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

[Grizz1963]

JETLAG....!!

What a PITA !!

Wrote up a full and detailed entry on Dick Valenzuela last night and went to hit enter, but in my tired state, hit the close page button and lost it all.
So went to sleep, badly.
On a train now, headed for London, trying to fight a bad nights broken sleep and feeling like poop.

Anyway, back to Meme the dog.....

She loves feet, anyone's feet.



Dick is 79 years old and certainly does not act that way.

He is one of the Valenzueala brothers who were racing the Salt Flats in the 70's and before, holding various class records.

This is one of their cars.



At 79 he continues to build cars, hotrods etc.

And drives them all with gusto.

Having owned his 32 Ford for over 62 years now, I got to go for a ride in it, Dick driving hard and enjoying it.
He is also into both old and new motors, and this one has modern fuel injection and Satelite navigation based speedo etc.

A bit of history photographed.





Proud Papa, 32 in foreground and his Big Block full size, lowered Chevy in the back.



Hard to believe he painted this in 1971



In the garage another 5.0 injected pickup he has built, unfortunately my YouTube refuses to upload videos, or I could show it starting and running.



The Bandit out driving.

His golden earring and pony tail made me smile.

Hard core.



From there we headed to Steves good friend Marty's shop that I visited last year as well.

Marty is a lawyer who builds hotrods and fast cars.

Interestingly, one of his builders in the shop is known as "Doc"

Turns out he is an Orthopaedic Surgeon, specialising in Hip and Knee replacement surgery, who manages his time between the shop and a local hospital.

Petrolheads really are everywhere.

Marty's shop awning.



Greeting at the door.



More on Marty and his current builds in a while.

[Grizz1963]

Marty's shop has certainly got even busier than last year.

Looking at what I saw in there and out front, this small shop is certainly turning out cars I would only dream of having.

Building them right is the ethos here.

Random pics........

Ford Bronco, full restoration.




While we were chatting to Marty and some of the others there Marty asked about my trip and Steve told him about the Challenger breaking down.
Without looking up from the Bronco he was working on, he just said "There is a Jeep out front, take it until your car is fixed, we can collect it where you leave it"
This has become part of my experience of America where I travel, people just being normal.
In fact, people just being like the way I grew up and how I guess I still am to a large extent.
Just that in the U.K. We have to be insured individually, unlike in the US where the car is insured, so driving anything, as long as it is with owners permission, is fine.

Said Jeep.



Another full body resto. New metal etc.





Sexy for sure.





Rear view



While we were there Doc was fitting and wiring a new dash and clocks to this magnificent beast.

Camera does not capture the quality of paint and finish.



Marty's signature colour......

Lingerie Red.






After Marty's place we had a few errands to run and then homeward to Steves place where I was sleeping over again.

Belinda made us ribs, fries and ran a rather awesome dinner for us.

Lulu was happy to have all at home too.

That concluded Thursday, and still no car.

Friday the gloves needed to come off as we needed to get back to St Louis for Dennis' party.

Steve had been invited too, and we were either going to be in the Toyota, or in a convoy with both cars.

Update later for this still along for the ride.

[Palf70Step]

I am here for the ride, fer sure!

[flashed]

Im in again now that I have internet again .

[Indian113]

This thread reminds me of a song in the 70's I liked " You Keep Me Hanging ON"

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I am here for the ride, fer sure!

Glad to have you along Bill.

Sent you some preview pics on Messenger this. Or I g.

Originally Posted by flashed

Im in again now that I have internet again .

Really pleased you are back John.

Guess some of us were luckier than others.

Originally Posted by Indian113

This thread reminds me of a song in the 70's I liked " You Keep Me Hanging ON"

LOL !!

I guess, but I can only do updates when I get time, and I am probably one of the more prolific picture posters on here.

Maybe I should drive up to Iowa next time, if there is a next time.

More for you later.

[Indian113]

Grizz, If you do make it to Iowa I'll do my best to show you what is called " Iowa Nice". I am not really sure about that Dodge though. Sounds like it's haunted. I understand about the posting, I wasn't slamming you about it what I meant was I enjoy them a LOT!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Indian113

Grizz, If you do make it to Iowa I'll do my best to show you what is called " Iowa Nice". I am not really sure about that Dodge though. Sounds like it's haunted. I understand about the posting, I wasn't slamming you about it what I meant was I enjoy them a LOT!

Totally get you re posting.

There are guys who do not care for my threads on various forums but thankfully most just unsibscribe.

Those who look for Sh!7 with me...... easy fix. I just walk away from those forums. No drama, just stop posting.

PS. Wont happen here. Some guys here enjoythe relaxed style and seeing stuff they normally would not.

So I am staying till told otherwise.

[ibrown50]

Really enjoyed all your posts from this trip Rian, not quite as good as being there in person, but loads cheaper

I love the 32 three window, it's hard to believe he's owned it longer than I've been alive (and I'm old )

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by ibrown50

Really enjoyed all your posts from this trip Rian, not quite as good as being there in person, but loads cheaper

I love the 32 three window, it's hard to believe he's owned it longer than I've been alive (and I'm old )

Not only that Ian,

He has continually evolved it over the years, mechanicals etc.

Including now a fuel injected motor.

I guess a legacy from their salt lake racing past.

There are probably another 180 photos.

If I could load the videos on YouTube or even Photobucket, it would add colour to it all.

[Grizz1963]

Thursday morning breaks and Steve and I head out for breakfast at Presley's in Jonesboro with a group of his regular friends, including Dick Valenzuela.

Having been speaking to Dennis overnight and early morning, we decided to have breakfast while Dennis climbed on the Battle Wagon to the Dodge dealers who had not yet touched or looked at the car. And then see what transpired.



While at breakfast eating our extra helpings of American bacon I get a call from Dennis.

Suffice it to say he had called the dealers and raised hell and pi$$€d off some people.

They would look at the car and call me on Steves phone when they had something to report.

So we finished our breakfast and about 6 coffees each (free refills on everything in the USA) and Steve asked me to go off with The Bandit while he went to barber school for his weekly haircut and wet straight razor shave and facial. Yes we later ghee, but I guess a lifetime in the military, even with the latter part as a civilian in various think tanks etc, will make you continue your habits.

So Dick and I went off to see Duke at his shop in the Chevy.

Again, impressed with the mans car passion

Proud papa.



Duke runs a window tinting business to pay the bills, but is known primarily for his conversions.

What struck me most, was just how tidy and orderly his whole shop was.

For once I did not take any pics of his work.



We spent an hour or more there and then got a call from Steve on Dicks phone to call Dennis about the work in Jonesboro..... confused?

Anyway, it seemed the car would be ready by 12.00 for collection.

But before that we popped in at another communal friends shop to take a look at his build..... no photos, but again, complete mind blowing work. All new steel.

His main business is RV Services.

Saw this beauty out in the yard..... Swinger anyone?



From there it was across town to Barber school to collect Steve, who was still mid shine and polish.



Getting prepped for his straight razor shave.

Part of a very old ritual to him, which I was quite envious of..



Once Steve was all smooth and seriously officer looking, we headed to collect the car in his truck.

$358.00 for a temporary bypass to get me mobile again.

I felt a hand over my mouth and my trousers being yanked down..........

When I offered to pay, Brandee said it had already been settled, she did not seem very interested in me, maybe just busy.

Any mechanics out there....?

[img width=1024 height=768]http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/niknakpix/2015%20Continues/AFC6BF0E-5B28-4AA8-8414-EEAC2B2160E7_zpszggk33iq.jpg[/img]

Once we got back to Steves place it was quick packing, consult three SatNav to find the shortest way to do 275 miles back to O'Fallon to Dennis' place before dark.

We hit the road after filling the Challenger and buying lots of Jerky, Mountain Dew and other treats.

I followed the Red Toyota........



We only stopped once for a toilet break at Cherokee Falls and kept to the speed limit, as the road has its fair share of enforcement officers

We came through/around St Louis just in time for the Friday afternoon rush, and except for one surprise junction at which point I was leading with the SatNav, I almost got Steve killed as he came to a halt after my sudden departure onto the i70 in order to follow me, and also then later he left the road to go fill his truck, and we got him later again when he called Hanna on her mobile for directions.....



Phewwwww....

At last, Dennis' driveway.




At this point Imwas alone, Steve would get there 30 minutes later, after we went to meet him at the motorway intersection to guide him home.

Unpacked,

I relaxed for the first time in three days, as it was Dennis' surprise birthday party, which he had still not realised was being organised.

He thought all along that everyone was arranging for Debbie's birthday surprise.

He had gone and bought them one of her bucket list dreams......

For Saturday morning.

Anyone care to guess what it was???


In the mean time everyone was able to prepare for the birthday party of a lifetime, for an amazingly well liked and loved man.

Bedtime now.

[Larry64]

Rian you never stop amazing me. You could be all alone fall off a log & land on a new friend. You have some of the most interesting trips. I among many others enjoy your exploits. Keep it coming.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Larry64

Rian you never stop amazing me. You could be all alone fall off a log & land on a new friend. You have some of the most interesting trips. I among many others enjoy your exploits. Keep it coming.

Thank you very much.

Guess its a lot to do with attitude and perception.


Quick update for those waiting to hear more.


After unpacking on Friday night, Steve in his usual smooooth style was chatting to everyone and it started with Hanna, Adam's fiancé who were building a new home on land they bought adjacent to Dennis' place.

Cinch the dog was around too, as always.



Discussing who knows what...



Later into the workshop, more cars and life.



McMurphy had seen these in Europe somewhere.....



What happens when you are trying to push 850 plus horses around a bend in order to win a race and end up high in the fence poles.

One of Adams best moments.



Of course I had taken the Challenger on the road trip, rather than the Hellcat, due to consumption concerns.....

When we came back, this was the look I got......

707 angry ponies waiting to be let out of the coral.



Bedtime by 11.00pm and up early.

My view from my bedroom on Saturday, clearly I was behind on the preparations that were in full swing.
Debbie's daughter in law, Katie, her sons Jason and Bryan, Adam and Hanna were all on the go, getting the prep done while both Dennis and Debbie were keeping each other busy for the party later in the day.

These people did an amazing job of preparing and getting everything just right.



Back to Dennis' main birthday prezzie for Debbie.

Bucket list, early morning Hot Air Balloon trip.

Photobucket having a hiccup





Happy Debbie.

Almost 25 years together, and still some surprises left.





Life is good.

[flashed]

You are quite the story teller ,thanks for always taking us along .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

You are quite the story teller ,thanks for always taking us along .

Thank you.

Count yourself lucky we are not sharing a few beers.


Photobucket playing silly buggers earlier.

Couple more pics from the baloon trip.



Going up and up



Nothing like seeing the sunrise from up here.





Back at the house it was a hive of busy preparation. Getting the shop emptied and ready for the party.



Note the flag out front

Random stuff like ice, beers, food, tables and chairs coming in.





Can you say Beer truck.

And people brought their own pack to add to this lot

Yes it was going to be a good party.



All for this guy.



Once this was all set up by 11.30 it was time for me to head out and pick up Steve from his hotel and then 20 miles down i70 in the Challenger to Roger and Debbie Orf's yearly garden party.

This before 3.30pm when Dennis' party was to start.

Driving down i70 and Photographed by Bryan Daunter.



I hope you are ready for about 70 photos of hotrods and trucks in a guys back yard.

The kind of guy who casts a concrete Burn out strip for his friends to come and do burn outs in whatever they bring on the day.



Back later.

Lunch break over.

[Grizz1963]

WELL..!!!

YOUTUBE IS BACK ON TRACK...!!

This means I can post a random load of short car related clips.

If it is of no interest, then just scroll right by.


Starting up Adam's Sprint car on Friday just after I got tgere.

Running on pure Methanol it is rather eager.

Sprintcar startup - YouTube

Rumble Rumble...

Rumble Rumble - YouTube

Iver at Lake Ozark Racing track they had three classes.

Modified, Late model and Sprint cars.

Anyone who knows the sport better, please feel free to elsborate and clarify.

Hot laps. I think this is Modified

Lake Ozark racing - YouTube

Late Models

Lake Ozark racing - YouTube

And the main reason for being there.

Sprint car Hot Laps.

Lake Ozark Sprint races - YouTube

Fetching and buying more Methanol in the Mule.
It does not last long.

Lake Ozark - YouTube

Sight seeing around the pits with Dennis in the Mule.

There is a lot of money out there.

Lake Ozark sight seeing - YouTube

Over at Donnies place in Strawberry I recorded a hummingbird in slow motion at the sugar feeder.

Humming bird slow motion - YouTube

More clips later.

[Grizz1963]

I have a few random pics to throw in as we all have different interests.

As well as a newly uploaded short clip of Dick Valenzuela's pickup that he is busy fine tuning.

Modern motorvation from a man who keeps up with the times.

Dick Valenzuela truck - YouTube

His next build with a small block 5.0 Ford motor.



And one I missed earlier.

Dick the driver......

Hammer down in the 32
As I mentioned, he builds his cars to go flat out and last.
Not scared of breaking them





I sadly never made it into Steves shop this time.

The man was running me all over Arkansas to showme various projects and shops.
Which I am thankful for but still gutted we ended up racing the clock to get back to St Louis.

Perfect size small retirement shop.

Filled with good stuff.



One of Marty's toolboxes.

Yes. Envy.



Certainly not hit with this.



Saw this at the gas station on Friday night.
Dennis says they are common and cheap.

Tell you what......

I would roll in that vs my Focus.

On the road 2017 - YouTube

Later dudes.

[Grizz1963]

Sooooo.......

Roger Orf, remember him from last years trip?

The man likes wide tyres, very wide, and has a few cars with them.

He has a picnic or is that garden party for Rodder friends every year, supplying chilli, cooked hams, beer and this year a newly cast concrete strip for friends to come and do burn outs.

This is next to his little self built lake.

Photographed last year when I went there the first time.

This is the sunset view over his self built lake in front of his house. You drive over the dam wall on the way out.



This was a cut up shell a year ago that Dennis and Roger brought back to this condition, still not quite done, but it runs its 440ci motor happily.

When Steve and I got there, we were early, greeted like long lost family by Roger and Debbie, we parked up and watched cars roll in and roll in, while enjoying the Orfs' hospitality.

ROGER ORF the man



Some of Rogers toys

















More in a bit

[dwcardfan]

I just got caught up on your trip but now I need a nap. Keep it coming.

[flashed]

Man ,one day I want to join you on one of these trips .You get to meet the coolest people and see the coolest things .I love it all .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by dwcardfan

I just got caught up on your trip but now I need a nap. Keep it coming.

Sorry I tired you out.

Just showed Katy the knives from your uncle that you gave me.

She was very impressed with the trout fishing knife.

Thank you again for the knives and also all the truck parts.

Massively appreciated.

Originally Posted by flashed

Man ,one day I want to join you on one of these trips .You get to meet the coolest people and see the coolest things .I love it all .

You just need to go and do it John.

People will want to speak to you, simple as that.

You have a great legacy to share.




SO..........??

Are you guys all car-ed out ?

Or ready for a load more friends at a picnic?


Barnfind.

Horn on it came from Illinois





Very fresh, very new burn out strip.



And then they started to come in.

First car to arrive.



Love the backrest detail





Another one of Rogers cars that Dennis painted, for his granddaughter









TBC

[Grizz1963]

And they came.























.

[Indian113]

I don't about you Grizz but I would have been walking in some Tall Cotton being at that Party! What a Bunch of nice Cars.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Indian113

I don't about you Grizz but I would have been walking in some Tall Cotton being at that Party! What a Bunch of nice Cars.

I certainly feel privileged and fortunate for the things I get to experience and see.


One family from new.

Original Ford colours, correctly replicated in the full restoration.

This was a stunner, driven to the picnic.

Seems the tractor had a very interesting past, which included some naughty teenagers.









Real,80's feel to this.



This belonged to Willie.

Absolutely lovely car.



Sooooooo much WANT !!







This car belonged to Dennis years ago, sold it when Adam went to college.

It is absolutely magnificent.



10.00 pm.....

Bed time.

More tomorrow.

For those who hang in there.

[flashed]

I will be impatiently waiting .