Jul '09

Written by Ray Michue | 30 June 2009

July 2009: Ray Michue's '65 Coupe

My involvement with Mustangs started, about 10 years ago. I grew up as a GM fan in New Jersey. I was looking for a 65 Olds Cutlass 442, but due to the price of the ones I found, it was almost impossible to afford one on a teacher’s salary with 3 girls in college. I looked and looked, but none were available in the price range I could afford.

One of my students from Independence was driving a ‘65 Mustang coupe. At least twice a week it was parked by the shops at school. We started talking about the car and he told me that it was really his Grandfather’s, and he let him drive it to school. In talking to his grandfather I found out that he also had an interest in old cars. He had several vintage Mustangs and a few GM’s; one of them being Gus Grissoms’ ‘66 Corvette.

What started as a simple conversation about the ‘65 coupe, became a 3 hr. talk about the cars we had each owned, and the fun and memories they have brought back. After a while we arrived at a price I could afford to pay, and one at which he could afford to sell. My first stop with the car was Slagles, on Monroe Road, for an estimate on the paint job. Let’s jump ahead about a year because that’s how long the car was at Slagles. In that year we replaced all the sheet metal except the doors and roof, rebuilt the engine and transmission, stripped out the interior, and replaced it. After getting the car back from Slagles, it took me almost 5 months to put it back together. The car was originally Rally Orange but we chose to go with ‘66 Candy Apple Red.

The fun that working on this car has given me is unbelievable to non-car folks. Marilyn, for Christmas and birthdays, has given me special parts, like the stainless luggage rack. Other friends have given me parts, such as the wooden steering wheel. The fog lights are from my youngest daughter for Christmas this year. The memories are great; like looking in the mirror of my ‘89 and seeing the ear to ear grin on my Son-in-law’s face driving it in the Waxhaw 4^th of July Parade.

My interest in my car increased when I joined CRMC. This happened at an Autofair when I walked up to a member and asked a few questions about the club. They sent me to Mary for an application and the rest is history. Marilyn and I both enjoy the club activities and found that it is something that we can do together. When you can attend the activities, everyone is glad to see you, and when you can’t, you’re missed. The club has been a great outlet for us and we hope others get the bug. If it weren’t for the club, my ‘65 coupe would be my hobby. The club has made it an interest for both Marilyn and me. She understands the craziness of car people and has even been seen eyeing classic cars as they go by. We both enjoy the fellowship at the meetings and shows.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being club President. The willingness and cooperation of the members is great and surpasses other organizations that I have belonged to.

I still haven’t come up with a name that fits this car, but it has become a real part of my family and me.