Thomas Wood:  

Some modest excitement in my world: Finally got my Mom's 1978 Avanti II car running this past weekend after 5 years with the help of my Nephew Chuck Wood Jr. The car flooded in Katrina to the middle of the dash and was in water for about a month in New Orleans. Have replaced the wiring the engine the transmission , the brakes, the exhaust, the dash and all instuments, new wheels and tires, new streering colunm and wheel. We solved about 98 percent of the electrical problems--few minor left. New radiator and all hoses, Cleaned and reinstalled gas tank, drained rear end and resealed with new fluid. Heater core leaks so that is a nexrt step, Need to decide on a color and a body shop to repaint it.. Will need complete interior and carpets etc.--I have replacement seats that need upholstery. I figure maybe this year it will be back on the road. Also have another 1972 Avanti that needs an engine and transmission installed in case get bored. Found out from some Avanti researcher that my 1987 Avanti LSC is one of 18 built in that year and is car number 3 of the 18 built---so kinda rare even when new. Obviously I like Avantis! Anyone interested in moreinfo about Avantis can google the name and several websites will come up. They were still building Avantis new in Cancun as late as 2007. UPDATE: Finished my Mom's car and gave it to my Nephew Chuck Wood JR in Texas on the 4th of July 2011 (my Mom's birthday!). Finished the yellow Avanti and gave it to our Daughter Brooks and her husband in San Diego. Sold my bride's Austin Healey after 44 years in the family--it was just collecting dust in the garagemahal. Of course this activity meant there was some empty garage space----sooooo---have added a 1957 Chevrolet 2 dr Hardtop to the restoration calendar. Might have it finished by next Easter. Mechanically its in great shape but cosmetically it needs full repaint and new interior. More fun! The three grandsons are keeping us entertained. My bride is off for two weeks of babysitting and daughter nuturing as Kate (one of our twins) is having some foot surgury and will be off her feet for awhile Update: March 4th, 2012. Well Easter is not going to happen--the 57 Chevy project is moving at a glacial pace. Still trying to get it to the body shop. Bought another 57 Chevy 4 door hardtop as a parts car.Bought a 1952 Harley Davidson Hummer motorcycle while getting the parts car. Have been watching too many episodes of American Pickers! But already sold it at a modest profit Mike and Frank would be proud! Stay tuned. Update August 20th 2012 Found a restoration body shop in Hammond LA: Damichi Motors--they have a website. The 57 Chevy is in the shop and work has started. They also have the 4 door and are trying to market it for credit on the 2 door project. Have subsequently bartered the 4 door for work on the 2 door. BIG News!!: our daughter Victoria and husband and new grandbaby Mason are moving from Spokane WA to Starkville MS so they will be only 3 hours away rather than half the country. Yeah!!! Miss Carol and I just had our 44th wedding anniversary . I picked ...Expand for more