Hi, I'm Dean Johnson from West Yorkshire.
I have always been into American cars since been in a nappy, my dad always had a few old American cars and trucks so going to school was always great if we were in an old yank.
I have owned quite a lot of yanks over the years but always have a passion for late 50's stuff with fin's. I love 'em all really and I am getting to like the modern stuff too! - Thanks Dave!!!
My old dodge as lay in Batley for around 4 years now, I had the 4 door model before this one with the same Red Ram v8 engine and 22 mpg. I had always wanted a 2 door coupe royal, so when I was told about this one a friend had got hold of in a deal I was over at Colne first thing the next morning and sat outside the garage at 6.30 am as I knew he had told someone else about the car.
I could see the rear of the car through the shutters on door and it looked ace. When they opened up the garage and I seen it in the flesh I just had to have it and as I am in the motor trade did something I tell my lads not to do when buying a car - drool all over the dash as the price won't come down at all.
My deposit was paid and I went for the car the day after with a bundle of cash. Even thou it had a lot of work done to it, it was a bit scary coming home with the steering a bit naff, the brakes not up to much, the power windows blew but it was the best drive I have ever had in a yank ever over the country side hills.
I went on to sort out the bits of paint, most of the chrome, the roof and rear arch's, new, correct trim, carpets, fuel tank, disc brake conversion as the drums were a bit scary on long runs!
Yes this car has done 6.000 mile's every year, she aint no queen! New boot kit, all electric motors for windows, recon dynamo, radiator, water pump, heads checked as it was getting hot and a bit of pressure, set of wire rim's and whiteband radials, all blackwork, steel inside chromed, correct dodge mats and dealer badge's, the teeth from Mopar Mels for front bumper and even the water bag and battery are correct for year. My mate got me the original toy dodge car that they gave to your kid when you bought the car back in 58, and the postcard the dealer sends you each year for upgrade.
This car as been all over the country on some real great treks and as won 49 awards in just the last 2 years. I know people say it doesn't matter about awards but when you have done so much work it is great to be awarded best Mopar at some big show like the Summer Nationals billing 01.02 and Americana 01 02 03. It's the car that deserves it more than the owner and its a great honor just to have one of the awards.
 Anyway back to my car, it will be a sad day when he does go to another home but I just don't have the time to keep him in the tip top condition at the moment, but have a few plans for summer, I will have to make do with my Dodge Ram Truck. It's a '96 Pace Indy truck with the Magnum 5.9 V8. I have to blame Dave Redneck and Bren for this purchase as seeing Dave's for a while now and then when the headers went on I just had to have one, seeing the one I have now on Paul's site.
He imports them from states and even with all the problems with getting hold of it I am glad I went ahead and got one. It really brings back the smile factor, I know on a few trips in the old Dodge people have hung out of there cars with camera's and some have nearly crashed getting photo, but when your in the truck its just so much fun, and the power even cops me out a bit. It's fitted the ram induction kit too and cut out main box on exhaust. If I keep it this winter, a twin open exhaust is first thing on my list, then some leather on the seats, but if things go to plan I would love a newer one...
Anyway enough about me and my motors - Happy Cruising!!!
Dean (DJ on the AACI discussion forum), Barb, Simon and Gav
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