There were always various types of vehicles in the driveway, both Packards, old VW bugs, and a Micro bus. I remember vividly, the day the engine was replaced by Pop, and my brother. He also was a bit of a bad boy. He had a 1949 Harley Bobber that he adored. He eventually sold it to buy mom her dining room set.
Pop always encouraged me to fix my own things, starting with my bike, then on to go-karts, and mini bikes. My first valve job was on the family lawn mower. I must say I was quite proud of myself when it fired up! Pop took me to look at my first car when I was 15. It was a 1964 Falcon two door, straight six, with bench seats. We brought it home for an astonishing 20 bucks! It wasn't a looker, but it was mine. I was just starting Tech school at the time, and one day, he brought home a Cyclone Comet, creamed in the right quarter panel, "you may have some use for this." It had the high output 289, with bucket seats, and console, so, you know where this is headed. It turned into my project in school and turned out to be quite a nice "Hot Rod".
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I graduated tech school and went on to work in the auto repair industry, and have been at it ever since. I'm now 47 years of age, and I am a GM Master Technician, and proud of it. Pop fueled my passion for hot rods, and cars with his enthusiasm, and encouragement. I now own a 1966 Suburban Delivery that I brought back from the dead, and the 1931 Model A that he has so graciously relinquished to my ownership. I am currently in the process of turning it into a traditional hot rod. I have a sneaky suspicion, Pop knew what I was going to do with it.
Thanks Pop!
It seems we had everything but money. But, you always managed for
us to have the things that made us happy, no matter how small. You
gave us direction, and made us proud to have you as our Pop. I
couldn't ask for a better role model. For that, I love you!!!
Happy Fathers Day Moe!