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A GREAT HOBBY -By: Jim Wersching #240
I bought my first Chevelle project car in 1980 – a "66 El Camino, and have been restoring Chevelles and other GM cars in my spare time ever since. I still own the El Camino and it is my daily driver in the summer months (it has over 350K miles, but that’s another story). My latest project was this ’69 Malibu.
I put new sheet metal on the rear quarters, doors and lower front fender patches. It’s powered by a stock 307, 2 barrel carb with power steering and auto trans. It’s a great driver and sounds good with new dual flowmaster type mufflers (just ask George). It was my first attempt at base-coat clear-coat paint and I’m really happy the way it turned out. It’s only got 85K miles and the interior is all original and in great shape. Everyone says it’s just screaming for a big-block to be installed, but it runs so good I hate to mess with it.
I’m not a professional by any means but I just love the hobby. I do most of the work on my projects myself from welding the sheet metal, mechanical repairs and upholstery, to final paint. I usually get the car done and then sell it so I can get another one. The last few cars that I finished have been really hard to let go. It takes about 150-200 hours of my spare time (approx. 9-10 months) to complete one and I guess I get somewhat attached by the time it is complete.
My wife Judy and myself enjoy driving the cars we have. We’ve met some wonderful (and strange) people over the years at Club meetings, cruise nights and shows, and made some good friends, which I know we will have for a long time. Where else can you meet wonderful people, improve your cars, show off your work, relieve your stress and have a wonderful time. Like I said, this is a Great Hobby.
