[Stout72]

Hi, my name is Joe. I'm 45, been married 17 years to Cindy (the most gorgeous, generous and understanding woman you can imagine), and we have 3 sons (16, 14 and 10 yrs). Yes, life is good. Born & raised in N. California, grew up on the coastside, lived in Fairfield (NE San Francisco Bay Area) for the last 10 years. 100% Chevy family ('cept for the bike) since the rollover/total loss of a brand new Durango in July, replaced by the 'Burb.

I'm a Marine Engineer by trade. I worked aboard general cargo and container ships, and a Government research ship, working my license up from 3rd Assistant to Chief Engineer. Sailed darn near all over the world. Decided to settle down, get married and start a family in '86, so I found a shore job as a Marine Surveyor w/ the US DOT Maritime Administration in SF. In '91 I got a big promotion, managing one of the National Defense Reserve Fleets (aka the "Mothball Fleet" on the West Coast, similar to the "Ghost Fleet" on the East Coast).

Bought my '72 a couple of years ago. Paid too much for it because it was just what I was looking for (lifted 3/4 ton 4x4), and got a little soft in the brain during the price haggling phase. Wish I had found this Board BEFORE I bought. Anyway, it's been a tinker toy... runs good, but needs a lot of work. Haven't had much time to tinker lately due to some interior home remodeling and a big landscaping project in my back yard. Hobbies include scuba diving (#1 & #2 sons are also certified), fly fishing, experimenting with spud guns, and tinkering with just about anything mechanical.

I can't say enough good things about this Board. Many here have helped me along with making repairs, finding gremlins, and giving me good ideas to improve 'ol Stout, whether you replied to my posts or not. Me thanks to y'all (oh yeah, spent 3 years in a shipyard in New Orleans & Harvey, LA... some of the lingo still lingers).