We purchased a 283 small block Chevrolet which was complete. It came with domed pistons, big valves, and an old Z/28 cam. We added an Enderle injection system which we purchased on E-bay. The auction also included a Hilborn pump and a MOON front cover. We updated all the hoses and nozzles because we plan to run it on alcohol. (actually talked to Gene Adams on the phone, and I think he got a good chuckle out of how little I know) We had an old grungy powerglide that Bob Phillips re-did for us. I purchased the shorty 1.76 gears on E-bay and he added the rest. He built it with a brake, but we're not going to use it right away to save a bit on the converter. It's not like we're interested in consistency or anything.
We also got a good deal on our ignition. When my son Mark and I were in Ohio at a show, we found a vertex magneto for a great price. Our friend Ed Crafton asked Mark if he wanted to find out if it actually worked. Mark went along with the procedure and found himself shocked. Ed laughed, and said, "It Works". We purchased a flexplate and a transmission shield at Maple Grove's fall flea market (the aforementioned uncertifiable parts).
We also like doing trade offs. The One Armed Bandit, a well-known pinstriper, asked us to do a design for their web-site at www.hotrodrevival.com. Charlie is going to do the cowl piece for our dragster. It should be very cool. He is extremely talented.
All we need to do now, is get a few cases of beer, turn up the volume on the stereo, and have a few free weekends to put the car together. We can't wait to fire it up and disturb the neighborhood. I am no longer a borough councilman, so I can make all the noise I want. I know the regulations; we don't have a noise ordinance that can be enforced. The next two months should be busy.
The last part of the story comes in because our business and our toys have grown. We needed something bigger to tow and to take our wares to shows. I was looking for a Chevrolet Suburban. I never buy anything new unless it is necessary. I found a 1985 Suburban locally and bought it. This was an interesting purchase. I accidentally locked the keys in the truck while it was running. The owner informed me that these were the only keys to the truck. I used a coat hanger to break into the truck. Then, while closing the hood the owner caught his coat in the hood. The hood latch was sticking and it took us a while to extract him and his coat from under the hood. Luckily, he had a great sense of humor. I took my son Mark to look at the Suburban and while checking for rust, we found a set of keys hidden under the front fender. The original owner never knew they existed.
Life is a journey. I am glad that I have a close knit family to help me enjoy the ride. See you guys this summer. I will be selling shirts, driving our dragster (maybe), or sharing my Scotty Serro with my wife at Tin Can Tourist events. Enjoy the Ride.