Today brought visits from friends and family. Ben enjoys every opportunity to get on the Z50. Today he shared his favourite favourite motorbike with Jayden, Hugo, and Uncle Al. GREAT TIMES!!
Category: Gentlemen’s Business
My Honda……just like Daddy’s!
I am sure when we first looked at our new house the deal clincher for Andrew was the Honda Z50 that was under the house. It was just like the bike he and his brothers grew up riding together. If you listen to any of the brothers when they talk about their bike they light up…. they loved it!! I really am certain that Andrew immediately imagined Ben on the bike. Myself on the other hand needed some convincing about it. But once I was assured that he wouldn’t be able to ride it solo for some years I felt much better. It hadn’t really occurred to me that Andrew and Ben could ride it together.
Andrew was so excited to show Ben. Ben loved it. His face lit up …. well until Andrew started it. He got a fright and ran screaming and waving his hands in the air. I secretly was a little relieved thinking that the bike would be put away until he was older. What was I thinking!!?? That was not the case. Ben quickly grew to love his Honda…. it’s just like Daddy’s. Andrew and Ben ride around the yard together. Ben no longer screams with fright but he screams ‘Yahooo’. He tries to kick start it and insists of steering and controlling the throttle. I rest easy knowing that it’s top speed is slower than a push bike and Ben now has his own helmet. I am also certain that Andrew loves it just as much as Ben. Have Fun Boys!
Socks for your Hands!
Ben was in the trolley while I was shopping. On this occasion he took off his shoes. He proceeded to put his socks on his hands and pretend his was a motorbike rider. I had an elderly lady ask me what he was doing and if the socks were puppets. I informed her that no they were not puppets but motorbike gloves. She thought this was quite funny. That night Ben once again put on his sock (on his hands) and rode his trike around the house. Andrew thought he would give Ben’s bike ago. Like Father, Like Son – it kept me amused!!
The Ute Update #1
Well, what a transformation. Beige to Bling ! New 12 slot wheels 14×7, New Tyres 175, New GT stripes. I like it. What do you think ?
What a transformation for the old 1964 XM Ford Falcon ute with cobra stripes over the bonnet – from beige to bling !
New 12 slot wheels 14×7,
New Tyres 175
New GT stripes
I like it. What do you think ?
The Ute
The Ute. It’s a 1964 XM Ford Falcon, with Cobra Stripes. At least that’s how I will remember it.
The Ute. It’s a 1964 XM Ford Falcon, with Cobra Stripes. At least that’s how I will remember it.
We (this is the collective we, including all Lattimores) have had the Ute in the family since about 1988. Prior to that it was the workshop / panel shop runabout (I think). We took it in as a restoration project and returned it to full glory. Including minor paint and panel work, engine rebuild (all 144 cubic inches !), and upholstery/interior.
Since then the Ute has served well travelling between Chinchilla and Toowoomba, moving, dump runs, school taxi, Uni runabout and lots more.
Recently Dad (as the ‘actual’ owner or at least the custodian/bill payer) decided on a refresh. Not unreasonable given the almost 20 years service since the last round.
This time round a full re-spray, all rust removed (not too much), upholstery again, new carpets, interior surfaces painted.
Here’s the killer. NO STRIPES !
I have a sentimental attachment to the Ute including the stripes. They were part of it’s character.
For the next chapter I suggested perhaps some fancy new wheels to give the Ute something ‘more’ (also suggested an XR6T engine & mechanicals transplant).
Anyway here are the before and after shots.
What do you reckon ? Suggestions welcome (and contributions of course).
2009 Winter Nationals at Willowbank Raceway
I recently attended the Winter Nationals drag racing at Willowbank Raceway near Ipswich. Many thanks to Jun for the complimentary tickets. We went on the Saturday and saw several different classes including Top Doorslammer, Top Alcohol and of course Top Fuel. Al and Dad (George) went with me, and this was the first time that Dad had ever seen drag racing live. Well what an introduction. Sitting in the trackside cafe maybe 40m away from the start line, we nearly fell off our chairs in reaction to the sheer power (and that was just the noise from the burnouts). Suffice to say I ran to the fence to watch.
I recently attended the Winter Nationals drag racing at Willowbank Raceway near Ipswich. Many thanks to Jun for the complimentary tickets.
We went on the Saturday and saw several different classes including Top Doorslammer, Top Alcohol and of course Top Fuel.
Al and Dad (George) went with me, and this was the first time that Dad had ever seen drag racing live. Well what an introduction. Sitting in the trackside cafe maybe 40m away from the start line, we nearly fell off our chairs in reaction to the sheer power (and that was just the noise from the burnouts). Suffice to say I ran to the fence to watch.
I took a few snaps.
We were really impressed that the public can get up so close to the cars and crew in the pit areas. It is obviously a very friendly and open community.
The next round (actually the first round of the next season) is on again at Willowbank in August.
I look forward to it.