R.I.P. 1997 Chevy Tahoe Joplin Tornado

[BillBlatt18]

That is horrible man, but what's important is that you and your family are ok

 

[vtx1800sba]

So I didnt lose anything that money cant replace. It has been a little over a month since it happened. I have a story like most here do but this isnt the place for it. My ex-wife and son were across town thankfully and were okay. Her House wasnt in path. My house, tahoe, and everything I own are destroyed. Only thing remaining of the house is the Sub floor and the 4ft tub I road the tornado out in. I know only by the grace of God that I am alive, and just like before the tornado, I thank him everyday for everything I have. Which is now a little less material now and a little more faith, family, and friends. My son, who is 2 and a half, and I are in staying with my folks and we have a 1800 sq ft basement to ourselves. I have compared it to living at wal-mart only I have a private bathroom and bedroom . I dont mean to make light of the tornado, I am going to counseling for what I saw, and what I heard, and for the people I couldnt help that I found after I climbed out of the tub. To help you understand where I was, I lived right in front of the High School. When I say destroyed, I mean everything I had to my name is gone. Except for what is most important. Others lost more than material.

I did however love my Tahoe. I would venture to say it hurts more than the house, not what was in the house, but if you are a real member of the forum, you understand my love. I am trying to replace it, but funds are low. I had full coverage, but $5,500 for a 1997 tahoe 127k miles, with a 1 month old $2000 tranny, goodyear silent armor tires, z71 wheels, 4 02 sensors, plugs, wires, ac compressor, belt, belt tensioner, rhino lined rockers, and my custom gun rack, serviced rear diff, flowmaster exhaust, hurts. Espicially when all the work that went into it, I did myself, by using this forum. I have never done anything to a car on my own. But you guys guided me every step of the way. Only thing I didnt do was the tranny.

Its an uphill battle replacing it. but I will find one.

In the pics, The vehicle actually is sitting on my front porch. We think it was picked up and spun around. Wasnt as bad as some. But still very hurtful, I almost feel violated like someone did this to me. Thats the reason for counseling

FYI- pics are my son and I. and one of the tub. The items in the tub fell in after I got out in the vortex and ran for cover, only to find my neighbors who weren't as fortunate, and saw somethings that I never want to see again but I am sure I wont soon forget. This a a 4ft tub that my 6'3 240lb body doesnt fit in anyway. But I was fitting in there no matter what the cost on 5/22.

If you have helped Joplin in anyway, thank you. What I called home is gone. But i got to celebrate fathers day with my best friend in the world. I would lose everything I own again, to still be able to say that. When I took my son to see the house and truck, even at 2.5 years old, he patted me and said "Its okay daddy, the house fall off, but i get my tools and fix it."

I don't have the words to describe what I think when I see those images. Glad you and your little carpenter are ok. Got a buddy that lives in Joplin. He and his family made it out ok. He gave me a pretty vivid description of what he saw and what happened. He has decided to eventually put it out of his mind. Just can't handle it right now.

 

[Smasal]

Guess who is back in business boys?! Cant explain how the prayers were answered when and how I found this bad boy. I have some simple mods to do but shes very very clean. More pics to come!

Can you tell we are a Chevy family? And yes my little carpenter is testing the horn in the front seat lol.

 

[Smasal]

pic

pic

 

[SunlitComet]

sweet.

 

[Blueridgerunner]

Well now, see, your son was right. Things happen for a reason even if we don't know what that is at the time.

 

[vtx1800sba]

pic

OK Chad. Looks great. Lets hear the details now on the new rig. Nice photo.

 

[Smasal]

New Rig

Here ya go...

1998
128k Mile on body and tranny
But has a 4k$ Refurbished/Rebuilt Engine in her with only 7k miles on it.
( I have the recepits from the previous owner. It was dont be a very reputable shop here in town)
it is an LT with tan interior
4x4 works
got the barn doors of course
my plans are first to get some tires( 265/70/17 goodyear silent armors)
and then herculine my rockers after shaving the moldings off.

what do i do about the air intake missing though? that was not a shock to me as ofcourse i looked under the hood. But what was this guy thinking on this brand new engine? Also what about the seat? I am thinking stitch it with fishing line and then a nice camo seat cover from wally world?

Also the piant is starting to oxidize on the hood? repaint it or what do you guys think?

This thing is in better shape then the one I lost and the guy gave me a heck of a deal on it. I am very pleased. needs some work. but i like work. I am glad it wasnt "ready" for me as much as I am "ready" for it, ya know?

 

[Smasal]

pics

pics

 

[SunlitComet]

K&N FIPK the intake $232

patch the seat bottom or recover it for about $200-250 on your own.

you look to need some new door hinge pins and bushings on the driver door.

Clean out the coolant reservoir. Looks nasty

And start having fun.