Thread: First Drive!!

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I finally got the nerve to take the Henry J out for a spin this evening!!! It was a whim, did it before my daughter and I even headed into the house after work....just looked at her and said, you wanna take the car out for a drive? She was all for it! She's 6, and the engine is *loud* but she handled it well.

Stalled 3x getting it out of the garage, its about a 5 pt turn to get turned around outside the garages in the shared space with the neighbors. Tight space, but manageable (I was scared out of my mind). Trying to get that thing to move a few feet without lurching into the house is tedious!

But we got out and got rolling, drove around the Woodland Heights/Ingersoll area here in Des Moines. Turned heads everywhere....it was fun! I was scared it would stall somewhere but once it was out with air running through it it was better. Had a guy behind me honk and pull up alongside and ask what was in it! I told him, bored out Chevy 350 Stroker and he was quite impressed. Asked if I'm selling. Had to disappoint him!

It was fun, and I think I can get used to it....just so different than driving a modern car. But as I drove along smiling and looked over at my little girl I told her, Grampa would be proud of us right now! She smiled and high fived me.

Now its time to get it to a show!

Angela

Very cool.

Angela, the first step (or drive in your case) is always the hardest, it gets easier each time. You and your daughter are developing a special bond and memories that will last a lifetime and I can assure you, Grandpa would be VERY proud.

Mike

Isn't that just the best feeling? I know you will have a ball with it. Make sure you have seat belts in it for the kids!

Pat

Angela, that's is so cool. I know just exactly how you feel. I dedicated my '23Tall "T" coupe to my dad who passed away a few years ago. We always talked about getting an old '20s car like he use to have on the farm in Minnesota. I think of him often when we take it out for a cruise or to the car shows.
Larry M.

One of the many things I thought about while building mine is passing it on to family!Really kept me going through the challenges and all knowing at some time they will be enjoying it as I do! Have fun Beautiful car!

Driving is what these things were made for. So many people who only use them occasionally really miss out on a lot of fun. Just going to the grocery store or for a cool late night spin is like a little mini vacation. I love watching the reactions of people when they look and see something they can't exactly figure out, but that they know is cool anyway. Conversations with others at gas stations and parking lots are fun too, but you have to allow extra time for errands as you are going to be held up lots of times by someone asking questions, or taking pictures with their cell phone.

Welcome to the world of hot roddding Angela!! Now drive the wheels off of that J.

Don

Grandpa would indeed be proud...

Thanks guys, it really was fun. We've got a stormy week/weekend ahead but hoping for clear skies Sunday, there is a small car show on the South Side I think would be ideal for my first one (less cars to manuever around) and it would be nice to show it for the first time on Father's Day.

Its fun to drive, has some serious power!

Angela