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

Morning John

Peppers are a sweet red pepper, the bbq brings out the sweetness even more.



Well, Bootfairs were a winner yesterday.

Left home and in the fields by 6.30 for first one, of course while you are at one Bootfair, the buying does not stop at the other...... so think of all the missed rubbish you could buy.

First blood was this little number for @CraigRK for his daughter. All of £1.00

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfbcn0dlh.jpg

Next up another item not for myself, but at 50p for friend Bryan @MrTiki who owns the little Imp, it was a no brainier.
Same seller had a Ladybird Book for 50p on how to survive a Zombie attack.

The reason I bought the book for Bryan was because he and son Harrison built, rather than bought a Millenium falcon a few years ago, now to me that is quality family time and top parenting.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdl4s7fsq.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr172e9s5.jpg

Item no 3 was again not for me, but for Joys daughter, who runs a an acting and dance school, she needs to move large props, stage floors etc, and recently her sack barrow went missing.
Photo was for her to choose one, the rusty, better one for £5.00 was chosen.

At the same table I got 4 spanner’s and an unused rasp for £1.00

Seller took pic to WhatsApp to Dayzee.

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

Then another £1.00 spent on a complete and hardly used Impact driver, I used one a lot on dismantling my Chevy truck.
This will replace the one I have as its well used.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdabu37lh.jpg

Time for a WTF?

Last year the same seller appeared once at a Bootfair and I bought a load from her.

Yesterday she was back, selling the usual tat, but also having a car full of very pretty tights.
I texted a friend in South Africa who works as a senior PA in banking and always dresses immaculately for workto see if she wanted more again. Dùlce was straight back on the phone calling me on WhatsApp video to select 20 different pairs of tights for £14.00 which compares rather favourably with the typical £5.00 per pair for this sort of thing in shops.

Also, in South Africa she has no access to this much selection and variety plus top quality.
@CraigRK will ask his wife to deliver the next time she or he heads back there, so worth the effort.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psn06cvabx.jpg

Randomly bought soft toys to put away for winter, for Joys dog Wyzz, he likes his soft toys and therapeutic destruction of them means the house is spared. Mostly 50p per toy, some 20p.

Thenhat, with original box, in the background bought for resale, cost £3.00whichmclearly is a lot less than retail.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshmck7hrg.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrpwqok8o.jpg

Next pile, CD’s for various applications around 20p each, new Johnny Cash triple pack for road trip. Two for Joy.

Books discussed already and cup 30p for Joy, cup,and saucer £1.00

Gloves are full Retro ladies driving gloves.........unused, new for sale too. Love them.

Key ring bear thing for a friend 50p

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6a0nzjhc.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvg3wgoht.jpg

Last pile.

Tools, spanner’s and rasp £1.00/5 items
Tin snips 50p
Vintage scribe 50p
Key safe £1.00
Gloves for Joys daughter £1.00/pair.
Industrial cling film £1.00 per roll for me and Craig.

Clay statue £2.00 for me

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps44wwwjjs.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshtil5hxm.jpg

Socket organisers £1.00 for both.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psue1b2c0a.jpg


Not totalled up what the day cost me, but pretty certain I had a decent day.

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

Looks to me to be a great day. Good scores...
We are so looking forward to September and we hope you can hang out a bit with us. Tell your buddy that we have tons of 50s truck parts for him to go through, all with well earned patina.

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

Nice haul Rian. The Millennium Falcon book is very cool for us nerds.

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

Hello Clem,

Thank you for the reply.

I am hoping we can come get under your and Kim’s feet while we’re there.

Three men and a cooler full of beer in a rental....

Craig would surely love to see what you have.

Indeed Bill, even for me it was good.

Let’s hope the weather holds out as we have a long weekend here with Monday a public holiday, so two potential Bootfairs again before I leave.

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

OK then......


You asked for it.


So, what do you do after an absolutely awesome American road trip in 2017 where I managed to break a Dodge Hemi Challenger before his 60th surprise birthday party?

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...d-small-update

Which had followed the first trip to meet Dennis and a first trip using his Dodge in 2016

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2016-best-trip

Which had of course come about as a result of my first road trip to America when mate Martin and I had flown into Texas and got to get in at Gas Monkey garage and a load of other amazing peoples garages.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...chevy-roadtrip


Well, if you strike it lucky and get a small performance bonus from your boss that will cover the plane ticket and airport parking, and you are able to arrange for an American Masters student in infectious diseases, (From Republic, Missouri, just up the road from Dennis) writing up his dissertation on Malaria to come live in your house and look after the cats etc for a month.........

As Steve the lodger from the last 20 weeks leaves........

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


You spend the cash and go on another road trip of course.


If you are really really lucky, you take along a friend from here @CraigRK (whose father I used to buy spares from 26 years ago) and then get Dennis in St Louis to hand over control of his shop for a week, to join you as well.........

By now most people know Dennis my very good friend in St Louis, Missouri so no introductions needed.

Craig’s interest is very wide, as is his experience in cars, having grown up on the shop floor of his parents’ VW garage.
His current cars all resemble each other, threads below.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...an-inspiration

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...p-electrifying

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...suburban-again


First leg on Saturday 1st September will be a long stretch from Missouri to New Orleans, including Tennessee, Louisiana.
After that there is Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and many more including Iowa, Illinois etc.

This year will be a high mileage trip again.

I hope we get to meet other members from various forums along the way.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqp7dvlhl.png

A cooler full of beer on the back seat, Johnny Cash in the head unit and three reprobates in a big ass rental car, what could possibly go wrong?

Hold my beer and watch this.

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

Looking forward to updates on your American adventures again this year.

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

So am I my friend, so am I.

So ready for this.

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

Progress is slow due to extreme heat at Dennis’ with the replica gas station, but progress is progress.

Inner under floor went down today, working alone, I think it is a tough job.

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

All done.

Next will be laying the inch thick oak flooring over this lot.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0olqh2cp.jpg

Outside closed up too.

There will be a door fitted in the rear wall once we get back from the road trip.

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

Last night we had a change of guard.

Steve the contractors last night after 20weeks living here, he is off to America with the family for four weeks, then back to another contract, up north, not here.

So we had a few beers and a lovely Thai green chicken curry dinner that Joy had cooked for us.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2ryavkly.jpg

Caleb, the house and cat sitter from Missouri had arrived too.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspo4iio0c.jpg

Weirdly, the Ginger Whinger was in attendance all evening too.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbmdw7vv1.jpg

And it got worse.....l

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

This morning I went out to my last Bootfair for the year, hoping for some bargains and useless stuff....

When I got back at 9.30 Caleb was downstairs working on his Thesis write up, and Dukey had moved in, this is a good thing because Dukey is the scared, nervous one.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9yukkkxk.jpg

I think that when I leave, the cats are going to be in great hands.

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

Looking forward to your trip over here. Hope we get to meet up while you are down this way.

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

That would be rather awesome.

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

Rian, sounds like your going to have a very busy schedule in the States! Do you have your Plans all worked out because I have to get the Beer on Ice:lol:

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

We need to be back by 4pm on 13th Sept at the latest.
Not sure if we will travel up on Labour day Monday or spend with Dennis’ family or head up Tuesday and be back Wednesday or Thursday.

So much to do, but Monroe will be a turning point.

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

Back to Saturday, my first day of vacation.
Decided to go out on the motorbike as I needed to drop a bag of work clothes at MIND the charity I support with anything moveable from my house and parking a motorbike is easier than a car and free in Rochester.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxg9cqvfh.jpg

Headed into Charles Dickens territory.......

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1tknvled.jpg

Had some chips. Got to have some chips from the Gordon Hotel Chippy.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshd2t2zvt.jpg

Art......

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psk3jf9ovl.jpg

Look closely.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps01en53jt.jpg

Mouse house?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psv9mfzjvh.jpg

Deaf cat.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5xazmr9e.jpg

Alms house

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

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

See how low door is.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspk6tkslw.jpg

Charity shop bounty.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuuogyqp9.jpg



I had asked Dennis if anyone wanted or needed anything from here when we headed over, only Debbie asked for some Werthers Butter Mints, so I thought going to Morrisons would solve that one easily.
Ooopps, nope, none in stock. Next shop again failed, thenmoff to no 3 shop and success, bought all their stock of 11 packets, customs will think I am mad for sure.

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

Morrison’s had a reasonable offer on beers, but I only had the bike

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

Priorities, Right??

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

Beers, a hot roast chicken, three large packs of crisps and some cat treats in the top box.
Butter Mint Werther's that we’re at no other shops, 11 packs, tied on top.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqa9y77zn.jpg

Then headed home.

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

Well.....

Two days of Bootfairs over a long weekend, meant threee bites of or at the cherry.

Rain threatened play for Sunday, but I managed to go to two Bootfairs, and Monday saw another one happen on a different field as they have to move around.

Sunday first blood was a simple 50p useless ornamental tin cup.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psugz2unvg.jpg

Then the writing on the wall (plate)

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psesbwqyy0.jpg

Love these designs, have one of Noah’s Ark as well.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbu9fbpk4.jpg

Then my biggest spend, and nicest purchase of the year, real vintage car roof rack, wooden slats and clamps intact, no rubber feet as they were rotten according to seller. Much more than Imwould ever want to spend but it needed to be rescued.
Plan is to either sell it on for the right money, or mount on my wall in the lounge and to hang random Road trip items from it.
Kind of 3D picture.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswbnbst0l.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4cr5w5mr.jpg

The rest of the Bootfairs were pale in comparisson to this find, but I got some CD’s for 50p
Two baby books for the guest bathroom for 50p each, look closely, they go with the Zombie and Wife editions recently purchased.

Also two “Mecanno” models, one for me and car for @CraigRK

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

Then the second Bootfair for Sunday delivered some fun and some stuff for a friend who is heavily into Steampunk, as well as a new scarf for Joy that still had price tag attached, which was significantly more than the £1.00 that I paid for it.
The black boobs out corset was £2.00 and the black steel ribbed one was £3.00 so friend Dawn was pleased as anything as she says they cost a lot more than that in the shops or at shows.
Lastly a pair of Troll hair bands....... FREE because the lady selling a whole tray of new ones of them saw me laughing and just enjoying seeing them, they will go to Dennis’ grand daughter.

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

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2utgq4sx.jpg


Back in a bit with Monday’s finds, for those still around and actually looking at this madness.

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

Monday Bootfair first blood went to @CraigRK with a £5.00 vintage Coca Cola mirror for his BBQ area that has a Coca Cola and American Diner theme.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps65slzlfv.jpg

Next his daughter won a prize......
Two large Hello Kitty cushion dolls for £1.50 each, again, crazy money to buy new, these seemed untouched and came from a very clean stall. Trust me, some stalls have mugs for sale that literally have not been washed after being used. Crazy yes, I just keep on by past them.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqclx7lyi.jpg

Bought some more random stuff, including a very large Snail Brand wrench for 50p and a Radley makeup mirror for a friend for 50p

Then from a very clean stall, a load of DVD’s and some CD’s for Joy and myself.

All 5 series of Breaking Bad, for winter viewing, as I have never watched it. £10.00 for the lot, happy with the price.
Deadpool, May be my favourite ever super hero £1.00 as Joy never saw it.
5 disc collection £1.00
Three CD’s for £1.00 of which two are forJoy.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7l9tu1ll.jpg


I kept my buy of the day for last.........

It was my first buy, possibly 5 minutes after getting to the Bootfair, and at the end where people park up to display and put their stuff out.
As it cam out the van, I asked how much, thinking between £10.00 and £20.00 would be the price as they were traders...... and Samsonite is known to be good..... the case also has a TSA combination lock fitted, necessary for USA travel, so border agents can open and inspect contents if suspect, unlike into South Africa where your bags get opened to relieve them of valuable contents.

I asked the seller to take the photo as I wanted to show Craig as my newly purchased hard shell cases have been broken the last two years, last year the zipper got torn open and I lost stuff and the year before, they managed to break the one corner and wheel off my bag.

Seller said £3.00 when I asked and her husband said £5.00 so she settled on £4.00 or $5.00 or R70.00

Bit of a bargain, included lock combination.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscxq1nkp0.jpg

Got it home and used some Cif/Handy Andy Amonia based scoring agent plus a scrubbing brush to clean it.

Weirdly the outside looked like it had been dragged through a muddy field by a tractor driven by a drunk farmer and the inside was immaculate, with no smells......

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd112svhv.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxr4vmjve.jpg


Once hosed down, allowed it to dry, then used a bit of furniture polish to buff it up......

And there you go, ready for a Road trip.

This case is perfect for bringing back spares for the truck, or stuff Craig may find for his four vehicles.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps492wqkgi.jpg

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

Nice haul Rian. I would think your parts suitcase needs to be MUCH bigger :lol:

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

Container size ??



Grizz, Craig and Dennis’s 2018 Humdinger of a USA Roadtrip


So, what do you do after an absolutely awesome American road trip in 2017 where I managed to break a Dodge Hemi Challenger before the owners 60th surprise birthday party?

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...d-small-update

Which had followed the first trip to meet Dennis and a first trip using his Dodge in 2016

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2016-best-trip

Which had of course come about as a result of my first road trip to America when mate Martin and I had flown into Texas and got to get in at Gas Monkey garage and a load of other amazing peoples garages.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...chevy-roadtrip

This is the fourth time I am headed back to the USA, third time to St Louis, Missouri to see Dennis and Debbie and the rest of what has become my extended family in America and if you are able to arrange for an American Masters student in infectious diseases, (From Republic, Missouri, just up the road from Dennis) writing up his dissertation on Malaria to come live in your house and look after the cats etc for a month.........

As Steve the lodger from the last 20 weeks leaves........

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

This was made possible by my boss awarding me a small performance bonus for 2017, which I am thankful for that covered the airfare and car parking at Heathrow, and Craig’s lovely wife Lorraine allowing him to take time off and head out with me, leaving her to manage the kids and home, of course it will cost him....... after my brother in South Africa declined my offer of a free holiday.

When I let Dennis know we were going to darken his doorstep again, he said it was all good, as have many other friends and strangers in the USA who have reached out and offered us a lot of hospitality.

Dennis also chose to join Craig and I on the first week of the road trip, leaving Debbie at home to look after things.

Meet the contestants......

One clown called Craig.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrl5uabz5.jpg

Trying to spin many plates.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrv7rlhje.jpg

Craig’s interest is very wide, as is his experience in cars, having grown up on the shop floor of his parents’ VW garage.
His current cars all resemble each other, threads below.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...an-inspiration

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...p-electrifying

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...suburban-again


Dennis The Terminator

Needs no introduction, all round amazingly nice guy.


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

My $5.00 bootfair bargain to carry spares back.....

Ready to travel

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscxq1nkp0.jpg


First leg on Saturday 1st September will be a long stretch from Missouri to New Orleans, including Tennessee, Louisiana.
After that there is Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and many more including Iowa, Illinois etc.

This year will be a high mileage trip again.

I hope we get to meet other members from various forums along the way.

So this is the macro plan. Keep in mind, not one of us sticks to a plan..... so diversions and changes are due to happen all the way. There is a lot more than what is on the maps, and more detours for week two, still to be created and posted up.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0k9kirnj.png

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr2i27ih5.jpg

Counting down now........

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswo5ilmqf.jpg

A cooler full of beer on the back seat, Johnny Cash in the head unit and three reprobates in a big ass rental car, what could possibly go wrong?

Hold my beer and watch this.

Who else is on board?



RIGHT ALL....

THIS IS THE LINK TO THE THREAD AS IT WILL BE RUN ON RETRO RIDES. PLEASE CLICK AND FOLLOW ON THERE.


http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger



ENJOY.

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

My back has been playing up more and more since December when my legs gave way under me.

Started under a physiotherapist two weeks ago, last week she did some Acupuncture which really seemed to work. But by Friday morning my back was killing me again, so I called for an appointment with her, got told, nothing available, so decided to just ride it out to October when my next appointment is booked.
On Tuesday at 12.30 I got a call from them that there was a cancellation at 4.30 was I interested, of course.
I needed her to try manage this back so that I could handle the 24 hours we will be awake and on the go (I do not sleep or fit very well in planes, so keep moving the whole flight) so more acupuncture and some gentle manipulation of my spine was needed.

She did this exceptionally well.

I fell asleep on the bed......

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5sz9p8gd.jpg

After physio I went to see Joy and take Wyzz for a walk.
Followed by dinner, thankfully they both were happy to see me as it will be a few weeks of not seeing each other.

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

Amazing dinner deal, two main courses, and two pint drinks £13.60

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfflq7o2s.jpg

As I was still hurting, I left early and was in bed by 10.00pm with a drink, preparing for the road trip.

Discovered Mountain Dew last year..... pure poison, just as I love it.

Think Rednecks and Hillbilly’s.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps385pjgxv.jpg

Had a conversation with Caleb the cat sitter this morning.........

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pse4fbhbnh.png

Lastly, went to town for various things today, including banking and mobile phone shop, plus late lunch with Joy.

Found a £3.00 “Bolt on” for the mobile phone that allows me a lot of telephone time, using my data allowance in the USA dropping the call cost right down from the historical rip off costs.


@CraigRK and I are also going to test out some other cost saving technology while we are travelling

More about that later.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psromm0pvt.png


I will start to pack my bag soon.

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

What are they asking??

She wants to know........

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstrvhdgys.png



Absolutely plan on just that..... having fun.

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

Craig’s last task was getting his driving permit.....

After all, why miss out on all the fun, despite our British driving licenses being valid in the USA, this makes life a lot easier.

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

Last view of his desk for two weeks.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdmow4wca.jpg

Last time down this hole too.

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


Technology is amazing.

Hanna and Adam, Dennis’ son and his partner over here in Europe this week.

Greetings from Venice....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psa62qo6kb.jpg


On their way home.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps813re8tt.jpg

Beat us to it.

707 bhp will do that.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psl5zalze8.jpg

So packing was a chore, had to remove my security assessor repeatedly from the case, she was not happy.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0zrrddiw.jpg

Got to sleep around 10.30 in the end.

Alarm changed to 03.45 to get going.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4x2rayok.jpg


Picked up Craig at Stupid-0-Clock to go to the airport. He was way too smiley for someone who was still picking up kids at 11.30pm and got to bed after midnight.

Let’s see how good he looks by bedtime tonight.

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

The Road Trip has now started in earnest. And soon as we have collected Dennis, you will need to strap into your seats.

Checked though security, having breakfast in executive lounge.

Life is Good.

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

HALLO TO ROADKILL

Headed out.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psonohn0ik.jpg


Sh!t just got real.

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

What? It is already Rian time again for the USA?

Sounds like you have a very full schedule again this year.
Enjoy the journey have a safe trip.

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

:metal:

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

Thank you Vince.

Very full, and we will be missing many people.

Guess a three way team means more teamwork.


Indeeed Bill.




Been a bit busy, as always.

Our flight from Heathrow to Chicago on British Airways was uneventful, but I have to say that staff on the flight were exceptional in the way they managed all the passengers.

Eventually made it to Chicago.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psk5agb2de.jpg

We got to St Louis by 16.15 and then collected our baggage and went outside, Dennis was there within minutes to pick us up, a case of cold beers along for us.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmpu4nm7i.jpg

Traffic on the motorway was a bit rubbish, so we went to Rogers first for a beer and chat.

His wife Debbie was on hand to feed us his home made smoked sausage and beer.

Fun girl.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssxqzeo8z.jpg

Off to fetch more snacks.

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

Then we went off with Roger in his favourite truck..... along with Spotless, his gun dog.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszkbsdr1a.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskc3afj2m.jpg

One of the many tractors Roger owns that Dennis painted for him.

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

Then a nice ride around the property on the back of the truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfcuteq9o.jpg

Back at Dennis’ place, relaxing on the deck of his replica gas station.

Things were headed along as they always do, friends who are closer than family.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssryyqcx9.jpg

We carried on till about 10.30 USA time before we went to bed, 24hours straight awake.

I slept till 03.00 and Craig got up an hour later.

He may have slept a few more hours later in the morning, lucky guy.

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

A few beers later, Dennis went to fetch the Cevelle to take Craig for a run down the dirt roads, a-la Dukes of Hazzard.

The silly grin on both their faces was testament to the fact they had a lot of fun.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4j4negnu.jpg

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

Video of Rogers Hit and Miss John Deere tractor.

https://youtu.be/CMEKB_LJBqo

For some reason, Cinch is often by my feet.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfx0dy20g.png

Anywat, to bed at 10.30 and typically I woke by 03.00 so a bit tired.

So I crushed beer cans to take with to Oklahoma. Details later.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psq6hpnn4c.jpg

After that I went to see what Adam was up to..... plumbing for his new house

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp63r36fe.jpg

After that I came in as Debbie had made us her bacon and eggs.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxxe17eav.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd6bcqjjn.jpg

After this, Craig and I headed to Walmart......l

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssihcsyrq.png

Gas prices are good for a road trip.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps6athz1of.png


Bed time now, it is 04.00 in the U.K.

It gets better soon.

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

Craig getting his Redneck Cherry popped.......


This was a real case of HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS.

Dennis decided as the sun went down to get the Chevelle started.


Click link.



The smiles on Craigs face was worth the flight here and back over and over.

Things that make life good.

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

A slightly out of sync entry.

Copied from Craig’s post on Retro Rides.


Grizz is busily working through getting you all a proper update, in the meantime though, an interlude from me.

Who needs Uber when you have 700-odd bhp at your disposal.


Thanks to Adam Jones for letting me use his Hellcat! What a beast!!


Adam put this out for us to use for the day.......

My first view walking out the house.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7egbzwvz.jpg


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


Good Morning Mr Hellcat.


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


And headed out to the motorway.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psep5aoxzn.jpg

Over at Walmart we parked away from the other shopper’ cars to prevent door dents etc.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr2xk0omm.jpg


This.....



Is the life.


I am formally in love or is that lust?


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuvi3utrf.jpg



Next........

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

Just pulled this post from Retro Rides to keep you all updated.

Thanks to our Majestifi.com sponsor.


[quote author="@craigrk" source="/post/2443500/thread" timestamp="1535823577"]

[quote author="@hotrodder" source="/post/2443457/thread" timestamp="1535808783"]...live updates "from the road less traveled" by Grizz and Craig. What about him,totally blown away i guess since being so quiet?[/quote][br]

I’m still here. A bit of an observer, so less likely to give big updates! Enjoying watching from the back seat on I55...

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswyocwcec.jpg
[br][/quote][br]


Oh dear, looks like I distracted the driver......

We had just stopped at the “Welcome to Arkansas” roadside rest area 10 minutes ago.

Back on the road Dennis was calling his buddy from New Orleans who is out in the mountains near Nevada.
Completely distracted we were all having a 4 way conversation and the speed crept up.

Next thing Dennis just said “OHHH CR@P I JUST GOT A TICKET” When a Police car in the oncoming lanes of the I-55 turned and followed us. Sensibly he pulled over instantly and waited.
When the State Trooper got to the passenger window and leaned in (thick muscular arms in evidence and hat squarely on his head) he asked Dennis if he knew what speed he was going. Dennis in typical honest style said “Too Fast?” To which the trooper replied “Yes Sir, 87mph”

Then the whole license etc dance followed and Dennis told the Trooper he was taking his English buddies on a road trip to see some of the country. Grizz and I joined in in the conversation, Grizz typically pulled out his phone to show the trooper some photos to support the story.

The Trooper then asked Dennis to sit still while he went to check his details in the patrol car to see if he was wanted.
Bloody Grizz already was planning his next move and when the trooper came back asked if he would hold Dennis up against the car for an arrest photo. The balls of the man.
Trooper declined the photo opportunity and told Dennis to slow down and travel safe.
At this point Grizz piped up again to ask if he could at least take a pic of the patrol car behind our rental.
Trooper agreed and Grizz got out, thanking him for letting us off and then shaking Grizz’S hand. What a LEGEND GRIZZ !!

After the photo opportunity we got back on the road, Speedocruise control set at a sensible pace.

We now have 5 more states to go.

Let’s see if we can get Dennis Tazered before we get home.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psunmnjcs4.jpg

Grizz’S bloody cheeky photo of us pulled over on I-55

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pso8ihii5b.jpg

So.........

What will happen next on the live updates sponsored by Majesti-fi

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

Welcome to St Louis, don’t forget the key to enjoying time here is to stay away from the city.

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

LOL.

Dennis knows the city and told us the same thing.

He grew up in O’Fallon and had a misspent youth.

So I am happy to listen to him.

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

Already having fun following along , Carry on .

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

Just run by Canton turn off.


Between snack, crisps, biltong/beef jerky and gas station stops we have made it Jackson, Mississippi so far.

Despite the rain, Dennis continues to drive as long as I hand him food and drinks occasionally

https://youtu.be/1y8lRoQTJ5w

Good day so far.

Beer-0-Clock some time soon.

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

Yeah. I ran thru the heavy rain thisorning. You will see it alot it looks like today and tomorrow. Be safe my friend. Have fun, but be safe in naw'lins

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

Safe is the operative word Bill.

Just lost our lodgings for the night so will go find a motel once we get where we are headed in Madissonville 70447

Will find a place, Cajun restaurant and relax.

Then go to town tomorrow.

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

Now sitting in a hotel room in Louisiana near New Orleans, tired, but sleep is still an hour or so away.

I have to wrap up yesterday.

A few loose, random items to add to this random trip report now.

After getting back from the shops, Adam, Craig and I went to meet Dennis at Enterprise car rental, where Adam has a corporate account that meant we got to hire a car at a price that made it worth our while.
After all the document and identity checks, we were given a lovely Chevrolet Impala in V6 flavour with crisp auto box.
So I drove that home in rush hour traffic.
Not quite the Hellcat, but perfect for the trip.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psftrydmp0.jpg

When we got home......

Meet Dorothy, 84 and acting 54 at times, sharp as a blade.
Check the toe nails.... as Craig said, the. Question is “Does she click her heels?”

She had just got home with her new car she had just brought back from the dealers, exactly the same model Impala as we got to use, in white.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssptnvw3h.jpg

After parking up the car, grabbing a cold drink etc, we went around to Adam and Hanna’s building site to play in the dirt.

First me, then Craig, then I carried on for another hour plus, moving dirt and tidying the pile and site with the Caterpillar Skid Steer.

JUST HOW MUCH FUN CAN ONE HAVE ON ONE HOLIDAY??

Craig getting to grips with it.

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

Video of my first time.

Not as easy as many people make it looks.

CLICK LINK:

https://youtu.be/jrBCaEAhN5Q

After parking the Skid Steer, I went to the shop, loads of guys all there, working on getting the new race car trailer hauler sorted.

2009 Silverado Diesel with crazy low miles on, replacing the previous black one that had astronomical miles on it.

It came with a service bed, but the regular bed had to be refitted and wiring worked out as they had cut the wiring when building it before.
Craig also used his problem solving brain to help identify some short cuts on creating a new bumper from the old and new replacement unit. Great result for an IT bod.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4wonwiud.jpg

Bed back on, lights being sorted out.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseunuiuq0.jpg

Eventually everyone had left and we all got to bed late, then up this morning and we only left at 07.45 for refuelling, and to get some beers (not for drinking)

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

Dennis also had found a damaged aluminium wheel for Andy to melt down.

We are headed there after Labour day weekend, via Clems place in Fayetteville.

Andys garage thread. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...d.php?t=334140

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshmt0x9ae.jpg

Then onto the motorway......

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspf36wbkf.jpg

Down to Pete’s place in Wentzville for a real breakfast.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx2ouovri.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswmsxgo5d.jpg

Of course I ordered extra bacon.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psboptp1fn.png

Then out on I 70 toward the South.

Flags at half mast still in respect to the passing of Senator McCain.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psg3mvkbvs.jpg

700 miles ahead of us to New Orleans where heavy weather was forecast too, would be making for a long, boring day.....


Or maybe not.


Hope you are all still having fun


Well,after breakfast we headed out.

Dennis warned us that right after Cape Girradeau it would become as flat as parts of Arkansas and even Illinois

So he set Auto Pilot and we continued talking, non stop sh!t, ate crisps, Biltong/Jerky, random chocolate, drinking water, Coke, Mountain Dew etc till we stopped eating and just talked.

I will do a separate entry or even story about some of the sh!t Dennis has got into over the years.

For a guy who had over 20 tickets by the time he was 18 for speeding, burnouts, expired license plates, wrong tags etc, and other random stuff, but never a DUI he has some stories.

As Dennis says “I had a good lawyer”

SO THE QUIET ONE CONTINUED DRIVING AND GETTING US TO NEW ORLEANS.

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

States came and went with boring regularity.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgziennh5.jpg

What a beautiful state.......

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

Weather forecasts were for rain all he time we were down here, but hey......

Find a bar with a roof and we would be good.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfmlxyx1r.jpg

Then of course the rains hit us, visibility to 10% and hammering it down.

Just check the Video I did.

https://youtu.be/1y8lRoQTJ5w

Every state has a welcome center, and there is a lot of evidence of thanks for those who served.

This really touches me. Another good reason to want to live here.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psg5q3x40s.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx15nloag.jpg

Back on the road.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbujgifm0.jpg

While on the road, I also chatted with Caleb back home about what we saw, and he proceeded to send this pic of Dukey, helping him with his Thesis write up.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psztgny5hm.jpg

Along the way, there was a high visible policing presence as well, perfect for a long weekend over Labour day weekend.

Certainly beats a Skoda or Ford Focus patrol car.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psq9vgf6u4.jpg



Remember Dennis getting pulled over by the State Trooper......??




Part of the relationship building we had done with the Trooper was to show him this pic I had taken of a Geo-Cache painted stone, Mr Duck in this case.

So we were saved by the Bill from the Smokey kicking Dennis’ proverbial butt.

Craig and his family do Geo Caching and had explained it to me.... interesting stuff for sure, especially the way there are different levels.


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

Along the way Dennis pointed out many salvage yards, race tracks etc.

Craig spotted this one.

MIND BLOWING.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psl99rrfh2.jpg

Eventually we made it into the state.....

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

Then booked into a Super 8 Hotel, simple, cheap, functional.

Random awesome door handle Craig spotted and snapped.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgnuw6nwj.jpg

After that we had a first celebratory beer and went out looking for some good Cajun food.

Obstacles along the way.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvypt8fuy.jpg

Perfect.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdt9aqofm.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4t7aukud.jpg

Decor.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdfibw40j.jpg

Ordered our meals, loads of beer, fast.

My selection.... and the Gumbo added.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbotamyn1.jpg

Nommmmmmmmm...!!!

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psnf0e26cl.jpg


And introducing Ashley....... yes, I behaved, hard as it was.

Kelly will have to up her game, these Southern girls are lovely.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfn7jmzfa.jpg


Headed out to New Orleans French Quarter after breakfast later this morning.

We saw on the news in the hotel room that today is also their Gay Pride March.

Dennis started the day by filling out cooler with fresh ice.

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


The man has skills.


Later guys.


Craig has an incredibly sharp eye.

Saw this while the three of us were doing the tourist thing around the French Quarter despite the rain that had been forecast.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psehjum7mz.jpg


Tropical storm has been predicted for later today so we havepulled the plug and are headed to Vicksburg, a great Civil War town to learn more there. Less rain expected but raining all the way so far.

The Siege of Vicksburg (May 18 – July 4, 1863) was the final major military action in the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War. In a series of maneuvers, Union Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee crossed the Mississippi River and drove the Confederate Army of Mississippi, led by Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, into the defensive lines surrounding the fortress city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

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

Glad you are enjoying the area Rian. I've been working since I got back from Baton Rouge yesterday.

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

Hi Bill

Passed the Baton Rouge sgns earlier.

A lot of rain all the way.


Craigs comments below.


It’s been an interesting day. We had a quick walk around New Orleans French Quarter this morning. As usual @Grizz took some time out of his busy schedule to liaise with locals about their wares...

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

It started raining though and a tropical storm was forecast, so we hot footed it out of there and started the journey north to Arkansas via Vicksburg as promised by @Grizz. However the rain followed us most of the way so we didn’t stop in. Vicksburg but carried on to Arkansas after cutting the corner of Louisiana again.

Eventually in Arkansas the sun started smiling from behind the clouds.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfpibaeq1.jpg

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

Morning all, thanks for your continued interest, all comments and posts welcomed.

Just a reminder that you can see a map of the trip on Furkot, I've just updated it to take consideration of the changes to the route yesterday and the causeway crossing. At 23 miles, the longest bridge I've ever crossed.



http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmk47aevm.jpg



Craig

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

Quick update from the road. As @Grizz said, we’re heading west from Fayetteville to Oklahoma.

We stopped off quickly in Siloam to say hi to Mike Losh of Slosh Tubz fame http://www.sloshtubz.net/

Obviously Siloam is the perfect place for some clowning around as the circus was in town, but we only managed to stop by for about 20 minutes or so.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszal1sic2.png

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjtkufih4.jpg

Luckily the guys decided to keep me around for the rest of the trip...

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

But you would have been right at home there , still watching you guys ,Have fun and keep the pics coming .