Thread: Everybody that is currently building a car...

Tweet

That's great that your son is jumping in there. Learning to weld and paint at a young age will put him way ahead when he does his first solo build. I should cut my oldest boy some slack. He is working full time at Valvoline and he's doing a great job. They've got a great training program and benefits for young guys; they really teach them about the whole car and it's workings, not just changing fluids.

It's really neat that you are teaching your son.

My Dad was a mechanic at a packing plant and got his training in WW2 as a aircraft mechanic. He would never let me touch a wrench, all I got to do was wax his cars and boat. I too learned by watching others, hot rod magazines, Chiltons. I did take a couple of shop classes in High School that helped; Automotive and General Metals.

I taught my son everything I knew about cars. Mechanical, bodywork, painting and welding. He's had five jobs besides owning his own business, and all but one, he's used the skills I taught him.

He took Automotive industrial machineing at the local vo-tec, and with them skills He showed me how to rebuild an engine. They also taught him better welding skills which in turn He has again taught me.

My dream is that some day we will be able to work on his 66 Mustang Fastback and finally get it done.

He's now 39 years old and a "chip off the old block."

Nice fastback! The body looks ready to paint!

I see those photos and think, the hard part's already done! Now the fun starts, putting it back together. My father and I put a lot of cars together over the years. He didn't live to see my Chevy come to life in its newest form, but he did help with it in the beginning. Good luck to you guys, can't wait to see the Stang finished!
BTW...in 1967 or 68 my dad took (I think) a 66 Mustang 2+2 Fast back and put 59 Caddy fins on it, 63 Imperial headlights, and T-top...wish I still had that crazy thing!
-Chris P
http://53chevyhotrod.com

Originally Posted by ChrisPFlorida

I see those photos and think, the hard part's already done! Now the fun starts, putting it back together. My father and I put a lot of cars together over the years. He didn't live to see my Chevy come to life in its newest form, but he did help with it in the beginning. Good luck to you guys, can't wait to see the Stang finished!
BTW...in 1967 or 68 my dad took (I think) a 66 Mustang 2+2 Fast back and put 59 Caddy fins on it, 63 Imperial headlights, and T-top...wish I still had that crazy thing!
-Chris P
http://53chevyhotrod.com

Very cool Chris. Your Dad did a nice job!

Originally Posted by stovens

Very cool Chris. Your Dad did a nice job!

Thanks, he had a blast with that ride

Tom,

Oh wow. That wouldve been a cool job. Aircraft mechanic. When I hit my first teen year there was a fellow within a mile of me with a mechanic shop and his specialty was radial engines. He was restoring an old bi-plane and had always promised to teach me the ropes. Rats if he didnt close up shop with-in a couple years and move away. Last I heard he was an airplane mechanic at the airport in Yellville. My plan if funds permit.....as much as I love these old cars......finish my truck.....and jump into airplanes.....finish getting my private license.....and finish someones ditched home built. Like the Lancairs http://www.lancair.com/Main/legacy.html and several years ago with a loan I couldve built one but today.....ouch! Guess I'll have to settle for something much cheaper. Like a homebuilt ultralite! Joke!

BTW. That'll make a tough machine.....the fast back!


Chris....thats a slick Chevy. I couldve had a 49 for a $100 a few years ago in driveable shape. Wish I had grabbed it and stored it.

Dave G

That's far out looking! Any idea what ever happened to it? I'd try tracing the original VIN to see if you can locate it.

I wish...that pic was taken in Wildwood, NJ in 1968...summer before I was born. My father didn't keep any info on it and sold it that year. For all I know it could be in a collection or rusting away somewhere...sure would like to find her though

Thanks Dave, much appreciated...hey, I'm new on here, I wanted to see more pix of your truck but can't figure out how?
-Chris

Originally Posted by ChrisPFlorida

Thanks Dave, much appreciated...hey, I'm new on here, I wanted to see more pix of your truck but can't figure out how?
-Chris

Just click on the camera icon under the profile name. I was on here for quite a while before someone explained the same to me.

Dave G

Right, the little Camera! Makes sense now! Thanks Dave...truck looks great, gonna be a real head turner

Ya that 66 fastback has some straight panels, you should have seen it before we started; it was a real wreck. We put in new floor pans, rear frame/trunk, inner and outer wheel house, quarters, door skins, and fenders. Had it put on a frame straightner, did a lot of sand blasting, and a lot of little repair stuff. Just about poured Rustoluem primer on the underside/frame. All of that was done in '87/88 and has just sat around in various places since then. He's got all new interior parts, several 289s bored to the max, cam, lifters,............. on and on. It just needs to be put back together. But it ain't gonna happen until I get my coupe done.

Did a nice photo shoot with my wife and the car on Saturday, pix came out great...if anyone's interested you can check them out at http://53chevyhotrod.com - click on the "Current Pix" icon.

Originally Posted by ChrisPFlorida

Did a nice photo shoot with my wife and the car on Saturday, pix came out great...if anyone's interested you can check them out at http://53chevyhotrod.com - click on the "Current Pix" icon.

Nice pics. Looks like you two are having fun!