19 Days, 17 States, 6,000 miles.

The goal with the Dart was always to get it to a level of finish, and drive it to Connecticut.  But there never was a determined level of finish.  I badly wanted to get the car to Connecticut for the 20th anniversary of John's passing in July of 2011.  Sadly the car was not anywhere near being "ready".  Once the car ran, drove around the block and was reliable, the plan was hatched. 

Road trip summer of 2012. 

It all seemed to just fit together.  My wife and daughter always go to Iowa for a few weeks in the summer.  Small town, mid-west.  Always a parade for "Hudson Days" with plenty of folks riding in cool convertibles throwing candy to the kids that line the street for blocks.  Last year, as we watched the parade roll by, the light bulb in my mind flashed on.  "We need to drive the Dart to Iowa for the parade, then to Connecticut".  And we're going to hand out good candy.  At the rate the progress was going on the Dart it seemed like more of a challenge than a goal.  But as I said, if anything, I am a man of my word. 

I've spent a great deal of time in that garage over the past 5 years, working on the Dart.  Weekends sun up to sun down.  Several weeknights till the clock ticks into the next morning.  My family understands.  I think that most people that will read this will understand.  As I type this, it is a mere four and a half weeks until I start that car up, lower the top, shirt into first gear and head east.  I don't think I have put 500 miles on the car since it has been back together.  The convertible top has yet to be put down.  The seats are still at the upholsterers shop.  I think only a handful of people have seen the car since the side trim and the convertible top have been put on.  I'm waiting for the wiper motor to be delivered, because that install is the first piece that goes in before the a/c controls, and the glove box liner.  I'm missing 6 clips for the side trim on the front fender.  I have yet to order the weatherstrip for the top along with a few other items.  But no matter what, it's getting driven across the country.  19 days, 17 states, 6,000 miles.