Hi all, I hope your all enjoying working on your trucks as much as I did. Well They cleared our property a few days ago so my beloved F1 that I was fortunate enough to be caretaker of for 15 years is gone forever. After the fire it sat for 7 months and I never could get myself to even touch it much less pop the hood It was just to sentimental for me. I did open one drawer of a tool box a few inches and that was it, I had to walk away. Oh well I have many pics and memories, plus being an FTE member was a life changing experience in itself. I have never met a better group of people in my life, may God bless you all as He has blessed me. If I was a little younger and had better health I would do it again but that's just not the circumstances. The folks here taught me to do everything from turning a rusted bolt, do body work, paint a truck, weld, to rebuild a C4 tranny and a 9" posi rea, and work on a n engine, not to mention the friendship and support I received while I was homeless.. Thank you all. I felt compelled to post the history of the truck during my tenure of it. I actually have a sense of finality now that it's gone and I can stop playing head games of can I fix it or not. Any way I do check in from time to time, but just don't feel as I have much to add to most threads, But Im here in spirit. Darn I love this site. Be kind to each other and enjoy every bolt you turn, or mile/ kilometer you drive.. jimmy

 

Oh, Jim! That is so sad to see. In glad you are staying with FTE and lending your awesome philosophy. I know your faith in God has helped you deal with this.

 

I sold my last truck about three years ago . I no longer have the desire to do another one , but I watch the site and still comment . It's a great bunch on here . Are you thinking of rebuilding , if not is there a market for property after the fire ?

 

Jimmy

Good to hear from you. It's hard to see the photos you have posted, but I am glad you and your family are safe.

I think about you almost every day that I am out in the garage and wonder if you are doing well.

Where are you living now? Roy and I need to set a date that we can meet you for breakfast or lunch to catch up.

Stay strong and know that we all miss you - keep in touch.

Take care

Dan

 

Hey Jimmy - good to see a post from you.

Your participation into many discussions over the years here has added to the site being as friendly and supportive, whether they were fully truck related or not.
Looking forward to your updates on life after the fire and sharing thoughts on topics of your interest from the posts we put up.

Take care and stay in touch.
Tom in Maine

 

You're an inspiration Jimmy!
Your positive attitude, no matter the circumstances, is something that I strive for.

Thanks for checking in, it's god to hear from you
Bobby

 

Great to hear from you Jimmy. You've had a tough patch to handle - I applaud your resilience. Truly the stuff of strong folk.

Those pictures, while a harsh reality, show the stunning transformation from starting point to the 'finished' look. Take great pride in that change knowing that all of us - or our survivors - will have to part with a cherished vehicle. Your timing wasn't a choice obviously, but it did provide a lifeline to the next stage. Not the worst possible outcome.

Please, visit us now and again. You'll always be welcome in our little neighborhood.

 

Good to hear from you Jimmy. You don't need to have a truck to be here.
Your posts have always been an inspiration to me. We are a family here and in good times and bad, you always know how to put what we are all thinking is such an eloquent way.
I understand you not wanting to tackle something like that again. You did such a fantastic job with your truck.
If you are ever in Central Missouri, you are always welcome here.

 

hi Jimmy good to hear from you again as Dan said we should meet up again. FTE is a better place with you

 

Truly a sad thing to go through Jimmy, my heart goes out to you.
Please keep in touch and like has already been said, you certainly don't need to have a truck to keep us company here.

 

Hey Jimmy,
It's really good to hear from you! You're not going anywhere …
you are a permanent member here. You have lot's of experience to share.
Who knows .. you may be driving down some dirt road in N. California &
and your next project is just sitting there with your name on it.

Hang in there Jimmy. Keep stopping by - it's a great place to just talk.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Jimmy,

Glad to see you post. I miss seeing you post on the site. Glad all is as well as it can be given what you went through. You sir are an inspiration to so many. If you do change your mind and decide on another project just know, no matter the make or model we will be here to help you if needed but also know that you don't need our help as you've been there and done that. You have the skill set to expedite anything you put your mind too. Good Luck Jimmy and hope to see you on here and in No Cal.

 

Jimmy, A bright spot in the face of our world. Was so nice to see your post. Thank you for being you. Thank you for your spirit and good words. The pictures are heartbreaking but that you and your wife survived that catastrophe is uplifting and priceless. May God bless and please stay connected here.

 

Good to hear from you Jimmy. It is gut wrenching to look at that photo of your truck and (I assume) your garage. I can only imagine how you feel looking at the devastation yourself. I do find encouragement in the fact that you and your family are safe and hopefully on the road to full recovery from your loss. You are a very talented man with great determination...if another truck is not in your future then I am sure it will be something else that will challenge you to learn and create another thing of beauty. Good luck!

 

Hi Jimmy,
I can't imagine what this life change could possibly be like....
I do hope that you and your family are brushing off the ashes and are looking ahead. Even for me, those pictures are hard to look at...I wish you, for you, Hope and Health, today. Tomorrow will bring a different light, and I hope you keep looking ahead.
Please keep in touch here!
Jeff and Nicolle