The background.

Many of you will recall the long-time NHRA D 4 tech man, Harold Hayes. Around 2004 Harold and his son Lester began a stocker buildup based on a 1988 Thunderbird. They were both working at the Ford dealer in Kilgore, Texas. Also, I owned a general automotive repair shop the next street over. We were long-time friends and often helped each other.

With interest, I kept an eye on the Thunderbird work. They tore it down to the bare body, put it in the Ford dealer body shop, and came out a nice, shiny Blue. Then it when to Dennis Hurst's shop for the roll bar and other chassis work.

Once it returned to Kilgore, for several reasons, the project stalled. Eventually, it was stored for several years. I often thought about the car and knew it was a good start for "something." The day came when I found myself between buildups. Again, thinking of the Thunderbird, I reached out to Lester on Facebook. The contact was fruitful, and the Thunderbird was moved to my shop.

However, once again, the project stalled. I took on two other buildups for Troy Morgan, then sold the property and retired. The Thunderbird was once again stored for a while.

We have heard it said, "all good things come to those who wait" so, the Thunderbird waited.

After establishing a small shop at my home and finishing my Lamplighter Camaro, the Thunderbird project is a go.

That's awesome Larry.

Really enjoy watching your builds. True craftsmanship!

Larry is Lester going to be involved in the build?

Regan, no, Lester is out of the picture.

Also, This will be a Chevy drivetrain, most likely an LS-series engine

Always looking forward for your builds. Even though your retired like me, we need to keep them juices flowing. Jack

Jackie, you are correct. I am driven to keep on keeping on.

quote:

I am driven to keep on keeping on.

That is great. I wish you continued motivation for as long as it is enjoyable to you. At nearly 74yo I have lost the drive to fix almost everything I touch, all the time. Over coming constant obstacles that someone else made is no longer fun. I am motivated to keep my fitness up, but that is play not work. Again, I wish you continued motivation.

Canted,

we are the same age, and as you explained, I am no longer interested in a constant repair situation. Laid back, take it easy, work on what you want is a good way to go.

Look forward to seeing this one come to fruition Mr. Woodfin, I remember Lester and I had basically two of the only Comet's in this area, and I had the "One Year Model" 65. that stock block 306ci, steel headed motor made over 3000 passes at 7800 on the shift and in the lights with stock rods, crank and Hyperutectic pistons. It also won a little money here and there.

Larry, it was good to see you out at Extreme a few weeks ago. The Blue pro stock style car you had there was pretty sweet.

So many people complaining about trying to get a new race car built this year.When Larry simply builds as good as most unless you have an unlimited budget then I bet he could build the best too. Take a good luck at the detail on the small things that he does not let go by. Some people pay for everything to be done on there car because it is not there expertise. Maybe there job is.Everyone is different but Larry's cars are flat nice. Just watch him he likes real small motors. 283-327 etc. Something about the hi scream they make.

Foot, I do not hear well, so I need a loud motor

I am always impressed by your work and attention to detail. You seem to do a great job making form follow function. Kudos sir.