Hello from new user
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 61
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From: southfield MI
Hello from new user
Hi everybody! I registered a while ago but haven't gotten around to posting anything so far. Every time I have had a question I've found the answer by searching. This is a great site with incredible information. So, anyway, I figured I'd share my story...
My name is Tom and I'm a 22 year old male. I'm married to a wonderful woman named Lori. We own a house in Southfield Michigan.
My 88 convertible was inherited from my father in law. He was a Corvette nut his whole life, having owned a 60, a 72 (or was it a 73?), and then the 88. When I met him the first time, about five years ago, he found out that I was a car guy and immediately told me about his Vette. We discussed cars the whole evening. What a great way to hit it off with the guy who becomes your father in law! :cheers: Every time we'd visit after that, he'd always show me some little project he had going on the car... from fixing sport seats, to changing mufflers, repairing a/c etc... He always loved it when my wife (at that time girlfriend, then fiance) would take the car out and cruise (they lived in Traverse City...beautiful scenery up there). I knew he had cancer, but he was in remission, and was probably the last person anybody would guess was sick. He looked great for almost 50, had a full head of hair, and was in good shape. In early 2003 the cancer came back with a vengeance...he left us on June 1st 2003.
It was with mixed emotion that I learned of him willing my wife and I the car. I was really touched because the car helped forge our bond as father and son in law, but at the same time the car constantly reminded me of his passing. We drove the car home, parked it, and didn't take it out much. It was just too hard. I registered here and began learning about Corvettes. I knew I had some big shoes to fill taking care of it.
They say time heals all wounds, and while it is still hard to believe he's really gone, I know he's proud. The car looked almost brand new as I pulled it out of the garage this morning. I had an errand to run for work that would be an hour round trip. I've had it out once to change the oil and wash it so far this year, so I figured since it was ready to go I might as well take it for a spin. I put the top down and did a once over with the car duster while it warmed up. It was kind of a gray day and 50F when I left the house. As I drove the sun came out and I knew Dad was looking down on his clean shiny Vette.
So that's my story. Here's a bit about the car.
1988 Corvette convertible
fresh black paint (probably about 5-6 years old)
base suspension with original wheels
4+3 trans (so far so good...)
stock TPI motor
leather sport seats
climate control
Well I think that about sums it up. Just wanted to say hi and share my story. Thanks.
Tom :seeya
My name is Tom and I'm a 22 year old male. I'm married to a wonderful woman named Lori. We own a house in Southfield Michigan.
My 88 convertible was inherited from my father in law. He was a Corvette nut his whole life, having owned a 60, a 72 (or was it a 73?), and then the 88. When I met him the first time, about five years ago, he found out that I was a car guy and immediately told me about his Vette. We discussed cars the whole evening. What a great way to hit it off with the guy who becomes your father in law! :cheers: Every time we'd visit after that, he'd always show me some little project he had going on the car... from fixing sport seats, to changing mufflers, repairing a/c etc... He always loved it when my wife (at that time girlfriend, then fiance) would take the car out and cruise (they lived in Traverse City...beautiful scenery up there). I knew he had cancer, but he was in remission, and was probably the last person anybody would guess was sick. He looked great for almost 50, had a full head of hair, and was in good shape. In early 2003 the cancer came back with a vengeance...he left us on June 1st 2003.
It was with mixed emotion that I learned of him willing my wife and I the car. I was really touched because the car helped forge our bond as father and son in law, but at the same time the car constantly reminded me of his passing. We drove the car home, parked it, and didn't take it out much. It was just too hard. I registered here and began learning about Corvettes. I knew I had some big shoes to fill taking care of it.
They say time heals all wounds, and while it is still hard to believe he's really gone, I know he's proud. The car looked almost brand new as I pulled it out of the garage this morning. I had an errand to run for work that would be an hour round trip. I've had it out once to change the oil and wash it so far this year, so I figured since it was ready to go I might as well take it for a spin. I put the top down and did a once over with the car duster while it warmed up. It was kind of a gray day and 50F when I left the house. As I drove the sun came out and I knew Dad was looking down on his clean shiny Vette.
So that's my story. Here's a bit about the car.
1988 Corvette convertible
fresh black paint (probably about 5-6 years old)
base suspension with original wheels
4+3 trans (so far so good...)
stock TPI motor
leather sport seats
climate control
Well I think that about sums it up. Just wanted to say hi and share my story. Thanks.
Tom :seeya
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: hanover pa
Re: Hello from new user (Aaron71771)
I can relate to you, My dad gave in to cancer May 15/03 and left me his Corvette. It was hard and still is to drive his Vette But it is still in the family and always will be. I even had this made up for it. My daughter always called it Hoppy's vette.
Drive it and think of him up there smiling down at you.
Drive it and think of him up there smiling down at you.
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From: seattle WA
Re: Hello from new user (85red_vette)
WOW! I can relate-my Dad died of cancer, my Mom was already gone and I lived with him for the last 1 1/2 months taking care of him. He didn't leave me a vette-but a whole lot more :) he's not up there looking down :nono: he's right next to you :)
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Re: Hello from new user (88C4VERT)
That car will have value beyond understanding over the years.
Welcome to the family and welcome to the Forum.
Larry
code5coupe
:seeya
Welcome to the family and welcome to the Forum.
Larry
code5coupe
:seeya
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Re: Hello from new user (88C4VERT)
What a touching story! I don't question that your Father In Law would be equally as touched that you have this bond with his car. Treasure the memories and make plenty of new ones! :)