What a Week

[Merle Coggins]

I just had a great week.

It started out a bit iffy, but got better. I slid out of town early Sunday morning on a sheet of ice with freezing rain to begin my drive to Pennsylvania. But once I got down into Chicago it warmed up to just rain and wasn't bad after that.

In Youngstown, OH I was able to meet Allen Parkhurst for lunch. AFter lunch I followed him to his house where I could check out his trucks. He's got a couple of nice B1B's. It was a great visit with Allen and more inspiration for me to get mine done. Allen also loaded me up with other valuable information that he had accumulated.

Then it was on to Williamsport, PA for the week. On Monday evening I drove over to see Jim Roach. After supper I got to check out his B3B. Another beautiful truck. More inspiration. It was a great evening with Jim. I only wish his T-bird was home to look at too. (it was in the shop getting detailing)

Tuesday evening was a change of pace. I meet with John (46mopar from over on the car side). He is a hot rodder and has a pretty cool 46 Dodge coupe with a strong 440 under the hood. His wife also has an interesting ride. It's a 50-something(I've forgotten the exact year) Ford with a big Cadillac motor. And he's collecting Model A parts to bild a old skool rod with a Mopar Flat head 6 for power. That was a great evening too, with John and his lovely wife.

AFter my training was over on Thursday, I drove down to meet with Dave Erb (grey beard). It was another great evening talking trucks with Dave and seeing some of his ideas at work on his truck. More inspiration... I spent the night at Dave's house and headed back home Friday morning after breakfast. Even though it was snowing when I left New Holland, and I was in and out of snow, sleet, rain, and freezing rain until I got into Ohio, it was a very good visit with Dave.

All in all a great week. Nice trucks and cars, great people, and a good time all around.

Thanks guys,

Merle

[Don Coatney]

Merle;

Sounds like you had a great trip. I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Erb and his wife for breakfast on a trip through Pennsylvania a year or so ago. Always good to put a face behind a name with forum members.

[Bob_Koch]

I can't think of a better way to spend some time than visiting some of these great guys.

[grey beard]

Hey Merle,

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you made it home safely.

[48Dodger]

Sounded like a great time Merle, any pictures to share?

48D

[Merle Coggins]

Sorry guys, no pics. I had my camera along, but didn't use it much.

[46mopar.]

Merle, Great meeting you. I'm glad to show you how the other side (hot rod side) lives. I only wish the weather would have been alittle nicer. We could have taken something out for a cruise. Good luck on that truck.

Later

John

[Allan Parkhurst]

Merle it was a pleasure meeting you even if it was for a few hours. I was checking the Weather reports on Friday and you got lucky staying out of the freezing rain. Next time plan on spending more time in Ohio. I also got to see graybeard in January and had a great visit. I hope to finish my 48 this spring and will send some pictures. Allan

[Jim Roach]

Merle,

It was great meeting you and talking about our trucks. Looks like we had the best weather of all. Too bad our time was too short. I'm glag you made it home safe and sound. You also inspired me to get working on my brakes, get my truck off the jack stands and back on the road. Good luck on getting your truck completed for your Chrysler show here in PA. this summer. Thanks again for stopping by and I look forward to meeting up with you again. Jim Roach