OK, I'm now one of you (sorry to say)

2_Dang_Fast · #1 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 05:36 PM

Well, hopefully this isn't the equivalent of buying a boat or sending you wife out the door while saying "whatever it costs - you deserve it".

I've been spying on this board for a while now, checking out what is what while keeping my eyes open for the right car. Well, I think I found it on Thursday and I'm hoping I'm right because it's now sitting under plastic on a trailer in my driveway and the only reason I'm not out tinkering with it is that it's raining cats and dogs.

I don't think it needs much but those are the famous last words that often get us into trouble. Basically what I bought I had seen on CL. It had looked like an incredible car, a Contemporary Motors kit that had the necessary detailing I was looking for, namely high caliber performance and a quality build. The ad had stated it as having Tube Frame construction, a SVO 351 HO crate - 385/377, Super T-10, Carrera rear shocks on a Jag IRS rear. Smith gauges. The car was built by Maeco in Northridge back in 1995. Moderately low miles at 9500 +/-, though those were both street and track. The price, especially compared to some of the duds I've looked at, was insanely low so I figured even if I needed to dump some $$$ back into it I'd still be ahead.

I went out and was the first to take a look. I was impressed. Looked like it was an excellent build, sounded super, and came with all the paper work spanning it's life - I love a good paper trail. Went for a ride in the passenger seat and did some twisties and got onto the freeway where it was pushed to an easy going 95. No rattles, no pulls, no sweat. My only issue was that I'm a small guy at 5'5" and with it being a fixed seat I couldn't reach the pedals... whah!!! That's actually why it's still siting on the trailer, I'm gonna drag it back up to Maeco later in the week and have them do a top to bottom check up, replace fluids, grease bearings, and either install slide rails under the seats or reset the seats and adjust the pedals for my Frodoesqe stature.

One weird thing is that just under and in front of the doors on both side the paint / glass underneath has slight wavers to it and I'm not sure if this was an issue of body flex or heat from the pipes, anybody seen anything like that before? I can post pictures of that at a later point in time in case this is an uncommon occurrence.

Anyways, with all that now stated, glad to be in amongst you bastards, when do I learn the secret handshake?

Gunner · #2 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 05:39 PM

Very nice find - Contemporaries are a class by themselves, I understand. Does it already have an SB-100 or are you going to have to skate along on TOEs for the rest of the year? EDIT - I see CA plates... you lucky dog.

Show us your club tattoo when you get it - that burn on the back of your left ankle!

2_Dang_Fast · #3 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 05:44 PM

I'll have to deal with the SB-100 when I go to register I guess. Because it's registered as a 1965 Ford on the DMV registration form, I'm hoping on claiming blissful ignorance (not far from the truth) if I'm called on it. I read where some of you have mention a specific person at the Glendale DMV to talk to. If it comes down to it then that's where I'm going.

James Stern · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 05:47 PM

Welcome aboard. It's sad that you realized too late that you are DOOMED.

RON N BKFLD · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 05:54 PM

the pics look good........Ron

2_Dang_Fast · #6 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RON N BKFLD

the pics look good........Ron

Thanks but I can't take credit. The shot's were also passed onto me from the original owner. Those were taken back in '04. Paint is a little rougher now with a paint chip here and a rock ding there, plus the wavers under the doors that I mentioned - those don't show up in these shots either.

rustyBob · #7 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 06:22 PM

It's about time you took the plunge into the snakepit.........
nice ride

snakebittexan · #8 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 06:31 PM

"Secret handshake?" See opening scene of "American Beauty"

Got the Bug · #9 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 06:40 PM

Was the car registered in CA as 1965 or another State? Either way, you should be fine. Just tell them that you know it's not correct and you want to register it as an SPCN in California and plan to go through the SB100 process.

Welcome to the madness!!

2_Dang_Fast · #10 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Was the car registered in CA as 1965 or another State? Either way, you should be fine. Just tell them that you know it's not correct and you want to register it as an SPCN in California and plan to go through the SB100 process.

Welcome to the madness!!

Registration is current and has been in California since 1st registered in 1996. Registration reads "65 Ford" under year / model / make

What is SPCN?

Got the Bug · #11 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2_Dang_Fast

Registration is current and has been in California since 1st registered in 1996. Registration reads "65 Ford" under year / model / make

What is SPCN?

1996 was "early days" in California for registering replica vehicles. I owned a Speedster in the late 90's that was registered as a VW...not correct by today's standards.. I really don't know what the legal form of registration would have been at that time.

SPCN is the acronym for a Specially Constructed Vehicle in California. Here's a link to a great thread regarding the SB100 process in California.

SB100 Conference at the MUSTANG RANCH

Rick Parker · #12 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 08:35 PM

You cannot register a "Kit" as anything other than the year it was first completed, most assuredly not as a 1965. You will need to get involved in the "Amnesty" program that is available this year at CA DMV. Go seek them out. The car will have to be reregistered and into SB100 (2010 NUMBERS MAY ALL BE TAKEN). Go talk to knowlegeable DMV representative ASAP.

Excaliber · #13 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 08:42 PM

Man that's a great looking car, I love Contemporaies. Looked at one REAL HARD just before I bought my ERA. That CCX had the solid axle 9" and it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I had just sold my Excalibur with a 9" and really wanted to try IRS the next time around.

Bernica · #14 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 08:51 PM

Great looking car! Congratulations and welcome to the best place for your many upcoming questions on tips, tricks, tweaks and other sometimes painfully learned advice.

I see you are in Burbank. Maybe I'll see you sometime at the Bob's Big Boy show on Friday nights...

2_Dang_Fast · #15 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernica

Great looking car! Congratulations and welcome to the best place for your many upcoming questions on tips, tricks, tweaks and other sometimes painfully learned advice.

I see you are in Burbank. Maybe I'll see you sometime at the Bob's Big Boy show on Friday nights...

Bob's is not more then 1/2 mile from my house. Going back a few years I had a '66 427 / 390 'Vette Coupe I would bring out occasionally. At 6 miles to the gallon that was one of the few places I could make it to for under $5!!! These days if it's a nice day it seems you've got to get there at about 10 am otherwise you're not gonna be in the lot. I haven't been there in years so I'll have to swing by and see what's parked, maybe even run into one or two of you guys there.

mdross1 · #16 (**permalink**) 01-22-2010, 09:12 AM

Good find,once you get comfortable with your new toy,you will discover the joy of driving a car like these is beyond description.

jagxjr5012 · #17 (**permalink**) 01-22-2010, 09:36 AM

Congratulations !! Car looks great !! Enjoy it..