Martin's mi-STRESS, 1965 Long Fleetside C10 "Rebuild in ENGLAND"

[Grizz1963]

I will be doing these updates in photobatches of 10 photos maximum as Volkszone only allows 10 photos to be posted at a time.


For the trip we decided it was best I pick up Martin in my company car as I live another 30 minutes further from the airport than he does.

I was awake at 03.30 and headed to his place by 04.25 to pick him up.

This was done as the M25 motorway is totally unpredictable, and with car parking, transfer to the airport and then check in, security etc, we neede to be neurotically early for our 11.50 departure.

All this was achieved, including a massively overpriced breakfast at Terminal 5 where British Airways depart from.

11 hrs after departing London Heathrow we landed in at DFW Airport.

After checking in with our ESTA status verified, finger prints taken etc, I ended up in a loooooong wait to get my Passport checked, no rubber gloves, thankfully, but Martin who had walked straight through to baggage reclaim, had to wait about 45 minutes for me to get there, then there was a second Customs agent station to get through, we chose the wrong Q and ended up waiting for all sorts of disabled grannies in wheelchairs, off international flights to be given priority over us......

Eventually we made it out of the airport onto a bus that would take us to the Alamo car rental depot for a fast check in.

We had opted for a medium sized car at £614.00 for the period, unlimited mileage and a full tank of fuel to startups off.
The agent gave us the options of a Jeep, Ford or a Chevy Captiva.
Obviously, going to a Chevy gathering at Clem's we could not arrive in a Ford and the Jeep just seemed small for the spares we had bought and planned to collect along the way.

So we were off eventually.

SatNav set for Searcy, Arkansas which is where Ta2Don lives, we knew we wanted a few hours away from the city limits of Dallas before finding a hotel.
At this point we had been awake from the equivalent of 9.30pm USA time the day before, no sleep on the plane at all.

So we hit the i30 motorway and drove as far as Sulphur Springs and checked into a Best Western Hotel. $100.00 down, breakfast included.
We crashed by about 11.00pm US time and we're both awake by 04.00 or thereabouts.
Breakfast at 06.00 then to a local Walmart for a mobile phone SIM card that we ended up returning as we could not get it going.

We eventually hit the road from Sulphur springs around 11.00am back onto i30 with mouths agape at just how many old cars were on the side of the road, some for sale, some not.

Of course as tourists, and truck guys we loved all the cars, trucks and stuff flying by, many old cars, trucks etc that the U.S. Takes for granted made the trip already worthwhile, 250 miles in.

Headed into Texarcana we settled into an easy pace on the speed limit.

Then we passed a Body and Hotrod shop, seeing these cars outside, and took the next off ramp and drove back on ourselves along the service road with SatNav protesting loudly........


THIS WAS OUR ROAD TRIP GETTING REAL.



We went inside, shop empty, then through the service doors leading to the rear...... Nobody.

Zombies?

So I shouted a couple of Hallooooo's and got a reply from out the back door, saw a small lady in work clothes come toward us, turns out she does all the body work, prep and finishing on the cars. Enquiring about the lack of staff, she replied "Lunch time"
Can we take a look around? Take some photos? "No problem" she replied, telling us about the cars in the shop and what they built. Generous people these Texans.

So the first photo I took..... (Because I do take loads of photos) was this one of Martin next to a lead sled that was being built. Look at the firewall, and front end with the electrical actuators to get an idea of where they are headed. Much work to be done still, but it will be good with electric flip front, air ride, solenoid openers on all doors, trunk lid etc.



Other cars included 60's Fastback and Convertibles Ford Mustangs, as well as this gorgeous beauty.




We were told Scott, the painter and John the mechanic would be back in a while.

Next we heard the unmistakable rumble of large bore straight through pipes and Scott pulled up.

Niiiiiiiiice...!!





I just Loved the headlights.



Of course we had gone out to the side of the building to take a closer look and met Scott, a super nice guy, again, totally humble and unassuming.

Told us the car had belonged to his dad, who had removed the 4x4 running gear, he then later fitted Air ride to it all.
Next up will be a Big Block.

We then got joined by John with his bag of lunch in his hand, got chatting about mods and the lights on Scott's truck and at one point he looked over to Scott and said "Do we have some more of them there lights?" Which Scott confirmed.

He then asked If we would be interested in a set, Martin and I looked at each other, asked him how much, as we already knew they were 24volt LED, ex military application lights, that would cost around $1000.00 a set fitted when the Hummer was built for service in Afganistan and other places. John replied "How about three?" We looked at each other and Martin asked "How much?" To which John replied "Free, for nothing, you can have a pair for your truck in England"
So the question was of course..... Is the Pope Catholic? Just clarify, when these military vehicles meet their end of service and get sold to civilians and get converted to civilian spec.

Anyway, I ended up with another pair too for my truck. WINNER !!!

I have to say, that when the first set of lights were offered, I popped out to the car to grab a pair of T-shirts and a UK flag for their shop, as I had bought about 15 Large, X-Large and XX-Large shirts through the year and between Martin and I we also had about 5 brand new pink hoodies to give out at various places as well as a load of Union Jacks and Cross of St George flags for people's garages. It's just how my head works. These were litterally just as a thank you for their time, not the lights.

The guys were chuffed to bits anyway.

Martin and I fighting to get the lights off John. We would spend another 3-4 hours with him and his family on the way back. His daughter is seriously big Dr Who fan as well and had stolen her dads" I love London" shirt when he got home.



Lastly, before we left, I had a little go in Scott's sons NASCAR car. I will build a Tot-Rod one day.



My lights tightly clenched under my armpits we packed them in the car then said our good byes



We spent about 2 hrs on this stop, then got back in the Captiva and headed out for Searcy, Arkansas..

To see Don, at his Tattoo shop.

More with the next write up of the rest of the day.

If you are still along for the read and ride.

[Grizz1963]

After leaving Texarcana we drove on and into Arkansas, always weary of Police and any unexpected surprises on the road.

This was not our back yard of London and the UK.

So RESPECT was paramountm for the people and environment.

We made it to Dons Tattoo Studio at late afternoon as we had stopped and started along the road to look at stuff, fill the car and buy all sorts of bad (irresistible) foods and snacks. America has some seriously good foodstuffs.

When we got into the shop there was a pile of spares both Martin and I had ordered to be delivered to Dons shop since January. This was only a small part of our eventual stash. Included was a complete Harley Davidson V-Rod rear end and light for Martin, an alloy sump, air cleaner and alloy valve covers for his engine.
My haul included an A pillar mounted spotlight for my truck from Jonathan Hall in SC and a handle for it from Herb in Winfield, Kansas. Thanks again to all involved in the success of our purchases, gifts and deliveries made over the last 9 months.

I was almost embarrassed as we greeted Don and Klown one of his artists (a super nice guy, who always smiles and is friendly and inviting) and then proceeded to riffle through some of the bits waiting for us.



I did get to meet Little Boy in Klown's work space.



Martin resisted our attempts at getting him to get a little nipple ring fitted by Don.



While we were there, recently retired Preacher Vince joined us for a while to chat. Photos courtesy of Don.
Another great guy to meet on our trip, thanks for making the effort Vince, much appreciated and good to meet another Garage Journal member in person.



After we settled down and unwound from the tension of driving all day, Don, Martin and myself went out to dinner at Murdocks Catfish Restaurant.



Catfish, Hush Puppies, Fried Ochra, BBQ Beans and a bottomless glass of Dr Pepper.

Just PERFECT !!




After this we went to Dons home and met his wife Saless and of course JoJo who is an awesome little dog, I suspect he is the most therapeutic member of the family, he certainly settled me down.

We went to bed late into the night again,max there was so much to be chattered about, things to be shown, gifts exchanged etc.

And JoJo and I connected fully once he got me trained in just how to throw his ball around the house.

[Grizz1963]

Friday morning we were all up early.

Coffee, tea and taking JoJo for a walk on Don's piece of land, what a pleasure.

I have always loved Ride on Mowers, and especially older ones, those with real,world patina work even better.

So finding Dons dads old mower out back far into the bush meant I had to try it on for size.



Later Don made us breakfast, then we went to town to get a mobile phone "burner" card sorted that would give us a months unlimited everything, internationally including 5gb of data.

Then to O'Reilly's for HT leads, plugs and a variety of other service parts.

After this we went back to Dons home with Vince in tow to prepare his truck for the trip up to Clem's place on Friday night.

We changed tyres and some other jobs, checked out Dons workshop and other treasures including the Patina Stepper he is building, real man stuff.



I also masked up some of the tailgate for some silly painting. For once not taking the photos.




Later in the day we went back into Searcy for a Mexican dinner and and then back home to pack up, Saless, Dons wife had cut him loose to,spend some time,with Martin and I as well as attending the do in Fayetteville........ Thank you Mrs Boss.

We left after 6pm and the trip not the Ozark Mountains was pretty much uneventful.

Getting to Clem's place some time after 10.00 pm we were greeted by some members who had come from as far as Washington state and Keizer, Oregon.
So it was great to meet Bomp (Greg) and Michael McMurphy in person, of course Clem being the awesome host he is, I had not even settled next to the fire when I had a beer in my,hand.
We continued around the fire till much later before we headed uptown to Clem and Kim's house and their four cats. Perfect for me.

Next morning we all got up real early for a full American breakfast and then headed out deep into the Ozark Mountains in a variety of cars and trucks.

This was to be a Jnkyard trip of a lifetime.

TALK ABOUT JUNK DRUNK........


I will leave just a few random pics as it is bed time now......... Off to London early in the morning, as I have to get back to work.











McMurphy after rescuing a Pontiac hood ornament from a Ford.







I will post up some more random pics tomorrow.

Thank you for the replies so far, they keep me motivated.

[Grizz1963]

On the way to the farm we stopped for fuel, drinks and amquick chat.

This was on the forecourt.



Right, the next bunch are just madness.

Eye candy for rust freaks and people who like this sort of thing.

A bunch off us uploaded onto Clem's flatbed truck and drove a while, then roamed the acres and acres of old steel.

Just to drive you more mad, many of these vehicles were running driving when brought out here, so can be restored.











Rare spares everywhere, these pivotal spotlights were some of those stashed in a schoolbus.

There are loads of spares stashed inside vehicles all over the property.





Remember the rule?

No Ford parts for sale.......

I forgot and we took over an hour to remove a large V8 bonnet/hood badge from this truck with a Leatherman tool..... Got confiscated as not for sale when we totalled up our parts.




Pete getting in there......

Pity it was all for nothing, thought the V8 would have suited my trucks hood.



More later.

[Grizz1963]

Right......

Next ten from the yard, well, farm.

Get running, roll as it is.







Complete, massive want here.



Datsun anyone?? Estate too.




I did say all sorts.











Ready for more?

[Grizz1963]

Frito Lays van brings memories of boarding school.

Loved Fritos crisps.



Bus full of spares and has STOP lights at rear with glass lenses. Much Want.





Split window Ford.



Kinda cute International Harvester truck. Nice clean looking COE.



There were Zillions more cars, trucks and other modes of transport, I took a multitude of pics, but to be honest, I could be here all day uploading.

So after about 4 hrs we went back to Clem's, all showering and washing head to toe in pure bleach as there are critters in them hills that infiltrate your skin and breed inside your body.

I hope one of the locals will come and identify them.

[Grizz1963]

Back to the real reason for this trip.

Clem's shindig.

After the chemical showers etc (I managed to miss one I think as there has been something growing in my upper thigh toward the front.) we all went down to Clem's 1940's Sinclair station where he runs www.Tubatrucks.com from.
Doing restorations, recommissioning and special builds on all sorts, but having a preference for 1960-66 Utility Bed trucks.
There are some Fords, a Corvette and other bits scattered about as well, awaiting attention.

You can order a build from Clem up to whatever standard of finish you want to pay for.

So I grinned madly when I saw the shop truck parked up, as well as friend Kieth from Tulsa's Green Hotrod GMC.



Kim, Clem's wife and some other helpers including maker were cooking up a storm, including a mean Shrimp boil, which to other parts of the world would be extra large King Prawns cooked Southern style, with some spice to add interest and a kick.

The tables were overloaded with food as everyone brings a dish of some sort to contribute, so you eat like a king.

Thanks has to go to every person who attended, and contributed.

Just as a matter of interest, this is also a charitable do, with the only request being that you bring a kids toy to add to the pile for later distribution.

Clem also has a garage band, singing all sorts, from Rock a billy to mellow love songs. The band was great and kept people on the dance floor all day and evening.

The beers flowed, I chose Rum and Pepsi Max and much trucking and hot rodding was spoken.

Some people driving by in their Hotrod even stopped by to look in and ended up staying, enjoying the company, music and dancing.

Here are just some random shots of stuff that came and went through the afternoon and evening.



A well built and incredibly trick ratrod.















And hidden in the rear of one of the trucks parked up.

A barrel of laughs.

[bj383ss]

Happy Birthday Martin!

[White knuckle Garage]

happy birthday Martin and have a great time at Gas Monkey Today

[flashed]

Happy Birthday Martin ,have fun.

[Palf70Step]

Happy Birthday!!! Enjoy the Colonies.

[Bomp]

Happy Birthday, On record you've got the best planned birthday ever.

[Ta2Don]

Too bad we didn't have time to put some holes in things... Have a Great Birthday mate!!!

[realvc]

Happy Birthday yesterday.

[Ta2Don]

Thanx again for the goodies… Saless loves the hoodie
Untitled by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Great getting to spend some time again this year with you… just remember, you are back to driving on the left side...

Thank for the help getting the '72 ready for the ride to Clems…
IMG_5689 by Donald Olivo, on Flickr

Have a great Sunday Mate!!!

[Ta2Don]

Jojo thanks you two also for the visit...

Keep the write ups coming, thoroughly enjoying a very entertaining read...

[flashed]

That catfish looks tasty.

[Ta2Don]

A few days permanently etched in my memory bank...

[flashed]

WOW ,I want to go there junking .

[Paul Y]

That Corvair looks in rather good shape....

Mmmm... Corvair Gasser.....

Keep it coming Rian!

P.

[Low Elco]

Keep it coming, I was hoping for a trip log!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Keep it coming, I was hoping for a trip log!

Not sure what you mean, trip log?

Maybe Martin can do one?

Waiting for him to post up his pics, seems he is battling with Photobucket

[mjh1965]

Thanks for posting the pictures Rian I should have mine loaded by Tuesday photo bucket playing up

[Grizz1963]

Mike and Sarah Losh's Cloud Nine.

SEMA winner truck.



The man. The Legend that is Clem Johnston.

One of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met. Sharp sense of humour, and eye for detail, a caring man.

Proud to call him a friend (His wife, Kim is a match for him too)

Thank you for everything you facilitated Clem.



Some of Www.tubatrucks.com 's work



Tilley, built by Clem for a customer. Harley Davidson recovery truck with Utility bed



Yup, it is strange.







Mate Martin, VERY HAPPY IN CLOUD NINE.

This is a seriously cool build by Mike Losh of Sloshtubz




The band going for it.




That's it for tonight folks, bed time now, up at 05.00 to get to Margate for an early morning lecture.

[Grizz1963]

I thought I would post up a real time photo that just surfaced on my Fartsbook feed, from SEMA in Las Vegas.

Boosted Bertha as she stands right now.

Dream to reality.

It has been an incredibly challenging build for Mike Losh and the team he had assembled, with many broken promises and contracts, but he made it.





Back to the report if anyone is still reading the words and not just scanning photos.

I may have overdone on the photos a bit, but love them myself.

So Sunday night when we got back in from Dick and Dorrie's Ranch, the pool table was again opened and some play ensued with refreshments over ice.

At some point we all went to bed, as Clem needed to be up at 05.00 for work and to open the shop, and Kim needed to get out for work.

Martin and I got up, packed up and locked up, then hit the road for Kansas City where we were headed to LMC Truck to collect our orders, mine at around $700.00 and Martin's around $400.00

The road was filled with America, much to be seen and at one point we stopped to buy fuel and also got a Walmart special drink....... A cup of Dr Pepper for me and Diet Coke for Martin at 88cents for any size, so we bought the large, which must be around 1500ml or 1.5 litre.
Perfect.




Eventually with all our stops etc, we made it to LMC by about 13.00 or 1pm.

This is the front of the parts collection showroom.




Paid for the parts, and they threw in a free T shirt each as we had travelled so far to collect.



From there we went down to Winfield, Kansas to meet up with friend Herb John and his wife Luz, who I have known for years through www.garagejournal.com

We chose to avoid motorways again, knowing the route was longer but a whole lot more interesting.

Driving along, we drove into the aptly named El Dorado..........

And did a dangerous U-Turn to go back to an old run down street corner shop that was immensely interesting from the street, the front windows filled to the max on both street sides with old Skool Hot Rods.

Parking up, we went in the side door and met up with a bunch of young guys all chewing baccy, spitting and chawing their lumps.

Interesting.

The front showroom was filled with cars of all descriptions, V8's everywhere, Superchargers, twin V8's on a "Coffin car" and loads of skulls everywhere.

But weirdest of all, was that the massive workshop housed about seven, that is 7 Hummers, full size, of all descriptions, some on 22" wheels, some more modest 20's

These were being fitted with modified diesel Duramax engines, one in the shop that they happily demonstrated for us, kicking out a Dyno'd 1500bhp.

Just insane...... But we were in El Dorado after all.

Martin got chatting to the one guy building Harley's in there (he is a Harley guy) and I went into the basement with on of the other guys.

What I saw, defies belief..... The term high end hoarder springs to mind.

Cars described as one of only two, the only one ever built and other weirdness cam into view, there were no lights like in a showroom, so I really could only look, tried photographing, but it failed miserably.


I will post a couple of pics from the El Dorado shop later.

Dinner time now.