January 2008 LXOM: hemiwagn

[DMAG]

written by hemiwagn

It began early: “Cars, Cars and more Cars” was mom’s first entry in my baby book some 5 decades ago. It continued with toy cars, model cars and slot cars up to my first real car – Dad’s (then) seven year old 1968 Chevrolet BelAir that he insisted I pay $500 for. I’ve had a string of Chevys since, and still have two: another ’68 BelAir (a gift from my incredible wife Sandra) and a ’68 Camaro SS 396 Convertible. I’ve had each of those cars for over 10 years now. Oh, if cars could talk….

So it’s no wonder that my avatar user title says “Converted Chevy Guy”. Bow Tie loyalty is hard to break.

But the fantastic LX platform did just that! In fall 2004, we needed a late model car and frankly I’d started thinking of cars as appliances. Then we saw the Magnum. Shortly after, the 300C SRT8 was announced. Figuring there would eventually be a Magnum SRT8, we held off. In August 2005 we took delivery of our Magnum SRT8.

The Conversion continued. In July 2006 we traded our ‘98 Camaro SS Convertible for a Charger SRT8. Why? Because the Charger is better by every measure. Faster, safer, braking, handling, mileage, emissions, versatility – everything.

Finally, we rounded out the LX trilogy in June 2007 with a 2005 300 Limited for one of my daughters who would be attending school far from home. Conversion complete.

Ahhh, the Hemiwagn.

This is the car of my life. It has re-ignited the passion. Never before have I customized a car this much, or ever raced down the dragstrip. But the thought of a 500HP 12 second car that turns heads and is a ball to drive cross-country does it for me. I know in 25 years Sandra and I will judge time as ‘BHW’ or ‘AHW’ (before or after hemiwagn). My kids will talk about it and I’ll still have the friends for life I’ve met here on LX Forums.

Which leads me to the thing I want to talk about most…..

This place. LX Forums Modern Mopar Muscle. IT STARTS RIGHT HERE.

A 21st Century car club? Maybe, but in reality much, much more than that. This place starts with the cars but quickly becomes about the people, the community. A respectful, thoughtful community that looks out for their own, shares the triumphs and congratulates new discoveries. A place where people are compelled to share their day, the little or the bigger things in life, like job changes, births, marriages, emergencies and the passing of loved ones. We salute those who keep us safe and remember when those serving pay the ultimate price. Godspeed Cpl. James Lindsey “jtl13f”. We help whenever we can. We disagree. We have an abyss. We’re a micro society. Everybody learns something here, I love it.

People drive thousands of miles just to meet in person folks they’ve become close to through the internet. Meet and Greets happen weekly, probably more often than that. Thanks to the good folks who build our magnificent machines, we meet at and sometimes have special tours of the Brampton Assembly Plant. We have rocking good parties! Come to Montreal or Spring Festival in LA or Shindig or, well you name the region, you will have a blast and take away good memories and new friends.

I have two friends for life, Jaak and Token, who I’d never have met without LX Forums. Hemi31, Heidi and fnkychkn have helped me immeasurably and I’m grateful to call them friends. Most of all though, I have to thank my love Sandra for being involved, for being the arbiter of good taste, and for understanding me.

I’m proud of this place and hope you are too. Thank you all for making me LXOM.
I couldn’t be prouder.

* * * * * * *
Video version of above (Part 1). Part 2 will follow in a few days.

[Redfox0099]

Congrats

[BrilliantBlackHemi]

Congrats on the win!

[Leadfootluke]

Well done Greg, definately deserved.

Congratz!

[Slim]

Congrats Greg, long overdue!

[Hemi31]

Awesome Greg....congrats and I'm glad I could have been a part of it.

[bipto]

Man, that was an inspirational write-up!

Glad you made it Greg, congrats!

[sugar-tj]

congrats ... great write up,
video was cool too...

[higshemi-less]

Great write up Greg, congrats! And I love the "BHW" and "AHW"! LOL!

[STAGE 3 R/T]

Congrats!!!

[JonzMgnm]

Greg, I look forward to the day I can actually shake your hand, but until then........Congrats on a most deserved LXOM selection!

[MAGNUM8R]

Congrats!
Loved the video, my vote counted for a change!

[BUTWEET]

Congrats to you, my friend! Outstanding write-up and video from an outstanding guy.
I hope to see you in Irvine in the spring!

[fnkychkn]

huge congrats Greg. fantastic write-up and awsome video.

[Magma]

Finally!... It was only a matter of time... and what better a month to get it... starting off the new year right! CONGRATS Greg! You've deserved this for so long. Not only becasue of your dedication and passion to your LX's and this forum... but your dedication and passion to the people of this forum. You have helped me out a few times with nothing more than a huge smile on your face. That is just awesome. The way I have seen you treat everyone is hard to put into words... one that I can think of right now is GENEROUS!!!! You're one hell of a good guy Greg.... congrats bud!