The Mean Green is Back

And another - Oh, and yes, I AM MISSING the "Powered by Ford" emblem on the rear. The facility lost it, but that was fairly minor. I bought one off ebay and it's PLASTIC (a word conveniently left out of the desciption). Anybody have a metal one they don't need?

And then theres this. Forgive the highly amateur attempt at an 'artful' shot. Photography is not my gig! (Still figuring out what it might be)

lookin' good...oh and welcome back!

Your way too modest, the car in front of your house makes for a nice shot, the mix of '70's styling with the traditional house frontage looks great.

Great news Adams.

I share your joy my friend, the Pantera is beautiful.

George

Outstanding! I am glad your car turned out so well. It really does look great!!

Congrats on getting your Pantera back Adams! A good day indeed!

Adams,
Congrats on getting your car back. It really did not take your shop that long.

When I had #4134 repainted 10(?) years ago, I made the mistake of telling the shop that I was not in a hurry and that I just wanted a great quality job.

It took them 5 months as my car was worked on between their less patient customers!

quote:

Originally posted by Pantera 4134:
Adams,
Congrats on getting your car back. It really did not take your shop that long.

When I had #4134 repainted 10(?) years ago, I made the mistake of telling the shop that I was not in a hurry and that I just wanted a great quality job.

It took them 5 months as my car was worked on between their less patient customers!

THANKS TO ALL! Man, I've had the best time for the past 24 hours. I feel like I've gotten a child back home - and in a way I have.

4134, I've been the 'nice guy' way too many times. This is weird, but I almost chose an artistic independent with a great reputation (painted a half dozen or so Barret Jackson cars, but the more I was around him, the more I KNEW I'd get shelved for 'other' work, kids, wife, my toe hurts, parts aren't in.. blah blah.

I went with a multi million dollar 'production' shop with a sympathetic owner. THEY WANTED SCHEDULE ADHERENCE. Good. Longer story, but it worked out well.

This weekend, I'm taking my other car to Atlanta, then Birmingham AL to watch my kids run, then as SOON as they're done, I'm heading home... ripping into the boxes of polished bits, decals, door light switches and ultimately my new leather Gary Herrig seats. Ahh, a FUN weekend!

And yes, I need to change my avatar...

Car looks great. Upload more photos when you get the chance. Glad you waited that extra week for the paint match.

R.

Adams,
I lurk on the "F Chat" forum to keep up with local events. So I know about your “other” car. Just be careful when hanging out with those people many have very low opinions of Panteras and feel they should be excluded from Italian car events, because "they really are not Italian cars “ !

PS: Where are you headed in Atlanta? There is annual UPS/United Way show on the North end on Saturday.


Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by Pantera 4134:
Adams,
I lurk on the "F Chat" forum to keep up with local events. So I know about your “other” car. Just be careful when hanging out with those people many have very low opinions of Panteras and feel they should be excluded from Italian car events, because "they really are not Italian cars “ !

PS: Where are you headed in Atlanta? There is annual UPS/United Way show on the North end on Saturday.


Jeff

This is such a great group - I demand a group hug now! Thanks Jeff. I'm actually coming to an industry event called "Comfortech" that's at the World Congress Center. I'm NOT speaking this year, so I get to go as a regular ol' person! I'm signing a few books (very few I'd bet!) then making a NON typical political appearance. I hate politics, and politics hate me: perfect match.

Anyway, I'm actually taking my OTHER "other" car (Viper GTS) with a girl from our office who is easily frightened. Another perfect match.

So, won't be making the UPS show though it sounds like a good event. I do plan on hitting the Italian Car Day thing this year for the first time, and I'd LOVE to bring the Pantera. You in?

RobertVegas, thanks my man. You encouraged me to wait it out, and dude, let me tell you the color is ON THE MONEY. (Whoa, it actually is kind of a dirty dollar bill color.!) The car nearly smiled at me when I saw it. It was happy to be very original and lookin' new.

Adams, dude, what a brilliant plan. Give a girl from the "office" who is easily frightened a ride in a Viper GTS. After you scare the hell out of her, she will need some soothing and comfort. What is the title of your book and the story behind it ? Chuck

Your car looks great. After weeks of prep my car was supposed to be painted today (although I had already heard that a few times before). It has been a long wait for me. I hope my paint and repairs look as good as yours (and that they don't lose my Power by Ford emblem).

quote:

Originally posted by #7260:
Adams, dude, what a brilliant plan. Give a girl from the "office" who is easily frightened a ride in a Viper GTS. After you scare the hell out of her, she will need some soothing and comfort. Chuck

After re-reading that, it sounded like I was pretending to be a swinger! The "girl" is our best CSR but is quite married - as am I and happily so - and has worked for us for 6 years.

But she really is jumpy as heck, and 500 horspower ought to get her airborne... while still in a seatbelt.

My last book is the most boring thing in the world UNLESS you're a contractor in need of marketing help, in which case, it ought to be the best money you ever spent. (Called "Contractor Marketing Secrets Your Competition Doesn't Want You to Know")

To be honest, I haven't any pretense of making any money off the thing DIRECTLY, so it's actually like a 180 page business card that leads to INDIRECT benefits. It has helped immeasurably in "positioning" and all that crud that makes your price go up way beyond your skill level. Voice of experience.

Is your car #7260? If so, that puts ours fairly close together.

Hey 72 Red, who said your car needed painting?!?! Looks pretty hot in the avatar. Did I miss a misfortune in your posts? Hope your car turns out great - be patient, it's worth it. Keep us posted.

The avatar is very deceiving. The car was washed and waxed and put in perfect light and taken from the perfect angle for the avatar photo. If you look at my photo forum you will see the true state of the car. It had 3 or 4 paint jobs with bad overspray and front-end damage to the grill, hood, and right fender - this is the state in which I inherited it. I look forward to posting photos after the redo, in the meantime I can admire the photos of your car and dream. The green is a very deep color, if I remember photos of your car prior to the damage the car was a lighter tone and more flat looking, but maybe I'm mistaken.

Adams, the car looks fantastic and I am very glad that all turned out well. The car and your house make a beautiful pairing too.

Keep having fun!

Mark

Adams, 500 HP would scare most people including me !! Congrats on your efforts to keep 7059 original. Yes 7260 is mine, a stocker, no radio. Chuck

That was a pretty quick turnaround. I'm glad it came out nice for ya'

quote:

Originally posted by A Hudson:
And then theres this. Forgive the highly amateur attempt at an 'artful' shot. Photography is not my gig! (Still figuring out what it might be)

Actually those pics came out pretty good. Car looks great!

Adams, she looks fantastic! Im glad you and 7059 have gotten over your seperation anxiety!!!!
Jeff

Adams,

Nice!

Dave # 3463

quote:

Originally posted by BOXXBOYS:
Adams,

Nice!

Dave # 3463

Just got back in. "Whipped" barely describes it. First thing - Checked these fine messages. Thanks guys. Dave, when someone with a car as superb as yours says "nice" it's like winning a Best of Show! Thanks.

Jeff - "separation anxiety" is perfect! Exactly what it was. And coming home today - yawning - I kept thinking of what jobs I was going to attempt on the Pantera.

LastPushButton, the car SEEMS to have gotten done quickly from the evidence on this board, but it went far longer than intended. Not a big deal really though - had lots to keep me occupied.

Duz185 - Thanks for the photo compliment. Maybe Georgie wants to use it for a cover photo!

7260 - Love hearing you're in the "original is ok" club. My posts will tell you that I've attempted 'stealth' upgrades - reliability, cooling, driveability, handling, and a SMALL amount of horsepower - and we'd love to hear about your car too.

Mark - Thanks for the compliments on the amateur photography also. Looking forward to getting under the bonnet tomorrow and washing the 25 pounds of Body Shop Dust off the motor. Wow. What IS that stuff?

There's a fine 'mist' of funk in my car - can't see it but can feel it. Me and the NevRDull will be all over the gauges tomorrow, promise.

All have been so supportive in this saga. Thanks for being there.