Here's a true story that some of us can benefit from. A good friend and customer of mine since the 70's has a collection of Buicks. The crown jewel of his collection is his 1970 Gran Sport Stage 1 that he bought new in 1970. It's a special order car with a 3.91 rear, 4 spd. and special ordered Cadillac fire mist paint. Many of you who have been to my shop have seen this car. I've had to put this car in storage many times in over twenty years because the owner always postpones getting parts for the restoration or generally has just dragged the job out for years. A year and a half ago I became very blunt with him about getting his car finished because “your not getting any younger”. Well the end of last August he suffered a massive stroke. He lost control over most of the left side of his body.
Now the purpose of this story is to remind some of us that if you want to enjoy your old car or any other hobbies or plans. Don't put it off too long. ~BOB

 

Hat happened to a neighbor of mine. For him it was a GTO and he spent years just working on it and I don't think I ever heard it fire up. He passed away a couple years back and his sons towed it away.

 

Life's a *itch. Then you die.

 

I aint dead yet

 

We keep telling ourselves that now hahah

 

It happens more than we care to admit. I've lost a bunch of hot rodding buddies in the last few years.

 

nobody gets out alive

 

It's like we put everything before the project car. Career, family, child's education, etc. They all come first, then it's a rush to finish it before it's to late.

 

When I was transporting cars I picked up a Shelby Cobra from a lady's house in Bowlin Green KY and took it to Tampa, FL, it was the guys dream car he spend several years collecting parts and started putting them together but died from a heart attach , his wife sold the car JUST TO RID HERSELF OF THE MEMORY, The guy in Tampa got a heck of a deal the lady didn't have a clue what it was worth.
Enjoy today and the present YOU NEVER KNOW.

Johnny

 

 

My resto was high on my bucket list. I'm still working on it but driving it as well. I've been working hard since I was 15 and it's likely I won't see an official retirement. It's time to start having some fun.
Next on my list? A real Star Trek convention like the one this weekend in Vegas with all the big names (that are left). Now I just have to figure out how to secure a couple of nacelles to the trunk

 

This is why one my goals is to retire early, you never know how long you'll be healthy enough to enjoy doing what you like doing.

 

My retirement plan is 45, a .45 to the head.

 

That is sooooo true, it ain't even funny I have four beautiful daughters and this thread hits home with me because my car was also special ordered with Caddy Firemist paint by my Grandfather. I want to enjoy it but all of the above happened...

 

Agreed! But I have a friend that has put too much emphasis on cars and not on his family. So much so that he has lost them.....still has the cars tho.Balance is the key

 

Dont know your age, but if you have the time, money, tools, know how, a place to do it and the desire, then I say build it. It will give you great satisfaction knowing that YOU did it. Or at least most of it. Im 61 and I dont think ill do another one like the 67 im doing now. However I do want a 70 Buick GS to go with my 67 Olds 442 that im building now, my 65 Vette, and my 73 Trans Am.

 

Amen to that!!

 

Well I decided to bring this zombie thread back to life because of what has been happening this year. My friend, Joe Guzek (the owner of this 1970 Buick GS stage 1) has some great friends. This last winter we all got together and laid out a plan to get Joe's car finished. I'm happy to announce that his car is finished and it will be unveiled at the MCACN show in a few weeks. Be sure to stop by and check it out. Joe will also be there. Even though he can't drive this car, he is still enjoying getting to see his car finished. I'll post better pictures after the show.~BOB

 

great friends,great job

 

Not only that a vehicle can deteriorate further from just sitting and causes more work.

 

Is there a Cadillac Eldorado attached to that bumper?

 

Bob, that's awesome your friends car was finished for him. I'm sure it will be amazing when he gets to cruise in it!

 

wow! would have not expected that end of the story!! great respect Bob to you and your friends!

 

I've seen this car at Bob's shop and it is OUTSTANDING! The color is unreal...talk about a cool car with an Olds rear end to boot. Looking forward to seeing it finished in a few weeks.

 

Yes, Joe sure does have great friends including you Bob. I remember reading this thread when you first started it. I am so glad to see his car is finished! Where and when is the MCACN show? Is it in Michigan? I may be able to check it out.

 

Greg, here's the FB page. https://z-m-www.facebook.com/events/486591595267110/

 

Also restores ...MY FAITH...and JUST HOW GOOD it is to have GOOD friends.
Well done, Sir.

 

I had a wonderful time at the MCACN show. Lots of people stopped y to say hi and see the car and then on top of that it received two trophies. Joe had a great time and lots of people stopped just to talk to him. Getting this car done and to the show was a real team effort, so many thanks to all that helped out. ~BOB

 

Excellent!!

 

Congrats! Incredible car and story.

 

The pictures really don't do the car justice. The color is quite spectacular, and Joe is to be commended in having a sharp sense of hue.

 

well that’s very dark

 

Bob, really a sincere pleasure getting to meet you and Joe at the show. What wealth a knowledge - thank you for sharing with me.

 

Good work, beautiful car.

 

Thats beautiful, great work, great friends.
I guess that color is also 1970?
Steve

 

The buick was supposed to be a feature car in an upcoming issue of Muscle car review. But now that the magazine is no longer in print the feature won't happen. However here is the online content. https://redirect.viglink.com/?format...year-rescue%2F ~BOB