"If only you were nearer" Back on track! Apologies...

[grizz]

I can only say that while on my trip, I often chose not to photograph stuff as it would be lost in translation.

You have managed to capture the essence there Bruce.

Sure, you are a dab hand with a camera lense but there is more to it.

Sitting like many others, waiting for more.

You made it all happen yourself, through sheer determination and hard work, but you had a privileged trip for sure. Thanks for sharing.


PS. I have also linked your thread to the other 8 forums and 14 threads I am doing my Road Trip report on......... You may see a bit of a jump in readership

[beetie01]

1st post just to say this is a great write up of a fantastic trip. Your photographing is incredible and matches your story telling.

Also if it worked to buy his porsche then camerashy 'sell me your datsun'

[gotwood]

You've excelled yourself with this epic tale Bruce , after chatting with you last year about about the first 912 you nearly bought it's so good to see you finally getting the car of your dreams . Make my trip from Swansea to Kent to pick up a £350 sh*tter look lame in comparison !
I can't wait to see the next instalments cos I know things get even better

[Mystery Machine]

Nov 14, 2015 4:35:26 GMT skoda_norman said:

Brilliant. Pleased to read the full story behind the trip - I just caught the updates on Facebook.

Keep the updates coming, it is a great read. Would love to do something like this.. one day.

Hi Rob, thanks for the kind words. I guess it's starting to make a little more sense now that the sporadic FB photos here & there? If you're ever thinking of doing this kind of trip in any way, the one thing I can definitely recommend is just do it. I know it sounds like a cliche, but life is definitely too short.

Nov 14, 2015 8:20:27 GMT PhoenixCapri said:

WOW that is an amazing build, that slam panel/intake is beautiful. So glad you got such good photos!

I'll never build a car that nice for track use (I don't trust my driving skills enough to think ot worthwhile!) but I just love guys who can't help but do such a good job. How I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for the whole trip.

I know what you mean about people who build cars to that level, with their own money, just to race them. I think it makes the build that more noble than someone who builds the perfect car just for people to admire.

Nov 14, 2015 11:09:11 GMT grizz said:

I can only say that while on my trip, I often chose not to photograph stuff as it would be lost in translation.

You have managed to capture the essence there Bruce.

Sure, you are a dab hand with a camera lense but there is more to it.

Sitting like many others, waiting for more.

You made it all happen yourself, through sheer determination and hard work, but you had a privileged trip for sure. Thanks for sharing.


PS. I have also linked your thread to the other 8 forums and 14 threads I am doing my Road Trip report on......... You may see a bit of a jump in readership

Thanks Rian, it means a lot. There is a hell of a lot that I didn't photograph, probably about 60-70% of it but I'm hoping the bits I did remember to take my camera on make up for it? Thanks also for posting some links, that's really kind of you.

Nov 14, 2015 11:12:02 GMT beetie01 said:

1st post just to say this is a great write up of a fantastic trip. Your photographing is incredible and matches your story telling.

Also if it worked to buy his porsche then camerashy 'sell me your datsun'

I'm honoured and flattered that your first post would be for this thread, thank you. I can highly recommend exploring more of the forum, especially the readers rides build threads, there are some simply incredible projects in there. Welcome to the forum BTW!

Nov 14, 2015 12:22:49 GMT gotwood said:

You've excelled yourself with this epic tale Bruce , after chatting with you last year about about the first 912 you nearly bought it's so good to see you finally getting the car of your dreams . Make my trip from Swansea to Kent to pick up a £350 sh*tter look lame in comparison !
I can't wait to see the next instalments cos I know things get even better

Thanks Julian, I remember chatting at length about the red one, about planning to collect it etc...doesn't seem that long ago but it really was a year ago! Boy does time fly.

[Mystery Machine]

Nov 13, 2015 23:16:41 GMT Mystery Machine said:

I might have forgotten to mention that Richards current work in progress was sat out on the drive. Dads own little project while Brad had been busy making a super cool Miata V8 time attack car.

I think you'll like that too....

Just in case any of you missed this line, which I wouldn't blame you for if you're like me and just drooling over Brads craftsmanship, I thought I'd better show you what Mr Brad Sr. (Richard) is currently building himself.

Now, annoyingly, I didn't get to take any shots of the photo albums he showed me of his previous builds. This was, entirely, because I was just stood there in dumbfounded awe at the cars he's previously built. a few pages into the albums I could immediately see where Brad got his knowledge and skills from.

I strongly urge you to all take a bit of time to browse some of these albums I found online. Look at the bodywork, take time to soak in the incredible chassis work...you won't fail to be in awe. Especially when you think they were all built in the garage you've been looking at for the past page or so. Built by a man in his house in his own time with his own money. You'll not regret looking right here>>>>> www.picturetrail.com/55xvette

Unlike his previous builds, this one is going to retain all the patina. This makes me very, very happy because it looks fantastic just as it is.



You'd be a fool not to love a Chevy C10. Especially one built like this:

[Mystery Machine]

As you can imagine, under the surface it wasn't all thrown in and held together with shonky welds and lots of hope. Do, however, remember that this is a work in progress, so still a hell of a lot of things to finish off....














Then then there is the small matter of powerplant. As I found out pretty quickly over there, LS engines are pretty much the go to answer for an powerplant swap. After all, they are literally EVERYWHERE and cheap. Almost like a Zetec would be for us.




Lastly, there is the amazing aesthetic of the front wheels in that engine bay. I make no apologies for dumping 11 shots of this one particular part of the car, no apologies at all, I just couldn't get enough of the way this thing looked with the 'hood' open.
























If there was one vehicle (other than the 912) that I could have brought back from Ontario, it would most probably be this one. I was in complete love with it.

[Mystery Machine]

My visit to suburbia had shattered all my perceptions about life in North American 'Pleasantville'. I put my hands up and freely admit that I had this kind of place down as a clinical facade of Jones' and Jones' all living the perfect dream, assimilating the paradigm that they should all aspire to. How wrong was I?

Instead I found nirvana. Automotive nirvana.

Behind that garage door, that you could drive past every day for ten years and not know what happens within, a father and son create incredible cars. Sculptors, engineers, artists, mechanics, they do it all.

On top of that, they really are the nicest people you could hope to meet. Friendly, welcoming, humble.

Friends arrived during my visit there, they chatted, they worked on their own cars:




They joked and laughed with each other



Exchanged stories



And just hung out.




Beyond the cars, THIS is what I had come all this to experience. You can keep your Niagra Falls, I'm sure the view is magnificent, but times like the afternoon spent with Brad & Richard at their wonderful home is what cemented in my mind the things that made me fall head over heels in love with Canada. The people.

And I've got this guy to thank for it all. He took me in, let me become part of his home for a while, shared his life with me. Above and beyond the scenery and even the cars, it was he and his friends that truly made the trip so memorable.



James, thank you.

[recarouk]

brilliant simply brilliant, was linked here by Grizz and i have to say I'm blown away by it all. amazing words, pictures and people. its a huge thumbs up from me, and thank you so much for sharing.

[hamps]

The ABSOLUTE fun lumps! Bruce you have knocked it out the park with this one mate

[grizz]

Pleasure Bruce.

Not sure I ever saw this truck on the C10 forum, but I think the guys would love that build.

67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=585901

That is my trucks thread, but he can go onto the same forum and possibly post a bit, the guys will go totally Ga-Ga.

[penski]

It's wonderful finding out where all the snippets and pieces which I saw on Facebook fit into the big picture

*n

[BenzBoy]

Bruce, this was truly inspirational! Fantastic story. I've been waiting for life to get less hectic so that I can sit down and catch up with this thread and Grizz's. Hats off to James and the rest of the guys in Canada for being such welcoming hosts too, what a great place and wonderful people!

[Mystery Machine]

After leaving suburbia, JP, James any myself headed back to Works Garage where we sorted a few things out, I got to have another look at *my* 912 and then we headed for a pub. Because James was driving this time, it was the first chance to have a few pints.

I have to say, the beer isn't really that great. We really are spoilt over here. I had the bar girl on the case and she kept giving me different pints trying to establish if there was a drink I'd really like. Don't get me wrong, all were drinkable, but none were that memorable and I certainly didn't have one that made me think I'd want more.

That wasn't really an issue though because I had great company and that was the most important thing. James and JP are exactly the kind of guys to spend time in a pub with and despite the lack of a really decent pint (I found myself on shorts after a while) the night was fantastic!

We said goodbye to JP and headed back to James' where I decided to get some photo editing done. I think the lack of sleep, busy days and maybe even some alchohol had a small part to play in me falling asleep quite awkwardly while trying to do so! (photo 'courtesy' of James )



Tomorrow James had to go back to work, (selfish guy that he is ) so this meant I was going to be left to my own devices.

I had a plan. Sort of.

It's amazing how a simple plan can change and turn into something far more amazing when you least expect it.

[oukie]

Ha ha ^^^

[Mystery Machine]

The next morning, over breakfast (obligatory pancakes and maple syrup - lovely pancakes cooked by James) we chat about my plans. I'd set the day to do some exploring because James was going to be heading back to work. We somehow get back onto the topic of the 912 and I start to list the order of how I'm going to tackle the project, "First off, source some floor panels and a replacement front suspension pan along with any other repair panels the car needs"

James responds, "You do realise Restoration Design is just down the road?"

"I did not know this"

So that's it, my most immediate plan is not to explore, but to head to Guelph to see if I can source some panels for the car.

If you were to write out a list of companies that make repair panels for Porsches, top of the list would be buying directly from Porsche. 2nd place goes to Restoration Design, apparently their panels are as good as it gets without going OEM (at a much, much greater cost). All the other manufacturers fall well below.

So, here I am thousands of miles from home, collecting a Porsche 912 in need of some new panels and the best place to source them just happens to be on the doorstep!

I fire up the sat-nav and point the Yukon towards Guelph.

The drive there is ACE! Nothing remarkable to anyone who lives in Canada, but every mile is a journey of wonder to me. I just love driving around Canada.

About 40 mins later (after stopping at A&W for a burger and obligatory root beer) I arrive. The side of a 914 nailed to an otherwise completely anonymous, anodyne building is the only real giveaway that I'd arrived. It's the sort of place that really easy to drive straight past...






I'm hoping they have what I'm after in stock.

As I head to the side door (main entrance) I note that there is nothing flash or fancy about this place. I'm feeling a bit underwhelmed, I guess I was expecting a bit more from a place with such a reputation. To be truthful, I'm actually a bit worried that I'll be leaving empty handed...is this really the place that comes a close second place to Porsche themselves for quality?



I'd be a fool not to at least find out.

I head in and look for the office/reception.

[penski]

f5 f5 f5 f5 f5

[robdhc]

Nov 15, 2015 14:58:13 GMT Mystery Machine said:

After leaving suburbia, JP, James any myself headed back to Works Garage

Woohoo!! There's more!! Best thing that's happened all weekend

[Deleted]

This gonna be nother cliffhanger??
:-)

[Mystery Machine]

Once inside, I navigate my way through the corridor to the office where I'm greeted by a guy called Peter. He looks like one of the workers, dirty hands, weathered shirt, safety goggles propped atop his head.

It turns out Peter runs the place. It's a family run business owned by his father, Mike who is currently in Florida buying another 356, and co-owned/run by Peter and his brother Alex.

Peter and I chat for a bit, he seems more than happy to spend time talking. Relaxed, laid back, the place has a nice vibe about it. It also has a resident dog asleep in the main office area.



This is exactly my kind of place!



Over to one side, Alex is on the phone to a client but he puts the call on hold for a second to come over and say hello. Like his brother, he's friendly, welcoming and more than happy to take the time to greet you. You don't get this kind of treatment in the UK.



I take a peek into the little display cabinet while Peter finishes his own phonecall before we head into the warehouse to look at some panels.



Phonecall completed, we head out into the warehouse. Past the packing area where orders are put together to be sent all over Canada, the US and beyond



We turn a corner and WHOA! Repair panel heaven!



"If you're not in a rush, you can come back to this in a bit. If you've got time, you're more than welcome to have a look around the factory and see stuff being produced?"

Yep, they are more than happy for me to just take a wander around the place and see how my panels are made. An opportunity I'm not going to turn down.

It all starts here with a huge roll of metal.



Which gets fed through a guillotine and chopped into appropriate sized pieces depending on which panels are being made at any particular time.




If this was the UK, I'd be confined to the office, not allowed near the panel store for health and safety reasons. Definitely not allowed free reign to wander, at my leisure, around the factory itself.

Another reason why I LOVE Canada. Common sense rules over regulations and red tape.

[oukie]

Your such a tease,