rick442

Hi all,
I thought I would share my story. I got this car January 2017. It belonged to my best friend. My friend is a quadriplegic. He had the hand controls installed so he could drive it. The original numbers matching engine was pulled, (yes,I have it!) , and a bad *** 455 was installed.
I have been maintaining the car for 16 years. The car had been willed to me. My friend decided it was time for me to take over the car and take it to the next level. I had refused for a couple of years. I told him the only way I'll "take" the car is if you are in a pinewood box. He stated I was missing the point. I knew Loren many years before his accident. This was a small token (as he put it) of his appreciation for our friendship and all I have done for him.
So, the lesson is ,, sometimes you have to accept things so others can give!
What a gift and blessing!
The car was very solid. The body was very wavy though. Interior pretty good.
this is what it looked like when I got it.


I sold my 71 CUDA to put $$ into it.


I keep the hand controls handy so he can drive anytime he wants.
I performed all the work. I documented the process and took pics and videos.
Next step is finish the engine compartment. Then decide on what wheels and tires to go with. I'm running the Centerlines for now.




Here is the link to my Google Drive to view all the pics and vids.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...kU?usp=sharing
To be clear, I am not a professional and made my share of mistakes.
Maybe some of you can get a tip or two. Or get motivation to try things yourself. Or at least a chuckle or two!

oldcutlass

Stories like this don't come along often enough. One of the best examples of true friendship I've heard in a while. Kudos to both of you, thanks for sharing your life's experience and the restoration of the car.

scrappie

Thats an inspiration to hear. Thanks for sharing.

OldSoldier

Super cool story, thanks for sharing it!

don71

That is a great story of friendship and darn nice car too.

droptopron

Great story, and I love the car. 'Cuda was badass too.

Jamesbo

A friend will help ya move, but a Great friend will help you move a body

72convert455

Thanks for sharing all the photos. Can't wait to do something like this to my car. Did you do all the priming yourself at home?

rick442

Howdy 72Convert455,
Yes, all primer, body work and painting the jambs and under the trunk and hood.
I did as much as I could outside. All body work and main sanding was done inside due to cold. The timing was good that it warmed up enough to spray outside. I hung plastic sheets for my makeshift body shop. started body work in January and finally sprayed in September. Fortunately , I have a buddy that owns a body shop so I could spray the paint/clear.

CRUZN 66

Inspiration in its finest sense and an exceptional portrayal of friendship... Nice looking car as well...