It's A Wonderful Day In The Neighborhood

[Norm's Coupe]

We blocked off the main drag through the neighborhood this afternoon for our neighborhood picnic. Even had a fire truck and sheriffs car there for the kids. Even though it was only two blocks from the house had to drive so we could carry everything. Parked the coupe near the blockade. I no sooner was out of the car and had a bunch of people around me looking at the car, including all five or six firemen that came with the truck to check out the coupe. Met one neighbor who lives several blocks from me who actually knew the year and a lot more information about the coupe, plus other old cars. Even knew about the old canvas bags that were used inside oil filter canisters and the toilet paper roll type. Turns out, he was an old time mechanic, now retired. As if that wasn't enough he started talking about the Fulton sunvisors even though I don't have it on the car anymore. Said he has an original Fulton Traffic Light View Finder he bought years ago, still in the original box, never used. Said he bought it way back and then got rid of the car before installing it. After a long discussion about old cars, etc., he invited me to stop over some time to look over his collection of old car stuff. He doesn't own an old car though. Think he's about 70 years old or so. Being a neighbor, I did inform him of the approximate worth of that traffic light view finder. Said he didn't care that much, he likes owning it and probably won't sell it anyway. So.......not only did we have a nice time for the 4 hours, but also met someone who knows about the old cars - and he even has that infamous brake tool everyone seems to think they need. Got his phone number, so maybe I'll give him a call in a week or two an see what other kind of neat stuff he has laying around.

[randroid]

Norm,

That's a great story; one that couldn't be written.

When I drive Pigiron the most common comment I hear is that someone's father or grandfather had one for his first car, and those folks love to reminisce about the good times they had in that car. Generally, if it's a family, I'll take them for a short drive and maybe let the guy who rode shotgun for many years get behind the wheel for a quick stint.

One of the things that attracts me to this forum is I'm always learning from people who know more about my car than I do, even though I've done a little teaching to fresh young mechanics about points and stuff nobody learns anymore. There was a time that I didn't think I could be taught anything else useful about it. Except, perhaps, from an old neighbor you just met.

Perhaps you won't wait two weeks before calling him?

-Randy

[55 Fargo]

Hi Norm, glad you enjoyed the day, it's always nice to meet folks like that................Fred

[Don Coatney]

Norm;

That is what having these cars is all about. Most every time I take a drive I meet a new friend and learn something new. Take a drive often and have more fun.

Last Sunday Lisa and I went out for breakfast. We ended up stopping at a diner in a neighboring town about fifty miles away. As soon as we parked there was a crowd around my car. Most everyone who came in and out of the diner walked over to my car and had a look. It was fun.

[BobT-47P15]

As you probably know, they held the HAMB Drags National meet here in Joplin this weekend. Races take place at the MoKan Dragway, about 12 miles

north of town. The guys and gals came from all over the country, as usual, many driving their old rods. Some set up for drag racing were trailered in. The parking lot at the Ramada Inn was full. (this pic is from last year, but many of the cars this year were the same)

I like to make at least one appearance on the lot, driving the convert, to visit a while. Went out Sat night (Sun morning) about 1 a m, after completing my music gig at a local saloon. The fellows I spoke with were friendly, gave me a Shiner Bock beer brought from Texas, and talked about various things.

A young man from Omaha told me he currently owns a 48 Plymouth four door which his family enjoys, and he drives quite a bit. After looking at the convert, I took him for a ride down the street, which he said he enjoyed.

So, got to use the car for a good cause again.