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

[Palf70Step]

[dwcardfan]

I wish I could have made it up early for the treasure hunt in the bone yard.

[65sub]

Love the updates. This is the first thread I check each day.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Originally Posted by dwcardfan

I wish I could have made it up early for the treasure hunt in the bone yard.

Originally Posted by 65sub

Love the updates. This is the first thread I check each day.

Thanks guys.

Will try sneak time in everywhere to upload and write up.


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.

[dwcardfan]

Thanks for the pictures Rian. I love the front of that bus.

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

Super jealous of the junkyard trip, I have spent many an hour strolling thru junkyard up here in the Rustbelt. Lots of cool stuff to see, but usually nothing even remotely salvageable. Looks like there are a lot of potential projects in that yard!

-Sam

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by dwcardfan

Thanks for the pictures Rian. I love the front of that bus.

Imagine that bus back on he road as a day camper Donnie......

Originally Posted by SamsAutoParts73-87

Super jealous of the junkyard trip, I have spent many an hour strolling thru junkyard up here in the Rustbelt. Lots of cool stuff to see, but usually nothing even remotely salvageable. Looks like there are a lot of potential projects in that yard!

-Sam

Sam, I would think that many of these vehicles are a short stick from functioning, some were driven to their place of rest.




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.

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

Those piston exhaust tips are genius!
-Sam

[mjh1965]

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

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by SamsAutoParts73-87

Those piston exhaust tips are genius!
-Sam

Glad you noticed them mate, many people miss them.

I initially thought Supertrapp.

Originally Posted by mjh1965

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

No worries Martin, it's like doing it all over again, without eating myself to a standstill every day.





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.

[Palf70Step]

Thanks guys. Great to see what you think of us on this side of the puddle.

[chad64chevy]

critters in them hills that infiltrate your skin and breed inside your body.


those are called 'chiggers', I got three of them on my right leg that day! loving the pics it's like being there again! once again it was great getting to meet you both, and for you guys stopping by to look at my truck!!

[flashed]

That was a trip of a lifetime ,sad I missed out but loving every update and look forward to more.

[mjh1965]

First I would like to thank everybody for there generosity and kindness . You guys made my trip and my 50th a trip of a lifetime .

Unfortunately I have been really busy as soon as I got back . My photo bucket has been playing up so Rian has already started loading trip pictures .


Here's some from the hot rod shop we stopped at on the first day . What a way to start a trip . Scot and John both good guys .

[mjh1965]

Just thought I'd post some of my photos of the junkyard , its very hard to take photos when you are junk drunk. I could have stayed in this place for the complete trip and still not seen everything . All I can say is THANKS CLEM !!!!!!



















Once again thanks Clem. I think what made it such an awesome day was we were all like kids again running around not knowing what to look at first . Best of all it was with a great bunch of people .

[flashed]

I want to visit that yard so bad ,Im junk drunk just looking at your pics .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

I want to visit that yard so bad ,Im junk drunk just looking at your pics .

That happens very easily.

After an early start for the day out on the farm, then the afternoon drinking, dancing, partying and eating, Clem, Kim, Bomp (Greg) McMurphy (Michael) Martin and myself went uptown to Clem and Kim's house where most of us were staying (McMurphy was booked into a local hotel)

Kim went to bed by Midnight, but Clem had other ideas.........

Break out the Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey over ice, some red skinned roasted peanuts in a large shop style dispenses and massive jar of Kim's Home made Choc Brownies....... Ohhhh, and open up the full sized pool table.

Everyone was expected to wear a Fedora hat to play.

I will just say, Play continued till much later.

Photo courtesy of Bomp (Greg, who had travelled from Kaiser, Oregon)



Sunday morning wake up call came all too soon, as Clem had another treat up his sleeve for a bunch of us.

Breakfast being prepared by Clem and Kim. She is an absolute whizz at the stove and baking.



We were joined by more couples from the previous evening, and soon it was another party in the kitchen.

Once everyone had eaten, we all decamped back down to the Fuel station/workshop to collect Pete and Jeff, then we went of to Siloam Springs where Mike Losh of Slosh Tubz fame and previous SEMA Build winner was working on Boosted Bertha his 2015 build for SEMA. Clem had some the Bed Wood and a load of other tasks for him.

We were all going to help, mainly just loads of extra hands, cleaning, prepping and helping lift the bed off etc.

Of course also to drool of their magnificent build.

Before we went, I looked over this chassis and motor that Clem had done for a customer build. Rather special, fortunately he has a small elite team working with him.




On the Saturday Bomp had also taken this pic of the forum members from www.67-72chevytrucks.com who were present at the party.





Master of the Selfie, Bomp.



Some random pics.




Mike and Bomp



How low does it go?





Mike and Clem sorting out placement of the wood.



This truck is incredible trick.

There is not a part that has not been modded, massaged, painted or polished.

The headlights have been specially built for the truck too.

Note the writing on the inside of the lense.



And then all hell breaks loose....... Red will look awesome once fitted.



One of the things that happens when you are involved in a hobby, forums etc like this one, is that you end up meeting loads of "normal" people who live extraordinary lives and create products and builds we can only dream of.
But ultimately, they are only human, and if you treat them that way, they will amaze you with their generosity of spirit.

While we were there, we spoke to Mike and mentioned that we were going to swing by Gas Monkey Garage and also go look for a bBurger or something to eat on Martin's Birthday the 26th of October. Mike had previously supplied some of his Slosh Tubz to thenFast and Loud crew for a build, and his truck Cloud Nine had also featured in the programme.

Do you guys want to see if we can get you in behind the scenes he dropped in conversation.....

Hell yeah!!!

So he said that he would ask his wife Sarah, to see what she could get arranged for us.

This Road Trip had suddenly stepped up a couple of notches.

We met Sarah later and gave her one of the hoodies that I had bought through the year. She is tiny, so it will be used when she watches Downton Abbey.

DOWNTON ABBEY......? Yes, the Americans love it. As a bonus, Martin has also been able to sort out something for her.

Later the afternoon she confirmed that we were going to enjoy our visit to Gas Monkey garage.


Mike and Sarah Losh of Slosh Tubz fame with Martin and Myself.



Our day spent with Mike and a whole gang of amazing builders would and will be another high light of the trip.


In the late afternoon we said our good byes as Clem had another surprise for us.........

Dinner with his and Kim's friends Dick and Dorrie Sedon on their ranch.

Dorrie and her daughter breed high end, award winning Arabians.

Dick has a mind blowing collection of all sorts, I really do not know how to describe it all. From Sabres, Spurs, swords, revolvers, muskets, saddles, Bowie knives and guitars to smoking pipes and cars. The man had worked hard all his life and collected stuff he likes.

We got to spend time looking, and I will post only three photos, I just cannot load all the photos I took of the stuff that just interested me.

As often is the case, not everything is everyone's cuppa tea, so scroll past if you get bored.

Dick and Clem in the "museum house"



One I could not stop touching.




And what I call a Knife.





That is all for tonight, up early tomorrow.

[flashed]

Even more wonderful pics ,thanks for the updates .

[Bomp]

Thanks for posting all the pics, brought back great memories, So glad you made it over. Hope we can all do it again some day.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

Even more wonderful pics ,thanks for the updates .

As long as you want them, till we run out.... I will post up.

Originally Posted by Bomp

Thanks for posting all the pics, brought back great memories, So glad you made it over. Hope we can all do it again some day.

Pleasure Greg, I think you and I both like the pics, and the memories.


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.

[Grizz1963]

Just down the road from Clem's place when we left.

I love this sort of art.





Some of El Dorados cars
Owned by this man.


















After Eldorado, we drove down to Winfield, Kansas to stay over with Herb and Luz.

Unfortunately, I took a load of photos with my regular camera, and need to get them into a smaller format so that I can upload and post up here.

So this will be all for tonight.

Last photos just to remind you where we made it to after Kansas City.

[mjh1965]

Well I have paid photo bucket to upgrade my account so back online posting pictures . Here are a couple of my pictures of El dorado cars

[Grizz1963]

Thanks for posting up Martin.

Glad you subscribed to Photobucket, it's a pain and at $26.00 per year one could say money wasted, but at least you do not have to look over your shoulder all the time.

Here is a Duramax being abused.

http://youtu.be/ZEMDqY37tJw

I did enjoy seeing and hearing them in the cities, being driven hard.