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Somewhere around February 2004 I decided that I needed some help on finishing up the car. I was told about a guy here in town that worked out of his home shop and did some nice work. Long story short he and his son took over the project. I decided to have it chopped 1 7/8". Yeah I know, an odd amount but thats what I decided on. They also had to almost completely redo the roof. It was, in their opinion and mine after they explained it to me, a mess. They had to do away with the ribs so it is now smooth. Also removed the beads in the back that run alongside the rear window. They also finished off the firewall, filled in around the cowling, and then built a real nice tailpan for when I eventujally add the fenders. They prefit the rear ones and bobbed them 4". After they got it all blocked it seemed a shame to not just go ahead and paint it soI told them to go ahead. The old patience thing again! We used Sikkens BC/CC and then rubbed it all out and it came out real nice in my opinion. By the way the place is called Whitt's Rod Shop and its run by Bruce Whitt and his son Justin. Top notch builders and top notch guys.

This is a picture of the old gal on the night we went on our first cruise. It was somewhere around the first week in June. We went to the local Sonic drive in. Had lots of fun and even had a few admirers. Later that month we went to the Rocky Mountain Nationals in Pueblo, Co. I trailered it over because we had very few miles on it and its a pretty good trip over Vail and Loveland passes. We always hang out with some long time friends. Around the first of August we took off for the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Ky. We trailered again because of the mileage thing and as it turned out, as you will see later, it was a very good thing we did.

In September we decided to go to a car show in Paonia, Co. Its about an hour from here. About 30 miles out of town the motor lost oil pressure. I shut it off immediately but it was too late. Teardown revealed all rod and main bearings were shot and the crank was also toast. Rebuilt it with a new pump and pickup and so far (2000 miles) so good.

Around Feb. 2005, I got impatient again and took the car down to a rod shop upholsterer. Cost a few beans but it was obviously much better than I could have done so I was very happy about how it came out and it pretty much finished off the car (for now anyway).

We went to Pueblo and the Nationals again this year. Drove to Pueblo and back (700 miles) no problem but it did convince us that we didnt want to trek off to Louisville in the little A. Im working on a 47 Ford Coupe (my wifes car) now so maybe we will drive it next year. Much bigger, roomier and a smoother ride!!!.

I have decided to go ahead and have the Whitt's help me put on the fenders, splash pans and running boards this winter. I will update when that is all finished.