Jason Goguen

1979 Camero Berlinetta

Jason has many hobbies and interests that keep him very busy. When he's not socializing with Julie and their numerous friends (the phone never stops ringing), and he's not at school or work, you can find him in front of the computer. He's designed this new website for the Miramichi River Cruisers and loves to pretend he's a webmaster, computer hacker-genius. Whenever Dad's, or younger brother Adam's, games don't work, or one of Mom's projects aren't doing what she wants; Jason comes to the rescue. Jason also does door-to-door canvassing for Cystic Fibrosis, Heart & Stroke, Kidney and Diabetes Foundations and Multiple Sclerosis. Whenever someone calls for help, Jason never says no!

Jason started dreaming about owning his own car at the age of 11. He bought his car in 1999 when he was only 14 years old. When he and his Dad came home with a 1979 Camero, I asked him why he bought such an old car. He had enough money saved in his account to buy a second-hand newer model, one that would not require so much work. My very excited, bright-eyed, all grown-up, little boy looked at me and smiled, "So I can go to the Car Shows with you and Dad!" His father and I were never prouder.

The Camero had no motor or transmission, with 3:72 posi-traction gears, barely any interior and was painted with Tremclad yellow paint. For those of you who don't know, Tremclad paint is used for painting wheelbarrows and such. The car was used primarily for drag racing, which was a good thing, because it meant there was no rust on the car's body. Jason then bought a 1980 Cutlass for the 305 engine and the black interior came from a 1979 Trans Am. He and his Dad scrounged around for a standard transmission and picked up an Edlebrock carburetor, headers and a breather. The Weind high raise manifold was "borrowed" from dear old Dad. Jason wanted the car to be a standard, so Dad explained to him how to make the change, Jason would work on it for awhile, come in to the house and say, "Dad, I can't get to that bolt," or "Dad, something's not working right" and Rick would go out to the garage, show Jason what needed to be done, and then he would do it. He restored the whole car that way. He loved working on the engine and interior, but absolutely hated bodywork and painting. Rick did the paint and flame job himself, and Jason did all the prep work. They changed their minds three times on the flames. Rick would paint them on, they would step back and look, sand them off, paint them again, sand them off and repaint. I never met a woman that was as fussy as those two!

Every Christmas, birthday, grading and other present-receiving holiday's and events, Jason asked for cash or car parts. One Christmas Mom & Dad gave him a CD player. Jason and his 2 best friends, Steve and Russell, would sit in the car, pretending to be cruising, listening to music. This past Christmas, Jason got a gallon of paint and auto-body supplies. His grandparents think it's great just giving cash, as it saves them the agony of trying to figure out what to get him. Even his girlfriend has gotten into the act, by going out to the garage and helping with the sanding. She comes in covered with dust from head to toe, grease on her hands and a huge smile on her face. She loves it!!

While Mom and Dad are extremely proud of their son, however, Mom can't help but worry (as all Mom's will understand) and be a little sad. Kids grow up too fast these days. Dad is re-living his child-hood. "Like father - Like son" really fits the category in that family. Adam thinks his big brother's car is really cool and likes to hang out with "the guys". Julie loves Jason, helps him with the car, and wants all the girls to know that he's "her man" and is not available! Julie's parents are impressed with Jason, but warns he better drive safe with their daughter, or else!!!

Look for Jason and his Prowler Yellow, with Triumph Red flames, 1979 Camero Berlinetta around the Miramichi. He'll probably have Julie and a few friends with him driving to a car show or two. Make sure you wave Hello, and please let Mom know if he's driving too fast. Thanks.

By Brenda Goguen