This thread needs some more background information. It's not getting the kind or quality of attention it deserves.
Small Block, the only reason the Scamp may end up as a halfbreed with a bowtie motor is out of desperation. I'm not sure how much Joe filled you in on the specifics when you guys talked on the phone, but this is the scoop.
The original 440 slated for the build turned out to be cracked. The machine shop who repaired it went out of business without any kind of warning or even a phone call, and Joe found his big block sitting in the empty parking lot uncovered. It's now a rusted hunk of junk requiring new internals and additional machine work that isn't in the (non-existent) budget. The time is getting so short with so much still remaining to be done that it may just have to have a Chevy under the hood unless someone sees fit to help out. (Billy has been scrambling the last few days calling every contact in his Little Black Book trying to come up with a motor. He's ready to donate a brand new steel crank and bearings for a 440 but we don't have a block ... if we did it would already be on the way to Massachusetts.)
We all know this car won't bring the desired result at auction without a Ma Mopar motor, and the Shriners' kids will unfortunately be the ones who suffer the consequences. They already have enough to deal with, and they're counting on this and other donations to keep their hospitals afloat.
As an aside, I found Joe's blog post on another website and invited him over here where Mopars really matter, and where this big family of A Body lovers could show the support and kindness that I've come to love, respect and admire from all of you. Please, let's not let him down.
Joe has the express blessing and required paperwork from Shriners Hospitals to prove that this isn't just some scam. As a business owner who sees her own share of solicitations on a regular basis, this one is definitely an attention getter.
I am sending this in regards to the car we are building. It is a 1971 Plymouth Scamp that was donated by Leveille's Auto Salvage, 96 Egypt Road, Somers CT, phone number 860-749-3705.
I am building this car because I am very passionate about Shriners Hospitals and all they do for children! They do amazing things for families in need of quality orthopedic care for their children and feel that children are our future. We need to protect and care for our future so I will do what I can to keep the hospitals from losing support and help they so badly need. If you did not know, the hospitals work strictly off donations while providing medical care for free. The hospitals are struggling to keep their budget afloat due to the economy. They are talking about closing 6 hospitals in the near future. That is a lot of free medical care gone and it is going to make things so much harder on families who rely on these services. So, this is where I step in and hopefully get some awareness out there and money needed to stop this from happening.
I plan on building this car in 2 months' time from the ground up, turning it into a 60's style "Gasser" drag type car. I want to promote the heck out of it and auction it off on eBay with all the proceeds going straight to Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA.
I have the support of Bill Taft at Hi Tech Transmissions 317 Somers Road, East Longmeadow MA, phone number 413-525-1710. He builds some of the best trannys in the east coast. I also have Mike Balise from Balise Motor Sales on board. He is donating a bay at one of his shops strictly for this endeavor. He owns many auto dealerships in the east coast and has been very supportive.
Shriners Hospital has been great and is thrilled with this endeavor, and I hope that you are too. You can contact the hospital directly: Lee Freniere 413-755-2307, Springfield MA, or A.J Pasmas 813-281-8480 HQ-Tampa, FL. I have many more companies I am still waiting to hear from starting with Goodmark Industries 770-339-8557. Rick at Goodmark has been great and he is trying to do what he can. Fiberglass Unlimited 877-735-7772 so far just email contact, but hopeful they will get on board. Speedway Motors 800-979-0122 so far things looking very positive there, just waiting on an okay from the owner. Moroso
Thors@moroso.com, waiting on a final answer. There are even talks with the Discovery Channel on video taping the whole process which would be great for promoting the hospital and the companies who donate parts.
All I am looking for is to keep the future bright and positive for the Kids Shriners treats and to know I did something when it was needed! I hope you and your company will do the same and look forward to talking to you in the future. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Joe Wallace
413-783-0153 home / 413-275-6959 cell/shop
* * *
This is a listing of the great -- and highly recognizable -- companies involved in this project so far, as well as a partial listing of the parts and services they've donated along the way. With every UPS delivery this list changes, but it will give you a good idea of what's been accomplished so far.
ATL - fuel cell
Autometer - gauges
B&M - shifter
Fiberglass Unlimited - lexan
Hedman Headers - header kit
Hi-Tech Transmission - tranny and converter
Howe Racing Enterprises - radiator and related parts
Levielles Auto Salvage - 1971 Plymouth Scamp
LM-Tarbell - all steel needed for the build
McGill Hose and Coupling - all plumbing on the car
Moroso - oil pan, valve covers, Blue Max racing wires, timing cover, battery box
MSD - ignition (not yet received but promised) ... we'll see
NIC Industries -- any powders needed for the build
Phoenix Specialty Coatings -- custom powder coating to match the paint
R&R Industries - Ford 9 inch and any other parts Joe can use in their yard
VFN - fiberglass panels
I hope you all can see fit to spread the word about this wonderful endeavor to your Mopar-lovin' buddies / contacts / businesses even if you aren't able to help out personally. We need all the extra help and support we can get. I know the caliber of quality people this site is made of. You guys wanted a FABO car??? Well, here's your chance.
Together, we can all make this happen.
