g741.org

Hey Crew.
In about 3 weeks I've been invited to display "Lori's M" at our local "Air Show". For those of you I am in close contact you know I've never painted a vehicle before and our truck is a long way from being finished. You can see that in the photo album. Still have parts missing and the wiring still needs changed out. (have a new/used harness still in the box)
Anyway, my question is this. Should I put some sort of a sign or explanation as to this truck being a "work in progress"? I've been asked to bring the truck, trailer & air-cart. There will be a C-130 & a B-17 I'm told. I'm excited to be invited but worried about the unfinished condition of our rig. "A penny for your thoughts"!
Tim & Lori

I think you should go and have a good time. Most of the people you will meet won't realize the truck is not "complete".

John is right, go, have some fun & make a small sign to post in the windscreen, that says what is what. Do it on a computer, print it nice, large enough to read at 5/6 feet, 1954 G-741, aka; Dodge M-37 Parade Ready or Display Ready, simi complete or "In Progress" maybe some before pic's to show your progress & sincerity?
JMHO,

Well.....
You can put a sign on it if it makes you feel better but the point is, go, enjoy yourself and enjoy the truck for what it is, if it's clearly unfinished then it's not a worry and you may even get some of the parts you require from the viewing public. Don't bust your butt trying to get it done though, take your time and do the work right, if anyone says it's no good because it's not finished then tell them to go take a hike....

MM

I took mine to several shows last fall just after I got it. It was in various stages of re-paint, but I was out there. It still got it's share of attention. What I'm really looking forward to is going to the same shows again this year now that the project is almost complete.
I've seen some pretty beat up stuff at the shows, I'd say go, have a good time, answer questions don't look back. You'll likely find more people interested in the work you've done so than the work you need to do. Might even get some helpful advice on the upcoming work!

WOW.
I offered a "penny for your thoughts" and received a million dollars worth of golden advise! We're going, head high, shoulders back and ready to check-out some cool airplanes! Thanks All My Friends!
Tim & Lori

I almost forgot my first (and only show so far) I pulled into the Powhatan County Fair Grounds August, 2001 and my entire exhaust immediately dropped off. I had only owned the truck 4 or 6 weeks, noisy as all get out. The guy I bought the truck from came over, said he recognized the melodic hummmmmmmm...

Now that's a funny story! I guess it adds "human element" to the story! Found memory!

Tim,

I know that when I go to air shows or military shows I'm happy to see vehicles in ANY condition.....as that sure beats not seeing them at all. The guys are right. Go to the show, sign or not, not just for your sake....but for everyone else's sake who's attending as well. When it comes to shows.....the more vehicles on display....the better! Have a great time!

regards,
bob

Tim,

I would not hesitate at all taking your truck, you have done more than the armchair critics would of ever done.

If they are bent on finding fault, just point to a spot low on the truck and apply an elbow or knee. Just kidding.

Bert

Hey Crew.
I'm printing notes and going to study all the intel this week while I'm on the road. I leave tomorrow at 05:30 for my week on the road. I really like the "low spot on the truck" idea!!
Got the rest of the brackets and misc. parts blasted and painted this morning so when I get home next week I can start bolting things back together. A lot of these parts are from you Guys!! Talk to ya-all next week!
Tim & Lori

Tim ,
Like everyone else said Go and enjoy You'll be surprised at the response that you will get. Just last weekend we had a thresheree just a few miles from my place and I took a couple of trucks. One was missing engine, transmission, transfercase and interior. I just hung sign boards on it and people were still looking at it and asking LOTS of questions

Like was said in the previous post, GO don't worry . Step back and listen to the remarks it'll be fun!!!

Like everyone has said just go and enjoy yourself. My wife and I take the truck to car shows mostly to enjoy the little kids. They just light up when there is a vehicle at these shows that they can climb all over. It's a lot of fun. Their parents seem to appreciate it too.

So, relax, go and enjoy yourself. The truck will be appreciated.

52 M-42

Just got in off the road and ready to start back on the "M". The stencil kit arrived while I was gone!! Hip-Hip-Horray!!