Sam Memmolo
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Most every auto enthusiast is familiar with the "GoodGuys" Rod and Custom Association, based in California. The GoodGuys is headed up by President Gary Meadors, who along with a superb staff has brought some of the best Rod & Custom events to this country. They also publish the GoodGuys Gazette, with great reports and photography from all of the GoodGuys events. The Gazette is wonderful and it's the next best thing to being at the event itself. No, I'm not on a membership drive. Diana and I are members, but we are also members of the Minnesota Street Rod Club, The Georgia Street Rod Association, and honorary members of the "Cruisers" of Massachusetts, and the West Georgia Street Rodders. The story here is one of sincere human interest. It's the kind of story that doesn't sizzle with sex and violence, so it won't make front-page news in traditional media outlets. Rather, this is a quiet story about people helping people realize their dreams. Diana and I were struck by this story when we first heard about it from our friend Johnny Walker of South Carolina. Johnny is a GoodGuys rep, and he works hard within their organization, traveling great distances to several events around the country. His job, like that of other GoodGuys reps, is to make sure that everyone has a great time at the event. I have to say that we can attest to their success. Diana and I have attended the October GoodGuys event in Charlotte several times. Each time we were amazed at how well the event was run. Johnny Walker is also a Street Rodder and a fabricator. In fact, he did some excellent work for us on Diana's '39 Chevy. I don't let many people work on our cars, so you can take it from me that he does nice work! This story is about a young man named Mark Harmon of Morgantown, N.C. When Mark was just seventeen, he suffered a severe neck injury in a swimming accident, which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Mark is a true car enthusiast, and his goal was to have a Hot Rod Truck. His love for these Hot Rod Trucks drives him to attend Rod & Custom shows where he experience these vehicles up close and personal. Mark contacted GoodGuys and asked if they could give him some direction on how to get one of these trucks built for him. Gary Meadors took the ball and ran with it. First Gary got in touch with Rich Brown at Fatman's Fabrications in Charlotte, and they subsequently called Johnny Walker. When Fatman (Brent) asked Johnny if he would like to help, by doing some fabrication on a project pick up truck for Mark, Johnny jumped at the chance to help. Are you seeing a trend here? Next, Johnny called several of the well-known and highly respected names in the Street Rod and Hot Rod business to ask for assistance. Several of them stepped up to the plate with generous contributions, and the 1964 Ford Pickup truck called "Project '64" was underway.
As of this date, the contributors read like a Who's Who of quality Street Rod vendors. Names like "Fatman Fabrications", Lokar, Air Ride Technologies, Balls Street Rods, and Street Rods by Michael. There have been cash donations also, and of course more is needed to complete this project. Diana and I will keep you posted with pictures and stories as "Project '64" progresses.
Here are a few snaps of the chassis where Johnny is installing a Fatman Mustang II IFS, and the Air Ride Technologies Suspension package.
Log on often to check out the latest on this fabulous project. Remember…nobody will remember what you
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