VIDEO: Price Drop on Million Dollar Junkyard

Ray White: A Junkyard Story

Last of His Kind. It’s been a dozen years since I sat down in Ray White’s garage. The Korean War veteran drank a beer and looked out the bay door at his fleet of 200-or-so vehicles along Highway 157 in West Point, Alabama. Passersby often stop to gawk, chew the fat and waste Ray's time. I did all of the above but I had an agenda. I was soon-to-be unemployed from my job at The Birmingham News in Birmingham, Alabama and I was scrambling to find a new career path. My hobby, fooling with old cars, buying/selling along with writing stories and photographing crusty junkyard survivors of neglect. I had hopes that I could turn my hobby into a career. Building a junkyard roadside attraction might be the perfect formula for success. Ray shot straight and didn't pull punches. If I was gonna do it. Do it! Put up or shut up. I sat down with Ray, then 80 years young, and talked old cars, and my future. I was desperate for sage advice on a sweltering summer day in 2012. 

Hundreds of old cars along Highway 157 in Alabama belong to Ray White in West Point, Alabama.

My question to Ray: How did you make a career with old cars?

Background Story
Ray White's family farmed this 25 acres of land purchased in 1941. His parent's, Udores and Nannie Lou, raised six kids here. Tax records show that Ray took ownership of the property in 1964 after his dad died. Ray continued to run his father's business, U.D. White's General Store and gas station, next door to the family home. The store closed but the mechanic garage that fed Ray's automotive love stayed open. Ray kept busy. He cut hay, raised cattle and collected old cars.

Ray White stands beside his dog “Brownie” in the doorway of his garage.

Cars Multiply
Ray began by putting a few extra cars aside for parts. Their numbers grew and grew, turning the farm place into a junk car lot. Ray would sell whole cars, parts, and scrap out a few hundred here and there. He didn't go looking for old cars, people brought them to him. He laughed when he said it but it was true.


Price for All?
My request for Ray to put a value on his car collection and property were met with brusk replies. He knew what he had, and just because he got a good deal on most of the rusty relics didn't mean he was gonna sell them cheap. What's the storage fee on 50 years? I tossed out a $200,000 figure that he rebuffed with a "I got that much scrapping the last lot of cars I junked out." A million dollars was his final answer. We were not even close.

Ray's figure was closer to right than mine. Scrap values for metal were up in 2012. A car could bring $500 scrap price, vans or trucks as much as $700+.

Goodbye and Thank You Ray
It was hot. The dog tried to bite Ron. We said goodbye and went on our way. I'm sure Ray had seen many more just like us. All talk, no sale. It's been a dozen years since our talk. I found this video of that summer day long ago in my collection. It was good to revisit him and remember our day. There are so many other stories we could have learned from Ray.

A 1957 Chevy is engraved on Ray White’s tombstone.

Ray U. White passed away two years and two months after we met him, on October, 22, 2014, in the same house where he was raised.

Ray White’s cars are all gone.

What Did I Do?
I didn’t buy 25 acres along a busy highway to buy and sell old cars. Didn’t buy a junkyard, or hit the lottery either. But I did find another job and I learned that I could continue my old car adventures by making videos and writing stories about the people and the stories beneath the rust.

Thank you for reading and watching! Your comments and support is appreciated and drives us towards more adventures. 

Jody Potter

— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

A new house was built on corner of Ray’s property that was lined with cars from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Watch Our Visit with Ray White

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Do you have a great story about a Junkyard or Junkyard Owner?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

Lose Job? Buy a Junkyard

Watch: Pontiac Trans Am overload

A long way to go and a short time to get there! 

Imagine getting behind the wheel of your favorite car. One that begs for attention. It features a giant Bird screaming across the hood – an instant conversation starter at frequent gas fill-ups. You grab the steering wheel and hold on until you pull into an historic small town in Ohio. 

What is this place?

Your favorite car, the Trans Am, lines the streets in every direction. Do time machines exist?

Can't hide the excitement of landing in Tipp City, Ohio
during the Trans Am Nationals.

Largest Trans Am gathering in the world!

Tipp City, Ohio shuts down the roads each August allowing only Pontiac Trans Ams, Formulas, and Firebirds access to park during the Trans Am Nationals Saturday afternoon cruise-in on Main Street.

Crowds gather to Bird watch in the quaint town. Bustling with independently-owned shops, eateries, and art, Tipp City offers so much to explore, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for the ultimate Trans Am show.

Watch, drop a comment. We enjoy feedback!

Thanks for watching! 

Jody Potter

— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Hood scoops on a second generation Pontiac Formula
abound along with hundreds of Firebirds and Trans Ams at the Trans Am Nationals.

Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

10 Reasons You Won’t Buy this 1978 Trans Am

Buy it? 10 Reasons Why You’re not gonna buy my 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. We rescued a W-72 Trans Am out of a field in north Alabama, where it had been parked for over 25 years. It sat under a tree with some other beloved Pontiacs.

1978 Pontiac Trans Am parked in field around 1996.
Numbers matching W72 400 engine, 3.23 posi, auto.

Background
The previous owner collected several Firebirds and Trans Ams when they were dirt cheap. Age and the elements have tried their dang best to pull them down to the dirt. Flat tires and rotting metal are no match against Mother Nature. Give this one a look. Lots of good parts. But I know, you're not gonna buy it!

Load it Up!
This 1978 Trans Am field find followed me home. I call him “Rusty” even though he was born in Platinum Silver paint. This era of "muscle cars” became a staple of teenagers, midlife adults, and those just wanting to have a kick in the pants on a Saturday night. As the years wore on, the abuse a “Bandit”-era Pontiac Trans Am received is unmatched in my opinion. Either mechanical issue, wreck or the idea of becoming a spectacle at the grocery store parking, these Big Bird emblazoned V-8 monsters faded from the roadways. Many T/As received refuge in mobile home communities-as best I can remember that is the final location of the last found-in-the-wild Trans Am used as a daily driver in unrestored and running condition.

Why the love?

I love Pontiac Trans Ams especially the 1970 thru 1981 body style known as the Second Generation of the F-body. The Trans Am lineage reached the summit when Burt Reynolds slid behind the wheel of a black 1977 Pontiac Trans Am in “The Smokey and the Bandit” feature film. Anyone who loves to put the pedal to the metal feels the urge to set down a spell and watch old Burt, Sally, Jerry Reed and Jackie Gleason should they walk passed a television set when that classic is in view.

Talk is cheap
If you buy one of Burt’s black Trans Ams nowadays, they cost a pretty penny! Mine is cheap, $1500. I know, I know. You're not gonna do it. But you’d be a lot cooler if you did.

Drop a comment. We enjoy feedback!

Thanks for watching! 

Jody Potter

— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Crash, Fire on Day 4 Power Tour 2024

Crash, Fire! We had a parking lot collision, Speedycop's Glitchy VW bus suffered a wreck and massive damage and a 1923 Model T caught fire on the engine dyno! Leaving Louisville, Kentucky was harder than we thought on Day 4 of the Hot Rod Power Tour.

Waffle House seemed like a great place to get a late start leaving Louisville, Kentucky on the way to Hebron, Ohio but we were wrong. A collision backing up simultaneously cost us a dent in the quarter panel of our 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo SS. We decided it was a no fault accident after swapping info. But before we could get down the road, we heard that Speedycop's custom slammed and chopped in half orange Glitchy VW bus was rear ended by a dump truck and pushed into the back of a station wagon. Oh my! We are glad all were reportedly unharmed. Sad to hear about that VW, it was a sight to behold!

Drive on!
Onward to HRPT Day 4 stop at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. We would be pushed to make it because of our late start. Despite some traffic snarls, we arrived before 4 pm and interviewed several Power Tour participants and learned about their vehicles, including a 1970 Dodge Super Bee, 1923 Ford Model T, 1966 Chrysler LeBaron, and a 1951 Henry J.

That's not fast, but...

We were surprised to spot the 1923 Model T, wheeled by a teenager, on the MuleTown Mobile Dyno and jetted over to watch. What a show it became! The straight 6 Chevy engine churned out 69 horsepower and lit up into a small fireball as oil and gas burned after the vintage hot rod backfired. (Note: never throw water on an oil fire.) All were safe after some cooler heads used a fire extinguisher. The Model T was rolled to a safe spot to cool down.

The Hebron, Ohio stop seemed to end too soon. We were hot and ready for some Taco Bell and a Mtn Dew Baja Blast Zero to end the day and laugh about the Waffle House dent in the Monte Carlo. 

Drop a comment if you see something interesting or have a fact about what you on our Power Tour journey. 

Thanks for watching! 

Jody Potter

Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Watch more Junkyard Life at the Power Tour.

Your views, and likes help us. If you got time, hit play on more of our videos – Thank You!


Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

Watch: Late for Work in a 1966 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron

Late for Work! Steve, an Indiana native, sat in the back of the 1966 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron at the Day 4 Hebron, Ohio stop of the 2024 Hot Rod Power Tour. Steve shared his memorable Late for Work story in the back of the long, black, beauty while seeking refuge from the heat. Outside the car stood his grandson and son, Terry, who now owns the car that his dad purchased in 1985. Someday Steve's grandson will become the third-generation owner of the 1966 Chrysler Imperial in their family. 

Steve shared the history of the car dating back to its original Amish owner, who purchased two 1966 Imperials equipped exactly the same brand new. Steve thinks the thirsty 440-cubic inch engine may have been the reason the car was eventually sold. In 1985, when Steve bought the car, the Imperial became his daily driver until he retired in 1995. 

This family, three generations strong, was enjoying their automotive bond with thousands of others at this year's Hot Rod Power Tour. They were a great example of family that can be shared and strengthened by spending time together enjoying classic cars and hot rods.

Thanks for watching! 

Jody Potter

Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Watch more Junkyard Life at the Power Tour.

Your views, and likes help us. If you got time, hit play on more of our videos – Thank You!

Million Dollar Junkyard for Sale, closed in 1979, full of rusty gold

Million Dollar Junkyard full of classic cars for sale in Alabama! This small town family junkyard closed in 1979 in north Alabama. Hundreds of classic cars from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s were collected by the Brooks family as a hobby/family junkyard. Initially, the junkyard was a joint venture by two brothers. The family has decided to sell off the cars. It was not an easy decision. For years they were unable to call the recycler to scrap out the place because the cars have too many memories. The day they never thought would come is here. All the cars and trucks, muscle cars, rare wagons, and convertibles must go! 

Frank Brooks is selling the hundreds of classic cars in the family junkyard.

DETAILS: CARS ONLY, NOT LAND

If you decide to buy or make an offer, there is one catch. The $1M buys just the cars. You will have six months to move them out. After six months a rental fee will be charged to the buyer if all cars not removed. Also, seller says that you may not run a business out of the property. Using the property as a car lot to sell off the vintage vehicles is not an option. 

Buy them all, move them and do what you want. The seller knows it will be an involved process. Trees will have to be cut down to avoid damaging the cars during removal. Final negotiations will be worked out with Frank who is featured in the video. Send me an email with your contact info.

CONTACT HERE

I will pass along your contact info to Frank if you email me at: junkyardbull@gmail.com

To help me, put as subject line in email: Million Dollar Junkyard

Drop a comment if you see something interesting or have a fact about what you see out there. I barely scratched the surface.

Thanks for watching! 

Jody Potter

— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Also, appreciate the help from my friend, Todd Clark, in our adventure to mule country junkyard.

Frank walks past the 1950 Studebaker truck he drove in high school.

Rare 1959 Lincoln Continental convertible!

Hundreds of cars from the 1940s thru 1970s are everywhere.

Curious mules join us during our tour of the property.

Cadillacs and more treasures, that you don't find everyday, are found here in the junkyard that closed in 1979. And they are all for sale!

Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

WATCH: Dirty Survivor 1966 Shelby GT350H at Mustang's 60th

Show time! Andy Vann and his wife Mary Ann arrived at the 60th Anniversary Mustang show in their still unwashed 1966 Shelby GT350-H. Their car was washed in 1980 and hasn't seen a raindrop or a wash bucket since. The last time the Vann's of Trussville, Alabama showed their car was 15 years ago at the Mustang Club of America's 45th Anniversary show. Their Hertz Rent-A-Racer, original down to the dirt from 1980, built by Shelby American was a hit with Mustang fans at the 45th Anniversary at Barber Motorsports Park. Would the Raven Black Shelby attract crowds at the 60th Mustang show?

We think we’ve found the best one but please drop a comment if you've seen a better running and driving survivor. 

Check out Part One of the Shelby GT350-H story here.

Thanks for watching! 

Jody Potter
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

Survivor 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H returns!

Time flies! This dirty 1966 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350H was a hit the last time the Mustang Club of America celebrated at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. Now, 15 years later, Andy Vann and his wife Mary Ann load their still unwashed GT350-H into a trailer for the 60th Anniversary Mustang show.

Mary Vann helps load the 1966 Shelby Mustang into the trailer before heading to 60th Mustang Anniversary show at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama.

Bought not rented

Andy Vann bought the used Hertz Rent-A-Racer in 1967 from Jim Skinner Ford in Birmingham, Alabama for $2500. He and his future wife Mary Ann dated in the sporty black coupe. After they were married in 1969, Mary Ann took the keys and used the Shelby as her daily driver. Each year her Mustang got more and more attention everywhere she went. So many people tried to buy it, that it made her uncomfortable. Mary Ann parked it for good after a man followed her home demanding she sell the car to him. Andy drove it a few more years but locked it away in 1980. 

The 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H has lived in this one-car garage since 1969, the year Andy and Mary Ann got married.

Show time!

In 2009 a friend from the Barber Motorsports Museum suggested Andy drive the car to the 45th Anniversary Mustang show. Andy tuned up the long-dormant Mustang V8 and made his way to Leeds using the handbrake to stop the car. Crowds gathered and tens of thousands saw the original-owner holding court answering questions for three days. 

“I never talked so much in my life,” said Vann.

Scene from 2009 MCA show at Barber where Andy Vann first showed off his barn-fresh GT350-H aka Hertz Rent-A-Racer.

Stole the show

The dirty black and gold Hertz car rental legend was solidified when people looked inside the GT350H. It was a time capsule. An ancient pouch of chewing tobacco topped the dash, S&H Greenstamps, and a vintage Pepsi can littered the cabin. The Shelby Mustang looked like someone had locked it away in 1980 and forgot about it. Judging by the crowds surrounding Andy and the car, they loved it.

Andy and Mary Ann Vann loaded up and ready to show their Mustang again.

Original-owner since 1967

It's 2024 and the 60th Anniversary Mustang show is happening at Barber Motorsports Park. Vann and his wife load up the old car that has lived in their garage for more than 57 years. Will the crowd love it? Will they want to hear the stories?

The smiles on Andy and Mary Ann are all you need to see. This is one car they are glad they have kept in original, survivor condition. All the memories and mishaps for the world to see.

Drop a comment if you've got a family treasure that you'll never sell.

Thanks for watching! 

Jody Potter
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

A 289-cubic inch V8 powers the Shelby Mustang.

Original Cobra badging can be found inside and out on the 1966 Shelby.

A tri-spoke steering wheel and gauges aplenty meet the eyes of the driver.

A G.T. 350 badge on the rear of the Shelby Mustang. 

The big steering wheel helps turn the race-ready beast.

Watch more Junkyard Life

If you got time, we need your help hiring a cheap camera holder and dog food. Your views, and likes help us. Thanks!

Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

Not For Sale: 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge SOLD!

Not for sale - SOLD! A 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge parked in my small town for over two decades was "Not For Sale" until I saw it on Ebay. To my surprise this unobtanium magical red creation built by Pontiac at the pinnacle of the Muscle Car era was up for grabs. I knew the owner because we had developed a friendship over our shared appreciation of Pontiacs. Driving by the Judge made any day better just knowing, that such a rare car might be for sale one day in my hometown of Pinson, Alabama.

History

According to the owner, Les Muntz, a legend surrounding this GTO Judge tells us that a Black Birmingham, Alabama Police Officer ordered the car new. Now you may say what is the big deal? Birmingham's history during the Civil Rights movement was volatile regarding the Birmingham Police, “Bull” Conner, white supremacist, fire hoses, and dogs unleashed on peaceful protestors in Birmingham. In 1963 those images were shown across the globe. A black Birmingham police officer driving a new, bright red 1970 GTO Judge in 1970 was courageous. 

We don't know the Judge's original owner's info yet. But we do know that Birmingham's first Black Police Officer, Leroy Stover, served from 1966 until 1998 for the city. It was a difficult time in Birmingham, known as the Magic City, especially for a police officer. I imagine that any officer driving a bright red muscle car would turn heads. Officer Stover likely knew the owner of this GTO Judge if this legend is true. In 1970, I'm sure this 4-speed Judge made an impression at the Police Station and all across the city. The search continues to find out that original owner's name.

Parchment Top, Cardinal Red Paint
Muntz collected documentation and a Pontiac Historical Services record of all the options on his 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge. The car has been repainted and new black vinyl top replaced the original Parchment vinyl roof covering. Muntz thinks this could be a 1-of-1 Cardinal Red 1970 GTO Judge with that red paint color, red interior and parchment color vinyl top option.

Going, going, gone
I'm a longtime fan of this local legend Pontiac and was surprised to see it on Ebay. I had stopped to look at it over the 20-plus years it was stationed in my hometown. I even subtly inquired if he would ever sell. The answer was always, no. Time has a way of changing things. Family needs forced Muntz to make the move to sell the rare Pontiac. A new owner from the Chicago area plans top restore the Judge back to its original condition. (Watch the video at top for more details)

Drop a comment if know any detail on the original owner or you've got a hometown legend rotting away in plain sight or hidden from view.

Jody Potter
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

The Awesome Story of a Woman, a Long Lost Chevelle and The Ford Guy who Made it Happen

Chris Sanderson surprises his wife, Stephanie, on her birthday. 

Surprise! Stephanie Sanderson is a wife, a mom, a nurse and a Chevelle fan. After marrying into a family well known for being Ford enthusiasts, it didn’t take her long to acquire a very fast and loud Coyote-powered Pony all for herself. It sounds as if she jumped ship and is now waving a blue oval flag. Stephanie appears very happy and content behind the wheel of her Mustang. And she really is. However, something was bothering her.

Stephanie Sanderson looks happy behind the wheel of her new ride.

Mustang Girl Jumps Ship

A certain Chevelle from her past races through her heart and soul every so often. A childhood car that she couldn’t get out of her mind. The Chevy in question was her father’s 1968 SS 396 Chevelle. It was their family car in fact. This red big block meant way more to Stephanie than simply a used car for day to day domestic transportation. Just the meaning behind it alone stood out for her.

You know the next chapter of the story. As years went on, the Chevelle eventually got sold off, traded away or traded in on newer transportation. If we had to guess, perhaps something with a little more room and better fuel economy. The Chevelle lost in time somewhere in Illinois.

A complete 1970 Chevrolet is purchased.

Birthday Chevelle?

As Stephanie's 40th birthday approached (or her tenth anniversary of her 30th birthday?), she had no idea what her Ford-loving husband had in mind. Chris Sanderson set the bar pretty high for the rest of us. He had plans to FIND her father’s actual Chevelle and bring it home once again. Chris is Junkyard Life’s Ford consultant and a very dear friend. When he asked us to help-we were all in!

Editor’s Note: When Chris asked us to help find the Chevelle- Ron thought the answer was to simply build a time continuum vortex and travel back to retrieve the car. We really need to take the TV out of his office.

Our searches fell short. We tried the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles and various other searches. Nothing. With all of the privacy laws guarding the most basic of information, we emerged un-victorious.  

That may not have been a bad thing. All the while, Chris was subtly gathering information from Stephanie. When doing an image search he learned something…she wanted a 1970 model and not a 1968 like we first thought. Of course she did. The most difficult to find of all Chevrolet’s mid-size line up. Now Junkyard Life is no stranger to the search for a 1970 model. We just did a special birthday Chevelle of the 1970 vintage. Could we do it again? 

It was not actually us. Chris found Stephanie’s future Chevelle through some savvy networking! Call off the dogs, the search is over. A very extensive search. Still, it almost didn’t happen (see Fun Facts below).

Chris Sanderson, center, with his kids, CJ, left, and Shelby, right, bring the Chevelle home.

The 1970 Malibu went into hiding, for some improvements before Stephanie's birthday surprise.

Got and Got it Green

Before Stephanie was born, her future Malibu rolled out of Ed Mollison Chevrolet in Birmingham, Alabama. It was December 24th 1969. A special night to say the least. A Christmas to remember for sure for Mrs. Cherry of Pinson, Alabama. She didn’t know she was getting a new Chevelle in her favorite color, nonetheless. Now most of us don’t expect a gift of this nature. Mrs. Cherry really didn’t see this coming because of one minor detail...she didn’t drive. 

Oh, Mrs. Cherry could drive. She just didn’t. Even with a brand new very cool car at her fingertips. She did take extraordinary care of her new Chevy, hence the miles are still 78K. Years later it was destined once again to be a special gift, first a Christmas surprise and now a milestone birthday present. It now resides about 15 minutes away from where it lived with Mrs. Cherry.

You would think that finding the car would be the hard part. No, not really. Compared to the far more difficult challenge of hiding the car to present to Stephanie on her birthday. You think hiding jewelry is hard? Try disguising a 3,700-pound hunk of steel, glass and rubber. 

We are so excited to be part of this and readers know how we love the history and the story. We also love the codes and deciphering what this beautiful car actually is…it is a 1970 Chevelle Malibu two door hardtop with a 307-V8 engine. The car wins you over with the classy color (code 45 Green Mist) and matching vinyl top. It was no bare bones transportation. It had air conditioning, power steering, power brakes and an AM radio for news and weather. It rolled out on 14-inch rally wheels and was and still is quite the looker from any angle. Though not the 1968 Super Sport from Stephanie's childhood, this 1970 will do nicely. Great find, Chris and happy birthday, Stephanie. We can’t wait to see what he gets her next year. No pressure.

Ron Kidd
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Ron Kidd, left, and Chris Sanderson share a laugh at the Mississippi-Alabama state line. The 1970 Chevelle is on the way to a birthday party.

Work starts on the Chevy surrounded by Fords in driveway at Chris' dad’s house.

Ron Kidd hops in the 1970 Malibu.

Chris' dad Darrell digs in on the birthday project car.

Front end sheetmetal was damaged and needed replacement.

Chris sets up shade to work on the 1970 Malibu.

Some sanding and primer clean up the body.

Holes filled in where vinyl top trim and Malibu body molding clips removed.

Shined up and ready to party!

Rolling to the Party in Mississippi

Mississippi-Alabama state line sign stop.

Chris walks (holds) dog during state line pit stop, Jody holds camera.

Old signs like this, “Mississippi Welcomes You,” example are a hidden treasure on the backroads.

Jody Potter and Ron Kidd guard the Chevelle before the birthday surprise in Mississippi.

Stephanie sees the 1970 Chevelle for the first time

The smile on Stephanie's face says it all.

Chris gets a hug.

Stephanie takes her first voyage in her birthday surprise.

The birthday Chevy wears a 1970 tag.

A new key ring!

Fun Facts, Lies and Near Misses When He Almost Got Caught:

• Chris and his family have their cell phones GPS monitored so I (Ron) would accompany Chris on the search. When we would get caught in other parts of the state, at odd times, it was readily explained that I was looking at a car and needed his opinion. Often ending with “Whew, that was close!”
• Once a package arrived at their doorstep clearly marked “1970 Chevelle Hood Hinge.” When questioned, Chris explained, “those are for Ron’s station wagon. I guess the parts interchange.” Stephanie told me later, at the time, she thought “why is Ron having parts shipped here?” 
• When another suspicious GM package arrived right in front of her, she asked Chris what the part was for. Not expecting to be on the spot, his clever answer was “What do you think it is for?” To which she replied, “I think it is for that ’68 Chevelle you have under the cover in the shop.” A very panicked Chris replied “I don’t have a ’68 Chevelle in the garage under a cover!” That was true. It was a 1970 model. And it was hers. I thought we were caught at this point. I asked Stephanie later and she really didn’t know. She was just teasing him. She really had no idea.
• Stephanie was dividing her time between Birmingham and family in Mississippi. This allowed Chris his much needed time to work on the Chevelle. One weekend he had big plans for wrenching when she announced she was not going to Mississippi. Chris panicked and said, “No, no! You have to go!” He made sure she did. Later, she confided in a co-worker that she felt Chris was trying to get rid of her on weekends and didn’t know why. 
• Another time after Chris acquired the 1970 Chevrolet, Stephanie saw a 1968 Chevelle on TV  and declared “That is the one I want!” Chris froze and said, “No! It was a 1970 model…remember? You liked the ’70 better!” Stephanie reminded him that a woman can change her mind anytime. Chris argued “No! Sometimes it is too late to change your mind!” Stephanie had no idea where he was going with that.  
• We almost didn’t get the car at all. Chris had it all worked out. We were on site with a trailer and money. The entire deal got canceled when the seller thought we insulted the car and asked us to leave the property. Oh, the car was for sale…just not to us. Chris used every ounce of diplomacy he had and got us back on the property. Only now we had to pay full asking price. 
• The green birthday machine was presented to Stephanie in Mississippi and has since been to Florida’s Cruising The Emerald Coast show and several local cruise-ins. She loves it. So do we at Junkyard Life. That is a fact!
• Stephanie has the paperwork from the dealer, brochures, user’s manuals and the seldom surviving build sheet! Treasure to us! That actually led us to the original owner’s son.
• She has plans for a green repaint, updated wheels and more punch under the hood. Stephanie’s Chevelle will have a new lease on life and will be enjoyed for years to come.    

307-V8 engine, A/C, power steering. Who could ask for anything more?

Chris and Stephanie and the birthday surprise 1970 Chevy.

Family and friends in Mississippi were all in on the surprise.

Interior of the 1970 Malibu is original, bench seat and column shift.

Cowl hood gives the Malibu a more intimidating look.

It was a very good day! Chris showing Stephanie around the Malibu and all the modifications done so far.

Trips to the store, car shows, and more to come for Stephanie's ride.

Do you have a car story?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com
and Ron Kidd at kidd403.rk@gmail.com