Feeling Thankful

I know I haven't really posted much on my car, so I figured it was time to do a catch-up post. I have taken it to three shows and a cruise-in. It has actually taken home an award at every single one. It is crazy to me getting so much recognition for this car. I feel like every time I go up to accept an award, that there are so many other people that put work into this car that should actually be getting this award. I feel so incredibly thankful to everyone who helped with this car, and made it what it is.

I have to thank my dad for buying such a neat car in the first place. I love that I have this connection to him. It is so fun when I can take him to car shows, and being able to share the experience with him. Watching him drive the fully restored car for the first time was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. He had his doubts, and in fact, he tried to talk me out of buying the car in 2007. He felt it was too far gone. He has been able to watch the restoration over the years and was able to witness how a car that was "junkyard material" could be restored to it's former beauty. I know it is neat for him to see his first car resurrected.

I of course have to thank my aunt for holding onto the car for so many years. I know she always dreamed of the day she would be able to restore it. I am so thankful she allowed me to purchase the car from her, even though it broke her heart to sell it. She had many memories in this car. I am also so thankful to her for giving me copies of pictures she had of the car all decked out on her wedding day. It is incredible having pictures of the car through the years.

As far as the restoration, the biggest thanks goes to my husband Mike. He orchestrated the whole thing, and did most of the work. He is amazing in what he was able to do for this car. This restoration never would have happened without him. My father-in-law also spent numerous hours at our house welding and helping to put the car together. I love that this daddy-daughter car became a father-son project as well. It just adds to the sentimental value of the car.  I can never thank him enough for the time he volunteered in helping with this restoration.

We also had Gary who did body work and paint. Gary is incredible in his skills. He was also great to deal with. It was fun being able to drive up to his house to check the progress of the car. We spent endless hours chatting with him about all kinds of things. He really did an incredible job with what he did. We also had some help from other people, like the exhaust shop, or Ron who did an amazing job on the headliner and seats.

There were just so many people that helped with this that I feel need recognition. That's why every time I walk up to get an award, I always feel like it should be Mike, or his Dad, or one of these other people accepting it. They did all the work. I just supervised, took pictures, blogged about it, and occasionally jumped in and helped when I could. Without them, I wouldn't even have this car. So to everyone who has played a part in this car coming together, I just want to say Thanks!