27 November 2012

Of all the cars I've known (epilog)

Work in Process

Yea, I've had a few cars over the years.  Some good, some bad.  Some work horses, some explorers.  Some new, some used.  I still have a few wheels on my "wish list" that I would love to drive, given the time and resources to own such a ride.  My brother has been into antique cars for quite some time and somewhere along the line, he sucked me into that world.  He has owned several classics over the years.  At one point, he owned a '57 Mercedes and a 36 Ford Pickup truck.  Today he is down to only 4 antiques (not counting the 1950 Airstream aka "Ole Bob"): a 1932 Model A, a 1936 Ford Cabriolet, a 1939 Ford Deluxe Sedan, a 1951 Ford Business Coupe.  The Model A, the Sedan and the Coupe are currently drivers, the Cabriolet is still in restoration, but it is "pushable".  After doing a number of swap meets and car runs with him, I was always on the look out for something of my own to play with/restore/drive.   

1968 Mustang GT Convertible (Maria) - my project car.  289 ci, 4 speed, 4 barrel carb with a GT  package.  Picked it up from a kid in Highlands, Texas and there is a story behind the deal.  Basically, I was just looking for a project car and have always had a thing for Mustangs for some time.  One weekend, I spotted an ad in the local paper and casually mentioned it to my brother and he convinced me we should run out to take a look at it.  We drove out to look at a car east of Houston and found this deal steal sitting in a guy’s side yard.  Of course, it had a story to it (was his mother's car but she died a few years ago, he was 18, bumming around town on various jobs and living with his sister and their grandmother and had decided to sell the car to trade school).  I drove it a while and decided I had to have it.  I wrote him a check on the spot (two other guys were already on their way out to look at it and drove it home that morning.  She ran ok, but needed some serious maintenance (only one brake worked going home).  I replaced all of the brakes, rebuilt the carburetor  replaced the leaking gas tank, new wheels and; tires (OEM rims) - got rid of the over sized tires.  I've had it a while but right now she is just sitting in my garage waiting for me to dedicate some time to her for repair.  I intend to make her a driver, but not a serious show car.  I need to rebuild the carburetor (tends to gum up if you don’t drive it often).  One tire is flat, the battery is dead, and I need to change the oil.  I am planning to spend some time with her over the holidays to see if I can coax her to back to life.  She is a good old car that just needs some serious TLC and attention.  I have no intentions of getting rid of her, just need to find the time and energy (and motivation) to get back to work on her.  




9 comments:

Rock Chef said...

Why does that car make me think of Burt Reynolds?

agg79 said...

Nah, you're thinking of the Pontiac Firebird Trans AM. My nephew actually had one (for a while) - complete with the screaming chicken logo on the hood. Cool car, but it was a regular money pit. He finally wised up, got married and bought a Delorean.

Rock Chef said...

Does it time-travel?

agg79 said...

Only in his dreams. Actually, it is very interesting to drive.

meleah rebeccah said...

I covet that Mustang!!!!!!!

Abby said...

Oh, she's pretty! I bet that kid who sold it to you still wonders about it. If not, better that you own it!
You've got a Delorean in the family??

agg79 said...

Mel - covet all you want, she's mine.

Abs - yes she is. Not sure what the kid is doing but it was one of those when the strike while the iron's hot deals. Never look back. And, yes we actually have a Delorean in the family. There are still a good number of them on the roads although they are a bit pricey to own/maintain.

ShadowRun300 said...

Wait a minute... you have a Mustang? I knew about the blue Mustang Coupe, but never remember you talking about this one! I really hope you can get her back on the road. It's an awesome car! (Nice of you to name it after my daughter.) :)

agg79 said...

I said that I had an itch for a Mustang that just wouldn't go away. I intend to get her back on the road for reals and make her a daily driver. Glad I picked a good name for her. It fit her personality.