There was lots to do...rebuild the engine, clean up the engine compartment, add a GTE-type hood scoop, and re-paint (actually blend) the hood and fender tops.

And there were problems along the way...the heads needed new studs (twice), the paint didn't match (Donnie blended it to perfection), and other assorted minor problems that are too numerous to mention right now! The work, thanks to Donnie and Charlie, was finished last Wednesday.

I drove the '68 out of Donnie's shop last Wednesday, and headed for home. There was still quite a bit of work to be done, and Thursday morning, it would be road-tested on a drive to Orlando, where I would meet up with a couple of the Old Guys, and finish it up.

Well, I headed southbound for about a half-mile, when the drivers' side front wheel and tire suddenly, after shredding the newly-painted fender, headed northbound! The fender is ruined. The wheel is slightly bent, but the tire held pressure, and may be okay. Plus, there's a few new dings on the door, the hood, and the cowl. All because the lug nuts were ratchet-tight, but NOT torqued.

Determined to have it finished in the next two weeks, I located a near-mint fender at Harwood's Cougar Parts (thanks, Vince!) in Plant City, and Cecil and Sonny picked it up for me, meeting me about halfway from home.

The fender is now at Donnie's. The wheel can be repaired, and will be ready the middle of the week. And as of now, the '68 WILL make the almost-5000-mile Hot Rod Power Tour, from Michigan to Tennessee!

I've added some photos to the albums, and will add more as work progresses.