Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!

[Grizz1963]

PS. Back on track.

No Photophukit delete.

Thanks MiataMark.

[Indian113]

Love that " SMILE"!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Indian113

Love that " SMILE"!

She really is a honey.


Speaking of decoys.

This one was added from Dennis' mum and dads collection.

Cool vintage stuff collected on the way to Ethyls







Some of the stuff inside the restaurant.

There really is too much to record on film, unless you want to just do a threadon Ethyls restaurant.









Who would have dreamed all those years ago that Adam would one day progress from this, to a Hellcat and full Sprint cars.








Just checked........

Seems I have uploaded over 430 photos from this trip.

Not including videos.

That's a lot. Hope you guys have enjoyed the trip so far.


Need a break now

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by flashed

Ours went up about $.50 per gallon before the Hurricane that hit Texas and has not gone down since .

I think that sometimes the companies use any excuse to push prices up.

Originally Posted by ibrown50

I would also be thrilled to pay $2.79, i filled up last night and (according to my currency calculator) paid $6.91 It's a good job my daily driver is a girlie "Euro box"

Indeed Ian.

You tell them.

[Grizz1963]

So we made it into Ethyls


I was welcomed back like a long lost hero, we also ran into Rob who had cooked at the birthday party.


Once settled, we ordered drinks and twice cooked Chicken wings. Man... !!! They are championship winners.


Dennis still had a truck to paint later.....


So only iced tea for the poor guy.


Me......





I walked about and chatted, and got a few pics for you guys.








Lunch was over all too soon and we had to head out to the airport.


Checked in, more sight seeing.


Loved this......





Check out the left hand phone.


Free calls locally. What a service St Louis !!!





I will be back shortly, once I upload the last few photos.

[Grizz1963]

So, every now and then we meet people in life, who touch our lives in different ways.


Just look around yourself.

I have met so many and they are all different.

Of course you bunch of old men (and perverts) are mostly waiting for another one of these very special people.

It is hard to try and convince anyone when I post the pics up below, that Kelly is an awesome, intelligent and generous hostess or waiter in a restaurant that serves great food, and is a very regular spot for many local and not so local people.

When I walked into Ethyls and she saw me, she instantly recognised me (maybe in Dennis' company) and gave a squeal of joy or recognition and charged me and gave Dennis and I a really good welcome hug.

You only have to look at my face........


I have not had such a stupid grin on my face in over a year, well, possibly since the last time I saw her.

And she is a tiny little sparrow of a woman. Perfectly proportioned, topped of with a glorious smile.





She seemed genuinely pleased to see me.

And I prompted her to pose for a few pics for the Internet Forums.

So these are for all of you guys.

And that includes the gang who contributed so generously earlier in the year to my Charity Cycle ride.

I have. It and will not forget your generosity. Thanks again.







Thinking of what you guys are thinking........ (maybe a bigger tip?)





Of course Dennis got a turn too...... lucky guy.



And while we were eating, I asked Dennis to take a pic of Kelly on the barstool, standing behind me, making me look good, maybe over my shoulder.......

You better look carefully...


Yes, I am sitting on a tall barstool, and the sparrow is sitting on my shoulders.....

My head felt all warm too.



And my tongue just hung out.





Then I finished my chicken wings, paid up and we left for the airport.

Where Dennis dropped me off.

............ The End.


Errrmmm, well, almost.


But I guess you will all just walk away now, you,have seen the star attraction.

Hope it was worth the wait.

[Palf70Step]

[Micmac]

I'd eat her chicken wings any day, and twice on Sunday! I'm glad you had a good time, you work hard, need to play hard. Safe travels Mate.

[Larry64]

Thanks for the ride along Rian.

[flashed]

It was a fun adventure Rian ,thanks for taking us along .

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Originally Posted by Micmac

I'd eat her chicken wings any day, and twice on Sunday! I'm glad you had a good time, you work hard, need to play hard. Safe travels Mate.

Great to see you back buddy.

And yes, work hard, play hard for sure.

Originally Posted by Larry64

Thanks for the ride along Rian.

Originally Posted by flashed

It was a fun adventure Rian ,thanks for taking us along .

Thanks guys, I guess these trips are just too much fun for one person really, so I need to company.


Last bit to be written up later, headed out for a bit now to fill the car for the week ahead.

All my yard work is done too. Hedges, shrubs etc.

And fixed my lawnmower

[Grizz1963]

After Dennis dropped me off, I sat in a restaurant in the airport building, the guy running it gave me permission to sit in there, comfortably when I asked him..

More nice people.

Later checked through security (more friendly people) and waited to board.

Watched Military personal get first boarding rights, which pleases my heart immensely

Onto the plane......



Take off, and rising higher and higher away from Missouri was really quite heart wrenching for me.

Weird that I felt so sad as if I had lost a member of my family.

Mississippi River below us in the sunset.



Landed in Chicago, raced to get onto my international flight, which was FULL

Landed in London11.00 the next day, and eventually got home at 3pm

The cats were both happy.

Harley all over everything, and into the case while I unpacked.



Ginger Whinger, Dukey also kept close to me since I got back.
They may have missed me.





First night back, trying to write up the trip report.......





Wednesday it was back to work and this week four days spent in rraining at Heathrow.

With a black tie event.

Not the same as shorts and flip flops



JETLAG did kick my butt, but at least it was better than last year.

Lastly, I just want to say a massive thank you to every person who touched my life this year, from Debbie and Dennis right through to all of you following and replying to this story.

Maybe, if all goes well, and I have a job next year......

Who knows.

[realvc]

I kept watching and waiting to see if you were coming on farther into South Central Arkansas and then you were gone. Maybe next time.
Glad you had a great visit even though you had a Mopar/dealer related situation that was not fun.

[Indian113]

I look forward to your travels and the day to day slice of your life you post. I also know that it's a 6 hour drive to St. Louis I would not have a problem getting there. So the Next Visit you Plan maybe we could have a Board Get Together!

[aggie91]

Very much enjoy the stories of your travels. So nice to see you get treated with such love and generosity despite what you see in the media. Looks like you really enjoyed your "last meal" with Kelly...

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

I kept watching and waiting to see if you were coming on farther into South Central Arkansas and then you were gone. Maybe next time.
Glad you had a great visit even though you had a Mopar/dealer related situation that was not fun.

I had hoped to do more miles Vince, but sadly it was not to be.

Of course nothing stops you from coming over to England to visit me......

Or connect wherever I end up next, if it happens again.

Originally Posted by Indian113

I look forward to your travels and the day to day slice of your life you post. I also know that it's a 6 hour drive to St. Louis I would not have a problem getting there. So the Next Visit you Plan maybe we could have a Board Get Together!

Thank you.

I suspect that if things were a little different, we could have made it happen.

But of course I am a guest, so cannot take over completely.

A get together would be grand, there are enough of us on various forums.

Originally Posted by aggie91

Very much enjoy the stories of your travels. So nice to see you get treated with such love and generosity despite what you see in the media. Looks like you really enjoyed your "last meal" with Kelly...

Aggie,

If there is one thing we know, it is that the media is just that.....media.

And they will create whatever they need on their own agenda.

I had never particularly wanted to travel the US, partly based on media reports, but then got to know a lot of people via the internet and the likes of Ta2Don, Clem and many others that I am not going to name on here, show a different part of America.
The part I love.




From Garage Journal

Originally Posted by Bib Overalls

Belinda and I have had the great pleasure of hosting Ryan twice and I can tell you it is a lot of fun having him around for a couple of days. Quite gentlemanly around the women and dogs and cats find him irresistible. Likes English tea, Captain Morgan with Pepsi, pizza, beer, bacon, and the ladies in no particular order. But whenever possible, all at once. If you have a chance and no common sense pull him into your circle of friends. It is a fun thing to do. Right Dennis?

Quoted below by way of explanation as you what happened when the Challenger broke down with me on Highway 25 Arkansas.

Originally Posted by djones1a

Yes Bib he is a fun time to be around.Never meets a stranger,talks to everyone (and takes pictures of them).Lol Funny thing some of the people he met over here just one time,when they see me now the first they ask is have you heard from Rian? Come on back anytime Rian. It looks like there is a recall on the Challenger,seem the alternator overcharges and burns the wires up. Who would had thought? So your chariot should be all healed up and ready when you come back:3gears:

Thank you Dennis and Steve.

You guys are very generous in your accolades and friendships.

They are massively appreciated and humble me for certain.

Glad the car breakdown has been explained and corrected.

Love the view driving it, and would love to enjoy it again. (Or the Hellcat despite 17mpg on a good day)



Another photo opportunity.




In other news, now that I am back on track, working and living life normally.

[Grizz1963]

How good does it feel to pick up £300.00 on the side of the road?

Wrapped up in a little bundle and a plastic bag.

I guess most of us like a bit of free cash when we can get it.

Recently my lawnmower, bought for £50.00 on eBay when the free one I got at the council tip about 10 years ago croaked and then given a new diaphragm in the carb, decided it's handle was going to throw in the towel.

So the choice was to spend £300.00 on a cheaper mid range thing or get a Honda for over £500.00 as I do like my lawn tidy.

Tight R-s me thought I would ripummage in the garage and see if there were bits that could do the job.



So Mr Grinder came out, and removed the offending part, then sleeved the handle using some considerable force.



A second sleeve that would fit over sleeve number one, once cleaned up and then welded to the new support, would see me cutting the grass with my life extended mower again.





Sleeved handle, into welded sleeve, and welded to sop and bottom of inner sleeve, then reassembled......

Yup, looks a bit rough.

Don't care.



Etch primed and satin black.



Job done.



On a different level, som e very old cigarette advertising, one of my favourite brands growing up (I have never smoked in my life)




And the gift that keeps giving.

More funds came in recently for the Children's Charity we all contributed to earlier this year, hey have managed to get to 103% with almost £26000.00 in contributions. Someone dropped £2000.00 in as well. Suspect it was a corporate donation.

Thanks Ernie and Evan.





And finally, saw this beauty parked up in Rochester High street last weekend.




Thanks for checking in.


Later.

[Grizz1963]

Weekend on us again.

Raining, so no grass cutting yet.

But I thought I would share a screenshot of a message I got from Down Under.

Much appreciated that Charley took the time to comment, in a PM.

Makes the write ups I do worth doing.



Wednesday I spent 5 hours in the company of a prominent, international Cardiologist in London.

Thursday all day spent at a Cardiology and Stroke Summit meeting, learning a massive amount. Really feeling privileged

On the way there Uncle Abe looked over my shoulder.

There is something about America...... constantly by my side



Then at the conference venue I saw this, love the clouds.

This is my town.



Headed to another meeting in the evening the London Eye greeted me.



This morning it was up early again, cats shouting for food.

And Prozac headed for its MOT test.



Then at the test centre..... 40 minutes, feeling like an expectant father, not knowing if it will be a boy or a girl or a puppy.



Up on the ramp.

Of course I forgot that things like emissions are tested too, and every other aspect of functioning.



Eventually the deadpan faced tester came out and handed me a Certificate.

PASS !!

He also commented that it was one of the mechanically cleanest Berlingo he has tested.

So I drove off-road the Turkish shop and then home to collect my stuff, and some stuff I bought from@CraigRK so emtime ago, that needed delivering.

Tonight Katy and I went to see Kingsman, 'The Golden Circle'

WHAT A BRILLIANT MOVIE.

PURE ESCAPISM.





DINNER WAS GREAT TOO.

[Palf70Step]

Glad to hear Prozac is legal. I am planning on seeing The Kingsman also. Sounds like it as good as the first one.

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

What He Said!!!
Thanks for sharing mate!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Glad to hear Prozac is legal. I am planning on seeing The Kingsman also. Sounds like it as good as the first one.

Pure Escapism

Some say first one was better, not so sure myself, to be honest, I don't care, I enjoyed it.

Originally Posted by Ta2Don

What He Said!!!
Thanks for sharing mate!

Pleasure mate.



New MOT is good news, however, the comments from the inspector was worth more to me.

It is an old car, but he said it was a good one.

Going out shopping with it is always fun as it draws attention and gets comments from random people, old and young.




Tonight I got home after 6pm as I had a meeting in Croydon this afternoon.

Note through the door to say a parcel had been delivered next door.

So I took some stuff around to Mickey and fetched my parcel...... large.

Inside was a massive smile inducing V8 hubcap from the GrumpyNortherner.

This is one of his restorations...... take a look and be amazed at attention to detail and finish.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...oration-wheels

Thank you very much Chris.



I removed a painting from the wall, and hung it up indoors...... not sure everyone would, but hey, I pay the mortgage.



Also inside, neatly wrapped and packed was this license plate.

As Herb in Winfield Kansas likes to say.... Made out like a Bandit !!!

I love the real patina on plates, used works for me.

Check out this thread to see what car it came from, one of Chris' restorations.

http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...ty-restoration





So Karma again pointing her finger at me.

Thanks Chris, made my day for sure.

[Ta2Don]

Not sure what painting you moved mate, but the hubcap works perfectly...

[bj383ss]

What cool goodies you got.

Bret

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Ta2Don

Not sure what painting you moved mate, but the hubcap works perfectly...

Agreed.

Originally Posted by bj383ss

What cool goodies you got.

Bret

Definitely.

It's all about karma and paying it forward.




Funny how these trips keep giving long after the fact.

Adam who owns the Hellcat, and is Denniss' son made the following comment on my FB feed this week.

Just made me smile as I guess it kind of forces my hand......




And yesterday Dennis sent me these pics of a newspaper his mum had kept all these years..... 20 years that is.

You need to read the article, to see that sometimes very little changes.





Seems they ended that year in 7 or 8th spot nationally in the US.





And nothing has changed.

Awesome to see two men as best friends.

Father and son.





Got home yesterday and found the postman had left a parcel.

From Australia.

I knew exactly who it was from as he had sent me a PM last week.

Lyndon...!You champion....!!

Thank you.






The parcel included a covering letter, to explain the origins and meaning of the license plates.

I really like to understand and know origins of plates when it is available.



These are very cool plates as Australian plates are not that common or easy to get.

[Grizz1963]

Went for a walk on Thursday as my day job is screwing with my head at the moment.

It was thoroughly enjoyable, and I saw this..... may have to find its way home soon.



This weekend has been more about getting ready for winter.

My plum tree needed some serious cutting back.



A couple of hours on a tall ladder with lopping shears.



Then got rained out, so could not complete the job yesterday, went shopping and banking instead in the Berlingo. Smiling all the way.


Dukey the Ginger Whinger has a story today......
After I came back from the USA his mobility seemed to have declined a lot.
In fact, I thought he may be needing to be put down as he hissed at me for the first time ever when I touched him where he was laying , obviously in pain.
He is 15 years old.
Anyway, I gave him a single dose of Metacam, which may have worked, went away for 4 more days with work and when I got back he seemed better, so he is still alive.

His back legs and hips seem to be in decline, but I will do whatever I can to keep him happy.

Anyway........ Having not cleared the garden yesterday....

This morning early I heard him shouting very loudly and plaintively downstairs, ignored him.... then heard the cat flap slam again.

So I got up and looked out into the garden......

Look at the sequence and tell me he is a thick cat again.

Using the hole for the washing line, as he could not get to the garden bed on the right which is his toilet during summer, till I put cat litter out for them in winter, this cat knows his business.









I also had Harley on the windowsill this morning, watching "Cat Telly"
Usually she sits in the en-suite window, watching birds and chattering.

They both get wet packet food in the morning, as a supplement to the dry food tower they graze from, and tuna at night (Dukey religion)
So in the mornings, I thow out whatever is left onto the lawn and the crows or whoever is first, gets the left over food.

She loves to watch them.



No bootfair today, so need to clear up and remove this mess.
So I stopped at McD' and had a Breakfast Wrap, nice but underwhelming, coffee was OK.

Nice day out.



Back home to cut out all the possible kindling and fire wood from the pile.

Then used the hedge trimmer to cut the rest up unto short bits so I could bag it all.



Prozac again earning its keep.

What a great tool this is.






And another weekend over.

Mate Martin and his lovely lady, Sally, who seems to have changed his whole life for the better, came over later in the afternoon.

Also showed her my garage and pile of truck parts.

Realised I need to get back onto this truck.

I really miss driving it, and sharing it.