67 Charger First Drive Out

[mr carl]

Wow Guys.....it has been 20 years since this car was able to move on its' own. Non runnable in 1998 when I bought it, but last plated in 97. It was a one owner car when I bought it and I promised the owner I would restore it and not sell parts off the car. My middle son and I started the tear down in 2002 and he went off to Nashville Auto Diesel Collision college in 2005...graduated in late 2006 and we once again started working prepping the car for paint. This was our project together...and he loved this old Charger. My son was killed in a wreck in 2011 so the car went on hold. The body shop he worked for agreed to finish the body work and paint the car for me in honor of my son. I got the car back from them in mid 2015 and have been working slowly but steadily on getting it back together. It is not complete yet but I was just excited to drive it out of the barn today to take a few pictures. This is in honor of my son.

Carl

 

[Speedbird]

First, I'm sorry for the loss of him.
All I can say is thank you for sharing the background on this.
And your memories of what is really important in life.
The body shop did a good thing and I suspect they miss him as well.

 

[Paul Boucher]

Man I am sorry about your son. What a great way to honor him! I am sure he is looking down smiling!

 

[Cranky]

So sorry about your son but it's great to get the car out on it's own power!! When I started on my car, my dad passed away right after tear down and it impacted me pretty hard. Can only imagine your grief.....

 

[-Ed]

So sorry for your loss, I can't imagine what that must be like. The Charger is a wonderful tribute, I bet he's riding with you!!!

 

[dieseldazzle]

Sorry for your loss brother. What an honor for us to have you share your story and progress! Thank you.

 

[slimt]

Nice Charger... Love the color...



Sorry for your loss though..

 

[shorty64]

First, sorry for your loss. Nice job on the car! What a great tribute.

In a similar vein, my wife and I are sending our un-completed 67 Charger out to our son in Idaho for a father-son project activity before his son is out of high school and gone in 3 years (and no budget for such a project on their own). The publicized purpose is to finish it for grandpa. However, we agreed with our son that his bonding and future memories with our grandson are way more important to us than me finishing it here. They will get it someday anyhow (I'm currently 71), so some sweat equity is also a good thing. It's not like I don't have other projects and activities in my dotage.

 

[brad 66]

great car and great tribute .I lost my dad just before I got my 66 I don't get in it without thinking of him .I am sure it will bring lots of memories .thanks for sharing

 

[mr carl]

all the comments very much appreciated. My son was 24. The body shop American Body Shop in Marion Indiana did an awesome job getting the car ready to paint and painting. The owner and the staff did a great honor to my son.

Carl