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This afternoon I spent under my '60 re-installing the
gas tank, blowing out the line with compressed air before hooking it up to the
fuel pump and finally giving the little two gallon red plastic tank back to
its rightfull owener: My lawn mower.
After getting cleaned up enough to head to my friendly
gas station to fill two six gallon cans with premium, I lifted up the lid and
put twelve or so gallons into the car's own tank.
Moment of Truth.
Turned the key and she started right up as usual and I
gunned the engine a little to provide as much suction from the pump as
possible. There was a slight hic-up or two but then she settled down to
her normal quiet tick over.
By now it was almost dusk and common sense told me to
wait until tomorrow morning to take her out for a drive. But then, if I
had any common sense I wouldn't be doing this in the first place and besides I
personally think common sense is over rated.
I couldn't resist.
I pressed "D" and slowly pulled out of the garage, down
the alley to the street. Moved the turn signal lever over to the right and
headed off down the street. I had intended just to go around the block but
I thought f*** that and kept on going.
I passed a local side walk cafe where we caused quite a
stir; some people even standing and pointing but I didn't care.
For suddenly, it was 1970 and I was 22 again! My
back didn't hurt, I was filled with energy and optimism and all things seemed
possible. My fingers gripped the wheel without any sign of arthritis - all
that was years away. I switched on the headlights and the soft green EL
glow bathed my eyes. Life is Grand!
It didn't last all that long, but long enough. I
headed for home and one of the things I always enjoyed in my Imperial - backing
up. My head turned over my right shoulder and looking back with the view
framed by the fins and the glow of the brake lights reflected in the rings
of the "Sparrow Strainers" as Uncle Tom of Mechanic's Illustrated used to call
them. I pushed the "N" button and put on the parking brake and switched
her off.
Do all time machines have fins? Well I don't know
the answer to that.
I just know that mine does...
Jim L. in OR
'60 Crown 4dr Southampton '62 Crown 4dr Southampton |
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