Tuesday, September 30, 2014

"Ladies," Pedicure, Car Show, & more

Wednesday at Lowe's, in androgynous mode (of course), the female clerks were very helpful...since I was the lady who couldn't find the portable electric heaters.  (They'd been moved from their earlier location.)   And Thursday, my wife and I were out walking in the 'hood (yes, hand-in-hand), when a resident (whom we don't know) addressed us as "Hi, ladies." I responded with "Hi." He soon corrected himself with "and Sir", and apologized.   My reply: "No problem, it comes with the territory" as I lifted up some of my hair, though my capris and flats probably were a bigger factor in this little "miss-identification."  (And I sure couldn't do anything about them.)  My wife gave me "that look," and chimed in with "Yes, it happens all the time."  But it was too late for him to see or hear her, because he'd gotten into his car.

I responded: "Luckily, it didn't happen often on our tour."  Her response was "Not every time...just most of the time."  "Well, the folks we know certainly didn't make the mistake.  Maybe you heard a few comments from strangers?  And I guess this neighbor hasn't been to any of the parties we've attended..."  Apparently wanting to avoid more discussion on this topic, she promptly changed the subject.  And that was just as well...   So, we kept on walking.  The good part was, we were still holding hands...

Saturday, the weather was beautiful, and I elected to get my shellac pedicure now, instead of waiting two more weeks.  Since my wife wanted my silver toe nail color to go away, I asked the tech for something more natural...she applied what appeared to be a thin, flesh-colored polish.  Fine with me.  When my pedi was complete,  and I was putting my sandals back on, she complimented the color and said it was very natural.  "It's the perfect color for you!"  Under artificial light, it truly was.  But outside, there's no mistaking it for anything except pink!  See below for an inside picture...nice and subdued:


So far, as of Monday evening, my wife hasn't said anything.  That's normal...I won't hear anything for a while.   Then one day in the future, out of the blue, she'll take exception to them!

This is the weekend I put my sandals away for the season (except for one pair, which will stay till after Thanksgiving).  It will help to eliminate the "shoe clutter" in my closet.  Time to start wearing my ballerinas again. 

The reverse will happen next spring...  This past summer already proved that I won't have much need for ballerinas!  So when that time comes,  all my closed shoes will be put in a sealed box in the basement, for the duration (except for one pair of ballerinas to wear when my wife wants to show my less-feminine side - or hide my painted toe nails!)  Then I'll have lots of room for sandals - and maybe even buy a new pair or two!

Sunday was a solo local car show day, and the weather was beautiful.  My attire was the usual capris and ballerina flats, with a sleeveless women's tee.  Nothing fancy.  I knew quite a few of the people there...including the registrar, and several car owners, so there was no chance of being "miss-taken" for a woman, even with my makeup, purse and long nails :-(

Unfortunately the car didn't win any trophies...but I've noticed that can be expected when other car owners do the judging.  It's not a case of good or bad...all the cars were quite good.  It's just easier for organizers to let people do the judging, than to organize a group of official judges.  Over the last 5 years, judged local shows have become scarcer than hen's teeth!  But it was nice to talk with people I haven't seen for a while, and renew acquaintances, regardless of the show results.  And that's always a "win!"

Some of you might have wondered what had to be done to my car to feel comfortable taking it to car shows.  Fortunately, it wasn't in bad shape to begin with.  As you may recall, it belonged to my father (who bought it new) and I got it from him in the early 1970's, after about 5+ years of being our "daily driver."   Subsequently, I had it repainted to take care of the faded areas, stone chips and "parker's nicks."  Then it began its retirement, living the life of luxury in a climate-controlled garage, out only a few times per year, though it was licensed continuously.

I put it back on the road in the latter half of the 1980's, and it was good enough to receive some trophies "as-is" - mostly at local car shows.  But it still didn't look "like new", and though it hadn't failed me mechanically, I was concerned about continued reliability in a car that old.  So, finally, in 2004 I shopped it for a complete repaint.  Well, at least, that's what it started out to be...

As I expected, "scope creep" found its way into the process once the job began.  Before long, here is what it looked like, with the entire front clip and engine removed, for repainting and renewing. 

Gee, something's missing!

This gave us access to previously-hidden original paint, for accurate color matching purposes...  That was definitely a good thing, since for some reason, paint codes didn't provide the proper color.  And it led us to a number of important bits and pieces (all bushings and tubber parts in the front end, among others) which I chose to renew, for safety's sake.  My plan continues to be:  keep the car in condition to take anywhere, anytime (well, except during the winter...I don't have snow tires for it...LOL!) 

The engine was removed for cleaning up and repainting, and many of the accessories, such as oil, fuel and water pump, were renewed.   

The engine, with over 100K miles, was still fairly tight, got 1000 miles per quart of oil, and passed all the tests.  Adding mega-bucks to the cost by completely rebuilding the engine, wasn't appropriate - nor was that much money in the budget.  So it got a few new gaskets (to stop oil leaks), several integral accessories were renewed, and they gave it a first-class paint job.  


Above is the completed renewal of the front end, before engine and front clip re-installation.   Rust visible in the first picture was all of the surface variety.  No frame,  floorboard, door or trunk welding, patching or replacing were required,  thanks to Ziebart rustproofing my father's dealer had given it when new.  (Funny how "over they years," that procedure has been made superfluous, due to improvements in new car construction.)

Then, like Humpty-Dumpty in the nursery rhyme, "all the king's horses and all the king's men" began to put everything back together again.   Reassembly will be covered in the next chapter of this story!

10 comments:

  1. I really find the fact that people often refer to you and your wife as ladies to be quite amusing and engaging. I can also understand how your wife feels about it but I do sense that there has been a grudging acceptance of the 'facts of life'.

    Saturday I went for a mani/pedi but all I could do was clear coat. It is still shoeless weather for me for at least another month.

    Saturday is the annual Zombie walk in Asbury Park. I think that my wife may want to go as zombies. Last year we were simple spectators. I told her that I would like to go as a lady zombie. I figure that since zombies are dead to begin with it should not make a difference. I will keep you posted.

    That was an interesting history of your car. I am about to get out of my current Mustang rag top into a newer model...I wish that I still had my original 1968 Stang.

    Pat

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    1. Hi Pat,

      I enjoy the "miss-identifications" a lot. But my wife doesn't. And though she tolerates it fairly well (without too much in the line of ruffled feathers), I suspect she'll never fully accept that her husband is seen by others as a woman.

      I understand about the clear coat. As for me, the pink has yet to hit my wife's radar screen. But one day, it will!

      I'm hoping your wife tolerates your going as a lady zombie. My fingers will be crossed for you! Please do keep me posted...

      I like the new Mustangs. But the earlier ones are still very collectible! And a lot of parts for them are available through the aftermarket...making restoration easier. Good luck on trading up!

      Mandy

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    2. I have been looking at some leftover 2014 Mustang rags. The 2015 rag tops will not be out until the spring. My wife wants me to look at other car brands but I am not sure the more expensive european models are worth the money.

      I know what you mean about the pink not hitting the radar. Last winter I had my toes done in a light brown/taupe color and even though I was barfoot or in pantyhose around the house on a regular basis it took about a week or two before she realized that I had the salon paint my toes.

      Pat

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    3. Mustangs are nice, and leftovers are a good way to go. We did, with a leftover 2012 Focus in 2013, and got a nice price. Of course, being a year old model, the car isn't worth - and doesn't cost - as much, but when you decide to drive it till the wheels fall off, that's irrelevant. It's the lowest cost option...

      I looked at several foreign premium models/brands, and decided to forego all of them. Why pay twice as much for the expensive foreign model as for a left-over Ford? They're both new. They both have warranties. We just prefer basic transportation, not status. That leaves some $$ in the bank for other nice things...like dresses???!!!

      It's now Wednesday afternoon, and still nothing about my pink toe nails...

      Mandy

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  2. Hi Mandy!

    Do you enjoy being taken for two women when your out and about? Being new to going out in public it was a real thrill for me to experience that.

    Your classic car makes me quite nostalgic; I had a tricked out '74 Firebird in high school and I sure wish I never let had let it go. I had great memories of working on that car.

    Glad you are out having fun!

    jen

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    1. Being addressed as two women is very affirming for me...and a source of irritation for my wife. She'll probably never fully accept it, but she tolerates it fairly well (without too much in the line of ruffled feathers). Of course, that can change in a heartbeat...

      Just about everyone had an old car that they wish they had never "let go." I'm extremely fortunate to have been able to keep mine.

      But the one that my folks let get away was a 1957 DeSoto Adventurer convertible, 330 CID Hemi, 2x4BBL carburetors, racing camshaft, 345 HP, all packed into a very limited edition. Dad had to drive it with one foot on the brake and one on the gas, it idled that badly. But it would pass anything and everything in sight - except a gas station. To get 5 mpg took a tailwind, downhill, and being in neutral. Or drafting a semi...LOL!

      That car could have been part of their retirement if they had kept it...I hear they now command prices into 6 figures in good shape. Sort of like the Mopar Super Bees.

      Counting the days till some skirt time...I hope it works out.

      Hugs,

      Mandy

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    2. LOL - too much testosterone rushing in!

      That '57 sounded really sweet!

      I think my Firebird got 12 mpg. A single Holly 4BBL 750cfm double feed double pump carb with high rise manifold and Edelbrock cam.

      I should have died in that car a couple of times ;over -) Pegg'd the odometer at 160 mph a little too often, and boy was it a bumpy ride.

      Not very ladylike I suppose!

      I've definitely lost my need for speed, but these day's I'd be in heaven to be in a pink Bell Air (one with those plastic-like seats that you just slide around on!), cruising along the beach on a warm Saturday night in a nice blouse and skirt with some cute sandals.

      Ok this little daydream I am putting back on the bucket list. Maybe not a Bel Air but something a little iconic would be nice.

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    3. And I thought my 1972 trip through the badlands of the west at 105 mph (and still climbing) in the '67 was fast... It actually is too fast for my car...which felt like it was floating at that speed. Haven't done it since, and don't plan to ever again!

      I have been out in skirts in mine...hope to try it again in a couple of weeks. And looking forward to it! (A coral-and-white '57 Bel Air would be nice, but I'll happily settle for what I have!)

      Too bad I can't drive mine down US 1 while wearing a skirt!

      Mandy

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  3. I will likely go for another Mustang. It will be my 5th starting with the 1968 I bought used in 1970. Mustangs are just classics. I have driven it at night while dressed with the top down and it is a special feeling to have the wind muss my wig hair and tickle at the edge of my skirt.

    I think I mentioned that a few years ago I came across a steal on a mint condition 1992 Porsche 968. I was still in my house at the time and the first time I took it out while wearing 3.5" stilettos I did not account for the need to back it up a narrow steep driveway. This car had a very stiff clutch for the 6 speed manual and riding the clutch while backing up the 150' driveway in my heels I thought my left calf would explode.

    There is something special about drivning a nice car that is made even more special by doing it while dressed as a woman.

    Pat

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  4. Good choice on the Mustang...

    You're right...it is wonderful to be driving a nice old (or new) car, day or night, with the windows down and my hair being tossed by the wind. Backing up the Porsche must have been fun, particularly in heels!

    Mandy

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