Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[Saxaphool]

Removed the neck from an Upright String Bass

 

[ColoradoDoug]

Any Walker jack is something that should be saved....depending on it's condition. Some are so far gone, missing parts, badly rusted, damaged etc that they would be only good for parts, but still those useable parts should be saved.
If the ones you've seen are sitting in dirt they might have rust issues, but definitely if the owner is not going to do anything with them try to pass them on to someone who will.

Mechanical Walkers in rough condition seem to go for $25 to $50 or so again depending on condition and completeness.

Hydraulic Walkers in the Greyhound series...



... are much more desirable. Those seem to sell for around the $100 - $200 dollar range assuming they are fairly complete and need to be restored. Shipping these jacks is extremely costly so that factors into the price as well.

Anytime you can take this...



...and with effort turn it into this...





...I feel that effort is worthwhile. That's kind of what this whole thread is about.

Good luck with them and keep us posted on what happens to them.

Thomas

I own two Walker jacks, although I have not restored them yet. They do get used though.

 

[old salt racer]

I own two Walker jacks, although I have not restored them yet. They do get used though.

I use mine too, both of them. They are great pieces of equipment aren't they? I love the hefty feel of moving a 187 lbs (84 kg) floor jack around. They just ooze with quality!!

Thomas

 

[markviii]

Is everyone paying attention?

Chris

 

[Rodney Schultz]

Yes, either Thomas is having an out of body experience..... Or he's taken his body with him.... Either way I'm sure there's going to be a story about it soon.
Rodney

 

[gordyy]

making a big notation in the test notes folder for 2-28-2015 something is about to hit

 

[SkywalkerCR]

SO Thomas,

I finally made it to the end, or at least to the end for now. You and Chris rock, congratulations on ALL that you have done with the property.

NOW, where is the helipad?

Thanks Clark

 

[dsquire]

Is everyone paying attention?

Chris

Chris

Yes we are paying attention. Like sitting on pins and needles and they are sharpe. Please hurry.

Cheers

Don

 

[markviii]

Think of it as a good book - savoring each chapter, anticipating the next and hoping it will not abruptly end.

Chris

 

[Gingger22pm]

Hi all, many apologies for being off radar for so long. I've been laid low with a virus but over it now and busy catching up with life.

Just before it hit I finish BS1. Fantastic, Seagoon you have a real treat coming. I really enjoyed it and full marks to Cary for such an entertaining read.

It reminded me of my first job, pumping petrol (sorry, can't bring myself to call it gas) when I was 14, at our local garage. In many ways it was the centre of our town and certainly for the guys with the cool cars. Mainly Fords through to Vauxhalls but with some interesting stuff in between, Hillman Avenger with a Fiat twin cam for example (some stuff for our non UK readers to Google there!).

It'll be in the post tomorrow down to Vaughan, enjoy. Thank you Thomas for arranging for me to expand my American education and taking me back to my formative years, it was a blast.

 

[eseibel67]

HA ha ha!!! I made it! I finally caught up to ATP in this colossal thread! Joined the board on Jan 1st for the purpose of perusing some cool personal automotive shops. It didn’t take long to happen across this 8,500 post thread. Post #1 makes it obvious to as to why this thread has such long legs - well balanced and properly lit high resolution pictures, with easy to handle narrative: All the relevant info is there and rarely needs clarification, without any unnecessary garble.

Just like other followers have experienced, this thread has brought back many memories for me. As a 4 year old I had a perfect view of the passing world by standing on the driveshaft hump with my arms crossed leaning over the front bench seat of a 1964 Impala. Pictured below under the carport, I’m the guy wearing the double breasted navy Brioni. As a teenager, a dog-eared Chilton manual taught me how to wrench under that carport.

Of course I would also rather fix the old rather than buy something new, and I would consider myself a Jack of all trades, and have actually become rather proficient in some. But I tip my hat to you, sir Thomas, for taking this theme to the Nth degree. You have the exceedingly rare combination of foresight, perspective, respectfulness, pace, detail, efficiency, energy, humility, wisdom, generosity and means all in the same guy. I sure learned a lot more about racing, aviation, construction, extermination, and horticulture than I ever set out for. Part of the strength of this thread is that it has attracted quite a diverse array of very solid contributors.

At the risk of publically exposing a mild case of psychosis, I admit that I have actually dreamt about the Restored 1930’s Auto Shop. I can’t recall it vividly, but I do remember pushing a broom and taking a break sitting on the west side runner of the Rotary lift looking into the fab room. I’m sure the symptoms will subside when I get used to viewing this thread in real time, instead of the high intensity dosage I’ve been taking in the past 2 months.

But I do have a question for Thomas. It’s sort of personal so please don’t feel obligated to answer, but I am comfortable in asking since you are a celebrity and I feel that I already know you: Anyone with as much foresight as you have, also had it as a child. But honestly, when you were a kid hanging around the shop, did you ever think “I want to get a prestigious job so I don’t a have to work in a hot dark cave like Mr. Johnson does?” If yes, how ironic is it that after crisscrossing the globe a Brazillion times, here you are now, in the same place, with the same tools, fabbing steel at every opportunity possible just because it’s fun?

Sorry for the long-winded opening post, but I just wanted to ensure how much your efforts of doing and documenting are appreciated.

Thanks for keeping this going,

Erv

P.S. Unfortunately, Beltsville Shell was a near miss for me when it transferred from Rob Bentley to Don Squire. Hopefully I can catch it on its next Canadian tour.

 

[BB767]

Beltsville Shell Update-Get 'em Before They'er Gone

.....

Just before it hit I finish BS1. Fantastic, Seagoon you have a real treat coming. I really enjoyed it and full marks to Cary for such an entertaining read.

It reminded me of my first job, pumping petrol (sorry, can't bring myself to call it gas) when I was 14, at our local garage. In many ways it was the centre of our town and certainly for the guys with the cool cars. Mainly Fords through to Vauxhalls but with some interesting stuff in between, Hillman Avenger with a Fiat twin cam for example (some stuff for our non UK readers to Google there!).

It'll be in the post tomorrow down to Vaughan, enjoy. Thank you Thomas for arranging for me to expand my American education and taking me back to my formative years, it was a blast.

Peter this is a timely post, Chris and I just returned from seeing Lou in San Diego, Ca. You might have noticed that I posted using Lou's computer and his old salt racer I.D. One of the highlights of the trip out West was a return vist...



... spending some time once more with Beltsville Shell author Cary Thomas and his charming wife Nancy.



After dinner we wandered out to Cary's garage where among his various Corvettes, he is engaged in a partial restoration of his recently acquired, 1 owner, 1967, L71 Corvette coupe. The L71 means it was equipped with a 427/ 435 hp big block engine. The original owner road raced this car for many years and remarkably it still retains its original, factory installed engine.



The car was parked after a number of years of racing and is essentially a time capsule of how these racing Corvettes were modified, equipped and what they looked like when raced in the late 1960-70's era.



It still retains its original paint, interior racing roll bar and real magnesium wheels. These wheels have aged such that they are no longer safe to drive on and will be replaced. Cary will leave the original paint however, just buffing it out.



The interior is in pretty good condition; that white powder on the floor is baking soda to help remove mustiness from being closed up and stored for so long.



All the mechanicals will need to be reconditioned from lack of use.



Note the blacked out windshield wipers and cowl vent inserts. Overall a very cool period piece that he plans on driving and NOT turning it into a show car.



During the evening we came upon this desk upstairs in Cary's home. The significance of this desk is - this is the actual spot where Beltsville Shell was written in 2002. Once I learned this fact I had no choice but to...



...actually touch it. Hallowed ground for sure! The little kid from Philo has sure come a long way.



We also came across this desk. Looking inside the lower open door can be seen...



...the last 10 copies of the first edition of Beltsville Shell on planet earth! That's all that remains of the original 1,200 copies Cary had printed in 2003. Once these last few are sold, they're all gone. Of course you can just request the traveling copy of BS 1.0 and read it but if you do want one for your very own, see Cary's web site: http://www.beltsvilleshell.com/buynow.html

While seeing Cary and Nan was fun, looking at his Corvettes and sitting at his famous desk was OK, the really, really neat part of the evening was when Cary disclosed that a Movie Screenplay of Beltsville Shell is being developed. You read that right, you've read the book, now see the movie!!!!!!!! I'm serious a movie version is in the works! He told me cameo parts for Lou, Chris and myself are a done deal. No time line on this project yet, it's still in development but stand by. That'll give me time to figure out how to work in a B767, being heroically flown by a certain retired airline pilot, into the script. Hummmmmmm.

To be continued.....

Star Stuck Thomas

 

[Amitygravel]

Hello Thomas ! Hi Chris !

Whoa , whoa , wait a minute.

Movie stars ???????

I'm thinkin you two are gonna need a body guard and driver.

I'll give work two weeks notice on Monday !!


Craig

 

[JeremyBurke]

I don't comment here much but I wanted to say how much I enjoyed at least 1 corvette picture appearing on page 427 of your wonderful thread.

 

[rmalkow2]

Sooooooo……….not sure what is going on with sales of the final copies. On Cary's web site it lists the book for $14.95 plus $2.00 shipping then provides a link to amazon to purchase. On the Amazon page the price jumps to $1238.98 per copy for a used one and double that for a new copy???????????

 

[eokie1]

I experienced that too, seems to be some kind of GLITCH on Amazon ??
James Jensen
St Augustine, FL

 

[BB767]

Sooooooo……….not sure what is going on with sales of the final copies. On Cary's web site it lists the book for $14.95 plus $2.00 shipping then provides a link to amazon to purchase. On the Amazon page the price jumps to $1238.98 per copy for a used one and double that for a new copy???????????

I experienced that too, seems to be some kind of GLITCH on Amazon ??
James Jensen
St Augustine, FL

I tried out the link to Amazon and I see what you're saying. Cary and I did discuss selling his last remaining copies and he did remark that he saw them occasionally for sale used on eBay sometimes for $250 - $500 which he found amusing. He said "why would someone buy them at that price when I'm selling them for $14.95?" So I know he's not jacking up the price. I'll email or call him and see if he can shed any light on the matter but I think you're correct, it's an Amazon glitch. Thanks guys for the heads up. Hope you can buy one.

Thomas

 

[oberst]

I hope Cary restores those magnesium Minilites - even though they aren't safe for driving, they could add a great touch when he displays the Stingray at shows, etc.

(Check out the Dragon Snake Cobra in the May 2015 Hot Rod magazine - it has it's original magnesium torgue thrusts! (with center locks!)

 

[BB767]

Beltsville Shell Pricing Update

OK everyone, here's Cary's reply to my inquiry about Amazon used book prices. Quote

"This is CRAZY! The highest price I had seen before for used was about $500. I don’t know how these resellers came up with the astronomical price. Must be a collector’s item!

Please just tell your colleagues to buy the book through Nan by sending a check to Nan in Carlsbad! Here are the instructions:

http://www.beltsvilleshell.com/buynow.html

We are down to NINE copies! $14.95 plus shipping.

You can forward this note to everyone! Take good care!

Cary"

So there you have it. Resellers can charge whatever they wish but Cary will still sell his copies for $14.95 plus shipping. I hope every remaining copy goes to my friends here! Good luck everyone and thanks for your interest.

For our UK BS 1.0 followers, please note the rising interest in the book which is now circulating among you. Consider an armed guard whenever you remove it from your vault to read it. Once it comes back home to Philo for good...



...here's where I'll store it for safe keeping along with the Gold Bar! While it is a good book, great in fact, who knew?!

Thomas

 

[rmalkow2]

Thomas,
Thanks for the follow up and sorting this out. If the book value is rising then I take that as a real tribute to the author. It's very much appreciated that he will sell the remaining copies at original price. My check is in the mail, as they say. Hopefully it will get there before 9 other folks.

 

[BB767]

HA ha ha!!! I made it! I finally caught up to ATP in this colossal thread! Joined the board on Jan 1st for the purpose of perusing some cool personal automotive shops. It didn’t take long to happen across this 8,500 post thread. Post #1 makes it obvious to as to why this thread has such long legs - well balanced and properly lit high resolution pictures, with easy to handle narrative: All the relevant info is there and rarely needs clarification, without any unnecessary garble.

Just like other followers have experienced, this thread has brought back many memories for me. As a 4 year old I had a perfect view of the passing world by standing on the driveshaft hump with my arms crossed leaning over the front bench seat of a 1964 Impala........

Of course I would also rather fix the old rather than buy something new, and I would consider myself a Jack of all trades, and have actually become rather proficient in some. But I tip my hat to you, sir Thomas, for taking this theme to the Nth degree. You have the exceedingly rare combination of foresight, perspective, respectfulness, pace, detail, efficiency, energy, humility, wisdom, generosity and means all in the same guy. I sure learned a lot more about racing, aviation, construction, extermination, and horticulture than I ever set out for. Part of the strength of this thread is that it has attracted quite a diverse array of very solid contributors.

At the risk of publically exposing a mild case of psychosis, I admit that I have actually dreamt about the Restored 1930’s Auto Shop. I can’t recall it vividly, but I do remember pushing a broom and taking a break sitting on the west side runner of the Rotary lift looking into the fab room. I’m sure the symptoms will subside when I get used to viewing this thread in real time, instead of the high intensity dosage I’ve been taking in the past 2 months.

But I do have a question for Thomas. It’s sort of personal so please don’t feel obligated to answer, but I am comfortable in asking since you are a celebrity and I feel that I already know you: Anyone with as much foresight as you have, also had it as a child. But honestly, when you were a kid hanging around the shop, did you ever think “I want to get a prestigious job so I don’t a have to work in a hot dark cave like Mr. Johnson does?” If yes, how ironic is it that after crisscrossing the globe a Brazillion times, here you are now, in the same place, with the same tools, fabbing steel at every opportunity possible just because it’s fun?

Sorry for the long-winded opening post, but I just wanted to ensure how much your efforts of doing and documenting are appreciated.

Thanks for keeping this going,

Erv

P.S. Unfortunately, Beltsville Shell was a near miss for me when it transferred from Rob Bentley to Don Squire. Hopefully I can catch it on its next Canadian tour.....

A warm hello to you Erv, what a wonderful picture that was with you in front of your parents '64 Impala. Great memories huh? Thanks so much for sharing it with us here. You are extremely kind and generous with your kind words and thoughts. Thank you for that as well.

Now as for your question about thinking about my future employment prospects while poking around Mr Johnson's shop in my youth, keep in mind I grew up in a home that put a high value on education.
To quote both my Mom and Dad, who each had Masters Plus Degrees, "you can earn more with your brain that you can with your back".
The emphasis was always on achieving personal growth, i.e. being the best you can be.
They didn't stress earning a lot money just for moneys sake. They recognized personal happiness was a large part of the equation.
I always knew I didn't want to have to struggle to support my family and as such I hustled when I was younger, kept my standard of living modest as I grew older in order to make investments for the future that would allow me luxuries such as purchasing the shop and restoring it and some of its contents.
I guess it is true it might be ironic that here I am, back working in Mr Johnson's shop, but now I do so by choice and not necessity.
Therein lays difference I think.

Be that as it may, these last few years working in, on and around the shop property have been some of my happiest.
Sharing it with everyone here and the positive response it has generated has been quite rewarding.
I am so very content with what I've been able to accomplish.
Really beyond what I ever envisioned.

BTW Erv, I do note your phrase, "crisscrossing the globe a Brazillion times"....Very, very clever that! We'll catch you with BS 1.0 next time it's on its Canadian circulation.

Now for my sweet and lovely bride, Chris; please note Erv's reference to my "celebrity" status and keep that in mind next time you wish for me to do those menial tasks such as taking out the trash or doing the dishes.

Philosophical Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas,
Thanks for the follow up and sorting this out. If the book value is rising then I take that as a real tribute to the author. It's very much appreciated that he will sell the remaining copies at original price. My check is in the mail, as they say. Hopefully it will get there before 9 other folks.

rmalkow2 you might email Cary, to let him know you've mailed a check and to please hold a copy for yourself. This is the email address he has listed on his site for contact info:

[email protected]



Beltsville Shell was very much a labor of love for Cary. He self-published the book and tells me financially it will not put him on par with J. K. Rowling. But then I tell him had he not written it, a "celebrity" ( according to Erv) like me, would not been dining with him.

Good luck to you and everyone else. Remember all is not lost, you can still read BS 1.0.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I don't comment here much but I wanted to say how much I enjoyed at least 1 corvette picture appearing on page 427 of your wonderful thread.

Hello Jeremy. Very nice heads up BTW! For those who didn't notice or understand what Jeremy is referring to is that on page 427 of the thread there is a picture...



...showing the 427 engine call out on the hood of Cary's Corvette.

Sharp eye!

Thomas

 

[rmalkow2]

rmalkow2 you might email Cary, to let him know you've mailed a check and to please hold a copy for yourself.

Beltsville Shell was very much a labor of love for Cary. He self-published the book and tells me financially it will not put him on par with J. K. Rowling. But then I tell him had he not written it, a "celebrity" ( according to Erv) like me, would not been dining with him.

Good luck to you and everyone else. Remember all is not lost, you can still read BS 1.0.

Thomas

Thanks for the tip Thomas. I will send him an email now. I look forward to reading this wonderful book.

Bob

 

[BB767]

I hope Cary restores those magnesium Minilites - even though they aren't safe for driving, they could add a great touch when he displays the Stingray at shows, etc.

(Check out the Dragon Snake Cobra in the May 2015 Hot Rod magazine - it has it's original magnesium torgue thrusts! (with center locks!)

Hi Mike, I'm not sure if they're Minilites or look-a-alike Panasports...



...but I think vintage Panasport. Perhaps someone can I.D.them from the 2 circles cast into the face of the outer rims.

No matter which they are Cary does plan on keeping them for display.

Thanks for the reminder that they are still worth hanging on to.

Thomas

 

[markviii]

note to self:
Do Not keep lists of menial household chores for Tom.
(find other projects to keep celebrity from going to his head)

 

[gordyy]

just a quick note I was growing tired of waiting, seems like I was always a day late and a dollar short getting in line for BS - 1!
I bought a copy last year to read it. anybody in too big of a hurry to read this grand history lesson feel free to send me a PM I can stick it in the mail for you (After the announcement of the sell off of all copies. I don't want to beat Cary out of the .50 or so He is probably making off of the sales) So if your interested in the read send me a PM and get a chance to read about those corvettes on the beltway. That way it gets one book off my shelf my wife thinks I am a hoarder anyway....

 

[Cary62Vette]

Hi Everyone,

We have received 5 emails for the remaining10 books, at the $14.95 price. We will process them on a first-come, first-served basis. I'm sorry about the Amazon price-gouging!

Cary

 

[C_F]

Thomas and Chris, thank you so much for taking the time from your busy lives to post updates here on this thread...the greatest thread on Algore's (yes, one word...not a man, but an irritating narcissistic blowhard species LOL) interweb.

I stumbled onto your thread about a month ago, and have read 10-15 pages a day...primarily at work. My work is slow during winter, so I snuck in time when I could. I am at home today, now on page 304 of 428, with the super cool pics of the Terraplane, Mr. Johnson's rusty Reed vise & the great wrap-up of your first year of owning "the farm". Love it!

I've gotta say...I am only 50 & like many of these members have said, where DO you two get the inexhaustible energy? I obviously looked left at a point in life when I should have looked right...like you two did, I dunno. Hehe!
Anyway, I am thankful that you chose to start this thread & more importantly, have kept it going.
BTW, I have 3 Lincoln's, but am not yet a member of LCOC. Only one is a "classic" in my book, a '77 Town Car, with a fixed glass moonroof.

 

[bazzateer]

Hi Mike, I'm not sure if they're Minilites or look-a-alike Panasports...



...but I think vintage Panasport. Perhaps someone can I.D.them from the 2 circles cast into the face of the outer rims.

No matter which they are Cary does plan on keeping them for display.

Thanks for the reminder that they are still worth hanging on to.

Thomas

A quick Google images search seems to me to confirm they are Minilites, those two circles are clear to see in the pics. On my tablet at the moment and no idea how to copy links etc! But here goes

http://www.autolifers.com/wp-conten...performance-pontiac-wheel-guide+mini-lite.jpg

 

[Seagoon]

Hi all, many apologies for being off radar for so long. I've been laid low with a virus but over it now and busy catching up with life.

Just before it hit I finish BS1. Fantastic, Seagoon you have a real treat coming. I really enjoyed it and full marks to Cary for such an entertaining read.

It reminded me of my first job, pumping petrol (sorry, can't bring myself to call it gas) when I was 14, at our local garage. In many ways it was the centre of our town and certainly for the guys with the cool cars. Mainly Fords through to Vauxhalls but with some interesting stuff in between, Hillman Avenger with a Fiat twin cam for example (some stuff for our non UK readers to Google there!).

It'll be in the post tomorrow down to Vaughan, enjoy. Thank you Thomas for arranging for me to expand my American education and taking me back to my formative years, it was a blast.

I don't know if it is time to start worrying , but the book hasn't arrived here yet. I shall PM Ginger to chase it up.
Vaughan

 

[Seagoon]

I might add that MisteR Tee hasn't yet contacted me with the address to send the book on to, so it's probably a good time to do that now.

 

[oberst]

Hi Everyone,

We have received 5 emails for the remaining10 books, at the $14.95 price. We will process them on a first-come, first-served basis. I'm sorry about the Amazon price-gouging!

Cary

Time to call your agent and negotiate a second printing!

 

[BB767]

Time to call your agent and negotiate a second printing!

Mike, interestingly enough Cary is contemplating either a second printing or a second edition which would have all new additional content from the last 10 years or so. The second edition would catch everyone up to date on all the characters in the book. He tells me it would also include telling the story of the “The Brotherhood of the Traveling Book!” which is how he refers to our very own traveling BS 1.0

BS 1.0 was your original concept of course, so once the second addition comes out the adulation you'll be receiving from that brilliant idea will result in your life being over as you know it. You won'y be able to show your face in public without being mobbed by throngs of adoring fans and paparazzi. Fame has it drawbacks.

Strangely enough, even though Erv claims I'm a celebrity, I don't have those kind of problems with the public. In fact I'm able to go about my daily activities in complete obscurity. I've always attributed it to my legions of fans respecting my privacy and remaining at a respectful distance. Shoot, even store clerks pretend they don't know me and ask for my I.D. if I write a check for example. They really do go out of their way to treat me just like an average Joe and not make a fuss.

While we wait to hear about Cary's decision on his book, here's...





...a shop project that's ongoing out here. It's not quite what you think but Boeing 727's, 737's and 757's and 767's are involved in the background of this project that first took root in 1989. Strange but true. Check back for more details.

Meantime I'll continue to go out in public and pretend not to notice everyone pretending not to notice and recognize me.

Anonymous Thomas

 

[Seagoon]

I don't know if it is time to start worrying , but the book hasn't arrived here yet. I shall PM Ginger to chase it up.
Vaughan

Good news! The book has just arrived so I shall hopefully get it read fairly quickly. In the same post came a box of bits so back to repairing the lawnmower, before the grass gets too high!

 

[Gingger22pm]

Hi Vaughan. Sorry, I've been away from home, got back last night.
Glad you got BS1, I figured if Thomas trusted the American mail we could trust ours! But I should have thought about our poor timescales.....
Enjoy the adventure, I have MisterRTee's address if you still need it.

 

[kabinenroller]

Hi Mike, I'm not sure if they're Minilites or look-a-alike Panasports...

They sure look like MiniLite wheels to me. The raised marks may mean they are magnesium instead of aluminum.
Here is a set of MiniLite street wheels I have:
(The pressure plate and knock off are not original to the wheel, they are something we fabricated to be different)

 

[jbailly]

Thomas and Chris,
After re-reading this whole thread a second time...I must say I'm glad I did as I had missed some things in my original read. I'll officially join all the others and say job well done. I think the proper word may be STUPENDOUS, but I digress. As a GM car lover I am in awe of 2 '66 Corvettes' and the Nova and the Impala's. My dad has a '67 Impala with a 275 hp 327 I'm not sure if it's the same engine as the one's you own or not. Anyway he ordered it new it has been sitting since '78 with 33,*** miles awaiting the day when I take over as care taker. I don't have any Chevy's, but I do have a '69 Cutlass. See the picture, that was a feature in a All Oldsmobile Calendar for October '13. The one with stripes is my best friends car.

Thanks for keeping me centered.
Jon

 

[MisteR Tee]

Hey Thomas, I saw this on Facebook & immediately thought of you, don't know why!!

There's a whole series of pics of houses, hotels, bars & restaurants made out of aircraft.

http://www.sliptalk.com/not-a-plane...m_medium=boost&utm_campaign=not-a-plane-crash

 

[BB767]

Thomas and Chris, thank you so much for taking the time from your busy lives to post updates here on this thread....

........

BTW, I have 3 Lincoln's, but am not yet a member of LCOC. Only one is a "classic" in my book, a '77 Town Car, with a fixed glass moonroof.

Well hello C_F, we'll be waiting here once you get to the ATP. I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying the unending story of our adventures out here. Fun for you and fun for us.

I want to thank you for taking time to post a note on here and especially for sharing your rather large '77 Town Car. It looks to be exceptionally well maintained. Those were "land yachts" in the truest sense of the word. For many folks outside of the US and Canada they must find it hard to believe cars of that size were common on the street here at one time. Dinosaurs from a bygone era never to be seen again.
I might encourage you to join the LCOC. It's a great organization that is populated by a bunch of really nice folks, some of the best we've found.

Thanks again and stop by if you're out this way.

Thomas