Thanks for asking, guys. You are correct – it’s been one year on the dot.
I was off for about 3 months and then went back to work at another auto manufacturer. Got a lot done in that period of time, including whipping the Haulmark back into shape (brakes, wheel bearings, fixing the doors, etc) and selling the Airstream. Mostly: tires. Six new tires for the Haulmark, 4 new tires for the Airstream, 8 new tires for my pickup (summer and winter tires), 2 drag radials and 2 drag slicks for the Chevelle. I was getting a workout swapping tires around.
Anyway – I knew I wanted to go back to work somewhere and not touch that sweet, sweet GM pension money, which is tucked safely away. I got a contract job offer as a result of the only interview I had. I’m doing Accessory Design release, so a lot of vinyl graphics packages, rear spoilers, almost did an off road remote snorkel (got canceled, due to cost), etc. I have already done one Special Edition package from concept to production, which had some accelerated program timing, brought it home on time and within budget. It’s fun to do some artistic stuff: the styling guys have been pretty hands off, so I take out my pencil and start sketching on photos or line drawings and run it through the formal approval process. Usually once they see what I have done they’ll have some comments or modifications, but it is pretty much my work in the end. It’s nice to not be tied to the assembly line, too. Eight hour days feel kinda long - I think a six hour workday would be just about right.
I’m glad it’s starting to look like spring around here. Now I need another three months to whip the open car trailer into shape (brakes, wheel bearings and paint) and rub on my truck a bit. I’m also building a new motor for the Chevelle which needs to get finished up and installed (my engine builder went racing this weekend instead of staying home working on my stuff). I rebuilt the trans in the Grand Prix, too – had that out and back in within about a week.
Did a podcast interview with C10 nation a few weeks ago. Ronnie Wetch had been on my case for quite a while to do that and the time finally seemed right.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801889
Other than that – just trying to keep all the balls in the air.
K