April 2008 LXOM: MAGFX

[DMAG]

written by MAGFX

MAGFX

Thank you all for showing support for your fellow LX’er, no matter for whom you voted.

I truly believe that there are many folks on this forum who are more deserving than I. Of course, maybe the fact that I won has something to do with the voting deadline being on April Fools’ Day??? Ha ha ha.

It wasn’t until I purchased a used ’05 Bright Silver Magnum R/T in 2005 that I participated in my first forum, LXforums. I am amazed by what a great knowledge base and social club this is. It is a phenomenon that just by participating in something like this, a family is created. I have had the pleasure of meeting folks from all over North America and beyond. In early 2006, I attended a M&G here in the Phoenix area where I met all sorts of great people. One month later I traveled (for work) to another M&G in Montreal and met even more. Meeting new friends here never seems to end. Many of you folks will be friends for life.

My name is Jonn Herzberger, am 53 (if I remember correctly), and grew up in a town of 60 people in rural Illinois. (For the record my name is spelled with two n’s, not “John”, but I will usually answer to almost anything.)

While growing up in the Midwest, I worked for local farmers who taught me a lot about mechanics and how to get the job done, one way or another. Other jobs that I have had, or still have, include janitor, railroad “steel gang” laborer, off-road fabricator/mechanic/foreman/co-rider, floral designer, car show entertainer, driving instructor, special effects designer/technician, mechanical engineer, and a few others mixed in.

My parents did not allow me to have a car until I was out of high school, although we kids did throw some Cragar mags and glass packs on my dad’s Javelins (’69, ’71, and ’73). The summer after my first year of college, I purchased a ’64 VW for $100. I proceeded to mod it (we must have had another word for that back then) from motor to body via many parts from J.C. Whitney and help from friends and relatives. Then when I moved to Arizona, in 1975, it was stolen after two weeks, never to be recovered. Had to keep going from there!

The photos, below, are some of the vehicles that I have owned or have had a major involvement with. The other cars that I have owned are several other VW Bugs, ’59 Plymouth Savoy, ’68 Cadillac limo, ’73 extended cab Datsun pickup with a Buick V6, and an ’80 extended cab, lifted, 2WD Ford F-150.


My very first car; SS Cragars, Mickey Thompson H50 tires, and purple fur interior. Dang it, it was ripped off!


One fast bug, powered by a Buick V6, with 32’ of hose to the radiator which was tucked in up front.


My own off-road race car, “flyin’ high”. I co-drove with a friend, in his race car, in the 1979 Baja 1000. As a participant, this was the first of many races in Baja, Mexico and Southwest US. It took only 38 ½ hours to finish that first one.


All dressed up and street legal, also. Sometimes, I would drive to a race, not break (usually), and drive home.


One project that I had the opportunity to participate in, was the build of a Chevrolet sponsored, $½ million (in 1989) unlimited 2-seat off-road race truck. It was a semi mid engine, injected, 500hp V6 with 4-wheel independent suspension. With Larry Ragland as the driver, I got to take the passenger seat.


Then to get paid to ride shotgun with this kid was a dream come true.


Now, this is truly an E-ticket ride!!! *Notice the two guys on the right, in the dust.


Everyone has to have a muscle car. This was one of my two ’69 Road Runners, one with a 383 and the other with a 440.


Oops, how did that get in here? Oh well, I guess I will let it slide this time. *I believe it was first posted here by Jaak, thanks.


My ride before the Modern Mopar Muscle, ’94 Z-28. I was broadsided in a round-a-bout and it was totaled. But hey, good things came out of this situation, hello Magnum!


Now you see it, now you don’t (maybe a little). “The Jackal” 1997


“Flying through the air with the greatest of ease” and then we barrel rolled it! "Jumper" 2008


Modern Mopar Muscle, ’05 Magnum R/T with just a few mods. I then did the “radiator cap mod”.


Here is my baby which I intend on keeping for a long while.

I am certainly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet such good, upstanding, clever, and hilarious individuals. I’ve learned a lot and laughed a lot. My life is richer for having met you.

Thank you...Jonn

[Leadfootluke]

Congrats John!

Awesome write up.

[hemiwagn]

Mondo Congrats Jonn. Truly a great write-up. And you have inspired many of my mods my friend. You are a great asset to the forum and I look forward to hanging out with you again.

[BrilliantBlackHemi]

Congrats. Great write up Jonn.

[MR. J]

Congrats, Jonn.

Great wright up and it was a pleasure meeting you at the Spring Fest, wish we could have had more time to chat but hopefully you will be around in October when I make another trip out to Phoenix.



J

[Ozzie]

Awesome writeup Jonn!

Very well-deserved win!

[Magma]

HUGE congrats JONN!!!!! VERY well deserved. I know my car isn't much, but yours has definitley inspired me. Now get yer arse back north of the border!!!

[thewagon]

Hey, thanks for taking my picture at Ozzie's Speedfest while we were waiting for the 1/4 mile!
Great write up and with a job like yours, its sure filled with wild things!

Congratulations Jonn!!

[imahemi]

Congrats!!!

[ZMagnum]

A big congrats Jonn. You deserve it. I remember that first meet back in 2006. I'm glad I was there.

You have a lot of great ideas and have inspired many. Keep up the good work.

[Mighty Noid]

Jonn...


That is a sweet story and congrats on the LXOM!!! Well deserved!!

[rwalshphoto]

Congrats Jonn you deserve it buddy!

[BlackSXT]

Congrats.....ya got a bad ass magnum, no doubt bout it, the picture of it at the center is excellent.

[MattRobertson]

Again, congratulations Jonn. Its great to see a longtime member of the community and all around good guy get a little recognition. We're richer for having the opportunity to get to know you.

Thanks for being here!

[eGo]

Gratz Man!