At Weeks End
We learned earlier this week in a well-crafted feature by Register reporter Rick Danley that Mike Schwindt can turn a sows ear into a silk purse.
Schwindt stunningly returned a 1967 Mustang to like-new condition, far from the first time he has turned such a trick.
In 1963, when Chevrolet introduced its first Chevelles 1964 models I dropped by Talley Chevrolet in Moran one fall day and offered up my 1955 Ford, a green beast that had carried me to and from Pittsburg State for some months, in exchange with cash considerations for a Chevelle Super Sport, satin silver, black interior, four-speed on the floor and bucket seats. Delivery took nearly four months, the new models being so popular.
A few statistics Ill never forget: The Chevelle SS weighed 3,000 pounds and was priced at $3,000. It was powered by an engine displacing 283 cubic inches 327s were added to the line in 1965.
I immediately saw myself as king of the road, driving too fast too often and once making the journey from downtown Pittsburg, after finishing my night shift at the Pittsburg Sun, to Humboldt in a flat 52 minutes. The accomplishment was aided by occurring after midnight on state highways seldom traveled in the wee hours of morning. I recall putting the hood ornament on the center stripe to give myself plenty of leeway.
Cars back then werent built to last 200,000 or more miles, and before long we parted ways in favor of a 1967 Chevy SS at Bud White Motors on West Street.
The Chevelle still has a place in my heart and every now and then I think about finding a 1964, and restoring it.
If I were to find one and thought we could afford the extravagance, Id leap at the opportunity to have Mike Schwindt bring back a part of our youth with a bright and shiny rendition of our Chevelle. Will that occur? Who knows? I noticed one in far less than pristine condition a few years ago at a car show and was on the verge of trying to make a deal before I awoke from daydreaming.
Now, on the heels of turning 75, I might think otherwise.
But if that never works out, Beverly and I still will have the pleasure every now and again of remembering our adventures in our original Chevelle SS, including the night we decided to fish all night at the lake just south of Buffalo, an experience we arent eager to duplicate. Sleeping in bucket seats isnt much fun.
But, when youre young you do a lot of crazy things
Meanwhile, if you know where a distressed 64 Chevelle SS is sequestered, hoping for rescue, you might give me a call.
