Who has children that help them in the garage?

[John]

How many of you guys have children that really get into helping you in the garage when you are working on your cars...or just getting them ready to take for a cruise?
Let's hear some stories about the "upcoming generation" and their involvement in classic cars...any of them build models like your car? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Alss]

Had my 19 yo helping out today...masked and taped a dump body I had to paint..then he did some welding prep on a 70 COnvert we are working on..He's been doing alot of block sanding on the 69 Malibu project..making him clean parts and stuff...he splits wood..runs the tractor,,can drive with a trailer..and not hit anything..really come a long way this year..last year he could'nt do a damm thing!!!..nice to have him around.

ALbert

[JRSully]

My kids are 5 and 2, 5 year old loves the Nova and "respects it" the 2 year old wants to ram it with his tri-cycle, I have a few years to go before any help comes my way!!

[vince]

i was blessed with 6 kids http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif ages 6 to 27- 3 boys 3 girls only 2 are interesed in hot rods. my 6 year old daughter loves the camaro http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif and my 19 year old son works in a body shop restoring cars. hes always looking to help in the garage.he wants a second gen nova and is looking for a deal so there goes the 2nd bay in the garage http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gifthe rest of the kids just want to turn the key and step on the gas so my garage is a busy place.my 6 year old daughter and i started building muscle car and old nostalgic race car models last year. i thought after 1 or 2 she would drop it like a hot cake http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif but she is crazy for these cars. its really cool i have a great time with it http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[bkhpah]

My daughter is 11 and is really into the cars. Her favorite is my/hers 63 Ford. She and I have gone to Goodguys shows and she loves that. My son who is 15 is not as enthusiastic as his sister, but prefers the done cars, not the resto work so much. Every summer he gets a job as SCW and he does great work, but not much of it. His favorite car in the shop ever was Shor's Ford GT and Dads 2007 Shelby GT. He likes the modern iron...BKH

[Allen]

My two girls (10 and 8) always seem to enjoy taking a cruise in the cars.

The 8-year-old is usually more enthusiastic about helping around the garage, taking pictures of parts for me, cleaning up the cars, etc. She likes the Nova.

The 10-year-old like the Corvette better than the Nova

[jasonL78]

My son is eight and goes to all the car show's with me. I put the car in his name so when I win a trophy he has to go up and get it! He loves it if you haven't done this for your kid's give it a try trust me it is worth it. He love's the corvette and he can pick one out a mile away. My 5 year old daughter just loves to go fast! Yep I am in trouble with her! This is a picture of my son after a long day at a show. And my daughter telling me to go faster!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d189/jasonchale/0008-7.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d189/jasonchale/2006_0606_152407.jpg

[DarrenX33]

Nuff said...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/dagcostello/141-4142_IMG.jpg

He actually had "help Dad in the garage" as one of his chores during the summer. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif The first time I took him to John P's garage (about 3 years old) he ID'd every car there. Obviously I was the proud Dad after that. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

His favorite car? He is an El Camino guy. Time to talk to Shor.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

When we're at cruise nights people also get a kick out of watching him fold his hand behind his back to look in an engine bay.. Wonder who he got that from.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Salvatore]

Hey, I know that TastyKake face! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[DarrenX33]

apparently i work in the garage - GavinX33 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[P.J.]

well my first wife and I had 4 girls. So when they were in their teens I always wanted the 2 older ones to help with the car to get them involved. They thought it was not cool
to ride around on that antique 70 chevelle yuk!!
Well one day they came to me to get permission to go to their first school dance.I told them there was only one way
they could go.If I drive them to the dance in my 70 chevelle
4 speed m22.No way we are going to the dance with that thing.
Well the only way they could go was to get in the car. So
on friday night about 6 oclock they reluctantly got in the car and I drove to the school, all the while hiding so no one would see them in the car. The school dance was outside
and when I arrived I put the car in first gear and drove into the parking lot at about 15 miles per hour,the trany screaming like a 747 jet and stopped close to the dance crowd. Well before
they could get out of the car all the boys that were dancing
left their partners and came over to the monster car to admire
Asking my kids if that was your fathers car. Boy were they popular at the dance. Then every dance after that I had to drive them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
PJ

[Xplantdad]

That Gavin is such a cool kid! Can't wait to see the family again this year.

Holly doesn't really help out in the garage much...but she's riding shotgun 90% of the time we go to Pavillions...LOL

She also will still hold my hand when we walk around at car shows...or the mall. I am enjoying every minute of it...as I know there may come a day when she will be uncomfortable doing it http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Andy]

Its the other way around with me. I'm 23, and I usually have to drag my dad to the garage. He likes cars alot, but not the work associated with them http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif. He's more of the I'll observe while you work type. Alot of times I'll be working on something and often times he asks, do you like doing this? I'm like more than you would ever know. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Z28DZ]

James, my oldest @ 3 1/2, loves the '67. He was out in the garage "helping" me change the oil and putting rebuild kits in the brake calipers. He also likes our motorcycles and helps out with those, too. And for his age, I think he shows great focus on the small projects he's given to do. His favorite tool is the hammer and he uses it with gusto http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[Schonyenko2]

My youngest son helps sometimes. Occasionally we let him paint something and hope he doesn't run it to much. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[Canuck]

My daughter is now 27 and my son 25 were into the car thing at an early age. My daughter loves telling people how she went to wrecking yards on Saturday mornings when she was 3 years old. When she was 14 she was at my shop one day when I was rebuilding a drive shaft. I told he when she started dating if any guy started putting the macho car image on she should say "when I was 14 I helped my dad install U joints in a 71 Olds 442 W30, using a 5 ton arbor press". When she got her own car at the age of 20 she wanted the best stuff for it and was always keen to do her own maintenance and we would spend a Saturday at my shop.She has been to many car shows and even came to Spring Carlisle one year.
My son and I have worked together on cars since he was 10.When I bought my welder about 6 years ago he wanted to do all the welding. He became so good at it I now wait until he is in town (airline Pilot) so he can do the welding. When I am rebuilding an engine I wont do the fireup and breakin unless he is there. We have a routine.
He is now building his own car,scratch from his own computer design. Its a race car that will be street legal based on the Lotus Seven concept. I had to move my cars from our house garage this past December so he could have the room.
Live has been good with their involvement. My niece wants to visit my shop next time she is in town.

[L34Pace]

I have three teenage daughters and they all love to drive the cars but won't lift a finger to help out in the garage. Their boyfriends on the other hand keep the shop spotless and the cars clean enough to eat off of. The wife trained them girls right http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif She grew up on a farm and when it was hay baleing time all her dad had to do was get her and her sister to drive the tractor wearing daisy dukes and he never had trouble getting volunteers to throw and stack bales LOL.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

My little buddy Benjamin (6 years old) loves to work on his '69 rally green SS Nova!

Amanda is only 2, and would rather play with her princess dolls. Daniel is only 4 months, but perks up when the dragsters are running on TV!

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

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

2

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

3

[Supergas990]

My son is 6 and will join me in the shop anytime. I willed him my old toolchest and at every swap meet he gets a new tool or something that he will have forever.

He definitely has his favorite car (my 67 Malibu), but I encouraged him to wait until he's ridden in the L78 car. If he gets tired of helping he usually asks to sit in his go kart and practice the gas and brake pedals. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif We even went so far as to paint two walls of his room orange and put a white Yenko Duece stripe on it.

My daughter is 4 and she's not the gearhead my son is. She loves going to the go kart races and is certain that as soon as she's old enough she will drive it.

I have one more coming in May, so I've warned my wife that we'll have to get at least one more car, just to keep the kids even http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

It's a great way to spend some good time with your kids and have them learn something they can use forever, including a work ethic.

Blair

[bilede]

here is my 5 year old. always with me where ever I go with the cars, or even not with the cars for that matter.
http://members.cox.net/bilede/ericyenko.JPG

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
My youngest son helps sometimes. Occasionally we let him paint something and hope he doesn't run it to much. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif That boy ain't EVER gonna get you raised! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Nova Jed]

I remember when I was 6yrs old, I was snooping around my parents bedroom one night, and found a flamed out 55 Chevy model. My dad told me a story of how he had a 55 Chevy and it was stolen one night. That's all it took! I would build models every weekend and do chores around the house just to pay for them. I had to beg my parents to take me to car shows at Maple Grove. I subscribed to Super Chevy Magazine when I was 11 and read everything I could. Bought my first car at 15 (71 Nova) and the next thing I know, I own 8 cars and my dad has built a 30x40 garage to house all of his fishing toys and my projects. I think the best memory I have was when he enrolled me in an autobody shop course at night when I was 17 and he helped me get my Nova ready for prom! My dad wasn't much into doing the car stuff, but he likes to bring all of his friends down to show them what I am doing. Most of them are taken back by the fact that there is a 70 Nova body turned sideways on a scratch built rotisserie in the garage! So watch out if one of your children ask you to pick up some 2"x2" 10' long square tubing in your truck one day!

[firez]

My son was quite sick when he was young so instead of going to school he hung out with me as I was putting together 2-68 Z28s and a 69 z, As he got older he was operated on for 12 hours to fix him up. Today he is 23 owns a 2000 Camaro SS plus a 2005 Z-71 pickup and plays in the garage at home every night with his buddies just like I did when I was his age. He also just passed his Industrial Millwright provincial test. He makes more money than I do as a 21 year Captain on the local fire department. Boy I am proud of him,keep them in a shop playing with cars and sleds and out of the local malls and hangouts.

[427TJ]

On New Year's Day my 7-year-old son and I removed the front bumper from my '55. He was thrilled to help dad. I showed him how to lie on the floor, skootch under the car on his back, look everything over and devise a plan before putting a wrench on anything. Big one: how to hold the light so it shines right on the task and not in dad's face. He got an A+ on light holding. Then I showed him the places where we needed to remove nuts/bolts and explained that you want to loosen them but not remove them so the bumper does not suddenly fall on your head. Keep your face out from under where you're working so all the dirt/grit doesn't fall into your face/eyes. How to hold the ratchet firmly by its head so the force applied goes directly to the fastener. How to loosen tight fasteners carefully, feeling how tight it actually is, so it doesn't suddenly loosen and you punch the frame with your wrench hand and bleed all over the place. Remove all but two bolts and then see how loose the bumper is. Get out from underneath--big one: don't hit your head on the car!--and then loosen the remaining two bolts and pull the bumper off the car. He stood on the driver's side and held the bumper and I was on the pass side and we wiggled the bumper off the car. He was thrilled. The serious look on his face and his 100% attention throughout the job was the best part. I could see the "wow" look on his face when the bumper came off and there we were holding the bumper and I said, "See, no problem." He looked like he had just soloed an airplane for the first time. Then showed him how to attach the un-needed brackets back onto the bumper so you'll have them someday when you either put the bumper back on or sell the car.

There is nothing in the world like seeing your son's (or daughter's) face when you show them how to do something that seems so easy to us but seems impossible to them.

I then showed him how to spray satin black on the exposed areas to make it look good. Later on before dinner I got out some of my old books and magazines and showed him '55 gassers without their front bumpers and explained why racers would remove the bumpers, etc. What a great day.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/Bumper1a.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/55%20Chevy/Bumper3a.jpg

Oh, and when I lifted the bumper up into the garage attic and put it in the rafters he was fascinated. "Why are you putting it up there?" "Because I don't need it anymore but someday someone will buy the car from me and I'll have the bumper to go with the car." "Are you going to sell the car?" "Not anytime soon but someday it will get sold." "Oh." Then into the house to tell his mother all about it.

[Dog427435]

Love the new look of your '55
Your son will always remember helping you give your car that Gasser look, and hopefully keep the tradition going with his rides!

[92646]

None of my kids got the bug. The only chance I had was with my 9 year old daughter but she prefers her friends now. I knew her interest was going away when I installed a 540 in a 69 Camaro and I wanted to go around the block for the first time. I left the hood off and she was really bothered by that but she still went along . As I was driving I kept hearing a tinny noise as I accelerated. Around the corner before we entered the neighborhood I went to mid throttle and the tinny noise went away because the fan wadded up and made full contact with the radiator then shot coolant across the windshield. The temp gauge shot to the end of the gauge so I shut the motor off and coasted back to house dripping coolant along the way. When I pulled into the drive way and stopped, my Daughter jumps out of the car and runs inside. She finds her Mom and tells her about the horrible things I had just done. She ends the conversation with "what if my friends had seen me".
Mark Sheppard

[agtw31]

my 19 year old nephew just put a new master cylinder and front pads on his mom's new yorker,while i kept an eye out,and helped bleed the brakes.

hnow if he can just find a job,that would be nice.

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Love the new look of your '55
Your son will always remember helping you give your car that Gasser look, and hopefully keep the tradition going with his rides!

[/ QUOTE ]

Got my son this Ertl 1/18 you-build-it kit for Xmas. He and I put it together and I suggested we leave the front bumper off! Looks cool! I then dug through my 40-plus years of model car decals (big shoe box) and came up with the "Fagan's Speed Shop" and the "B/G" (didn't have any other Gas-class decals that would work) and then the speed parts decals for the windows. I even had a 1962-correct NHRA decal for the back window. The "Fagan's" decals are at least 40-45 years old and they almost didn't work but we got them to lay down and then brushed some clear over them. The satan heads on the fenders came from a 1960 Jo-Han decal sheet! Never throw anything away!

I later realized that B/GS means supercharged so I carefully carved the S off and now it just says B/G.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Y-Net%20Photos/ERTL55-1.jpg

[njsteve]

They both help out when they can. The girl helps with rebuilding engines and painting assembly line markings and the boy helps me with the small car stuff and anything involving hammers. In exchange I help him build ringers for Pinewood Derby. That's him yelling "First Again!" Check out how the car pulls at the top end. (It's the yellow convertible and it was underweight, too, at 4.8 ounces.) He is dangerous with a can of spray paint, though.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/nk15268/th_derby2.jpg (http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/nk15268/?action=view&current=derby2.flv)

[x Baldwin Motion]

Steve that is pretty cool, I had to watch it three or four times !! 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/biggthumpup.gif

[rich p]

My boy just likes to play and GO FAST !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

He loves burnouts and going sideways !!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/richsp/IMGP0047.jpg

[DarrenX33]

Man, I was embarrassed with the derby car I built this year. I might have to farm out my next car to you.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

Almost three years ago I managed to have my son's 7th grade science teacher aprove an engine swap as an acredited "internal combustion engine" project. we photographed the entire procedure and attached the pictures to poster board to display at the school with all the other projects. The teacher was skeptical to say the least that we actually did any of this work (in just three weeks) from just the photos.
So I gave my son the nasty old intake manifold to bring in and abandon it in school. The teacher wanted to see the car so I drove it to school without hood and exhaust for show and tell. He got an "A" on the project.

He has little interest in this car and would like an El Camino. Sadly he would rather play video games than get dirty working on equipment. His older sisters were good for a car wash now and then.

engine swap video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3920703328654014308)

[JQ]

My wife and I have two girls 10 and 5. They both love playing in the garage and going on cruises. Sydnie my oldest
enjoys going to the track and taking pictures of all of the different cars. Camille tries to help out where she can but really enjoys going on long drives through the foothills with the windows down and wind blowing in her hair...
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m311/jquin_2006/06-18-06_1122.jpg

Staging lanes at Kingdon Raceway
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m311/jquin_2006/P5190427.jpg

Cruising through the hills
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m311/jquin_2006/P6100510.jpg

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m311/jquin_2006/06-18-06_1122.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

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

[budnate]

cleaning some dirt off the frame...

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/budnate/1955%20Chev/DSCN6737.jpg

[Justbad Joe]

[ QUOTE ]
My youngest son helps sometimes. Occasionally we let him paint something and hope he doesn't run it to much. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
I was waiting for some wise ass comment. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
Joe

[J_D]

My 8 year old granddaughter Savannah asked Grandma Nancy "Do you think when Grandpa dies he will leave me his racecar?". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

She thinks my '02 ZL1 is a racecar.

Grandma told her that she would have to talk to her Uncle Dusty as it goes to him after Grandpa dies.

I am not planning on leaving it to anyone soon. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Salvatore]

I would not mind cruising throught the Foothills either. You west coast guys kill me! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Keith Tedford]

When our son was young, he had zero interest in cars. He would go for a twenty mile run with his bicycle. He was in army cadets did biathlon skiing and shooting. Never liked team sports. Once he got into the army the bug bit for some reason. He had an '84 TransAm for a while then got a '69 Chevelle, bucket seats, console, but six cylinder. We rounded up a 454, 12 bolt, and turbo 350, with him doing most of the work we transformed the car. About five years ago I told him about a '65 Acadian Canso (Canadian Chevy II) hardtop. He ended up buying it. The car had 25,684 miles and other than a few blow ins in the paint, the car is all original. Again it is a six cylinder car. Might just get a later model LT1 one of these days. The car still has crayon marks on the firewall and on the underside of the hood as well. It has the thick,clear plastic seat covers that you could have the dealer install. It has one of those kleenex dispensers under the padded dash, radio, and backup lights. Never give up. Some kids just get interested a little later.

[jeff morocco]

my boys are 9 and 10. my 10 year old cant wait to start racing his YENKO themed JR dragster. always with me in the garage helping me and always asks when am i going to get his dragster done. i reply the same every time. as soon as the snow melts. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[turbojet427]

I'm 27 years old and just absolutely love cars. I've invested my money ever since I was 12 years old with the goal of owning a first gen camaro. I now own two first gen camaros and loads of parts that I've bought up. I've been blessed to have a family totally dedicated to cars. My dad has been into cars since the early 60's and currently has his own collection that we've restored. My mom's dad has a collection 19 strong that he started in the 1960's and her brother also has a 1967 camaro. My family has done a car show for our local fire company for the last 24 years. Every family is truly dedicated to the car hobby.

[Allen]

[ QUOTE ]
My youngest son helps sometimes. Occasionally we let him paint something and hope he doesn't run it to much. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That was funny right there........ http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[L72COPO]

My 11 year old Grandson Alex spent some time here last summer (they live in Belgium). Just so happened I was starting the LS-6 project and he asked if he could help. Naturally I had him do all the dirty work underneath and he loved it.Three days later we had the car apart and he had to throw his clothes away and was proud to do it.
Soon after they returned to Belgium and now every time we talk he wants to know where I'm at on the restoration. He also has studied the "internal combustion engine" and totaly understands how it works and can explain it.
He'll be back this summer and wants to take the LS-6 to a car show.
Great bonding experience for us both.

[TXSS]

Wow a lot of you guys make me feel old. I haven't had an 11 year old in 11 years. The first time I ever pulled a body off a Camaro my oldest son, 15 at the time now 26 was right there with me and his help was much needed. He does have the unique distinction of having learn to drive a manual trans in a 61 Corvette. I think I learned to drive a manual is a Valiant.

[Canuck]

This has been one of the best posts ever on this site. Besides reflecting on what we do with our kids it has given me time to reflect on how our fathers may have influenced our love of cars.
My father passed away on Feb 3 at 80 and I traveled 4000 miles to be home for the services. I put together a photo collage from the 1930's to the late 90's to reflect milestones and the things that were important to him. Having gone through 30 photo albums one thing that was obvious was dad always had his picture taken with one of his cars whenever possible. There were photos of him tinkering on 1930's Chevs as a teen in the 40's, standing proudly in front of his brand new 56 Dodge, and pumped up like a peacock in front of a 1968 Rolls Royce in the fall of 1971. The Rolls was not his,but he was driving it from Halifax to Toronto to sell it on behalf of his company.
Dad didn't do a lot of work on his own cars in the 60's as he was buying a new Plymouth or Dodge every 2-3 years depending on if he liked the styling. The buying decisions were:would he opt for whitewalls,a $5.00 option or the full wheel covers at $8.00.
His tinkering was limited to my moms car,installing a radio and antennae,or if the car was not running right,"must be the needle valve". I saw the inside of a carburetor when I was 10. When cars went to fuel injection in the 80's he blamed the coil.So the car work i did with my father was the minor stuff,take a rad out for repair,install a trailer hitch or install a radio.Since the age of 10 I was washing his cars every Friday night and waxing them once a month. I started doing the minor stuff on my Mom's Valiant in 1968 and bought my First car a 1968 Camaro in the summer of 71.
For Christmas 1971 he gave me a Chiltons Manuel which he wrote "To many repairs ahead". We did not think of the word restoration then.
Its been a great week remembering him and the timing of this thread has made it better. I hope I haven't hijacked it. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to work along side your children-go for it! It may be a short experience but it will be a lasting memory for both of you. And don't forget to take some photos and give copies to everyone.
Paul

[GiveMeTimeMachinePlz]

Well, I myself am 17 years old and I have the 'American Muscleosis disease'. It probably stems from my father, who always enjoyed working on cars and driving/racing them. When I was 5 or 6, I used to help him work on his 1985 Jaguar XJS that had a chevy 350 transplanted into it. He used to compete in a spectator drag race 3 times a year at the local short track (seekonk speedway).

That car is gone. But it has a sister, a blue 1983 XJS that has the same kind of transplant. The motor is a street/strip 350 making about 475 hp. The car is close to being finished and then we are having it repainted. The only reason we have the chevy in there is because the transmission in the jag was original (as well as the V12, which worked wonderfully) and it lost 1st gear and the rest of it was going. He didnt want to fix it himself, and the cost of repair was going to be 2k, despite the fact that all the tranny was is a chevy automatic ( a 350 i think ), it had the jaguar nameplate....yea...enough said.

My first major project was, ironically, to make more room to work on the car. It is stored in his shop ( he owns a jewelry manufacturing company ). Well, sitting in front of the car, we still had the V12 and tranny. And I tell you, we could NOT sell that freakin motor. We couldn't even give it away to be used for a boat anchor!! And it was much too heavy to just bring to a scrap yard, so we did the logical thing; I disassembled the entire engine myself. Everything from top to bottom. It took a grand total of 2 days and I had no help with it because he wanted me to think and figure it out on my own. It took me a while, but I got it. ( Incidentally I also found out what happens when the mechanic who pulled the motor, which he knew wasn't going to be used anymore, leaves all the oil in it and we have no way to drain it because the motor was sitting on the ground. Yea, I never did wear those jeans again http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif ).

I got my license recently. My first thing that I am planning to do when the weather clears; Scouting for my first project car! I wouldn't mind a 68-69 chevelle or camaro. Or even a 2nd gen. camaro. But when I get it, I'll be doing as much of the wrenching myself as I can.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Seekonk? Not much in Seekonk is there? I bought a rear there a few years ago http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Jeff Murphy]

My guys, 5 and 2.5 yrs, are addicts.

We generally have the garage off limits, so going in there is a treat for them (often they disappear and we find them in there).

My older boy, Max, could name every make of car as we walked down the street by the time he was three (whether here or in the US). He lords the fact that he has gone for COPO rides over his younger brother and managed to convince my uncle to take him for a terror ride in his W-31 when we were in Vancouver a while ago. One of his most memorable experiences was an afternoon visit to the SCW a couple of years ago -- when Joe's Harrell Camaro was later featured in Chevy Rumble he looked at the pictures and correctly identified it as "Joe's car". I took him to Donuts Derelicts when we were in California and he loved it. I swear if he could reach the pedals he would be able to drive.

Jake is similar - he used to use a SCW can cooler on his milk bottle and thinks everything good in the world comes from Goodwood (the estate where the Festival of Speed and vintage car racing events are held). Whenever we go anywhere as a family he makes sure I'm driving because my right foot is a lot heavier than Mom's.

Both boys are totally enamored with WWII fighter planes at the moment, so maybe they would rather I had a P-51 than a ZL-1, but I'm sure they'll come around. I can't wait for them to be old enough to go to Collinsville

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

[John]

...This just goes to show that this hobby really brings friends and family together for some special memories that we all will cherish.
These post from all of you are great! Keep them coming! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Speedrx]

Matt enjoyed working on my GT500 with me!

[Mr. Chevy]

I don't have any kids and the Wife & I are not planning any.. But I have a year and a half old nephew who I think will be into the hobby. His Dad, my Brother In Law, is a mechanic and he is already being exposed to cars, trucks and mechanical things..

Once he is a little older I plan on taking him out for rides in the Nova, taking him to car shows/cruises and to the race track.. I think it is great to get young kids involved in the hobby. I became interested in it by about age 14. My old neighbor while I was growing up, who is about 10 years older than me, was a "gearhead" and was always playing around with different Chevys. He had old Novas, Chevelles, Vettes and Camaros. His Dad was a salesman at a local Chevy dealer. I used to walk over to his house and watch him turn wrenches on these cars.. I think this is also what made me a "Chevy Guy".

Rich

[GiveMeTimeMachinePlz]

Oh, there is plenty in seekonk. The only problem is that half the town is owned by one guy ( kind of ironic that said guy owns the car that won the track championship in their highest weekly division by an ungodly amount http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif).

During the spring and summer, seekonk has car shows there on some weekends and there tends to be a pretty good crowd. The only real problem with seekonk is the track is wayyyy too small. It makes for a good show, but there is not one point in time on that track where you aren't turning the wheels left.

[Bob Adamsky]

I have 3 and they have been a big part of the fun of restoring my 66 Chevelle SS. We got it out this year for the first time since the rebuild started in 2000. The first ride was with my 11 year old who has been sanding or cleaning something for years.

The best part so far was finally driving our car into Daytona this past Thankgiving, not sure who had bigger smiles.

[The Dude]

This is me at age 4 standing in front of my dads 73 4 speed Vette.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/jjram69/other/73vette.jpg

This is my boy in my 442.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/jjram69/DSC00922.jpg

I used to be the boy helping his dad work on cars, hell I guess I still am. My old man bought a 58 Corvette the week I was born. I bought my Olds when my wife was 4 months pregnant. I think my son will carry on that family tradition. He loves cars more than I do.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh, there is plenty in seekonk. The only problem is that half the town is owned by one guy ( kind of ironic that said guy owns the car that won the track championship in their highest weekly division by an ungodly amount http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif).

During the spring and summer, seekonk has car shows there on some weekends and there tends to be a pretty good crowd. The only real problem with seekonk is the track is wayyyy too small. It makes for a good show, but there is not one point in time on that track where you aren't turning the wheels left.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ever seen the Deuce that's runnin around Fall River? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[68427caprice]

We have a 4 yo daughter and 9 yo son. Both love going for rides in the "black car" or the "loud convertible". Our son is getting more interested, and I may even let him help change the oil next time. (If his mom lets him get that dirty!). He really wants a Red Ferrari, but he needs a better job to afford that one. My daughter likes the car shows and is a ham with the owners. Really Enjoyed our NIA trip in 2006, looking forward to the next time we can get there. Try to hit a few local shows every year, and the kids would stay all day if we let them!
Jim

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Here's a pic of my little buddy Benjamin, he loves his car - especially loves telling his little sister Amanda that she is not allowed in it! He asked me why my car has a 'little' block when his car has a big block - out of the mouths of babes.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/BenjaminandSS1.jpg

I put him to work for that last comment!

We sandblasted the rear, he likes to paint!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Benjaminwithpaintgun1.jpg

Shooting some K36:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Benjaminwithpaintgun2.jpg


http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Benjaminwithpaintgun3.jpg

That first pic is too small, here's another:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/BenjaminandSS2.jpg

[joey]

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/wjoeyjr/jadiacar010.jpg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Can't you feed your kid something better than a wrench? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ChevyThunder]

Started my son out with easy tasks at 4 years old like , bring me a water or coke when I am in the garage or at the track ..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/ChevyThunder/Ensenada%20GP%201996/nkiprsch.jpg

At 13 doing a little clean up on the engine bay . Finished the firewall and inner fenders and now working on the subframe. Kid got dirty and worked hard and did a pretty nice job.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/ChevyThunder/Hugger%20Orange%20X33/DSC01035.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/ChevyThunder/Hugger%20Orange%20X33/DSC01038.jpg

At 15 replacing a broken hinge on the 962 and trying to convince me that driving the 962 wouldn't be much different than driving his kart ...."come on dad, just a short drive I won't even take it out of first gear " !

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/ChevyThunder/962%20113/CandyStore/DSC03569.jpg

These are the moments I treasure... I wouldn't care if we were playing with a AMC Pacer just the time in the shop or at the track together .

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I hear ya, great pics!

My Benjamin gets a JR Dragster next year - we can't wait http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif He can't race it till Sept '09 when he turns 8, but that's ok! Just hanging out at the track together is awesome.