A Day in Phoenix
 

Yesterday I was in Phoenix all day and I hooked-up with Bruce (Xplantdad). It was only about 105 degress by noon but Bruce, ever the good host, was happy to get the Chevelle out and take me for a spin. How could I refuse?
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2.../PHXDrive1.jpg

First stop was the gas station for some pump 92. That's Bruce and his daughter Holly.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2.../PHXDrive2.jpg

Then out on the boulevard rumbling along at 50 mph. Nothing like a 4-speed, 3:73s, and the Chevelle's 360-horse Rat making sweet music through the Flowmasters. This shot reminds me of high school 30 years ago. First time in three decades that I had been in a '66 Chevelle.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2.../PHXDrive3.jpg

Then Bruce headed over to a new housing development under construction for a few launches. I told him not to break anything on my account but Bruce, ever the good host, brushed-off my concern and revved-up the 396 and let out the clutch. The guys working on the new houses (out of shot at left) were smiling as Bruce hit it, nailed second, and the Cokers wailed in protest.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2.../PHXDrive4.jpg

We went back for an encore and the construction guys nodded YES when I asked them if they wanted another display of tire-scorching big-block Chevelle. WAAAAAAA (shift) WAAAAA (smoke). Holly screams in the back seat as the Chevelle gets out of shape near the top of first gear and the cable TV guy in his work truck swerves over to the curb to get out of our way. Bruce hits second just as the car heads toward the cable guy's truck but Bruce skillfully guides the Chevelle past him. I gave the cable guy a wave and a big grin as we roared past. The cable guy looked old enough to remember when dinosaurs ruled the planet. (You know, dinosaurs like the SS 396 Chevelle and all the other big-inch beasts that were afraid of nothing and killed and ate everything that got in their way.)
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2.../PHXDrive5.jpg

Actually, I took the two shots of the tire marks later on after Bruce had put the Chevelle back in its cave, I mean, the garage. I should have gotten a photo of the construction guys and especially the cable guy's face as we fish-tailed past his truck. Next time, eh Bruce?

Bruce and Holly and I then cruised around Phoenix and he showed me the HUGE Barrett-Jackson tent as we drove past on the freeway. (I am definitely going to B-J in January and Bruce, ever the good host, is saving me a spot to crash on his living room floor.) I tried to buy lunch at Applebee's but Bruce (say it with me: "ever the good host") moves too fast and grabbed the check so I elbowed him out of the way at Dairy Queen later on and I got that tab. We picked up Bruce's wife Lynn at her office and then they took me back to my hotel by 5:00 for my flight home. I had a great day talking cars and doing burnouts. And, for 111 degrees it really wasn't that hot--when you're having fun you just don't care. If you're ever in Phoenix call Bruce, you will have a GREAT time!

Hey Bruce, I'll let you tell everybody about the guy's garage and cars we came across while out driving.

Thanks again Bruce! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif x 100!!!

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Did Holly get her turn in the Burnout Contest????? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Remember......She has to be Trained correctly........ https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Bruce........Your Chevelle is Awsum..........

Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Bill,

It was our treat! And you know it really wasn't THAT hot (it's a dry heat, you know https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif). Today it's supposed to be 115 degrees...WoW! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/blush.gif

And Steve Sandlin is right...the torque from the 396 in the Chevelle is amazing...right Bill?

Okay, I'll tell abit about the cool cars that we came across while we were out driving around. I took Bill over to a neighborhood that my wife Lynn and Holly discovered while driving around. It's the PERFECT car guy neighborhood...and it's only a mile or two from my house.

The houses sit on about 3/4 of an acre and they have attached gagrages and then detached shops...almost everyone of them does. They are located on three sucessive cul-de-sacs. While showing Bill these cool houses...Bill said, "Hey, there's a cool red Corvette down that street we just passed". So we went down the next street and turned around. We had a brief discussion (about 5 seconds) about whether or not we should stop and say hi...well. we decided to stop. The guy ( I've forgotten his name already)...told us about the Corvette. He had just finished putting in a crate motor and a ram-jet fuel injection system and a 700R-4 and A/C. The car was cool. He then invited us into his shop where he had a Mustang fastback, a full-on drag Ford (Falcon?) a mid 40's rod (apart) an new black Z06...and I don't remember what else. We talked for a bit...then he asked if we really liked horsepower (of course we both chimed in at the same time...SURE!) and he opened a door into another room, where he had a pro street Falcon with a narrowed rear, over driven BDS blown cleveland mill and another rod (chevy powered) next to it.

Finally he said that he was expecting delivery of an 07 GT500 mustang by the beginning of next week.

I'll try to get shots of the subdivision after I get back from Cali...we need to take over the block and all move there (That guy can stay though)

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Thanks again to Bill...what a cool guy.

Ken, can you please submit your reservations for your stay at the Blythe place fairly quickly? Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated!

I'm sure that Bill can chime in on all the cool details that I missed regarding that guys shop.

Finally, all I have to say is that https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif. Holly (who will NOT be doing burnouts any time soon) agrees!

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Let's see... The red/red Corvette sitting out front was a '64 roadster (top off) with stock '64 spinner wheelcovers and whitewall radials. New fuel-injected Chevy crate engine (ZZ-???), 700R4 trans, radio delete. Inside the shop was a '48 Ford sedan street rod (apart), a late '30s Chevy coupe rod (apart), new black ZO6 (DROOL), '66 Mustang fastback tubbed/lowered drag car, two '64 Falcon Sprint hardtops--one a track-only car (tubbed, etc.) under a cover, the other a 6-71 blown 351C hardtop tubbed, big meats inside the rear fenders. Last car was a '30-'31 Ford highboy pickup with a small-block. The owner was a heck of a nice guy too.

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

See! Bill remembered everything...unlike me.

And yes, the owner was really cool! We had a camera...but didn't think it was cool to take pics...yet! I found out that the owner goes to the 83rd and Union Hills cruise often...so I'll hook up with him there and see if he wouldn't mind if I come over again and take a few shots.

Oh, BTW, Bill got to cruise by the infamous 83rd and Union Hills, too (on the way to Applebee's)

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Bill, you must really rate....you come to town and get the royal treatment; I'm coming to town tomorrow and Bruce is leaving town!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Seriously, you are absolutely right, the Blythe family have got the good host thing down to a science https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Excellent pictures - thanks for posting https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm coming to town tomorrow and Bruce is leaving town!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Bill, didn't Bruce leave you the keys to the Chevelle under the front door mat??? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Hi Bro,
Looked like a beautiful day for a cruise. Makes me home sick! (Phoenix looks much better than being on Long Island on a stormy afternoon). The car looks great. Black lines on the asphalt look good. Next time...lets see the car making those pavement trophies!
Gary
Gary

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

[ QUOTE ]
Bill, didn't Bruce leave you the keys to the Chevelle under the front door mat??? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

He's not THAT good of a host!!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif Plus, if he did that, Holly would probably beat me to the keys and be out practicing leaving her own marks on the pavement https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif


Nice to see Gary checking in here, too....Gary, did you get your water pump fixed yet?

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

He's not THAT good of a host!!!!! Plus, if he did that, Holly would probably beat me to the keys and be out practicing leaving her own marks on the pavement https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Hi Bill,

The water pump hasn't made any noises lately...course you actually have to be home to drive it! I am looking into a motor rebuild, (balance and blue print), when I get back home. The motor isn't sick, and it was rebuilt only about 3,000 miles ago, that was in early 78! Insurance for the future on a numbers match block.

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Hey Bro...I'm at Dad's now...visiting. I hope that you're having fun on Lawwwngiland in New Yawk! Holly says to say Hi!

Glad you enjoyed the pics https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

[ QUOTE ]
Bill, you must really rate....you come to town and get the royal treatment; I'm coming to town tomorrow and Bruce is leaving town!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Seriously, you are absolutely right, the Blythe family have got the good host thing down to a science https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Excellent pictures - thanks for posting https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Leaving town was right!!

Here are some pics from the 'short' 1600 mile trip...


Here's Mammoth Mountain ski area...still has snow on it. They were open for skiing until the 4th of July https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

If you've never skied there...you're missing out.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4520.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Here's the court house in Bridgeport

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4521.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Here's June Mountain...about 10 miles from Mammoth. It's a nice alternative when Mammoth is busy...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4589.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Here's my co-pilot Holly standing next to the Walker River...a few miles from the California/Nevada border on Hwy 395

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4528.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Here's a view from my Dads back yard in Gardnerville...Heavenly Valley ski area is dead center in the pic...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4539.jpg

Bill Eaton sent me this pic from Heavenly...looking the other way...COOL!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...SkiTrip038.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Here's Lake Tahoe...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4547.jpg

And Holly braving the cool water

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4558.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Last Shot...Holly is in Nevada and California...two places at once

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4585.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Your Camera works well.....Grasshopper.......not one Palm Tree...............Holly https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Thanks for those great pictures Bruce. I LOVE that high country in California. I fly along the Sierras weekly way up in the 30,000s but I must make that drive at ground level one of these days. I'd love to wade in that cold Walker River water!

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Bill..we actually talked about you and flying over the area...as lots of planes were on final approach to Reno, too!

Ken...Holly was an awesome co-pilot https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

You're right...there were no palm trees. I think next year we'll go up during Hot August Nights...sounds like a great time.

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

[ QUOTE ]

I took Bill over to a neighborhood that my wife Lynn and Holly discovered while driving around. It's the PERFECT car guy neighborhood...and it's only a mile or two from my house.

The houses sit on about 3/4 of an acre and they have attached gagrages and then detached shops...almost everyone of them does. They are located on three sucessive cul-de-sacs.
I'll try to get shots of the subdivision after I get back from Cali...we need to take over the block and all move there (That guy can stay though)

[/ QUOTE ]


Okay here are a few pics...the house at the end of the cul de sac to the right is the one with 7 cars and a lift in the "RV garage". He also has a four car garage attached to the house


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4618.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Here's another one a block over...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4616.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4617.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Here is another one about a mile and a half from my place...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4614.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

And another...2 front views

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4612.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4613.jpg


And one from the rear...


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4615.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Finally...this one is for sale. BTW, I have sent the price info to the Y-Net member who inquired about housing in this area https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif (I don't do real estate https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif)

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4611.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4610.jpg

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Bruce,
What are the average selling price of some of these homes? Last time I checked (about 15 years ago) these types of nice homes were priced huge amounts lower then they are here in Minnesota.
Rick

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Rick,

The only one that was for sale was the one above...at 1.2 million...though it looks like it's on at least an acre and a half...and it's brand new. Most of the houses in this neighborhood have RV garages and HUGE shops...ask Ed Montini (Enio45)...I took him on a tour a while back.

Houses in my area range from about $550,000 (subdivision-avereage sale price) to well over $2.5 million on the bigger "estate" houses about a mile away...

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Bruce... where's the grass????

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Bruce, Where abouts in Phoenix are these homes? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

[ QUOTE ]
And another...2 front views

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4612.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSCF4613.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

That looks like Bill Wieman's house, the Mopar collector. He had his collection/storage facility featured in Hot Rod Magazine and this house has a striking resemblance to his home.

Bruce,

nice looking houses! Nothing like a fresh build...

There is new legislation in Arizona something along these lines... (Bruce can correct me)... any house built from 2005(?)-present cannot have a grass landscape. The landscape must be "natural" or "desert." It might have something to do with irrigation issues and costs, I do not know why (enter Bruce here too). My extended family has several houses in the Scottsdale area and have informed me that a premium can be paid for a house with grass or non-desert like isotope.

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

[ QUOTE ]
Bruce, Where abouts in Phoenix are these homes? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

North and West of Phoenix in a city called Peoria, AZ. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And another...2 front views


That looks like Bill Wieman's house, the Mopar collector. He had his collection/storage facility featured in Hot Rod Magazine and this house has a striking resemblance to his home.

Bruce,

nice looking houses! Nothing like a fresh build...

There is new legislation in Arizona something along these lines... (Bruce can correct me)... any house built from 2005(?)-present cannot have a grass landscape. The landscape must be "natural" or "desert." It might have something to do with irrigation issues and costs, I do not know why (enter Bruce here too). My extended family has several houses in the Scottsdale area and have informed me that a premium can be paid for a house with grass or non-desert like isotope.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's not a Wiemann house (as far as I know) I believe he lives in N. Scottsdale...

Also, I'm not sure of the regulations that you're speaking of...the only stipulations that we had with our HOA is that the landscaping cannot be 100% of one thing...i.e. all grass, all rock, all desert landscaping. You might be right though https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif

The regulation that you're talking about may be a Scottsdale only thing. Maybe 'Dreemz' could add a comment here? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

August issue of Money magazine issue has the annual "Best Places to Live". I was surprised to see that Scottsdale was ranked #7, and Gilbert #16. For cities over 300,000 Mesa was ranked 3rd. As long as you can make it thru the summers, the winters are well worth it. That's why I'm moving back in less than a year when I retire! Bruce I need to look you up when I am back in town again, I would like to get a look at some of those shops. I plan on building one when I get back.

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Dave...just let me know when you're coming back. I'll do the rest. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Maybe I can get that Sam Griffith guy to come along? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

He's got a new job keeping him busy that's why there are no posts from him the last week or so.

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

New job...he's supposed to be retired! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: A Day in Phoenix
 

Might be like my sister-in-law's husband.....he retired from the Army and shortly afterward got the same job he did the last few yrs in the Army, only as a civilian. He now has a couple more years to go and he can retire from that as a civilian and get that pension, too https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif