Kirkin of the tartan - Albany NY this Sunday the 8th

[frank_a]

In case some of you folks around the Albany area are not aware, there is the annual Kirkin of the Tartan at Westminster Presbyterian Church on State Street in Albany this coming Sunday. Here is a link: http://www.wpcalbany.org/uploads/3/7...emessenger.pdf

With any luck, I may see you there!

Frank

[mookien]

Frank: Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend, but I hope you have a great time. Post a pic, or two, if you get a chance. Are you going kilted? Are you going to carry a tartan banner?

I spent a good bit of time in Albany (a lot of it in the Colonie mall) many years ago. Years later, and coincidentally, I worked at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory with a fellow whose parents owned and operated one of the shoe stores in the mall.

I bought an engagement ring for my future wife at Nelson's jewelers in downtown Albany. We were affianced in the middle of the Dunn Memorial bridge during it's construction in 1968. I was a surveyor working during that summer on the bridge. We drove out over the Hudson River in the middle of the unpaved, unfinished, and unconnected span in our VW bug on the weekend, when no construction was taking place, and most importantly, when nobody was around. It was a unique location and all very romantic. Oh how the "tempas fugits".

John

[frank_a]

I will bring my little point & shoot and see what I can capture with it John. Yes, I'll be going kilted. Unfortunately I know very few people, and my wife can't come, but I do plan on going.

We have only lived in the area about 15 years, and even then out in the boonies, so I don't get up to Albany much. I do it enough to know all the major roads, but work in Catskill, a very small town south of Albany. I've never been to Westminster Presbyterian, so am looking forward to the visit.

I've got enough cash for a tank, and am wondering if I should use it for a PC, a black argyle or a tank, or just invest it in my hot rod project and say "Good enough!" for the kilted outfit I have. Problems, problems!

Enjoy your day,

Frank

[mookien]

... I've got enough cash for a tank, and am wondering if I should use it for a PC, a black argyle or a tank, or just invest it in my hot rod project and say "Good enough!" for the kilted outfit I have. Problems, problems! ...

All reasonable solutions to a good problem to have. Good luck on your choice. What kind of "hot rod project"? A "hot rod" around here is often a lifted 4WD for pass and rock crawling.

We used to live south of Albany, too - in Chatham. My mother taught in East Greenbush for many years. Are you anywhere near those? Or, are you on the other side of the Hudson?

[frank_a]

I built a 23t years ago, finished it in '01. Built the chassis and at time, just followed some plans. By the time I got the motor in, it was "Gee, do I have room for an electric fan?" Just barely! So drove it till last year, then ripped it apart in February, and finally just started working on it. Got a new OD tranny too, need new mounts and a new driveshaft for that. Never painted anything, so while apart, once I extend the chassis, will get it and a bunch of other stuff powder coated, plus need a bunch of other stuff. Figure 5-6 grand should do it, so it's a long term project, with me doing as much as I can.



We live on the west side of the Hudson, just south of Albany maybe 12-15 miles, right in the SE corner of Albany County. Busy painting a deck today, nothing like painting weathered lattice...

Frank

[piperdbh]

I'd encourage you to buy the kilt, in the tartan you want, made by the kiltmaker you want, then save up again for the Argyll.

I wish I could be at the Kirkin' tomorrow, but it's a little out of my 1-day commuting distance. Take lots of pictures for us!

[frank_a]

Oh well. Ordered the PC & vest from USA Kilts. They have it in stock too. Money saved (as opposed to a tank) is going to the hot rod. Happy medium, keeps both of me happy.

Frank

[mookien]

Frank: That's a great-looking buggy! I can see why you're putting $$ aside for it. What is the "crate" in the back? - a spare parts holder? I've never seen one of those, though I am not a "hot-rod" enthusiast, so perhaps it's just ignorance.

What kind of tires are those and where do you get them? I'll bet they're cheap - ha, ha. Is it street legal?

John

[frank_a]

Thanks John. Mostly hand built with junk yard and used parts. Back then I had about 9 grand invested, 2 grand for the motor build, couple grand for the rear wheels and tires, a grand for the stretched body, about 500 bucks in steel (much, much cheaper back then). I lucked out getting the motor. It's a '71 400 sbc chevy, kinda rare nowadays cause roundy round racers eat em up. They were only made a couple years. This one is bored 060 so is about 414 c.i. The jag independent rear suspension cost me a bit over a grand, purchase and parts for rebuild. All the other stuff just added up. That crate in the back makes it a stake rack truck, and that's what it's registered as, a 1923 Ford Model T truck with a V8 motor. The stake rack holds a stainless steel half keg gas tank (15 gallons), a tool box and battery. Only original parts on it are the windshield posts. I made the windshield frame. It also has a class 1 hitch built off the rear dogbone of the jag.

It's illegal to drive a vehicle without fenders in NY, but we've put 1000's of miles on this car, always stay within legal limits, and get nothing but high 5's. Another couple years...

[Bob C]

I will bring my little point & shoot and see what I can capture with it John. Yes, I'll be going kilted. Unfortunately I know very few people, and my wife can't come, but I do plan on going.

We have only lived in the area about 15 years, and even then out in the boonies, so I don't get up to Albany much. I do it enough to know all the major roads, but work in Catskill, a very small town south of Albany. I've never been to Westminster Presbyterian, so am looking forward to the visit.

I've got enough cash for a tank, and am wondering if I should use it for a PC, a black argyle or a tank, or just invest it in my hot rod project and say "Good enough!" for the kilted outfit I have. Problems, problems!

Enjoy your day,

Frank

My kilt was made in Catskill, by the legendary Ann Stewart before she retired.