charlie8575

Allright! And a Volvo wagon to boot! Never been a big foreign car guy, but I always liked Volvos, dread the repair bills, which is why I never owned one. Charlie Larkin

It very much reminds me of Officer Sean Collier, MIT Police, who was killed while trying to stop those wretched Tsarneyov Brothers last year after the Marathon Bombing. "Flashbang" and "Speedbump" as they've become known locally because nobody can spell or pronounce their first names, killed what from all accounts was a good man and was about to transition from MIT to the Sommerville Police. Flashbang will at least be on trial. Speedbump earned his nickname after Flashbang accidentally ran him over in a carjacked getaway car. May all those who gave all while serving the public be remember for all time. Charlie Larkin

How very true. And I'd get them at the age when they were becoming bigger problems, and saw the results of parents not remaining involved to the extent they should have. Charlie Larkin

He and my dad (who had a Pinto and learned to love to hate that thing) would have had a most interesting conversation. Those happy memories are what make the coping easier, Craig. Concentrate on them, and he'll live on in that manner. My sincerest condolences for your loss. Charlie Larkin

Second the motion. Craig, don't ask questions, just do it. Charlie Larkin

That's good news, Ray. May a full and speedy recovery be at hand for her. Charlie Larkin

So very true, Tom. Our history- even things that are seemingly insignificant to others, must not be forgotten. It's what makes every locale in America and the world 'round so special and wonderful. Chuck- great photo set, although a few didn't seem to show up, but it was very enjoyable. Thank you very much for posting this. Charlie Larkin

Expert or not, Tom, I'd say that looks pretty darn good to me! Charlie Larkin

Well done. Charlie Larkin

*DROOL* (Wiping off keyboard...yuck!) That red interior is actually very nice, Al. I could see some well-heeled owner doing exactly that- either forcing a special order or going to a trim shop and having it done. Another beauty from your workbench. Charlie Larkin

Adam- GREAT job! Beautiful, well-executed model. Bill- I'm having a great deal of trouble envisioning you in a Chevette?! Charlie Larkin

Dan, that's gorgeous. Great tip on the paint, too. I have a few As to build, along with a couple of Model Bs, and it'll be nice to have the something that's so close to the average right engine color (Ford, from what I understand, tended to batch its odd-lot leftover paints and the green would vary a little) instead of winging it. Charlie Larkin

Very nice work on the decals, Art. Charlie Larkin

For springs, coil some wire around appropriately-sized rod. That'll let you keep your pens intact. If you have a good independent/co-op hardware store nearby (e.g., Ace, True Value, Do-it-Best, etc.,) check the small spring selection from Midwest Fastener or Sharon Bolt (the plastic boxes with all the nuts, bolts, etc. in them,) you might get a spring you can cut down to size and it won't be too expensive. Micro-Mark might also have some springs. Take a look. Charlie Larkin

Welcome, Greg. Raymond isn't too far up. C'mon down to MassCar. We meet third Wednesday in Canton at Porter & Chester Institute. Our show is March 16 at the Holiday Inn in Taunton- exit 9 off of 495. Hope to see you soon! Charlie Larkin

Cool. That car tower is giving me some ideas..... Charlie Larkin

I was wondering if there was a way to convert the Mk VII to regular springs/shocks. I figured where the chassis was essentially a Thunderbird/Cougar one, it should work pretty easily. Nice Mark. Definitely one of the better looking cars of its time. Charlie Larkin

Massachusetts had plates in 1963, '64 and '66. The 1963 plate was infamous for having its paint peel, hence the 1964 plate. Prior to that, and starting right before WWII, we started issuing plates every other year. In 1967, a new plate was introduced, white with medium-dark blue lettering, with no year, and you got a sticker every two years, which goes on the upper right corner of the plate on the back of the car, if you have a two-plate plate. The expiration of the sticker is based off the last number of the plate. For example, my plate, 334-KAJ has an expiration of April every other year. I put a new sticker on last year, so I'll do it again in 2015. Some of the older plates had an odd combination of numbers and letters, but never more than six per state law, so, some of the early whit/blue and the 1970s red-on-white plate (not to be confused with what we have now), would have combinations like 123 45A, or 1A2345. On either of those plates, the expiry would still be May 31. All antique plates renew annually in November. Commercial plates renew annually in December. The newer "Spirit of America" plates have the expiry month stamped (ones made in the last five or so years are now printed) in the upper left, opposite the registration sticker placement. Like most states, we also have a variety of special plates. Unlike most states, you can keep your plates and transfer them from car to car. A brief history. http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/history/ Samples of the current special passenger car plates: https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us/SpecialPlates/pltShow.aspx Click the arrows to show our specials. Charlie Larkin

Massachusetts allows YOM plates, but you need to cede ownership of plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. As long as the plate isn't in use on another car, you can use yours. For example, if you have 1931 plate 123.456, and use it, you're the only one who can use that sequence for YOM. If I had say, 1966 123-456, I can't use it. The low-number (referred to as "reserved" plates) are very expensive, and even cleared standard plates in pairs (which the RMV requires), are getting a bit pricey- $30-50 a pair in nice condition. Technically, you're not supposed to repaint the plates and all kinds of other stuff, but that's given a wink and a nod, as long as the colors are right. Some people also put regular antique plates on their cars as registration plates, and display the antique plates. As long as the modern plates are in the trunk, it's legal to drive with the YOM plates, even if they're not the "registered" plate, from what I understand. If it was me, I'd just swap 'em at the show to be safe. Charlie Larkin

I wonder how well that "corn-blend" gasoline worked in the 1930s? Interesting set of pictures. Anyone know where that car parking tower was located? Charlie Larkin

Excellent work, Doug. Those colors are marvelous. Charlie Larkin

Pretty. Charlie Larkin

Wow is that GREEN! And knowing you, Mike, it'll be a real nice job once it's done. Charlie Larkin

Well....still poking away at it. The glue REALLY fused a lot of stuff, and it's been very, very slow working to get things disassembled as carefully as possible. On the bright side, the engine that came in the AMT '62 Buick is built and will be ready for service. One other guy found a picture of the air cleaner decal and I'm playing with that. Hopefully, updates soon. Charlie Larkin