Project "Black Betty" (bam-A-lam)

[likaroc13]

Figured I'd update a bit. We've been busy doing a lot of house hunting the past few months. I really wanted a place with enough land for a shop, but we just weren't finding much. We missed out on a few opportunities simply because the housing industry is booming around here. There are at least 10 potential buyers for each available home, & they're selling like hotcakes. Since we'd like to start a family in the near future, we decided to just alter our search criteria a bit & look for a temporary home. The plan is to live there for a few years & search for a long-term home then. Our agent found a place at the very beginning of this month, & we ended up submitting an offer right after it hit the market. The sellers accepted, & so far everything has gone pretty smoothly. We should be closing on July 24. While it isn't our dream home or anything, it's still a very nice place. We're excited about having our first house! "Black Betty" will also have a garage to reside in once she gets here.

Dad is still doing good & continues to take treatments every 3 weeks. He has since had another PET scan that showed no signs of cancer once again. He's getting mostly back to normal, even regrowing his hair. He came up to spend the night with us this past Friday, & we drove up to Goodlettsville, TN to pick up his newest toy. I'll post some pics of it later.

[likaroc13]

My wife and I went to the flea market in Nashville last month, & I came across some vendors with Hot Wheels. I didn't expect to find anything special, but boy was I mistaken. I didn't have enough cash to purchase everything I saw, but I managed to grab four. Luckily the ones I didn't get last month were still available this month. Here's what I ended up with:

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Got two of the truck below (1 for dad, & 1 for me):

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

And I got this Panel for dad:

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Here's a special edition Panel that's cool. I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much on it.

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

This is the only other one available that I didn't get yet. Maybe it'll be around next time.

IMG_7576 by likaroc13, on Flickr

[likaroc13]

While I think they could be done a little better, here are some other cool pieces I came across at the flea market:



IMG_7910 by likaroc13, on Flickr

IMG_7911 by likaroc13, on Flickr

IMG_7912 by likaroc13, on Flickr

IMG_7913 by likaroc13, on Flickr

[likaroc13]

Had a chance to make it up to White House, TN for the Southeastern All Chevy/GMC Truck Nationals this past Saturday. I was able to meet three members I hadn't met before, & there were several others in attendance that I unfortunately didn't get a chance to meet. The entry turnout ended up being 125 vehicles, which was comprised of some really nice rides. There's a thread started already for pics from the show, however, I figured I would share my pic album link here as well.

Enjoy

Southeastern All Chevy/GMC Truck Nationals 2015

https://flic.kr/s/aHskg8y9Vp




Also, here are a couple trucks I spotted at the local cruise-in here in Spring Hill. I'm not sure if they're members here or not, but I know I've seen the light green one somewhere on the internet before.

5 by likaroc13, on Flickr

6 by likaroc13, on Flickr

7 by likaroc13, on Flickr

8 by likaroc13, on Flickr

9 by likaroc13, on Flickr

10 by likaroc13, on Flickr

[Bomp]

Sweet pics of the trucks, thanks for sharing.

[likaroc13]

Been a while since I've posted, & there's too much to write about right now. Some major life changes have taken/been taking place, some good/some not so much. I want to share some info about everything that has been going on, as it continues the story of this thread. I will say that "Black Betty" still lives & continues to be in hibernation. I promise to elaborate more a bit later....

On another note, I was able to make it up to White House, TN again a couple weekends ago for the Southeastern All Chevy/GMC Truck Nationals 2016. While I wasn't able to participate, I made sure to snap pics of as much as I could. It was a record turnout, despite the early morning rain. Bryan Ashley (5150) & his crew put on a great show! For anyone interested in looking, just follow this link to my pics:

Southeastern All Chevy/GMC Truck Nationals 2016
https://flic.kr/s/aHskEsuhfj

[Cape Codder]

Great pix thanks for sharing.

[aerotruk63]

Revoh's 63 on page 2. Rarest accessory of all to find, seat cover on it!

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

Revoh's 63 on page 2. Rarest accessory of all to find, seat cover on it!

I love Craig's truck. It just oozes originality! I had to do a search just to see what you were talking about regarding the seat cover. That's super cool. Too bad he didn't want to let go of it for you.

[likaroc13]

Soooo...as promised, here's a bit about what has been going on....let's back track to just over a year ago, when I got a call that my grandfather had seemingly passed away suddenly the morning of September 15, 2015. He was 83 years old & not in the greatest health. We believe he might've had a heart attack during his sleep, as he had been previously diagnosed with congestive heart failure. After getting the news, I immediately got ready and made the three hour trip down to Northeast MS. I ended up staying for about a week, helping to get things situated. My grandmother, still living at the time, was in a bit of shock (obviously) that her husband of almost 60 years was gone just like that. Not being in good enough health to live on her own, my dad made the decision to stay with her. This was a bit concerning to me, as he was still dealing with his own health issues. Well lo and behold, a bit less than a month later my grandmother became ill. She had been dealing with a kidney infection for a while, even when my grandfather was alive. She ended up in the hospital due to her kidneys not functioning properly. After about a week being there, she contracted pneumonia as well. Her body just wasn't strong enough to cope with it all, and sadly she passed on October 15 (exactly a month later than my grandfather). She was just shy of her 85th birthday. They were my only remaining grandparents.

My grandparents left everything they had to my younger brother and I, which essentially left me as executor of their estate. We've had our hands full with the whole situation, as a certain someone decided to do some really shady things behind our back during the time period between my grandparents' passing. Unfortunately, it required a lawyer to try and straighten things out. We're still in the process almost a year later now, but everything should be good to go soon. Without getting into too many details that I don't care to air publicly on this forum, I'll leave it at that.

I'm also in a bit of a predicament, as my grandfather was an auto enthusiast like most of us here. I guess that bug trickled down to my father, which passed to me as well. At the time of his passing my grandfather owned a few classic vehicles, which he wished for me to inherit. After searching for months, my wife and I bought our first home in July 2015. Ideally, I wanted a place with a shop or at least enough land that I could build one. With the limited & booming housing market in our area, we settled on a nice place without much land. Our thinking was that we'd live here a few years until we could find a place with more land. Of course, we had no clue what life would have in store right around the corner. With the passing of my grandparents, now we'll have to start that housing/land search once again. There's a '50 Ford shoebox 2-door, a '61 Nash Metropolitan, a '72 Lincoln Mark IV, & a '75 GMC Sierra 1500 SWB/fleet that need a new home. They're safe from the elements at my grandparents' place now, & they'll stay there until we get everything settled. I'll be honored to have them, & my goal is to make sure each one is eventually road-worthy.

While I'm excited to take possession of my grandfather's automobiles, I'm more thrilled to share this news with you all. The week I was down in MS after my grandfather's passing, my wife informed me she was expecting our first child. As you can imagine, this was awesome news, especially after all the sadness the prior week. We later came to find out that it would be a baby boy. He was born on June 7, 2016. The pregnancy was great up until birth, when an emergency C-section was scheduled after the baby became stressed during the attempt to deliver naturally. During the birthing process, the baby ingested meconium (bowel movement) some of which entered his lungs. After treating him as best as possible, he ended up in the NICU for about a week. They monitored him closely & gave antibiotics to try and prevent further sickness. Thankfully he came through like a champ, & he's a healthy/happy little man today. Searching/debating over the years about names we liked, we discussed wanting something a little unique that's not heard everyday. As a result, we settled on Webber, my wife's late grandfather's name. However, we plan to just call him Webb. I'm sharing a few pics of him from around birth till now just over 3 months.

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

[likaroc13]

In mid-May this year, I started a new job with General Motors. It's taking up practically all of my time. I'm working 2nd shift (4:30pm-1am), but lately we've been working mostly 10-hour days (3am). We've also been working 6 days a week, every other week. I don't see the schedule changing for quite some time. Not seeing my wife or baby boy through the week is tough, as I'm sleeping much of the day while my wife is working & baby is at daycare. I, along with hundreds of others, am only temporary right now but hoping to get hired permanently in the near future. Even then, my goal is still to get on 1st shift. I'm not sure what the future holds regarding this job, but I know God has it under control no matter what. Just trying to remain patient & allow things to play out.

That said, there's not much time for truck stuff these days with everything else going on. What time I can devote to automobiles goes to my daily-driver '97 Tahoe mild custom. It keeps me occupied until I can rescue "Black Betty" and get her back on track. She'll be my first priority before digging very much into my grandfather's vehicles.

[darkhorse970]

Congrats on the new baby boy and the new job Phillip! I'm glad he's doing well.

Id love to see some pics of your grandfathers cars and that '75 GMC.

[clemdaddy]

Thats a fine looking boy. Love the pic with the bow tie, too cute. Congrats on your growing family and newly acquired projects...

[greg65]

Congratulations on the birth of your son and the new job.

[Grizz1963]

Thats a helluva update Phillip.

Congratulations on the birth of Webb.

He looks a happy chappy.

Cars n trucks will always wait for you.

Good luck on the new job and keeping your head above water.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Thats a helluva update Phillip.

Congratulations on the birth of Webb.

He looks a happy chappy.

Cars n trucks will always wait for you.

Good luck on the new job and keeping your head above water.

Thanks Rian, yeah lots going on lately. I know the cars & trucks will wait, but I'm so ready to get a move on something. My '66 has been sitting for almost 6 years now, which is almost unbelievable to me!

Originally Posted by greg65

Congratulations on the birth of your son and the new job.

Thanks Greg!

Originally Posted by clemdaddy

Thats a fine looking boy. Love the pic with the bow tie, too cute. Congrats on your growing family and newly acquired projects...

Thank you Clem! I'd say we were definitely blessed with a handsome little man. He gets compliments all the time.

Originally Posted by darkhorse970

Congrats on the new baby boy and the new job Phillip! I'm glad he's doing well.

Id love to see some pics of your grandfathers cars and that '75 GMC.

Thanks Keith! I'll link you to the only pics I have currently of the vehicles, all which are several years old. I plan to take plenty of new ones once I get back down there & start sorting through things.

1961 Nash Metropolitan:

These pics were taken inside the shop without great lighting, & it was dark outside as well. So they're not the greatest but give you a decent look. Plus, I think we used the 1st gen. iPhone.

https://flic.kr/s/aHskm9TJFb

It's the only vehicle completely restored. Not sure why my grandpa bought & restored it, except for the fact that it's unique. Many years ago while visiting a friend in Texas, he came across it sitting in somebody's yard under a tree I think. After some negotiating, he ended up bringing it home. It just sat in the shop, but he did keep it cranked. He was a fairly hefty guy & could barely fit into the thing, especially once he couldn't get up/down good. He told my wife that it could be hers, & we could take it over once we had a house & somewhere to store it inside.


1950 Ford "Shoebox"

This one he's had since around '71 based on documentation I found. I know it will crank & run, but I have no clue when it was last driven on the road. These pics were taken at the same time as the Metro.

https://flic.kr/s/aHskyg8BLp


1975 GMC Sierra SWB/Fleet:

He bought this truck in July 1976, according to the paperwork I found. It has always been an occasional driver but always parked under the carport. As a result, it's in very solid condition. Sometime many years ago, my dad & his friend painted the lighter blue color you see. I wish I still had it, but several years ago my grandpa had the original engine swapped when it started using oil really bad. It still has a nice running 350 though. It's basically just an ole grandpa truck.

Again, these pics were taken at the same time as the Metro & Ford:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskyg6J4Z


1972 Lincoln Mark IV:

Lastly, there's the '72 Lincoln. He purchased it in 1974 after a local doctor traded it in at the dealership in town. The story the neighbor relayed to me is that he parked it after getting mad. Apparently the hood flew open when he was driving one day, causing damage to the roof & hood. He had that fixed, & sometime later the transmission seals started leaking. So he just parked it inside the shed. My earliest memories (I'm 33) of this car are of it sitting exactly where it does today. It has always been covered. Aside from what looks to be mildewing on the leather interior, the car is in great shape. I think it only has 60-something thousand miles on the odometer. I have no clue when it last ran though, but my guess is when it was parked.

I don't have any good pictures of the Lincoln since it's in tight quarters inside the shed. Once I can manage to get it out, I'll be sure to take some. Here's a couple sneak peek shots until then:

https://flic.kr/p/Ga43bW

https://flic.kr/p/Gidc1X

[likaroc13]

So, I figured I'd update you guys again & share a few pics from this Fall/Winter. "Black Betty" has a new resting place. While not inside anymore, she's under cover of a shed/carport at my late grandparents' house in Northeast Mississippi. I was down that way for the first time in a long while last weekend, & I must say it broke my heart to see the truck sitting there like that. I vow to get it going again in 2017, & I'm on the lookout for someone to help. I contacted one local shop, but they're full until at least Fall/Winter 2017. I'd really like to get it back on the road by Spring/Summer. So, I'll be checking around for other options. I have both mechanical and cosmetic things I'd like to have done. If any of you have suggestions, I'm open to anyone I can trust that's not too far away in the Southeast.

Here's a link to some pics from a show the local UAW held this past October. It was a Chevy-only show:
https://flic.kr/s/aHskQHFytj


Here are a couple truck-related pics from this past October at the pumpkin patch/corn maze:

IMG_0664 by likaroc13, on Flickr

IMG_0662 by likaroc13, on Flickr

IMG_0680 by likaroc13, on Flickr



This is a plate I found at a local store while shopping last year (2015) at Christmas-time:

IMG_1245 by likaroc13, on Flickr


A sweet truck in the Franklin, TN Christmas parade:

IMG_1036 by likaroc13, on Flickr


And here are some Christmas fun pics with the little guy:

IMG_0976 by likaroc13, on Flickr

IMG_0983 by likaroc13, on Flickr

IMG_0978 by likaroc13, on Flickr


Hope all you guys have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[northern 85]

Nice pictures! Merry Christmas!!

[likaroc13]

So, I was down at my late grandparents' place this past week sorting/cleaning/organizing. I got some pics of Betty, which is something I haven't done in a LOOONG time! Proof she still exists. If you read my previous post, you'll notice I mentioned looking for someone to help me get her back on the road this year. I've been in conversation with someone willing to tackle the job, & now I just need to figure out the best way to get the truck transported to him. I hope to have it to him by the end of January.

From Betty & my family to yours, wishing you all a Happy New Year!


Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

Untitled by likaroc13, on Flickr

[Grizz1963]

Hallo Phillip,

Happy and Prosperous new year to you.

Good to see your truck, and even more importantly, hearing there willl be Progress again for you.

[greg65]

Happy New Year Phillip.

[Palf70Step]

Good to see Betty again Phillip. Good luck on getting here up and running again.

[likaroc13]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Hallo Phillip,

Happy and Prosperous new year to you.

Good to see your truck, and even more importantly, hearing there willl be Progress again for you.

Originally Posted by greg65

Happy New Year Phillip.

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Good to see Betty again Phillip. Good luck on getting here up and running again.

Thanks guys. The past year has been quite a ride. I'm hoping for a bit smoother sailing in 2017, but I know the Lord will guide me no matter what obstacles arise.

[likaroc13]

Well, it didn't happen quite as quickly as I was hoping. It was quite a chore finding someone to haul Betty for me, but that void has been filled finally. It should be picked up from my late grandparents' place tomorrow & headed a little north of Knoxville, TN.

So, my main goal is to get her running again & all mechanical things in order. Hopefully I can afford to do a few cosmetic fixes afterward. It's been a long time since I updated with any progress pics, but I had a chance to paint/primer a few things in anticipation for installation a bit later.


Transmission flywheel cover for the Powerglide painted:

flywheel cover by likaroc13, on Flickr

flywheel cover by likaroc13, on Flickr

flywheel cover by likaroc13, on Flickr


New brake calipers painted:

VHT caliper paint by likaroc13, on Flickr

VHT caliper paint by likaroc13, on Flickr

[likaroc13]

New Stewart water pump primered & ready for paint:

Stewart water pump by likaroc13, on Flickr

Stewart water pump by likaroc13, on Flickr

Stewart water pump by likaroc13, on Flickr



And here's an interesting find I came across. These were included in a bag of bolts, & I believe they were original color. I had to snap a pic for reference before they change color.

OG bolts by likaroc13, on Flickr