the same airline for the past 23 years and I have always owned a Mopar. I am currently restoring a 70 Gran Coupe that i am hoping to complete it by next summer
just a few photos with some of my cars . the last photo I'm on the right with my twin brother and Tom Kotter (barnhunter from Hagerty) in the middle, we meet him at Hershey two years ago. great guy to talk to. very down to earth.
John, it's been years...give me a call! T/A Rick
Wow...great to see this thread make it back to the top....you want to get a kick out of it, start reading from page 1 a lot has changed for some people....I can't believe how young my kids look in the picture I posted... :rubeyes:
@anlauto (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/anlauto_19) I did exactly what you suggested and read these from the beginning - very cool thread! and ANAL Auto.... :haha: dying with that one
Chris, married 14 years this July (round 2), 3 kids: 20, 13 and 12 (boy, boy, girl). Been in SoCal since 1990 although if I could I would crowbar my wife out of here for NC.... My dad was a 50s hot rodder in his youth - fat fendered cars all the way. He bought an all original '40 Tudor Sedan in 1958 for $150 and promptly swapped the flathead for a 305 Chevy with 6 Stromberg deuces, had his friend Eddie paint over the Ford green with an Oldsmobile color called Hondouras Maroon.
My brother (6 years older) was really sick when he was around 13, and to take his mind off of his illness, my Dad pulled the old '40 out of the barn and they went about rebuilding it. I followed them around an old warehouse where the car was worked on for hours on end. When the new uncorked 350 Chevy was fired off for the first time that was it for me - bled gasoline from about 10 years old on. My dad didn't think the '40 was a reliable enough, so he picked up a '69 340 4spd Formula S Barracuda for my brother as a daily driver. It had mags on it, fat rear tires, a mean rake and did the best burn outs I had ever seen (what did I know but I thought it was COOL!). He swapped that one out for a '69 440-6 Charger which I eventually inherited for a while - that car was awesome - Dukes of Hazard all the way. My brother and I spent the next 10 years swapping cars, combing the Auto Trader and looking at possible new toys - Mopars, Chevy's Fords - it didn't matter. Good fun that kept us out of trouble.
I had a small car audio shop for a while, turned that into a home audio business and then residential remodels (kitchen / bath / home theater) met my current wife, had kids and decided I needed more stability in my income as I was not disciplined enough to put away for the slow months - too many toys to be had. Started working in commercial construction and have spent the last 12 years managing massive construction projects (think LAX Airport). Currently working for a global contractor and don't think I will change again or retire if I can help it.
I've had over 70 cars and motorcycles (excluding recreational vehicles) - from a 1982 Chevy Cavalier Sedan that I traded a set of rims for (because why not) to an F250 Super Duty SEMA show truck that was my daily driver, '65 Mustang K Code Fastback which I miss - I appreciate them all.
Dad turned 80 this past December, married to my mom 59 years this year! He spent his whole life working and providing for his family (his parents, my moms parents, 4 kids, grand kids). Even though he still has a passion for cars, he is not motivated to really pursue anything at this stage of his life. I turned 50 last December and I told my wife if not now, then when? Midlife crisis in full swing!! I didn't want to wake up 80 years old and say "I wish I would have" so I pulled the trigger on a '70 Cuda and it has been a blast - thank you to everyone here, having the time of my life and my 13 yo son has decided its MOPAR or No Car and a '70 'Cuda is the best one ever. He is helping turn the wrenches and hunt down parts which has been a joy. Taught him to drive a stick when he was 10 on my sister's 1967 Mini Cooper - hilarious watching him behind the wheel of that tiny car.
I "inherited" my Dad's '40 (still have the Wieand Dragstar intake and Stombergs, just need a Model A sedan to put it in) I am hoping to get it finished and give it back to him one day. Has original sheet metal, sits on a new TCI chassis w/ coil front suspension, disc brakes, 4 link rear with a narrowed 9". I have a 354 HEMI with a 6-71 mechanically injected blower ready to go in with a Tremec 5 speed. Need the sheet metal in the rear done and get the car painted before assembly - hopefully look like the one in the photo except with the vulcanized rubber running boards and not on bags.
I wanted a project that I could work on with my son that wasn't a complete basket case, so the 'Cuda fits the bill perfectly - running and driving, but needs some mechanical and cosmetic work to be really nice. I am really grateful for all of the contacts I have made here - glad to participate and great thread.
My name is Larry. Robin Hood was my CB handle back in the early 70's and I went by Hood for short.
My dad owned but I got to drive each and everyone of his Mopars. He had a 65 Newport 383, 66 Dart 273, and a 72 Newport 400. I really liked the Dart.
After graduating from high school in 1972 I ordered my 73 Cuda in late September. I kept it in pristine condition and only drove it in nice Michigan weather. My beater car was the 65 Newport that I bought from my dad.
I got married in 1979, had 3 kids and struggled to make ends meet. The Cuda was almost put up for sale a couple of times. Thankfully things worked out and I still have my high school car.
I recently turned 69 and sometimes I feel my age, but when I get into the driver's seat of my Cuda all of that changes, I feel like I'm 18 again.
Awesome Larry :bigthumb: