Surprise Tony Rose

[JFR68]

Hey Guys

I wanted to let you all know that a few months ago Mark Langel (Bigtyme1) called me to say he was trying to put together a surprise reveal of Tony’s car for him at Pete’s shop. Thanks to Mario (Doom) for paying for Tony’s air fare and hotel stay, Tony will get his surprise. For the past four weeks I have been working with Scott, Pete, Mario, Mark and Curtis to get all the details worked out, including PMing those of you who might be able to share in the reveal.

Tony will get to see the car tomorrow, Saturday, May 16th at 10am at Pete’s shop. All of you who can make the drive to Pete’s are welcome to join us.

I want to again express my gratitude to all the members of Lateral-G who have made this such an amazing journey for my family. You guys are a huge part of our home life and I love that. I know many of you have had the help of a fellow member or gone in on a group purchase. What ever your great experience may be, I know you have had a glimpse of the power of this community. What a great example you have set for other sites to flow.

Jennifer Rose

[bigtyme1]

WOW, your up early today!. Have a safe flight and Take plenty of pictures. Sorry I can't make it Jenn, but you know the story. Will meet up togethor again one day. I was a little concerned when I called last night and he was tearing apart the house to redue the plumbing.

[JFR68]

I'm a little excited, so I woke up early. He finished his project, now I'm just waiting for him to wake up and tell him.

[DOOM]

Jen I still might be able to make it to Pete's . If not please take lots of pictures... Its killing me that I might not be there after all this planning:(

[OLDFLM]

Wish I could be there too!! But Mother Air Force won't let me this weekend... :mad: I said a little travel prayer for you guys... have a safe trip and have fun! And PLEASE make sure someone takes plenty of pictures! :thumbsup: Wish I could be there to see Tony's face!!:willy:

[GeoffP]

Very cool. Tony is sure blessed to have such great friends and family. I'm excited for him and I don't even know him other than a few PM's we've exchanged in the past. Congratulations Tony!

[awr68]

I woke up to a HUGE surprise today! Jen had a sign on a piece of luggage that read "pack your bags we are going to see your car today!!"

What a wonderful wife and friends I have! I truely am blessed! I still can't believe we are getting on a plain and flying clear across the country today! This is as unexpected as it gets! I have never left the west coast!

A special thanks goes to Mario for his never ending generosity....you are a very giving person my friend and I can't thank you enough for all the help you have given! Please tell me that you can make the trip! We would love to see you again, SEMA is too many months away!

Mark, you are a great friend! Thanks for working with Jen on this...I was told that it was your idea months ago....thanks buddy! You sure you can't make it?

My understanding is that a lot of people have known that this was in the works....some (like Curtis) I talk to daily, thanks for keeping the secret....I truly had no idea!

This whole experience with the car has been very wild and I am still in awe that so many people have jumped in to save the car and my dream. I never get tired of telling people the story and how great this community is! You all ROCK!

Pete my friend, I'm told we will see you in the morning! I am VERY VERY excited to hang out with you and the boys at the shop! I can't wait to see KARMA and all the progress you have made! Thanks again for all your generosity and help!

Well, I have to pack a bag and head to the airport....and here I though I was going to work today! :D :woot: :willy:

And thanks to my extended family for this special surprise! :lateral: :woot:

Ps. Curtis, you sure did start something great with that thread last year....thanks buddy! :cheers:

[Vegas69]

Wow....what a great day. Enjoy it!

[comp-spec]

One more day and you can take all pictures you want.:lol:

See you in the morning.


MARRIO .. get on the plane man, I'll see you tomorrow Too

[camcojb]

Congrats Tony, it's well-deserved. :thumbsup: And thank you Jennifer for the invite, it would have been great to be there for the reveal. Also kudos to Pete and Mario, without whom this would never have been possible.

Jody

[tones2SS]

How AWESOME is this?!?! Truly a bunch of GREAT people here!!!
I am glad you are going to see your car tomorrow Tony. I will be there to meet you and your wife and hopefully some of the other guys from lateral-g.
Have a safe trip and see you then.
P.S. Now you know why I couldn't/wouldn't say much about the car!!! lol:unibrow:

[Musclerodz]

We have known for awhile as well, Mark and I talk a couple times a week. If you were on the inside and reading Mario's posts the last few days, you were probably rolling on the floor laughing like I was. Post the pics asap.

[OLDFLM]

Think Pete's dog will have the camera "ready" by tomorrow? :rofl:

[Spiffav8]

HA, HA! :lol:

Pete...better have some smelling salts and a bottle of oxygen at the ready.


Anthony....Enjoy it brother. You deserve it.


:lateral:

[Spiffav8]

Think Pete's dog will have the camera "ready" by tomorrow? :rofl:

:rofl:

[awr68]

Thanks guys! I'm all packed and heading to PDX soon! This will be the longest flight to date for us! And to tell you the truth I'm not a huge fan of flying...but getting better with every trip to SEMA!

Have a great weekend everyone and we will post pics ASAP!! :cheers:

[Roger M]

Congratulations Tony. I bet you feel like a kid on Christmas eve...

Please post some pics as soon as you can. I'm sure there are more than a few people here that are looking forward to the finished product.:cheers:

[96z28ss]

How long is he going to be in MA?
Any time for sight seeing?

[Flash68]

This is such an amazing story.

Tony and Jennifer, enjoy the flight and the journey. :thumbsup:

And Tony, there's a good reason you haven't left the west coast before. The left coast is the best coast! :lol:

[tones2SS]

We have known for awhile as well, Mark and I talk a couple times a week. If you were on the inside and reading Mario's posts the last few days, you were probably rolling on the floor laughing like I was. Post the pics asap.

Yeah. I was cracking up reading Mario's posts.:rofl:
Little subtle hints here and there. LOL!!!!
I saw that front valance for Tony's car. Looks AWESOME!!:thumbsup:

[comp-spec]

Tony have a safe trip.

I was trying set it up that when Tony was here we would do the painting job for the tech article. I thought it would have be cool for him to see it getting painted but, schedules just didn't match up with the dates that some of you could get the time off. So that didn't work.

This will give Tony a chance to see his car in primer back together and make his decisions on what he is looking for. (Color, stripes, engine bay colors, ect)

We know how our minds change and I thought this gives him one more chance to see it and make his final decision on his car.

I know some of you have done a color change and that might have him thinking.........

If anyone wants to come by the shop around 10am Saturday ..... You're all welcome

[Spiffav8]

I don't know if Anthony can handle any more changes. Surprised the little guy (Ha!) hasn't already passed out over all the changes. :lol:

[jy211]

nd Tony, there's a good reason you haven't left the west coast before. The left coast is the best coast! :lol:

I see your from San Fran huh? That explains it...:D

have a great trip :thumbsup:

[ArisESQ]

that's awesome! i really can't wait to see how it turned out!

what a wonderful surprise. one hell of a wife, haha.

[mtlinvtns]

Pete what time are people showing up. I would love to stop by. Thanks, Jon.

[tones2SS]

Pete what time are people showing up. I would love to stop by. Thanks, Jon.

I think Tony and his wife are supposed to be there around 10 AM.

[fleetus macmullitz]

That could be one messy group hug! :wow:

[comp-spec]

That's were I draw the line ..... NO groups hugs

[radrambler]

wow
tony, once again congrats.....hope you enjoy the trip ....
:lateral:


tom

[OLDFLM]

That's were I draw the line ..... NO groups hugs

But you are going to jump out of the engine compartment and yell "SURPRISE!!!" right?! :unibrow: :woot:

[Rybar]

Cool news guys, wish I could make it. Please post pics :thumbsup:

[skatinjay27]

very cool tony!!!

[buickfunnycar.com]

Cool news Anthony...be sure to post up some pics.:thumbsup:

[GMracer]

I really want to be there, what time you think the festivities will be going on till? I got work till 2 :(

[65 347]

Congrates Tony!!!!!

[bigtyme1]

Wish I could Tony, but not the best time for me spend too much money. Had a death in the famliy a few weeks ago and had to fly my wife to Tenn and that took a toll on the wallett. But from what I understand you will be doing some traveleing this week. I'm only 8 hours away. :unibrow:

[tones2SS]

Cool news Anthony...be sure to post up some pics.:thumbsup:

That reminds me, I gotta charge up the camera.:thumbsup:

[rwhite692]

That is awesome, Tony!!! Can't wait to see the pics :woot:

[98ssnova]

Cool Curtis told me about this when I was in Vegas. Take lots of pic and post up can't wait to see it done.

[WSSix]

This is a great story and I'm really happy I get to sit here and watch it unfold. Congrats the Jennifer and Tony. Everyone else involved has done an amazing job as well.

[Spiffav8]

Anthony is pretty excited guys. He's been texting me at every stage of the the adventure so far. Kind of feels like I'm along for the ride. I finally had to tell him to put his seat in the upright position, fasten his seat belt and to turn off his cell phone in preparation for departure. lol

Like many of you I am bummed that I can't be there. Soooo looking forward to seeing some pictures.

Thanks again everyone for your support in this adventure. It's fracking cool!


:lateral:

[Stuart Adams]

That's awesome. Post pics soon.

[70rs]

WOW! This is such a great story and I am very happy for you Tony! It was this story and all of the good people involved with your car that got me to join this forum, I am so glad I did.
I can't wait to see the car! And I hope someone gets a shot of the look on your face when you first see it.
Congrats!:cheers:

[awr68]

It's been a very long day...but well worth the trip! We are finally in our hotel room and ready to hit the hey! Big day tomorrow! Or shall I say today!

Thanks again to everyone involved, it truely was a BIG suprise and means so much to me!

Pics in the am............................:D


oh, and my hats off to you guys that do this trip for SEMA....that's a lot of seat time! This is a BIG country!!

[96z28ss]

I do OR to MA a few times a year no big deal when your used to it.

[awr68]

Well I'm up for the day! As you can imagine I basically didn't sleep a wink! I will probably look like I was up all night drinking....not the case, just really excited to be here! Can't wait to see everyone and of course the car we know as KARMA! :cool:

[onebad68]

We cant wait to see it either...................

[bigtyme1]

Just got up myself, your clock will be messed up for a day or two but you will get used to it. Big day indead. Have fun and enjoy the east coast.

[bulldog19]

Tony & Jen, Enjoy the day and the east coast!!! I can't wait to see the pics.
Hopefully someone is taking some video to see the expression on your faces when you see the car again for the 1st time. You two deserve this after what you have been through with this car. Maybe with some help you two can take a ride around the block??? or the parking lot? Have a great day guys!! Great job to all those that made this happen!!!

[Ricochet]

What an awesome deal Tony! Congrats to both you & Jen! This car has such a HUGE story behind it and is going to be great to see it completed. So many people stepped up in so many ways possible to make this happen. Props to everybody involved! :thumbsup:

Now let's see some pics!!

[tones2SS]

Hey guys!
Met Tony and Jen today. AWESOME people!!! :thumbsup: They took pics and will post them up. (I don't want to step on Tony's toes!)
I met WanyieZ from here and a friend of his as well. Both of them were very cool. There was another member from lateral-g., I think his name was John. Brian from Comp-Spec was there and we're all talking cars and having a good time.
I got there @ 10AM and didn't leave till almost 3 hours later. Tony, his wife and the other guys were still there. (Tony should have pics up soon.):thumbsup: :cheers:

[70rs]

Thanks for the update tones2SS. I wish I could have been there to see the look on his face when he first saw it. Can't wait for pics !:thumbsup:

[Spiffav8]

Anthony has been sending me pictures from his cell phone all morning. When I talked to him on the phone he was obviously excited, happy and very tired. He said the car looks amazing! Gaps are straight, crisp and clean...an amazing difference from the day he shipped it. He said he wold post pictures as soon as he gets back to the hotel.

:lateral:

[DOOM]

Im just sick I could'nt make it !! I planned for a month to make this trip and it kills me I had to miss out!! Well I can't wait to see the pic's.I'll be checking for updates!!! Well back to work 48 hours straight two more cars to go:willy:

[tones2SS]

You're right Curtis. That is what I was telling Tony when we were pm'ing back and forth between Wednesday and Thursday. I had to bite my tongue here and there and couldn't answer all his questions. (I wanted Pete and crew to steal the show.) I did tell Tony there was a BIG difference between when it first left for Comp-Spec to the present day.
And to everyone else that was involved, I am truly happy that I am a part of this.:bow: :lateral: :cheers:

[brans72]

It will be a week before pictures then, cause Tony and his wife Jen will be out driving and enjoy the car day and night!!!

[awr68]

Sorry for the delay guys...it's been a crazy couple days! Here's a few pics Jen took. Remember I haven't seen my car since Sept. 2008...this was a big day for me!

Big smiles as I walked in this morning!!
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/awr68/MYDC0618.jpg

Going over details with Pete.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/awr68/MYDC0627.jpg

Taking it in with Brian and the other Tony.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/awr68/MYDC0619.jpg

[awr68]

Here's the all steel valance that Mike (Muscle Rodz) built for us. I will be using Marquez lights and a billet grill that deletes the origional turn signals. The real cool thing is that this was the OE valance that my good friend Curtis took off The Bucket when converting to the RS front end...thanks guys!!
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/awr68/MYDC0635.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/awr68/MYDC0625.jpg

Speed Tech frame/suspension! It looks killer Blake!
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/awr68/MYDC0622.jpg

[awr68]

I'm REALLY happy I changed tires...the 335 and 275's look and fit much better.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/awr68/MYDC0623.jpg

We all ended up in the paint booth....this is a very nice car that Pete just finished!! The black paint was just killer and deep!
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/awr68/MYDC0634.jpg

[awr68]

We had a great day and as always it was nice to put some faces with the names! Thanks to everyone that showed up today....it was real fun!

The car wasn't painted...but it will be soon! He's just about finished with the paint prep, so it won't be long now. This trip gave me a chance to go over some details with Pete before paint and we feel that was a good idea. I may go spend some more time over there tomorrow to look at all the new parts that were still in boxes and take one more look at the car! Pete and Brian have done an awesome job on the car and I couldn't be happier!

Thanks guys! And thanks again Mario!! :cheers:

[waynieZ]

Hi Anthony it was nice meeting you and your wife. The car looks great.
I don't blame you for wanting to go back and see the parts. It must be tuff to leave the car again even though its in some very talented hands. Pete and the guys at Competition Specialties do some awesome work.

[bigtyme1]

The car looks great Tony. I like the stance and the valance is a plus. Pete your doing a hell of a job. Wish I only had the prefection you have. Hope to see you soon Tony. Did you rent a GPS with the rental car?

[DaveO]

Car looks great Tony, can't wait to see it in person! BTW, you're missing some great weather back home!

[awr68]

Did you rent a GPS with the rental car?

We actually brought our GPS with us.....

[DFRESH]

Excited and happy for you Tony!!! What a great weekend this must be for you. Amazing how attached we get to these cars isn't it? Then all the great people that have come around you--what a blessing. Glad to see the new pics.

Doug

[89 RS]

That is really awesome, especially how people came together to help out Anthony and his wife. Anthony, I'd say you have a pretty cool wife also to suprise you like that. I think everybody probably shares the same thought that these cars of ours represent more than just the car itself...and that's the really cool part. :lateral:

[customcam]

You blessed souls, awsome stuff :lateral:

[Spiffav8]

Pete, Anthony....that car looks great! Thanks for posting pictures for the rest of us to enjoy. I am SO looking forward to seeing the finished product.

:captain:

[Musclerodz]

Looks great Tony!

[Flash68]

Nice seeing all your mugs there together. :D

Lookin like a beautiful car... gonna be a killer!

Yeah Tony go see that car as much as you can while you're there. :D

[jannes_z-28]

Congratulations Tony,

Jennifer invited me too but for obvious reasons it was difficult for me to attend. I wished I could have been there. Waiting for the video to see your face expression :D

It finally looks like it will be a car out of it soon.

BTW, why don't you continue east while you're out travelling.


:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:


Jan

[awr68]

Jan, wish I could.....perhaps another time! :cheers:

[fleetus macmullitz]

People that give for no other reason than to help other people are the smartest people on the planet.

[awr68]

People that give for no other reason than to help other people are the smartest people on the planet.

Well said...I like that and totally agree!!

[tones2SS]

That is really awesome, especially how people came together to help out Anthony and his wife. Anthony, I'd say you have a pretty cool wife also to suprise you like that. I think everybody probably shares the same thought that these cars of ours represent more than just the car itself...and that's the really cool part. :lateral:

Very well said.
Jen, Tony's wife, was very much into the car as well. She was just as excited as Tony was. I was telling her while we were talking that I can't believe what an AWESOME group of people on this forum and that I am glad to be a part of it.
It goes from the people like Mario, Curtis and Mike that have donated time and money to this project. Also to the other various members here that have donated to the project and of course, Pete, Brian and crew over @ Competition Specialties.:lateral: :cheers:

[awr68]

You guys are just awesome! We are having some rental car drop off issues (long story) and Tony (tones2SS) is on his way to give us a MUCH needed ride to Boston! Thanks a million Tony!! :thumbsup:

[Blake Foster]

Would have liked to see your face friday AM hahahaha sorry i couldn't make it

[tones2SS]

You guys are just awesome! We are having some rental car drop off issues (long story) and Tony (tones2SS) is on his way to give us a MUCH needed ride to Boston! Thanks a million Tony!! :thumbsup:

How'd you like that "3 hour" drive to Boston?!?! LOLLLL!!!!:wow:
Not a problem man. Have fun!!!:lateral: :cheers:

[Spiffav8]

How'd you like that "3 hour" drive to Boston?!?! LOLLLL!!!!:wow:
Not a problem man. Have fun!!!:lateral: :cheers:

Nice job Tony. :thumbsup:

[Rybar]

Awesome news Tony, thanks for sharing the pics. Who's mug is who in some of those pics?

[whytry]

Wow, thanks for the pics Tony. It couldn't of happened to a better guy. Congrats on some major progress!!

[zbugger]

That's awesome Anthony. It's great to see the smile on your face. I can't wait to see pictures of you and your car in front of your house when it's done.

[awr68]

Thanks guys for following along on our cross country trip....it's been a lot of fun!! We just got back from visiting Pete again, we could have hung out and talked all night but it was getting late so it was time to say goodbye. The car looks great and will progress quickly now! Yeah, I'm stoked!! :D


Tony, thanks again for the ride today! I owe you big time!! :cheers:

[XcYZ]

I'm a little late to the party, I was out of town on a 4 day vacation. Looks great, Tony! Pete and crew at Competition Specialties are doing an awesome job. :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Thanks guys for following along on our cross country trip....it's been a lot of fun!! We just got back from visiting Pete again, we could have hung out and talked all night but it was getting late so it was time to say goodbye. The car looks great and will progress quickly now! Yeah, I'm stoked!! :D


Tony, thanks again for the ride today! I owe you big time!! :cheers:

I'm happy it's coming along so nicely myself!! Your in good hands with Pete and Brian.:bow:
No problem about the ride. Hope you guys enjoyed yourself.:cheers:

[jy211]

so what color is it finally gonna be? :D

[awr68]

so what color is it finally gonna be? :D

Ferrari Grigio Silverstone...just like Carter's rendering :woot:

[buickfunnycar.com]

Car looks awesome and everybody pictured seemed pretty pleased with the progress.:thumbsup:

[bigtyme1]

Well I just had to invite them over for Dinner. What a great couple and Jenn really show's alot of support for Tony's car. Tony had a chance to give Envy a good look over and Jenn really had a hard time finding any issues. Made me feel pretty good. Have a safe trip home guys.

Tony, here are the picks you wanted.

[awr68]

Mark, thanks again for having us over...and for the pics! We had a great time over on the east coast and head home tomorrow! Actually we have one more stop (layover) in Chicago where we will spend some time with Mario! Then it's back to Oregon!!

[waynieZ]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip.

[70rs]

Have a safe trip home.

[Flash68]

Wow you're really making the rounds! Nice! :D

[awr68]

We headed home yeasterday, had a layover in Chicago where we were able to spend some time with Mario, was very nice to see him again! Thanks again for all you have done Mario!

We are now home! It was a VERY busy nine days and we love the fact that we were able to see so many friends, the history/sites, and of course Karma!

Thanks for following along!! :cheers: :lateral:

[tones2SS]

What was your impression of the east coast guys?
I'm glad you had a good time. A lot of thanks goes to Mario as well.:thumbsup: :hail: :cheers:
I'm glad you got see what a great job the guys @ Comp-Spec are doing on karma as well.:cheers:

[awr68]

My impression? The weather was perfect! Ok, I hear we were lucky with that! I actually loved all the history and sight seeing...I guess I am getting older as I could care less in school. Now I wish I would have paid more attention back then, we have a great country and all the preserved history is just awesome!

NY was nice to see with lots of awesome history, but I wouldn't want to live there...too may people! Boston was also very cool, but a bitch to drive/park in! Wash. DC was more our speed and we really needed more time to see all it had to offer! Actually, that can be said for all our stops!

With limited time we were able to go to:
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Letterman Show
Open bus tour of Manhattan/Brooklyn
Walked around Boston, North end was really cool
In DC we toured the Capitol building, visited most all the monuments, and some of the Smithsonian buildings.
Went to Mark's house
Spent time with Mario in Chicago
Went to comp-spec (thanks Pete and all that were able to make it!)

We really liked the east coast and would love to go back! Actually, one day we will go visit Mario and tour Chicago...we just didn't have time for that this trip...but will one day!!

Oh, being a car guy I couldn't help but notice that the roads really need work! I guess it's hard to keep up with the hard winters?

We had a great time, I still can't believe this trip was totally planned and I had absolutly no clue!! :lateral: :cheers:

[waynieZ]

I'm glad you guys had good weather and you enjoyed yourselfs. To tell the truth you've seen more of the east coat then I have. lol I would love to see Washington DC .Well get some rest you've got a lot of thrashing to do when Karma gets home.

[tones2SS]

That's awesome.
The was a very well rounded trip you guys had. I would like to go to New York again and to Washington.
Glad you guys had fun.:thumbsup: :cheers: