4 minute read
Joe Baird - Going Back In Time
Photos & Story by Joe Secka
Cruisin' Times Magazine
Advertisement
Photos by Joe Secka
JOE BAIRD GOING BACK IN TIME
Photos & Story by Joe Secka
JOE BAIRD - GOING BACK IN TIME
Photos and Story by Joe Secka
Ithink most gearheads have, at one time or another, wished they could, once again, have the first car they ever owned. Well, Joe Baird made this wish come true. In 1986, a friend told him about an Oldsmobile convertible that was for sale. It needed a lot of work but the owner only wanted $200 to cover the cost of new tires and a battery he had recently purchased. Joe couldn’t get the money out fast enough.
The body was solid but the motor was tired and there were a several oil leaks. On the plus side, the Olds had the turnpike cruiser package including a 400 CID-300 HP2BBL engine, Turbo 400 trans, dual exhaust and a 241 rear gear. Joe’s brother was currently working on a 1969 Olds 442. Joe picked up a 350 engine and added some spare parts from his brother. New seals were added to the Turbo 400 and Joe had reliable transportation.
He was working at a Warren gas station at the time where he met Bruce Sweitzer. Bruce did body and paint work at the local Cadillac dealership. Joe asked him if he would help upgrade his “new” Olds. Bruce didn’t have extra space and Joe’s garage was small with a gravel floor. A neighbor came to the rescue and allowed Joe use his garage. Bruce would come over on the weekends to help and gave Joe instructions on what to work on during the week. When the project was ready for paint, Bruce applied a base coat-clear coat finish. This was about one year from Joe’s original purchase date and just in time for his high school graduation in 1987.
Photos by Joe Secka
JOE BAIRD GOING BACK IN TIME
Photos & Story by Joe Secka
Joe sold the car to his brother in the early 90s on the condition he sell it back if he ever wanted to move on. During that time, his brother had re-installed the 400 motor, upgraded to front disc brakes and a 342 rear gear. In the meantime, Joe had picked up a 1963 Ford Fairlane which was one of his brother’s favorite body styles. Joe tossed in some cash and convinced his brother to make the deal. They came to an agreement and the Olds convertible had finally come full circle back to Joe.
Joe said the Olds still has the same paint Bruce had laid down back in 1987. The engine has an Edelbrock 650 sitting on top of an Edelbrock Proformer manifold with a K&N air filter. A pair of Flowmasters handle the exhaust while American Racing TorqThrust wheels, 17x7 in front and 17x8 out back, assist in putting the metal to the road.
It may have taken thirty plus years, but Joe could drive his “first love” down the road whenever he had the urge.
Joe also picked up the “collector” bug and eventually purchased a 1955 Chevy Bel Air from home town friend, Russ Minick. Joe would stop over to visit him from time to time and admired a 1956 Chevy Bel Air convertible that Russ owned. Joe was determined to own this one someday and regularly asked Russ if he was ready to part with his wife’s favorite car. Obviously, Joe had the yearning for another “favorite” convertible. Well, the day eventually came and Russ said he would sell the ’56. Joe gave him three days to change his mind before selling the ’55 he currently owned. All of the pieces fell into place fairly quickly. Joe sold his ’55 and bought the ’56 convertible from Russ.
Now Joe owns two of his favorite convertibles! Can life get any better than that? Well, maybe it can! Joe’s wife Chrissy, son Joey and daughter Hanna all have gearhead fever. Check out the photo of the Baird family collection! Joe has also amassed a fine collection of automobilia which is on display in the garage and inside of the home. Pretty damn Kool I’d say!
