Thread: Jyardgirl

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I don't know if you have explained this yet. How did you get interested in cars to the point you wanted to get in there and skin your knuckles? Tell us your story! I admire your "jump in the middle of it" attitude. Way cool.

yes i too am interested in your story,i could use a little inspiration right now. thanks

long story but here goes. when i was young my life was pretty bad. my mom, brother and i lived through hell and back with my father. my mom was the only one that supported us as my father was a violent drunk. mom did the best she could and squirreld away money for years to buy something special. what she brought was a bright orange 68 gto with the his/hers shifter and the 454 tricked out. we lived in baltimore maryland at the time and radar had to be on stands or hand held. if you have ever been to baltimore than you know that there are alot of nice flat brideges where radar used to not pick up. so to get away from our house for a little while her and i would go to race other cars on the bridges. my brother is scared of going fast. we had a blast. my dad would find out and take parts off the car such as core wires or other cables. so my mom taught me how to put them back on and we would sneak out and do it again. so my dad took the car and blew the engine by over reving it. so we got it towed to the dealer and a bigger engine put in. i truly loved that car and the freedom it brought. as the years passed we finally moved to virginia where both of my parents grew up. when we did my farther took the car one day and sold it for a 6 pack of beer. I miss that car. But my mom taught me to never let someone else control what you do. To be able to stand on my own two feet. and to marry a man that respects and loves me. I ahve all that and as my 2 sons did not need me as much since they have gotten older my hubby encouraged me about 4 years ago to follow my passion for cars and to make it mine. I developed anxiety disorder and a phobia of bridges because of everything that i went through as a kid but when i am in my car or working on it i am happy and at peace.

i went to school with a " car girl " .. she would drop the trans in her 67 stang and put in a new clutch in a heart beat .. i still see her from time to time at tenn car shows ..

Well I am glad I asked the question. You had a fearless mother that taught you to be you and not let anyone take your freedom. It is good that you did find happiness. And it is good "YOU LIKE CARS"!!!!! I was thinking that if some of us were closer we could help you. But than I think, she wants to do it herself! You already know you will get all the answers and support for your questions here. THANKS for the story!

Great story, Barb. You obviously have a great, great Mom who cared enough to see that you knew not to put up with the bad stuff when you could do something about it. Is she still with you? Just imagining the two of you turning wrenches on the Monte....

thanks for the question. i wish that you guys were closer so i have someone to work with sometimes. but i do like doing it myself. she passed about 11 years ago. loving life and having fun. over the years she had some amazing cars and we went to the drag strip every chance we could. we never raced at the strip which i hope to change this coming season. might not win but i will make at least 1 pass.

Wow Barb,that's a great story.Sounds like you and your mom were very close.I have followed your posts on your engine swap and think it's great.You are an inspiration to women who love cars but think they can't work on them.Like my dear ol dad used to say "tough times make tough people".You keep at it,we're proud of you.
Glenn

thank you glenn you guys are so great. you have been better for me than all the therapy i have ever been through. maybe we could some how make this a therapy and make millions. that way i can afford my bugatti veyron ss.

Barb,
Because of your past you have become the great wife, mother, and Mechanic that you are. I am really glad you participate on this site.
Ken

everyone i am sure has horror stories. we just learn from them then decide which path to choose. I chose to live and learn. you can never forget but you can be determined to not repeat.

Barb,thats a kool story,and I feel you have conquered more than most people,and to do what you have with your engine swap is even kooler,,My wife is a car girl,and her father taught her to change her own oil,tires,etc.
As she says,"What doesnt kill you,makes you stronger''..
Keep it up,you are an inspiration to many..

Originally Posted by Ken Thurm

Barb,
Because of your past you have become the great wife, mother, and Mechanic that you are. I am really glad you participate on this site.
Ken

Me too, Barb. Whenever I scan the current threads to see what's going on, I'm always happy to see something from you there.

Sounds like your Mom was quite a lady and passed a lot of very good values and internal strength along to you. Thanks for sharing your story with us. That is what makes this forum so great, real flesh and blood people who come across as more than just someone sitting behind a keyboard.

Don

Barb it sounds like you live by my philosophy..
If you're handed lemons make lemon-aid.

Sounds like your mom was a great woman to have as a mother.
She spoke very wise words to you & it seems you have listened.

Oh and I's sure you'd want a black one......

don that is so true. we forget sometimes because of the animonity of the web that we are talking to real people. and yes toomany i would get it in black