1966 Dodge Dart
Had a fantastic weekend that included meeting Richard Petty. I trailered my car 120 miles to Denton Md on Saturday morning. My truck towed great as it was the first time that I used the trailer and truck but the fuel mileage was aweful @ 9.4 MPG for the entire trip. I unloaded the car Sunday morning around 5:00AM and drove to Ridgley, it was about a 12 mile ride and my temps stayed at 180*. It was a nice drive and everything electrical was fine, headlights are nice and bright. Im still struggling with the Hurst Promatic shifter going into 3rd gear but that something Ill need to work with in the next few weeks.
Anyway Heres how the meeting went. Richard arrive by motorcade, was taken into the soda store and I was the first person he met when he came outside in to the Kings Court. He said hello and asked how I was doing, then he asked what I wanted signed. I ask for him to sign the car so He signed under the hood on the passenger side inner fender.
I guess I will shoot some clear coat over it to preserve it.
Then he signed a small truck hauler for my dad. Then him and dad joked about the money dad spent having his Mustang done in a Petty car in his shop. Then Richard ask if I wanted pics with us together so here they are.
Thats my dad in the background and Im beside Richard.
My parking spot was great because it was the first car that Richard had to go to but it was back in a corner and wasnt easily seen for those at the show.
I wasnt allowed to leave the show because of being parked in the Court until the show was over so it became to be a very long day. I got there at 6:00 AM and didnt pulled out until 5 PM.
On the drive back to the trailer I was able to run the car hard a few times. It has great pull and the 3:91 gearing is a good road gear. I can run at 55 - 60 MPH at 2800 - 3000 RPM's.
So after just over 7 years to get this car on the road, my first trip was to put it in front of Richard. Not a bad start!!
I have 200 pics of Mopars that were at the show. Ill figure out how to download them and make a link in the next few days so you can see the Mopars that were there. I bet there were at least 15 or more hemi cars there. They had 5 superbirds! Its been an awesome show over the years but this is the last year for Richard and the lady that runs it is leaving as well so Im sure the show will downsize or be cancelled in the future. They bring in Linda Vaughn, They had some of the cast from the moonshiners, and the always have look a likes from the Dukes of Hazard. All and all its a great show.
Here are some other shots from my day.
Below is Richard laughing at my Dad because of the money he took from him to do a Petty mustang for him. It was funny to listen to the 2 of them laugh!
Below is getting ready to load up for the first time.
This is the group that I traveled with to the show. Way to many Mustangs!! lol
Rod