Santa Maria 2008-Thanks for bearing with me!

[Von Beaner]

Hi Ya'll,

I got a little story about the best trip to California I've ever been on...not because all went well, because I broke down. I know this happens to everyone at one time or another. Until it happens to you, you won't understand the overwhelming feeling that I have now and will have for a long time.
I almost made it to Santa Maria...
It took several trips up and down that mountain on 166 beginning at 9:37, and my friends finally made it there with me in tow at 2:30am.
A few hours later I came across a gentleman trying to get my hub off. I made a few phone calls to the 2 people I know in California and the 1 back in Texas that I thought might have some suggestions on getting me back on the road. After the word got out, Saturday night at 11:30 the gentleman I met that morning and my husband were off to a shop in Ventura for all the right parts. It was incredible for the owner to welcome them with open arms and donate all I needed to get back home...it was alot! Including taking the last bearing I needed from his own car, all at 2:00am! After a short nap the boys went back to work. With a few additional trips to the auto parts store the test drive was at 12:30 and I was on the road at 1:00.
She ran better than ever all the way home!!!
I need to thank my old friends and my new friends, I need everyone who is on the HAMB to know these names and give these guys the acknowledgement they deserve, and I need these guys to know it will take me forever to show them the appreciation I personally have for each and every one of them...
GORDON "Gordy" BROWN, MATT NOBLE, Jeff Hammett, Reggie Hill, Will Muntz, Jeff Wood, Norm Jones, Steve Werthiemer, John Parker, Mitch Gomez, Jimmy White, Ryan Cochran, Rusty Dobbs and the endless number of people looking for the parts I needed. Thanks to all the guys walking by wanting to lend a helping hand, and thanks to all those who had faith that it would be alright.
I got in to this because I love cars...
I had no idea how much I'd love the people!!!

Kati

[scoundrel56]

thats what makes a trip, in my opinion. its not very often you run across people like that but it sure makes you feel good when you do....

[Cruiser]

VB,

:D That was very cool of everyone on that list that help you get back on the road. Santa Maria was a very good show, I'll be back next year to give out the "One Fine Short" award along with BareMetal Kustoms. The NSRA has what they call the fellow pages with clubs and individuals listed to call for help. It sure would be nice to have a West Coast Kustoms book similar to the NSRA fellow pages. Glad you got home and your ride is running better then elver.

CRUISER :cool:

[hollowpoint]

isn't it nice to know that most of the hod rod types are more then greasy assholes? although most of us ARE greasy by choice. and some of us are assholes through no choice of our own...genetics, ya know.
i can say that i think most guys will pitch in to help anyone fix their rides as long as the helpee doesn't come across as a butt head.
welcome to the wonderful world of hod rods.
and to all the people that pitched in to fix kati's ride, way to go dudes.
and kati...check out the road devils forum. we have some guys in your area that might be able to help you make sure that the next road trip you take turns out just as good as this one did. and another hod rod girl is always welcome to the world.

later dudes
chuck

[48MercMan]

Thats a great example of how true car folk are always down to help others in need...there is no worse feeling than being stranded with your ride broken down.