I was never really a Corvette person, although that was my profession and I was one of the better Techs at the time, although I'm sure there were some better than me.
One person who I knew from years ago was Dewey Powell, I would have to say he was a genus engineer but self taught. I can tell you from being in the trade longer than many people are old, I've seen a lot of good auto mechanics and this guy was in a league of his own.
If you Google Dewey Powell and Squid 4 wheel drive Corvette you'll see his creation. This guy was very interesting, I'm not exactly sure of his age, I think around 75, but he has a Clint Eastwood look and demure, never gets over excited, hardly smiles and is very serous all the time, a very deep person.
I went over to him and mentioned my name, because I was dressed as Louise and asked if he remembered me, he said sure he never mentioned, asked, commented on my persona, we had a short conversation, I introduced him to my wife. He was a total gentleman.
This guy was born and raised in Ocean City, NJ, an ultra conservative Blue Law, dry city. He (in my opinion) is a free thinker, not only an exceptional and creative mechanic but also non judgemental.
Anyway, the show was pretty good, there were all types of Vettes there, my favorites were from 1954 and 1/2 through 1961 or 62 before they started with the Stingrays. I would venture to say they're were around 800+ corvettes there, some were stock some modified with different year engines or accessories and paint jobs. It was a great day for the show and a great turn out too. I highly recommend it.
I forgot to mention, as we finished looking at "Squid" and I was stepping
off the sidewalk to walk with my wife, a person (about 40 ish and heavy set)
says very distinctly "hello Lady". I impulsively put my arm around my wife's
shoulder to indicate I was with someone and hopefully he would back off. My wife
said he had been following me for awhile. At least I was noticed and got a
polite comment (I guess).
Dewey
1 comment:
Dewey sounds like the real deal. A professional who was born to do car work and had the talent to excell. I always like to see people do what they like to do and what they become good at doing.
Do not confuse the dry, family oriented conservative nature of Ocean City with a lack of tolerance. People at peace with themselves are often very libertarian and tolerant of others. If you have peace with yourself it is easier to be tolerant of those who are different from you.
Pat
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