The Crusty Cuda: Whole lotta Shakin' (N96) Goin' on!

[CTBob]

Originally Posted by njsteve

Here's a couple ads from the Sandusky Register. Unfortunately the newspaper archives on the interwebs require an expensive subscription to view the actual page any larger than a thumbnail size.

The dealership name logo in the ads looks similar to my hallucination of what I think is on the decal residue.

As promised, Steve, I used a whole raft o' filters on that rear panel dealership decal pic, and, the more I looked at it, the more it DOES appear to be "ERIE" to me, too! (Post # 316 on p. 32.)

I read the obit of the owner (Robert "Bob Sr." McClain) who opened the dealership in 1964, and, sold it in 1976. It sounds as if he led quite an interesting (and, auto-oriented) life. Here's the link:
https://sanduskyregister.com/news/93...ob-sr-mcclain/

I, also, noticed that, in the same newspaper ad which you included in this post, that, in addition to featuring Walt Arfons' Green Monster (appearing at nearby Norwalk Dragway (which became Norwalk Raceway Park, and, is currently, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park)), that the dealership also sponsored an S/S Plymouth drag car (which looks like it's called "The Big Cat" driven by Tom Evans). Maybe someone remembers that car, and, in turn, remembers something about the dealership.

[CTBob]

PS I looked high & low; Google, Bing, & DuckDuckGo; but nary an ERIE dealer decal did I find!

I'm posting my super-contrasty version of Dave's pic, which Steve posted, just in case someone new sees it, and/or, has a different idea about the "translation."

[njsteve]

Hey Bob. The only other remotely related search result for Erie Chrysler Plymouth in Sandusky Ohio, was a newspaper article about their sales manager and another man getting hit by a train and succumbing to their injuries in the early 1970's. I think it was during a test drive? Ugh!

[njsteve]

On a happier note, I got the tube-style bumper jack mechanism refinished in its original black and installed along with a reproduction short lug wrench. (The E-bodies used a much shorter lug wrench than the B-Body models). Of course I had at least two of the long B-Body handles in my tool box. I also refinished the jack base and special "2931101" hook for elastomeric bumpers, refinished in light grey paint.

Now I need to actually refinish one of the 14" Rally wheels to act as a spare. Anyone have a leftover old 14" bias ply they're not using? I'd rather not spend a whole lot of money on a single repro Polyglas if a reasonable facsimile is laying around somewhere. (It doesn't even have to hold air).

[KevinW]

Looking good Steve! I have a F78-14 sitting outside, dry rotted and cracked to h*ll, but still round or a loose outdated Goodyear Eagle GT II radial

[njsteve]

Thanks for the quick reply Kevin. I am looking for a decent "appearing" F70x14 bias ply. I seem to have a garage full of 15" radials for some reason. (leftover Firebird and Charger tires)

[KevinW]

I know I thought I still had a F70 laying around, looked for it but must have sold it. Good luck on the hunt!

[njsteve]

I just missed a nice original spare on ebay about a week ago. It was in Philly - for a hundred bucks. I'll keep looking.

[CTBob]

Hey, Steve! Wow! Sad story about the Sales Mgr. & other gentleman.

…And, yes, on a happier note, the new-for-you jack looks great (as does the purple trunk)!

Sorry I can't help on the tire, though. I don't have any remaining 14" "auto shoes."

[A12pilot]

Fantastical work, Steve-O!!!!! You did the car right and it was a wise choice to sell you Crusty for the final round and chapter to the ‘Cuda.

Soooooo.....what’s next?

Cheers
Dave