March 2012
FREE
A CUSTOM MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO LIVE A CUSTOM LIFESTYLE www.cvnorthwestmagazine.com
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Portland, Oregon
Contents Letter from the Editor: Cover
Jason Rodgers - Luck of the Irish
Page 4, 5
MotorBreath (Metallica Tribute Band)
Page 7
Band Drama - D. Needham
Page 11
Kacy Crenshaw Benefit
Page 13
Luck of the Irish (Jason Rodgers)
Center Fold
Chantell Dawn
Page 18
Wikid Sin
Page 20, 21
My First Car (Stephen Henn)
Back Cover
Green, Gold & Sin St. Patrick’s Day Party
Since starting this rag, We have had the pleasure of meeting a wide range of incredible people that have dedicated their lives and beliefs to their businesses, music, cars, friends and family. That’s when it really hits home, that’s why CV Northwest was created. It was created to highlight those custom lifestyle people that make up the hardworking, dedicated and never surrender type attitude of the Oregon and Washington communities. This Issue We dedicate to them. Because without the extreme communities, CV Northwest would not have been born and I thank them for being who they are. The design of CV Northwest is not about making money or being the owner of a business. It’s about providing a main stream source that will help a business make money by spending less on ads, it’s about helping that business get customers in the door, it’s about that guy or woman that spent their extra time and what little extra money they have to build their dream car or bike. It’s about the musician that sleeps with their equipment and eats noodles every day while trying to make their dream of being the headliner come true. CV Northwest is about people like me, our advertisers and our readers. It’s about the custom lifestyle that people have laid out for their lives and we want the world to know about them.
CV Northwest Magazine (SM) © 2011 - 2012 is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher’s prior written approval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for the errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error; a correction will be printed. Publisher is not liable for: any slandering of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who are solely responsible for the content of their ads. Publisher is also to be held harmless from: failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond control; all suits, claims or loss of expenses; this includes but is not limited to, suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. CV also known as Consuetudo Vitae is owned and copyrighted by Publisher. Publisher does not promote excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
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The lights in the bar dim and you find yourself standing center stage in a sea of bodies, anticipation coming in bated breaths, waiting impatiently for the world to end and the music to begin. When the metal storm erupts, you stand with strangers who are brothers and sisters, arms raised, rock horns in the air, roaring and head-banging to the high-energy, heart pounding, and old school sounds of Motorbreath, a powerful (and honorable) tribute to Metallica. With a combined 120+ years of music flowing through their veins, the brotherhood that makes up Motorbreath - singer/guitarist Kevin 'Hetfield Staley, bassist Mark 'Cliff-Jason' Trees, lead guitarist Gunner 'Kirk' Dhillon, and drummer Rich 'Lars' Long - produces a sound that reverberates through your core, shaking the very foundations of your inner musician. Their music is loud and raw, like all music should be, like the music of a proper Metallica tribute band should be - walking to the stage is an exercise in will, you have to force your body through the physicality that emanates from the amps. It rattles the brain, but if the music doesn't make your ears scream in pain, is it really music? With inspirations that range from Iron Maiden, Rush and Judas Priest to close family to, of course, Metallica, Motorbreath has brought forth from the depths of heavy metal hell and strapped to the hood of a beefed up trans-am, that feeling and energy that every heavy metal rock fan felt the first time they went to see Metallica in concert; pulse-pounding riffs, scathing solos, house shuddering drums. They play the music perfectly, a fitting echo of the real Metallica; if you close your eyes, you would be hard pressed to hear the difference. It is a night and a show worthy of a great band like Metallica. They are quick to note that they play exclusively early Metallica (Kevin thinks himself quite the pundit by saying “Black and back”, a veiled homage to his AC/DC influence and a clever double entendre); anyone who knows Metallica understand that it takes a talented musician to play early Metallica, the longer and much more difficult material, but the band pulls it off easily, like they were born to do so. One of the things you notice about the band is that they are really enjoying themselves; this is a labor of love. On stage they rock together, and off-stage they are more than just band mates, they are brothers in arms. The band is made up of regular guys that come from all walks of life, ranging from ex-military to IT technicians; they are husbands, fathers, and significant others, the heart and soul of every hard working American. Like every other band, they have overcome obstacles and celebrated successes along the pathway of music, and have been strong enough to stand by their beliefs and each other to make it on the rock music scene. The band works because of their belief that the band is the most important thing, and no one member is more important than another – they put egos aside for the good of the team. They play hard and party hard; during our conversations, however, they did admit that a major change they made for the better was to quit drinking before shows, and to save the shenanigans for after. It pains me to admit that had to decline an invite to the after-party, goodness knows what happens when the boys howl at the moon. But make no mistake, when the band-time is over, they return to their biggest priority and source of support and happiness, and that is family of the group, quiet and reserved, until it’s time to jump into the fray.
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Motorbreath is well known throughout this region as a quality and hard charging band worthy of a following; they have played many shows to several hundred fans, and anticipate the day when they can play to several thousand. They also echo the path of trailblazers like Johnny Cash by playing a private show at the Oregon State Prison 3 times; if I remember correctly, that’s a pretty good act to follow, since Mr. Cash played to a few groups of inmates himself. They dedicate themselves to being true musicians, capturing the spirit and vibe of Metallica, and their fan following is a testament to their progress. It is true that inspiration and dedication can make dreams come true, and the guys in Motorbreath are a living testament to every rock musician that has ever played an instrument or crooned into a microphone. Motorbreath - come see them, if you dare... And from CV Northwest, we send alongside Motorbreath our condolences on the loss of a friend, Leif "Eric" Cole, proof that it's not the years in yourlife but the life in your years. His flame burned as brightly as the sun, for all too short a time. RIP.
Written By: Chris Henn
Videography that speaks volumes Rock Steady Video Productions is a professional music video production company servicing all rock genre's. We work with local as well as national talents and we offer a wide range of video and photographic options, from in-studio video and product photography to on-location and live concert shoots. Our professional and creative work reflects a long history behind the camera. Jud W Morris info@Rock-Steady-Video.com www.cvnorthwestmagazine.com
(253) 534-5049 www.rock-steady-video.com
Beat Bunny Productions works with a wide range of music genre’s and promotions through out the Northwest. (503) 915-7999 BEATBUNNYMUZIK@gmail.com 5
Owner:
Derrick Franzin
Car:
00’ Eclipse
Provided By:
D. Franzin
Exterior Vertical Doors Inc. Vertical G-Speed Carbon Fiber Hood Black Euro Vinyl Top 6- 20”/ 2- 4” Blue LED Strips Interior Sparco Racing Seats w/ 6 Point Harnesses NRG Detachable Steering Wheel 2- C2 Autometer Gauges (Air/ Fuel ratio and Boost/ Vacuum) Cyberdyne Digital Volt Gauge 6- 20”/ 2- 4” Blue LED Strips Engine Cold Air Intake Venom Piggyback ECU BBP Headers/ Cat Back Exhaust Optima Yellow Top Battery Zex Nitrous System w/ 10 LBS Zex Dual Purge w/ Blue LEDs Aluminum Racing Radiator Vibrant Upper/ Lower Radiator Hoses Dark Candy Blue Valve Cover
My name is Derrick Franzen. I was born in Beaverton and later I moved up to the Vancouver area where I have been for over 20 years. My father, Rick Franzen, sparked my interest in cars early on in my life. We would always go to the Late Night Drags at PIR and races at Portland Speedway. I was drawn to the custom import lifestyle right around the major popularity with the Fast and the Furious series but I wanted something unique that would eventually dominate at local and regional shows. I chose the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse a little over five years ago and have been working on it ever since. The car itself has gone through several stages, each stage meant to exceed the last. Every mod done to the car I either did myself or was directly involved in. Through this endless modification, I have found an even deeper passion to customize cars and am planning to open my own local shop specializing in making bland rides into cutting edge piece of art. At the start of 2012, I was elected secretary by my car club the Pharaohs Street Rodders based out of Oregon and SW Washington. Together, my club strives to preserve the hot rod culture as well as being open to new specialty vehicles. Our main charity is the MIAP which locates, identifies and inters the unclaimed cremains of American Veterans from wars as far back as WWI. www.cvnorthwestmagazine.com
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Ever loved a band so much that you found yourself going to all their shows until eventually you started chatting with the band members on a first name basis? Then one day, you’re looking up their next gig, and you hear they broke up? Little did you know that the culprit behind the scenes was band drama. For most bands, drama will destroy their future like flies on an electric swatter. But for other bands, like my band KLONDIKE KATE!, a little worked-through drama can be turned into to a sexy high octane fuel for unforgettable shows! Band drama can arise at any time in the life of a band, from its onset, to after a member’s first contact with Yoko at a show, to a band mate’s collapse from chronically eroding self esteem or drug addiction. Though it may never be eliminated, (hell, we’re human), it can be managed. The recruiting process is the most important place to prevent eventual drama-rama. Successful bands talk…they actually communicate with each other. They have a shared goal, a musical or on-stage vision that all members take seriously. Agreement, negotiation, and compromise works. Dictatorships usually don’t, neither do insults or abuse. Dressing down one another should be for a good reason, especially between band mates of the opposite sex, but not to abuse someone into agreement. Band members should always have the choice to quit the band, but they must know at initial recruitment, that playing that card will not be seen as a bluff, because the rest of the band has already agreed to replace their sorry ass with a quickness. Everyone should be on board with this agreement early on. It’ll prevent a lot of pain down the road.
Band members should also know that they will never be required to do anything they don’t want to do. That way it’ll quickly be known to all who’s committed and who’s not. After the offender is finally kicked out of the band, the remaining band members should carefully craft their next Craigslist add with the duties that the new band member is expected to do in order to stay in the band. Like a favorite drink, a good band mate should be at a hands reach, easy to swallow, and tasty enough for you to want to come back to over and over. Avoid band members who can’t pay their phone bill, lack basic hygiene, and never practice their instrument. Trying to make your loser friend a member of the band will ultimately cause the band to crash and burn. Just look to drama king, Sid Viscious of ‘The Sex Pistols’ . During the Sex Pistols 1978 American tour, Sid’s antics caused so much chaos, Johnny Rotten, the punk rock band’s lead singer crumpled to his knees on stage citing Sid Vicious as a complete waste of space – which goes to show adding an instrument, a stage, late nights, and lust filled fans to a loser’s life, will cause the whole shithouse to blow. Band members should never be guilted or harassed to get them to come to practice. Don’t believe me? Just watch as an unmotivated member’s personal crisis’ spiral out of control after they’re asked to practice more often, help with merchandise sales, and go to all day recording sessions. Band success and longevity, and having a lot of fun, coincides with having a group of semi-stable band members who openly communicate – even if it comes from an energy filled exchange or during a late night shared psychedelic experience. But, with that said, it’s better to swiftly throw a drama king or queen out to sea, than let the entire ship sink. By: Debbie Neeham - Drummer & Singer Klondike Kate!
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ALL SHOWS START AT 9:00 PM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
March 9
www.cvnorthwestmagazine.com
Maiden NW (Iron Maiden Tribute)
The Refectory
Portland, OR
Klondike Kate (Ole’ School Punk)
The Back Stage
Tacoma, WA
Metal City [Dan Crenshaw] - Wikid Sin
Charlie’s Bar & Grill
Vancouver, WA
Whiskey River (Skynyrd Tribute)
Muckleshoot Casino
Auburn, WA
March 15
80’s Metal Tribute
Newport Armory
New Port, OR
March 17
Green, Gold & Sin / St Pat’s Party
Malibu’s
Vancouver, WA
March 10
Co-Hosted By: Malibu’s & CV Northwest
5 pm
Wikid Sin
March 20
Klondike Kate (Ole’ School Punk)
The Comet
Seattle, WA
March 24
Kacy Crenshaw Benefit
Malibu’s
Vancouver, WA
Whiskey River (Skynyrd Tribute)
Monroe
Monroe, WA
Metal City
The Back Stage
Tacoma, WA
March 31
8 pm
8 pm
(Unless otherwise stated, ALL shows are 21 years of age and up - It is the responsibility of the establishments to check ID’s)
A NIGHT OUT WITH ROCK’N FRIENDS
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After Noon
Live Music Venue Amazing Friends ( 360) 553 – 7910
or
After Work
Rock’n Atmosphere
Great Food
Longest Happy Hour in Down Town Vancouver
115 E as t 7t h St Vanc ouve r
Cal l D e bbi e for Booki ngs
Professional Photographer Family Portraits - Weddings - Events Cover Shoots and On location for Bands Competitive Rates Ryan Dawson
503.577.9076
Portland, Oregon
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Chantell Dawn A true inspiration to any up and coming or current model. Chantell was discovered in 2010. Though Chantell had dabbled in modeling prior, once signed she began to focus on building her growing portfolio and resume, both modeling and acting. Chantell is always looking for creative and unique people to work with, and loves coming up with filming and photography concepts and styling ideas. As a born perfectionist, Chantell strives to excel in every booking, and to better herself as an artist. Modeling and Acting are Chantell's passion and love, something she plans to pursue as long as possible. Her dedication, punctuality, personality, and artistic vision make her "fun to work with", say many people who have worked with her. Photography By: Oblique Foto
Provided and Authorized By: Chantell Dawn
Gabrielle Hailstone Gabrielle Hailstone is an artist in many different forms. Her talent for makeup and hair stems from her love for sketching and painting. Her inspiration to become a stylist comes from living overseas in Tokyo, Japan. Gabrielle was fortunate enough to witness professional Japanese Makeup artists and Hairstylists back stage at multiple high end runway shows. By committing herself to her passion, Gabrielle has had the opportunity to be involved with professional short films, runway shows, corporate videos, and photo shoots. With a combination of her extensive experience and the wide range of talent in both hair and makeup, Gabrielle is a great addition to the Northwest film/photo community. Provided and Authorized By: Gabrielle Hailstone
Devon Rose Devon Rose has many aspirations in life. It wouldn’t be right to classify who she is by what she does and likes, but instead by how she feels when she views the world around her. The arts of any form are one of many passions. Devon has performed in countless duets and solos, school choir concerts, competitions like “American Idol”, and the occasional jam session when ever possible. Devon practices her expressionism creating custom pieces of art like a glow-in-the dark bejeweled t-shirt or, of dreaming up her perfect car! She stays active by walking instead of driving and longboarding 24/7 during the summer. She says, “Both by the way I find great for car watching. I enjoy those days when all the collectors have their classic old sports and muscle cars out on the road, blaring car talk radio.” Provided and Authorized By: Devon Rose
All CV Northwest Magazine CV DVa’s are 21 years of age and older. These amazing women are ambassadors and Promotional agents for CV Northwest Magazine and our causes. If you own a licensed business or have an event that you would like to have the CV DVa’s appear at, contact CV Northwest Magazine for details. www.cvnorthwestmagazine.com
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Malibu’s
115
East 7 th Street
Vancouver, WA
Join Metal City, Special Guests, Family and Friends to Honor Kacy. Kacy is the niece of Dan Crenshaw and was diagnosed with cancer that has spread through out her body. Kacy and her family have been given a very short time left together. Kacy is a 32 year old mother of a young boy named Kyle who is autistic. Fund Raiser Auction - 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Donations will be accepted on-site All proceeds go to Kacy and her Son
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When was the last time that you walked in to a Harley Dealership and was greeted by a staff member before you take five steps inside? I have never had that happen until now. When I walked in to Columbia H-D in Vancouver, WA, I was immediately greeted by the owner Jason and automatically felt like I had just come home from a run to Devil’s Tower and was being welcomed home by a member of my own family. Columbia H-D has been a family business since 1944 and they have kept that family feel to it ever since. Their staff has been a part of the family from 7 to 22 years and it’s all because of the ‘Family First’ attitude that they have. Their sales staff doesn’t just through you on a bike and say have a nice ride, they talk to you about every option available and are willing to tell you the truth and nothing but the truth about a wide range of bikes, every if it costs them a sale. They do not hold anything back from you because they want you to be happy with your purchase and above all else, want you as a rider in the wind to be safe and comfortable. They say that second hand information about anything can be distorted, so I will let you decide by letting Jason and Jennifer Rodgers the owners of the Columbia H-D family tell you their family story. Emil Kreofsky worked for his Uncle who founded the Harley-Davidson dealership in Portland, Oregon in 1912. In October of 1944 Emil found a small shop on Columbia Street, and that was how Columbia Motorcycle was created. With the help from his uncle providing motorcycles and parts, Emil sold and worked on Harley-Davidson motorcycles until 1947. In 1947 The Harley-Davidson Motor Company asked Emil to become an official Harley-Davidson dealer for Southwest Washington. The dealership was doing so well that in 1955, Emil outgrew the small wooden building and had to relocate Columbia Motorcycle to East Fourth Plain Blvd. After many years of motorcycling and great success as a Harley-Davidson dealership owner, Emil retired from the dealership in 1975, leaving Columbia Motorcycle to his son, Jim Kreofsky. The Fourth Plain store went though many add-ons to accommodate for the increase popularity of Harley-Davidson, but in the year of 2001, Jim had to do what his father did in 1955. So, with the help from his Daughter, Jennifer, and his Son-inLaw, Jason, they decided to move Columbia Motorcycle one more time to its present location off Hwy 99 in the Hazel Dell area. In October of 2004, 60 years after his father Emil opened the doors to Columbia Motorcycle, Jim Kreofsky announced his retirement. Jim Passed the family history of Columbia Motorcycle to his Daughter Jennifer, and his Son-in-Law Jason. With every move that Columbia Motorcycle has made over the years, the dealership received a new look, but we always took with us the heart and soul of a down-home family dealership. At Columbia Motorcycle we’re proud to carry on the Harley-Davidson tradition going on 60 plus years. We hope you will take the time to stop by the shop to meet both of us and to get to know our great staff. 1314 NE 102nd Street & Hwy 99 * Vancouver, WA www.cvnorthwestmagazine.com
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Bike: Luck of the Irish
Owner: Jason Rodgers
Builders: Lenny Perrone, Stu Oler, Tony Parsons, Kevin Schuette, & Jason Rodgers of Columbia HarleyDavidson. Design concept: Kevin Schuette & Jason Rodgers of Columbia Harley-Davidson Paint By: Jason Prouty of Garage 31, Cunningham Customs & Mike Bevard of Enterpaintman Inc. Motor Polished by: SW Polishing Works in Las Vegas
Seat Covered by: Vaughn Brothers
Engine: S&S 124CI TC Long Block sion
Trans: Baker 6 Speed Right-Side Drive Transmis-
Rear Tire: 300 Avon Venom X
Front Tire: 150 Avon
Gauges: All Electrical
Primary: Primo Open Belt Drive
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CV Northwest attended the Portland Oregon Auto show with two primary missions in mind. We wanted to show our support for the local businesses that put their unique touch on the community and the show it’s self and we wanted see the First Responder dedication truck [below] up close and personal. Our Thanks! We all at one point or another do something that is above the call of duty. Some of us never say a word about what we did, some of us never get a thank you for what we did and we don’t mind. Every once in a while, someone special steps up to the plate and says thank you to ‘All’ by creating a master piece that says it all. The local businesses on hand provide services that ranged from systems designed to assist the disabled owners of cars and trucks, custom bed liner systems to custom alarm systems designed around the owner of the vehicle. The children that attended the event were greeted by clowns and had fun driving small electric cars. This show is highly recommended and we will be back next year.
Photo’s released by written Parents Permission
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Party With A Character! Characters Galore- At Characters Galore we rent out characters for your event or party. We are a licensed company and have characters for any event business or personal: grand openings, sales promotions, birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties or if you just want to draw attention. www.mycharactersgalore.com
Reserve your actor (360) 989-6386
God’s Garden Association God's Garden Association is a non-denominational church with 20 years experience. We know this is an important day for you and will do everything in our power to help it be just that. We have both male and female ministers and we do not discriminate with religion, sex, nationality, etc... We are fully functioning association and handle weddings, celebrations of life, baptisms, memorials, even themed if wanted. R e v. D r. L e s l i e R i c k www.godsg ard ena ssoci ation .org
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This is not an article about your everyday, average bar band, this is an article about a band that will hunt you down and force feed you the hardcore veracity of how music should be played! So wipe that look off your face and except the reality that Wikid Sin is the defining factor that decides whether you live life to the fullest or just walk among the living.
Arriving in a hearse driven and owned by Raddy Caddy, Wikid Sin fans gathered around to get a glimpse of the group as they immerge from the thundering reaper ride. It was at that moment that we all knew we were in for a night we would not forget… And then the real fun began, on stage Wikid tears it up with their extreme energy and powerful music. Wikid’s front man, the mysterious Syd Wikid (Rich Morris), his face painted to resemble a skull, is every dad's nightmare and every woman’s naughty dream, stands tall alongside the sexy, Beccalicious (Rebecca Slaughter) who sparkles from head to toe, as they belt out the dual vocals. Guitar player Eddie Van Damon, (Damon Gray) will threaten to melt your face off with his screaming guitar solos. Bass player Dr. Thunder (Bryan Staley) will make your balls shake, even if you don’t have any. And drummer, Tommy Big Stick (Tommy Slaughter) will guarantee you feel the beat in your chest with every pounding of the drums. Wikid Sin is the future of headlines that will become a household name, primary CD in your car or the entity that hides in your dreams and makes you shiver in more ways than one. Wikid Sin stormed into the local rock scene just a few short months ago with an “In Your Face” attitude. Wikid Sin shows will leave you feeling excitement and exhilaration and make you want to come back for more. So if you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing them live, you need to get out and there and see exactly what you’re missing. You won’t be sorry!
UPCOMING SHOWS:
March 10, 2012
Charlie's Bar & Grill Metal City Vancouver, WA 8:00 pm - Till
March 17, 2012
Malibu’s Vancouver, WA 8:00 am - 1:30 am
OFFICIAL BAND OF CV NORTHWEST www.cvnorthwestmagazine.com
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Tom
Bryan
Damon
Rebecca
Rich
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Do you love meeting new and exciting people? Do you Love custom cars and bikes? Do you Love live music?
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If you answered ‘Yes’ to all of these questions, then CV Northwest wants to talk to you about joining the CVNW teams in Oregon or Washington. w w w .c v no rt hw est m ag a zi ne .c om
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My First Car…... My eldest son turned 16 last year and when he had shown enough responsibility, my wife and I plunked down $5,000 on a used car for him – and hopefully his brother and sister who follow. It is a enough nice car – a 2004 Saab Linear with 116,000 miles on it. The traditional quirkiness of Saabs and its age give the car quite a personality, but to my son, it is the greatest thing on four wheels. Of course, a milestone like this reminds me of my first car. Like most “men of a certain age” I have a tremendous affection for my first set of wheels, despite its obvious shortcomings. Like most of my friends, it was a hand-me-down family sedan; a 1968 Plymouth Belvedere. I loved that car. But like many a love; it was not necessarily a rational emotion. Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot to love about the car. It had a 318 cubic inch V-8 (that’s 5.3 liters to those too young to remember when engines were listed in cids). Open the hood and there was enough room to hide in the engine bay and I could do most of the maintenance myself. It sat six high school kids easy on its bench seats (no seatbelts of course) and we could cram in eight with the girls sitting on the guys’ laps. The vents were controlled manually by the driver and if they were opened on the highway and the girl in the passenger seat was wearing a skirt…well, you get the picture. And the trunk was big enough to hide the bloody results of a minor Mafia war.
With its flat front and Chrysler small block spinning 340 ft-lbs of torque at 2,400 rpms, it was my first step to independence. And like a first girlfriend, there is a special place in my heart for that car. The Plymouth Belvedere B-body had its fair share of cool versions in its glory days from 1964 until 1970. In 1968, the two-door version was the RoadRunner with a 383 cid V-8 cranking out 335 horsepower and 425 ftlbs of low end grunt. In the series Angel, David Boreanaz drove a 1967 Plymouth GTX, which was the top-ofthe-line sports car. The 1968 version of the GTX came with a 440 cid engine (7.3 liters for you young’uns) with 375 hp and 480 ft-lbs of torque at only 3200 rpms. Plymouth Belvederes won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at NASCAR's 1964 Daytona race and Richard Petty drove a number 43 Plymouth Belvedere for many years, winning the Grand National championship in one. He is reputed to have said that the Belvedere was the best car he ever drove. Yes, there were plenty of “cool” versions of the Plymouth Belvedere, but my car was not any of them. And it did not matter. One funny about being 16 and having a car is that my memories are always about the weird stuff we had to do to keep them running. I had a friend with a 240Z (yep) and a buddy with a pristine 1967 Mercury Cougar, but while they were beautiful, they don’t engender the sort of fond memories that our groups of friends’ “problem children” did. One of my buddies had a 1968 Ford Mustang with a three speed and a 200 cid V-6 rated at 120 horses. Getting that thing rolling was an art form. We were driving in it when the accelerator linkage cotter pin went and a large paper clip was pressed into service. Every drive was an adventure. www.cvnorthwestmagazine.com
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One quick side story: after my uncle wrecked or sold the Plymouth out from under me, I inherited a 1972 Dodge Dart with a temperamental electrical system. If you drove through a deep enough puddle, the engine would short out and the car would stall. Then you would wait until the engine dried out before you could restart the car. This could take 40 minutes. So I would find myself in the pouring rain, stuck on the side of the road for 40 minutes…just waiting for the car to dry out. All this took place prior to the age of cell phones. Today, I simply cannot image my wife sitting idly by if my son was 40 minutes late coming home…not knowing what was up. Every drive was an adventure. Back to the Big Beige Belvedere, the reality was that the car had a bunch of shortcoming, both by teenagemade and by design. Being your average high school male, I did my fair share to try and shorten the poor car’s life span. My best Dukes of Hazard imitation drove the shocks through the back end of the frame. Professing ignorance and a deep concern that my father would pass along a car in such hazardous condition, we cut a couple of two by fours into the right shape and sandwiched the whole back end between them. It held. Since an AM/FM radio was an unnecessary luxury, it was AM only in my car. For anyone who years for the days of snap, crackle and pop LPs and radio, I think you are freakin’ nuts. In the three years from 1978 until 1981, I do not think I heard a complete song all the way through. EVERYTHING interfered with an AM radio; bridge underpasses, electrical towers, Mack trucks, large trees, the weather, EVERYTHING. Of course, one listen to David Soul’s Don’t Dive Up on Us, and you became quite grateful for the underpasses and Mack trucks. The awesome seats that held me and a half dozen of my closes friends were vinyl. The original seats did not last long and were redone in tan vinyl. Yes…vinyl…in tan…it was cheap. So a day at the beach led to a special type of hell when you got into the car. If the third degree burns were not quite enough, getting OUT of the car produced a sound not unlike duct tape being peeled from…another piece of duct tape. Unfortunately, that was just your skin. And you sweated. And sweated. Because the car never cooled down: our A/C system was an open 60 system. It was a bit of a trick, but you ran the car up to 60 miles per hour and opened the windows. It worked sometimes. Every drive was an adventure, and occasionally a painful one. But all these quirks and the struggles my friends and I had keeping the jalopies on the road are the stuff of fond memories…and some valuable lessons. A couple of years ago, I came across a kid in a Jetta with a dead battery. Oddly, no one had cables, but I noticed he was driving a standard. “Before you call a tow truck, let’s get it rolling and pop the clutch.” He looked at me like IS suggested he torch his car. But after an explanation, several “trust me’s,” and some detailed instructions, we did it and got the car going. I guess even today, every drive is an adventure. Written By: Stephen Henn
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