Rick & Susie H

1958 C-1 Work in Progress

1966 C-2

1968 C-3

1974 Big Block

2002 C-5

Below, Rick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway - August 2006

Below, Rick & Susie on Indy Speedway - August 2006

February 2005 Newsletter

In the Headlights

By Rick S., Secretary

Rick and Susie H.

1961 Roadster

It all started in the winter of 1995. A very tall, thin, middle aged man was walking through a snow covered field in Central Oklahoma. The temperature was frigid and the ground was covered with snow as the man walked ever so slowly with his favorite dog, Sam, at his side. This was new territory to Ted Barnes and his best friend Sam but they both knew they were close to a covey of quail. Ted noticed a shiny glitter in a brush pile and decided to have a look. Branch by branch Ted started removing branches from the pile. With each stick thrown Sam would retrieve it back to the pile. As the branches were removed Ted noticed a license plate attached to the glittering bumper of a car. The license plate read, "61 Vette". Well, we don't have the real story of the "Find" but it was fun to dress that part up a little.

This IS about a 1961 that was found in a field in Oklahoma by Ted Barnes and sold to Rick and Susie H. in 1995. It's also about true devotion to a restoration that Vette fanatics dream about. This story also ends with one of the most prestigious awards offered to the best of the best, "The Bloomington Gold".

After having purchased the numbers matched 1961 red/black roadster, in 1995 Rick H. began a body off frame restoration that would take over four years to complete. The patience necessary to complete a four-year project like this to me is incomprehensible.

The process would be done in five steps. The first was to completely remove the body from the chassis. The body was then sent to Cliff Hall for a total, down to glass, makeover that would take over two-years to complete. Meanwhile, Rick was very busy with the chassis rebuild. Starting at the rear end of the car and working forward every inch was meticulously rebuilt to original specifications. Every nut, every bolt and part was either freshened, rebuilt or replaced. This entire process took over two-years to complete.

Next, pull it all together. The body was finally brought in and placed on the chassis. The years of patience and dedication to this project were starting to pay off. Last but not least the interior and top were restored to perfection. A "Like new" red appearance of a showroom perfect car was finally completed.

GOING FOR THE GOLD...BLOOMINGTON GOLD

Rick's first attempt in 1999 for Bloomington Gold failed by only 30 points. Rick went home with silver. A year later after another $5,000 investment Rick went all out for the gold and finally achieved his dream... almost.

He received the "Bloomington Gold"

award but fell short of his 100% total points goal. His disappointment showed and the judge asked why he wasn't smiling. His reply was, "I wanted 100% perfection". The judges reply, "No one reaches that kind of perfection"!

Rick and Susie H. objective was to

restore this car to it's original condition or "Typical Factory Production". That means, no better, no worse, no different. Each component of the car needs to appear as it would have as leaving the factory line. The finish, date codes, installation, completeness, configuration, in addition to the car's mechanical and electrical should function as designed.

Car Awards and Honors

2002 - Bloomington Gold Certificate.

2003 - NCRS "Top Flight"

2004 - Vettefest Gold Spinner

2004 - "Triple Crown"

"Our objective has been Achieved!" (Rick H.)