This is why I chose not to go to Salem, and several other events lately.....

[3shields]

This had alot to do with why I wasn't at Salem this year, along with several other shows. I am trying to get this car finished for a very good friend of mine who is battling liver cancer.

Steve has been a great guy as long as I have known him(Approximately 20 years or so). He has never drank, smoke, cussed, screwed around on his wife, called in sick for work....he always donates time to friends, family, the church, the community and all other organizations. He has always been extremely helpful in the local boy scouts, and the boys club. Steve has never spent money foolishly, and the only real thing he has ever bought for himself was this vette, which he has always wanted since he graduated from high school in 1966.

Steve's mother has been plagued with ill health for years, and his dad battled alzheimers until he lost him in January. Steve bought this corvette several years ago, but spun a rod bearing and wouldn't spend the money to fix this car. Just didn't want to take money from his family....you know, "I'll get to it some day".

Steve was looking forward to retiring in about three years. In february he was still feeling fatigue from taking care of his home, his mom and dad's home, and working sometime as much as 70 hours a week....all while he was going to the nursing home each and every evening, and three times a day on the weekends and holidays to see that his father was getting the care he deserved. Steve went to work at 5:00 a.m., worked till 5 or so, went to the nursing home and fed/cleaned his father, and then went back to work till 10 or 11....FIVE NIGHTS A WEEK!!!! In return, since he doesn't have long term disability available to him, his company has decided to retire him.

Did I mention that Steve worked up to 70 hours a week so that he could put his son thru college, and law school?

When Steve spun the bearing in this car, about 6 years ago, he asked me if I would help him fix it. With all the events in his life he just never got to it, and never wanted to spend the money...."just in case".

I mentioned that Steve was not feeling well in february, right? That is when he ended up in Cleveland Clinic and found out he had pancreatitist<sp?> and liver cancer. His prognosis isn't the most positive, and he just really wanted the vette fixed so that "his wife won't have to mess with it". I am hoping to have it finished so that he can still enjoy it some.

I have spent every extra hour I have trying to get the long list of items finished on this car so that he can drive it some........

Please remember Steve in each of your prayers. He is a very young 57 years old loving family man with a heart of gold. He is, and will always be my mentor for the engineering business.

What in the car world is more beautiful than a 66 Corvette, 327/350HP, 4 speed, tuxedo black roadster with red interior, side pipes and knockoffs?

Thanks

John

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slmcorvette66013.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/IMG_2545.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/IMG_2546.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slmcorvette66001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/IMG_2540.jpg

[Mr Big]

John,

What you are doing is "Big".
You are trully a special friend.


GOD BLESS...Hope the two of you get to go rip it up, top down and all! :TU:

[wildcat1562]

God Bless You
you will know what it means when he walks out and sees it
i have been through cancer twice now
the second time here i could not ride my harley anymore
had it for a long time
i lost most of my spine now to cancer and have alot of metal back there
anyways
your story realy hit me where it counts
my friend took my harley that went tight and fixed it up
brought it ove all shined up and fixed
i could do nothing with it in the garage for 2 years so it sat and went bad
he did it all on his time and cash
you will know what he will feel when you see him
its tough but friend like you
true friends are hard to come by
friends like i have
there will be space for you up there when the time comes
you just choke me up when i read this as i know what he is going through and what gets left behind
Greg

[SS-TRUCK]

YOu are what I would consider a true friend . That is something very hard to find now days . You will be paid many times over for your great friendship . Your payment will be in Heaven . there is a special place there for friends like you .

[70 gsconvt]

Very nice what you're doing.

Oh, the only thing better would be a 67 427/435hp convertible 4-speed.

[Bill Smith]

You are a great friend.
God Bless You Both with strength and courage.

[chryco63]

John, that is a great deed, and I hope you two get to enjoy many miles to come in that car! :TU: God Bless!

[kshrek]

That is the definition of a selfless act. May God bless and protect you both.

[3shields]

Guys,

Thanks to all of you with your kind words of encouragement. I am not doing this for me, and I wasn't trying to draw attention to myself. The simple fact is we all know people like Steve. He has got to be one of the greatest guys I have ever met. People like him bring the best out of every individual they come in contact with. Each and every one of us would love to be able to do something, no matter how small for a person this selfless! I am honored to have a friend such as Steve....and this is just a small token of my appreciation for all that he has brought to those he touches each day.

Thanks again.

John

[TWO72"s]

You are a TRUE friend John, its people like you that make all us buick guys proud!!!!!!!!! There is no escape when hard times come around, but a cruise with top down will bring a smile to your friends face. GOD bless you and Steve. :3gears: :TU:

[droptop]

John....God Bless you, and God Bless Steve. You are a true friend and I'll pray for both you guys.

[3shields]

Thank you... Things are going well. Progress on the car is going slow, but Steve wants this done once and once only. He is feeling much better. He has been on a prescription which helps his body generate red blood cells, and that has made an incredible difference in his attitude and the way he looks. He still hasn't had any luck getting his surgery rescheduled, but we are hopefull it will happen quickly and soon. His recovery from this surgery will take 3-4 months.

I am posting a few progress photos here, along with a photo of a very expensive work bench in my garage......(those valve covers are only keeping stuff out of the heads until the correct valve covers are finished polished)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2006-0903013.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2006-0903009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2006-0903034.jpg

Thanks for all the words of encouragement, and keep the prayers going please.

John

[sean Buick 76]

God bless, and my hopes are with you and Steve.

[mikesstage]

[QUOTE=3shields]This had alot to do with why I wasn't at Salem this year, along with several other shows. I am trying to get this car finished for a very good friend of mine who is battling liver cancer.

Steve has been a great guy as long as I have known him(Approximately 20 years or so). He has never drank, smoke, cussed, screwed around on his wife, called in sick for work....he always donates time to friends, family, the church, the community and all other organizations. He has always been extremely helpful in the local boy scouts, and the boys club. Steve has never spent money foolishly, and the only real thing he has ever bought for himself was this vette, which he has always wanted since he graduated from high school in 1966.

Steve's mother has been plagued with ill health for years, and his dad battled alzheimers until he lost him in January. Steve bought this corvette several years ago, but spun a rod bearing and wouldn't spend the money to fix this car. Just didn't want to take money from his family....you know, "I'll get to it some day".

Steve was looking forward to retiring in about three years. In february he was still feeling fatigue from taking care of his home, his mom and dad's home, and working sometime as much as 70 hours a week....all while he was going to the nursing home each and every evening, and three times a day on the weekends and holidays to see that his father was getting the care he deserved. Steve went to work at 5:00 a.m., worked till 5 or so, went to the nursing home and fed/cleaned his father, and then went back to work till 10 or 11....FIVE NIGHTS A WEEK!!!! In return, since he doesn't have long term disability available to him, his company has decided to retire him.

Did I mention that Steve worked up to 70 hours a week so that he could put his son thru college, and law school?

When Steve spun the bearing in this car, about 6 years ago, he asked me if I would help him fix it. With all the events in his life he just never got to it, and never wanted to spend the money...."just in case".

I mentioned that Steve was not feeling well in february, right? That is when he ended up in Cleveland Clinic and found out he had pancreatitist<sp?> and liver cancer. His prognosis isn't the most positive, and he just really wanted the vette fixed so that "his wife won't have to mess with it". I am hoping to have it finished so that he can still enjoy it some.

I have spent every extra hour I have trying to get the long list of items finished on this car so that he can drive it some........

Please remember Steve in each of your prayers. He is a very young 57 years old loving family man with a heart of gold. He is, and will always be my mentor for the engineering business.

What in the car world is more beautiful than a 66 Corvette, 327/350HP, 4 speed, tuxedo black roadster with red interior, side pipes and knockoffs?

Thanks

John

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slmcorvette66013.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/IMG_2545.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/IMG_2546.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slmcorvette66001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/IMG_2540.jpg[/QUO

It's really refreshing to hear there are people in this world that really care about one another.

Good luck to you and hope everything works out for Steve. I myself -going for surgery for a third cancer. so far 2 are licked -the 3rd going for surgery this time to remove the base of the mass which didnt respond to biospy surgery and radiation. WIsh the best for you Steve. Mike

[Tim]

What a great friend you are!!! Cheers to you, I lost a good friend to cancer one year ago, you will always treasure the time that you have with him now!

Ok, now if you really want to cheer him up, put a Buick 350 in his Vette!

Take care and God bless!
Tim

[3shields]

Well,

A quick update. Steve has had his surgery, and is in recovery now. They removed half of his liver, and are getting ready to start him in Chemo, and Radiation therapy both at the same time. He is weak, but each day he looks a bit better. He isn't out of the woods yet.....

Here is an update on his car. The paintwork is finished and now we are down to the buffing. Steve has decided we should take it off the frame and rebuild all the suspension as we are this far along now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slmcorvette001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slmcorvette004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slmcorvette008.jpg

[jj455]

John, I wish I live close enough to help turn the wrenches. My prayers for a full recovery for Steve. Jim

[65WILDKAT]

John , You are what makes this world of ours a better place too live in, you also are what this hobby of ours should be about..LENDING A HELPING HAND WHEN NEEDED.
God Bless you and Your Friend,
Don

[3shields]

Well.....took another turn today.

Someday, after all the painting and cleaning is finished....I will finally reassemble it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/2007-01-07002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/2007-01-07013.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/2007-01-07018.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/2007-01-07019.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/2007-01-07022.jpg

[IDOXLR8]

John, I look at what you are doing as God's work and friends like you prove there is a heaven. What you are doing is wounderful and I wish the best for Steves recovery, AL.

[3shields]

John, I look at what you are doing as God's work and friends like you prove there is a heaven. What you are doing is wounderful and I wish the best for Steves recovery, AL.

Thanks Al,

Actually several prayers have been answered. Steve is doing much, much better. The doctors feel that all the cancer has been removed during the surgery, and now he will be undergoing chemo and radiation, concurrently, 5 days a week, for 5 weeks. After he gets through this, he should feel much better.

Thanks much for all the support guys. I find it hard to leave the garage with this project going.

John

[3shields]

Latest update guys. Steve is doing GREAT!! He is getting stronger each and every day. He is able to visit the shop 3-4 times a week now, and has had his hands into this project almost daily now. He said this has really given him a goal to get this car done and enjoy it. His attitude is so positive, and it is great to see him smile. I know he feels much better.

Some photos. The first is the frame out from under the car, awaiting cleaning and detailing. The rest are some parts I installed on the frame today.

John
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0111034.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0204001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0204021.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0204003.jpg

[furiousgoat]

John,

God bless you and Steve. The work the two of you are accomplishing is outstanding! Glad to hear Steve is recovering well.

I checked out the link for the car pix in your sig. Not only is that one beautiful GS, but the photograher did some fantastic composition.:TU:

[doc]

What a beautifull story of two fine men. May God bless and keep you both.

[65WILDKAT]

John,
You are a true friend ! :TU: This is what I have tried to teach my children as they have grown . You show the meaning of a true Friend and a true car man that has a passion for Family and friends first and Cars second
God Bless the both of you! :TU:

[3shields]

Latest update:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0218013-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0218011-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0218010-1.jpg

[65WILDKAT]

Looking Good! You Guys do nice work! Keep the picture coming :beer

[3shields]

This is where we stand to date.....We will be reinstalling the body within a week or two at most.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0304001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0304009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0304010.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0304008.jpg

[65WILDKAT]

DROOL........................:TU: :cool: :beer LOOKING GOOD!

[3shields]

Just a few more shots....By the way. Steve is preparing to start his Chemo and radiation treatments. He has had a severe staff infection and they have been trying to get it under control before his treatments could begin. And yes, we will be replacing that blue distributor cap.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0305002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0305004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0305006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0305010.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0305011.jpg

[3shields]

Well,

The body is back on...aligned, and bolted down. Time to start tieing up all the loose ends....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0312001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0312002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0312005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0312011.jpg

[64BuickCat]

That's really very selfless of you. I hope your friend Steve is doing well and can someday enjoy that 'Vette!.

[3shields]

Actually, Steve is doing well enough that he has been able to help some during the last 3 weeks or so. He has a serious staff infection that he cannot get cleared up. Once it is clear, they want to start the radiation and chemo treatments.
Thanks

John

[SweBuick]

Beautiful work John & Steve :TU: . Hopefully you will both enjoy the Vette on the road soon. Keep the updates coming.

[RATT7]

Great restoration, keep the pics coming.

[3shields]

Time for an update fella's. Vette is coming along fine....But Steve has endured another setback. He is now bleeding internally and they have been having to give him blood in the hospitol. They haven't been able to control it yet, after about a week or so.

Here are a few photos for you to view...

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slm&#37;20corvette/66-2007-0403018.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slm%20corvette/66-2007-0403011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slm%20corvette/66-2007-0403007.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slm%20corvette/66-2007-0403006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slm%20corvette/66-2007-0403002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slm%20corvette/66-2007-0403001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Yes, I dislike the blue distributor cap..... He hasn't stepped up to purchase a "correct" cap yet.
John

[56cent]

John, Give Steve our best; We're pulling and praying for him:pray: The car looks fantastic:TU: Tell him to get well soon so he can go out and test it:3gears: Thanks again for all your doing:beers2: Bill

[65WILDKAT]

It Looks GREAT, I really like the Buick fender protectors .:laugh:
Thanks for keeping us posted and I hope everyone is doing better!
Don

[henry]

What you are doing is great! I've always told grieving or sick people to "call me if you need anything". Since my wife died of cancer the day after valentines day, I've found out that the people that do something instead of just offering are the ones that I want to be like from now on.

[3shields]

Steve is going thru his radiation treatments now, and they are wearing him down. I am glad they decided to do the chemo afterwards. Hopefully, these are the right decisions. Here is an update on the vette. We are only a handfull of back-ordered parts from completion.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0415001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0415003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0415005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0415007.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0415012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0415016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[64BuickCat]

:shock:

[flynbuick]

Looks great. Congrats on doing such nice work.

[3shields]

Hey guys....Steve drove this car tonight....for the first time since 1999. He had an incredible grin on his face. All this on the heels of some bad news from the doctors caring for him today. He is experiencing a bit of a setback, but things could get better for him.
Here are a few priceless photos for you all to enjoy.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0517002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0517003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0517005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0517008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0517011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/66-2007-0517012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[Skwee-G]

What beautiful workmanship! Immaculate and a pleasure to look at.
Wishing you well, from afar....

[Mentalkase]

Damn near in tears man.It is a blessed thing you have done for a friend.I can honestly say that I know I have only one friend that would do something like that for me if I was sick.

I could only pray that I would be man enough to do what you are doing.May your and your friends days be truly blessed.

[SS-TRUCK]

What an incredible friend and human being you are . The world needs more people like you . God is smiling at you and will reward you one day .

[3shields]

My heart is very heavy today as I write the final chapter of this thread....

Well, I finally got most everything Steve wanted taken care of on this car finished and I delivered the car to him on Sunday, November 23. Unfortunately, today I will go visit Steve for the last time at Leavitts funeral home. He lost his battle with liver cancer, 2 years and 10 months after the day his dr. told him he would be blessed to get 9 months.

Steve's wife Linda has displayed the most incredible strength I have seen during all this time. I have known them for 21 years, and Linda has been by his side, totally supportive, and Steve's best friend.

It truely warms my heart to know that Steve has left this precious heirloom to his very deserving, much respected son. Brett truely appreciates his time spent with his father. This car will be in the best hands possible.

My dear friend will be missed by many, family and friends alike.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/3shields/slm%20corvette/66-2007-0517002.jpg

One of the most ironic twists to this story is that another very dear friend of mine, Bob Armstrong actually beat liver cancer almost exactly ten years ago. Bob met Steve and gave him great hope that beating this tough disease was possible, and he was living proof. Bob was found dead on the floor next to his treadmill early sunday morning after suffering a massive heart attack.... Almost exactly 24 hours after Steve's departure. Amazingly enough, I will be visiting both of them at the same funeral home, a mere day apart.

Kind of makes all of our economic and social issues seem a bit less urgent, doesn't it?

[chryco63]

John, so sorry to hear of such a rough week/weekend. My prayers are with Steve's family, and with you and yours in the lost of your job.

[Jeff Corey]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friends, your friendship and help in making their lives enjoyable thru those difficult times for them is what makes you a special person. The world would be a much nicer place if everyone could do something or spend time with those who need help like you did for them.
Sorry to hear of the job loss as well but I'm sure and will pray for you that a better day is just around the corner.
Thoughts and prayers to their families and you.
Jeff

[docgsx]

John, our prayers are with you.

[jj455]

John...Sorry to hear of the loss of your two close friends. Your unwavering loyality and service to them is an expression of your character. Close friends are hard to come by in todays world. My deepest sympathy. I wish you nothing but the best in the future. Jim

[Evans Ward]

This story really touches my heart. May God bless you for your friendship and love for your friend! Prayers said to the Almighty that He may provide strength, peace, and comfort to all of Steve's family and all friends as well as Bob's.

[Mr Big]

Sorry for your loss.

Your a good man John...a loyal friend.