I had been working on various rescue ops (also seriously considering abandonment) when I was talking to my good friend Rich Bermea... I didn't even ask him for help but he mentioned he was off work due to the weather for a couple weeks and he and a friend would be willing to go down and put her together and bring her back. We worked out a deal and the next day he and his buddy took off for Simi Valley with tools and not knowing what to expect.. no one had personally seen the truck in months and there were no current pics of the status as the "mechanic friend" had gone drunken AWOL... total pile.
Rich and Rick set up camp (thankfully we were dealing with a very cooperative and understanding sister) and went to work.
Anyone who knows Rich (I know many of you have met him) knows he is a workhorse, loves a good adventure, and will do anything for his family and friends. I am proud to have him as a friend.
A day and a half later she was ready to go and after staying an extra night (1 night was planned/hoped for) they were on the road.
Luckily the dipsh!t didn't steal our CD's from the original road trip.
After she made it back to Rich's shop in Gilroy, a compression test showed at least 3 cylinders no bueno. So a local set of 390 heads with hardened exhaust seats already installed were swapped in and put back together.
Sportin Good Ron Shwarz's Chevy air cleaner and a fresh set of painted heads.
Back to my house and at home at last, and finally tucked in her resting place. I wasn't sure she would fit. It was a matter of inches on all sides. Whew.
Now I just gotta figure what I will use her for... Wife wants to drive it and I figure it'll be a great vehicle to teach her to use a clutch.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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