Mr.ButtonsIII
Member
- Local time
- 10:58 PM
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2022
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 14
- Location
- San Bernardino,California
This week I was fortunate enough to bring home a beautiful 1962 Dodge Dart Wagon.
Growing up my grandmother pat stored a red 62 sedan in a dusty wooden shack in her backyard of phelan California. I believe this car held a slant six engine that she would in that time, service and repair herself. It later became my aunts first car until she moved on and the car found its way to my grandmothers little shack. Unfortunately some years ago, well before I found interest in anything molar, some gentleman stumbled across my grandmothers property and were able to strike a deal with her and the little red dart from my childhood was never to be seen again.
A few weeks ago I just so happened to be in AutoZone when I came across a man speaking with there cashier about finding a part for a 62 dart Wagon. after quickly over speaking and asking if he had the car local and would be willing to sell It, he informed me that he and his uncle were indeed looking to sell the car after some small repairs and services were made. About three weeks of conversation, making quick stops by the property to check in on the car and we were able to make a deal.
The two gentlemen that had the car had been working to help a family friend and widow get rid of this car and many other parts her Husband had left her when he passed some time ago. Keith Washer was his name and he was an avid mopar enthusiast and drag racer from Pennsylvania. The Pocono Drag lodge was his track and hangout and I was fortunate enough to be shown many photos of his cars and days spend at his many races. Keith in these days had a race partner by the name of Jack Del'Amico and together they raced their first 1962 Dart sedan under the name of Mr.Buttons derived from the PushButton transmission. Naturally the second car followed the original Mr Buttons moniker but now found itself plastered on the door of a 1962 Dodge Dart Wagon. Keith continued to race this car until he and his wife made their way to California. In his later years Keith had picked up a beautiful powder blue Wagon with pushbutton transmission and had his hopes set to one day race again. The wagon currently sits with a 383 fully rebuilt motor with all of the potential to be a top contender yet again.
I've never put a whole lot of thought into racing myself other than the "that could be fun" thought bubble, but somehow Keiths story and the nostalgia of the early stock eliminator cars has my mind pondering all the possibilities. Whatever happens I am very happy to have found this car and to have stories and mementos to go with It. I am looking forward to being a part of the B body community and welcome any advice and help I can get during this journey.
The car has some work yet to be done but I will post about these issues at a later time. Until then enjoy some of these photos from better days.
Anyone that might have some connection to Pocono drag lodge or any further information on these cars or their drivers please let me know as well.
Growing up my grandmother pat stored a red 62 sedan in a dusty wooden shack in her backyard of phelan California. I believe this car held a slant six engine that she would in that time, service and repair herself. It later became my aunts first car until she moved on and the car found its way to my grandmothers little shack. Unfortunately some years ago, well before I found interest in anything molar, some gentleman stumbled across my grandmothers property and were able to strike a deal with her and the little red dart from my childhood was never to be seen again.
A few weeks ago I just so happened to be in AutoZone when I came across a man speaking with there cashier about finding a part for a 62 dart Wagon. after quickly over speaking and asking if he had the car local and would be willing to sell It, he informed me that he and his uncle were indeed looking to sell the car after some small repairs and services were made. About three weeks of conversation, making quick stops by the property to check in on the car and we were able to make a deal.
The two gentlemen that had the car had been working to help a family friend and widow get rid of this car and many other parts her Husband had left her when he passed some time ago. Keith Washer was his name and he was an avid mopar enthusiast and drag racer from Pennsylvania. The Pocono Drag lodge was his track and hangout and I was fortunate enough to be shown many photos of his cars and days spend at his many races. Keith in these days had a race partner by the name of Jack Del'Amico and together they raced their first 1962 Dart sedan under the name of Mr.Buttons derived from the PushButton transmission. Naturally the second car followed the original Mr Buttons moniker but now found itself plastered on the door of a 1962 Dodge Dart Wagon. Keith continued to race this car until he and his wife made their way to California. In his later years Keith had picked up a beautiful powder blue Wagon with pushbutton transmission and had his hopes set to one day race again. The wagon currently sits with a 383 fully rebuilt motor with all of the potential to be a top contender yet again.
I've never put a whole lot of thought into racing myself other than the "that could be fun" thought bubble, but somehow Keiths story and the nostalgia of the early stock eliminator cars has my mind pondering all the possibilities. Whatever happens I am very happy to have found this car and to have stories and mementos to go with It. I am looking forward to being a part of the B body community and welcome any advice and help I can get during this journey.
The car has some work yet to be done but I will post about these issues at a later time. Until then enjoy some of these photos from better days.
Anyone that might have some connection to Pocono drag lodge or any further information on these cars or their drivers please let me know as well.
