Great Day with the Son & Charger

[kevink]

I got the Charger out today and cleaned her up some. I took her for a spin and was about to put her back up when my 16 year old son and his friend pulled up. I thought to myself that I can make this boys day. So, I asked my son if he wanted to drive the Charger around the block. We live in the country so the block is about 5 miles. He was shocked at my offer but, ran to the drivers seat. Now, this is a 1968 440 R/T 4 speed with a kid that is not that great at driving standard shifts which got interesting. He did good with it though. As we get out on the straight away headed back I told him to give her a little more gas. Yep, to the floor he went. He and his friend got a kick out of it but scared the mess out of me. But, it was all worth it when he said "dad this is how real memories are made"... Everyone that knows me knows how I feel about my Charger so, my son knew what it took for me to allow him to drive. You know it was the first time in the passanger seat which was pretty nice just riding along watching his grin.

[JB400]

Glad to hear you and him had a good time.   He'll definitely never forget it.

[kevink]

Here is a picture of her!

[VegasCharger]

Great car and great story!!!!

[charger Downunder]

What a cool dad.

[Bob T]

Nice one, that'll stick with him My Dad just wasn't into cars, you needed a reliable one to get from A to B and that was it. Told my daughter she can drive my car when she gets her licence, mind you that's still 7 years away  

[TPR]

What a great experience to share with your son. He sounds like a good kid.
TPR

[projectanimal]

But, it was all worth it when he said "dad this is how real memories are made"

That says it all!  Sounds like a perfect cruise and afternoon! 

And beautiful car!! A few more pictures wouldn't hurt my day either!! 

[mightywing7]

Great story!!   

This should be THE reason why we own our cars!!

[bakerhillpins]

 

Good for you! My boys always ask to take the charger when we go out and it's a great feeling that they want to share in it with me. I hope that you are able to share more experiences like that with him. 

[XH29N0G]

  Plan to do the same with my kids.  I remember when I was a kid and my dad let me take out the various cars (and boats).  Made a bunch of good memories. 

Be careful though because he may get peer pressure about this from friends to drive the car more. 

[GL#10]

Nice looking 68 R/T any more pics you want to share ??

[bill440rt]

Sounds like you have a great relationship with your son.
Your thread made me smile this morning. Thank you! 

[Darkman]

That IS how memories are made!

Doesn't it feel great to slowly let go and let your kids experience life!

Don't forget, oneday they will be driving you everywhere 

[tan top]

Here is a picture of her!

sounds like a memorable  day with your son    great stuff 

awesome looking 68  love to see more pictures 

[ws23rt]

    "Dad this is how real memories are made"
This says it all. It was for me when I was young.
My son was with me in my 68 fury 440 when he was about 10. I was getting on to a freeway and pushed it a little.
He said dad the seat is moving back. No son you are moving back in the seat.
  When I bought my srt challenger and it came in I asked him if he would help me pick up the car. He said yes.
On the way back I pulled over and said you want to drive this? He said yes.  He was shocked but did great and I think we have another dodge fan.

[Fred]

Hey Kevink, that's they way to keep the mopar magic alive. Passing it on down the line.  This way, the love for our mopars and the cars themselves will live on and on and on.  

[boys3rt]

Great story about you and your son. I hope you are ok if I tell one about mine.

It's 1987 and the car prices were out of sight. I brought my two oldest sons to a local car show and at that time people were trying to buy and sell cars like they were gold. As I recently restored my 1969 R/T I was approached by a man and his son who tried to offer me cash on the spot. I told the man the car wasn't for sale. He then reached in his pocket and flashed $28K in my face. Let me tell you that was big money back then. Needless to say I started to sway thinking that this would help our family big time. My oldest son who was 5 at the time pulled on my pants pocket and in that little boy voice asked "Dad are you really going to sell the car"? I said this would really help mom and I as all young families need $$ . He then said but Dad I was hoping that I could drive it someday. It was then I said to the potential buyer "We are done here". He couldn't believe that my little boy could influence this. I reaffirmed my position and the day ended all good.

Fast Forward - 12 years later on my oldest sons 17th birthday that same more grown up little boy came up to me and said Dad It's time to drive the car. I said what are you talking about and he remembered the entire event from years ago. So he asked if today he could take the Charger for a ride. I admit I was partially stunned but realized that it was time. I grabbed the keys and threw them to him and said enjoy but be safe. He then asked Dad do you want to go over any rules with me about this event. I said that you were on my lap at one year old when we started this car for the 1st time and you have been around it your entire life. He then proceeded to tell me where he was going and wanted to show his closest friends the car. So off he goes and 15 minutes later he returned. I was cautiously concerned why he came back so soon and he said Dad I just couldn't take the pressure. He was sweating thru his shirt that's how bad he was dealing with this. He then asked if he could take our Dart Sport and off he went for the rest of the afternoon.

That little boy is now 30 and has driven the car many times since. Being blessed with two more sons the journey continues and it's all great. I close with the great job to all the Dad's who get to experience the special moments with their boys and girls.

Keep the stories coming as it's great to see what others have experienced.

[RECHRGD]

Just put a BB stripe on there and the car would be perfect    I had daughters, but I have a Grandson with a learners permit.  Thank God he lives six states away.  We're going to visit this summer and he wants to know if I can trailer the Charger to their house in Omaha.....

[bull]

Great stories.

[440 Fanatic]

Kevin,  that is awesome !!  Gave me a much needed grin      
The earliest car memory I have is from when I was about 4 yrs old and standing up in the front seat of my Dad's
' 57 Imperial and the first time i recall that he spun the rear tires,, I said "Why is it screaming, did you hurt it?"
He said "No it's not hurting, it likes it. It has a 392 Hemi engine,  I can't hurt it"  I'll never forget that !  I was Mopar infected that day and ever since !

[kevink]

It is great to hear these stories. As I often stand back and look at my car I think to myself if she could talk I bet she would have some awesome stories as well. I have enjoyed reading these stories of Mopars building relationships. Please keep the stories coming.

[ws23rt]

Kevin,  that is awesome !!  Gave me a much needed grin      
The earliest car memory I have is from when I was about 4 yrs old and standing up in the front seat of my Dad's
' 57 Imperial and the first time i recall that he spun the rear tires,, I said "Why is it screaming, did you hurt it?"
He said "No it's not hurting, it likes it. It has a 392 Hemi engine,  I can't hurt it"  I'll never forget that !  I was Mopar infected that day and ever since !

This is great stuff. I am sure there are many more and would love to here them all.

[Cooter]

Yep! You shoulda been there when I turned my 17 Y/O step son a loose in my 505 C.I. 750 HP Dart, and was following him as I heard and saw him "Go to the floor"!!

Both of us has a "mess in the draws" after that.

[JB400]

Great story boys3rt   I almost need a tissue

[ws23rt]

The little ones learn by watching us and out in the car is always an adventure for them.
This day came back to me after posting earlier. My son was 5 we were in my old hemi rr (daily driver). I needed to make a phone call and pulled into a parking lot up to a phone booth. (some may need to google that). I looked up from my call and he was standing in the drivers seat turning the steering wheel and jiggling the column shifter. The big smile and wave I can see clearly today.  But the car was pointed at the phone booth door and I had left the engine running.  Opps---short call--sorry I got to go--
I made it back in time and could not say anything to take away that smile. We were both 5 years old that day.

[dogpro]

I am sure one day he will tell his kids about the time you let him drive it