Thanks Verne & Tom

[ORIGLS6]

Just wanted to say Thank you to Verne Frantz, and Tom & Chris Payne for a fun day Wednesday. Don Stowers, Rick Nelson and myself took a road-trip to Eastern Illinois to visit the shop of Tom Payne while Verne is there visiting and working on his latest purchase. (I'll let Verne give the details on that one. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Tom gave us the tour of his super cool shop and some of his cars. Tom's wife Chris furnished some mid-morning snacks, then we were off to a local restaurant for some good down-home cooking. The Payne's were great hosts and I think we've convinced Tom that his '66 L79 Chevy II belongs at the SCR this year! (Most likely at the track on Friday. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

Again, Thanks to Verne for the invitation and to Tom & Chris for their hospitality. All 'Good Folks!' http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[WILMASBOYL78]

Did Cumby buy lunch..??

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Salvatore]

Mid morning snacks........T-Kakes, Goods potato chips, soft pretzels (with mustard and Kwizz) and good old Pa. Dutch Birch Beer with some Rosenbergers iced tea thrown in. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Did Cumby buy lunch..??

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

In Sammy's honor, we went "Dutch". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[SS427]

It was a great day and with great hosts. Lots of nostalgia in that shop and the way Tom decorated it was beyond imagination. One of the neatest items was actually out doors in the dirt! Post the pictures Cumby! Very cool! We will be going back in a few to tour a local Warbird museum and then off to the shop to see more cars and bench race. As Cumby said, thanks Verne for the invite and also good luck with the new project, it was sweet to say the least. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[SmallHurst]

Tom is one cool cat and I have seen pictures of his garage-mahal. I would not need a house if I had a garage like that!!!!!

I met up with Tom during the Pure Stock Drags and he is very well thought out on all of his plans and his cars. He has that little grocery getter L79 Nova running strong. Of course he is on Goodyears!!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

It was great to have the visit. Enjoyed every minute. I'm glad you guys went to the trouble to come down and had a good time too. Tom is at Road America now helping another friend race his vintage car.
As for my new vehicle..........well, it's not much different from most vehicles; it has a steering wheel, throttle, motor, trans, a windshield, lights, seats, horn and even some original wood. It glides along as if it was floating. Ohhhh, and it's a convertible. Manual top though. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[ORIGLS6]

So the shake-down cruise went well? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[JoeG]

[ QUOTE ]
It was great to have the visit. Enjoyed every minute. I'm glad you guys went to the trouble to come down and had a good time too. Tom is at Road America now helping another friend race his vintage car.
As for my new vehicle..........well, it's not much different from most vehicles; it has a steering wheel, throttle, motor, trans, a windshield, lights, seats, horn and even some original wood. It glides along as if it was floating. Ohhhh, and it's a convertible. Manual top though. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Comon',...Any photos of this soap box racer.....

[Verne_Frantz]

The shakedown went fine. The old '58 V4 runs great and she handles like a dream. Tom and Chris both went along. Tom kept busy filming and bailing (she tends to leak, so some sealer along the keel is in order). Chris was my navigator as we searched for some lakefront homes and she provided lunch for us. It was a great trip (all 3 days)

Leaving for our maiden voyage
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/MaidenVoyage002.jpg

At speed (note that she still has her original cowl tag)
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/MaidenVoyage003_0002.jpg

A happy captain
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/MaidenVoyage004_0001.jpg

Sir Cumby, I'm sure it would be OK with Tom if you posted some pics of the "lawn art". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[budnate]

Cool old boats Vern, amazing how light they feal at the wheel when running, I had a pretty close twin to yours last summer, run a dose of sea foam through it 2oz per gal to free up the rings it will run much better after a few gallons , http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Tommy Nolen]

Look at that third photo.....Gilligan done grow'd a mustach!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[JoeG]

Congrats Verne,......... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif boat Skipper....Enjoy..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[njsteve]

Cool boat Verne. Love that sparkly steering wheel...or is that consider a tiller?

Hey speaking of tillers, Verne if you grew the mustache into a Fu Machu, you could be "a tiller, the Hun." http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

I'll be here all week ladies and gentlemen, remember to tip your waitresses and try the veal. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Cool boat Verne. Love that sparkly steering wheel...or is that consider a tiller?

Hey speaking of tillers, Verne if you grew the mustache into a Fu Machu, you could be "a tiller, the Hun." http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

I'll be here all week ladies and gentlemen, remember to tip your waitresses and try the veal. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That's funny Steve! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

[ QUOTE ]
Cool boat Verne. Love that sparkly steering wheel...

[/ QUOTE ]

You know how much I like sparkling steering wheels..............

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/Steeringwheel.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/LHwindowint.jpg

Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Smokey]

How long was it sitting before you put it in the water? The first time I swelled my barrel back, it took almost a weeks. It scared me until an old timer taught me that thats normal.

[Verne_Frantz]

I think it was out of the water for about a year. The leak slowed down after about 30min on the water but it was still coming in. I need to crawl under it and see if anything is soft. It could use sealer and paint at least. All the finishes are original. It's a wonder they lasted as well as they did.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif The last wooden boat I had I would put about 6-8" of water in it a few weeks before launching, that would help swell up the seams. I learned that the hard way. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
If you keep the boat on a trailer thats the way to do it, Keep it wet.

[x Baldwin Motion]

A happy captain
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/MaidenVoyage004_0001.jpg

Lookin good Cappy. Congrats on the vintage purchase, what are the details/story?

[Verne_Frantz]

History & Specs:

One owner boat. Owner died 3 years ago and his cousin inherited it. Put it on the water a couple times then decided to sell.
1960 Thompson Bros (Peshtigo, WI) SeaCoaster Special. 16' Mahogany deck and interior. All original hardware except the replacement voltage meter on the dash (which doesn't work). I have the original amp gauge that occupied the same hole. Came with a pair of Thompson skis, rope and ladder, and original paddle. I also have the original fuel tank which looks nice but I'd want to coat it inside before using it.
The original motor on it is a '58 Evinrude FourFifty. It's Evinrude's first V4, 70cuin, 3" bores, two-stroke, belt driven magneto/points ignition with electric start and a generator. One 2bbl carb and a thermostat to control motor temp. Rated at 50hp. Paint, decals and emblems on the motor are original. Motor is "fondly" referred to as a "Fat Fifty". Tons of torque: said to be able to lift 4 skiers.
Trailer is a '60 Gator. Plans include a refurb on it. I have the original wheels and tires.
I purchased an nos period-correct Airguide tachometer which matches the other gauges, but I'm up against some friendly opposition regarding drilling a hole in that mahogany dashboard.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

I'd like to publically thank Tom Payne for all the transportation chores this toy has presented, and for the use of his shop and time which allowed me to have that grin on my face. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[bb767]

Verne,

It was my pleasure to help you out. Your little Thompson is just a neat,neat little boat. We sure had fun didn't we?

Dennis,Don and Rick thanks so much for taking the time and trouble to come visit "the center of the universe". The welcome mat is always out! Here's the picture that Rick wanted posted I think.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/TerraPlane2008wm.jpg

This was some of the treasure I found when I was cleaning out the "weeds" after I purchased my shop. I left it as yard art. I suppose on some level this might be considered a "Supercar". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Dennis feel free to post any of the "after" pictures you want. I can post the "befores" if anyone is interested.

Thomas

[SS427]

That's the one Tom. Exactly how it was laid to rest many, many years ago! This in itself made the trip worthwhile and that was even before you showed us your car collection! Damn I didn't bring the camera again!

[ORIGLS6]

Hey Tom, welcome aboard!

I can post a couple of pix later this evening if I can keep the squirrel on the treadmill. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[ORIGLS6]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif Photobucket isn't cooperating tonite!

Let's see if it works this time. Here's the Captain with the new toy. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016862.jpg

All original finish on the mahogany. NICE!

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016859.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016864.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

Now some shots of Tom's Chevy II and the shop. I could LIVE here! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016832.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016816.jpg

The car is sitting on a 20s/30s vintage Rotary Lift that Tom rebuilt and restored. Yes, it's fully functional and works like new.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016817.jpg

A shop 'Necessity'!

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016825.jpg

......and some 'appropriate decor'.


http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016824.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016823.jpg

Don contemplating his order.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016858.jpg

And what shop doesn't have a few of these laying around?

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016857.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/Payne/P1016856.jpg


What a cool place! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[bb767]

Gee wiz Dennis you make my shop look great. Here's what it looked like before your clever photography made it look so good.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/EarlyCentralLiftRoomEmail2sm.jpg


That's the lift if you look close in the above picture.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/LiftRoomHole.jpg

A little repair and it's now good to go.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/IMG_0079_sm.jpg

The below is the area where Vern's boat was sitting before I "freshen" that space up!

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/OrganizedChaos1.jpg


Maybe one more "before". The Pepsi machine is to the left of my son. I put it back in the same spot it's been in for 50 years.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/CamInOrigWeldingRm.jpg


The shop restoration was a fun project and I got to spend a Bunch of time with my son doing it. Highly recommended.


Thomas

[budnate]

OMG!! I thought you were pulling my chain...how the heck did you sort through all that cool stuff and fluff it up in one mans lifetime...I think I would still be in there lost and happy digging through it all. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

Man, there is so much stuff there, it looks like you needed three more shops to store it, or several LARGE dumpsters???

It is very cool now!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[bb767]

We just started on one end and worked our way through the building. That took about 5 months. The piles were 1.)keep for sure, 2.) keep and revisit whether to keep, 3.)recycle or discard. We wound up recycling 48 tons of steel from inside and out. Discarded 272 tires. I've still got another building to go through that needs to be emptied by October. Don, Dennis and Rick never made it to that one. That building is set to be torn down this fall after I get the replacement built. Anyone need some NOS shocks for a 1928-30 Chevy or a set of new, in the box, flat head Ford pistons and rings? That's just some of the parts found.

Before when I bought it:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/DiamondInTheRoughEmailSm-1.jpg

After much sweat:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u288/BB767/ShopFront2008sm.jpg

The inside took 1 1/2 years and the outside (5 acres) is still in progress.

Thomas