As is probably well known by now, the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels were engaged in "motivational" fly-bys around the US back in April and May.

The date was 6 May 20 ... The "Blues" were to make their 6-ship diamond overflight of Dallas-Fort Worth. As it was, I had the day-off. I took my nephew in "Victoria" to go see 'em. (yeah, I know the program said "don't do that." duly noted). The trip was about 120 miles one way. Excited about another great Corvette Adventure ... off we went. Rejoined with one of my USAF ROTC buddies who flew U2s and a SMOKING fast C6 ... I was on the opposite end of altitude operations ... A-10s.

Anyhow ... had a great time seeing the Blues ... TWICE ... as we ... ah ... scurried ... down IH20 from Dallas over to Arlington as the Blues' route took them NW from Duncanville back to DFW ... Keller ... then South To Arlington.

We didn't quite make the second "in place," traffic! ... but the nephew did get a good shoot a short vid of our US Flags mounted in the T-Top guides with the Blues' fly by.

grabbed a burger with my ROTC buddy ... made a run to Summit ... then RTB down IH35 back to Bruceville-Eddy.

So let's pause. I was a teenager in the 80s. Dad purchased a '61 Impala which became mine. Our project car. During that overhaul, he used many opportunities to teach me not only about small block chevies, but life. When he was a teenager in the early 60s, he had a 55 Belair. 265 flat head ... it was the fastest car in 3 counties. really. The teenager rebuilt the engine 3 times. One day, he's cruising through the little town, crossing the railroad tracks, the 55's engine quit just like the ignition switch was turned to OFF. He coasts into the service station ... and goes to work. He's checking plug wires/plugs ... carb ... etc.

Observing was a fixture at the service station, we'll call him "Claude." Eventually, Claude stands from his perch at the glass front station and saunters out to get a closer look. Claude was one of those guys who didn't make much sense but for a polite person, it was a challenge to escape his engagement. here was my teenage father ... stuck ... with a mechanical. He literally CAN'T get away. So here comes the first statement/query "whatcha got goin on, Billy?" "Aw Claude, it just quit on the tracks ... I'll have it running again in just a minute" "have ye cleaned the terminal connections on the coil?" "yeah, yeah, Claude ... thanks"

Claude chuckles and then returns to his perch with his RC Cola/moon pie. Pops continues to troubleshoot feverishly. Finally, he's leaning on the L fender. Turns to gaze at the coil at the firewall ... sighs. grabs a 3/8 combo, brake/clutch cleaner ... cleans the terminal connectors ... reinstalls. The 265 roars back to life.

The lesson, as Dad said, EVERYONE can learn something from EVERYONE. Ol Claude didn't know doodley from shinola most of the time ... and here was a budding professional mechanic who literally knew that car like the back of his hand ... but Claude knew THAT.

So ... back to the Vette ... zipping down IH 35 in Waco ... making a moderate pass of a big truck ... when ... the 350 quit like the key was shutoff. Fortunately, had enough "opening Vc" on the truck to continue the pass then start moving right to the shoulder.

ugh ... we're 15 miles away! No tools.

I call a tow service ... want to get Victoria off the interstate shoulder ASAP!

As I sit there and wait for the tow truck, nephew riding shotgun ... I recall this story. But I don't have anything to remove the 3/8 nuts on the coil ... so the tow truck arrives. he invites me to sit in the cab. I decline and offer to help ... it's my princess after all. But the driver is aware and careful. He takes me to my nephews' place. Settle up with the driver with much gratitude.

... then run over the the rollaway ... grab a 3/8 ... brake/clutch cleaner ... And Victoria is ALIVE AGAIN!

I about broke down in tears (almost 4 years now since Dad passed). The the decades removed village idiot Claude's suggestion won AGAIN!

So ... y'all ... now on my oil change ... is clean the coil terminals!!!

Carry on!

The Blue Angels over Arlington Texas on 6 May.


Victoria laid down on IH35 in Waco TX ... culprit was discontinuity in the coil terminal connection. a 3/8" wrench would have saved me a 3 figure tow bill.

 

Thank You for your service to our country, and Victoria is georgeous, But a Flathead ?