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Discussion Topic:
Special Thanks for the Last 12 Months
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len47merc |
07-27-2016 @ 11:01 AM
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Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
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August 8th – my wife’s and my date of departure for Gettysburg and the Eastern National Meet – is almost here and the last vestige of prep of significance on the ’47 was just completed this morning. Last year’s trip to Charlotte was a simple, one-day, 2 ½ hours each way trip, completed non-stop each way without any issues in 96 degree weather on 2-lane roads locally here in NC with no supplies or tools in the trunk – a testimony to the effectiveness of all your then support on this Forum that produced the confidence to attempt it (particularly given my wife was with me then as well!). This year’s trip to Gettysburg will be the first true road trip of significance – will exceed 1,000 miles over 5 days - and comes almost 3 years after receipt of the idled-for-approximately 40 years car. While I hope to replicate Old Henry’s results of long distance trips with no issues, albeit on a less ambitious scale, this trip will see back-up parts & supplies and tools in the trunk. This said, again were it not for all your support, advice, experience and education I would not be nearly as comfortable and confident attempting such a trip with a 69 year old, fundamentally original car. Because of you all, anxiety about what can go wrong is not weighing on the back of neck – only excitement about leaving here at 4 am on the 8th for the planned 11-hour, 2-lane only ride through the Shenandoahs at mild elevation with stops at Luray Caverns, Harpers Ferry, a couple of well-endorsed, very off-the-beaten path home-cooking restaurants and several ethanol-free service stations. You may recall my posting a similar discussion thread of appreciation last year after the prep for Charlotte and, given this year’s prep has been even more comprehensive, I wish to again recognize those who have been key in getting this ’47 where it is today. Several of you routinely, unselfishly and patiently provide steadfast and sound advice and mentoring that is well above and beyond and as a result, this '47 will very likely earn it’s Rouge Award – Interior & Running Gear - repeat certification and thus qualify for the V8 Medallion Award this year. For ALL this, I want to thank the following who have been most instrumental and encouraging in supporting me through this process and preserving and maintaining a quality, almost original chassis, almost original body, fully original interior and now even more enjoyable driver than it was for last year’s Meet: Tom – ‘TomO’ Alan – ‘ford38v8’ Bob – ‘supereal’ Craig – ‘Old Henry’ Clift - ‘cliftford’ ‘trjford8’ Mike – ‘kubes40’ Chuck - ‘carcrazy’ ‘nelsb01’ Ken – ‘Kens 36’ Ken – ‘ken ct.’ ‘Drbrown’ John Shelor ‘woodiewagon46’ There are many others who contributed and I could not list all or recall all, but the above routinely chimed in over the course of the last 12 months (and prior) and provided excellent knowledge, advice and support. For this I am extremely grateful as I could absolutely not have gotten this '47 to where it is today without all of you, this Forum and EFV8. Digressing for just a moment and cutting-and-pasting the following from last year’s post as I think it is worth keeping the concept fresh: “For any of you just starting the restoration or preservation process I encourage you to read up on all the judging classifications (if that's the route you think you wish to take) before you turn the first nut/screw/bolt, and also develop a deep understanding and appreciation for what is truly original. It will save you a ton of time, effort and $$$'s down the road and result in a more quality restoration or preservation and enjoyable result. In retrospect, personally not obtaining this knowledge first cost me in all of these areas. Should have read and listened more first.” Again, my sincere appreciation and gratitude goes out to you all! Please look me up if you are coming to Gettysburg!
Steve
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nelsb01 |
07-27-2016 @ 12:10 PM
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Senior
Posts: 982
Joined: Oct 2009
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WOW..... has it been 12 months? Time sure does go by fast when you're in the garage. Thanks for the appreciative comments -- and good luck on your adventure. I personally can not say enough about traveling on the two lanes. A longer trip, but the relaxation, view, and sites make it all worth while. Remember-- it is the journey, not the destination.
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Kens 36 |
07-27-2016 @ 12:45 PM
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Member
Posts: 343
Joined: Oct 2009
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Steve, I'm glad to hear that your Mercury is ready to go. Be safe on your trip - we will see you in Gettysburg. Ken
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ken ct. |
07-27-2016 @ 1:35 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1513
Joined: Jan 2010
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Good job on your part also,i will be leaving on the 6th and arriving there on Sunday morn. ken ct.
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v8teditor |
07-27-2016 @ 3:33 PM
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New Member
Posts: 146
Joined: Dec 2009
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Sounds like the making of a great story for the V-8 TIMES. How about some pixs of the trip there and the Merc at the meet and your story? - Jerry Windle, V-8 TIMES Editor
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TomO |
08-01-2016 @ 8:46 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7252
Joined: Oct 2009
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Steve, all that I provided was words, you turned them into action. I hope that you drive to Gettysburg is an enjoyable one and I know that your car will be appreciated by all that get to see it.
Tom
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ford38v8 |
08-01-2016 @ 10:07 AM
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Senior
Posts: 2758
Joined: Oct 2009
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Steve, Don't forget your camera, and your notebook for the story requested by Jerry! Bruce's comments about the two lane road journey are right on! I'd love to make the trip also, and am jealous of you and your wife for it!
Alan
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trjford8 |
08-02-2016 @ 8:11 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4214
Joined: Oct 2009
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Steve, have a great trip and enjoy the ride. The back roads of America are very special to all of us.
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len47merc |
08-15-2016 @ 12:03 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
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Great, thoroughly enjoyable trip with no maintenance issues and a beautiful route and great temps for most the entire trip. Took 12 3/4 hours up (11 hours return) for what could have been a sub-7 hour drive straight thru, but neither the wife or I were tired when we arrived or returned. The '47 earned its repeat cert & V8 Medallion Award - thanks once again to all of your help and support - and kept pickin' 'em up and puttin' em down for the the last 3-4 hours at 55 mph and ~95 degree temps. Attached is a pic from a Skyline Drive overlook during our return trip (poured rain on the way up and views were quite limited). I've reached out to Jerry and will endeavor to provided him with something tangible per his request. Thanks again to all!
Steve
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len47merc |
08-15-2016 @ 12:05 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
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Ooopps - pic rotated correctly (hopefully) this go...
Steve
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