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

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

A nice thing and nice people there.

Morning Harald

Absolutely

I love to surprise people like that.

We have also got a culprit.

[Grizz1963]

So after the mystery of the envelope with insufficient postage, we had a confession.

But there is a story attached to it as you will see in the pics below.

My very good mate Fil (Sparkplug) had printed the label and posted it out.

WITH A POSTAGE STAMP ATTACHED.

It seems the Royal Fail (Mail for patriots) changed the cost of postage so many times that they also issued completely new postage stamps with modern barcodes.

The obsolete stamps can/could be traded for new but clearly both Fil, me and many others were not aware.




So Fil posted his gift cunningly disguised with a printed envelope so I could neither recognise nor guess who from. And Royal Fail needed to get the extra few pennies postage had gone up in the mean time, sending out a card to say my tax for the transgression was to be paid before they re delivered. Bastards in any language.








So now at least the next keeper will know when the service was done and what was dealt with.

[Grizz1963]

So with winter interfering with some of the projects and progress of my random toys including selling some to make space, well, to regain space, rain, cold, storms have distracted me.

So back to the Astro van, which is still a “keeper” unless someone else wants it more than me.

33 years old and in amazing condition overall and only done 78k registered miles means that I have to look after it and continue to improve it.

One of a multitude of challenges and repairs I want to affect is replacing the expensive rear door seals.

Original reproductions are available. But when you add US Taxes, import duty, shipping and then UK VAT to it the expensive $340.90 base price, increases to an eye watering total.

So getting a look at alternatives makes sense but unlikely to happen.

Current status is as per pics below.
Certainly not fully sealed anymore it allows condensation to build as well.
This does not reduce the value but makes me want to improve it.










So now I need a suitcase space and baggage allowance in order to make it more affordable.

What we need.





Always money headed out ehhh.

But worth doing??

[Grizz1963]

Some days

Some days do start well.
This pic taken at 7.45 out the window with my iPhone, no filter before sunrise made me smile.

Amazing what nature can do.



Same evening I moved the Astro and Peugeot away from the fence as there was a storm and winds were up to 100mph or 160km/h
Next morning 4 panels blown out and another damaged further up.
Glad I went out at 10.00pm to move them as damage would really have angered me.



And during the day I received three unused batteries and a charger (free for cost of postage) for the action camera @nickwheeler gave me last year for my YouTube channel movies.



George being George,

Loves chocolate and will steal or insist on trying to get some when he can.

I let him have part of a Toblerone mountain to himself, the rest goes in the bin.



In other news, keeping busy, there is always work to be done.
Plum tree never got pruned in Autumn so did that.
Fell off the ladder while pruning the tree in October 22 but landed well by luck.

So I decided to cut it back real hard this year, robbing the wood pigeons of their nesting tree where they fledge two lot of chicks each year.



Next job, cut up all the thin stuff with a hedge trimmer and cut logs for the fireplace.



Today is a good day, breezy but said to be up to 12’C
Maybe take the Astro out for shopping.

LATER: Took the Caddy. Perfect.

[Braunschweiger]

Uhii, you had a good feeling, that would be more than annoying.
A few of our roof tiles have come loose, the roofer is coming by tomorrow.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

Uhii, you had a good feeling, that would be more than annoying.
A few of our roof tiles have come loose, the roofer is coming by tomorrow.

Absolutely glad I moved the cars.

Inconvenient to have to claim on insurance and you always remember the damage.





Had a few comments about the rear door seals on the van.

Took a few pics to illustrate what I have to work with.

Based in part on the insane prices of the seals, finding a matching profile to use or actually rebuilding parts, like this corner with the original piece and some silicone to recreate the profile, we may be in business.





The left hand, first to close door uses pins to secure and locate that door also an upper rain rail and seal in place.





Some parts of the seal obviously are a tight fit.



I will look at all of this in order to seal and repair all of what is needed.

Once again a nice way to start the day.




Plan is to wash and clean the van today and use it tomorrow for a breakfast meeting up near Gravesend for American cars.

Roads are clean again and as I refuse to drive the van on salted, gritted and wet roads, trying to look after it.

Maybe a few pics too.

[Braunschweiger]

We have a shop here that has profiles and much more in its range, which is certainly available near you.
http://www.doepper-profile.de/artike...file~Moosgummi
Here as an example.
Take a look and maybe there's something there, many profiles can be reconnected with superglue, so yard goods make sense.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

We have a shop here that has profiles and much more in its range, which is certainly available near you.
http://www.doepper-profile.de/artike...file~Moosgummi
Here as an example.
Take a look and maybe there's something there, many profiles can be reconnected with superglue, so yard goods make sense.

Thank you.

I will be looking at alternatives.

[Grizz1963]

Every time I use any of my cars, but especially the Astro van, it makes me smile.
They are all very different in function and form but the Astro continues to be my favourite to look back at as I walk away from it.

It also changes depending on where you look from.
Fetching some fuel for my mower and a jerry can for the Peugeot 206 CC which had a reserve light on the van once again showed a different angle.



Having a breakfast meeting booked with KBM this weekend, meant a quick vacuum cleaner run through and wash outside.

I also fitted some new rubber floor mats over the carpets.
The floor of the cab area is quite small and complex due to the engine being partially in the cab and under the floor.
So custom shape is needed.

I am really impressed with these.






Sunday morning the drive to breakfast was great, including two different beeps and thumbs ups from other road users.

Copperfield



Food was great.

Coffee absolutely sucked imho.






After breakfast which ended at 13.00 and a lot of chatting in the carpark I drove down to my local Morrisons to get some food for the house as I had suggested that I would cook for Sally and Aaron my one lodger.






Dinner was meatballs on spaghetti with a nice sauce and some cheese.

Very very good.




Two meals in one report……

Spoiling you guys.

Driving all three of my cars over the weekend was great.

The Rezin Rockit has just become due for a new MOT test.

Amazed that its 11 months since I completed this awesome build.

[Grizz1963]

I keep lodgers to help with the mortgage payments.
Simple solution to one problem.
Then they come in Vito, Renault vans, Ford Edge, or a ****iff big Ford Ranger truck.
My rule is that I park up the alley to control access.
Still sounds good though.
Till you walk out and see this….
Guy is on nights so goes to bed at 04.00
Parks like a cnut.
Takes his car keys to bed so now I have to wake him.
Is it worth the hassle?
Found that my cutlery is in decline.
Found desert spoons in his cars footwell.
Just counted forks…… 7/12 left and three non matched items in there (part of a previous lodgers chaos)
FCUK !!

Problem with today problem child is he is super nice, kind, generous BUT a total animal and scatterbrain.

Did I mention FCUK ??

[Grizz1963]

Still got all of Sunday left to play with my toys.

Yesterday was the turn of the Astro to get out again.

Always a pleasure.

Farmers are out doing farmer stuff.

And took a pic for those who commented about the steering wheel being upside down.

In face, if you park with the wheels turned, you may find that illusion happening.








Today the Peugeot 206 CC is going on the sidewalk with some FOR SALE signs in the windows.

You never know when someone might have to have it.

Headed out in the van after breakfast.

[Grizz1963]

Nice weekend.

Driving the Astro and of course dayling the Caddy.

Put the Peugeot 206 CC on the sidewalk with some For Sale signs in case anyone wants or needs it in their lives.



Later I took the Astro and went for a random drive.

I continue to love driving it. Of course the fact that others like it is cool too. Like having a kid win an award or race.

Windy as heck out there but warm.
Maybe as much as 13’C which is hot for January.

​I also drove over to the Isle of Grain and parked up in one of my favourite spots for taking pics of cars.

Hard to choose just one pic.

Three with no filters








And one with a simple iPhone filter.

I really enjoyed the clouds and sun playing.




Weekend over, I still need to hand polish up the Astro.
It photographs well but polished will make it pop even more.

[Grizz1963]

Short video clip of my buddy Vladimir in Russia at his garages. He owns two adjacent units where he runs his simple side hustle from.

https://youtu.be/mdfl_f9LsvM

Even with very little they make sure to remember that life is good.

[realvc]

Thank you for posting this video. I've wondered how Vlad was doing. I rember when he was working on some of the projects in this clip.

Good to hear from you too. Take care.

[Palf70Step]

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Originally Posted by realvc

Thank you for posting this video. I've wondered how Vlad was doing. I rember when he was working on some of the projects in this clip.

Good to hear from you too. Take care.

Thanks guys.

Yes, this war, political nonsense tries to divide but ultimately we all are united by the 10mm socket.

[Grizz1963]

So the Rezin Rockit has very much been on the back burner since summer.

Amazingly its a year since I took it in for its first MOT test which it passed straight away.

Not used much because I have 4 vehicles on the drive and when employed a company car that I use on the way home for groceries etc.

In preparation for this years fresh MOT I went though all the various things that I could check and test at home.
The one brake light did not come on.

https://youtu.be/s48unyqG0Y0?si=qzzy41qvRmf3BKoX


So I looked at the obvious, the bulb was fine, connecting seemed good.

Stumped. Easy for me to be stumped.

So I sent the video above to Nick Wheeler by text requesting his help. Of course he was going to come last weekend which turned into a ****show Literally.
So we cancelled.
Then he came yesterday and we ean through the usual checklist.
He checked the lightbulb and found there was no continuity despite the filament being intact.
Then dropped and smashed it.
I dug out my reserve bulbs, Nick checked and found one he liked.
We had already checked the rear light fittings and all was good.
So a bit of scotch pad and emery paper to clean up the contacts plus tensioning the fitting meant take 2.

Successful



Happy too.



So I washed and cleaned the Rezin Rockit in preparation for a hopeful MOT test on Monday if weather conditions permit and of course I need an appointment.

Fingers crossed.

Once I have a fresh MOT it will be up for sale as I do need the space.

.

[Grizz1963]

So I called the MOT testing centre and got a booking for 12.30

Headed out







Place was running on time with loads of vehicles waiting to be tested

Rezin Rockit went in and onto the ramps.





I chatted to a couple of people outside, one guys Astra came out, failed on some aspects.
Not encouraging to see

Later I heard the Jeep being reversed out of the building, it does sound rather nice even if I have to say it

Tester said “Nice car, all is good, let me do the paperwork “



So I went inside and paid for the test



MOT to 24 February 2025


Once done I headed outside where the car was waiting and headed home





Now I really need to get my finger out and create an advertisement and associated value for this little car to find a new home.


It was great fun to build and is no perfect trailer queen but I need the space.


.

[realvc]

Did you use the heater?

I leave the hardtop on my Jeep year round and remove the upper doors in the summer.
Your Rezin Rocket would be a blast to drive with engine and trans set up you put in it.

Good luck on the sale or sell I'm never sure which is correct.

Is you C10 listed yet or did I miss something?

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

Did you use the heater?

I leave the hardtop on my Jeep year round and remove the upper doors in the summer.
Your Rezin Rocket would be a blast to drive with engine and trans set up you put in it.

Good luck on the sale or sell I'm never sure which is correct.

Is you C10 listed yet or did I miss something?

Morning Vince

C10 is not listed but probably should be.

I did pack away 3 years worth of tools yesterday and swept the floor.

I did create this ad for the Jeep.

Hopefully someone else sees the value and needs it in their lives.



FOR SALE



Eagle RV

Reg: Q168GRN

Fresh MOT 24 February 2025
Second year back on road.

MX5 1.6 engine and gearbox, wiring loom.
Lowered. Polybushed, RX7 leather seats. MX5 steering column and instruments.

Wheels are 4x100 on adapters from Ford pattern 4x108 front and rear

This car will typically never be everything to every man. Always things to change, things you may not like.

Ultimately a toy, a summertime open car.


FULL BUILD THREAD HERE:
Take a look first.

https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...mertime?page=1

Such a difficult car to price. I know that I will not get back what it cost me but I do need the space, having 4 cars on the road and a 1966 Chevy C10 truck to build or sell on as well.

I would like to see near £3000.00 as possible for it. One never recovers the costs of these.

Car at ME3 post code area of Rochester, Kent.

Use Messenger for contact please.

Video of engine running.

https://youtu.be/s48unyqG0Y0?si=eANxbUqoEa0gUxOP








.

[Braunschweiger]

That was a nice project, I enjoyed following it. I wish you much success in selling.

[realvc]

I vote you keep your C10.
Mine is still waiting for me to back to it.

My pacemaker Dr. settled some questions I had about welding and my primary care Dr. made a change is some meds. seems to have made a big difference is my attitude and out look on everything.

Your Rezin Rocket will make someone very happy.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

That was a nice project, I enjoyed following it. I wish you much success in selling.

Thank you Harald

It is a special niche car.

Far from perfect or modern but someone will need it.

Originally Posted by realvc

I vote you keep your C10.
Mine is still waiting for me to back to it.

My pacemaker Dr. settled some questions I had about welding and my primary care Dr. made a change is some meds. seems to have made a big difference is my attitude and out look on everything.

Your Rezin Rocket will make someone very happy.

Spot on Vince.











Quick video update.


Some of you may recall that I owned a Canta LX for a while last year.

Got to a point when I had done all the Grizzifying stuff I wanted to.

Had three guys all wanting to own it.

But only @glenanderson was able to pull the trigger.

So he delivered a lawn tractor for @craigrk up in Shropshire, to be collected and took the Canta to Dover as a father and son project.


Three videos.

Me finding it the day I bought it, and delivery that night.

https://youtu.be/Ny5UZP65TU8?si=wLWOOVASxyVwj3iP

And the day Glen and son Fin collected it.

https://youtu.be/PZ-K08G8gC8?si=NTsF7hzroGHxzvb3


Video sent last night.

Where Glen has got it to now.

Starting off ignition and lights working along with the correct drive belts.

https://youtu.be/uXdeW_9FXUQ?si=8OvVKoj86uX-tvSQ



This is an absolute smile generator.

Many more videos on my YouTube channel.

360cc big block fun.

[Palf70Step]

That reminds me of my time in Japan with my many micro cars (I I think they refer to them as Kei cars now). This little Honda was the last one I had for a DD, then as a beach runner. We welded 2 wheels together to make duallies for all 4 corners and go floating over the beaches of northern Japan. They get around pretty well, even in the crazy snow we got up there. The one pictured worked well, but eventually the extra load of the tires driving back from the beah one day got to the engine and it said I am don with this crap. 360cc of thrunder.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

That reminds me of my time in Japan with my many micro cars (I I think they refer to them as Kei cars now). This little Honda was the last one I had for a DD, then as a beach runner. We welded 2 wheels together to make duallies for all 4 corners and go floating over the beaches of northern Japan. They get around pretty well, even in the crazy snow we got up there. The one pictured worked well, but eventually the extra load of the tires driving back from the beah one day got to the engine and it said I am don with this crap. 360cc of thrunder.

Bill…!!

You just became my new hero.

I love Kei cars. Sub-600cc engines and small.

That beach runner was brilliant.









Over 100k views of a little holiday movie of an old truck.

https://youtu.be/_HjLf3d6rJw?si=pqDvmyNQbemPTzS7

Still makes me grin.