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

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

That is a great start to a day!!

And it continued thatbwaybv

NASCAR RACE SHOP PART 2

The whole NASCAR Truck racing game is very tightly governed.

One of the things I was shown was this truck that is being rebuilt. Note, sheetmetal being welded in and the fenders being reshaped and panel beaten back to spec.

Above the body you can see a fixed profile hanging.

It is used to check the build in order to keep trucks homologated.



The nose cone profile draped over some spare motors.



Another lesson learned.

Look closely at the centre of these wheel rims, you will see the wheel nuts are Gorilla glued into place..... WTF??



Now look at the studs on a wheel that is fitted.

The first inch has no thread.

Why??

Well of course everyone but me knew this already.

The rim slips onto the studs during a pitstop and nuts are in place, so the impact gun goes on and zipps them tight. No fumbling ti seat wheel nuts.

Faster pitstops.



Next up. Some engine work.

Look at the state of this head.



And then..........

Engine room. Time for a little sex wee.

Just incredible.



At this point Mike Mittler the owner got there.
He and the guys were making a framed picture of one of their cars that ran at Eldora for a client. Using the side wall of a dirt racing tyre as a frame.
Its the only dirt track in NASCAR owned by Tony Stewart. It has been there for 60. plus years having been built in 1954

Once again, seeing the owner of a very successful company getting on and using tools getting dirty with his team was great.





Once again the hospitality and generosity of the American people touched me as Mike asked Dennis and I if we wanted a personally guided tour of his factory.

Of course we agreed.



We got our tour and was then allowed to roam the factory and speak to various people as mentioned before.

One last pic.

The chassis Dennis is using to build his 1966 NASCAR replica was the one in these photos.



Eventually we left for shop number two.

Not even halfway through the day, things were going well.

[Grizz1963]

So after the Race Shop and factory tour, Dennis was still not done, so we drove over to Kenny Mutert's shop to see Vince Baker with his handmade ally roadster.

Pics can do the talking.

Greeted by a yard full of old gas/perrol pumps, pedal cars and poads of other treasures.

This was the reason we had come over.







Still interested ???



Traditional Fout banger Ford.



I managed to ask Vince if he would punch me a set of louvres in a pair of Arkansas number plates if I bought them for my truck.
To which he agreed.

From there we went to Harry J's Steakhouse for burgers.
Mine was bacon, cheese.

It was very good.



Then it was off to Thomas Sutton, Dennis' cousin whom I had been Facebook friends with for some time.

The man is a car picker.
Specialising in 55, 56, 57 Chevys.
Call him.
He gets all sorts of stuff.
Buys and sells whatever he finds.
Will probably work on commissions too.




He also gave me a Hurst shifter to turn into a walking stick.



And he has quite a few more.



Beer anyone?

[Grizz1963]

Still on Friday.......

Crazy I know.



We left Thomas' place to head over to Dennis' mum and dad.

On the way we stopped at another friend who had bought this for his daughters graduation.......

Guess what?

Its his daily driver now as she did not like it, even after he had it detuned for her.

He is a retired Toyota mechanic but now works mainly on Harleys. Had a few parked in his shop as well.





An hour later it was off to Dennis' parents.

I didnot take a lot of pics as their whole home andbasement really is a museum and they live in it.

Just incredible.

Again, mind completely blown by it all.

Couple of video clips too.

Dennis' dad is a keen whitler of wood. Making all sorts of stuff, including these mobiles. This one is of Dennis spray painting a car.

Spray painting mobile by Dennis Jones' father...

And a very early razor blade sharpener.
Just watch the action.

Razor blade sharpener. Dennis Jones' dad. -...

Some of the other stuff, and I photographed less than 1% of stuff. I really meant incredible collection.





Some of the hand made wooden knives. Some have lock blades, some have secret mechanisms. All in wood.
The man worked for GM all his life and then in airconditioning when he retired.



Clicks anyone?











From there it was into traffic and headed Westward toward home.

Another long day that was still not over.

Yup.

[Palf70Step]

Veeeeeery Interesting!!!!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Veeeeeery Interesting!!!!

And it gets better.


Well, Friday afternoon late and we drive up to the homestead just to say goodbye to Debbie as she was off to a music concert.

Dennis was meant to go with her....... Oooooppss.

Fortunately he is very pragmatic.

Straight out to the shop to mess with the 66 truck for a bit while I removed the hood ornament he had saved for me.



I like it. Thank you mate.





Once done I grabbed beer no3 planning to relax.


"Wanno go see my land??"

"Grab some beers, we'll take some of the quads"

Once again I realised that this trip is is already delivering more than last years awesome roadtrip with mate Martin.

Redneck Central, here we come !!!!



And my ride.

Bloody hell, these things are quick.



All over the property.

Then over to his neighbour Ryan's place for a few more beers.

Seems in this part of the world beers are communal property.
And drunk like water.
I like water.
Probably drunk more beer in four days than a year back in England.

Roaming Ryans place Dennis picked up a snake skin in an old building.
5'6" Honestly.

Eventually we left well after dark as Saturday was a road trip to Philo, Illinois to see Chris and Thomas.

Up early as we are both insomniacs.......

Fillerup.....



Ready



Hit the road.





Leaving Missouri over the Mighty Missisippi River.




Ready for a 6 hr road trip??

Stand by.

[flashed]

How do you like driving on the right side of the road ?

[Bomp]

Tomorrow Clems???

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

How do you like driving on the right side of the road ?

All the same if you respect the rules.

Originally Posted by Bomp

Tomorrow Clems???

Yup.

Love ok forward to it.

Will be there late as stoppoing in Searcy and taking scenic route up to Fayetteville

[Grizz1963]

Just headed out to fill Challenger then off to Searcy to Ta2Don.

HEADED INTO THE SUNRISE..........

HEADED TO THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE.

CLICKY LINKY:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=51567

We head out onto the motorway with Dennis pointing the Challengers eager nose at the sunrise, soon we are over the Mississippi River and onward.

The roads become monotonous but we are talking cars, women and the way the world has been for us.

This is a great trip.

Every now and then Dennis gives in to the urge and tickles the Hemi and it is only too pleased to respond with a kickdown when we overtake slower traffic.
This is an incredibly civilised car.

A rest stop or two later we get to Pocahontas and pull in for an amazing breakfast and service with a smile.






Fortunately the facilities also cater for those of a more blessed nature who find the cold touch of porcelain unnerving. Not seen one of these oldskool urinals in years.



Breakfast was just spectacular. It seems to be the norm.




Then back on the road.
Dennis did warn me it may be a bit boring but I loved it and along with stories of him raising hell all his life, the trip went by fast and pleasantly.



When we got to Philo we sneaked onto the property and parked up out back at the big workshop and walked down to the 1930's shop at which point Thomas and Chris discovered us "Trespassing" so he went to get changed from his work clothes and the tour and visit strated.

First stop was this Hudsom Terraplane that Thomas still has the title to.
So technicaly it can be legally returned to the road. Future project?




You need to read the thread linked above now.

I cannot say more than Dennis and I had an amazing day.

I got to raise the working and restored by Thomas, single post 1928 car lift and dennis lowered it after we had touched, smelled and investigated it.
It is the oldest one of its type known to exist.



The 1930's shop has been sympathetically restored and modernised for Thomas and Chris to prep their classics and drag cars.
Everywhere there are bits of its origens.

I loved these lights.



One of the two cars that they run regularly.

Corvette Heaven.



Thomas offered to drop the roof on this 1966 for me to go for a drive. I was desperate to go drive it around the Illinois fields and suspect Dennis would have enjoyed it too, but I decided the time we had together was more precious than a blast in a classic.

The generosity and trust of these people does not surprise me anymore. BUT I CONTINUE TO BE HUMBLED BY IT.



I have to get out to breakfast and then over to Searcy to see Ta2Don and then up into the mountains to Fayetteville to Clems place.

I will finish this days update later when I get time and WiFi access.

Later dudes.

[aggie91]

Love your picture "tours". Don't know why I have not commented on your thread before, but here I have today.

Did anyone else notice that the template above the NASCAR truck was for a Toyoda, but the front facia had a Chevy Bowtie on it?

[djones1a]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Love your picture "tours". Don't know why I have not commented on your thread before, but here I have today.

Did anyone else notice that the template above the NASCAR truck was for a Toyoda, but the front facia had a Chevy Bowtie on it?

The top template fits all the trucks,ford, chevy and toyota.Only are the front and rear bumpers are are different.Dodge was even the same when they were in the game.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

How do you like driving on the right side of the road ?

Hey John !!!

Thank you for my parcel.

All the stuff is awesome.

Much appreciated.


Seen on the road when stealing McDonalds WiFi as I have no phone.

This is low.





Made it to Fayetteville from Jonesboro via a quick lunch in Searcy with Ta2Don.

Kim had made us an awesome dinner.

Clem hosting in his usual style.

And of course Bomp (Greg) down from Oregon.

It was a great evening.





Yes, this is out of sync by three days.

I will get back to our regular transmission when I can to write up.

Bit busy right now. Off to collect a GMC truck.

[flashed]

I have seen that chopped truck on this site before but you pic is better than the others I remember seeing .I had hoped you would like some of that stuff .I have not been here as much as my wife passed away Friday ,funeral was Monday and she actually helped me pick thru my stuff to send your way .We had discussed us trying to make it out there next year but she was too sick .I am now trying to find a new normal as my life is completely upside down right now but I have been kinda on here the last 2 days after I get home from errands .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

I have seen that chopped truck on this site before but you pic is better than the others I remember seeing .I had hoped you would like some of that stuff .I have not been here as much as my wife passed away Friday ,funeral was Monday and she actually helped me pick thru my stuff to send your way .We had discussed us trying to make it out there next year but she was too sick .I am now trying to find a new normal as my life is completely upside down right now but I have been kinda on here the last 2 days after I get home from errands .

Hi John

Just sitting here with Clemdaddy and Bomp after dinner made by Kim.

Just told them as well about your loss.

We send you a wish for your peace in your mind and heart.

Celebrate her life in her absence.

We will raise a glass to you both in a moment.

[62stepside longbox]

Looks like your having a great adventure across the pond, good to see you enjoying the trip so much

[flashed]

Thanks Rian and everyone there with you ,glad your trip has been fun so far .I come on here when Im home as it takes my mind off other things and I continue to read posts even if Im not always up to posting yet .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

Thanks Rian and everyone there with you ,glad your trip has been fun so far .I come on here when Im home as it takes my mind off other things and I continue to read posts even if Im not always up to posting yet .

We raised a glass and smiled at Mrs Flashed in her absence mate.

Keep coming here, the guys will help you through and focus you.

[flashed]

The guys here are awesome ,they have already helped me a lot on my prayer thread and my buddy Robbie from just south of me came for a visit yesterday ,met him on here too.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

Looks like your having a great adventure across the pond, good to see you enjoying the trip so much

Last year was awesome.

This year.....??

MIND BLOWINGLY GOOD.

Originally Posted by flashed

The guys here are awesome ,they have already helped me a lot on my prayer thread and my buddy Robbie from just south of me came for a visit yesterday ,met him on here too.

THIS is why we are here for each other.

Trucks n toys but also to look after one another.


My holiday just gets better every day.


Insomnia sucks. Been awake two hrs. Back killing me as well.

Best update some more then.

Thomas had a double garage filled with treasures. The last remnants of 10 years of sympathetically restoring the workshop.
The garage was being torn down when we got there.
He gave Dennis and I Carte Blanche to rummage and remove and have anything we needed or wanted there.

Heaven or what?



Number plates, an Early Chevy Valve cover thatI had been looking for for months and other treasures.





Thank you Thomas !!

Stopped for beer and gas on the way home.



Once we got home I unpacked the treasures.

Old piece for my very good mate Kevin who collects units of measurement. Tape measures, rulers etc.



Gorgeous Pontiac hood ornament.
Will be cleaned up and mounted then take pride of place in my display cabinet.



Said Chevy valve cover.

Those who know what they are looking at will see the offset fitting holes.......... and know what it means.



Treasures !!!!!

For my collection.



Once cleaned up, yes, just another dust collector to some. But what if I added in Bonneville Salt Flats to the description?



And lastly.......

Got to convert some 12Volt into 6Volt but this may be used somewhere.



So that concluded Saturday.

We did go out to Harry J's Steakhouse and had a massive Prime rib to share. Could never manage it alone.

Many beers consumed.

Then back home and another few hours in Dennis' shop.

This holiday just kept on giving.

Sunday plans included a Swapmeet, car show and more beer and mileage.

Note, they were plans.

[Grizz1963]

Next up some random product placement.

I love some of the advertising in the USA.

Read what you like into some of these.

Me.......??

Just reading it as a pubescent teenager would in my day.





Went shopping recently at a real cool shop, wanted a nice hoody. Found a great John Deere one.

Interestingly, also saw the bridal outfit for the perfect Redneck wedding.

Come on !!!!

Who would not love to wrestle his bride out of these?





Dennis' family name.



Pure cane sugar.

That should see you go.



Watch any cowboy movies lately?



And my personal favourite in that shop.



Think what you like. As long as it makes you s****** like a teenager.



Last one.....



This was Sunday morning.

Ready for more?

[flashed]

I had no idea that KICKAPOO JOY JUICE was still made ,I have a few of the antique bottles that I collected over 30 years ago and in our area at least in my memory it was never sold here .I have a very old bottle collection boxed up somewhere .

[Grizz1963]

A couple more dust collectors that should look good mounted on a decent background.



Some of Dennis' treasures in his shop display

Love this adjustable drillbit.





And of course there was the saying Thank You at the end of Saturday.

Tally (Talladega Raceway) encouraging me to be more thankful.



While I was in the USA, Miss Katy was also here. But playing a much more upmarket game.

She went to California and was staying with one of her best friends in Myrtle Beach.

Nomance is going well. And she did send a photo of herself having a good time too.





Back to Sunday morning.

After shopping and getting a few things including a case of Dr Peper and some Beef Jerky to throw in the car on Monday plus my John Deere hoody, Which I have wanted forever........

It was time for Dennis to be punished by Debbie for not going to the concert on Friday night...... remember that?

She did, and would not let him forget (testicles : handbag) so we were in the big truck and off into the Missisippi Delta.

Destination unknown (well, to the two of us at least) Debbie and her sister who was spending the weekend were directing from the back seat.

We made it to this point.......

Ooooppps. River !!



Onto a car ferry and over the Mighty Mississippi.



Take a look at the video.

This is a fast and massive old river.

CLICK LINK:

Crossing the Mississippi River on a ferry....

On the other side we went to have lunch at Kinders Restaurant enjoying the views and river traffic.



Also love the way this ferry works.

Look at the pivoting drive.

CLICKY LINKY:

Kinder Restaurant ferry Mississippi river...

Lunch was really good.



Loved the words on the sign.




More about Sunday later.

Off to Clems shop via breakfast now.

Later.

[flashed]

Rian,
I forgot to mention one of the ball caps I sent you I saw in a little shop and I just thought it suited the title of the truck you are building .I dont even remember seeing you wear a ball cap or hat as I call mine .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

Rian,
I forgot to mention one of the ball caps I sent you I saw in a little shop and I just thought it suited the title of the truck you are building .I dont even remember seeing you wear a ball cap or hat as I call mine .

Thank you. Yes I got it.

One photo I Messed up with.

[Grizz1963]

Three ferries on a Sunday.

From lunch we set off on the island stopping at farmers markets and other attractions. Keep in mind Dennis and I were in payback mode.

Debbie warming to Bad Boy Dennis.



These ferries can carry quite a load.



Waiting for the next ferry over to mainland this sign drew my attention as low vehicles often feature in our hobby. Warning from the state of Illinois



Next stop was a winery called Aeries, very high on a hill.

Saw this in the carpark.



Views over the Missisippi River.







VIDEO CLICKY LINKY:

Mississippi river view from Aeries Restaurant....

All day ling there were loads of Harleys on the road.

On the last ferry, this was seen.



Eventually got home after 7pm

Another great day spent with Dennis and Debbie.

My hoody made me grin madly as I always loved John Deere stuff.



Last thing before I went to bed was to check the route planner.

Looked like it was going to be a long day.

First to Strawberry to see Donnie Wilson and then on to Jonesboro to stay over at Steve Hansens place for a few days. They both had surprises lined up.



Now I need a beer.