How did you get hooked on A-bodies?

Back in HS i was walking home after my 3rd or 4th day at a new school and I seen the same kid walking as the previous day, we got to talking and he asked if I wanted to come see his Valiant that he got by trading a bag of marbles for. We became best friends and I was looking for a cool car to start to build (meanwhile driveing a toyota corola hatch back). So as it turns out I was looking through the paper at older cars and came across a 69 Valiant 2 door. I asked him what they looked like. He says "oh yeah thats the boxier one." So I go check it out , it looked strait, I asked for the keys to start it and whether it would start. She said "yeah it'll start" I pumped it once hit the key and she came to life! At this point I hadnt seen under the hood yet. I got out of the car and said "I dont care whats under the hood Ill take it!" The Lady had it in the paper for 350.00 I paid 250.00 and drove it 40 miles back home, then for another 2 years with that slant six running with 3 burnt valves. Finally I got annoyed with it dieing at stop lights, and haveing to nuetral drop it once it started again(annoyance). So I took it home and ripped the 6 out and didnt even have another motor yet.
That was in 95'-96' I still own the lil Valiant and she sat for about 8-9 years while I was in the navy, I just got it shipped from my dads in Or. to Va. last march.
I am finally able to put all the goodies I want into it.
1969 Valiant: 360, J-heads, headers, 2.5"/x-pipe/flowmasters, 8 3/4 Suregrip w/ 323s, 904 w/TF2 kit.

Orig. had 170 /6 904 with a 7 1/4
Thats the story and Ill never sell my little Valiant.
And my wife still doesnt understand why I love this car. I think for all of us, its just the fact that your vision starts to take shape and you put so much effort in them to get them that way. Definately a labor of love! :headbang: