FINALLY!! got that bastard rolling. This project started in July of 2017. The car had been sitting a while and had an inch of dust on it. I inherited the problem because my father-in-law's brother had gotten infirmed. He was the mechanic of the family and a whizz from what I understand. Anyway, the old Ford had a firing issue so I rebuilt the dizzy, replaced the worst wires I've ever seen, and rewired the solenoid that his brother had started. THEN one of the water pumps was locked up. I got those from Van Pelts and changed them out. THEN the radiator was leaking so I took that out and had it repaired (4 holes). THEN when he tried to back it out of the garage, the wheels were locked up tighter than Dick's hatband. So I jacked up each wheel, took the tire off and love tapped the drums with a machinist hammer until they relented. When he finally got to back it out you could see his demeanor change. He instantly appeared younger, sprooty even. His daughter and he washed it while I muttered because as I understood it, it was time for a shakedown cruise and not the time for cosmetic crap. Then down the road, they went. It was a special moment and one I won't soon forget. You see Papaw has recently been diagnosed with dementia. A special thanks to those who contributed technical input on this old classic. I certainly appreciate it. Thanks-Slack
Beautiful car. Dementia is a bastard. I have a brother in law diagnosed when he was 58, now in a rest home.
Yeah. And I love my father-in-law. He is a great guy from the "greatest generation" era (as are a lot of HAMB folk). I hate it with a passion because I am in the medical field and know about the progression of the disease.
Good job, nothing like seeing the sparkle in the eyes of someone you love and know that you have made there day, as you father-in-law's dementia progresses in the week's & moth's to come this time will stand out in your mind. Congratulations on getting the car back on the road where it belongs. HRP
Having you'all around will make a real difference for him. Keep lovin on him. Most of us will get there oneday.
You've helped in restoring the memory of a more pleasant time in his life. Good job, Sir! That's a beautiful 40. Any more pics of the interior?
Great job, if you get over this way, stop in. Or P M me you address. I get up your way from time to time.
Not now but I'll get some and post later You know it. When they (his daughter and him) came back down the driveway, they were both grinnin like possums (grinning like opossums?) . It ain't no show car but it certainly has its charm.
Awesome, slack! Add you to the list of hamb members getting cars going for the very senior fellas to enjoy a little bit more. Much respect, sir. Bless your father-in-law. Sent from my VS835 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
It is with a sad and heavy heart that I report, Papaw is on his way out. We put on a grand, surprise, 80th birthday party for him on the 22nd. He was in rare form, cutting up with friends he hadn't seen in years. Such things normally bore me to tears but I found this fascinating to observe. Then, as if it were planned, he had an aneurysm the next day. We were told by the neurologist he would never get better. He made his wishes known prior and they are being honored so now the death vigil. I loathed working on that old Ford, mostly because of the humidity and extreme heat (I carried two extra shirts per day) but when I look back, we were making memories and they are too few and extremely precious. Just one (I promise), I was prying off the left water pump with a large Craftsman screwdriver that belonged to my daddy. My son and I named it "Big Nasty" (because the urethane handle is embedded with grease). I was talking to it while I was prying (I know ) saying: "Come on, Big Nasty, you got this!" and when it gave way, I heard a noise behind me. There stood Papaw grinning like a mule. For some fool reason, I started to explain, then just stopped mid-sentence and went on about my rat-killin. Seeing something like that is like sighting a rare bird. It wasn't easy to coax a grin from the man, stoic as he is. He isn't even dead and "people" are approaching and inquiring as to his earthly possessions. I have never understood that "vulture" way of thinking. It is nothing less than evil. I'm sure gonna miss him and I'm not alone. I saw a sign in the hospice that said: "We are all just walking each other home." Damned if that ain't the truth.
Sorry to hear about the progression of this insidious disease, But you may be Slack by name but definitely not by nature
Sorry to hear the news. Best wishes to you and yours. Happened to me the day my Dad was buried. After the get together at my moms place, 3 or 4 of his "friends" were saying "Nat said I could have this "xxxx" I was always to busy to come get it". Not the right time or place I was thinking. My reply was "well, you knew my Dad, time to get it was when he gave it to you".
Sorry to hear it man. But from the sounds of it he got to drive down the road with his daughter in his shiny black ford gleaming in the sun.He knew his family would be taken care of, and he got to see a ton of friendly faces and actually recall who they were. In the face of such a brutal disease that’s a pretty good way to sign out. Glad you got the memories you did, sorry you won’t have more
Add my heartfelt condolences. Father in law went through the dementia progression. I agree with " culture mentality". Some only think of themselves.
So sorry, Slack. Sorry about Papaw. Sorry about the stupid people with their claws out. I've experienced this. They should wait to be asked. It all brings a tear. But I'm so happy for you that you were able to make memories. And that you had a wonderful and fitting get-together with Papaw, family and friends. God bless your family. Sent from my VS835 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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