So, back in December I bought my 81 red corvette, I had only driven the car about 15 feet at the time of purchase. I knew there was a lot of little things to fix but overall it was in good shape. So far I have replaced the Carb, distributer, power steering ram, harmonic balancer, fuel sending unit, fuel pump, repaired the exhaust (cat test pipe broke) , replaced broken exhaust hangers, fixed the armrest, doorlocks, Corrected a multitude of wiring issues, Today I was able to drive around the block a few times. Found the speedometer doesnt work, TACH does the "bad circuit board" thing, Clunks pretty loud when put in gear.

Regardless of the list of other "1 more things" My 12 year old son and I went for a 3 mile ride with the t-tops off -- He loved it. I dropped him off and went to Mom and Dads. My Dad is 78 and has Alzheimer's, I convinced him to go for a ride, We drove around town for an hour or so with the wind in our hair and son in our eyes. Benn a long time since I've seen him smile, He did today. He also pointed out the speedo not working, glove box door rattle, a random squeak, and a few other "observations" Just like he used to before he lost his memory. I told him I would pick him up for church sunday in my chevelle, I said "whats that" , I said the "Load Black Car you complain about" . He said "that's yours?" , Yep! you helped build it. he said "I did?" , yes. he said "Ok, Lets take it to church" . Dad was more himself today than anytime I can remember in the past 4 years.

Never would have thought a bad purchase of a broken corvette when make my dad smile and remember again

 

Very cool.........as I have stated, and believe.....there is a soul in a machine and when the magic happens, you know it. My machines have been better friends to me than most people. For those of us that have experienced it. this way,....as maybe you did today with your family....it means something special.

 

That's wonderful! Just lost my father to Alzheimer's, so I know what you mean about the entire experience. Make Sunday an even better day for him.

 

Dang, that's just about the best Corvette story I've ever heard. Way to go!

 

A great day with your Dad, those are the best! Enjoy!

 

Nice one @ktrim awesome story. No doubt your pops did have the son in his eyes.

The Good Son.

 

That is the best corvette story I ever heard. Both you and your dad had a great day.

 

Some things money won't buy!

 

Couldn't agree more.

Lost my Dad to Alzheimers @ 81.
I can remember taking him for a ride in my '85 C4 15 years ago.
He said he'd like to drive it, but wasn't sure if he remembered how to drive a manual.
He didn't drive it that day, but somehow I knew he would've remembered how to do it.
Sad day, but a good day. Tough to explain, but I'm sure the OP knows.

 

You made two generations vey happy today and especially yourself too. This is an awesome story and the best car related story I have ever heard.
Thanks for sharing.
It brought back a lot of memories of my father. He has been gone for 10 years this year.

Keep them happy and smiling. Every day is a gift.

 

Wonderful story, thank you for sharing. Our old cars certainly can impact our lives in ways no one can imagine, they are more than just a mode of transportation.

 

Loved your story. It made me happy and sad at the same time. They are much more than just cars.

I hope you get to take the long way home from church and can post a new update that says, "Best Sunday Ever".

 

What a great day! Thanks for sharing. These moments are worth all the time and effort aren’t they.

“Clunks pretty loud when put in gear” is almost always the pinion (snubber) bushing. Not expensive and not difficult to replace.

 

THats a great story

 

end up not taking the Chevelle to church today. Took the truck instead, He's still talking about the ride around in the red unit.-- Taking him out again in the next few days

 

enjoy it. its worth every minute of it