Some where in a file on my computer I have pictures of what had been recovered white factory buckets, now stained with broken glass, caramelized blood and moose hair. The car as purchased came with two full quarter panels, a 4 speed console and pedals, a repo hood and louvers and the weather strip to redo the car. Not to mention emblems, door hinge rebuild kits and window fuzzes.
I'm sure looking at it you're probably shaking your head but for the money, it was a good deal.
I sold the bucket seats, automatic console and recouped 1/2 my out lay of cash. I've learned never sell a back seat however.
With the car not being numbers special, and me not worried about retirement, seemed a no brainer?
Buddy hit the moose at highway speeds. Neither saw it coming. Took the legs right out from under it, across the hood, crushing the "A" pillar, windshield and roof. Force of impact (?) spun the car around, buddies friend flew out the passenger door not wearing the seat belt when it popped open, car gets rear ended. So I was told. I was all ears hearing the story.
I've been asked a few times, why didn't I just have the frame pulled? Good question?
Honest answer was It wasn't my intention to fix it. Hostile take over. Buy, strip and sell parts. Fund the hobby for cheap. I actually had a 96 Salvage corvette (another story) I was originally planning on doing something with and at the time it was dragged home and they sat side by side I thought, hmm? The cheap frame hauled home came after. I still have the extra vette though?
Lots of work taking a car apart...I'm not sure why, I'm thinking it's a minor autistic thing, but I found myself constantly counting as I drilled spot welds?
I learned along the way to pick my battles. Some parts, while available as reproduction, I chose to fix and save a buck, keeping with low dollar high quality. At this point, I'm starting to strip it down. Digging in deep but thinking I could pull the pin knowing the neighbors would be thinking, he's finally come to his senses? I kept drilling. But I said, what have I got to loose?
I had still thought of just rebuilding the body and finding another frame. When I ordered my repo panels, I purchased accordingly to that train of thought. I doubt I'll be using the wheel tubs and trunk kit. The rest will come in handy however. I have a 4 door Chevelle stashed for another conversion?
Doing it the long way and the hard way maybe, but it still gets in done. Just like back in the day.