Sunday, July 21, 2013

The Birthday Boys



 Colsyn turned 10 Tuesday and my birthday is today. So, we spent the weekend together last week and hit the Sherm Smith Classic Auto Auction on Saturday.
One of the auctioneers is also on the tv shows that we watch. He was auctioning cars on Fast and Loud this week.

This auction is quite a deal. There were about 250 classics and hot rods to be autcioned, starting Friday evening.

Folks come from all across the USA to this auction. They had a couple working the floor from Barrett-Jackson. Many of these cars will also, or have already, cross that block out in Arizona. There were at least 6 vdubs. This one did not bring the reserve. It was bid up to 6600 and died. Many of the vehicles had no reserves and went on to new homes.



I have known Sherman for a long time. He is a good guy who often gives folks second and third chances in life that really dont have anywhere else to turn. I saw several ex drug addicts working the floor and I believe they only cleaned up their act because of Sherman.





Most of these vehicles were pristine.

Nomads are always a favorite.

Double Cab and it looks great. Would hate to buy fuel for it though.


Sweet


Oh yea, this 66 Olds Toronado was there. Looks like the first car I saw as a kid smoking its front tires. My dad laughed when I told him.He knew about the car, I did not.





Trucks were a hot item at the aurction. Of course camo is favorite color for Colsyn.


Elvis was here.

We did not stay for most of the auction but did watch a few go through. 
Was a great weekend for us two guys. I always enjoy having grandkids hanging around.
Hope you enjoyed the cars. Colsyn and I certainly enjoyed grabbing the pictures.
Dan

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Great American Race, Paragould Ar.

Leader of the race with the microphone. Many of you will recognize him.

And his car.
Got up and was getting ready to roll when I got a text from my daughter. They were meeting the cars coming from Cape Girardeau running south on I-55. That is not supposed to happen. Should be on a back road and I thought I had the roads figured out. they will not let you in on the route before they travel. I guess they don't want too many spectators lining the hiways. So, change of plans. There are several good back roads they can head west on. I rolled down 25 waiting at various intersections, knowing I was early. Nothing. On to Kennett where I sat for an hour. Several of the support vehicles were passing by so I thought I had it figured out. After a little while I got anxious and jumped in behind some support vehicles. They were lost and I knew it so I decided to just head on down to Paragould on my own and wait for them.
Downtown Paragould was all blocked off for the big event. A local car show was going on. About 1145 Mr. Coker rolled in. He talked for 30 minutes to the crowd then here came the cars.


A movie car.

This guy is from Searcy, Ar. The crowd went wild when he was announced.

And here they come, about a minute apart. This is not only an endurance race but it is a timed race.

Yep, looked up and this is where I was standing.

And here they keep coming. All were parking on the main street for one hour after arrival.

The town fed the drivers in a large building behind where I was standing to get this shot.

All makes.

The guy standing on the running board is filming for the tv show that will be on Speed or the Travel Channel.

Look at dat, look at dat.

I stayed for the first 25 cars to arrive . They will start leaving at 1:10 pm heading back across the Ms. River at Dyersburg.

On my way out I found the route and met at least 60 of the vehicles coming down 139, a very rural back road running down the west side of the St. Francis River.



Something for everyonefrom 1918 to 1969. There were 89 in all that started the race in Mn. I think a few have died along the way, but not many. Met an older Vdub coming in with the bunch. Every brand you can think of seemed to be in this run. There was even an old fire truck. Would hate to be buying his gas.


One of the support group that passed by me in Kennett.
They will end up in Mobile, Al. in a few days. Today they will park near Memphis on Hiway 51, near The river.
What a day. I had fun. The vdub had fun. Longest run for the old vdub since I have owned it. Was about 175 miles and it never missed a lick. It brought back lots of memories of driving old vehicles back and forth to Paragould, where I lived once, while attending college. I don't want to do a 500 mile day in the vdub but today was ok.
Hope you like seeing the old cars.
Dan

Monday, June 3, 2013

Great Weekend Trip in the GMC Motor Home

Colsyn and I had a great time this weeknd and a good trip home Sunday morning. I set the alarm for 5 am. At 515 I woke up. Alarm never went off. I did not think it would. Seems only Teri can set it so it works. Anyway, we rolled at 530 am down I-57 toward Sikeston. At 7 am Colsyn rolled out of bed. At 830 we pulled into the church parking lot, early. I like being early so I can visit with folks before class. Of course Colsyn had to tell his siblings all about his new Nike tennis shoes. I really got some looks from them. Rylan asked what it would take for me to get him a pair.  Left after services and rolled the last 20 miles home. We did about 450 miles up and back. No rain either way. Love having the Accuweather app on the Iphone. Sure helps plan trips between storms.
So, are you wondering about that foto? Well, I just took the GMC to gas it up for this weekend. I pulled the gas cap and remembered what a headache it is to keep up with. Don't want to drive off and leave it at the station. Then, while the pump was running, I remembered one of the GMCers on the net talking about how he used a magnet to hang onto his cap. Out in Quartzsite I bought a roll of magnets about the size of quarters. Had no idea what I was going to use them for so I just stuck them on the metal frame of our blinds, behind the driver seat. Bingo! Ran inside, pealed one of the magnets from the roll, using my pocket knife, and out I came. Works great.

Cap sticks right to it while gassing the coach.

My old magnet is no good. When I shut the door this one sticks to the metal of the old magnet, holding the door closed.

See there, perfect.
Can not recall who had this bright idea but it is a good one.

One last Vdub. Hope the Vdub folks enjoyed the pictures. Colsyn and I sure enjoyed our long weekend. Can't wait for next year. Mike Yeager puts on a really good show. He has the friendliest employees, of such a buisness, that I have ever dealt with.
Coach is full and we are ready for the weekend. Hang around and I will shoot a few photos.
Dan