ME & MY === 1958 Buick, 1958 Buick, 1958 Buick and……..

[38Buick 80C]

 

[RivNut]

 

[dei]

A bit of work has been slowing me down from getting the Special out lately.

The paver stone project that was supposed to be just a 20x20 patio grew into a major job as previously posted but have made some progress plugging away here and there.

The Cougar now sits on the area where the truck driver originally dumped a full load (6,500 bricks).

 

Have some finish edging to do and it looks what I will call rustic but it fits with the general look of the house since it was originally built in 1908.

 

I then was able to get to the other side where the patio was to be put it.

I needed to purchase some screenings as the ground slopes from the driveway so cleaned out my trailer and went down the the river where they loaded 1,700 lbs. 

 

Taking a slow round about way home this went well and saved a 40 dollar delivery charge.

 

I soon learned that more than one trip was going to be required as the is about 7 inches drop off even to get a gentle slope on the patio. I also wanted to plumb the evestrough downspout under the stones to prevent a water and ice issue.

 

I'm doing this after a full work day so fortunately not under a time line but...

Headed back for a second load and was shocked when I weighed out that I had 2,880 lbs this time!

Again taking the slow route that went well with no incidents.

Having loaded up the Whippet on the car trailer and backed inside I was able to park next to the area to unload.

 

Funny having left the shovels and tools in the trailer over night having unloaded about half that my son didn't get to unloading the rest for me...

Kids, they have the best of intentions.

 

This is not a tutorial about how to do a paver patio (it should be about my Buick's right) but set up a grid to get things more level than the job on the other side.

 

Having emptied the trailer realised a third trip is needed to grade the area completely...

That will be next week as there was work to do at home next.

 

[dei]

Yesterday afternoon tried to do some needed painting out back of the garage.

The wood window needed to be sanded and painted as it was ordered from headquarters that it looked awful now that there is access to go back and see it...

 

Painting, not my forte. I did put a tarp down on the new concrete to not hear back from headquarters (it was a good thing!). 

I then went to do the roof of the shed but man does that pad throw heat back being in the full afternoon/evening sun! 

 

This job will have to be an early morning start for sure!

 

Now, having accomplished some things it will be time to play as Friday is a big annual swap meet a group of us attend and Saturday will be a ride to Wallaceburg, Ontario for their annual Car and Classic Boat Show. (Wambo) which the Special has not been to for some 14 years. 

[dei]

Had an unexpected afternoon off today and with going to a swap meet tomorrow with the guys, decided to buy the sticker for the Cougar to clean her up and park it in the For Sale section and see...

The do-it-yourself wash place was really quiet so took my time to rub and rinse before pulling out to wipe her down.

 

Not sure if I'll get any bites with my price @ $3,500.00 with a Safety Check but with only 73,000 kms and an incredible original paint and interior there should be someone out there, even if they want just a daily driver.

 

If it should go it will free up some space and have that money to put into the Limited but... I'm going to miss this car as I like the way it handles, performs and looks.

I just don't drive it enough to justify keeping it otherwise...

[dei]

Up early to meet up with another car and then on to pick up a friend who's wife is at the end of a long radiation treatment and insisted he get out of the house and enjoy a day for himself.

 

Naturally our meeting place is at the coffee shop for the 40 minute drive to the swap meet.

 

The Cougar performed great averaging 115 kms per hour that 45 minutes averaging (according to the on board computer) 11L per 100 kms.

Arrived about 8:30 and found a spot under the trees.

 

the parts area has no shade and as the day wore on the shade at the Cougar was veery welcomed.

Next too us was this 53 Buick and had quite a story (like most modified cars do).

 

It is a combination of a Buick Convertible with a stock Cadillac seats and a stock 66 Buick Electra drive train on the chassis. The owner says it works great so... His Car right?

 

The small truck / trailer combo behind us was a nice looking rig and being used just not for show.

 

Found a few deals but nothing 58  Buick specific other than a two page Super ad cut from one of the old big magazines that used to be published.

 

The day is as much about the hunt and the fellowship than expecting the BIG prize so having said that, it was a great day!

 

Tomorrow the Special is up at bat with an hour and a half drive to WAMBO.

Pictures later.

Edited August 9, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Drove the Cougar back to switch it for the Special and get her ready for an early morning drive to Wallaceburg, Ontario for the annual Car and Boat Show.

 

With both cars back to back it was easy to load and unload the gear we needed in the Special.

 

While taking my "deals" out of the Cougar I pulled out the vinyl I bought on a hunch it would be a good match and long enough to do the dash top on the Special this winter when I remove it to have the speedometer rebuilt and change a few bulbs while it is open.

I placed it on the Cougar and measured things and got lucky! 

The colour and grain is a really good match so good to go with that when the season is over.

 

After closing things up, drove the Special home and gave her a quick wash in the driveway before backing into my wife's spot for the night.

Edited August 11, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

With coffees on board we were on our way in the 63 degree temps by 7 am.

The top was down but Cindy was prepared with hood of her spring jacket up.

 

With very light traffic we made good time and arrived at 8:45 to find the same parking spot we had last year with the Cougar.

 

There is a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, hash browns, rolls , coffee and juice for 8 bucks which we took advantage of but, being a small rural town, doesn't the wind change direction and the smell of fresh manure grabbed us all!! 😣

With breakfast over we headed to the registration desk and looked at a few cars already parked while on the way.

 

 

On the way back to put the registration card in the window I hear someone yellow STOP!

I looked to see this very elderly gentleman getting out of what I imagined was his 64 Chev Impala and looking at the passenger side of the car.

Since the streets are narrow, he cut the wheel to the right planning to turn sharp left before backing beside a beautifully restored Triumph and caught the back half of the passenger door, the quarter before the wheel and after before hearing the man shout STOP with the front left fender and bumperette of the Triumph....

His front left fender suffered a crease and the bumperette had scratches but was not bent.

Hard to see with this shot but a shame for both cars to be damaged.

 

Did not want to stick around to see the two sort things out. 

 

Since it was still early and it is a boat show with wood classic boats it was time for a walk.

The first one we came to was this one.

 

Sign says it is one of two left.

Boating is just like collecting and preserving cars in that they have data for each manufacturer and know what ones are rare. 

AND... the work to maintain, let alone restore the finishes to this quality, is an art not unlike doing cars. 

 

 

One more that Cindy really liked and thought would be a fun ride.

 

There wasn't as many boats this year for some reason but there also was not as many cars either but the wood boats that were there were just stunning.

 

Went back to the Special and sat to rest some and watch people looking at her. 

It's interesting to watch them noticing the holes in the fender, the condition of the seat material and then reading the registration card. I have been making a habit of writing on them this year, "Owned Since High School".

After they notice that some will go back over it again and seem to get why it look like it does.

Some come over and say I did pretty good keeping it that long and as good as it is, others.... ask, "When are you going to restore it?" 

I try to be patient with those that ask that and say, "I'm having too much fun the way she is" and that usually brings a smile to their faces.

 

Coming back after lunch look what parked beside me.

 

This 1965 Buick LeSabre was at the show last year and the paint was dull with a ripe top but there anyway. My kinda car guy!

It wears new paint and the top looks new also. The interior vinyl is not factory but so what, it got here and would guess he is having fun too...

[dei]

By 3 pm some were leaving and after checking our registration number for a chance for a door prize (no luck there) we packed up and headed out.

 

I like to stop in a place called Mitchells Bay as it is sort of on our way home. We did so last year and was curious to see how the high water levels are affecting them.

 

WOW! things are not good as expected but today was with fairly light winds. If a strong storm comes up, as they usually do, it's going to get messed up but good.

 

Moving on I decided to not bypass Chatham and stop to top up the tank. It only took 38 dollars and asked if we could go on down to my old stopping grounds in Leamington and see if we could stop for supper?

This was a new place for us and looked good to try.

 

With a small steak, lobster tail, half a cob of corn and fries for 20 bucks we left feeling quite satisfied and will be back!

 

Once again we took the old lake road and stopped for a quick shot.

The road is not much higher than the lake here right now and again, a severe storm will be doing some damage when one comes up.

 

The traffic was light along the lake road and with speeds posted at 30 miles an hour had a leisurely trip home by 8:30 and still light out.

It was a long day but a good day!

Might have made new friends of the owners with that 41 Chev Deluxe.

 

Ended the day with the odometer showing this,

 

 

Edited August 11, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Didn't get enough Buick experience last weekend so went to the Monday night Cruise-in and had the wings. MM Good!

While eating doesn't a fellow come to the table and ask if I was Doug? Introduced himself and it was a fellow I went to High School with! 

He moved to the States a long time ago and was home to see his mother and heard about the cruise-in. I put my dash card out saying "Owned since High School" with my name on it and dang if he didn't remember the car so had asked around where I was and came over. Great visit / conversation and promise to keep in touch.

 

When the show ended (no luck on door prises ... hahaha) Cindy suggested going for ice cream but with skies looking a bit threatening stayed in town and went for soft ice cream close to home.

 

Sat around the corner to eat due to the wind that was rising and two girls sat next to us saying they loved the Special. Thanks!

Then one started to talk about her car which is the blue 2019 Nissan in the background.

Said it was a desire of hers to have and obviously working full time, bit the bullet and signed a loan. 

What I found interesting is that she said it was a fantastic "Drift Car" and her tires are almost bald with a big smile on her face!! 

 

The times they are a changin' !

 

It used to be the guys that talked like that and the girls were impressed listening to the (foolishness) they did but now the tides have turned....

Have to say I was somewhat impressed (if not surprised) with this.

 

Have I gotten that old??? hahaha

Edited August 13, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

We started the weekend early as Friday was Windsor's answer to the Woodward Dream Cruise by holding what promises to be the annual Cruise the River event down on the water front in front of Caesars Casino.

Finishing work at 12:30 and a start time of 1 pm till 11 pm, I grabbed the Special, loaded chairs and snacks to join my friends and watch the cars roll in and out.

 

We set up my tent between my friends cars as the sun was a bit warm even though there was a nice breeze.

 

It was a perfect spot and kept the girls happy.

I liked that Denise's hair went well with Deryl's Riviera.

 

The event was free to all cars / trucks with the official cruise the river time to kick off at 6 which left lots of time to walk the parking lot and view many makes and models.

This Velie is owned by Jim & Mary of Windsor.

Jim found it out in western Canada, took it all apart as the wood while there needed replacing and has driven it all over!

It is the only one in our part of the country and draws quite a crowd.

 

Eventually this beautifully restored Wildcat came in parking beside the Special.

It ran just like a nailhead should!

 

After sharing a pizza with the group we had delivered, it was time to cruise.

One of the interesting things was this stop at the Firestone lot where the Dari Delite Ice Cream place we went to last week had a trailer and was offering free ice cream and pop to anyone stopping.

They said it was their way of giving back to the community for having supported them all these years. Nice!

 

Staying to eat the soft ice cream lot's of cars took advantage and reminded me of American Graffiti when this '32 pulled in beside us.

Half expected Harrison Ford to step out...

 

We didn't do the full route through Windsor and headed back to enjoy the second live band performing. They were a Beatles tribute band of local talent and did a fair job entertaining us.

 

People and cars came all evening but at about 10:30 it was time to head home. 

Beautiful day with low humidity and no rain! 

If we didn't have to make an appearance at a funeral viewing today it would be our plan to take in part of the Woodward Cruise on our way to Back to the Bricks in Flint...

There is always next year (I hope).

 

The trip odometer now reads this.

Edited August 17, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Monday night is the weekly Cruise-in at Brews & Cues so with skies clearing up (threatened to rain all afternoon) off we went.

To get an up front parking spot you have to be there before 5pm so we ened in close to the last spot.

However, we were in good GM country.

 

That Cadillac sure puts the Special in perspective size wise!

 

This weekly event draws a full to capacity crowd, the food is good, there is lot's of door prises and the 50/50 is getting over 200 dollars and growing.

My tickets are getting closer each time but no luck so far...

 

This beautifully restored T Bird showed up after us with a lady driving it.

Being the rag top model (and red - haha) appeals to me. 

 

After having had a good supper and with the 50/50 draw over it was such a nice evening that a ride was in order.

Headed back out to Amhurstburg for what is becoming a habit (excuse?) for an ice cream cone.

 

I find it amazing the paint photos so well in the evening light.

Out in the full direct sunlight is looks a bit washed/faded out.

 

This Ice Cream shop is amazing! it has so many flavours. MMM

[dei]

My posting was interrupted with another funeral call so will continue now.

 

Amherstburg is one of Canada's frontier Towns being at the mouth of the Detroit River and they have done a great job of providing a Waterfront Park right across from that Ice Cream Shop above.

I'm told the cannon's were cast at the Windsor / Walkerville Ford Foundry some years ago. They are placed throughout the park. 

 

This building was the payroll office for the Soldiers at nearby Fort Malden back in the day.

 

One of the displays I believe depicting the period of 1812 when Canada and the US established the Borders.

 

I tried to capture the sunset with this shot but missed it...

The land to the left is Boblo Island which used to be an Amusement Park for 100 years. It helped keep Amherstburg alive employing many kids for the busy summers with Ferry service from here and also from the two steam powered Boblo Boats docked at down town Detroit.

The Island is on the Canadian side of the border and you are looking at the Upbound Shipping Channel and the other side of the Island is obviously the Downbound Shipping Channel.

Detroit is miles up river to the right of this shot.

Those two Boblo Boats were the only ones legally allowed for their size of ship to come down this upbound Channel as the dock for the Island was on this side.  

 

That dock was about half way down in this shot about where that tall spire is. That is one of the few remnants left from the Amusement Park.

It had a circular room which rose up and down rotating around for you to see the Island from that height. It has not been in service since the Park closed.

 

The park closed many years ago, sat vacant for some years till a developer bought the whole Island for a song!

Today it has large expensive homes and that condo building you see with a Marina on the other side which has a small restaurant. Access is by car ferries you see just pulling out in the distance on the left.

 

It was a perfect summer evening and one we will look back on fondly when winter sets in.

 

Another developer refurbished one of the old building making the upper units Condo's with retail space on the 1st floor.

 

Having sufficiently walked off our ice cream doing the north half of the Park it was time to head home before dark set in.

 

Next Ice cream run we will have to stroll the other half of the Park since it is the newest section.

Edited August 21, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

While enjoying the Cougar a bit this year it has been bothering me that the car isn't being driven enough. I had tried with only a For Sale sign on her last year with little interest but didn't push the issue.

By chance, when coming home after the swap meet in Bothwell, doesn't a fellow I know walk over from the house next door he is working on and starts talking about liking the car. Says he would like his wife to see it after having said I was going to sell. We shared phone numbers and sure enough next day we meet and they take it for a ride.

After pointing out various issues they agree it is what they want and on a hand shake it will be sold.

The deal is I will get the mandatory Safety Check done and fix the power windows (part of the Safety) and meet at the Ministry Office to finalise the sale.

I also told them I would clean her up as with sitting beside the garage those pesky maple keys leave mess on white paint.

Fortunately it comes off with a good wash and scrub and even had time to put a good coat of wax on.

 

I really like this car and with only 74,000 kms on it know it has lot's of life left in it but as some have said, you can't save them all...

The air blows cold, power options all work and the interior is like new.

 

 

It has been fun being care taker of my deceased friend's new car but have to scale things down a bit and hope someone else will appreciate it for what it is. 

 

After all, being a 1989 it is an antique car right?

Edited August 22, 2019 by dei
photo size limit (see edit history)

[lancemb]

I really like those Cougars.  A friend had one just like this when we were young and another had an 87 T-bird.  Great cars!

[GARY F]

Glad it sold. How is your landscape coming along??

[dei]

If you are referring to the paver stone project Gary it has stalled due to a physical issue that has popped up. It will likely be on hold till after Labour day. 

Getting around with the Special will continue as driving isn't straining me so stay tuned, a possible road trip this Sunday may happen.  

[dei]

I dropped the Cougar off to the mechanics the other day to fix the windows and with only having the one gear for the drivers side he fixed that side first. Doing this enables him to complete the Safety Check papers and with everything else passing I have the car back with the understanding once I get that passenger side gear he will put it in and then I can complete the sale.

I noticed the gas gauge was at 1/4 so put 20 bucks in and went for what likely will be a last ride....

 

Meanwhile,  I put a call in to Stan of Classic Coachworks to see if he would be able to see me on Sunday.

It looks like the wife and I will be driving the Special with the Roadmaster seat back and the seat back frame I received from Lance to Blenheim and see what Stan can do to fix things up.

It's about an hours drive and going to do lunch in Erieau (close to Blenheim but on the Lake) after which sounds like it has changed a lot since we have been there some 15 years ago.

Weather is promising to be rain free so hoping for a good day after attending another funeral tomorrow for another of my cousin's.  

Edited August 24, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[JohnD1956]

@deiMy condolences on the loss of your cousin, Doug.  May he rest in peace!  Sure makes life look far too short when this type of thing happens. 

[dei]

Thanks for the kind words John.

With having such a small family even distant cousins who we have had annual reunions since I was a kid become close family and yes, do make one realise life can be too short sometimes.

 

Somehow Dad manage to include family with the Overland who seemed to enjoy it and this brings warm smiles today when I look at her.

[dei]

SUCCESSFUL ROAD TRIP TODAY!

 

Grabbed the Special putting both seat backs into the back seat and went home to pick up my wife who agreed to go for the ride if:

1- I dropped her off at the coffee shop before I went over to Stan's Shop in Blenheim 

and 2 - we go for a nice lunch.

Agreed on both counts and after a fill up headed out on a smaller two lane road.

With light traffic on a Sunday morning we had the road mostly to ourselves and with her running smoothly the trip was uneventful but pleasant.

 

After the drop off (wife) I arrived at Stan's.

 

He looked over the project and said to leave it with him and said he figures he will be able to save the original seat keeping it so I can use it with the rest of the original upholstery in the Roadmaster (when I get to it...) to keep the matching patina.

 

Stan used to work at RM Restorations in Chatham way back and has had his own shop for over 30 years now.

If you notice the sign on his building it says Grey Dort. These cars were made in Chatham, Ontario, Canada whereas the Dort automobile was made in Flint, Michigan. Stan has one of the earliest produced Grey Dort's made in Canada and loves to drive it. 

He told me to come in and see one of the projects he was working on and stated it was one of the next to last Grey Dort's made.

 

He said it took two parts cars to get it to this point and his craftsmanship is such that he made these sill plates himself among other things.

 

For the era this car was built it was becoming quite a high end car. Not only is it a 6 cylinder car but an overhead valve engine. The use of cast aluminium was used extensively as evidenced by the cowl vent you see and the dash gauges etc.

It's going to be a show stopper when completed by next spring.

 

Having seen several other projects/restorations he has completed I feel good about his ability to save my Roadmaster seat back.

After an hour there it was time to go and pick up Cindy and drive on down to the community of Erieau for some lunch.

To find me there that soon was a real surprise to her as she thought I'd be there for hours...

 

It has been years since I have been to Erieau and basically it is a peninsula of land created by Rondeau Bay and Lake Erie. This used to be a shipping port when coal was king and had a railroad running down the centre of the boulevard to the coal piles that were off loaded from the boats and stock piled to be loaded onto RR cars. I remember seeing the coal cars as a kid looking out the back window of Grandad's '49 Dodge and the black coal dust everywhere so driving in with the Special and the top down thought, I know things have changed but just how much?

 

Well.... This has to be the best kept resort community secret in Southern Ontario!

There are several places to eat, still have sandy clean beaches on the Lake side (even with high water levels), lot's of trailer camping and a beautiful marina plus beautiful homes!

 

Having reached the end of this peninsula we turned back to find a place Stan recommended for lunch. Upon coming to a stop sign where it was located what pulls in but this beautiful Packard Limousine. 

 

I pulled in behind him, parked and upon meeting the owner told me it was not a professional funeral coach but was a documented 23,000 mile private chauffeur driven car.

The size of it alone is impressive.

 

In we went and naturally had to try one of their craft Lager beers with our lunch.

 

Nice place with a good view of Rondeau Bay.

 

With lunch over it was time to head home and we took the closest Lake road we could find till having to get onto Hwy#3 making a quick stop here to check out the wares.

 

Being flat open country and near the Lake wind mills are the norm and not as alien as they once were. It makes quite a sight at night with all the flashing red lights to warn any aircraft.

 

Traffic again was light and took our time till coming to a detour. With no choice, followed it for quite a ways inland and decided to take the road we had come out on which again was not heavily travelled.

 

Pulled into our driveway with just enough time to catch a short nap before supper.

 

As stated at the beginning, a successful road trip with dropping off the seat for a promising repair, a great lunch and the Special is proving her worth!

Edited August 26, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Went to another weekly Cruise-in Tuesday evening and had supper.

Mostly the usual suspects and cars so no pictures but stayed a bit to chat before heading out.

The place is on the east side of Windsor where Lake St. Clair ends and the Detroit River begins. We drove along Riverside Drive passing the main downtown road and kept to the west side where the Ambassador Bridge crosses the River to the US.

 

Years ago I used to launch my 15 ft Lyman lapstrake boat from this ramp using my '67 stick shift Mustang. That was a learning experience!

Totally out of use today with the high water.

 

We stayed long enough to catch this shot and then went on home.

[dei]

Hope everyone had a great Labour Day Weekend!

I did after I had to replace my leaking gas hot water tank...

That was an early Thursday morning surprise call from my wife while at work but fortunately my neighbour came over and shut off the water and gas to avoid a big mess.

Long story short, there wasn't a plumber within 50 miles able to help me out (likely due to the long weekend) so took most of Friday to take the old one out and install a new one from Home Depot.

I'll have to get a lot better time wise on the install to offer employment to a company.😧

 

Meantime,

Sunday was my Car Clubs twice yearly swap meet and car show so needing to get away, took a chance driving out the 20 miles with the top down as it was forecast for light rain. Half way there it started and I sped up which helped splash the rain off the windshield without getting the back seat wet.

As soon as I pulled onto the property it stopped so found a spot to park and went about the swap meet chatting with some of the members there looking too.

 

Sadly for the Club weather is a big factor with regards to turnout and the rain did return forcing me to put up the top and some people packed it in early. I did get a chance to look around some before that happened and saw a few interesting cars.

 

This VW was pleasing to look at especially being a California vehicle with 23,000 original miles.

 

Never a disappointment seeing a Buick there!

 

All too soon and with darkening skies it was time to head home so followed a group leaving just ahead of me.

What was ironic is the Monarch you see in front of me. The owner just bought it this summer and Jack and I went to High School together when I bought the Special.

 

Managed to miss the heavy rain but got home and wiped her down for another Show on Monday.

 

[dei]

With planning to meet up with friends Monday we were up early packing chairs and a cooler planning to stay for the day. This show was in town and only 2 miles from home plus the forecast was for sun all day and 85 degrees.

 

Once parked everyone lent a hand putting up the two tents to keep the girls happy and out of the sun.

 

The Windsor District Labour Council sponsors every Labour Day for the ALS Society events for the kids adding the Car Show for fun. There were well over 200 cars, the weather just right and with free hot dogs and pop for the registered car participants it was a good time. 

 

Got a chance to wander and saw these two Corvair's.

 

Until recently my sister had the twin to this '60.

 

I sure am drawn to this era Corvette. I chose to purchase my first house over one just like this...

 

Around 2 they started announcing door prizes and one fellow I've know for many years (who has beautifully restored cars) had his name called. As he came back he stopped by and said Merry Xmas Doug, handing me a detailing kit of cleaners and conditions. Thanks Wayne!

 

Next they drew the 50/50 winner (no luck there - haha) which amounted to 285 dollars.

Then they started with awards starting with Peoples Choice. Our friend Deryl received one for his beautiful '66 Riviera parked next to me.

 

Then they announced the winner of the Participants Choice Award.

Just about fell out on my chair when I heard my name called! 🤸‍♂️

 

Just had to get a shot of it with my wife as she didn't believe it was taller than she is...

 

This is the 2nd time in owning the car for 47 years the car has received any kind of trophy recognition.

Guess those few hours wiping her down and polishing up the chrome paid off.😁

 

Could that be a smile I see coming from the Special?

[dei]

The group coaxed us into going with them to the Monday night Cruise-in at Brews & Cues to keep the party going.

With top down And feeling great we arrived to a good sized crowd that some followed over from the previous Car Show. We join the couple who owned the '60 Corvair out on the patio for some food and watched the crowd come and go.

Then...

We heard a rumble and looked north east to see BLACK CLOUDS heading our way!

Told my wife to pay the bill as I needed to put the top up and FAST!

 

Once it started to come down we all headed inside and with no place to go, ordered a round and sat it out.

Had fun recapping the day and after letting up to a drizzle headed home.

 

Once again before parking inside I wiped her down giving her a pat saying, Ya done good old girl!

 

 

[dei]

This past Saturday was another local car show known as Wheels on Wyandotte which is grown each year. It started out a bit cool but warmed up significantly as the morning went on enough to put the top down.

 

Always the mix of street rods and Corvette's but plenty of nice stock vehicles to blend the mix.

 

 

 

This Eldorado just had a repaint and apparently is up for sale. Heard through the grape vine the asking price is 125,000 cdn.

 

 

 

Turns out this one is down the street from me and has been there for 14 years but have never seen it before now.

 

Of course there were a few Buick's.

 

 

All in all a fine September Saturday!

Edited September 9, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

Sunday I made a trip out to my car club with my friend to investigate what was left of the RR stuff we didn't take earlier (like 10 years ago...).

It still is pretty much like we left it but now is getting over grown!

 

We really wanted to remove the last mile marker that came from the now torn out Canada Southern line but... Ten years ago the muscles were much stronger!!

 

With a moments thought we both said we need to bring some more equipment to aide in the loading of that concrete and not be hurting ourselves today!

 

With going in for coffee and a chat with some members we parted and I went earlier than expected out to Bleheim to get my seat back for the Roadmaster.

Stan had called last week to say he took the parts seat back apart and bolted the bracket on the Roadmaster but didn't weld it yet as he wanted me to try it on the car to make sure it was where it should be.

 

 

I will have to go out to the car for this but sure one evening can be arranged after work.

I like what I see so far and getting motivated to get these small things going.

 

The Limited will be my major focus this winter once the Special is parked.

Edited September 9, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

My paver brick project at the garage for the Special has been on hold for awhile due to a foot injury that has finally healed enough to get back at it.

I have been adding back fill along side the garage over the years to avoid flooding that happened due to all the neighbours having built up their properties around me.

The City has been of NO help on this saying I needed to hire a contractor to assess what drainage that should be put in (at my cost naturally...).

Having all those paver bricks I figured why not use them to create a slope and another parking spot to boot.

First I had to put in a pipe for the downspout to get away from the on surface ground pipe that was in place.

 

Took my time and dry tested the pieces before running some water in there before back filling it in.

 

Will be needing another load of screenings before I place more bricks...

 

Need to get this project finished as the guy across the street is talking to others about the brick piles... Don't need another City Official with a badge (and attitude) visiting again!

Always something...

Edited September 11, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

Sure am glad I live in small town Texas.

 

  Looking good, Doug.

 

  Ben

[95Cardinal]

Doug,

Glad to see you've been exercising the Special!

Looks like some very fun events.

Congrats on the monster trophy!

[dei]

6 hours ago, 95Cardinal said:

Doug,

Glad to see you've been exercising the Special!

Looks like some very fun events.

Congrats on the monster trophy!

 

Much appreciate the compliments Joe.

 

I'm really not a trophy type of guy but have to admit... it was a very nice surprise! 

 

After we get back from my niece's wedding the end of the month in TN will try and get over to see you and Jim again.

Anything car wise in October that we could meet up at?

[95Cardinal]

I'm going to Hershey the week of October 7.

Other than that, my calendar is open.

We could do a local cruise night or we can go watch Jim work on that 57 wagon; I'm sure he needs the moral support!

[dei]

I'd be all in for either Joe!

Top down or top up, it's all good right now.

 

Hopefully I will be making a road trip out to the Roadmaster this weekend and then back to Blenheim to get Stan to weld up the seat.

Have been applying cleaner and conditioner to the seat when I get a moment here and there and anxious to see how it looks back in the car.

 

Will keep in touch and see what we can set up for an evening or afternoon.

[dei]

Rained out today work wise so made arrangements to go out to bring the seat back and check for fit with the Roadmaster.

 

First, actually pleased with how it will clean up compared to how it has been in storage all this time.

 

Definitely not perfect but will be driver quality (which is all me...) when it comes to getting on the road some day.

 

This car was driven hard and abused before I bought it way back when and to have the seat back broken means things will have to be straightened out some.

 

I didn't realise the seat bottom was disconnected from the floor obviously before I brought it out here for storage otherwise I would have brought help and taken it out to give to Stan and then he could fit the bracket in it's correct position.

 

I will set that up before heading to Stan's soon. 

 

She is definitely a project for down the road but the car is 100% complete and ran on the car trailer and off before being parked...

With the front sheet metal completely off and the usual brakes, exhaust, usual dynaflow seals and possible engine condition in question... this will be my last "get back on the road" project.

 

As stated before the Limited will get the major focus this winter since it is identical to my very first car (with the Special being my second) but these small efforts are keeping me motivated too.

 

 

[dei]

I did grab the visors (which were sitting loose on the dash) to bring home and clean up.

 

You can see where they over lapped all this time.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the chrome but went out to garage after supper and see how they would clean up.

 

Went at it with a soapy rag first then used a clean rag with the metal cleaner on the chrome.

 

Encouraged I went at the other one.

Quite pleased with the results of these since it has been stored since about 1975.

 

 

Edited September 13, 2019 by dei (see edit history)

[dei]

While there I noticed the transmission lines sitting on the floor in the back seat so brought them home for safe keeping.

 

There is no real worries about something happening to them as the owner of the building supervises all visits and is a great man!

I just want to do some cleaning and label them "if" something should happen and my boys would know what is for what...

[dei]

Needing to address the window gear on the Cougar in order to complete the sale I decided to jump in and replace it since it was a nice day.

I have to say that I do appreciate today's technology when it comes to things like this. With no shop manual a Google search quickly came up with a DIY video and was very helpful!

 

Watching this helped me avoid breaking the plastic parts trying to remove the door panel.

 

Knowing I'm the 2nd owner of this low mileage vehicle that was never winter driven, I believe this is the first time the door panel has been removed as evidenced by the factory vapour barrier.

 

To get at the motor to keep it from dropping to the bottom of the door I had to remove the speaker then access is easy.

 

There was no evidence of damage at this point but looking at the video knew that little screw had to come off and lift the cover...

 

The blue plastic you see is what disintegrates under that gear and disconnects it from the tracks spinning free and keeping the glass from moving up and down.

 

I cleaned the motor up of the plastic pieces and put the three new plastic pieces in with plenty of grease.

Getting it in place was as PIA and found there is some adjustment to get it operating smoothly.

 

However...

I believe the passenger side switch is a problem as the window operates perfectly from the master control but will only go up from the passenger side...

 

Being as clean as it is was nice but imagine finding an electric window switch for a 1989 vehicle is going to be a challenge!

 

[dei]

I cleaned up the tools and put the door panel in the trunk to see if my mechanic can see what is going on Monday with the switch. (not good on electrical...)

Decided while the garage door was open and looking at the Limited, to move a few parts around.

I grabbed a chrome window frame I think was from the parts car Limited and with rag and cleaner in hand went at it.

 

With no particular place to go kept at it and...

 

It's not perfect but definitely saved it from getting any worse.

 

 

[dei]

Sunday was a car show day but not with the Special this time.

 

My friend Joe owns two Ford Monarch's (1959 & 1960) which are Canadian only built cars.

There is an annual Orphan Car Show in Ypsilanti, Michigan and with wanting both cars there asked if I would drive one.

Up early again and packed our tent and cooler for the all day event.

 

At this hour (7:30am) on a Sunday it was like we were the only ones using the Ambassador Bridge.

 

It seems construction work is everywhere and when we came to I-94 the west bound ramp was closed so had to exit east. That  brought us to exit on Trumble thinking we could go up and around on I-94 but... No.

Pulling over and seeing the local Beer, Wine and Cigarettes place with the very heavy barred retractable gates still closed was not reassuring to ask for directions so had my wife get directions on the phone GPS to get moving along...

Heading on Warren and looking down the side streets with some boarded up, what used to be very nice homes in their day, was glad to be out of the "Hood" and back on Michigan Ave till reaching the open I-94 highway.

The rest of the trip was uneventful (like we needed more?) and located our spot to set up.

 

With the Corvair celebrating 50 years it was the featured marque this year and with it's affiliation with the Miller Motors Museum funds raised went to the Museum.

They were there in full force with examples of all the years and models they produced.

This convert is just like the one Dad restored and gave to my sister, colour and all.

 

Turns out I know the owners of this ultra low 1st year production model (1960) but never knew they had it.

 

Sadly the weather man got the forecast ALL WRONG (again) and it rained off and on most of the day but we all stuck it out till the result of the Judging was announced. 

 

This year Joe's cars didn't receive anything but the crowd had lots of questions about the Monarch's and who made them saying they never knew they were made. 

 

With steady drizzle and rainx on the windshields (wipers don't work) the drive home on I-94 fortunately was uneventful. However...

 

With me in the lead about 8 blocks from Joe's, going down a 4 lane City street, don't we have a "young chick" in an Audi sport-ute going from lane to lane behind Joe trying to get ahead of traffic!

With us travelling in the left lane she quickly moved to the right lane from behind Joe and then proceeded to cut him off between me and him when she had the chance.

Traffic on the right lane was moving the same speed we were so she road my bumper and when a slight gap presented itself cut back in to the right lane clearly riding that guys bumper.

By now Joe backed off and as traffic in the right lane slowed for a lead car to make a right turn she pulled in behind me again and when the gap opened up from the traffic turning off the road, gunned her car, moving into the right lane and raced past me doing ? on City streets.

 

Happy to see she was "on her way" I look up to see a yellow light so stopped and watched as she still was accelerating on through the now fully red light!

Fortunately the traffic was slow to go on their green but phew, what in the name of the Lord is anyone's hurry like that?

 

Oh, three blocks up we watched as she made a right down a side street into a residential area and disappeared...

 

It was time to get into our van and head home for a rest...

 

 

[lancemb]

Glad you avoided an accident.  I can't believe the negligence of some drivers, especially when there are old cars on the road.  I'm sure that driver just thought those cars belonged in a museum or junkyard.  Very sad.