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

And it continued thatbwaybv

NASCAR RACE SHOP PART 2

The whole NASCAR Truck racing game is very tightly governed.

One of the things I was shown was this truck that is being rebuilt. Note, sheetmetal being welded in and the fenders being reshaped and panel beaten back to spec.

Above the body you can see a fixed profile hanging.

It is used to check the build in order to keep trucks homologated.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfjjdjg80.jpg

The nose cone profile draped over some spare motors.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbaw3acwm.jpg

Another lesson learned.

Look closely at the centre of these wheel rims, you will see the wheel nuts are Gorilla glued into place..... WTF??

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps87zyytij.jpg

Now look at the studs on a wheel that is fitted.

The first inch has no thread.

Why??

Well of course everyone but me knew this already.

The rim slips onto the studs during a pitstop and nuts are in place, so the impact gun goes on and zipps them tight. No fumbling ti seat wheel nuts.

Faster pitstops.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psm6tq6um9.jpg

Next up. Some engine work.

Look at the state of this head.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1qqpz5vp.jpg

And then..........

Engine room. Time for a little sex wee.

Just incredible.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psoalqf8be.jpg

At this point Mike Mittler the owner got there.
He and the guys were making a framed picture of one of their cars that ran at Eldora for a client. Using the side wall of a dirt racing tyre as a frame.
Its the only dirt track in NASCAR owned by Tony Stewart. It has been there for 60. plus years having been built in 1954

Once again, seeing the owner of a very successful company getting on and using tools getting dirty with his team was great.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psugjwb59n.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswv5ghjtn.jpg

Once again the hospitality and generosity of the American people touched me as Mike asked Dennis and I if we wanted a personally guided tour of his factory.

Of course we agreed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4yzbucqj.jpg

We got our tour and was then allowed to roam the factory and speak to various people as mentioned before.

One last pic.

The chassis Dennis is using to build his 1966 NASCAR replica was the one in these photos.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswmxxkc9u.jpg

Eventually we left for shop number two.

Not even halfway through the day, things were going well.

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

So after the Race Shop and factory tour, Dennis was still not done, so we drove over to Kenny Mutert's shop to see Vince Baker with his handmade ally roadster.

Pics can do the talking.

Greeted by a yard full of old gas/perrol pumps, pedal cars and poads of other treasures.

This was the reason we had come over.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pseltqv9nn.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4skmm7zt.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psplemhr0n.jpg

Still interested ???

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspdql5lhz.jpg

Traditional Fout banger Ford.

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

I managed to ask Vince if he would punch me a set of louvres in a pair of Arkansas number plates if I bought them for my truck.
To which he agreed.

From there we went to Harry J's Steakhouse for burgers.
Mine was bacon, cheese.

It was very good.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgy85k2hn.jpg

Then it was off to Thomas Sutton, Dennis' cousin whom I had been Facebook friends with for some time.

The man is a car picker.
Specialising in 55, 56, 57 Chevys.
Call him.
He gets all sorts of stuff.
Buys and sells whatever he finds.
Will probably work on commissions too.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psn2wfc50h.jpg

He also gave me a Hurst shifter to turn into a walking stick.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8prypc0v.jpg

And he has quite a few more.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslmmxwqr1.jpg

Beer anyone?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7xvass90.jpg

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

Still on Friday.......

Crazy I know.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr9b5u9a0.jpg

We left Thomas' place to head over to Dennis' mum and dad.

On the way we stopped at another friend who had bought this for his daughters graduation.......

Guess what?

Its his daily driver now as she did not like it, even after he had it detuned for her.

He is a retired Toyota mechanic but now works mainly on Harleys. Had a few parked in his shop as well.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspyxo4nxu.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxjbl4hrh.jpg

An hour later it was off to Dennis' parents.

I didnot take a lot of pics as their whole home andbasement really is a museum and they live in it.

Just incredible.

Again, mind completely blown by it all.

Couple of video clips too.

Dennis' dad is a keen whitler of wood. Making all sorts of stuff, including these mobiles. This one is of Dennis spray painting a car.


And a very early razor blade sharpener.
Just watch the action.


Some of the other stuff, and I photographed less than 1% of stuff. I really meant incredible collection.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1udardvx.jpg

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

Some of the hand made wooden knives. Some have lock blades, some have secret mechanisms. All in wood.
The man worked for GM all his life and then in airconditioning when he retired.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psjng0jqs3.jpg

Clicks anyone?


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psl5vplagm.jpg


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

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

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3jx42zww.jpg

From there it was into traffic and headed Westward toward home.

Another long day that was still not over.

Yup.

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

Veeeeeery Interesting!!!! :metal:

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

And it gets better.


Well, Friday afternoon late and we drive up to the homestead just to say goodbye to Debbie as she was off to a music concert.

Dennis was meant to go with her....... Oooooppss.

Fortunately he is very pragmatic.

Straight out to the shop to mess with the 66 truck for a bit while I removed the hood ornament he had saved for me.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2bjqd6s4.jpg

I like it. Thank you mate.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psxqcn3cyx.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvr47s1kq.jpg

Once done I grabbed beer no3 planning to relax.


"Wanno go see my land??"

"Grab some beers, we'll take some of the quads"

Once again I realised that this trip is is already delivering more than last years awesome roadtrip with mate Martin.

Redneck Central, here we come !!!!

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswmpyd5eg.jpg

And my ride.

Bloody hell, these things are quick.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psj2zmy8yv.jpg

All over the property.

Then over to his neighbour Ryan's place for a few more beers.

Seems in this part of the world beers are communal property.
And drunk like water.
I like water.
Probably drunk more beer in four days than a year back in England.

Roaming Ryans place Dennis picked up a snake skin in an old building.
5'6" Honestly.

Eventually we left well after dark as Saturday was a road trip to Philo, Illinois to see Chris and Thomas.

Up early as we are both insomniacs.......

Fillerup.....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psz0dp5c95.jpg

Ready

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbsxn9hgl.jpg

Hit the road.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswu3ygvke.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqdjozt79.jpg

Leaving Missouri over the Mighty Missisippi River.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psshfdp9pn.jpg


Ready for a 6 hr road trip??

Stand by.

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

How do you like driving on the right side of the road ?

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

Tomorrow Clems???

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

All the same if you respect the rules.

Yup.

Love ok forward to it.

Will be there late as stoppoing in Searcy and taking scenic route up to Fayetteville

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

Just headed out to fill Challenger then off to Searcy to Ta2Don.

HEADED INTO THE SUNRISE..........

HEADED TO THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE.

CLICKY LINKY:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=51567

We head out onto the motorway with Dennis pointing the Challengers eager nose at the sunrise, soon we are over the Mississippi River and onward.

The roads become monotonous but we are talking cars, women and the way the world has been for us.

This is a great trip.

Every now and then Dennis gives in to the urge and tickles the Hemi and it is only too pleased to respond with a kickdown when we overtake slower traffic.
This is an incredibly civilised car.

A rest stop or two later we get to Pocahontas and pull in for an amazing breakfast and service with a smile.

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

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspq6yvonl.jpg


Fortunately the facilities also cater for those of a more blessed nature who find the cold touch of porcelain unnerving. Not seen one of these oldskool urinals in years.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssskjas9g.jpg

Breakfast was just spectacular. It seems to be the norm.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2wj5dytn.jpg


Then back on the road.
Dennis did warn me it may be a bit boring but I loved it and along with stories of him raising hell all his life, the trip went by fast and pleasantly.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psv92uwqlh.jpg

When we got to Philo we sneaked onto the property and parked up out back at the big workshop and walked down to the 1930's shop at which point Thomas and Chris discovered us "Trespassing" so he went to get changed from his work clothes and the tour and visit strated.

First stop was this Hudsom Terraplane that Thomas still has the title to.
So technicaly it can be legally returned to the road. Future project?


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswweqb7b4.jpg

You need to read the thread linked above now.

I cannot say more than Dennis and I had an amazing day.

I got to raise the working and restored by Thomas, single post 1928 car lift and dennis lowered it after we had touched, smelled and investigated it.
It is the oldest one of its type known to exist.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psg8edzbma.jpg

The 1930's shop has been sympathetically restored and modernised for Thomas and Chris to prep their classics and drag cars.
Everywhere there are bits of its origens.

I loved these lights.

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

One of the two cars that they run regularly.

Corvette Heaven.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psaksg3k6c.jpg

Thomas offered to drop the roof on this 1966 for me to go for a drive. I was desperate to go drive it around the Illinois fields and suspect Dennis would have enjoyed it too, but I decided the time we had together was more precious than a blast in a classic.

The generosity and trust of these people does not surprise me anymore. BUT I CONTINUE TO BE HUMBLED BY IT.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqhvidu0w.jpg

I have to get out to breakfast and then over to Searcy to see Ta2Don and then up into the mountains to Fayetteville to Clems place.

I will finish this days update later when I get time and WiFi access.

Later dudes.

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

Love your picture "tours". Don't know why I have not commented on your thread before, but here I have today.

Did anyone else notice that the template above the NASCAR truck was for a Toyoda, but the front facia had a Chevy Bowtie on it?

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

The top template fits all the trucks,ford, chevy and toyota.Only are the front and rear bumpers are are different.Dodge was even the same when they were in the game.

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

Hey John !!!

Thank you for my parcel.

All the stuff is awesome.

Much appreciated.


Seen on the road when stealing McDonalds WiFi as I have no phone.

This is low.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5f7lra6e.jpg

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

Made it to Fayetteville from Jonesboro via a quick lunch in Searcy with Ta2Don.

Kim had made us an awesome dinner.

Clem hosting in his usual style.

And of course Bomp (Greg) down from Oregon.

It was a great evening.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3mbihfmd.jpg



Yes, this is out of sync by three days.

I will get back to our regular transmission when I can to write up.

Bit busy right now. Off to collect a GMC truck.

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

I have seen that chopped truck on this site before but you pic is better than the others I remember seeing .I had hoped you would like some of that stuff .I have not been here as much as my wife passed away Friday ,funeral was Monday and she actually helped me pick thru my stuff to send your way .We had discussed us trying to make it out there next year but she was too sick .I am now trying to find a new normal as my life is completely upside down right now but I have been kinda on here the last 2 days after I get home from errands .

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

Hi John

Just sitting here with Clemdaddy and Bomp after dinner made by Kim.

Just told them as well about your loss.

We send you a wish for your peace in your mind and heart.

Celebrate her life in her absence.

We will raise a glass to you both in a moment.

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

Looks like your having a great adventure across the pond, good to see you enjoying the trip so much

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

Thanks Rian and everyone there with you ,glad your trip has been fun so far .I come on here when Im home as it takes my mind off other things and I continue to read posts even if Im not always up to posting yet .

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

We raised a glass and smiled at Mrs Flashed in her absence mate.

Keep coming here, the guys will help you through and focus you.

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

The guys here are awesome ,they have already helped me a lot on my prayer thread and my buddy Robbie from just south of me came for a visit yesterday ,met him on here too.

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

Last year was awesome.

This year.....??

MIND BLOWINGLY GOOD.

THIS is why we are here for each other.

Trucks n toys but also to look after one another.


My holiday just gets better every day.


Insomnia sucks. Been awake two hrs. Back killing me as well.

Best update some more then.

Thomas had a double garage filled with treasures. The last remnants of 10 years of sympathetically restoring the workshop.
The garage was being torn down when we got there.
He gave Dennis and I Carte Blanche to rummage and remove and have anything we needed or wanted there.

Heaven or what?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psllec4ik2.jpg

Number plates, an Early Chevy Valve cover thatI had been looking for for months and other treasures.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psx57ga8jx.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmmd7uexb.jpg

Thank you Thomas !!

Stopped for beer and gas on the way home.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmcus0ht4.jpg

Once we got home I unpacked the treasures.

Old piece for my very good mate Kevin who collects units of measurement. Tape measures, rulers etc.

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

Gorgeous Pontiac hood ornament.
Will be cleaned up and mounted then take pride of place in my display cabinet.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psdvm6ppde.jpg

Said Chevy valve cover.

Those who know what they are looking at will see the offset fitting holes.......... and know what it means.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslzqwqle5.jpg

Treasures !!!!!

For my collection.

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

Once cleaned up, yes, just another dust collector to some. But what if I added in Bonneville Salt Flats to the description?

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

And lastly.......

Got to convert some 12Volt into 6Volt but this may be used somewhere.

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

So that concluded Saturday.

We did go out to Harry J's Steakhouse and had a massive Prime rib to share. Could never manage it alone.

Many beers consumed.

Then back home and another few hours in Dennis' shop.

This holiday just kept on giving.

Sunday plans included a Swapmeet, car show and more beer and mileage.

Note, they were plans.

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

Next up some random product placement.

I love some of the advertising in the USA.

Read what you like into some of these.

Me.......??

Just reading it as a pubescent teenager would in my day.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmbqipx89.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pswbmp6auu.jpg

Went shopping recently at a real cool shop, wanted a nice hoody. Found a great John Deere one.

Interestingly, also saw the bridal outfit for the perfect Redneck wedding.

Come on !!!!

Who would not love to wrestle his bride out of these?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshek5jcda.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscpc65k4s.jpg

Dennis' family name.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psioiqm0kr.jpg

Pure cane sugar.

That should see you go.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psctrkue3d.jpg

Watch any cowboy movies lately?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psve9sfutr.jpg

And my personal favourite in that shop.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pszfvnof9w.jpg

Think what you like. As long as it makes you s****** like a teenager.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssm358j6b.jpg

Last one.....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pssaxv46wu.jpg

This was Sunday morning.

Ready for more?

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

I had no idea that KICKAPOO JOY JUICE was still made ,I have a few of the antique bottles that I collected over 30 years ago and in our area at least in my memory it was never sold here .I have a very old bottle collection boxed up somewhere .

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

A couple more dust collectors that should look good mounted on a decent background.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvcjqi53a.jpg

Some of Dennis' treasures in his shop display

Love this adjustable drillbit.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psi2uah2qa.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psncbyxze8.jpg

And of course there was the saying Thank You at the end of Saturday.

Tally (Talladega Raceway) encouraging me to be more thankful.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslysr4l3v.jpg

While I was in the USA, Miss Katy was also here. But playing a much more upmarket game.

She went to California and was staying with one of her best friends in Myrtle Beach.

Nomance is going well. And she did send a photo of herself having a good time too.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslysr4l3v.jpg



Back to Sunday morning.

After shopping and getting a few things including a case of Dr Peper and some Beef Jerky to throw in the car on Monday plus my John Deere hoody, Which I have wanted forever........

It was time for Dennis to be punished by Debbie for not going to the concert on Friday night...... remember that?

She did, and would not let him forget (testicles : handbag) so we were in the big truck and off into the Missisippi Delta.

Destination unknown (well, to the two of us at least) Debbie and her sister who was spending the weekend were directing from the back seat.

We made it to this point.......

Ooooppps. River !!

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

Onto a car ferry and over the Mighty Mississippi.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskc2jyx1v.jpg

Take a look at the video.

This is a fast and massive old river.

CLICK LINK:


On the other side we went to have lunch at Kinders Restaurant enjoying the views and river traffic.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgr4ald9a.jpg

Also love the way this ferry works.

Look at the pivoting drive.

CLICKY LINKY:




Lunch was really good.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2ljmbbqe.jpg

Loved the words on the sign.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psohqisv0r.jpg


More about Sunday later.

Off to Clems shop via breakfast now.

Later.

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

Rian,
I forgot to mention one of the ball caps I sent you I saw in a little shop and I just thought it suited the title of the truck you are building .I dont even remember seeing you wear a ball cap or hat as I call mine .

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

Thank you. Yes I got it.

One photo I Messed up with.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pskphea34s.jpg

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

Three ferries on a Sunday.

From lunch we set off on the island stopping at farmers markets and other attractions. Keep in mind Dennis and I were in payback mode.

Debbie warming to Bad Boy Dennis.

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

These ferries can carry quite a load.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psvn1w4dxt.jpg

Waiting for the next ferry over to mainland this sign drew my attention as low vehicles often feature in our hobby. Warning from the state of Illinois

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

Next stop was a winery called Aeries, very high on a hill.

Saw this in the carpark.

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

Views over the Missisippi River.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshwxtw6nn.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3vuafofn.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuyluihk6.jpg

VIDEO CLICKY LINKY:


All day ling there were loads of Harleys on the road.

On the last ferry, this was seen.

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

Eventually got home after 7pm

Another great day spent with Dennis and Debbie.

My hoody made me grin madly as I always loved John Deere stuff.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psqrr0z8oj.jpg

Last thing before I went to bed was to check the route planner.

Looked like it was going to be a long day.

First to Strawberry to see Donnie Wilson and then on to Jonesboro to stay over at Steve Hansens place for a few days. They both had surprises lined up.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psp5o7wdfm.png

Now I need a beer.