The Escalantes '70 Challenger R/T "EL HEMI"

[el hemi]

Hello everyone! Great website. What an amazing number of great cars and owners I see here at YENKO.NET. Here is a story I’d like to share with you.

Today is a very special day for me. It marks the 40th anniversary of the day my father (RIP) took delivery of what has become a permanent fixture in the ESCALANTE family, A 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T (EL HEMI).

It was a Friday morning December 12, 1969 when my father went to Northwestern Dodge in Detroit to pick up the car he had ordered a few weeks prior…..an orange with black stripe machine and a HEMI in between the fenders. This HEMI, the motor he had sworn to one day own after hearing one outside a restaurant in Venezuela was now his!

My dad was 27 yrs old and I was 4 when EL HEMI came home. What he did not realize when he bought the car was that it would also become the greatest source of bonding with his two sons and grandsons. Any time you expose kids to kool cars, awesome sounds, and speed, a bond starts to form. In our case it surely did….a bond between our father, ourselves, and this kool car. A recipe that continues to work as my brother Gus and I use it to pass along grandpa’s passion for DODGE MATERIAL among other things.

There are numerous stories and memories we want to share with you. One such story was dad’s drive from Detroit to Chicago in late winter to have the car Dyno Tuned at Mr. Norms. The frequent visits he paid notorious speed shops in the Detroit area where he spent every dime (according to my mom) on the car, were all documented as he kept every receipt for the purchases.

For now…let us pay tribute to an awesome father-grandfather and car enthusiast……Jose Escalante. A good friend of ours convinced us to put our story on a website for people to see and friends and family all over the world to keep up with this kool car we all call EL HEMI. We just updated our website. Check it out. http://www.elhemi.com

“Son….rev it up..c’mon keep it alive…don’t let it die!!!” Dad’s words as I was learning how to drive EL HEMI. I was 14. I am now 44. I can still hear his words when I start the car and occasionally wrestle with the cold natured elephant!

Here is the FAMILIA picture. I am the one in blue jacket http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/FamilyPicture1.jpg

With my brother Gus
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/ElHemi-1970-JuanGus1.jpg

Daytona 1972 - DAY TWO LOOK
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DaytonaBeach-circa1972.jpg

Tail end of its resto
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/137.jpg

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/142.jpg

My father's last visit to see his baby - 3 months after this picture was taken he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Lasted just enough to give me time to jump on a plane and be by his side until his last breath.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/Jose-LastvisittoElHemiresto-2003.jpg

There is more at http://www.elhemi.com

[Ngtflyr]

Let me be the first to say, Welcome Aboard! Lot of closet Mopar enthusiasts here. Very http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif story, great to see it stay in the family. Love the El Hemi moniker.

[TDW]

Great car and story! The old pictures are just so cool! I will check out your web-site.

[njsteve]

Awesome!

Welcome to the site.

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

[m22mike]

Welcome Juan
WOW.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif...cool story, cool vintage pic,s, very neat websight, and there is a little closet Mopar in all these Chevy guy's.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif
Sorry to hear about you Dad, my dad just passed at 88.
Oh Yea...we love pictures, anymore old stuff.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Charley Lillard]

I hate Mopars..... :-)

[mockingbird812]

Juan - welcome aboard! What a terrific family story with "El Hemi"!. You have a very nice website. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[sYc]

Cool story..and car...thanks for sharing it with us. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[markjohnson]

WOW! Some of them really did come with dog-dish hubcaps!

[Mr70]

Welcome
Great story with even better pictures.
Do you still have that orange Dodge jacket your fathers wearing in that pic too?

[Shevelle]

What a cool car and story to go with it. Glad to see it has remained in the family all these years. Your Dad would be proud.

BTW...What kind of car is that driving by in the background?? Camaro??

[njsteve]

The white car is a Volvo P1800.

[Shevelle]

Thanks Steve. LOL - I wasn't even close http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[el hemi]

[ QUOTE ]
Welcome
Great story with even better pictures.
Do you still have that orange Dodge jacket your fathers wearing in that pic too?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sure do! Now his 18 yr old grandson wears it.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/jacket-resized.jpg

[MrsBillyBobcat]

Very COOL Juan! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Does your mom still have those boots? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif (just kidding! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)


AWESOME story, vintage photos, and website! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Being from the Detroit area, I loved this line: "The siren call of Woodward and Gratiot Avenues were too much to resist!" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

Rita

[Don_Lightfoot]

Well Juan, let me add my welcome to all the others so far. What a terrific story and some very cool vintage pics.

It's nice to see the enthusiasm passed down between generations. When I got back in the Musclecar hobby in the early 1990's I restored a 64 Goat. My son was 13 at the time and he just loved that car. However, he expressed no interest in the other Musclecars I've had since then. Sounds like your offspring are well on track to keep your tradition alive. Thanks for sharing.

[al8apex]

that is a very nice website, awesome!

[MosportGreen66]

Those vintage pictures make me crazy for this car! Love the restoration shots too.

To change the topic slightly, on your site you have a picture of one of those "Swinger" Corvettes... where was that photo taken? Date? I have two vintage shots of the same toy.

Best,
Dan

[el hemi]

[ QUOTE ]
Those vintage pictures make me crazy for this car! Love the restoration shots too.

To change the topic slightly, on your site you have a picture of one of those "Swinger" Corvettes... where was that photo taken? Date? I have two vintage shots of the same toy.

Best,
Dan

[/ QUOTE ]

MosportGreen66: Autorama Show 1971 - Cobo Hall - Detroit.

[CC Rider]

Very cool story! Thanks for posting it up, and welcome.

[TDW]

The note to "piston #1" is just plain unforgetable. How cool is that?

[Bill Pritchard]

Just an incredible story and so neat to see the dedication to the vehicle (and its original owner) that the family maintains. Welcome and we hope to see and hear a lot more from you, Juan!

Especially meaningful to me as I spent 7 years restoring a 70 Hemi Challenger that was about 200 cars ahead of yours on the assembly line (mine was VIN sequence 186914) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Canuck]

Their is nothing better than cars with Family history. This one is one of the best.

Paul

[Postsedan]

Speechless and Priceless! My hats off to the Escalantes Family!

Dan.

[SBR]

Juan,
Welcome, I love hemis! Great story and website. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

Now his 18 yr old grandson wears it.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/jacket-resized.jpg


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif can still hear his words when I start the car http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Very very cool !!

[el hemi]

[ QUOTE ]
Just an incredible story and so neat to see the dedication to the vehicle (and its original owner) that the family maintains. Welcome and we hope to see and hear a lot more from you, Juan!

Especially meaningful to me as I spent 7 years restoring a 70 Hemi Challenger that was about 200 cars ahead of yours on the assembly line (mine was VIN sequence 186914) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Bill: that is probably the closest VIN I've seen to ours. PM some pictures. Love to see it? I suppose it was built on or close to NOV. 11.

[Mopar471]

Great story, keep the Hemi alive

[dykstra]

Great story!!

[mmcporter]

Love the car and story of El Hemi. So sorry about the loss of your dad - I too lost a father who died way too young due to pancreatic cancer - a cruel killer.

[JoeG]

Your DAD looked real happy in that photo.......I don't blame him........... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[el hemi]

[ QUOTE ]
Love the car and story of El Hemi. So sorry about the loss of your dad - I too lost a father who died way too young due to pancreatic cancer - a cruel killer.

[/ QUOTE ]
mmcporter: Sorry to hear about your dad. You are right..of all cancers this one is a tough one to beat.

On a lighter note and for some of my own therapy here is a picture in 1996 of my dad moments before he trailered the car to the port in Venezuela. It wasnt easy to get EL HEMI out of Venezuela and back to the US. The trouble started in 1972 when he imported the car to Venezuela and had the car registered with Vzla's own version of a BMV. A clerk at the BMV in Vzla did not pay attention and mistyped the car's VIN #. Dad never checked it! When it was time to start all the proceeding to bring the car back to the US we found the mistake. It took over a year to get this corrected. If you think BMV is bad in the US you have no idea how BAD it is in other places. You can't see from this picture but while we were going through all the red tape my dad had the car stored at a friend's JUNKYARD. Check out the 1968 camaro in the back.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/ElHemi-1996-DadChivera-resized.jpg

[Dave Rifkin]

Nice Scrambler too.

[el hemi]

Here is another shot of the car leaving our friend's junkyard on its way to the port.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/1996-leavingjunkyard-rezised.jpg

[Tracker1]

[ QUOTE ]
Nice Scrambler too.

[/ QUOTE ]

hmmmm...me thinks that red/white nose belongs to a 68-72 Chevy-GMC pickup or blazer instead?

[Dave Rifkin]

I was referring to the tow vehicle; it's definately a Jeep CJ8 Scramble.

[Tracker1]

right you are.

[el hemi]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Nice Scrambler too.

[/ QUOTE ]
hmmmm...me thinks that red/white nose belongs to a 68-72 Chevy-GMC pickup or blazer instead?

[/ QUOTE ]
You are both right....towing vehicle out of the junkyard is a Jeep Scrambler and red/white nose appears to be a GMC truck behind the red fence.

Here more pictures circa 1996 when El Hemi made it to Jacksonville, Florida. My heart was pounding when the container showed up.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/ElHemi-1996-UnloadingContainer-Jack.jpg

Picture below...workers from the port - The guy with the camera was from Mopar Muscle Magazine who came to photograph the arrival of the car. You cant see it in this picture but there was a lady from the Food and Drug administration who was there to inspect the car. When the container doors opened the lady didnt understand why the guys were in ahhhh! After one of the workers told her what it was she asked me for the form she needed to sign...signed it, gave it back to me and said "I dont need to inspect the car. Good Bye".

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/ElHemi-1996-OpenContainer1-Jacksonv.jpg

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/ElHemi-1996-OpenContainer2-Jacksonv.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

More great photos and story....keep 'em coming, Juan! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

Neat!

[el hemi]

Another story associated with the return of El Hemi has to do with the EDA (estimated date of arrival) of the vessel transporting the car to the port in Jacksonville. I had to follow this closely because I coordinated all the logistics of flying down to Jacksonville and renting a UHAUL truck and trailer to make the trip north to Indiana. Car arrived to port almost a month later. Not usual given the fact the voyage is no more than a week..if that. According to our freight forwarder, the captain of the vessel had a heart attack and died. They had to make a stop on one of the caribbean islands.

Picture below is the UHAUL truck somewhere in Tennessee. I drove straight from Jacksonville to Indianapolis. I was running on adrenaline!!
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/ElHemi-1996-UHAUL-resized.jpg

[Smokey]

Thats classic!!! A hemi behind a Uhaul.

[el hemi]

[ QUOTE ]
Thats classic!!! A hemi behind a Uhaul.

[/ QUOTE ]
Smokey...you are right. Should have imported the stationwagon below to pull the car. Matching colors too http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/montecarlostationwagon-1978.jpg

[SS427]

The stories just don't get much better than this one and with a nice ending. I am sorry your father will never get to see the finished car but am happy to hear it will be staying with the family. Awesome car and story and once again, thank you for sharing! You are a true car and family guy! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[mockingbird812]

Boy Juan, if that isn't a Chevrolet magazine ad with all of the young baseball player around the wagon, I don't know what is!!! Great story. Love the pix.

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

[Xplantdad]

LOL...I din't realize that it was a family picture...I thought it was a Chevy ad http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

How cool! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[el hemi]

[ QUOTE ]
LOL...I din't realize that it was a family picture...I thought it was a Chevy ad http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

How cool! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
It is an ad for what was then a new 1978 Monte Carlo stationwagon. I happen to be in the picture http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. Check the "old street pictures" thread on the Lounge section and you'll see where I am standing. My remark about importing the stationwagon to tow El Hemi was a "come back" to a comment one of our colleague member made earlier in the thread.

Changing gears...now that we are in the middle of winter How about the picture below? myself - December 1969. First snow fall for the Escalantes. Dad had not had the car for more than a couple of weeks. Picture was in Ann Arbor, Michigan where dad was attending University of Michigan.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/inthesnow2.jpg

[Mr70]

Great pic!

[PeteLeathersac]

[ QUOTE ]
Great pic!

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto...and needs a set of those cool 1/2 tread snow-tires like you have Rick!.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
~ Pete

[gb70]

Your story really reached out to me on so many levels. I have always been a BIG "E Body" Mopar guy. Have had my share of them. Bought my first 1970 Cuda from the original owner back in 1979 at 16. Lost my dad to pancreatic cancer in 1988, he was just 56 years old. Gald to see EL HEMI in the family and so well taken care. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[hvychev]

This is one of the coolest stories I have ever read on this website. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[XXXGoldL34M20]

what a fantastic story,nothing better to restore a car in honor of your dad.
i have been a chevelle guy all my life until i bought a 1970 challenger a few years ago,they are such a great looking car and man do they go like stink when a hemi or 440 six pack is tuned and running great!
attached is a photo of my 70' chally R/T S.E. 440 six pack 4 speed car.
all the best and i cant wait to see that hemi car finished http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[el hemi]

Thanks for all your wonderful comments. I happen to be visiting Caracas this week. El Hemi spent 24 yrs in Venezuela. Earlier today I drove around the city. Talk about going down memory lane! Anyhow, I am posting more pictures to show you how the car started evolving through the years.

Picture below is the earliest recorded picture we have. This picture was taken just days after my father took delivery of the car Dec 12, 1969. I am not sure if it precedes the picture where I am sitting on top of the fender posted earlier. Notice the car does not have the rear window louvers. Taillight panel is body color (as it should be). Look at the bottom part of driver side fender...you can see dad had already put a blue Chrysler insignia decal.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/elhemiinthesnow.jpg
This picture is circa March 1970. Just a few months after getting the car dad started making changes (very much the way many people did back then). He puts a set of rear window louvers (courtesy from a close friend that worked at Chrysler's design dept at the time). Taillight panel is now painted black (just like T/A did). Take a look at the THRUSH MUFFLER decal on the rear bumper. Yup, out with the OE resonators...in with a set of Thrush Glass Pack part#3163 (I have the original invoice form the shop he purchased mufflers from). Last...check out the back seat. Its myself and brother Gus. Looks like mom is warming up the car and dad took the picture.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/echandohumo.jpg
Green '70 Challenger SE next to El Hemi was purchased by a fellow Venezuelan college student and car enthusiast. Car went to Venezuela. Original owner sold car in the mid seventies. Car passed through several hands. Car´s fate is unknown.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/echandohumo2.jpg

[el hemi]

Keeping up with the spirit of WINTER here a picture taken 40 winters ago in Jackson, Michigan. This is a still shot from an 8mm movie we have. In this picture you can continue to see changes Jose made to EL HEMI. Here you can see t/a style trim rings. Check out what appears to be an OLDS and a Mustang in the background.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/Picture012.jpg

Myself and my brother Gus 38 yrs ago (Circa 1972). I am the one wearing the Challenger t-shirt...of course.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/juangus-1972.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Wonderful photographic documentation and history of a terrific muscle car. Just priceless! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Wonderful photographic documentation and history of a terrific muscle car. Just priceless! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[MrsBillyBobcat]

[ QUOTE ]

Myself and my brother Gus 38 yrs ago (Circa 1972). I am the one wearing the Challenger t-shirt...of course.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/juangus-1972.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

That is a CUTE pic!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

btw...I noticed your shirt right away!

[el hemi]

Keeping pace with the changes JOSE (RIP) made to El Hemi back in the day...take a close look and see if you can spot them. First picture shows the mods. Second picture was taken when new.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/ratroasterintake1-resized.jpg
1) Rat Roaster Intake 2) Spark plug wires 3) Mallory Distributor 4) Fender mounted turn signal indicators.
I am seriously thinking about putting the RR intake back on it again. Just to add to the DAY TWO look the car has now. I know this intake is not the best and has its drawbacks but I just love the looks of it. So if you see the car this driving season..take a look inside the engine bay. It may be a little different. Ohhhh I also have the Mallory distributor and coil http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif



Compare with picture below taken when new. Take a look at the overspary on the firewall. We replicated this as close as we could during the resto.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/motorshot-resized.jpg

[dreemz]

Absolutely wonderful story http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[el hemi]

I am back in the US from an emergency trip to Venezuela. Will explain later.

Soon after EL HEMI was brought home a T/A hood was put on. The hood came from a friend of my dad's who worked in the design department at Chrysler back then. We didnt know the significance of the hood until car was undergoing resto.

The hood is believed to be a prototype piece. The main differences from a production hood are the raised dodge insignia seen on the front center,position of the scoop set 2" further back, there are no windshield squirters and the air vents are narrower, deeper and use a different mesh.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/014resized.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/011resized.jpg
Juan & Gus some 40 years agooooo
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/tahood.jpg

[el hemi]

Below some picture I received from Barry Washington. Barry nowadays keeps score on all 1970 Challenger T/A produced. He sent me the pictures from Dodge Public Relations on the 1970 Challenger T/A protoype. Hood on the car has all the characteristics that sets it apart from a production hood. Until another hood with this characteristics comes up, we are to believe this hood is the one on EL HEMI today!
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/002resized.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/004resized.jpg http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/resized1.jpg[/image]
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/006resized.jpg http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/008resized.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

Wow...it just keeps getting better, Juan. I love it!

[Xplantdad]

Agreed!!!

[Mopar471]

Now that is a great way to find out about your car.

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
Until another hood with this characteristics comes up, we are to believe this hood is the one on EL HEMI today!


[/ QUOTE ]

Now THAT is just fricken awesome if it is one and the same! I agree, it just keeps gettin better and better! Love how many old photos you have of the car. Great stuff. Hope all is ok in Venezuela.

[el hemi]

After a few months of hybernation I had El Hemi out on Sat. Drove it around town and even took it on Interstate 70 for a 30 mile roundtrip to the next town exit. I know everytime we take our cars out on the street we are taking a risk but let me tell you, taking the car on an interstate road and openning it up is THERAPY for me.

I also took my 18 year old son to our usual local church parking lot for him to continue getting used to the car. The learning process has been slow but sure enough he is getting better. He confessed..."dad dont tell mom http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif but I have been borrowing my buddy Sam Davis'(H.S. friend) Chevy Cobalt during lunch time at school. Cobalt is a manual car. Dont you think I'm getting better http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif?". I didnt know what to say.

3rd generation Escalante at the wheel of El Hemi.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC00091.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC00098.jpg
My little Caylor at the wheel. I think his Grandpa Jose would be proud.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/th_MOV00095.jpg (http://s961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/?action=view&current=MOV00095.flv)

[PxTx]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing all the pics. The video is cool too. I'm sure that Cobalt is really feeling like a toy after driving a true muscle car!

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
3rd generation Escalante at the wheel of El Hemi.


[/ QUOTE ]

If that isn't "priceless", I don't know what is! If this car - and the stories that go along with it - has not been featured in any prominent Musclecar magazines, they are missing out on something, for sure.

[Plowman]

Cool!

[SS427]

Love it that you are having your son carry the torch on. While watching that video I kep saying, "nail it! NAIL IT!" LOL

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
3rd generation Escalante at the wheel of El Hemi.


[/ QUOTE ]

If that isn't "priceless", I don't know what is! If this car - and the stories that go along with it - has not been featured in any prominent Musclecar magazines, they are missing out on something, for sure.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sam Griffith...get on this...If you haven't already http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[njsteve]

Juan,

You are one trustworthy father!

I have been driver-training my daughter through the carefully supervised use of lawn mowing equipment for over a year now. Seeing how she runs over most of the small trees, shrubs, curbs, furniture, vinyl siding, etc., with the riding mower, I dont think I'd trust her behind the wheel yet....or for another 20 years.

How about an arranged marriage. I think we could build a good sized car collection out of this venture! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SBR]

[ QUOTE ]
Love it that you are having your son carry the torch on. While watching that video I kep saying, "nail it! NAIL IT!" LOL

[/ QUOTE ] I was thinking the same thing! I love that your son is carring the torch. Ten more years before I give Steve Jr driving lessons.

[mockingbird812]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
3rd generation Escalante at the wheel of El Hemi.


[/ QUOTE ]

If that isn't "priceless", I don't know what is! If this car - and the stories that go along with it - has not been featured in any prominent Musclecar magazines, they are missing out on something, for sure.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sam Griffith...get on this...If you haven't already http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Hmmmm -- seems like a no-brainer. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Most excellent Juan/proud Pappy! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[el hemi]

[ QUOTE ]
Juan,

You are one trustworthy father!

I have been driver-training my daughter through the carefully supervised use of lawn mowing equipment for over a year now. Seeing how she runs over most of the small trees, shrubs, curbs, furniture, vinyl siding, etc., with the riding mower, I dont think I'd trust her behind the wheel yet....or for another 20 years.

How about an arranged marriage. I think we could build a good sized car collection out of this venture! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Steve: My little Caylor was behind the wheel early on. He and his dad have a soft spot for L88 Corvettes. I bet we could put a nice muscle car collection together! Ok...but I must forewarn you....Caylor wants the wedding in Venezuela. There...the bride's father throws the PARTY http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif. Be prepared..family is plentiful and they all guzzle Whisky like a Hemi does GASOLINA!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/IMG_NEW.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/c-3-1.jpg

[htweelz]

Great pics and great video. Glad to see the torch being carried on. It appears he realizes the significance of what he is driving. That is great.

[737Driver]

I have two nine year old daughters and they both drive my 69 L89 Corvette. It does dissapoint me when they lift off the gas to shift into second...

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif just kidding...they don't really lift off the gas... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Great story on El Hemi that just keeps getting better.

[el hemi]

We've been busy with my son Caylor's HS graduation and open house. It has been quite an emotional month. Mom was suppose to make it from Venezuela for her first grandchild graduation but she was diagnosed with breast Cancer in March. My little Caylor Jose was 3rd in his class (sorry son but I am so proud I want to share it with the world).
Here are some pictures of Caylor standing in front of his HS. Was it destiny for Caylor to attend the HS he did? You tell me.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC06042.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC06046-1.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Very cool and congrats to Caylor!

[L89DRMR]

Congrats to Caylor! I hope your mom gets well soon. I have enjoyed reading about your multi-generational Hemi. In my family, our Mopar was a Volare of which dad handed over the keys to me and my brothers. The only thing rare about it was being able to start the engine on a wet day. I would love to see more vintage photos if you come across any. Thanks for sharing with us.

Dave

[mockingbird812]

Big CONGRATS Caylor. Great photo. Proud Pappy. Speedy recovering for Grandma!

[el hemi]

Few pictures taken lately. Got a set of period correct Accel wires to go with the Day 2 look.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC06109.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC06060.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC06085.jpg

[el hemi]

His name is Diego...my nephew. Next generation of EL HEMI caretaker.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC03961.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC03883.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC04013.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Yessir, he's got the spark in his eye! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[iluv69s]

Maybe I missed it in the thread along the way....What hood did the car come with from the dealer?? Do you have a pic with the original hood???

Great car and story BTW....



Muchos felicidades por este carroto!!! Que tengas muchos anos y suerte disfrutando y 'aprovechando' 'El Hemi'..... jeje

Max

[el hemi]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: iluv69s</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe I missed it in the thread along the way....What hood did the car come with from the dealer?? Do you have a pic with the original hood???

Great car and story BTW....



Muchos felicidades por este carroto!!! Que tengas muchos anos y suerte disfrutando y 'aprovechando' 'El Hemi'..... jeje

Max

</div></div>
Muchas Gracias Max. Car was ordered new with the Sports/Rallye hood. The hood that is on the car now is a T/A prototype hood given to my dad by a close friend that worked at Chrysler in Detroit. If you'd like to check more about the car go to www.elhemi.com (http://www.elhemi.com)

[x Baldwin Motion]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: el hemi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">His name is Diego...my nephew. Next generation of EL HEMI caretaker.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC03961.jpg
</div></div>



<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif very cool

[el hemi]

Last week we took El Hemi to the MCACN show in Chicago. Before heading there I looked at some of the car history and saw where my father had taken the car to Mr. Norms on 11/7/70.... almost 40 years exact to the Musclecar Show date 11/20/10. I ran a mapquest and found out that Mr. Norm's Grand Spaulding Dodge old address is only 13 miles from Rosemont CC. As I neared Chicago I told my wife I wanted to check this place out...reminisce if you will. Why would my dad have driven all the way from Detroit to Chicago with his family?
Soon we found ourselves in a NOT SO GOOD part of town but I had made up my mind. I wanted to close my eyes and pretend if just for a few seconds that it was 1970 and WE were there. Here are a couple of pictures.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/IMG_6217-1.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/IMG_6213-1.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/Norm-2-1.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Terrific Juan. It paid off big time!! Great photos!


Nice to meet you at MCACN this year. Your special Challenger is simply beautiful!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[Salvatore]

Very nice Juan! Amazing how a community or part of a city can change. Call that progress?

[69 Post Sedan]

Very cool pictures Juan. That must have been fun for you. Also, it was nice meeting you in person at the MCACN Show. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[el hemi]

Good to meet you guys. Loved the Day Two look on both of your cars (Sam &amp; Kurt). Sam..the story on Roof's Deuce is awesome. The cars at MCACN were great...their stories even better. Met the flying Dutchman who put me in touch with Sam Scardino and i scored a vintage flex-a-lite fan i'd be looking for years. Thank you guys!

Below a picture of Jose (my father) circa 1971. Check out the Mr. Norm's t-shirt.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/BueBue-1.jpg

We were very happy to receive the Celebrity Pick Award from Mr. Norm's. This one for you Jose! http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/2010MuscleCarandCorvetteNationals016-resized-1-1.jpg

Mr. Norm's pointing to the original sticker they put on the car in 1970.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/2010MuscleCarandCorvetteNationals008-resized-1.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/ELHEMI20D050-1.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Big congrats Juan and well deserved. Mr Norm knows quality when he sees it!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[Tracker1]

Well done Juan. What a family heirloom.

You gotta post that new pic of the car outside what was Mr. Norm's over on moparts.com or cuda-challenger.com. Those guys would get a kick out of that.

Way to go.

[Xplantdad]

Very cool Juan...your car was beautiful in person!

[SS427]

Ditto on that!

And when you put the car, the family and the story together it is likely bare none one of the neatest stories and cars I have seen in 20 years!!!! Awesome!

[x Baldwin Motion]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: el hemi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/IMG_6213-1.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/Norm-2-1.jpg </div></div>


Thanks for the extra effort taken to offload and get this photo op. Perfect! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Those pics and this whole thread is so C<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gifL!!!
Really love that H<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gifD too!!!

Congrats Juan...and Jose!!!

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[427TJ]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: el hemi</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/IMG_6213-1.jpg </div></div>

That picture just has to put a lump in your throat. Well done Juan.

[Canuck]

Another landmark for the Muscle Car enthusiest that should be saved..urban decay is a sad thing!

[TimG]

Great pictures, I enjoyed seeing the car in Chicago.......

[el hemi]

Merry Christmas Everyone. After more than a year absent from posting on this this wonderful website, I am going to try to recuscitate this threat. Unknowingly after I orginized my pics on photobucket I realized many of my previous pic were deleted. Thats a bummer! Anyhow..2011 has been a busy year for me. Due to now spending more time working in London than the US, our EL HEMI did not get to stretch his legs as often as he needed. I did get to put back some DAY TWO goodies (Rat Roaster, Mallory coil, Mallory distributor) it had back in the day. Enjoy. Here One I made it look RETRO!
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2163-R-1.jpg

[el hemi]

A couple more.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2187-R-1.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2187-R.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2164-R-1.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Juan - those shots are just GREAT! Very nice period look to them. If you hadn't told me, I would have guessed they were vintage photos. thanks and Merry Christmas to you!

[MrsBillyBobcat]

Very COOL Juan! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
Glad to see you back and Merry Christmas! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[SS427]

Pictures look great. Fun to look at!

[el hemi]

These changes should do it for a while! Car is almost exacltly as my father had it in its heyday! Contemplating maybe putting L60's in the back if time allows this upcoming driving season.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2494-R.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2489-R.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2485-R.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2452-R.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/DSC_2499-R.jpg

[el hemi]

The smallest member (Diego) of the Escalantes is growing and showing a strong interest for cars and engine building!!
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/El%20Hemi/diego4-3.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/El%20Hemi/diego4-2.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/El%20Hemi/DSC_1364.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/El%20Hemi/DSC_1380.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Hey Juan! Diego looks like he is really enjoying himself. Car looks great!

[ORIGLS6]

Very, very COOL!!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[black69]

Hi Juan, I have a similar picture of my son a year or so back, in my challenger, they appear to be the same age. maybe down the road..we can let them race...if you come back to chicago.
interesting, I just noticed your dad swapped out the pistol grip, wonder why? New L60s would look nice.
-bob

[el hemi]

Bob....it would be great 30 yrs from now if they can find themselves at a car show each showing theor cars. That would be kool!
My father was not a fan of the pistol grip. More so the 70 style that is not bolted on. A couple of times he ended up with the pistol grip in his hands (literally). He liked the hurst shifter's short throw, adjustable gear stop and white knob. He even modified the stick a bit. It is slightly slanted. Yep I think I will end up trying the L60's and see what happens.

[black69]

btw, I have did not forget about the original mr norms sticker with the reflective material in it, I think you were interested in. Most of the repros are not like the originals.
I just need to pick it up, have not gotten to it.
-bob

[el hemi]

Bob..you are right the original Mr. Norm's stickers had the reflective material. I still have the old sticker on a air cleaner lid. Would love to have an original. Let me know. Good luck with your project.

[el hemi]

I've been living/working in England for the past several months. During my most recent visit home I had a chance to get EL HEMI out of hybernation. My brother Gus got us a photoshoot at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Car was there in 1970 when dad made the trip from Detroit with 3 friends to watch the race. Can't wait to come back in August and take it to the Dream Cruise in Detroit.
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/elhemiatims5.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/elhemiatims1.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae98/elhemi/elhemiatims3.jpg

[69 Post Sedan]

Great pictures Juan.

Kurt

[mockingbird812]

Marvelous photos of a Kick-A*s car!!!! Thanks for the update Juan! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[mockingbird812]

Thanks to Rita for steering this my way on FB <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif . This is what this hobby is all about. Congrats Juan and the Escalantes Family!!

El Hemi - the movie! (http://youtu.be/98Sxtw-SQcg)

[Mr70]

Nice!

[Canuck]

Love the on going chapters of this family car? Has it been to Mcacn? How about a &quot;cars in same family section&quot;.

[m22mike]

That was AWESOME. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[Tenney]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[njsteve]

Magnifico! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

It has been at MCACN

[Tracker1]

Now that's cool!

[Steve Shauger]

Juan has just renewed and is a Contributing Member. He's been inactive for 9 years and look forward to bringing us up to date on his fabulous 70 Challenger R/T Hemi!!

[mockingbird812]

Welcome back Juan! For those FB users, Juan has a nice presence over there and you can also keep track of EL HEMI goings on. :biggthumpup:

[el hemi]

There is a saying 'You miss a day..you miss a lot". Im back. Last decade life took me to the UK where I lived for more than two years. Been in South Florida for a few years. El Hemi is well pampered and in great company. More of that in a bit. Son graduated from college and went straight to work in his field (Sports Management). Seven years with the Cincinnati Reds front office and he is now in NY at MLB. Yes..Im super proud of the kid. He married in 2020 before the world went bizarre. In 2017 I rescued a '68 Hemi Charger from Venezuela. Same car dad saw in 1968 and the one car that set everything in motion for him to later order his EL HEMI in Detroit fall of '69. Charger is awaiting a resto. While we gather parts for the Charger, I also went ahead and bought a 1972 Chrysler Hillman Avenger Tiger made in UK. 1-200 made in the color. Only 20 left in the world. Bought the car that Chrysler took to the 1972 Motorshow in Earls Court/London. Need to recall how I posted pics in the past so I can share some w the group.