Thread: John Milner-Paul Lemat

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Hello All,
I had the opportunity to meet and talk with actor Paul Lemat( John Milner from American Grafitti) yesterday at the "Rock till you drop" show in Cape Coral, Florida. For me this was quite the thrill as I grew up with that movie and have dreamt all my life of a yellow duece coupe ever since I saw the movie in the 70's. He was a gentleman to be sure and he could not keep pictures and signed memorabilia on his table as fans loved meeting him as much as I did. It was a real treat. Pictures attached (pictures of the show to come) Don Jr.

Cool deal Don. Did he have the piston knobs there to sign or did you bring it with you.

That`s way cool Don! Sounds like you had a good time, is that the real coupe behind you guys?

Most actors are normal people. It is only the few oddballs you hear about in the news.

He actually had brought Piston knobs to sell and sign. It was $25 for a signed piston knob. Paul was funny he said "the knob is worth more if I dont sign it" Funny guy! It was not the real coupe behind him unfortunately. He said he has a new DVD coming out where they take the "real" coupe across country and that should be out soon. He said he is going to be acting on the "sci fi" channel in a new show there soon too. Man do I want to build a 32 5 window now!

Paul Lemat was @ NSRA a few years ago. I had my picture taken with him but left my camera for the cleanup crew to throw away. I still have his pictures with autograph. I believe this movie helped hotrodding. In the beginning of the movie, when Ron Howard asks the question at the drive in "Do you wana end up like Milner?" I always yell back HELL YA.

Originally Posted by Mr Blue

Man do I want to build a 32 5 window now!

Just don't chop the grille shell and then stick in front of a stock height firewall/body. I always thought the "Grafitti Coupe" was cool except for that one detail. The grille looks goofy and out of proportion. I remember reading in an article once that the car had a stock height shell when the studio bought it. George Lucas didn't like how the engine looked so small sitting so low in the frame behind the stock grille shell, so he had it chopped to make the engine look bigger. I guess it worked for the movie, but IMHO it ruined the overall proportions...

Originally Posted by Mr Blue

Man do I want to build a 32 5 window now!

Me too!

Milner's coupe and the California Kid really got me fired up about hot rods!

Might build one someday.

Mike

i met him once pretty cool guy to talk to. got a signed script be damned if i know where it went though

I agree about the grill J.R. That proportion is way off. I think if I built a Graffiti coupe it would have a more proportionate grill to be sure. I heard the same story that the grill was closer to a stock height and Lucas ordered it chopped down. I agree heatwave and hotrod 46. I wanted in the worst way to be like Milner when I was growing up and the Milner Coupe and California Kid made hot rodding cool again in my opinion. Love the 4 two barrel man-a-fre induction and a four speed is a must. I know there are many "Graffiti" coupes out there, but darn if I have ever seen one at any of the shows I have been too over the years. (Never seen a clone in my whole life)Sure there have been "Yellow coupes" but nothing even close to resembling the Graffiti coupe. I think driving around a "p*** yellow duece coupe" would make me smile more than driving my blue T (and I smile alot when Im out in the t) Man my wheels are turning. Don Jr

Mr. Blue wrote:

Man do I want to build a 32 5 window now!

I suggest helping to get the roadster pickup done and on the street first. I hear the "dodgerodder" doesn't want to do another Turkey Run without wheels.

I would help old Dodgerodder, but his work is way too quality for me. I am a "looks good, weld it!" kind of guy! dan is an artist at times. Perhaps I can help him lift something (that wont take too much expertise)

Seems like a real nice guy! Looks like a fun day for you!

Originally Posted by Mr Blue

Man do I want to build a 32 5 window now!

C'mon man, start on one. You need a coupe for rainy days like the rest of us chickens

Originally Posted by Gastrick

C'mon man, start on one. You need a coupe for rainy days like the rest of us chickens

Your starting to sound like me! rains the reason i never wanted a roadster.

Hows that engine swap going?