one sweet ride
Saturdays were spent
driving my old Chevy all over Oakland looking in the back row of every used car lot. Desperate to find something
that could be made into a “hot rod”.
It
had to be a Ford although I had been tempted by a 37 Packard convertible and a early something cabriolet. Having a steady
paycheck opened up this opportunity for me.
It was
hard for me to save money, but I felt good about that little savings envelope in the top drawer of my dresser; There was a
goal. My fantasy...... walking through the shiny newer cars up front and finding a jewel hiding in the back row
waiting for me to do some magic on it. The little Chevy drove me faithfully from lot to lot looking for it’s own
replacement.
Another
Saturday and I realize as I’m rolling along, that my dream just isn’t happening. Then when I thought it
was futile; it happened. Driving further than I had before, when something caught my eye; a flash of sunlight
on a chrome windshield frame, a Ford windshield. Parking with high hopes as I had so many times before....
I lived my fantasy....It was a
36 Ford. and....... it was a convertible!
The deluxe
model of the ford line. It was love at first sight ! It had roll-up windows ( with chrome frames ) and real leather
seats, but it was a four-door, a bathtub! There was the scent of heaven when the door opened. Wonderful “car”
smells that can be almost identified, but are unique. The front fenders and running boards are gone, giving it the look
of a cheap hot rod (almost): That didn’t matter now, I was sold. Colorado license plates.........It came
from Colorado, and right to me !! The rest of the car was original including the factory black paint. A
new tan top made it look presentable.
No use trying to haggle the price with the sales man (he saw the look in my eyes).
Driving it home there was a light rain, but it didn’t matter. In
fact it was a wonderful rain.
listening to the intoxicating music of the v8 sound, warm and cozy inside the car..... and in my heart. Soon
front fenders and running boards were located at the auto wreckers and slowly as a work in progress it became part custom,
part hot rod. Moon hubcaps, dark gray primer, and dual carbs. Driving all over town loving it and enjoying it, showing
off what a cool ride I had. It boosted my ego and hopefully my image ( or so I thought ).
Warm summer evenings driving on Lakeshore or
Grand Ave. the radio playing “the blue tango” or “the breeze and I”........Heaven it was. Now
it is like remembering an old flame or a lost love.
In the movie “paper moon,” the car Ryan O’Neil drives is the exact same model as my 36. and
memories flood back to me from all the many good rides my 36 gave me...
.
HOT ROD ADVENTURES...................Ron
Francis
