Cleaning the garage for SSgt Ron Herrick AKA Chiller

[lnirenberg]

Chiller is a 15 yr marine vet who was stationed in Iraq and bought his 1st vette during his last leave. He is trained as a mechanic for radio and refrigeration but found himself in a security unit. The good news is that he is home safe and sound a month earlier than expected and ready to begin the long journey of restoring his new ride, an 79 L82. At the risk of sounding trite, he put his ass on the line for us and now we need to help him out as restoring a Vette on Marine pay will be a daunting task I am sure. Here is Chillers Vette story in his own words, sent from Iraq during some down time--

Here is a picture of my vette. It was taken shortly after I bought it in California. Coming across country with it did not help the paint job! I have yet to figure out how to get it to buff out to look at least this good. As soon as I get back I need to fix the rear springs. Some how coming across country, 2 of the 4 bolts that secure the rear springs to the rear end cover snapped off .The clamps that hold the leafs of the rear springs together came up missing. Also while coming across the boots on the lower ball joints tore. My plans for it are to try and build a classy, dependable ride with a few up grades. I plan to use it for local car shows, minor auto cross and touring. I plan to do most of the work myself, but I will have a professional do what I know is out of my league. Things that I need to accomplish my goals are:
The entire weather-stripping, Clock, Speedometer/Tach lens, Shifter console trim plate w/options,Rear speaker grills, Radiator shroud , Lower spare tire tray, Rear speaker brackets, Front& side emblems, Factory Jack & handle, Heat Barriers (I have none), Kicker Panels, Fan Shroud, A/C Housing shell, True dual exhaust (side pipes?)

I would like to also restore the interior (oyster),All of the rugs,Seat covers, Vanity mirror, Door panels, Shifter Council side panels, Under dash courtesy light brackets,Hooks to hold security blind open, Door Handle release trim

I also have a headlight that I have to “help up”. I’m thinking that it is a possible vacuum hose leak.

I’m sorry if this seems like I went “overboard” on this list. I just had a rare moment, where I could concentrate and visualize what I needed to do, when I get back. I really appreciate the support that you have given me! I look forward to the time when I might be able to lend a hand. Thanks again,

Chiller

If you have any excess parts cluttering up the garage that might help him out just PM him directly from the CAC site. Thanks in advance for any help you can give Chiller.​

 

[69_coupe]

Lucky you, I’m stucked in Iraq for another 2 ½ month. When I begun to see the end of my restoration I was ordered over here, which meant that I had to postpone rest of the job. I hope that I will manage to do the paint job within this side of New Year, then I can use the rest of the long Norwegian winter to put all the pieces back where it belong. Good luck with your project.

Regards

 

[KANE]

Chiller is a 15 yr marine vet who was stationed in Iraq and bought his 1st vette during his last leave. He is trained as a mechanic for radio and refrigeration but found himself in a security unit. The good news is that he is home safe and sound a month earlier than expected and ready to begin the long journey of restoring his new ride, an 79 L82. At the risk of sounding trite, he put his ass on the line for us and now we need to help him out as restoring a Vette on Marine pay will be a daunting task I am sure. Here is Chillers Vette story in his own words, sent from Iraq during some down time--

I have a LOT of friends who are saving up Iraq money for Vette parts.

Tell Chiller we appreciate him.

 

[Chiller]

Thanks for the appreciation. My "Iraq" money had to be used for a family emergency that arose while I was over there.
Chiller

 

[cptkirk32]

Hey ChillerWelcome Back!! I just got back this month also.
Our story sounds the same, I bought my vette while I was over in the box. Just now getting around to seeing what all I have to do to it. Remeber to use the craft shops on post, and the motor pool troops are always there to give a hand with stuff you might not be comfortable doing by yourself, it'll just cost a few beers and pizza.
SGT Kirk