“On the Road”
Short Stories, Op/Ed’s, Viewpoints, Opinions, and Rants. All with a car
related theme. Submit you article, with your name and club affiliation
to LICHEVELLES@optonline.net
“On The Road” is not just for members of LIC, anyone can submit an article.
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On
The Road with Rob Mirabile of the Long Island Chevelle Club
06/12/2006 Garden City Park, New York
Chevell~abration 2006
Chevell~abration is more than just a car show. It’s a festival celebrating America’s love affair with the Chevelle. One of the most favorable aspects of Chevell~abration is that it equally celebrates the Chevelles and the people who make this hobby so grand. Chevell~abration continues to grow each year, and with every passing show it doesn’t just grow, but it ages in some way like a fine wine. The world’s largest gathering of Chevelles isn’t a hard core car show, but an event that is unprecedented in the hobby and this year’s event set the bar to the next level.
Chevell~abration 2006 marked the 10th Anniversary. Chuck Hansen, his family, friends, and the generous and hardworking folk of the Mid South Chevelle club have turned an idea into an idolized pilgrimage of motor head madness. This 10th anniversary event was filled with anticipation. I arrived several days early to spend some time sight-seeing with my family. Expecting to be the first Chevell’er in, I was amazed when I saw at least two had arrived even earlier than I. This was a good indicator of the excitement that was being felt by the hard core Chevell~abrators. The cars did start to roll in a full day and a half earlier on average. It may not sound like much but this early start adds just about a whole day to the event. You see, what happens on the show field is only a small part of Chevell~abration. The festival continues after the show day with cruising, drag racing, and lots of socializing in the parking lots.
The first day or so it’s all about getting it clean. The cars will line up in the motel parking lots and everyone cleans and yaps about their rides. It’s done now so you don’t waste time on the show field cleaning and you can enjoy the day and all of its events. While the cleaning is going on we get re-acquainted with old friends and meet any first time Chevell~abrators that happen along. This year the pre event cleaning and socializing consumed Tuesday night and Wednesday, but by Wednesday night the celebration was in full swing as the parking lots were filled with Chevelles and the people who love ‘em.
This year, fair weather prevailed and for the first time since I’ve been attending Chevell~abration the skies were blue with no rain for the duration of the event. Over 460 Chevelles graced the show field on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. No Hold’s barred pro street cars were this year’s feature and about 17 of ‘em showed up for the event. An impressive vendor area, manufacturer’s midway, and concession area rounded the show field, kept us fed, and entertained us wheeling and dealing in the swaps. Saturday afternoon’s awards banquet yielded some great southern barbeque under Tennessee’s largest tent.
The after hours events were at the 10th Anniversary level as well. Thursday night’s drags turned out more Chevelles than ever before. After the races Tom Parsons set up his roadside grill and fed any hungry Chevell~abrators. Lots of first timers this year, all up late in the parties that take place each night in the motel parking lots. There was even a honeymoon couple at this 10th Anniversary event.
Friday’s Cruise was an extra special treat as we took the parade of Chevelles out to the Nashville Super Speedway. Nearly 200 Chevelles ran amuck on the tri-oval 25 at a time. No parade laps here, we were heavy into the throttle on our 3 laps. Many Chevellers report speeds in excess of 100mph.
Saturday’s parking lot jambalaya party hosted by the Heart of Dixie Chevelle Club was unbelievable. Those guys cooked up enough jambalaya for over 250 people. It’s a great treat and has become a tradition for the second year now. The night’s parties went extra late with lots of parking lot tire burning, so much so that most of us got off to a late start on Sunday morning’s return trip home.
It will be hard to beat this year’s 10 Anniversary event. I’m sure Chuck and the Mid-South guys and gals will give it a go. We’ll be there to help celebrate the 11th annual event. If you thinking about going…start planning now. Make the reservations and get working on the Chevelle. Come on down to Nashville and hang with the best group of people in the world, and by the way… they all own Chevelles.
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On The Road with Lou
Scotto-Lavino of the Long Island Chevelle Club
03/25/2006 West Islip, New York
Cars and motorcycles have been part of my life since an early age. Ever
since I was a kid, I always felt the need to be involved in the hobby.
You know what I mean…Its part of you.
It all started with my first car, a 1970 Chevelle. I was just about sixteen
years old when I bought it for $300.00. The old Chevelle didn’t even have
an engine so my father had to help me push it home. The cars and bikes
have come and gone over the years, but there is always that special place for
the first one.
Last year an event happened that changed my life forever. My twenty year
old son Chris died tragically in a motorcycle accident. Chris was the
quintessential car & motorcycle fanatic just as I was at his age.
Part of my rehabilitation was to get back into cars with my younger son Michael,
now twenty. With the help of my brother Rob (a 66 Chevelle owner) we found
a 68 Chevelle in upstate New York that was perfect for us. Mike and I
took an Amtrak train upstate and drove the car back home. For us this
car represents Chris’ legacy and we have it as a tribute to him.
We all have stories to tell…remember where we came from and what we have gone
through. That’s what makes us who we are. Never forget!
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On The Road with Rob Mirabile of the Long Island Chevelle
Club
06/19/2005 Garden City Park, New York
Chevell~abration 2005
As the legend goes, back in 2001 at my first Chevell~abration during the Awards
Banquet, Chuck Hansen walked over and introduced me to the crowd. He talked
about how I drove my ’67 down from New York with my wife and two young children
strapped in child safety seats. He asked what brought me all this way.
My response was “The Chevelles”. Later I realized that my answer couldn’t
have been farther from the truth. Chevell~abration is about the people; the
Chevelles just bring us together.
This year our pilgrimage to Chevell~abration was as fulfilling as always.
I traveled down with my daughter. Amanda is eight years old and can be
quite the chatterbox on a 16 hour road trip. There came a time early on
the second morning traveling through the beautiful countryside of southwestern
Virginia, the early morning sun shining over the dew-soaked farmlands around
us, miles of white picket style fences lining the road separating the numerous
farms we were driving through. Just then “Like A Rock” came on the radio.
I felt like I was in one of those GM or Bud commercials. I was with my
precious daughter driving my American Made Suburban, pulling my American Made
Chevelle on an American Made Trailer through some of the country’s most scenic
roads, I felt as though I would see Clydesdales running through the fields if
I blinked. Just then in a loud screeching voice “DaaaaD, turn the radio
down I’m trying to sleep”…moment over, But something I will always remember.
Later that day we pulled in to our motel, right in the heart of the Chevell~abration
madness. Amanda was excited just like an 8 year old should be. I
also was so excited to be there, I too was 8 again, as she said, “goody, goody,
goody…we’re here” I mumbled the same under my breath. We checked in and
unpacked; as it was still early for the crowds to get in we decided to check
out the Hot Rod Power Tour in Nashville that night. The Power Tour was
definitely bigger than I had ever imagined. We walked around and picked
up some souvenirs, and then noticed Chuck Hansen and his brother Al making the
rounds through the tour. Chuck was in disguise with a goatee full of unruly
hair. Chuck as always, one of the most sincere and friendly people I know
made us two New Yorkers comfortable and welcome to once again be in the south.
As the crowds started pulling in we were reunited with friends from all parts
of the country. Dave, Lynn and family of Texas, Brad and Wes of Pennsylvania,
John and the crew from Alabama, Ernie from Louisiana, Danny and the crew from
Arkansas, Bill and the crew from Georgia just to name a few. Amanda really
got excited when Jerry, Mary, Darin and Lindsey Bethke showed up. We met
the Bethke family several years ago and have been friends ever since.
Our kids get along great and for us; it wouldn’t be the same without the Bethkes.
This year another Chevell~abrator asked Jerry and I, if we were related.
Jerry gave me a ‘look’ and answered, “we’re sorta like family” and I feel the
same way.
Many of my New York family, friends, and Club Members don’t understand my obsession
with Chevell~abration. Maybe it’s that cynical New York attitude that
ground into us from birth. Local friends can’t fathom the idea that this
year I drove down Monday and Tuesday, then flew back to NY on Thursday for my
son’s Kindergarten Graduation then flew back to Nashville on Friday, and made
the long trek home on Sunday and Monday. “All to hang out with a bunch
of hillbillies” they say…but if that’s the definition of a hillbilly then I
must say they are some of the most respectable people I know and am proud to
call them friends.
This year I really threw the New York crowd for a loop when I gave the keys
to my Chevelle to Dave Palmer. Dave’s own Chevelle wasn’t quite ready
for the trip to CB this year so while I was taking Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
to and from NY, Dave got to take my Chevelle to the show and use it as if it
was his own. My friends thought I had finally lost it… “You gave your
car to a guy you met on-line, and only see once at year at some car show, Are
You Insane?” To be honest, I didn’t have a worry in the world, I knew
Dave would treat my car as if it was his own and never thought twice about throwing
him the keys. I just wish I could have been there to see Dave drive my
Chevelle out onto the show field on Friday, with the top down and his kids in
the back.
Rain or shine (and we seem to always get some rain) the crowd at Chevell~abration
is what makes this a special event. Chuck, as busy as he is, always has
a moment to chat, and has always posed for photos with the kids. It’s
quite amazing how over the years he seems to be shrinking as the kids are growing!!!
The entire Hansen family and the men and women of the Mid South Chevelle Club
work very hard to make the event successful every year. They deserve all
the credit and our thanks and appreciation. Even Bob Wilcox from the Maryland
Chevelle Club was in good spirits after putting his beautiful 68 into the wall
at the drags. I thought Bob would be a distraught mess after crunching
the fender of a 68 Chevelle that has more sentimental value to him then dollars
can measure. Bob shrugged it off and vowed to fix it for the next show;
he even posed for a photo showing off the damage and the top three award he
had won.
A large part of the Chevell~abration festivities take place in the motel parking
lots. It’s like a giant cruise-in where all the cars are Chevelles and
all the people are friends. This year was no different; Tom Parsons set
up his roadside grill and fed the crowds with burgers and dogs. His son
Zach, hung with the guys and got some good “life advise” I hope he’ll remember.
Many of us have watched Zach ‘grow up’ over the past several years and take
pride in spending time with him and his father Tom. I was once again privileged
to spend time with Brad and his dad, Wes. These are some great guys.
My Dad passed away several years ago and Wes is a lot like my Dad was. Sometimes
when I talk with Wes he’ll pronounce a word or two just like my Dad used to
(Both raised in Pennsylvania). That blows me away and brings me back at
the same time…so Happy Fathers Day Wes. This year we had a special treat
when Ernie Cassimus hauled in the ingredients and tools to make some special
Louisiana Jambalaya. A feast it was along with a Mason jar filled with…oh
never mind. The Awards Banquet and BBQ also touted some outrageous pork
barbeque, cornbread and coleslaw. They do however need to work on bagels
and pizza in the south. We ordered pizza from a place that touted “Nashville’s
Best”…I couldn’t even fold it in half, go figure! This year I was also
given the full explanation of the Bacon Ritual. I still don’t get it, but it
must be funny because they can’t stop laughing about it. I guess there’s
something’s us northerners just don’t get.
I’m sure I’m not alone when I talk about the Chevell~abration-depression.
This is a knotty twist in your gut. It comes on late Saturday night when
you realize that in the morning its time to go home. Every year I’ve had
this same feeling when packing up the last few items on Saturday night.
I have to wait a whole year?? Seems like forever at the time, but we’ve
already started the planning for next year’s trip.
Maybe it’s true that the only ones who will truly understand my message here
are the Chevell’ers who have lived it, but if you haven’t yet been to Chevell~abration
it’s worth the trip. You just may get hooked like me. If you’ve
got a Chevelle bring it, regardless of the condition…remember it’s about the
people. If your Chevelle isn’t quite road worthy yet, come anyway you’ll
have a blast.
And to the person who made my trip possible this year…Thank You.
***************************************************************
“On The Road” with Steve Maroutsis of Long Island
Chevelles
03/30/2005 Flushing, New York
A brief history of the ownership of my Chevelle.
I received the car in June of 1972 as a surprise High School graduation gift
from my parents. I had been working part-time and saving up for the car I loved
at the time a 1969 SS396 Camaro. Unknown to me, my folks went to the local Chevy
dealer to buy me a new Camaro SS. At that time the Camaro Plant was
on strike so they "settled" on getting me a Chevelle SS. Am I ever
thankful that they did.
It was a small block 350 with
a 2bbl carb and single exhaust an M20 Saginaw transmission and a 10 bolt rear
w/o posi-traction (Hey mom and dad where's the 454). In "72" the car
companies lowered the horsepower and used the net horsepower ratings
for insurance purposes. So my SS was only pushing out about 165 hp. It didn't
take me long (much to the dismay of mom and dad) to rip out the 350, re-work
it, add dual exhaust and an M22 Muncie Tranny. I had the engine bored
.30 over, added 10:1 compression pistons, a Holley 650 cfm carb and an Edelbrock
torquer manifold. My SS ran like a clock. It was quick out of hole and could
handle itself pretty well. But unfortunately I "blew" that motor.
Next was an L72 350 out of an "80"vette. Ran
good, not great. Hardly took the car out in the late 80's. I had one thing on
my mind though, the Big Block 454. I knew financially I couldn't afford
it. I was getting married and starting a family so a 454 was low on my
priorities list. But I vowed some day it was going to happen.
It took me thirty years a wonderful (and
understanding) wife and three great kids to see my dream realized. When I was
financially able to I said "I'm going to do this right". So I
took the Chevelle out to Don's East Coast Restorations in Lindenhurst.
Told him, "Don, this is what I want, just do it." Do it, the
gang at East Coast did. My Chevelle now has a Generation VI BIG BLOCK
454 with the open chambered heads pushing 450 hp, Holly Street Eliminator
Carb, Edelbrock Manifold, Flowmaster 2 1/2" dual exhaust a Moser 355 Posi
rear and the Cowl Induction Hood. Ronnie the mechanic at Don's did an amazing
job. Now my Chevelle is just the way I want it, and I basically have
a new "72". So while the twilight years of my life will be
here before I know it, I can enjoy them in my SS 454 Chevelle (finally).
“On The Road” with Chad Landry of Team Chevelle.com
03/12/05 Corpus Christi, Texas Born & Raised in Baton Rouge, LA ("up
da bayou")
The difference between a Cajun and a Coonass
(The results
of a lifelong study)
Many people who've never lived in South Louisiana often confuse the terms "Cajun"
and "Coonass", as though they're synonymous. Well they're close, but
somewhat mistaken.
A Cajun is a Louisiana native with a French Heritage who is born knowing how
to make food taste good. A coonass is also a Louisiana native with a French
heritage. He is also born knowing how to make food taste good, but he has several
additional distinguishing characteristics.
He probably owns at least two pair of "Air Pierre" boots (white shrimper's
boots). He wears these boots just about everywhere he goes. He may even be seen
wearing these boots to the fais-do-do (Cajun dance party) and kicking up his
heels with several pretty girls.
He also likes to wear a welder's cap, whether he can burn a rod or not (though
most over the age of 13 are very adept at welding).
He makes it a point to kill something every day before he goes to work (unless,
of course, he's fortunate enough to make his living hunting, fishing, and trapping).
If his job doesn't include the above-mentioned taking of game animals, he will
hunt, fish, and trap on his days off. Often to supplement his monetary income,
as well as his freezer.
He has every season opener memorized, and will not miss the first day of any
game season, even if it means he has to quit his job. But he seldom remembers
birthdays (including his own), anniversaries, and any holiday other than Thanksgiving
or Christmas (which are both excellent days to hunt, because everyone else leaves
the outdoors for him to enjoy nearly alone).
He will put a 200 HP outboard motor on an aluminum flat (Jon Boat) that's rated
for no higher than a 50 HP outboard. He will take his aluminum flat into waters
that most of us are afraid of, whether it's because of shallows or high seas.
He buys a pickup truck because he needs it every day, not because it's trendy.
He will work this truck very hard, but somehow he manages to keep it clean and
shiny.
His speech is often difficult to understand, as it is a mix of Cajun French,
English, and some cryptic "down-da-bayou" gibberish. (University scholars
are often found listening to the marine VHF frequencies studying the language
of the coonass-shrimpers in hopes of someday coming up with a translation. But
it will never work because the language is constantly evolving.)
You can tell when a coonass is entering the marsh because all the alligators
will retreat to hide in the water. Alligators know that when a coonass approaches,
they've just been knocked down a link on the food chain.
A coonass will blindly stick his hand in an underwater stump and magically emerge
with a 50-lb. catfish.
A coonass invariably makes an excellent roughneck. Just don't put him on a rig
with rednecks and cowboys. They don't seem to get along very well with him (or
vice-versa).
These are just notes from my personal experiences as a Cajun who worked for
many years with coonasses. I'm a Cajun, but I'll never be qualified as a coonass.
That title only comes from being born and raised on the bayous, swamps, and
marshes of South Louisiana, where life is hard for any normal human. But to
a coonass it's loose, easy, and fun!
“On The Road” with Tom Parsons of Team Chevelle.com
01/26/05 Mustang, Oklahoma
About 20yrs ago, my wife started wanting a convertible. At first, nothing really
special, except maybe a 69 Mustang convertible. That is the year she graduated.
The important thing was a CONVERTIBLE! I NEVER wanted a convertible because
of the added care and upkeep required for a convertible. Plus, the wind noise,
water leaks and so on. I was perfectly willing to get a 2dr. Also, we already
had the 56 Corvette, but to her, that wasn't the kind of convertible she was
interested in. She wanted one she could drive anytime without fear of something
bad happening. Over the years, I avoided the subject, changed the subject or
just said that I hadn't been able to find anything affordable. She persisted,
day in, day out, year after year. Finally, I began to give in a little.
Whenever the subject would come up, I would discuss with her what kind
of convertible she thought she wanted to have. Didn't matter, just a convertible.
MY CHOICE was a 55-7 Chevy. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Can you believe someone not liking
a 55-7 Chevy! We looked at 61-64 Impala convertibles. No, too big. Then one
day, she saw a 63 Chevy II convertible. That was it! Chevy II convertibles were
ONLY made in 63. They are bad about rusting all over. And a NICE 63 Chevy II
convertible would be very pricey, plus hard to find. So, next came Camaro convertibles.
That would be fine. Again, hard to find, pricey, and prone to rust. One that
would be affordable would also take several thousand dollars to make it right.
Then, we move on to the GM A-body convertibles (Chevelle, Cutlass, etc). Oh,
by the way, I avoided the Ford products like the plague. The main reason is
because I've owned Chevy’s and GM cars all my life and can work on them blindfolded.
She liked the GM A-bodies. Keep in mind, I drag my feet all I can and avoid
the issue as much as possible.
In 96, we built our new home with a 7car garage---------attached, with plumbing,
heat and air and lots of electricity. We also buy our first home computer to
go in the study room (office). Now, the bombshell hits! Since we have a computer
at home, then I should easily be able to find a convertible on the Internet.
OH CRAP, how do I get out of this now! Seriously, EVERY DARN DAY, she asks if
I have been on the computer looking for a convertible. Of course, I say yes,
but there just isn't anything worth looking at, or, what I find is way too expensive.
OK, so can't I just get one that isn't so expensive and fix it up, since
I am so good at working on cars? Now I'm waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in the
corner! My routine response is that if I buy a fixer upper, the final cost will
be the same as if I bought one already restored. That excuse never worked
well, but I always continued to use it. Finally, it kind of soaked in (I think).
I did express to her that whatever I got would have to have meet two
specific requirements, 4sp and FACTORY air (NOT add-on air). It didn't matter
if the air worked or not, it just had to be factory. I could fix the air if
it didn't work. She was OK with a 4sp, because at that time HER daily car
was a 5sp Accord, she drove a 3sp Mustang in hi-school and she sometimes drove
the 56 Vette with a 4sp. So, she was OK with a 4sp car. BUT, the convertible
did not have to have air, because she would be driving it with the top
down and the air wouldn't be on (keep in mind, all this time I'm trying
to avoid owning a convertible, any way I can!). So, I told her that in
the middle of the hot summer, after she had her hair all fixed and her makeup
on, and then by the time she got to work driving with the top down, that her
hair would be all messed up and her makeup would be running down in her face.
Then she would REALLY wish she had air in the convertible. She said, "well,
OK".
Now, we're down to meeting requirements which probably can't be met. Every now
and then I'm surfing the Internet just to see what's out there. One
day, I get on TEAM CHEVELLE, looking at the For Sale ads. Oh, look! There
is a 70 Malibu convertible, 4sp and air, in Ohio. And the price is reasonable!!
Obviously, at that price ($8900 in 1998) something is wrong! So, I email the
guy. He replies. Sounds good. I ask for photos and an accurate description.
Looks real good. Still, something is wrong, this is too good to be true (MUST
be eat up with rust and has LOTS of bondo). I call him. He seems honest. I ask
about rust. It’s minimal-------------almost non-existent, and not rusted through
anywhere. An Ohio car? He's lying! It still has its ORIGINAL, never touched
307. It was a FACTORY 3 on the tree, but the previous owner changed it over
to a 4sp. What kind of 4sp? He doesn't know, but it shifts fine. Does it use
any oil? (remember, the original 307) He says it uses a little, but not
much. Does the air work? It did work, but it needed to have Freon added. What
kind of overall shape is the car in? It has new paint, new interior, new tires,
all new weather-stripping, front end has been rebuilt and everything works.
OK, now for negotiation. I wanted to buy a $4000-6000 car and fix it up into
a NICE driver. He had been asking $8900, but his bottom dollar would be $8400.
I thought that if BY CHANCE the car were as he represented, by the time I did
several things to it, I would end up with AT LEAST that much in a car. So, I'll
go look at it. I told him that I would drive up to Ohio (he was in a small town
just west of Dayton) from Oklahoma City, bring a cashier's check and look at
it. But, if it wasn't exactly as he had represented it, I was leaving.
A few days later, my cousin and I drove up to Ohio, check in hand. Since the
owner said it used a LITTLE oil, I thought it would be a good idea to take
a couple of quarts of oil and a gallon of antifreeze, just in case. We
left OKC at dawn, drove all day and got to his house about dark thirty. The
guy seemed like a super nice guy (kind of like all the guys on Team Chevelle).
Went out to the garage to look at the car. WOW! Nice 70 Malibu convertible,
just like he said! Opened the hood, Uh Oh. Not to pure. But, it’s all there!
Start it up, back it out of the garage. So far, so good. Turn on the AC, blows
cool, NOT cold (this is in Sep). But that is OK, its cool and all fan speeds
work and the compressor is working. I let it run long enough to heat up
and check the heater. Good, it’s warm. Backed it into the street and went halfway
down the block and came back. Asked the guy for a flashlight. I looked in the
trunk, under the quarters, under the body (as best I could in the dark with
a flashlight). Surface rust and some MINOR pitting, but no rust through. Tapped
the doors, fenders, rockers and quarters------------no bondo!!!!! Front and
rear bumpers had a couple of small dents. Probably the original bumpers. They're
not bent, just a couple of small dents. EASY to fix and have re-chromed. Body
panels are STRAIGHT as a string (no sign of body work, such as ripples), gaps
are right on, doors, trunk and hood shut easily and solid.
I'LL TAKE IT!!!!!!!!!! $8400 is a DEAL! (I couldn't believe he had been trying
to sell it for several months and no one had bought it!) Papers were signed,
and we were ready to go. I called my wife from the owner's home, and told her
I was calling from a pay phone (didn't have a cell phone back then). I told
her we were on our way back, WITHOUT the car! The guy had lied big time,
the car was a rust bucket and we couldn't get out of town quick enough! She
said I was kidding. I SWORE I was telling the truth. She said I was kidding--------------------NO,
I'M NOT!!!! We're NOT bringing the car back! Boy, was she unhappy! The guy was
laughing like crazy!
So, about 10pm, my cousin and I were on the road back to OKC. Its late, we're
dead tired. We stop somewhere west of Dayton and get a motel room. Next morning,
head out at 6am. Check everything. Looks good. Check the oil last. IT’S ALREADY
1QT LOW!! Oh well, I've got 2 qts, and put one in. Another hundred miles down
the road we stop and eat. Check the oil. ANOTHER QT LOW!!!! Now, I'm looking
for a Walmart to buy some oil. There is a Walmart on the interstate at Indianapolis,
stop and buy a case of Pennzoil. Go 100 mi, stop, and check the oil, 1qt low!
After doing this for about another 200mi and adding a qt each time, I just
stop every 100mi, add a qt and don't even check the dipstick. Arrive at
house in Okla and I've added 8qts (800mi from the Ohio to my house). THE
CAR NEVER SKIPPED A BEAT ON THE WHOLE TRIP!!! Just used lots of oil. The entire
rear (no joke) of the car was black! The taillights were so black, that they
couldn't hardly be seen when the lights came on! Oh, by the way, the top worked
perfect.
We got to the house before my wife got home from work, so I wanted to continue
the surprise. How do you hide a Chevelle at your house????? We live on a corner,
so if I put it in the back yard, she would see it before turning the corner
and pulling into the drive. So I parked it on the far side of the house from
the corner, right up next to the house and hoped that when she pulled into
the drive she wouldn't see the nose of the car. We also parked my cousin's car
up close to the front of the garage so that it would also help hide the
Chevelle. It worked; she came around the corner, hit the garage door
opener and pulled in. I'm sure she fully expected to see it in the garage
when she pulled in. NO CHEVELLE!!! Now she is heartbroken.
My cousin and I were sitting in the living room, drinking a Coke and talking.
We hardly even acknowledged her as she walked in. She briefly asked about
the trip and the car. I gave her very short answers, and continued talking to
my cousin (all this time I'm trying to figure out a way to pop the surprise).
When I finished my Coke, I took the can into the kitchen and put it in
the trash------------------------------THE TRASH WAS FULL AND NEEDED TO BE TAKEN
OUT--------------------HERE IS THE ANSWER! I went back into the living and sat
down. I told my wife the trash was running over and would she please take
it outside to the trashcan. This was VERY risky, because she NEVER takes
out the trash, and how dare I tell her to take it out!!! I matter of factly
told her that my cousin and I were talking about something important and would
she PLEASE take out the trash, besides, something in it was stinking and it
needed to be removed from the house! Well, she took it out (GRUMBLING-------------something
I can't repeat in public). In a couple of minutes we heard this horrendous scream
from outside of the house (I'm sure she was heard a mile away). My cousin had
already called his wife (who is also my wife's lifelong best friend) and told
her we were back and to come on over. Well, about that time, my cousin's wife
pulled up in the drive. He and I went out to the back of the house (the garbage
can is right at the back corner of the house, and when my wife got to the garbage
can, she then saw the back of the Chevelle). Man, was she surprised and excited!
She loved the car, loved the color, loved the interior and said it was perfect!!!!
She jumped right in and told me to give her the keys. She was GONE!!!! This
one couldn't have been better if the script had been written in Hollywood!
That woman was a happy camper. AND, IT'S STILL HER CAR!!!! Although, I have
to road test it occasionally.
I had four SB400 engines in the shed and had originally planned to build
one at a later date to replace the 307 someday. That timetable changed instantly.
Since the car was a factory air, ps, pb 307, it only made sense to put a SB
back in it. So, the SB400 was perfect, and still is. The 4sp in the car turned
out to be a Saginaw, so when the 400 went in, so did one of my spare Muncies.
The rear was the original 10bolt 3.08 non-posi--------------------and needed
some bearings replaced. So, I tore it down and replaced 5 of the 6 bearings
in it. About a year later, I literally stumbled across a 3.07 12bolt posi under
a 69 PLAIN Malibu, for $100, in a salvage yard near the house. PERFECT,
EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED FOR A DRIVER!!! The Malibu was going to the crusher. The
12bolt also needed 5 new bearings and a pinion seal. So, for a total of
about $190, the 70 convertible now has a 3.07 12bolt posi that is in perfect
condition. Last came a Cowl Induction hood (I’m a freak for CI hoods). So, I
ordered a COMPLETE CI hood system, had it painted to match and it functions
just as if the Baltimore plant had installed it (that's where the 70 was built).
Doing all the work myself (except painting the hood and machine work on the
engine), I now have a grand total of about $16,000 in HER convertible.
You know what, that's a lot cheaper than my last divorce--------------------------and
my wife is still happy. EVERY time she is out in it, she comes home telling
me about all the comments and thumbs up. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, maybe the convertible
was not a bad investment! The 70 convertible has been to Chevella~Bration 4yrs
in a row (only trailered once) and we're going back for CB05, TOWING a trailer.