Closing out the 2005 work season

Once I got to the point where the initial frame work was done, I could get the vehicle back on its own wheels. After working on the frame all summer, this was a welcome moment in the project. It was a relief getting to this point, as the vehicle could now be easily trailered.

After getting some temporary spring perches welded to the rear axle, I measured and located the new forward spring mounts, tacking them into positon. The leaf springs were mounted and then the front wheels were put back on.

Once back on its own wheels, I could start messing around with getting the doors put back on.

I started putting the rear seats and side panels in to get an idea of what I will have to do for the wheel tubs when the time comes. After several months, it was starting to look like a car again, and my patient neighbors were noticing and commenting on the progress.

The season closed on a somewhat dramatic note. The day I got the doors mounted and was adjusting them, a major storm system hit the Twin Cities area, flooding area streets and knocking out power.

My Dad and Mom had come out to tell me about the impending storm. At that point, I could still see blue skies, but a look behind the house to the west told a different story. I gathered up my tools, threw the cover on the car and we all watched from the garage as the storm blow in. In all of the storms that I have been witness to, I have never seen such incredible downdrafts and microbursts like what I saw with that storm.

The cool weather behind the stom system pretty much signalled the beginning of fall. I spent the next month getting both the 62 and my 63 ready for their winter nap.

In the spring of 2006, just as I was getting ready for another work season, I accepted a job at another railroad - a job that would take me south to Texas - where one can drive and work on their old cars almost year round. It would mean that the 63 project would be on hold for a few years, but in the long run, will be a better move for me. My older brother moved the 63 down here to Texas for me in March of 2007, and I put it in storage where it currently resides, waiting for me to complete work on my 62 project. Chances are, I will probably re-visit some of the frame work I have done on the 63, depending on what I learn and do with the 62 project.

(Insert Falcon graphics here)