Author Topic: Im Back!!  (Read 374 times)

roadking77

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Im Back!!
« on: May 18, 2025, 12:52:04 PM »
Good Afternoon All,

I am glad to be back to my favorite place on the internet. Thanks to Larry aka 5th TA for letting you guys know of my misfortune.
Also a HUGE THANK YOU for all of the kind words and personal responses.

April 30 started like a normal day. I got a couple of phone calls at work re: pending jobs I had provided estimates for, that the work was ours! That was the good news. About 4 pm my wife called and told me get home, our house was on fire!

Not trying to worry myself I figured something minor. We were 1 mile away from the job when that towns fire truck went  blasting through the intersection. This is about 8 miles from home. I was a bit concerned at that point. About 5 miles from home we could see a huge  black plume in the sky. At this point I knew it was serious. We arrived  home to find our home fully engulfed fire trucks and fire fighters every where. I think Larry posted the photos I sent him.

My grandson was safe as well as our 5 little dogs. Thankfully no one was hurt fighting the fire.

We were able to get my sons GTO and my 77 trans am out of the garage. My antique motorcycles were left in place but survived unscathed. The detached barn and shop were also spared, so my TATA project was fine and all of our work tools were fine.
We pretty much lost everything else. The house has been deemed a total loss. What was not destroyed by fire has now succumbed to water and mold damage.

We were in the local Holiday for 2 weeks. That was ok, the people at the hotel were very good with us. My wife found a rental house about 2 miles away from our house. We were very fortunate for this part of the deal a we are very rural and rental properties are hard to come  by. The house we are in for at least the next 6 months was recently remodeled by a 'flipper' so everything is new or refurbished. The ins. co. furnished it completely with everything needed. So, I now have a home base and was able to set up a temp table in the living room for my new 'office'.  The rental is very small with 1 bathroom for pretty much 4 adults, so it will  be a challenge but we will be fine.

House has a small one car garage that I am letting my son keep his GTO in. I have a good friend about 10 miles away that has a 4 post lift and a dedicated 2 bay 'classic car' garage. He is graciously storing my 77 on the lift directly above his pristine 1975 Trans Am. Its in a really good place, but I dont want to wear out my welcome and I am currently trying to find somewhere to store it for the long run.

I had to pack up all of the loose parts for the TATA project that were scattered about the shop. I put everything in the car and pushed it  back into the corner to make room for what good stuff we were able to salvage. So the restoration is on a hold for most likely the next 6-12 months. One of the mirror t tops was above the house garage. That area was destroyed by fire, however I was able to dig my top out and it looks pretty good. My new legendary door panels have been in my bedroom for the last 5 years and were damaged  by water. I am hoping they will be replaced.

Fire started on the third floor at the end of the house. The only idea at this point is that perhaps a squirrel or rodent chewed through electric? The area is completely gone so as per the investigators there is not much to look at.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

FormTA

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2025, 02:16:00 PM »
Again sorry to hear the news but it seems you are ok mentally and moving forward. Condolences my friend.
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

79GoldnTan

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2025, 05:32:52 PM »
Glad to see your back so soon. Sorry for the tragic loss, but as long as all family members are good including the 77 everything will work out. Sounds like you have a good insurance co. I know some can be a pain in the rear. Again glad your all ok
79 solar gold    
461.   Factory 4 speed
PTFB SFC
PTFB 1LE
3.08 rear  for now
Lots O Fun

5th T/A

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2025, 06:44:35 PM »
Great to have you back on TAC Kerry!
I know the last couple of weeks has been a challenge for you and your family. In the last five years I come to know you as an ambitious and resourceful man that can work through any kind of obstacles. We are all wishing the very best for you and looking forward to a time when you can relax a little and continue with your TATA restoration.
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

N PRGRES

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2025, 05:48:31 AM »
Welcome back, I am sorry you have to go through this, I will keep you in my prayers
Dave

81 Trans Am w/73 400.

Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2025, 05:48:31 AM »

kentucky yeti

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2025, 06:04:44 AM »
You and your family have been in our prayers, and will continue to be. 
Mike (aka Yeti)

1977 Y82 W72 Auto
1978 F-250 4x4
2012 Mustang
2015 F-150 Lariat 4x4 (twin turbo)
2016 Explorer Limited
and a trail of sold Firebirds ‘69-2002

rkellerjr

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2025, 06:07:17 AM »
Ditto Yeti and glad to here things are moving into normalcy. Good to see you online!

another10th

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2025, 07:08:48 PM »
Glad to hear that you are getting along after such a tragedy. You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. It's good to hear from you.
JEFF

'79 TATA
'02 CETA #436

stros

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2025, 08:39:16 PM »
Great to see you back here Kerry.  Sorry again for your loss, and wishing you all of the best as you go thru this.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2025, 08:43:16 PM by stros »
Darryl

'77 black TA Hardtop LS3 / 4L70E swap
Build thread:
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=61066

ryeguy2006a

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #9 on: May 20, 2025, 06:23:19 AM »
Welcome back Kerry. As the others have expressed, we are all sorry to hear about your losses, but glad that everyone is ok. Things can be replaced.

1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

76455sd

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #10 on: May 21, 2025, 06:59:22 PM »
Kerry: glad to see you posting again.  Sounds like you’re dealing with these unfortunate events.  Glad your family and pets are all unscathed. Thoughts and prayers sent your way. Hang tough and best wishes on the rebuild. Let us know if we can do anything to help.
Steve
Steve D
'76 LE 455/4speed/solid roof - SOLD
'02 WS6 T/A convertible

scarebird

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #11 on: May 22, 2025, 01:28:59 AM »
Good to see you bouncing back up.

firebirdparts

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #12 on: May 27, 2025, 10:32:09 AM »
Sorry to hear but it sounds like you have a good attitude about it.  Great to hear about your motorcycles.  That's a lot less replaceable.
I want to be like Paul Kenny when I grow up
Joe Bays
1977 Y82 4-speed (red interior)
1978 Skybird 350
1978 Redbird 305
1979 Redbird 301 4-speed
1992 Lincoln Mark VII LSC/SE (red)
1970 Datsun Pickup
1953 Chevy pickup (converted 4x4)
1988 T-bird Turbo Coupe

roadking77

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #13 on: May 27, 2025, 01:16:11 PM »
I heard back from the Ins last week and I think the structure part of the deal has been settled. I should be able to get started right away with the rebuild process. First thing will be to make a couple of more trips through and see if there is anything else salvageable then on to demolition.

I suppose I will start a rebuild thread.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

N PRGRES

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #14 on: May 28, 2025, 05:28:39 AM »
I heard back from the Ins last week and I think the structure part of the deal has been settled. I should be able to get started right away with the rebuild process. First thing will be to make a couple of more trips through and see if there is anything else salvageable then on to demolition.

I suppose I will start a rebuild thread.
That's good they are moving quickly on this for you
Dave

81 Trans Am w/73 400.

Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #14 on: May 28, 2025, 05:28:39 AM »

kentucky yeti

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #15 on: May 28, 2025, 08:36:18 AM »
Great news indeed.
Mike (aka Yeti)

1977 Y82 W72 Auto
1978 F-250 4x4
2012 Mustang
2015 F-150 Lariat 4x4 (twin turbo)
2016 Explorer Limited
and a trail of sold Firebirds ‘69-2002

roadking77

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #16 on: May 28, 2025, 01:38:16 PM »
I applied for the demo permit today. Should not be that big of a deal. House is pretty much in ruins. This is where the red tape begins. The county said it may take 2 weeks for them to approve BUT they have to wait until the state gets there say in the matter. The nice girl on the phone said that could take maybe a MONTH! The way my county goes with permitting I will consider myself lucky if I will be able to start digging before September :shock:
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

5th T/A

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #17 on: May 28, 2025, 06:13:11 PM »
It’s too bad, this is different from someone buying a vacant property and deciding they want to build on it . Knowing that the insurance company doesn’t want to pay for a rental any longer than they have to. You would think there is a way to fast track the process when rebuilding after a catastrophe. Since you have lots of experience with the permitting process with in your the state and county, I guess you know all too well.
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

79GoldnTan

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #18 on: May 28, 2025, 06:40:00 PM »
Yea that can beca pain in the butt, I know you know the ins and out s of it but hang in there and do what you have to, and remember the nice girl on the phone is only doing her job. LOL my wife works in the permitting office for our county,  part time now but she has heard it all. Building custom homes for the last 20 years has really changed, I'm ready to step down, finishing up my last two homes now,  hard to do, like quitting smoking.
79 solar gold    
461.   Factory 4 speed
PTFB SFC
PTFB 1LE
3.08 rear  for now
Lots O Fun

roadking77

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #19 on: May 29, 2025, 06:37:20 AM »
Yea, I try to be polite with the people I deal with. I know they are just doing their job. My wife works for the state in a similar position dealing with the public. I have heard a lot of stories about customer reactions.  Its the inspectors that bust your chops over stupid stuff that I have a bigger problem with. We are doing a small bathroom remodel. Failed framing inspection because I missed a couple of pieces of rock wool for fire stopping. Installed no problem, the guy that did the inspection told me to take a pic and I would be ok to cover up. Then he called  back with second thoughts and said I needed to reschedule. A new guy comes out to do the second look. Everything was fine on my part however he failed me because the plumbing wasnt finished. The connections to the injector pump were not installed BECAUSE there was no injector pump!
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

kentucky yeti

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #20 on: May 29, 2025, 07:47:59 AM »
I applied for the demo permit today. Should not be that big of a deal. House is pretty much in ruins. This is where the red tape begins. The county said it may take 2 weeks for them to approve BUT they have to wait until the state gets there say in the matter. The nice girl on the phone said that could take maybe a MONTH! The way my county goes with permitting I will consider myself lucky if I will be able to start digging before September :shock:

I am sorry for you to have to go through this, on top of your loss.  When our other house burned back in 2020, I was out there with an excavator knocking it down and burying it 2 weeks later.  That was when the insurance company gave me the go-ahead (and the check for demo).  The property was cleaned up, sold, and the new owner was building there 3 months after the fire.
Mike (aka Yeti)

1977 Y82 W72 Auto
1978 F-250 4x4
2012 Mustang
2015 F-150 Lariat 4x4 (twin turbo)
2016 Explorer Limited
and a trail of sold Firebirds ‘69-2002

N PRGRES

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #21 on: May 29, 2025, 09:19:20 AM »
Love living in the country, I don't pull permits for any of our Ag stuff as it's not required, nor does my area require it other than for large projects.  Most needs for pulling a permit are BS money making schemes anyway.  County is now trying to get all septic tank owners to have a permit and fees for tanks that already exist.  I can see for a new system, but this is just another way to get more revenue.  I along with my neighbors (and most of the county) refuse to comply.
Dave

81 Trans Am w/73 400.

roadking77

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #22 on: May 29, 2025, 01:49:45 PM »
I am ok with permits and such, its just the process that irritates me. Like I mentioned, in my county it takes forever and for no apparent reason. The inspectors are a joke. I am a 4th generation master carpenter and started working full time building in 1981. I doubt many of the inspectors were even born then :shock: As of the last couple of years every inspection fails the first time around for some dumb reason. A lot of times its something that can be corrected within a few minutes but they cant do it that way. A re-inspection generates revenue!
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

langss

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #23 on: May 29, 2025, 05:49:13 PM »
I am ok with permits and such, its just the process that irritates me. Like I mentioned, in my county it takes forever and for no apparent reason. The inspectors are a joke. I am a 4th generation master carpenter and started working full time building in 1981. I doubt many of the inspectors were even born then :shock: As of the last couple of years every inspection fails the first time around for some dumb reason. A lot of times its something that can be corrected within a few minutes but they cant do it that way. A re-inspection generates revenue!
That is what the Plumber I hired to replace the main line from the Meter to the house told me, after the Inspector drove away. He said the fact that I was standing out there when he drove up was the reason it passed first try. The Plumber said 1 in 3 will fail first inspection for something as trivial as the connection at the house not being Level. Who Cares.

N PRGRES

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #24 on: May 30, 2025, 08:36:08 AM »
I am ok with permits and such, its just the process that irritates me. Like I mentioned, in my county it takes forever and for no apparent reason. The inspectors are a joke. I am a 4th generation master carpenter and started working full time building in 1981. I doubt many of the inspectors were even born then :shock: As of the last couple of years every inspection fails the first time around for some dumb reason. A lot of times its something that can be corrected within a few minutes but they cant do it that way. A re-inspection generates revenue!
That is what the Plumber I hired to replace the main line from the Meter to the house told me, after the Inspector drove away. He said the fact that I was standing out there when he drove up was the reason it passed first try. The Plumber said 1 in 3 will fail first inspection for something as trivial as the connection at the house not being Level. Who Cares.
And that is why I don't bother
Dave

81 Trans Am w/73 400.

Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #24 on: May 30, 2025, 08:36:08 AM »

langss

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #25 on: May 30, 2025, 09:50:23 PM »
I am ok with permits and such, its just the process that irritates me. Like I mentioned, in my county it takes forever and for no apparent reason. The inspectors are a joke. I am a 4th generation master carpenter and started working full time building in 1981. I doubt many of the inspectors were even born then :shock: As of the last couple of years every inspection fails the first time around for some dumb reason. A lot of times its something that can be corrected within a few minutes but they cant do it that way. A re-inspection generates revenue!
That is what the Plumber I hired to replace the main line from the Meter to the house told me, after the Inspector drove away. He said the fact that I was standing out there when he drove up was the reason it passed first try. The Plumber said 1 in 3 will fail first inspection for something as trivial as the connection at the house not being Level. Who Cares.
And that is why I don't bother
HaHaHaHaHaHa...And you don't live in Los Angeles either. Believe it or not the Plumber actually asked if I wanted a Permit or not. I opted for the Permit because I have learned that doing anything in LA without is asking for trouble down the road.

roadking77

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #26 on: May 31, 2025, 11:20:43 AM »
I dont do any work without getting a permit (if it needs one). I have zero to gain by not getting one and more to lose if I get caught doing work without. I dont even give my customers the choice.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

scarebird

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Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #27 on: May 31, 2025, 02:58:10 PM »
Supposedly 97% of the the work here in Portugal did not apply for a permit - a Byzantine and looong process.

Re: Im Back!!
« Reply #27 on: May 31, 2025, 02:58:10 PM »
You can help support TAC!