The newest addition to my family. My dad's 1966 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible. This car has been a love of mine for a long time and receiving it has really become a bittersweet moment. NOBODY drove this car but my dad. That was just the way it was. But...1 time...a few years ago, I was allowed to drive around the block. That day was amazing! The trip around the block only lasted a couple minutes, but the memories and excitement of that day has been with me ever since.
So when my mom, brother and I wanted to take the car around the block in memoriam of my dad, it was my first opportunity to drive the car as MY car. The car is usually parked under a little tent at the top of the driveway. So I prepared the car and cleared the driveway and finally, started the car. That smells and sounds are amazing....my heart fills with memories of road trips. Brake pedal down, (to the floor....hmmm) and shifted into reverse. The car rolls forward a little, no big deal, so I hit the gas. I ease out of the tent and to the top of the driveway. Hi mom.....Bye mom!! I quickly realize that I have no brakes. All I can think about is that I HOPE nobody is coming down the street. Thankfully there isn't. I cut the wheel and now I'm driving down my street backwards. I finally get my head together and throw the car in neutral and hit the emergency brake. So I get the car back into the driveway and use the same e-brake maneuver to stop again. My mom's eyes are on fire...."If you EVER drive this car like that EVER again....." "MOM! I don't have any brakes!!" So after a little brake fluid and some minor maintenance, I get the car functional and more importantly the brakes work, so we take a ride. It feels just like that first ride. The wind in my hair and the power beneath my feet. There will be many more days like this to come.
Thanks Dad.
You can expect to see more pictures of the car in the months/years to come. Especially once I begin working on it more. It runs well but still could use some work.
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