Fast, you asked how I got my start...... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ebfabman · 03-24-2002, 08:51 PM

Did you ever read this?

you have to be rich to work on old trucks?
This is my can of beans. I've had it for a long time. it reprsents somewhat of a starting point.
Many years ago (early eighties) after going through some of what I thought were hard times, like bad relationships, dropping out of school, getting into debt, failed business ventures, coming to terms with having no parents to go to, and not a penny's worth of credit anywhere. I got to a low spot. I decided to try again, all I had left to build on was some pride, and a few tools I had been able to replace after getting them all ripped off months before.
Started looking around and found this old abandoned car wash for rent. it was in very bad condition the roof was about to fall in and all the equipment was falling down from rust.
I went to the owner and made a deal with him to rent it to me for a year and I would fix it up and keep the city off him in exchange for rent. The deal was made.
The next thing I did was go over to the local body shop supply and spend the last few dollars I had to buy masking paper, tape, primer, and sand paper.
Now, out of money, nowhere to go but an old dingy roof leaking car wash, I started doing body work for food and materials money.
The manager of a big tree trimming outfit approached me about fixing some of their trucks someone had torn up stealing equipment from. He said they would supply the parts and materials and all I had to do was do all the repairs and repaint them. This was a big job so take it right? one catch, 90 day pay. Ok so I take the job fixing the trucks. About a week later they were finished. Now winter is setting in and no work coming in (or money) I had to rely on friends to feed me. Well even a good body man can wear out his welcome. As the weeks rolled by, it got colder in that leaky dingy shop ( I slept on an old army cot in the shop)
Expecting any day now I would be getting that check from the tree trimming outfit, I was at a very low point. No money, no food, and very hungry. I went over to the new self serve car wash late one night and dug through the trash cans (you know how people empty their ash trays in the trash cans and sometimes they will throw away some pennies too)I collected 29 cents,went to the store and bought that can of beans. I was so weak and tired when I got back to the shop I didn't open it, I just crawled on that old cot and went to sleep.
The next morning even more hungry, It had been 2 days since my last meal, I got an old screw driver and that can of beans and got ready to open it, when the mailman walks in the door with the check from the tree trimming company.
From that point I never looked back, but I'll always have this can of beans and I'll always remember what that can of beans represents
I have been blessed with many things in my life so far.
Rich, no, not money wise anyway.

*Fast68Chevy* · 03-24-2002, 09:19 PM

WOW ! holy damn ! speechless, I'll come back when i can think of something to say, wow...

sam's 72 · 03-24-2002, 10:10 PM

Ebfabman,
Man that is one hell of a story! I was on here the other day and say a Grand Prix that you had to fix, you are very talatent, glad to see you moving on! I do have one question though.
I am not a religious freak, but do you believe in God? Cause man it sounded like you were on your very last leg, and in walked the mail man with money, when I hear of a story like this, I dont think of it being a coincidence, I look at it as God does work in mysterious ways, and I believe this was his work!
Sam

sam's 72 · 03-24-2002, 10:10 PM

Ebfabman,
Man that is one hell of a story! I was on here the other day and say a Grand Prix that you had to fix, you are very talatent, glad to see you moving on! I do have one question though.
I am not a religious freak, but do you believe in God? Cause man it sounded like you were on your very last leg, and in walked the mail man with money, when I hear of a story like this, I dont think of it being a coincidence, I look at it as God does work in mysterious ways, and I believe this was his work!
Sam

sam's 72 · 03-24-2002, 10:21 PM

Ebfabman,
Man that is one hell of a story! I was on here the other day and saw a Grand Prix that you had to fix, you are very talatent, glad to see you moving on! I do have one question though.
I am not a religious freak, but do you believe in God? Cause man it sounded like you were on your very last leg, and in walked the mail man with money, when I hear of a story like this, I dont think of it being a coincidence, I look at it as God does work in mysterious ways, and I believe this was his work!
Sam

LMN8R · 03-24-2002, 10:34 PM

I think your story is going to be an inspiration to all of us, or at least for myself. Thanks alot Ebfabman!

Benrs86 · 03-24-2002, 10:37 PM

sam's 72 said it! that is a really amazing story. i saw the grand prix too. you do good work. just like sam's 72 said.

sam's 72 · 03-24-2002, 10:44 PM

I didnt mean to post the same thing three different times, my computer was acting up and I was not sure if it was posting
SORRY GUYS
SAM

ebfabman · 03-24-2002, 10:54 PM

Sam, you could'nt be more right. Not only do I believe in God, but God belives in ME!

It was no coincidence that day. I mean I had the screwdriver and beans in my hands when the mailman walked in.

I had the best steak I've ever eaten that day!

I've come a ways since those days.

[This message has been edited by ebfabman (edited March 24, 2002).]

sam's 72 · 03-24-2002, 11:30 PM

Is this your car are you building for a race team? Man I wish I had just a 10th of your know how
sam

ebfabman · 03-24-2002, 11:46 PM

Sam, the top pic is one of Matt Kenseth's Busch cars.

The bottom one is my NASCAR All Pro super late model. I like to race it when I can get together enough help and money. Its a lot of work, but a lot of fun also.

Right now I'm doing "free lance" work for different teams. This keeps me closer to home with my wife =)
Also building some "hard hits" along with my truck project. Keeps me out of trouble...lol

barn9 · 03-25-2002, 12:02 AM

That is inspiration if I've ever heard it! That is really cool. I'm sure it wasn't at the time. I can relate, I've been through some tough times myself, but not quite to that extreme. When a tornado took my whole life away in '91, I lived in a loaned camper for a couple weeks, not knowing where I was going to go, but things worked out for the positive after a while. I hope I never have to go through anything like that again, but if I have to, I know I can make it. A lot of people would have given up in the circumstances that you were in, but you had a mission to accomplish. Good job!!

------------------[*]'71 Cheyenne, 402BB[*]Winfield, KS[*] http://barn9.freeservers.com[*] steer50@hotmail.com

**BIG ORANGE** · 03-28-2002, 06:01 PM

Ed havent met you yet but I saw this thread the other nite at work and was so moved by it,wow I have alot of repect for you and looking forward to meeting you in Charlotte.
May GOD continue to bless you.

------------------
BIG ORANGE 1971 SUBURBAN
1970/90-Little Buck's Truck (ONE DAY)
USED TRUCK PARTS 4 SALE

Stepside · 03-28-2002, 06:11 PM

I read it the other night also. And was moved by it too. I made everyone in this house read it. I too hope to meet you at Charlotte.
Stepside

71402BB · 03-28-2002, 07:18 PM

Wow that was a heck of a story! Sounds like you've been through a lot. Where did you learn to do body work? I hope to be going to Barren tech this fall to learn to do body work. I hope to be half as good as you are!

------------------
71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's

72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!)

68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi

bigjimzlll · 03-28-2002, 07:25 PM

I love your message...I too have had a simular experience....not a can of beans, but a can of tuna. I believe "coincident" is just a long word for GOD.

My Boy's Toy · 03-28-2002, 09:10 PM

My hubby had me sit down and read your message of inspiration. I work in a school and from time to time we have motivational speakers come and talk with the kids. If you haven't already please consider letting school systems know your story. You would be an excellent motivator for kids. There are many out there that come from bad situations and don't have much to look forward to after graduation, if they even do graduate. I believe that your message could help some kids believe in themselves and their futures. Think about it.

Mrs. My Boy's Toy.

*Fast68Chevy* · 03-29-2002, 12:55 AM

im stil saying wow, thats really great inspiration, yes!
makes me think and wonder about why im not trying any harder to get into some kind of class somewhere of some kind to get into a field of work, i guess I really dont know what I want to do and go to any school for, i wanan do something specific, not just be a mechanic, so hmm....
so where did you go after the mailman arrived, besides the steakhouse, hehe

school ? and/or ? how did you get as far as you are today involved with the cars and fabricating ? maybe this wil give me ideas so maybe I can figure out maybe what i want to do and how to maybe go about it finally., i hope,, !

**Yukon Jack** · 03-29-2002, 08:48 AM

My hat is off to you - thanks for sharing that with us!

------------------
1969 C20 4x4 with roughly 6" lift and 35's
residing near Rose Hill, Kansas

Yukon Jack's Web Pages

71BBK10 · 09-21-2002, 07:39 PM

i just wanted to ttt this for everybody that hasn't read it, i was thinking about this story while driving down the road the other day, still totally blown away by it.

*Zkast* · 09-21-2002, 08:58 PM

I had no idea.... WOW!

It really makes one think, you know? Thank you for sharing that... My family is now reading this post per my request.

What amazes me is the fact that you seem like a very nice, well adjusted person from what I've seen on this board and via emails. This type of thing that you've gone through would bring a good man down, turn him bitter to the world and only look out for himself.

Thank you again

ebfabman · 09-21-2002, 09:43 PM

71BBK10, Zkast, and others, you guys seem like pretty cool guys to me. I often wish I could I could get to know many of you much better.
71BBK10 now that you brought this back, the old freephotoi has done away with the old pics. Seems like that story really needs the can-a- beans pic, so I put it back, hope you don't mind.

**COBALT** · 11-02-2002, 02:53 AM

Talk about slow. I JUST read this for the first time. Sheesh.

That's one hell of a story. Man, I don't even know what to type. That's worth driving to NC to shake your hand.

Later--

Dandeluxe · 11-02-2002, 01:27 PM

efabman,
you should be very proud! i was very moved by your story. you should be a motivational speaker, you could say i was livin in car wash down by the river. he! he! only kiddin. you are an inspiration for all of us losers. its obvious god has blessed you and you have kept the faith. god bless , DAN
PS. I LOVE NASCAR AND NHRA

:p

Dirtfloor · 11-02-2002, 04:25 PM

My hat's off to you ebfabman. No wonder that little girl of yours has such a big smile. With a dad like you she's going to do allright!

03-24-2002, 08:51 PM	#1
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	Fast, you asked how I got my start...... Did you ever read this? you have to be rich to work on old trucks? This is my can of beans. I've had it for a long time. it reprsents somewhat of a starting point. Many years ago (early eighties) after going through some of what I thought were hard times, like bad relationships, dropping out of school, getting into debt, failed business ventures, coming to terms with having no parents to go to, and not a penny's worth of credit anywhere. I got to a low spot. I decided to try again, all I had left to build on was some pride, and a few tools I had been able to replace after getting them all ripped off months before. Started looking around and found this old abandoned car wash for rent. it was in very bad condition the roof was about to fall in and all the equipment was falling down from rust. I went to the owner and made a deal with him to rent it to me for a year and I would fix it up and keep the city off him in exchange for rent. The deal was made. The next thing I did was go over to the local body shop supply and spend the last few dollars I had to buy masking paper, tape, primer, and sand paper. Now, out of money, nowhere to go but an old dingy roof leaking car wash, I started doing body work for food and materials money. The manager of a big tree trimming outfit approached me about fixing some of their trucks someone had torn up stealing equipment from. He said they would supply the parts and materials and all I had to do was do all the repairs and repaint them. This was a big job so take it right? one catch, 90 day pay. Ok so I take the job fixing the trucks. About a week later they were finished. Now winter is setting in and no work coming in (or money) I had to rely on friends to feed me. Well even a good body man can wear out his welcome. As the weeks rolled by, it got colder in that leaky dingy shop ( I slept on an old army cot in the shop) Expecting any day now I would be getting that check from the tree trimming outfit, I was at a very low point. No money, no food, and very hungry. I went over to the new self serve car wash late one night and dug through the trash cans (you know how people empty their ash trays in the trash cans and sometimes they will throw away some pennies too)I collected 29 cents,went to the store and bought that can of beans. I was so weak and tired when I got back to the shop I didn't open it, I just crawled on that old cot and went to sleep. The next morning even more hungry, It had been 2 days since my last meal, I got an old screw driver and that can of beans and got ready to open it, when the mailman walks in the door with the check from the tree trimming company. From that point I never looked back, but I'll always have this can of beans and I'll always remember what that can of beans represents I have been blessed with many things in my life so far. Rich, no, not money wise anyway. Last edited by ebfabman; 09-21-2002 at 09:13 PM.

03-24-2002, 10:10 PM	#3
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	Ebfabman, Man that is one hell of a story! I was on here the other day and say a Grand Prix that you had to fix, you are very talatent, glad to see you moving on! I do have one question though. I am not a religious freak, but do you believe in God? Cause man it sounded like you were on your very last leg, and in walked the mail man with money, when I hear of a story like this, I dont think of it being a coincidence, I look at it as God does work in mysterious ways, and I believe this was his work! Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-24-2002, 10:10 PM	#4
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	Ebfabman, Man that is one hell of a story! I was on here the other day and say a Grand Prix that you had to fix, you are very talatent, glad to see you moving on! I do have one question though. I am not a religious freak, but do you believe in God? Cause man it sounded like you were on your very last leg, and in walked the mail man with money, when I hear of a story like this, I dont think of it being a coincidence, I look at it as God does work in mysterious ways, and I believe this was his work! Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-24-2002, 10:21 PM	#5
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	Ebfabman, Man that is one hell of a story! I was on here the other day and saw a Grand Prix that you had to fix, you are very talatent, glad to see you moving on! I do have one question though. I am not a religious freak, but do you believe in God? Cause man it sounded like you were on your very last leg, and in walked the mail man with money, when I hear of a story like this, I dont think of it being a coincidence, I look at it as God does work in mysterious ways, and I believe this was his work! Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-24-2002, 10:34 PM	#6
LMN8R Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Crawfordsville, IN USA Posts: 84	I think your story is going to be an inspiration to all of us, or at least for myself. Thanks alot Ebfabman! __________________ 1986 Silverado CrewCab Dually 454 auto.

03-24-2002, 09:19 PM	#2
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	WOW ! holy damn ! speechless, I'll come back when i can think of something to say, wow...

03-24-2002, 10:37 PM	#7
Benrs86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Brandon, SD, USA Posts: 1,292	sam's 72 said it! that is a really amazing story. i saw the grand prix too. you do good work. just like sam's 72 said. __________________ Brandon, SD 69 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd wide long bed with wood 3 on the tree 350 engine 4 bolt main rv cam AIM = Alphray04

03-24-2002, 10:44 PM	#8
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	I didnt mean to post the same thing three different times, my computer was acting up and I was not sure if it was posting SORRY GUYS SAM __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-24-2002, 10:54 PM	#9
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	Sam, you could'nt be more right. Not only do I believe in God, but God belives in ME! It was no coincidence that day. I mean I had the screwdriver and beans in my hands when the mailman walked in. I had the best steak I've ever eaten that day! I've come a ways since those days. [This message has been edited by ebfabman (edited March 24, 2002).]

03-24-2002, 11:30 PM	#10
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	Is this your car are you building for a race team? Man I wish I had just a 10th of your know how sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-24-2002, 11:46 PM	#11
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	Sam, the top pic is one of Matt Kenseth's Busch cars. The bottom one is my NASCAR All Pro super late model. I like to race it when I can get together enough help and money. Its a lot of work, but a lot of fun also. Right now I'm doing "free lance" work for different teams. This keeps me closer to home with my wife =) Also building some "hard hits" along with my truck project. Keeps me out of trouble...lol

03-25-2002, 12:02 AM	#12
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	That is inspiration if I've ever heard it! That is really cool. I'm sure it wasn't at the time. I can relate, I've been through some tough times myself, but not quite to that extreme. When a tornado took my whole life away in '91, I lived in a loaned camper for a couple weeks, not knowing where I was going to go, but things worked out for the positive after a while. I hope I never have to go through anything like that again, but if I have to, I know I can make it. A lot of people would have given up in the circumstances that you were in, but you had a mission to accomplish. Good job!! ------------------[]'71 Cheyenne, 402BB[]Winfield, KS[] http://barn9.freeservers.com[] steer50@hotmail.com __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

03-28-2002, 06:01 PM	#13
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,767	Ed havent met you yet but I saw this thread the other nite at work and was so moved by it,wow I have alot of repect for you and looking forward to meeting you in Charlotte. May GOD continue to bless you. ------------------ BIG ORANGE 1971 SUBURBAN 1970/90-Little Buck's Truck (ONE DAY) USED TRUCK PARTS 4 SALE __________________ Things happen for a reason!

03-28-2002, 06:11 PM	#14
Stepside Gasser Join Date: May 2000 Location: Thomasville,NC USA Posts: 456	I read it the other night also. And was moved by it too. I made everyone in this house read it. I too hope to meet you at Charlotte. Stepside __________________ :thud 70 sstep tubbed, Muncie, double hump, snowflake,

03-28-2002, 07:18 PM	#15
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	Wow that was a heck of a story! Sounds like you've been through a lot. Where did you learn to do body work? I hope to be going to Barren tech this fall to learn to do body work. I hope to be half as good as you are! ------------------ 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE with built 350 4-speed 4.11's and posi __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)



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03-28-2002, 07:25 PM	#16
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	I love your message...I too have had a simular experience....not a can of beans, but a can of tuna. I believe "coincident" is just a long word for GOD. __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

03-28-2002, 09:10 PM	#17
My Boy's Toy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: West Unity, OH, USA Posts: 235	My hubby had me sit down and read your message of inspiration. I work in a school and from time to time we have motivational speakers come and talk with the kids. If you haven't already please consider letting school systems know your story. You would be an excellent motivator for kids. There are many out there that come from bad situations and don't have much to look forward to after graduation, if they even do graduate. I believe that your message could help some kids believe in themselves and their futures. Think about it. Mrs. My Boy's Toy.

03-29-2002, 12:55 AM	#18
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	im stil saying wow, thats really great inspiration, yes! makes me think and wonder about why im not trying any harder to get into some kind of class somewhere of some kind to get into a field of work, i guess I really dont know what I want to do and go to any school for, i wanan do something specific, not just be a mechanic, so hmm.... so where did you go after the mailman arrived, besides the steakhouse, hehe school ? and/or ? how did you get as far as you are today involved with the cars and fabricating ? maybe this wil give me ideas so maybe I can figure out maybe what i want to do and how to maybe go about it finally., i hope,, !

03-29-2002, 08:48 AM	#19
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	My hat is off to you - thanks for sharing that with us! ------------------ 1969 C20 4x4 with roughly 6" lift and 35's residing near Rose Hill, Kansas Yukon Jack's Web Pages __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

09-21-2002, 07:39 PM	#20
71BBK10 Teufelhunden Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Camp Pendelton Ca Posts: 572	i just wanted to ttt this for everybody that hasn't read it, i was thinking about this story while driving down the road the other day, still totally blown away by it. __________________ 1971 K10 lwb fleetside 402 T350 205

09-21-2002, 08:58 PM	#21
Zkast Account Suspended Join Date: May 2002 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 929	I had no idea.... WOW! It really makes one think, you know? Thank you for sharing that... My family is now reading this post per my request. What amazes me is the fact that you seem like a very nice, well adjusted person from what I've seen on this board and via emails. This type of thing that you've gone through would bring a good man down, turn him bitter to the world and only look out for himself. Thank you again

09-21-2002, 09:43 PM	#22
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	71BBK10, Zkast, and others, you guys seem like pretty cool guys to me. I often wish I could I could get to know many of you much better. 71BBK10 now that you brought this back, the old freephotoi has done away with the old pics. Seems like that story really needs the can-a- beans pic, so I put it back, hope you don't mind.

11-02-2002, 02:53 AM	#23
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Talk about slow. I JUST read this for the first time. Sheesh. That's one hell of a story. Man, I don't even know what to type. That's worth driving to NC to shake your hand. Later-- __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

11-02-2002, 01:27 PM	#24
Dandeluxe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: st.louis mo. Posts: 717	wow! efabman, you should be very proud! i was very moved by your story. you should be a motivational speaker, you could say i was livin in car wash down by the river. he! he! only kiddin. you are an inspiration for all of us losers. its obvious god has blessed you and you have kept the faith. god bless , DAN PS. I LOVE NASCAR AND NHRA :p __________________ 1969 cst swb 350/400 th . DANNY C . ["]FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS DRIVE F@RD$!! 1969 cst swb corvette hugger orange with 400 hp sbc I started out with nothing and i held on to it

11-02-2002, 04:25 PM	#25
Dirtfloor Now better behaved! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 105	My hat's off to you ebfabman. No wonder that little girl of yours has such a big smile. With a dad like you she's going to do allright!

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