Sunday, July 25, 2021
I’m still feeling the effects from yesterday — from the prep work to getting the Plymouth actually to the shopping center parking lot. I’m not feeling as tired, but I am feeling the effects of being outside in the heat most of the afternoon. But yet, its a “good” tired — meaning, the tired feeling of also accomplishing a goal.
That goal had been to drive the Plymouth to the local car cruise held monthly by the Whiskey City Cruisers. But of course, there was work to do Saturday morning before the cruise.
I had to buy sand and then fill the weight bags that strap to the legs of the canopy. Then I had to clean junk out of the front and back seat of the Plymouth, then unbox the canopy,which was still in its shipping container.
Saturday’s car cruise was the first “official” event for the Plymouth, and things went very well. It was surprising the number of people who recognized the car as Gary’s car, which included the man who was Gary’s main mechanic on the car, as well as his son, who nearly got emotional seeing the car again. It was great watching people walk up the car and you could tell by the look on their faces they recognized the car. When they saw my wife and I with our canopy behind the car, they would walk back and ask where I got the car, or if I knew a man named Gary Brady, etc. I told them the story that Gary and I went to high school together, and that after high school, i bought my 1955 Chevy Bel Air 2-door hardtop, and he bought his 1956 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door hardtop. We were car “buddies” and saw each other often cruising town.
One of the men who stopped by our canopy introduced me to the Whiskey City Cruiser group who were located down the row from us. I knew two of the guys, though I don’t know they remembered me. One of the men still is driving his mid-40s convertible Chevrolet, and its still as sharp today as it ever was. I showed a couple of people pics of my 55 Chevy, and it jarred a few memories. All in all, it was a great time, despite the heat.
The canopy was a lifesaver; it was worth twice its cost in the hot sun yesterday, trust me! We had a cooler of iced water, so we had plenty of cold water. We had to pack up and leave about 5 p.m., which was earlier than I wanted. There was another show in progress in Bullitt County at the same time, and as we prepared to leave, some of the guys from there began to arrive. From the shopping center, we drove 15 miles south to go to Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
This is a very small parish, but the latest Saturday Mass in our area (5:30 p.m.). We got there a little early, just as the deacon showed up, and he got out of his car and said matter-of-factly, “That’s a 56 Belvedere, isn’t it?” Turns out he owned a 1956 Plymouth Savoy in his youth and loved the car. He said it brought back lots of great memories. We met my brother-in-law and his wife and their granddaughter at church, and afterward, we drove back to Cracker Barrel in town for supper.
CAR REPORT. The Plymouth operated flawlessly the entire day. Despite the heat (mid-90s), the engine temp never went above the normal operating range. No signs of overheating or vapor lock. The car drove great everywhere we went, though at 50 mph you could really feel the driveshaft vibration and letting off the acceleartor, you could hear the backlash in one or more of the universal joints. My next task is to get the car out to A1A Auto for an oil change, lube and measuring the driveshaft length so I can order a driveshaft equipped with “modern” style universal joints..
OTHER TO-DO TASKS. I need to add seat belts; reupholster the door panels; paint the valve covers; degrease the engine; neaten up the underhood wiring, including plug wires; and install the new hood bird and working AM radio. Much of this work won’t take place until my garage is built. Another big task I need to tackle is to repair the rust spots emerging on the lower panels.