Peter Behrens's Blog, page 513

1975 GMC K20

Another hardworking ranch truck from Colorado, spotlight and all.

1955 International R-110

 Every time I come back to Colorado Springs I find myself drawn to this truck, which seems a classic of the genre. It's a ranch veteran, from a ranch out near Durango, CO and spent most of its hardworking life in the high-and-dry.

1963 Ford F-100, Colorado Springs

Headed up to sprawlville-mallville in north Colorado Springs, looking for the Apple Store and geniuses (genii?) in blue teeshirts to solve some of my mac problems. Just before the Apple Store saw this white truck, "Spooky", which I liked for its meticulous plainness, and those red rims. Yikes. After the indulgence of  uninterrupted months on our peninsula, the indigestion of American sprawl--which seems to be the default version of how we live now--hits hard.

Update: "Love, Inertia and the Pursuit of the Perfect Stance"

Update from Shawn Hibma-Cronan and the van project: "Love, Inertia and the Pursuit of the Perfect Stance":

"Since I last wrote, much has happen to this Old Soul.
I was asked to show the Econoline at the Oakland Museum of Californiafor the finale of their We/Customize show. It was a pleasure to show my work alongside a couple of extraordinary and traditional lowriders from the Bay Area's Padrinos Car Club. Such BEAUTIFUL cars and great guys who loved the Econoline; shaking my hand when they learned that I did the work myself. The event was a great opportunity to invite the friends, fans, and Kickstarters to come see a preview of the work in progress. It was great to hear feedback and field questions. I was completely surprised and honored by how far some fans traveled just to speak with me about the project and get a look at the vehicle in person. 
Another exciting thing to report; I was contacted by ABC7 News to do an interview for a segment about how artists are using the internet to find success. I spoke about the project and my experience with Kickstarter.Click here to watch. 
Below are the details of what's been done to the vehicle since I last wrote. Forgive the deep automotive particulars, if it's not your cup of tea. In this project no corners have been cut, and nothing will be glossed-over. As in all my work, attention to detail and the craft are critical. I've been delving into every small challenge; addressing each like a work of art. 

"In the last update I was so thrilled to report that we acquired an ideal engine and transmission combination: a VW TDI motor connected via an adaptor to a good old Toyota transmission. Since then I've carefully positioned this unlikely match into the vehcile's frame in a way that brings a smile to my face every time I see it. Ample space and visibility around the components will make later adjustments and repair a pleasure. Shifting the motor back and down from the original motor position will help to even out the weight while bringing the vehicle's center of gravity substantially closer to the earth. This will make for much improved handling when the vehicle is rolling at ride height. 
The Econoline is a forward-controlled vehicle, meaning the driver sits directly over the front wheels. This makes the design of the front wheel tubs critical, not only do they protect the vehicle from debris, they also need to serve as a sturdy surface to attach driver and passenger seats. Complicating this further is the extremely low stance of the vehicle, which requires the wheels to tuck up into the vehicle much higher then the original wheel tubs would allow; interfering with the doors and window glass. To figure this out was a bear of a job but, when all was said and done, the result is completely functional and far more aesthetically pleasing than I'd hoped. 
The next logical place to focus was on the design of the "cockpit" (Thanks Russ!). So I began to determine the exact placement of the various functional components that make for an enjoyable driving experience. I made a steering wheel mount that is tilt-able and installed a beautiful extra-wide powering steering unit custom made for the project by Flaming River Industries. I was then faced with another issue that arises with the Econoline being a forward control vehicle; the indirect path that the steering linkage must travel to connect to the front wheels. 

"After much trial and error I designed solution to overcome this obstacle. I built a right-angle steering box that mounts cleanly inside the front frame section right below the foot well. The added benefit of this design is that it enables me to offset the original steering shaft forward and left 5". I can then center my brake and gas pedals while providing much more foot-room to get in and out of the vehicle. Under the car, this steering offset provides far more room for the radiator and intercooler. Once the steering was fully assembled I was pleasantly surprised by how tight the steering felt. When turning the steering wheel there is zero slop and immediate wheel response. I then reinforced the dash with a horizontal bar and made it removable to make installing the gauges, computer, air switches, and the pedal assembly easier in the future. 
All 8 of the doors (including the newly spliced in ones) were remounted and trued. Each door, proudly wearing 50 years of life, needed plenty of loving mallet blows and tweaks to ensure proper latching, door gaps, and body lines. Many of the trim pieces were reformed to bring them back to life. Reinstalling the trim on the body will be a final step. 
A wonderful new air valve unit from Accuair was installed providing far superior control of the air suspension system. The best part is that the unit is so well made that it gives the vehicle an entirely new stunt to go along with it's repertoire, true to lowrider tradition; 3 wheel motion. If that means nothing to you, then let me break it down; It gives the vehicle the ability to lift a wheel nearly a foot off the ground, balancing on one front wheel and one opposite rear wheel. The best part is that the frame I built that runs throughout the vehicle doesn't flex a bit while under this increased strain. Awesome, and such fun to watch. 

"Eastbound: 
Some of you may have noticed that your rewards delivery dates have past. For that I apologize, they are still in production, along with the vehicle. It just wouldn't be right to give you rushed & half-baked thank-yous. You will receive your gift and will always have my huge appreciation for your support. 
Sometimes you just need to act on an opportunity when the time is right. I am heading to Brooklyn for a few months. For an artist NYC is a great place to make work and immerse in the art community. The Econoline and all its parts are carefully buttoned-up, and I've left the studio keys in the hands of a dear friend to watch over. It's interesting that so far being outside of my usual studio routine has provided valuable perspective and fresh ideas about the piece; along with time to research and sketch out the final details that will bring this project to its full potential. 
To all of you who are anxiously awaiting the unveiling of the piece, fear not; I have great things planned for early in the new year. 
Again, a huge thank you to all for the ongoing support and enthusiasm. 
ONWARD!
Shawn 
p.s. I've refreshed the website. Have a look: shawnhibmacronan.com"

Advanced Design Chevrolet, semi-retired in southern Colorado

...from Michael S. Moore in southern Colorado:

" ...got Trigger fired up and down onto the driveway, though a lack of brakes precluded going farther afield..."

The Blue Hill Mercedes Benz 320SE

I'm deep in writing my third novel...along with solo wrangling of the 7-year-old this week while BB is working in NYC. Something had to give, and it meant neglecting the blog this week. Apologies. The novel is set in Germany, mostly... Weimar Germany of the Twenties, Nazi Germany of the Thirties. Parts are also set in Ireland, on the Isle of Wight (England), London during WWI...and I'm hoping to write the chapter set in West Texas/Eastern New Mexico when I'm out there in September. Meanwhile my head's been in Germany--I'm re-reading le Carre's A Small Town in Germany, which has nothing to do with my period--it's set in Cold War-era Bonn--but it is the book that happened to come my way this week, and I'm enjoying it. Also enjoyed this handsome Benz coupe, in Blue Hill (Maine) this afternoon. Kind of a black-and-white day on the Maine coast, after a very blue couple of weeks.

1973 P1800 ES

from my cousin Rob Macdougall in Montreal:

"As my 60th birthday fast approaches--just bought this beauty!!! 87,000ish original miles. When I was 20 in 1973 this was the car of my dreams. Now I have one!!!"-- RM
Rob found the car on eBay, in Virginia.  Now it has to get to Montrèal. We'll let you know how. I've recommended Safe Way Auto Transport out of Kentucky, on the basis of deliveries they have done for me and for people I know. So far no complaints.Found another p1800, not as nice, for sale in Maine last year.

1972 P1800 ES

from my cousin Rob Macdougall in Montreal:

"As my 60th birthday fast approaches--just bought this beauty!!! 87,000ish original miles. When I was 20 in 1973 this was the car of my dreams. Now I have one!!!"-- RM
Rob found the car on eBay, in Virginia.  Now it has to get to Montrèal. We'll let you know how. I've recommended Safe Way Auto Transport out of Kentucky, on the basis of deliveries they have done for me and for people I know. So far no complaints.Found another p1800, not as nice, for sale in Maine last year.

1961 Chevrolet Impala & the Perfect Stance Project

Shawn HibmaCronan sent this 1961 Impala along from Grand Junction, Colorado, noting he'd used the tail lights on his ongoing Econoline project--"Love, Inertia an the Pursuit of the Perfect Stance" 

Brooklin General Store & 1917 Model T Ford