Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Very Cool Mate!!! What a road trip!!! :metal::metal::metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Wow ,what a nice shop ,I could live there ,keep it coming .

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

It was an honor to be able to share in your and Martin's adventure!

You both have enriched our lives and provided thought-provoking insight into this truly global passion we all share of all things mechanical.

My son and I are amazed at the dedication and persistence you both have to accomplish all you do...not just building your trucks, impressive in it's own right, but also to make this pilgrimage of sorts to the US.

It's easy to take for granted the freedoms and privileges we have here...you have helped both my son and I appreciate, a bit more, how easy we have it times.

Again, THANKS to both of y'all for letting us be a part of THIS year's adventure...because, there's more to come...right??!!!

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Indeed Don. Privileged and blessed.

It was good having Martin who had been to the U.S. Before and knew some conventions of being a tourist, it made my life easier too.

You and me both. :metal:


The thanks goes both ways Phil.

Your families generosity went well beyond what would be normal.

Waiting for your Austin to come to Europe now.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

On the train into London for work today, thank goodness for technology.


Funny how you can screw with your body.

I like to have 6 or more hous sleep a night, however at this point, with so much stuff to do and also jet lag, 6 hrs difference in time zones etc, I had three hours sleep, being awake and outside by 08.00 as it would be 14.00 or 2pm in the UK where my clock was still seated.

I went up to the main house, got the machine to make me a rather spectacular filter coffee, played with the two dogs and then headed back to the garage/shop and also into the "Toy Box"

I will not post pics of everything, as it starts looking a lot like being star struck, but needless to say, if it has wheels or an engine, I love it. And Phil and his family have a few powered toys. Quads, side by sides, motorbikes.... All the trappings of bloody hard work and dedication. And I have absolute respect for that.

In no particular order then......

Rock crawler..... Insane big block motor, and the close up engineering I saw was out of this world.

I just gawped at this monster, the size of its wheels, construction etc maybe I was just awestruck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgqb0gkjr.jpg

Austin is building this extended cab that he designed and created himself, it will be tall, powerful and capable when he is done, of course with a trick V8 motor.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pselgyradk.jpg

Later when Martin woke up and came out, I asked him to take a couple of pics of me next to Phil's build and the Crawler. I am 6' tall..... For perspective.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshbxu5ynh.jpg


I took very few pics of it, as the thread linked in my previous posting, shows it all much better, go take a look.

Another serious motor and attention to detail left my mouth hanging wide open in real life as I have been following the build online.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pse0i0e6h3.jpg

Look at the chassis, every hole welded, gusseted and finished, loads of dimples in every possible surface.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psydysxi5t.jpg

The cab will find its way back on later after Phil has done with welding up seams, radiusing corners etc. this will be good.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8ydtwf9e.jpg


We were going to spend most of the day from lunch time when Austinsurfaced, with him, going to Classic Chevrolet parts of America and various other places in and around Oklahoma City and Norman. So I will post the day out photos in a next posting.

We met Phil for a late lunch at a BBQ restaurant around 3pm.

Then later went out with them and his son in law to dinner.......

The transport could not have put bigger grins on our faces.

Phil's sleeper 66 Chevy Suburban and Austinsurfaced 57 Bel Air.

I did mention this trip kept on ramping up. Though I would not trade one day for another of those spent with various people, we were truly being entertained.

Going to town Phil had Martin riding with him in the Suburban and I went with Austin. With crazy launches at lights and general goofing about in the cars, it became another day to remember.

Saddling up.....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuwsklsmx.jpg

My ride. I absolutely love the colour.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszquyf47m.jpg

This was my view from the Bel Air, note the size of the tyres.... See them smoke and you know there is a bit of grunt under the hood. Attached to the Big Block and cutouts being opened and then driven in anger, we did not even need feeding to be honest.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp8atd6mq.jpg



Here is one short video of us headed into town.

BOYS TOYS AND BEST TIMES.

CLICK LINK :

The sound and sheer visceral quality of this beast is lost in the muting of the recording but suffice to say, most people will "get it"

Dinner was just awesome and on the way home it was my turn to ride with Phil.

When we got to the Suburban he tossed me the keys and said... "You Drive it"

Of course..... I declined, saying I would not want to risk his toy, what if I bent it or broke it? Phil's typical response was "Its only metal, we can always fix it"

I was really honoured by his offer but declined, as I know that my driving on the right side of the road at 10.00pm in a strange town would run against my "muscle memory" and I asked Phil to drive and let me just enjoy the ride. To which he thankfully agreed. In the UK there is no doubt I would have accepted but the risk for me personally was just too high.

Going home the cutouts were opened and closed, and the throttle buried in anger many a time.

That thing is brutal and it just keeps coming back for more.

Thank you Phil and Austin for another amazing experience.

One of my personal objectives before going on the road trip, was to meet up with Phil's family donkeys.

They are kept as pets or is that pests.... Super friendly, in and out the workshop, inquisitive and loving attention, they were a good alternative to having a dog.

Early morning when I was walking around, looking at the pond (dam) above the house toward the rear, they had come to greet me and then followed me like kids.

Another personal highlight (OK, so I love animals)

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psg8s5zoqa.jpg


Next up when I get time, I will write up our insane day spent with Austin, buying truck parts, going around to see where Murder Nova has his shop, as well as being really touristy on Farmtruck and AZN's place.... They live in a old Fire station. And have cool chit about.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

What a great video and again great pics ,I love the donkeys .We had a very friendly donkey for a while but a couple of kids killed him deer hunting.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Always a pity when pets get hurt.

Glad you are still along for the ride.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Back to the morning.

Once Phil had got up, he was off to work.

We were left in Austin his sons capable hands.

Offered him the option of Martin driving our rental car for the day and him navigating, but in stead he offered his truck which was both taller and driven by him as he knows his home city so much better.

This hobby is really interesting, in that I was looking for an automatic column shift steering for my truck as I wanted to replace the one fitted, not with something modern and shiny, but rather traditional, that would go with the pin up steering wheel I had bought off mate Darren earlier this year.
While we were with Brandon and Paul the previous evening, they had given us details of a guy called Steve who was a bit of a hoarder, seller if parts and owner of much treasures.
Mentioning what I was looking to Phil and Austin, they mentioned he same guy, both Paul and Austin had previously bought parts from him.

So he was a possible on the spares hunt for the day after phone conversation later in the day.

So we set out for Oklahoma City from Norman and first stop was Classic American Spares where we gawped at all the stock and got a bit of a behind the scenes tour. This trip just kept on giving. Unfortunately, one of their massive industrial storage units had been burned out a couple of days before, damaging Thousands and thousands of dollars worth of stock, all the NOS at that. A neighbouring unit had caught fire and it had spread.

Once we went back indoors, we were quickly and efficiently helped to ligthen our wallets....... I also bought a 1956 Chevy Bel Air hood bid ornament for the truck, yes, I know, but it's my truck, my way and I always wanted one. I bought some other parts that seemed like a good idea while there.

Once we were done there we drove downtown, across town to Steve's yard.

I saw and picked up a couple of chrome dealer badges I liked a lot but no steering column, asking the owner how much, he mad a silly price I did not agree to, at which I handed him them back and politely declined. Austin did try to barter on my behalf. No luck.

This Chevy was in the yard, aged to perfection.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psi2ne2uby.jpg

This panel parked outside on the pavement. The model and colour were the same as the first classic I recall falling in love with as a child. Weird that.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspzokd5nt.jpg

Steve said we could come to his other shop to look at the column he had there, so we had some time to kill.

Driving around Oklahoma City, it is obvious this is a petrol heads heaven. Remember "STREET OUTLAWS" is filmed around here too.

So we litterally stopped at random places, and at one shop where I used the restroom, I saw an auto steering column on a shelf and asked about it..... The lovely and helpful mechanic phoned his boss to enquire. A price of $250.00 was returned, we asked about accepting a better offer, and the helpful guy mentioned "Flaming River" at which point I withdrew. The steering wheel wa also slightly bent...... So we walked away.

They had some very cool cars though.

This was the mechanics car.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvuj7lger.jpg

Some more neat stuff in the shop, unfortunately the light was not cold, with much glare, so I did not manage to get a lot of photos.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszcexvzgw.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3rchhel7.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgtlutj6b.jpg



Then off to another part of town, where complete Reston, horrors and race cars were built.

The sort of stuff you do see in Street Outlaws.

Loved the look of this simple Chevy truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psufpvtngx.jpg

Same shop, different car. I love it when a shop is this skilled and can turn their hands to anything.

The great part was that again, the guys were happy to talk to two (plus Austin) English tourists who love all things cars and bikes.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgdpqszix.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvlnr7ghi.jpg



Another that caught my eye. Simple.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnu9zcqfe.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssyfhy6kf.jpg

I managed to find is wheel with bearinged spinner...... All 22" of it, destined for a customer car.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswpkpetzc.jpg


When we stopped, this little guy caught my eye as well, but being power, car, junk drunk, it took a while to get back to it.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaxbkhtnf.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp0s1jilc.jpg


And finally.... Some art in the making for the owners "Man Cave"
The sort of stuff I love to make as well from scrap bits.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmwghnkbw.jpg


From there we went for another drive to Steves downtown hoard, and were kept waiting, after a while, his son who had been following us incredibly closely at the previous yard (and that scratched my butt big time and made me want to leave anyway) came out to say they were closing and not interested in us or our business, when Austin enquires about why.....?
He came back with the answer from his father (I did not realise till that point that he was) " THIS IS NOT AMERICAN PICKERS, YOU CAN GO AWAY" so basically telling us to efffofff as I was not prepared to pay the $30.00 he wanted for two dealer badges. In my view they were worth no more than $5.00 each on a very good day.
I had previously paid $1.00 for a Cougar badge, and a small dealer badge reading "BY VAN" had cost me $2.00 on one of the secondary roads we had driven on.

I was happy to walk away at that point, but Austin was soooooo fired up about the blatant rudeness, but as I said to him, we were the foreigners, and I was not prepared to pay his silly inflated prices.

I had previously bought some of these badges, and been given some of them
The set of C10 badges on the right need restoring but will be going onto my truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psc5fdl5wv.jpg


So we drove off, maybe a bit enthusiastically.

And went to put gas in the truck, at which point I saw another of my favourite American landmarks. A Water Tower.

Some are beautifully decorated by local towns, this one reminded me of Tintin going to the moon.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psz0fiaxwj.jpg

After this it was time to drive by and take a look at where some of the guys from STREET OUTLAWS made their homes or had their shops.

Firstly, one of my favourite characters..... Farmtruck.

He and AZN's one place is an old Fire Station he boug and gave the treatment.
Martin took many more photos, so hopefully he will be along to post up a load more.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqwer73b9.jpg

I loved this rocket, and behind it was a post with the Stars and Stripes flying high.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaf0nmkso.jpg

Dragon lights were real neat and caught my eye, along with all the other stuff. I felt quite guilty invading their privacy, even from the pavement side.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pse4j4fccf.jpg


After stopping by there, we drove over to Murder Nova's shop but missed his closing time by minutes, too bad as he has another kick ass ride.

You know the rest of the day's story and dinner and after dinner goofing around.

We eventually got to bed late that night as well, and in the morning Phil cooked us breakfast before heading out to work.

It was left to Austin to see us off, and close the gate behind us as we headed for Route 66 and the back roads of America. Headed for Tulsa where we were staying with Kieth who drives a GMC as a daily.

Weird to see him without his cap and ever present cowboy boots under jeans. Guess a guy needs to relax sometimes.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pss94birhz.jpg


I have said thank you for the experience a few times,but can only repeat that the hospitality and especially the long conversations about all things of man and beast were incredibly rewarding, and these guys continued to exceed my expectations of the U.S. By 100%

This was truely the trip of a lifetime, the more I think about it.

One more thing...... A video posted up by "Retrolegends" that I liked a whole load.

http://youtu.be/9I51JXpcLwk

Hope you enjoy.

Buy a truck.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

What a great update that was ,I will be waiting for the next segment.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Thanks for posting Rian . It's amazing to think we were only half way through the trip at this point . I have a few more pictures to add . I think I could have moved into Phil's garage and lived there . With a pool table , fridge and micro wave oven downstairs and two double beds and jacuzzi bathroom Upstairs .

Another birthday cake

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pshwzjwvhs.jpg

The engine in the Suburban

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pslvsprcqw.jpg

This was in Steve's yard

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pspg9twpoz.jpg

These I took later

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ps04rpj5en.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ps2fy31o66.jpg

Back at the ranch

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psmwake0ys.jpg

One of Phil's dogs

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pssvtfpapk.jpg

Just for playing in the mud

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pssgoc9nyc.jpg

We had a great time phil works hard but plays harder he took me around in the new Yamaha quad and all I can say was he knows how to drive it .

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Wow ,what a nice bunch of toys he has in there.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Enjoying every minute of living vicariously through these updates...:metal:

Cheers Mate!!! :mm:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Thanks Don.


As the road behind us allowed Oklahoma City to fade away in the rear view mirror we knew that the memories would not fade.

Ahead of us Route 66 stretched out toward Tulsa city with many small shops, garage sales we would randomly stop at, and the knowledge that we were doing stuff most people only dream about. All of this laid ahead of us.

One of our first stops had to be at a roadside service station which boasted that it had the largest collection of sodas in the world.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszpiiaydt.jpg

We meandered along the way as Kieth was working, so we were happy not to pressurise him to leave work till it was time.

At one point we found a Harley Davidson museum along the roadside in Miami, Oklahoma.

Lovely stuff, and the owner was so nice to chat to, informed and interested.

I managed to buy a smoking pipe for Nicola's collection and a small ornament

Cool Evil Knievel Pinball machine.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswvylfe5r.jpg

Stuff that caught my eye.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psi9vudqxx.jpg

Loved this little Snow bike.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps93wjsphq.jpg

Eventually we got to Tulsa and the first item on the agenda, that had been discussed a year ago with Kieth, was to go out for a decent long ride in one of his new Kenworth trucks.
Wall to wall leather in the cab and sleeping/living compartment.

It was rather special running some miles down the motorway. Obvious that Kieth has been involved in these 18 wheelers and other heavy machinery for most of his life.

Just about to go out, less than 10 minutes after we got there.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspslicmjw.jpg

This is the spec sheet of the truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvs27biy3.jpg


Kieth also offered me this truck to buy, it comes with a load of spares including a new front clip, motor and some seriously nice Cragars with tyres.

In the end I had to be sensible as I have a truck to rebuild at home.

He also gave Martin a complete front end and grille mounting bracket, as well as offering him a complete grille, which he sadly declined.

He had also offered me a full set of long wheel base chrome trim, which I passed on to Martin, but ultimately the cost of shipping and current logistics meant he had to decline. Did I mention random generosity and kindness before?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvpkguuoc.jpg

After the truck ride and some more drooling around the yard and in the spares shop, you know how it is, always looking for that elusive part that will make your truck that bit better, we went across town to see some of Kieths other treasures and the blue truck he has for sale.
Followed by a rather special dinner and a few beers at Brothers Hooligan restaurant.

From the storage space we went via Chad64Chevy's place to check out his amazing truck build, and to drop of a Cross of St George flag for his garage.

Chad had completely randomly, and unasked offered Martin a pair of bumper irons when he had asked Martin what he still needed.

I have mentioned about people just being to kind and generous, Chad is one of them.

We must have spent an hour taking in all the trick mods he was doing, plus all the joints he had welded up.

Once we said our good byes to him and his family, we went to dinner.

I thought I would post up a few photos of Kieths daily driver GMC on air ride.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskyxm8uuc.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvesdx4hf.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psik7exzcv.jpg


After dinner we drove to Kieths home, which was filled with much spectacular stuff, and being a motorcyclist and small time hooligan, I could relate to his riding adventures and the stories of him getting pulled over by police in various places over time when riding.

We also got to see his gun safe open and touch some of the weapons he owns and built himself.

Eventually we went to bed quite late, and like a good host he dropped off choc chip,cookies his wife had brought home.

Another great day.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

I thought I would also post some of my pictures from our road trip
Route 66 museum

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psd4sizf36.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pscj5jfulg.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psrfdsrlxc.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psuvb8uu8f.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psqbpvpan5.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psmd7yueak.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psri3bqjda.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Where is the Route 66 Museum located ,Kansas ? I want to go there someday ,may drive the 72 Malibu vert.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Can't believe you are only halfway thru this Epic journey...:metal:

Diggin' the write up Mate!!! :mm:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

It was between Oklahoma City and Tulsa hope this picture helps

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pskdft4bhp.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

A photo I forgot to upload from hearted days posting, one more item that caught my eye in the Harley Museum at Miami in Oklahoma.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psafy3a3zu.jpg



Next morning we were all up early. It was now Friday, which meant we had passed the halfway mark of the trip.

Kieths wife it seems is an early riser and had left by 06.00 for work. Remember what I said about people working hard in the U.S. ?? She could long since have retired, but continued to work in a job she obviously enjoys.

We all showered, had breakfast, coffee etc and then set off for Fayetteville, back to Arkansas to send a bit more time with Clem, Kim and their four cats.

I still had to collect the new side trim that I had bought months before, as well as the unpolished Stainless steel bed strips. These had been bought on Clem's shop account and delivered to him on my behalf, so I paid him back when we got there. Remember the Ski bag I had bought early in the year for £20.00 or $30.00 ......? This was to be my "sports equipment" on the return trip, and I had already paid the £65.00 or $100.00 for excess baggage up to 23kg or 50lbs Of course there was still the worry about whether they would let me take a 2.1meter or 7" long bag onboard that was ultimately to weigh in at 23kg. Subsequent to all the good planning, I still needed to buy another bag allocation for £140.00 or $215.00 to bring back the rest of the spares and stuff I had accumulated. Just beware if you travel like we did, stuff soon accumulates.

Once again we chose back roads and it delivered to us in spades......

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrfruudei.jpg

There is so much more to see.

Scrap yards, cars, trucks etc parked out front, and out back of properties. Sometimes a glimpse made us pull over, turn around and go look again.

I had not taken very many photos on this day as the scenery was way too interesting.

At one point we saw what looked like a breakers yard.... Closed when we tried the doors, but as we had turned around to investigate and I was still looking for an original auto column shift steering column to buy, and any yard was open game we went to another business nearby.
Martin waited in the car while I went to ask about the yard.
Inside I met Meri (her parents' fault for naming her) and Paulawho worked the front office and desk.
At first they thought I was a mad Englishman, but soon warmed and started asking questions.
Within minutes, Martin had come to see why I took so long..... He is impatient like that.
Suddenly our quick stop and seeking directions and info about a breakers yard had turned into an hour or more in chat and cultural exchange.
I suspect the girls were massively amused by the way Martin and I play off each other, constantly hitting back and forth at each other.
British humour is different to the American version.
So there in Welston in Lincoln County in Oklahoma, a random stop for directions ended up in Facebook friend requests and well wishes plus a selfie for Paula's Facebook page.

Small world, generous people.

Terrible photo, but perfectly represents the randomness........

Paula to the front, Meri at the rear.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6yurap3t.jpg




We made it back to Clem's in the afternoon...... Had a few beers down at the shop.

I also had a rather spectacular Mojito that Clem made up for me..... My first.

While packing my side trims and bed strips, Clem asked if there was anything I was still looking for for my truck.

We had mentioned to him that the trip had not delivered on a steering column to replace the one in my truck, but that we were both hampered by sheer volume of stuff. My ultimate weigh in was at 84kg or184lbs not including my back pack.

So he asked again if I would be interested in one if he had one, of course I would be and I said to him, only if I could pay for it.

So we went around to one of his stores, rummaged through the approximately eight he had in stock, all wrong....... He said he was sure that he had one. Until I saw it placed wheel on the floor, further back in the store. EUREKA !!!

We unpacked and dragged it out back to the front workshop and set about stripping it. I did not need the wheel, and my existing steering column had a shaft, so it really was just the rest of the column I needed.

The switch gear on it was brittle and falling apart as we disassembled it, and Clem suggested I order in an OEM part to rebuild it with. At 4.30 on a Fridaywe managed to get one ordered for delivery to Bret's mother in laws home in Austin Texas...... As we would be long gone from Fayetteville by the time it got delivered.
Cost, including overnight delivery was $99.95 which was a lot to pay, but at least one can now rebuild it and have working switchgear.

Clem also agreed to sell the column to me for an incredibly fair price.

I did help too, but here is Clem and Martin fitting a puller to the wheel.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnfcblepr.jpg

Eventually we decamped back up to the house.

Beer fridge around the corner, bottle caps this side please. I love the way in which Clem manages to make everyday items look just right and in place.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskaytzabw.jpg

Back at the house I was greeted enthusiastically by all the cats, including Minnie who gave me all of her attention.

My kinda welcome.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslyyksa7h.jpg

Back in "my bedroom" I found this car on the pillow, and a box full of vintage jewelry, clothing, handbags and hats for Nicola, a very thoughtful gift from Kim, who had clearly connected with Nicola through my stories and photos of her. Technology to the ready, I texted Nicola a few iPhone pics....... Response was as could be expected. Pleased.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdcgempi5.jpg

Coffee, tea, chats and cats took a while, then we were joined by Pete and his wife as well as Jeff from the shop and we all went out to dinner at a local pub and pizza house a few streets and short walk away for another celebration of Martin's 50th Birthday.

The jugs of beer kept coming, we kept on drinking. We met up with more of the locals who had been to Clem's party the previous weekend, and it was great seeing them all again. Even better was the fact that we were greeted like long lost family.

Eventually a load of pizzas came along as well and we all ate ourselves silly. It was an awesome night.

I managed to get the whole restaurant to sing "Happy Birthday" to Martin as well and it ended in a rapturous applause.

Did I mention this trip just kept on giving? :mm:

Eventually the seven of us left the restaurant and headed home for more Pool, Baccadri over ice, red skin peanuts and a generally good time till who knows what time of the night.

I think I ended up with two cars in my bed that night, again, not everyone's cuppa tea, but as I love animals and they seem to take to me, it was a perfect finish to the day.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Im still reading every update and enjoying your trip.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

I am glad to read and see that you had a great trip. The museum is located one mile east of the junction of 66 and 177 in Warwick Okla. in an old gas station.

Dwight

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Love the road trip stories. It reminds me of a couple of years I spent in south Texas

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

:metal::metal::metal::mm:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

HiBuddy, thank you for taking the time to comment, and actually reading all my prattling.
As long as you are on board I will carry on writing.

Indeed, and to be honest, people who drive by, are missing out on a seriously stocked little treasure.

They also sell a lot of antiques at very reasonable prices there.

Thanks for the reply.

I guess you are speaking about hospitality and good people.

Hey Don, soak to you later on Face Time.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Rian, thanks for letting us all ride along on your and Martin's epic adventure. :c2:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

I would not have left without you buddy......;)

Glad if I can have as many people along as possible.

I have these reports running in 15 different places on 9 forums that I post up on, so replying etc takes time. But if it enriches people's lives or makes them want to visit the UK and use our home as a base to travel from etc, then I have done just fine. Likewise, if you can see a different part of the U.S. The same rule applies.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

SORRY GUYS, SEEMS PHOTOBUCKET IS HAVING A BRAIN FREEZE AS IT IS NOT POSTING THE PHOTOS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LINKS I HAVE POSTED UP.

SOMETIMES THEY DO RECOVER LATER.


Funny how stuff appears.

Bruce's tale on Retro Rides is a compelling read, written by a guy with a much more refined style and some serious camera kit, but also incredible will or want power. I have known him for years and done both business and social with him.

This thread of his is pure entertainment.

http://retrorides.proboards.com/thre...-potato-buyers

Here are a bunch of photos from Martin's phone and elsewhere that are now out of sync with the rest of the story, but possibly still worth showing.

When we were visiting Paul and Brandon in Ada they gave us each a year related plate.

I also managed to pick up a Sherriffs vanity plate at a garage sale.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslhvmbyx6.jpg



Right....... Back to the random photos. It happens when you have 4 different cameras, three phones and a digital camera, you end up with too many sources.

Around 02.00 we were stilling the big shop when the donkeys, miniatures both, came in and demanded treats from Phil. They are like kids or pest, always getting under your feet.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspzhvyqr9.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps76txmgag.jpg

This was around 03.00 in Norman, Oklahoma.

Austins original paint '57 four door Bel Air. An absolute gem, having been out on the town cruising with it and down the motorway, I can say it is rather special. As with everything in his life, it is for sale if someone wants it desperately enough and has the cash.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuze5f3lm.jpg


Around 03.30 we had got to the Suburban....... Patina, rust free, and a serious tool, Phil then also started it up for us at that time of the night, demonstrated the 3" cutouts that Austin had had fitted for him as a Christmas present. This family really do live and play together. The care and tenderness between father and son was just awesome to see, and the pride Phil has in his sons success is palpable. It made my trip even better as I really value family relationships and closeness.

I love this brute a lot.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswfbsdn05.jpg

Somewhere on a motorway....... I love/d *M*A*S*H* so this was a cool thing to see.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pst7aohl9c.jpg

Gas/Petrol price in Red, Diesel in Green

Cost per gallon.

No matter how you cut it, that is cheap....... Make mine a V8

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuvgz8vuu.jpg

One of the things we did quite a lot on secondary roads was stop at small town pawn shops, you get to chat with awesome world wise people. We also often traded them bits from our baggage and for bits from their shops.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2sbvhdqs.jpg

At this pawn shop we spent near an hour speaking with the owner, Russell, and at one point agreed to trade him some fresh English pennies for his collection and a 1977 Queens Jubilee coin for these Copper pieces.

I love the sentiment and artwork on them, not sure what it all means, but it was another random stop that had Martin and I feeling that we were other rip of a lifetime. I also tried to buy a Razorback branding iron from him, but he refused the money and told me to have it and add it to you collection of memories of the trip of a lifetime.
Life certainly is good.

These were untouched by human hands when he handed them to us.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdn3msjiv.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psziktv363.jpg

Anyone know the meaning etc, please do reply.


Another random item in his shop.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspcmclh6j.jpg



More in a minute.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Well, we have a winner !!!

Thanks to Euan "Moosevan" on Rods n Sods for the reply below.



Molon Labe

Englishified Greek for "Come and get it." Can also mean "Come and take them" - if you can...

Pronounced "Moh-lone Lah-Veh". Common context is in relation to firearms and firearm laws, as a declaration to be made to anyone that wishes to confiscate your gun(s).

Originates from King Leonidas of Sparta, in a message to King Xerxes of Persia, when an overwhelming Persian army demanded that 300 Spartan warriors drop their weapons. Leonidas replied "Molon Labe" (Come and get them) and 300 of his Spartans, and Leonidas himself, were killed, but in so doing killed took huge tolls on the enemy and stalled the Persian army for long enough to let the rest of Greece prepare themselves for the war.

If someone comes to take your guns, tell them "Molon Labe"

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Back to the next bunch of random photos.

The pawn shops have so much stuff and in the regions where we travelled the Rebel flag, history and Being American is still celebrated with pride and no apologies.

One of the items in Russell's shop I would have loved to own, despite not playing chess, was this set.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssrbverkr.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqcxu5vxd.jpg

I saw some great looking sets of Spurs too in various shops, and would love to collect and own some of them too......

These in Russell's Pawn shop were modern repro cup holders.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx57idh1u.jpg

Another open road.....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pst61uxt0l.jpg

The photo does not do the car justice ...... Willis Hotrod

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5pn6oiyo.jpg

Different era.....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psh1yqadlj.jpg

Pleased with another roadside purchase..... $1.00 bargain.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstteg4dmk.jpg

General Lee ..... Thrown in free at one of my tut purchasing stops. It actually now belongs to Paul in Ada, but resides in Norman with Phil.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswdvqelki.jpg

Cougar badge for a dollar....??

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psw61bz7wy.jpg

Another thing we rarely saw on the trip was broken down cars, trucks or bikes.

This one was just when we were leaving the Oklahoma City limits.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4qcbu27z.jpg

More randomness, but high on the cool factor.

Burger and chips anyone? Neat packaging. Photo courtesy of Ta2Don.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf9dj0lec.jpg


Back to Phils place in Norman, this photo definitely taken at 05.00 when we were in the man cave, sampling some of his moonshine collection. I loved it as Iused to distil my own as a teenager as my dad had a still he allowed us to use.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnqbdbj1t.jpg

Pricey in my view, item at Harley Museum on Route 66. However, a Coca Cola collector like Herb "BugThug"may know very differently.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6n105o3x.jpg

Same venue, the first plumbed outhouse in Oklahoma, I think that's what the owner said.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvrylgawo.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psadq6uzib.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psezvfzjyi.jpg

Back on Route 66 at the device station with the colourful bottle wall.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4ixmlhik.jpg

Maybe not everyone's favourite flavour.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9pfa8kww.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5jdn5erd.jpg

Remember Kieth (yes, that is how you spell his name) in Tulsa, here is another photo of his daily job.

With the kid in me still alive and kicking, I had serious envy.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnkz1mxbv.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Im still watching both posts even if I only respond on one sometimes .Im currently rambling in North and South Carolina and seeing all kinds of fun stuff.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

:metal: Enjoying the review of the trip!

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Really glad you gents are still along for the ride.




I am not sure if anyone is still reading this lot, or have moved on to other pastures.

However, here is the next instalment for those still interested

Seems we were having a seriously good night....... So the only photo I think of Martins 5th birthday party dinner was taken by Pete Hoffman who works with Clem. Kim supervising Martin in his party hat.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3vbscmch.jpg


Next morning we got up leisurely, which was a luxury. Martin had gone upstairs to sleep in the penthouse where Bomp had previously slept and came down in the morning looking decidedly smug at having had a night of deathly sleep, possibly his first in 10 days.

Clem and Kim made us breakfast again, her sausage receipe is just amazing. With all the right touches from the South and some Texas flavour thrown in, I found myself going for seconds every time she cooked, pure greed as it is so good. Clem is the pancake king, and he again uses a bit of magic in his pancakes so they are equally good.

I like to give credit where it is due, and here I will pause just to again reiterate that Clem Johnston is a man amongst men. (Keep in mind, I owe him nothing, so need not say this) he is generous, kind, thoughtful and clearly loved by Kim, which is telling in itself. I do not often meet people who exceed my expectations of them. We had known each other through the virtual reality of the Internet and shared a few phone calls before I got to Fayetteville, so when he exceeded my expectations and perception, it was a good thing. They did try to get us to stay even longer but we had so many places and people to deal with that we had to keep it limited to a couple of nights.

What is it the say about Fish and House guests? They all smell after three days.

After breakfast Clem invited Martin and I down to the shop to go see to the dogs and a few other tasks, which included loading some furniture on the flatbed and taking it out to a ranch in the Ozarks to Monica and Ricks who had lent them to him for the party.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfiuvyudc.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfthwtfez.jpg

They were not there, but Oscar the pig was there, along with his best friend Rosco.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psatbfndz7.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psevpq5qml.jpg

Clem and Martin not getting as close as I did.........


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3ee95tah.jpg

Incredibly talkative and social is he.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgwgdddjz.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psq9z3vcts.jpg

Barn find...?


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psc4wyd8lw.jpg

Can you say Garage....?

We sooooo live in the wrong country. Part of Ricks garage get where stuff happens.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxlgtujxy.jpg



More in a moment if you are still there.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

I will be patiently waiting, I have been checking GJ for your updates, but I just happened to take a look here today.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Last one for the day.


Carrying on where we left off.

I forgot to mention, in Fayetteville the pub we all went to was the West Mountain Brewery Co.

Great atmosphere, staff, beer and awesome pizzas.

This is the car Rick and Monica built. Again, testament to graft. It has a load of trick details, and sounds just awesome when it approaches or leaves, generating a multitude of smiles.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslhn6jbkg.jpg

Rick and Monica built this house themselves and again, I was mesmerised as I had designed my own first house and buillt it in the Cape Town suburb of Glencairn, near Simons Town about 25 years ago.

I would love to build and live in a house like this with broad verandas and design details around the edges.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspd1qovtb.jpg


There is a continual theme of pigs wherever you looks.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psco5dxtkr.jpg

Flatbed in front of some of the outbuildings.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd7pcs0yi.jpg

I seem to recall mentioning that the people we met on this trip have all worked bloody hard to get what they have. This is another prime example of hard work paying off.

More garden art.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psg5pua2bw.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdjrnvrqi.jpg

After dropping off the tables and chairs, Clem took us on a slow drive on the real back roads in the county, and my word....... He has some stuff stashed, marked and identified along the way.
One of my favourites was what I would think is a 50-60's Shasta caravan. Perfect condition, but could do with a refresh, he said it had been there for many years and is earmarked for himself.
Various other treasures along the way made the next three hours another highlight of our time spent with the Guru.
Then we returned home, only to be caught out by the whole of Arkansas having come to Fayetteville to watch the Razorbacks play.

Lastly, a brand new pair of safety glasses I bought along the way for $1.00 at a garage sale.

Perfect decoration somewhere in Clem's shop. I was pleased to be able to add something to his fascinating collection of weird and wonderful, stuff.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaghprpxl.jpg

By mid afternoon Martin and I had packed the Chevy Captiva with our cases and spares, headed back to Searcy to spend another night with Don and Saless before heading town to Texas.

Cases in and the ski bag with bed strips and side mouldings, which at this point was still stressing me, what if the airline said it was oversized.....??

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnpfisqzc.jpg

We chose to avoid the motorways again and managed to stop at various places.

Including his great store where this extended cab was for sale, note the rear, opening door.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psz3pxuxhw.jpg

We spent quite a bit of time and I managed to buy a few items there too, including a silver hand made Crucifix for Nicola and a car dealers chrome sign for myself.

Martin managed to buy an awesome 80's Snap On tools wall clock with two girls in overalls for a trade of £5.00 in English currency.

The seller had this black bead skull that was beautifully cleaned and prepped from an animal that had been hit by a car. As well as a rattle snake spine.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psncrvcggf.jpg

The rest of our trip to Don's place was uneventful and we had a great dinner and time together, an early night by 11.00pm as we wanted to be out to town with him in the morning.

That's it for now......... Thanks for looking in.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Im still here and loving every minute of it .

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

I am still enjoying the ride, albeit vicariously, through your words and pix...:mm:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Well I thought I'd put some more of my trip pictures I took .

The pawn shop we stopped at

This is some more of the truck outside that's up for sale

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psqrqfdoll.jpg

The rear bed was fibreglass

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psjtzzmczn.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psqp6gxiv9.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...pszsu3r4ne.jpg

Then after looking outside at the truck I went inside to do a deal on this

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...psoetxeg8e.jpg

He had wanted $20 for it but after talking to him , I had noticed he had lots of coins and some notes . What he didn't have was one with the Queen of England on it . So a deal was done for an English £5 note about $7.50 so I was very happy .

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

With a little more work that would be a very nice truck and the clock is too cool .Did I mention I collect clocks ,I have more clocks than wall space allows.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

Hey Flashed...!!

Do you have one of these???

I do ....

http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?9...466#post722466


Whatcha think?

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

No I dont have one of those ,never even seen one before .I like it very much but all my clocks are just wall hangers .

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!
 

I was asked for a Frontal photo of Rick and Monica's Haugers Ford.

Here are a few, thanks to Monica.

Plus a baby photo of Oscar the pig from when they got him.

Oscar even has his own FaceBook page.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psshilykjo.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvzbwj4df.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psob6wmjnp.jpg]

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu6dasf5g.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps751zmtkk.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp88ooh49.jpg

Lastly, an overlay of the USA over Europe etc.

America is a big country.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psiuc4xoeh.jpg

That's it for tonight.