This blog is generally about men and their issues, and how to be a man, and what it means. Also the toys, issues, and opinions that seem to torture us.

Speaking of torture, I recently got a new car...

A classic new car. She is a 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air, and I am in love with her. I get feelings when I look at her, and I love it when other people look at her. Most "evolved" men would say, "dude you are pathetic". But deep down inside, you know I feel the same way I do, but don't want to admit it.

I grew up very unconventionally and worked for the first 18 years of my life (technically about 13) in auto shops with and for my dad, grandfather, uncles. 3 generations of mechanics, and I was the pariah. I went on to computers after I turned 18. (again technically nuclear weapons but thats another story).

I have gone many, many years buying new cars, performance cars, family cars, etc. None of them have given me the feelings of my new old car. The gas fumes, the curves, the chrome, the noise. Not to mention I can hear the dinasours crying when I drive to work getting 10 MPG.

But again at the most basic level, it has connected me with a part of my inner self that has been dormant since I was 17 in a shop with my father while grinding valves for a new short block.

When I found her, I was frantic in searching for information and sites that would validate what I had. I found some, and they have been great.

And NO I am not an affiliate of any of these sites.

This first web site is a 348-409 engine site that has been a great resource to tell me more about the motor, production figures, and options from 1958-1965.

http://www.348-409.com/

The next is a little history lesson on the one unique year that was 1958

http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/chevytalk/GMhistory/CHEVROLET1958.html

Of course parts are in order

http://www.oldchevypartsstore.com/

Now I am consumed with weekend tweaking, inspection and dreams of what to do next before I go for another drive. Lets be clear, this car is a driver. It’s not to show, or keep parked. I wanted to drive a classic older car that would smell, sound and drive like I remember.

I am a computer geek and network engineer who is a car head also….what kind of love child was I?

More to come….next topic…? Maybe an analysis of routing protocols….or….where can I find another chrome ashtray for the back seat of my car….:)

Being a man sometimes is confusing and wonderful…