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MAKE MINE A '69
by LOLLY MAYEDA
Before I start my story I
would like to thank a lot of folks who have played a major role both past
and present in the life of my 1969 GTO: Dad, Mom, Wayne, Brenda, Monica,
Jim Nitis, Raja, Bob's Auto Shop, Sheezo, Robbie Robertson, the Neefe’s,
Ray "Kahuna" Ibia, Yosh Miyako, Paul Fujimori, Ed "Goat
Farm", ex-spouse, all GGG members who assisted and last, but not
least, my main man "Matt" for all his knowledge, patience, time
and understanding of my need for speed.
It all began when my dad
(a GM man) took my brother (Wayne) to Larry Hopkins Pontiac dealership in
Sunnyvale to purchase a 1965 black Grand Prix (my parents already had a
1965 yellow Grand Prix). I saw a 1965 GTO in the showroom and knew I had
to have one. My dad told me I couldn't get one unless I could make the
payments. Yikes! I was only 14. So do you think I’d save my allowance
money? Nah! When I got my driver's permit I was allowed to drive with my
parents in the Grand Prix. Wow! What a car, cruisin' at 70 mph was so
cool (max speed then was 55) until I told my dad there were red flashing
lights behind us. The officer actually lectured my parents more than me.
Hee hee. So now there was a feel for speed, I wanted a GTO even more. I
needed money and a job. To get to my job I needed a car, so my parents
bought me a 1959 Chevy Belair 6 cylinder, 4 door for $500. What a tanker
with no speed! I was given the nickname crasher when the ‘59 creased
someone going the wrong way in a parking lot (it was not my fault,
really). I had to pay for the repairs which was a big set back in getting
the GTO. Not being one to save money, even today, I believe as an
incentive my parents took me down to Larry Hopkins. There were several
‘69 green GTOs and there sat an antique gold with black vinyl top. Not
having any money or credit, my parents purchased it on the condition I
would make the payments. Yeah!!! I didn't get to drive it until my first
monthly payment of $50.00 was made almost a month later.
The GTO and I have been at
Fremont drag strip and street racing. Then I went down a rough road of
marriage and divorce. I made sure I took my GTO, which ended up in
storage at my parent’s home for 15 years.
In 1990, with the help of
Jim Nitis, the GTO came out of storage. 1996 was it's second trip to Hot
August Nights where I met Will Valle and son. In 1997 my brother bought
his 1964 convertible GTO and while cruisin' through the Goodguys car
show, he met Will Valle again who introduced us to the Golden Gate Goats
club.
Fast forward to 1999, the
original engine's pushrods were bent, which kept me from participating in
club cruises. Eagle eye Tony Bilecci spotted a Pontiac engine already
assembled at Bob's Auto shop in Sunnyvale. Since the old engine was out,
I decided to sand and paint the engine compartment and hood with
assistance of Matt, Brenda & Monica.
Installing the new engine
was a challenge and learning experience for Matt, Kahuna, Yosh, Paul,
Wayne and me (I’m sure they'll never forget, but would maybe like to).
It took nearly 9 months to hear the roar of the engine and another 3
months to put all the hardware back in by Matt. It was worth the wait to
be back in the seat!!
The goat will be passed on to my niece
Monica as long as she keeps a "B" grade average through college
and I’m no longer able to cruise in the fast lane. The goat is far from
being a show car but "it's MY show car!". For all you members
who haven't joined in any events, come on out and enjoy the sight and
sounds of the herd of GTOs, Lemans, Tempests, the friendly members and
their family and if it's a race you're lookin for, I’m ready!!
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