UPDATE ! 10/25/09--------------8wheeler (Dan) Has been found-------------------

[skip68]

 Keep reading and you will see his post on pg 2.        

[The70RT]

 Sometimes people vanish on here for a month or so then come back so you never know 

[skip68]

He was last on in Nov. of 2008.         That's just about a year.    I hope he is ok..

[The70RT]

He was last on in Nov. of 2008.         That's just about a year.    I hope he is ok..

Yeah that's not good....does any members live in his area? You could PM him but sometimes people don't respond 

[skip68]

If I remember right he is in Oregon.

[squeakfinder]

Well, I think its Washington. If you go to the search on this site you mite find something. I've met him a couple times at the Dodge Charger Registry gatherings at Widby Island and Tacoma, he's a good guy. But that's been a few years back. When I went to the Charger meet in Kent,WA last August I think it was Triple Green that told me Dan was having health problems. But maybee something else is going on. I'm sorry I don't know more. Larry

[Brock Samson]

while you were in the pokey,..  
CB posted this 'er thread
    http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,61524.0.htmlwith some relevant info, and while we're on the subject Jen,..  aka Dart Girl...    I crack myself up....
Posted on the photo thread after a years absence,..  
I think  she's gonna be Coronet Girl or something now... 

[69bronzeT5]

He's doing good from what I know guys I talked to him back in July. He was trying to get an enchanced driver's licence in time for the Mopar show here but couldn't. He didn't mention why he hasn't been on.

[Todd Wilson]

while you were in the pokey,..  
CB posted this 'er thread
    http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,61524.0.htmlwith some relevant info, and while we're on the subject Jen,..  aka Dart Girl...    I crack myself up....
Posted on the photo thread after a years absence,..  
I think  she's gonna be Coronet Girl or something now... 

Jen isnt Dart Girl!


Todd

[bull]

Good grief. Why is that so hard for people to figure out? Man, Jen used to get pi$$ed about being called Dart Girl, remember?

[firefighter3931]

Good to hear Dan is OK....i miss seeing him post 


Ron

[dart3404]

So glad to see nothing has changed here. You all still crack me up. Maybe I'll change my name to Coronet girl.
Life happens and sometimes you need to deal with it. Time, family, work,  just doesn't leave time for the internet...

[RECHRGD]

Dan's a great guy.  I hope all is well with him.  472RT should know.

[bull]

So glad to see nothing has changed here. You all still crack me up. Maybe I'll change my name to Coronet girl.
Life happens and sometimes you need to deal with it. Time, family, work,  just doesn't leave time for the internet...

What the?! Jen's Alive! And what's this about a Coronet?

[Nacho-RT74]

So glad to see nothing has changed here. You all still crack me up. Maybe I'll change my name to Coronet girl.
Life happens and sometimes you need to deal with it. Time, family, work,  just doesn't leave time for the internet...

WOW!! YOU ARE BACK!!! ( at least for a moment )GREEAT!!!

Good to see you!

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

So glad to see nothing has changed here. You all still crack me up. Maybe I'll change my name to Coronet girl.
Life happens and sometimes you need to deal with it. Time, family, work,  just doesn't leave time for the internet...

[Todd Wilson]

So glad to see nothing has changed here. You all still crack me up. Maybe I'll change my name to Coronet girl.
Life happens and sometimes you need to deal with it. Time, family, work,  just doesn't leave time for the internet...

Glad to see you are back!  Was wondering where you had been!


Todd

[NHCharger]

Life happens and sometimes you need to deal with it. Time, family, work,  just doesn't leave time for the internet...

Glad to see your still alive and kickin'.

[bull]

Like RECHRGD said, Mike (472 RT/SE) is probably in contact with Dan. The last time I talked to him his patience was running thin with some of the people who were playing "expert" around here. Not sure if that has anything to do with his absence but I do miss his depth of knowledge, especially regarding the 68 model.

[69DodgeCharger]

Good grief. Why is that so hard for people to figure out? Man, Jen used to get pi$$ed about being called Dart Girl, remember?

Was it because of the uproar over at Moparts with their Dart Girl? Although that was a while ago.

[bull]

Good grief. Why is that so hard for people to figure out? Man, Jen used to get pi$$ed about being called Dart Girl, remember?

Was it because of the uproar over at Moparts with their Dart Girl? Although that was a while ago.

I guess. But then DartGirl was never here so other than them both owning Darts and both being female they had/have no connection. There's probably close to 10k guys on this site who own Chargers and probably 1/5 of them have the word Charger in their user name but in that sense no one seems to suffer from chronic identity disorientation.

[The70RT]

Ummm What ever happened to 8wheeler ?  ------------------------------------------- 

[472 R/T SE]

Like RECHRGD said, Mike (472 RT/SE) is probably in contact with Dan. The last time I talked to him his patience was running thin with some of the people who were playing "expert" around here. Not sure if that has anything to do with his absence but I do miss his depth of knowledge, especially regarding the 68 model.

I think that pretty much sums it up.  I, too, have taken some time off but it's different for him I guess.    It's too bad as Dan's good people.


At the Spring Round Up this year a card was floating around for folks to sign for him.  He'd been in & out of the hospital & just got out the day before the show.

At Sunbust in August when I talked to him he didn't seem to be himself.  I think he's prolly still a little weak.  He did perk up talking about Patty's car finally being done & the fact they had separate cars' there.  Which I thought was pretty cool in itself.
He won his class as usual & she got a 3rd IIRC.

[A383Wing]

 

Yea..talked with Dan & Patty at Sunbust....

Post above sums it up

[8WHEELER]

Yea..talked with Dan & Patty at Sunbust....

Post above sums it up

Yeah, but you had much more fun talking to Patty '' my better 3/4''  

I am now loading programs on the wife's computer, again. I have gone through two C drives on
each of these two computers in two years, I don't mind setting the systems up again, but four
hard drives in two years? what the hell.....


Anyway, I had a few people email me regarding this thread, yes I have had a very hard year
so for. I am not one to complain ''much'' .... I have been in the hospital three times this year, about
two weeks total. I have been to the ER over 30 times. I am not looking for sympathy, just
responding to a few peoples concerns. I don't know how many people know that I am a quadriplegic,
I broke my neck 24yrs ago, it was a freak accident on a four wheel ATV, in a foot of snow, and
I was going 10 to 15mph according to my friends that were watching me, and I agree.

Anyway, after 24yrs of being paralyzed, it is really catching up with me. I don't really want to go
into details, but things are just wearing out, so my wife and I are doing are best, she is not ready
for me to go anytime soon, THANK GOD FOR A GREAT WIFE  

I was able to go to three car shows this year, I had a great time at each one, people very
friendly and concerned. My wife and I usually hit about twelve shows a year, but life happens.

This might be interesting to some. This is how I got to the hospital the day I broke my neck.
The Ambulance could not drive me out of there, they were afraid of making my injury worse,
the road in had two foot deep holes in places, I was there in my Dodge Power Wagon, I put
a five inch lift kit in it and 35in tall tires, the Ambulance only made it about half way in I was told.

My best friend took these pics, sorry its a bad scan job, and 24 years ago, I was 298 pounds
and was fresh out of football, I could bench press over 400 lbs then...........

Thanks for the concern, Dan

[68r/t]

The photo of you in the chopper, I can not even imagine what was going through your mind at that time.
I wish you all the best.

[RECHRGD]

Dan, thanks for the update.  It's been a few years since we've seen you.  My daughter moved to Nebraska, so there has not been any visits to the Seattle area for quite some time.  Hang in there and keep your spirits up.  A positive attitude can work wonders.  Bob

[Troy]

Good to hear from you Dan! Wishing you the best.

Troy

[Nacho-RT74]

I did know about your condition, but didn't know exactly why... shame getting that accident having fun! that was at the end definitelly not fun!

whatever it happened, the past is the past and now is the future ( or the future is now, whatever you preffer ) and we are here for anything needed( well myself from the distance ), even to talk about anything!

Keep it around us, ppl what worths must be kept around!

great Jen will be back quite often, and well, yourself is more of the same... GREAT YOU ARE STILL HERE!

hope everything will be alright from now

[skip68]

I'm glad to see your post Dan.        We wish you the best and would love to see any recent pics of the cars.       Again,  thanks for the update and take care.    Chuck & Lisa.........

[Dans 68]

Good to hear from you, Dan.    We're all glad you're still around to mentor us. 

Dan

[TruckDriver]

Welcome back Dan. I wish the best for you and your wife.

[Johnny SixPack]

Welcome back Dan. I wish the best for you and your wife.

Here, here! 

[A383Wing]

I'm glad to see your post Dan.        We wish you the best and would love to see any recent pics of the cars.       Again,  thanks for the update and take care.    Chuck & Lisa.........

These are 2 I took of Patty's Charger...I got enough of that red one!! 

[Charger-Bodie]

Glad to hear fron you "8wheeler" I for one miss your input around here! You have a lot of VERY good info to share.

[A383Wing]

Yea..talked with Dan & Patty at Sunbust....

Post above sums it up

Yeah, but you had much more fun talking to Patty '' my better 3/4''  

Yes, we did....you were too busy buying all the parts at the swap meet section 

[The70RT]

Welcome back. Hope things turn around for the better 

[69DodgeCharger]

Welcome back. Hope things turn around for the better 

Same here. Don't be a stranger stop in and see us when you get a chance.

[bull]

Dan-O! Good to "see" you again. I hope the majority of your health issues are behind you. Please thank Patty for me for taking good care of you. Stay well. It's like a family reunion around here lately. All we need now are Cudaken and ChargerBill to show up.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Good to hear you are ok man.....

take care

[NHCharger]

Good to see you posting again. Hope things get better for you and your wife.

[squeakfinder]

Thanks for posting! Hope you stick around and chime in from time to time.

[firefighter3931]

Hey Dan, good to see you posting again !!!!  Hope all is well and things are getting better with your health.    Stay positive brother 


Ron

[8WHEELER]

The photo of you in the chopper, I can not even imagine what was going through your mind at that time.
I wish you all the best.

To tell you the truth, I knew instantly that I was paralyzed. But For some reason I was still joking
with people and trying to make light of it, I had no idea what a paralyzed person was at all back
then in 1985, I sure knew I could not move anything, not evan a finger, and could feel nothing.

I remember like it was yesterday getting put in the helicopter. I was to tall to fit in it side to side,
so they made room to fit me in front to back.

I was drugged big time, but as soon as they shut the door on the helicopter, I said to them
in a load voice, ''what I don't get a window seat''? I caught the pilot off guard, he was not
sure what to say, right after I said that I lost consciousness, it was very strange situation
for all of us, four of my friends watched this happen.

Dan

[8WHEELER]

Thanks for posting! Hope you stick around and chime in from time to time.

Thanks Guy, I just don't check web sites like I used to. kind of strange how things change, now
my wife spend lots of time on wed sites and face book, and she basically never evan got on line
a couple years ago. I think we just get burned out after awhile, not sure how else to explane it.
But I have been feeling stronger the last month, its a slow process, but I don't give up easy   

Dan

[bull]

Did you regain some movement in your hands and arms? I mean, was there improvement over the years or just to a certain point right away and then nothing?

[472 R/T SE]

Did you regain some movement in your hands and arms? I mean, was there improvement over the years or just to a certain point right away and then nothing?

This is good.  I actually like when folks ask about paralysis & the effects.  Most people seem scared of us like we have some kind of contagious disease.  I can tell you one thing, you find out who your friends are.

[8WHEELER]

Did you regain some movement in your hands and arms? I mean, was there improvement over the years or just to a certain point right away and then nothing?

Hey Curtis
I got 95% of my current function back the 9 months I was in the hospital. I kept working my but off after
getting home, going up and down steep hills and the ramps into my house, to gain more strength and stamina.
I had no out patient therapy available to me at all, so it was up to me, and what was around my house like lifting
weights that I had to tie to my hands and arms to get a good burn going, I love a good workout 

But like I said, after pushing this chair for 24yrs, my shoulders and elbows are shot, they are full of arthritis and
bursitis, I evan have a hell of a time sleeping at night because the pain is so bad. If I lost some weight I could
get around better, but the pain really does limit my activity a lot as the years go on. YES I AM AN OLD FART     

Dan

[skip68]

How's that red car of yours doing ?   If I remember right, it was a red 68.       

[8WHEELER]

Hey Dan, good to see you posting again !!!!  Hope all is well and things are getting better with your health.    Stay positive brother 


Ron

Hey Ron

I think of you often, I know we would be great Friends and have a blast in person, as we are on line for sure  

My best friend going all the way back to grade school, is still a smoke jumper, yes he is one of the elder smoke
jumpers, we are 48yrs old, but we are like a fine wine      he still passes all of the physical requirements
as the 19yr old kids do, and we do some work outs together, when he has time in the off season to spend some
time up here with his Mom and Dad.

I also bought a new Demon card for the red beater, just have not been able to get it on yet. So I think of you
when the carb comes into my mind. I still want to pull my mopar 484 284 cam out, and install a new cam
that has more modern and updated performance technologies. I still like the old 484 cam, but its just so old
school.  

I just saw your thread on the beast, that is one sweet bad-ass black 68    I love everything
about that rig, keep up the good work, and I will look around for more picture on the site if there is more  

Take Er easy Dan  

[A383Wing]

How's that red car of yours doing ?   If I remember right, it was a red 68.       

Still is ......red that is 

[8WHEELER]

How's that red car of yours doing ?   If I remember right, it was a red 68.      

Yep, I think its still red    unless the birds have been doing there business on it. Sometimes
I get a bird trapped in the garage, and they can't figure how to get out.

I was able to go to three shows this year with it, so its still on the road, better than myself.
Got my wife's charger two a couple shows as well, its nicer that mine    but that's
my fault  

So how is your rig doing? doing great I hope.

This is where my car rests most of the year    wish I could drive it more  

Dan

[69bronzeT5]

Wow Dan! What a shop! I might have to stop by sometime if I go to Wildcat Auto Wreckers or something

[8WHEELER]

Wow Dan! What a shop! I might have to stop by sometime if I go to Wildcat Auto Wreckers or something

That is the back half of the garage, and I am not sure my secret service crew will clear you      

Dan

[skip68]

My car is , well, still needing a few things like gears and a better distributor.       But doing good other than that.   Now I remember that garage.       And I remember why I want you to adopt me.      

[bull]

Did you regain some movement in your hands and arms? I mean, was there improvement over the years or just to a certain point right away and then nothing?

Hey Curtis
I got 95% of my current function back the 9 months I was in the hospital. I kept working my but off after
getting home, going up and down steep hills and the ramps into my house, to gain more strength and stamina.
I had no out patient therapy available to me at all, so it was up to me, and what was around my house like lifting
weights that I had to tie to my hands and arms to get a good burn going, I love a good workout 

But like I said, after pushing this chair for 24yrs, my shoulders and elbows are shot, they are full of arthritis and
bursitis, I evan have a hell of a time sleeping at night because the pain is so bad. If I lost some weight I could
get around better, but the pain really does limit my activity a lot as the years go on. YES I AM AN OLD FART     

Dan

How about one of those power chairs (like you haven't thought of that already) and then the regular chair when you drive the Charger? I bet it was frustrating to get to a certain point in your recovery and then stop. Just like anything else where progress stops I suppose. Like running out of money on a Charger project.

Anyway, I hope you stick around this time.

Did you regain some movement in your hands and arms? I mean, was there improvement over the years or just to a certain point right away and then nothing?

This is good.  I actually like when folks ask about paralysis & the effects.  Most people seem scared of us like we have some kind of contagious disease.  I can tell you one thing, you find out who your friends are.

I never really know if I should approach it but I guess my curiosity gets the best of me. I don't feel scared but I don't want to make someone uncomfortable either; like maybe it's too personal. Maybe people think of it as a painful subject but I have to think it feels better for you guys to talk about it, at least once in a while.

[firefighter3931]

Hey Ron

I think of you often, I know we would be great Friends and have a blast in person, as we are on line for sure  

Same here Dan, I often wondered how my fellow Lineman is doing....us Hogs need to stick together !  I Know we would hit it off in person, just like we do online. Maybe someday we will meet...that would be beyond cool ! 

My best friend going all the way back to grade school, is still a smoke jumper, yes he is one of the elder smoke
jumpers, we are 48yrs old, but we are like a fine wine       he still passes all of the physical requirements
as the 19yr old kids do, and we do some work outs together, when he has time in the off season to spend some
time up here with his Mom and Dad.

That is fantastic....those Wilderness Firefighters are badass ! He's got to be one tough ombre to be doing that at his age. It's nice to have a workout partner....makes training so much more enjoyable. He sounds like a great friend...those are hard to come by ! 

I also bought a new Demon card for the red beater, just have not been able to get it on yet. So I think of you
when the carb comes into my mind. I still want to pull my mopar 484 284 cam out, and install a new cam
that has more modern and updated performance technologies. I still like the old 484 cam, but its just so old
school. 

There are lots of descent cam profiles out there that would be a nice upgrade over the oldschool 484 stick. The Lunati VooDoo line is excellent and so are the Engle fast rate of lift hydraulic profiles. Increased vacuum, better throttle response and improved street manners are just a cam swap away. 

I just saw your thread on the beast, that is one sweet bad-ass black 68      I love everything
about that rig, keep up the good work, and I will look around for more picture on the site if there is more   

Thanks for the Kudo's buddy....means a lot coming from you ! I'll attach some links for you to look at. In one of the links there is some youtube vids from the 2009 Chrysler Classic at Norwalk, Ohio. Don't be a stranger around here, ok !

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,50400.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,59732.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,61906.0.html


Ron


Ps. Here are a few pics from Monster Mopr in St. Louis last month.

[bull]

I also bought a new Demon card for the red beater, just have not been able to get it on yet. So I think of you
when the carb comes into my mind. I still want to pull my mopar 484 284 cam out, and install a new cam
that has more modern and updated performance technologies. I still like the old 484 cam, but its just so old
school. 

I'd like you to stack a few head gaskets under your heads, get that compression back down so you can run pump gas and come see us in Portland.

[8WHEELER]

I also bought a new Demon card for the red beater, just have not been able to get it on yet. So I think of you
when the carb comes into my mind. I still want to pull my mopar 484 284 cam out, and install a new cam
that has more modern and updated performance technologies. I still like the old 484 cam, but its just so old
school. 

I'd like you to stack a few head gaskets under your heads, get that compression back down so you can run pump gas and come see us in Portland.

Or, you can start storing 110 race fuel in your garage for me        Some open chamber heads
and a set of 9.5 comp pistons is what I need to do............. kind of wish the engine in the car would blow up, then
I would have a more urgent reason to build a new bullet for that car. Its been in the car since 1980, and I have
beat the crap out of it, these 440's are damn near bullet proof.

Dan

[A383Wing]

Drain out the oil... 

[71ChallengeHer]

Welcome back, Dan. 

[firefighter3931]

I also bought a new Demon card for the red beater, just have not been able to get it on yet. So I think of you
when the carb comes into my mind. I still want to pull my mopar 484 284 cam out, and install a new cam
that has more modern and updated performance technologies. I still like the old 484 cam, but its just so old
school. 

I'd like you to stack a few head gaskets under your heads, get that compression back down so you can run pump gas and come see us in Portland.

Or, you can start storing 110 race fuel in your garage for me        Some open chamber heads
and a set of 9.5 comp pistons is what I need to do............. kind of wish the engine in the car would blow up, then
I would have a more urgent reason to build a new bullet for that car. Its been in the car since 1980, and I have
beat the crap out of it, these 440's are damn near bullet proof.

Dan

Dan, you could allways throw a set of Edelbrock RPM heads on it....with the 2295's the compression drops into the pump gas friendly zone. 


Ron

[skip68]

It would be cool if you could come out to Vegas for M.A.T.S.  Dan.       Ron should be here and many many others.     

[8WHEELER]

Dan, you could allways throw a set of Edelbrock RPM heads on it....with the 2295's the compression drops into the pump gas friendly zone.  


Ron

yep Ron
I would love to do that    but for now, I am still looking very stock under the hood for shows, until you see my 850 Holley
DP. So they have now idea what is inside the engine, unless they here it start     When and/if I get my blue 68 done, then
I will go back to modified on the red cars engine, I sold my intake and headers I loved       but still have all the braided lines and such.

I have had it stock looking for five years, and I am ready to go back  

Dan

[8WHEELER]

It would be cool if you could come out to Vegas for M.A.T.S.  Dan.       Ron should be here and many many others.     

Boy I would love to go, but with my physical limitations, its not going to happen soon. Plus my car has only been
on a car trailer once, took all day to find out two of my torque converter bolts came loose, and were hitting the back
of the block      It sounded, and felt, like a rod knock, boy I love a $5.00 rod knock fix   

But my plans are to get down there for sure, maybe in a year   

Dan