William Dickerson:  

Only 20050 characters? Man, that photo makes me look fat. I'm "only" 190........ Anyway - "after highschool" -> I went on to DMACC for AA in automotive mechanics. Was on dean's list (4.0) It was the best thing I ever did and enjoyed those 2 years more than anything to that point. We were all CAR NUTS...... (and partied a bit much, had to haul (censored) out of Uncle Sams one night on penny beer night. I think someone in our group must have said something to another group and all I recall is moving out FAST!) After college - got the first job I applied for and started the following week. I was a mechanic 52 hours a week in Altoona. I soon developed my own following and customers. Got married in 1980, had our first son in '82. Was at Porters for about 5 years then the owner sold out, and my wife said "how would you like to move north and farm..." Great - moved to northern Iowa, farmed for 7 years and did auto repair on the side for xtra $$. Add son number two in '84. Divorced in 87 while on the farm. (we're still friends, though) After a few months, found a nice girl back in central Iowa. LONG distance dating! $300 phone bills. She moved up to the farm and we married, but she and farming didn't get along. (it was a money thing and fear as my ex owned the land and I leased it from her.) So we sold out and moved back to the Des Moines area. I got into computers in a big way but I never really left cars, either - but by now they were a hobby. Developed my abilities with computers Moved into computer networks and security and antivirus and now work for the State of Iowa as an ITS4, network administrator/security administrator. A few years ago I got the itch to get back into cars - I wanted another Javelin. I was bored with the technology of the new cars and wanted something I could "get into". Over the years I'd owned a Javelin, AMX, Eagle wagon and Eagle SX/4. I now own a Javelin - a rare fully optioned SST with 390 and a few mild mods, a fully loaded 1980 Eagle wagon and Eagle SX/4 Sport that will be built up a bit (see a pattern? My insurance agent did.) The Javelin came from MN as a very low miles project - really in good shape, but the years were catching up (NO RUST!) The SX/4 I bought as a rust-free CA car and had it trucked in. Currently in process of dropping a 4.0 liter Jeep engine into it with all the associated electronics and fuel injection. Plan on a few mods to it, it will be the daily driver - great for this area since Eagles are 4 wheel drive and arguably the first cross-over utility vehicle. The Eagle wagon was free if you don't count hauling a flatbed trailer behind a 4x4 to Reading, PA and $700 in gas and tolls later. Young fellow could no longer afford the lease o...Expand for more