There are six restoration/rod shops in a 10 mile radius of our shop so we trade, swap, and loan or borrow equipment and supplies from each other and of course brag about who's fish is bigger. Here's an idea we've been kicking around and set late October as the possible kick off date. THE CHALLENGE: restore an AD (agreed upon that it has to be very rough and rusty) in one week (7 days) and have it take a 1st place at it's first car show. So far there are about 20 signed on for 10 hour days which works out to 1400 labor hours which is right in the ballpark for an award winner. Details have been worked out right down to the BBQ man with his 500g propane tank smoker to a longbed Chevy dually to bring in a load(s) of refreshments, and a 45' trailer with shower, kitchen, and cots. Will keep updated and spectators will be welcome. Live music and dance friday and saturday to pacify neglected wives/girlfriends. This move (tell me we're not genius) changed opposition to whole hearted and enthusiastic support. If they can do it on TV in California then we know we can do it (better) in Texas.
Hey, I'd like to come down just to dance with all the widowed women while the men are doin' the work...
Sounds like a great endeavor! Now you said restored! Is that going to be strictly enforced? Or do you have artistic license? Irregardless, it sounds like a Texas Throwdown with Big as Texas braggin' rights! Keep us advised of official kickoff date, and for God's sake, insist that each team take a gazillion pictures! BTW, is this a "by invitation only" unveiling, or can some die-hard fans of your work show up for the festivities?
Completely an "open house" endeavor. The time factor will pretty much mean going back factory because there will be no spare time for design, experimenting, or trial and error. Leaning toward a 54 because I have a fresh 235 and hydramatic. I am trying to get approval for a one piece poly headliner instead of the awful cardboard one but several say it will cause point loss at a show. Since your in the soggy Houston area you know why I hate the cardboard ones. Have agreed to part with some of my teasures like outside visor, traffic light viewer, radio, vanity mirror, compass, accesory hood ornament, fog lights, grill guard, and Suburban front fender trim strips which look killer but may cause point loss.
Then the question becomes do we want to drive 200+ miles one way in a noisy, dark colored, no insulation '57 GMC with A/C that won't hold the cab below about 80 degrees at highway speeds in the Texas summer + humidity or do we take the chicken way out?
In Texas 80 degrees would feel like a cold snap! I remember driving from Albuquerque down to El Paso and all the way across I-10 into Florida one June with a busted AC.
The outside air would probably be 90+ degrees and 90 percent humidity. My un-insulated leaky cab with really dark purple paint works like a reverse heat sink, sucking the cold of the AC out of the cab. It is OK at 40 MPH, but when you get to 70 MPH the additional hot air flowing over the oustside of the cab prevents the AC from getting the inside temp below about 80 even when running full blast. I wish I would have insulated the cab when I had it painted years ago. Probably would have reduced noise as well.
Say WHAT, big brother? Have you looked down at your belt line lately? Take the classic truck, come on!
In 21 years of daily driving I've never needed it, but I do have a spare. It's in the garage. I'd throw it in the back for a road trip.
Buncha WHINERS ! Just get in it and GO ! if I could swing the time off and $ , I'd wind up my '76 Jimmy and sweat my way to TEXAS ~ no AC , no carpet , no muffler , no radio , just me and 292 Cubic Inches on Chevy's finest humming along the Desert Highways.....
Medical coverage Being an ER nurse and Paramedic I do believe I should attend this event as the on duty medical support. There will likely be a lot of busted knuckles needing duct tape!
