It only took 20 years

[Jim Yergin]

We bought our 1941 Plymouth P12 Special Deluxe station wagon in October 1988. I have been working on it off and on since then with interruptions for three job changes, two kids, finishing the renovation of our 1823 house and the construction of an addition to the house that doubled its size (having two kids will create the need for space). I also dealt with an illness that kept from working for 6 months. However, as of October 31, 2008 I had a driveable car and met my 20 year deadline (my original deadline was my now 15 year old son's first day of kindergarten). There are still things to be done but at least it is back on the road. As I told my son the other night, one of the best things to happen to me was to find this forum. Because of this forum I was able to rebuild and install my 230 engine and overdrive transmission. Among other things I found out how to static time the engine, clean out the gas tank, fix the leaking fuel line connection with the replacement ferrule, and install four wheel disk brakes. I also met a bunch of nice and helpful people both in person and on this site. I really appreciate this forum and all who participate and contribute.

Jim Yergin

What I started with October 1988:

The car today:

[1948Skip]

Jim,

What a beautiful transformation. Nice work.

Skip

[Don Coatney]

Jim;

I take it you made it home from work?

When are you headed to Tennessee?

[Tony Cipponeri]

Jim, that is fantastic. Tony C

[Young Ed]

Jim will we see you and the car in WI next June?

[Rodney Bullock]

Great job Jim, You say it took 20 years however to me it only took 1 year. I met Jim last year at the manassas VA show. JIm it is a pleasure to know you.

PS Jim that cat that's on the car in the "before Pic" is he still around:)

[Don Coatney]

I met Jim last year at the manassas VA show. JIm it is a pleasure to know you.

I think you must be on yearlight savings time. The Manassas show

where you carried your purse and met Jim was in 2006. This being

2008 makes it two years. (Make a note of it and stick it in your

purse for safe keeping)

[Jim Yergin]

Jim;

I take it you made it home from work?

When are you headed to Tennessee?

First I need to build up the "confidence factor." Last week it was driving to and from work in Warrenton, tomorrow's goal is to make it to Fairfax and back.

Jim will we see you and the car in WI next June?

Ed, see my answer to Don's question about Tenessee but it sounds intriguing.

Great job Jim, You say it took 20 years however to me it only took 1 year. I met Jim last year at the manassas VA show. JIm it is a pleasure to know you.

PS Jim that cat that's on the car in the "before Pic" is he still around:)

Rodney, that is the P.O.'s cat. Don't know his present status.

Thanks Skip and Tony C for the compliments. Compliments from people who have been there and know what is involved really mean a lot.

Jim Yergin

[Young Ed]

You have until June to test drive and get your confidence up. I plan to be there with the plymouth

[greg g]

Don't forget about the POC Fall meet in Westminster, MD in September. That is one our calendar. Don't think we will do the spring meet, no offense to you upper midwest folks.

[JIPJOBXX]

Congratulation! I know you must have been like me during the transition from an old hulk to a fine car. I know I put my old Dodge on hold many times as I got involved with other things in life. But I remember going past my old Dodge more than a few times and saying to her that she would be put back together and on the road again sometime. So again congratulation on a job well done and maybe not on time but what the hell you did it your way and it looks great!!!!!

PS. That kid with the crash helmet on is now 26 years old and is in law school at the University Of Washington plus he placed second in his class last year! Do you think I'm a proud dad? Of course and that's why I had to put oft the Dodge many times to just raise a family!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Young Ed]

I've got my priorities straight here. Plymouth first then family

[Jim Yergin]

Today I drove the woodie to a meeting away from my office. Traveled 80+ miles round trip without any problems. The car ran great. I know that distance is minscule to many of you (e.g. Don Coatney, Greg g, Rodney, Normspeed and others) but, having recently been towed home twice within five miles of home, it is a big step for me.

Jim Yergin

[Don Coatney]

Tennessee is now much closer!

[Young Ed]

Unless he was headed west towards WI

[greg g]

Each trip will add to your confidence. And when you think of it the problems you had were not really related to the basic engineering/design of the car. Your problems were in the support systems. Keep driving that thing.

[old woolie]

If it does quit, it is easier to fix than anything built in the last 30 years.

[1940plymouth]

Jim,

Congrats on the 80 plus miles.

Here is to many more miles of trouble free Plymouth driving:)