An Open Letter to Jerry Barnes.....

[martyo]

Okay Jerry, we are good friends, so I know I can speak frankly with you here.

My health has not been good lately and I have been going through some rough times. I recently had to make a tough personal decision and that is to close the business (my law practice) that I built from nothing and has given me many of the things I enjoy today. This is a tough decision or me, but I need to do it, or so says the doctor. As a self-made business owner yourself, I am sure you can appreciate the gravity of this decision.

The upshot is this. I am not yet in a position to fully retire. Yep, even I need some money every now and again, so I will be moving on to other work that will be fr less taxing on me and still give me some dough. As a result, I am no longer going to be able to make my own hours and take days off at my discretion. So, my traveling to you with my car is out of the question.

I will however still be taking my days in November to go to the Fat Car Shootout (a/k/a SSHS6).

So, here is where you come in. I want you to come to my turf this fall. I am asking you (i.e. calling you out) to come line up our cars in Atlanta (pick whatever driver you want). I will help cover your travel expenses if you want to ship Trilogy #1. And, I will make arrangements to put your car up at our shop outside of Atlanta and our guys will be at your service to help ypu with the car if you need.

The stakes? Two cases of my Diet Coke against two cases of your Diet Mountain Dew. And, if you want to sweeten it up with a little wager to benefit the charity of the winner's choice, that is okay too. I have already picked out my charity! :D

Oh yeah, if you come, I might even take you out for some damn good BBQ!

So, what do you say my friend?

[bigslim]

Marty, I have always thought of you as a standup guy. I sure hope Jerry takes you up on this wager. I think it will do you both a world of good. BTW, thank you for making me your charity. ;) Good luck my friend!

[hitchhiker]

This is better than my "Will He or Won't He" thread!

Marty, I hope your health improves!

Have a great race!

:D

[cruzer]

Marty, I am very sorry to hear of your health problems--been there, done that--and I am living proof that you don't have to give up the good things in life. Do what your docs say--take a few steps back and reevaluate what is really important. You will find that you can be happy and healthy and live a long and productive life. Right now, your top priority is to get your health back. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Our prayers are with you, Maury and Ginny

[Bradley G]

Best wishes on the new adventures, Marty!

[Bluerauder]

My health has not been good lately and I have been going through some rough times. I recently had to make a tough personal decision and that is to close the business (my law practice) that I built from nothing....

And, if you want to sweeten it up with a little wager to benefit the charity of the winner's choice, that is okay too. I have already picked out my charity! :D


Marty, sorry to hear about your health issues and its impact on your law practice. Here's hoping the best for you. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Good Luck in all you do.

As for the "MM Race of the Decade" it looks like there will be no losers .... everybody is gonna win in this effort. :2thumbs:

[O's Fan Rich]

Wow, Marty. Glad you're not totally out.
Hope things work out well.
Oh, and can we open up a book for this little run?

[Jerry Barnes]

Okay Jerry, we are good friends, so I know I can speak frankly with you here.

My health has not been good lately and I have been going through some rough times. I recently had to make a tough personal decision and that is to close the business (my law practice) that I built from nothing and has given me many of the things I enjoy today. This is a tough decision or me, but I need to do it, or so says the doctor. As a self-made business owner yourself, I am sure you can appreciate the gravity of this decision.

The upshot is this. I am not yet in a position to fully retire. Yep, even I need some money every now and again, so I will be moving on to other work that will be fr less taxing on me and still give me some dough. As a result, I am no longer going to be able to make my own hours and take days off at my discretion. So, my traveling to you with my car is out of the question.

I will however still be taking my days in November to go to the Fat Car Shootout (a/k/a SSHS6).

So, here is where you come in. I want you to come to my turf this fall. I am asking you (i.e. calling you out) to come line up our cars in Atlanta (pick whatever driver you want). I will help cover your travel expenses if you want to ship Trilogy #1. And, I will make arrangements to put your car up at our shop outside of Atlanta and our guys will be at your service to help ypu with the car if you need.

The stakes? Two cases of my Diet Coke against two cases of your Diet Mountain Dew. And, if you want to sweeten it up with a little wager to benefit the charity of the winner's choice, that is okay too. I have already picked out my charity! :D

Oh yeah, if you come, I might even take you out for some damn good BBQ!

So, what do you say my friend?

Marty,

First of all, take care of your health, it is the most important thing in life! I am very sorry to hear that you are having health issues. I have been a diabetic for 20 years and it comes with its fair share of problems, so I can sincerely appreciate the affect it has on your thinking and life style. Buddy, you need to address your health above anything else!

As far as our little competition, I don't care if I ever beat your record, you have worked hard to get it and you and your team deserve it!!! I really enjoy the friendly compettitive atmosphere. That's the real fun and reward in this whole thing. As far as I am concerned, it would be worth seeing you healthy and I will buy you Diet Mountain Dew for the rest of your life! I will definately come to Atlanta this fall if I don't have any serious issues with my family or my business. Things have been very scary in Detroit lately and business is the worst I have seen it in many years.

In terms of your business, I am also sorry to see you have to scale back. But, if it means getting you healthy, it is worth it. And I know that you are a very intelligent person, so when you are feeling better you will pick up right where you left off with your business. That I am very confident of.

Finally, if there is anything I can do to help out, please do not hesitate to ask. You have my number, just call and I will be there. Good friends are the people that are there when you need them the most, not just in the good times.

So, I hope to see you this fall in Atlanta. Dinner and beer is on me. Please keep us posted on your situation and call if we can help in any way!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

The Number #2 World Record Holder Runner Up

[2003 MIB]

Dear Marty,

When I saw the title to this post, I thought was was going to read some classic Marty throws down the gauntlet stuff...I was looking forward to the humorous rant. Now, my heart sinks- the car is stuff is cool and I hope you and Jerry can work something out but I can't get past the health issue and idea that you are closing your practice. You don't seem sick but I haven't seen you in well over a year...I hope you bounce back and that this scaling back is the way to live longer and happier. You're a good man, Martin Ochs- there's damn few left.

-Dan and Coli

[SergntMac]

Best wishes, Martin.

[sweetair]

Best of luck with the work changes and I hope we all have good health. Sounds like an interesting time in Atlanta is shaping up? Maybe?

[blackf0rk]

http://www.zaldiva.com/images/TSHIRTS/FAMILYGUY/familyguy_freakinsweet_tshirt_ pic1.jpg

[gonzo50]

Marty, sorry to hear about your health issues and its impact on your law practice. Here's hoping the best for you. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Good Luck in all you do............
My sincere thoughts also, I hope you are doing good in spirit, and in health.
Best wishes to you, MartyO:sunshine: Take care of yourself.

[LordVader]

Marty,

Sorry to hear about the health issues. Wish you the best of luck with your new endeavor. Why don't you guys go on "Pinks", show your stuff, let them foot the bill and then whoever wins gives the car back to the loser! Everyone wins and we get to see the two baddest Marauders on the planet battle it out! Now that's "Must See TV"!!!

[DEFYANT]

Geez Marty... I am sorry to hear this! :( Please let me know if there is anything I can do. You have a friend in Maryland!

That said.. This vvvv is a great idea. It would be good press for our rides too.


Marty,

Sorry to hear about the health issues. Wish you the best of luck with your new endeavor. Why don't you guys go on "Pinks", show your stuff, let them foot the bill and then whoever wins gives the car back to the loser! Everyone wins and we get to see the two baddest Marauders on the planet battle it out! Now that's "Must See TV"!!!

[jgc61sr2002]

Marty - Sorry to hear about your health issues.:(
Hope you are feeling better.:D

[Petrograde]

Damn Marty, I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers.

When you and Jerry line up,.. I hope there's at least 2 video cameras: one at the front, one at the finish.

I like the idea of of 'Pinks'

[Glenn]

Marty:

Very sorry to hear about your health problems. I sincerely hope everything turns out for the best. Your a great guy and have done great things. Looking forward to seeing you and Jerry at SSHS6 in Atlanta in November. The Impala crowd will be shocked to see the world's two fastest MM wipe their butts. Impala meat is tastiest in the Fall.

See you both in November.

Glenn

[martyo]

So, I hope to see you this fall in Atlanta.

That is all I wanted to hear! :D

I truly appreciate everyone's concerns and well wishes. I beleieve in the power of positive thought and with you guys all backing me, I feel better already! :D

[1stMerc]

Marty,

Sorry to hear about the health issues. Wish you the best of luck with your new endeavor. Why don't you guys go on "Pinks", show your stuff, let them foot the bill and then whoever wins gives the car back to the loser! Everyone wins and we get to see the two baddest Marauders on the planet battle it out! Now that's "Must See TV"!!!

That's a show i'd like to see. Marty do what ever you have to do to take care of your health so you can enjoy your Maruder and family, family and Marauder for many, many, many.......................... .............................m ore years to come.

Best wishes,
Waymon

[Bigdogjim]

That is all I wanted to hear! :D

I truly appreciate everyone's concerns and well wishes. I beleieve in the power of positive thought and with you guys all backing me, I feel better already! :D

I feel your pain.

[Breadfan]

Marty, I hope you're health improves, stuff like that is always paramount, so I (and us all) wish you the best.

You know, it's starting to sound like I'm gonna need to take some vacation time myself and visit Atlanta, sounds like an event not to be missed...

Glad to hear we're on track for two great things, staying healthy and going faster in a MM. :D

[Haggis]

Marty,

Chris and I wish you the very best and will keep you in our prayers. Take care of yourself and Stanley and Stella, there is nothing more important then your health. Once again take care my friend.

[MarauderMark]

Marty,

Chris and I wish you the very best and will keep you in our prayers. Take care of yourself and Stanley and Stella, there is nothing more important then your health. Once again take care my friend.
Dayum Marty what did you get old or something since the last time we met?I thought you were younger than me:D .Anyway i also wish the same as Gordon if there is anything me and Peg(who i just said to me " he is a nice guy wish him the same from me too") could help you out with don't hesitate to call/ask.you are truely a good person/friend:up:

[Blackened300a]

Marty,
Having met you personally at a few of our NY meets, it saddens me to hear about your Currents Issues, I really hope you make a speedy recovery and bounce back from What I hope is a Minor set-back.

Take Care and be well

[Dan]

That is all I wanted to hear! :D

I truly appreciate everyone's concerns and well wishes. I beleieve in the power of positive thought and with you guys all backing me, I feel better already! :D

Marty,

Best of luck to you. I hope that your health improves.

I'm interested in what you are planning for your next career. Somehow, I don't think that it will be boring.

If you're interested in getting into real estate, let me know. I'll do what I can to help.

Best,

Dan

[martyo]

I'm interested in what you are planning for your next career. Somehow, I don't think that it will be boring.


I will be working for one of my clients in a "non-legal" capacity. It will be a whole lot less stress, which is what the doctor ordered. It's hard to sleep late after your body has become programmed to arrive in the office at 6:30 a.m. and I gotta tell you, going home in the daylight is giving me the heebie jeebies!

Damn the City is crowded when you work "normal" hours!

[1stMerc]

6:30 you should be on the fishing bank, trying to catch the BIG ONE and sipping coffee.

[67435animal]

Marty, sorry to hear about your health. I hope you are on track to getting better. Since the two hottest MMs will be running this fall, I will plan to be at the big shootout to see who wins!

Bob

[BillyGman]

Hang in there Marty....I don't know the details of your health issues, but maybe in addition to your Law practice, perhaps living close to the big city doesn't help either. Anyway, I hope everything turns out well for you.

[Logan]

I will be working for one of my clients in a "non-legal" capacity. It will be a whole lot less stress, which is what the doctor ordered. It's hard to sleep late after your body has become programmed to arrive in the office at 6:30 a.m. and I gotta tell you, going home in the daylight is giving me the heebie jeebies!

Damn the City is crowded when you work "normal" hours!

Marty.... All I can say dude, is....

NO WEEEEZING THE SLUSHIES!!!!

"That'll be $195 ma'am..."

"WHAT?!?! For a coke and a bag of chips?"

"Ma'am, I'm paid by the hour, asking a question just cost you another $95. Will that be cash or charge?"

"Excuse me??!?!"

"...$45 for my assistant cashier to repeat what I said... That'll be $335 ma'am. Are you going to pay or shall I call the authorities?"

"Yes sir, here's the pink slip to my car...Please don't sue me."

Glad to see you're takin' a lighter path dude, stress sucks and life has more to offer than that. :)

[Bob Mathis]

Marty take care of yourself for life is to short not to. I all so want to say stay well my friend.
Let me say a few things to all about Marty. A few years ago at the very first Marauder Meet in Texas. I hope some of you rememeber that weekend I do. Jean and I met this tall gentelman named Marty. He became a friend right then and there to Jean and I. He treated us like we had know him for ever. I know that he is a good man because he all was has something good to say about everyone. So Marty if there is anything that Jean and I can do let us know.

I all so what to let you all know that Marty had never drag raced till that weekend. True Marty? Told you not too.

Now about my other good friend Jerry. He is a classact in my books too. So to both of you my hat is off to you both for the friends that friends should be to each other. For good friends are hard to come by anymore.

I hope that you well both be at MV VI. I wish I could go to Alt. But I have to come back to Afghanistan.

[martyo]

I hope that you well both be at MV VI. I wish I could go to Alt. But I have to come back to Afghanistan.

Bob: Thanks for the kind words! I sure wish you and Jean could join us in the ATL in the fall. It would be like a family reunion. I miss you both. I still think about the day at Team Ford when I got to drive your Trilogy car on the street! Woot!!

[Bob Mathis]

Marty PM me a phone # I have my owen phone I can call you.

[BillyGman]

Since this is an open challenge that has been put forth and answered in front of the entire board membership here, I'd like to pose a question about this match-up:

Will you guys be driving your own cars, or will you be enlisting hired guns to drive them for you? I'm asking you this, because I would think that most of the fun would be in piloting your own rocketship yourself. No? But I don't want to assume that this will neccessarily be the case. So I'm curious.

[martyo]

Will you guys be driving your own cars, or will you be enlisting hired guns to drive them for you?

Yes. ............

[MarauderTJA]

Marty, nothing is more important than your health. Take care of yourself and I'll see you in Atlanta this November. I'll bring the banner:D . I will have a Marauder Race Team T-shirt for you as well.

[Jerry Barnes]

Yes. ............


What Marty Said, Yes!

[shakes_26]

I smell a gun fight brewing at the OK corral.....

[TooManyFords]

Will you guys be driving your own cars, or will you be enlisting hired guns to drive them for you?

Ditto. When the crank hits the pavement I want it to be my own doing!

:D

john

[BillyGman]

Yes. ............A rather ambiguous answer....."yes" to what? A hired gun driving your car?

[Jerry Barnes]

A rather ambiguous answer....."yes" to what? A hired gun driving your car?

OK OK OK. ME, MYSELF AND I WILL BE DRIVING!!!!! Billy, I love to drive and I am practicing all of the time. Heading to NMRA tomorrow to continue testing with Trilogy #1. Roll Cage installed and legal.

[linn@amazon]

ok.. I know Im new to the Marauder world but what is going on in Atlanta in the fall that you will be attending? we are only 40 minutes north of Commerce..you have to go right past here going south to Atlanta on I85..would be a nice drive for us to be able to meet up with you all.

Marty.. my thoughts and prayers are with you

Linn

[FordNut]

ok.. I know Im new to the Marauder world but what is going on in Atlanta in the fall that you will be attending? we are only 40 minutes north of Commerce..you have to go right past here going south to Atlanta on I85..would be a nice drive for us to be able to meet up with you all.

Marty.. my thoughts and prayers are with you

Linn
The Southern Super Heavyweight Shootout, #6 to be precise. SSHS6. First Saturday in November. Nov 4, I believe.

The event is put on by the Impala club but all cars over 3800 lb can enter. It's a blast. You gotta be there!

[martyo]

OK OK OK. ME, MYSELF AND I WILL BE DRIVING!!!!! Billy, I love to drive and I am practicing all of the time. Heading to NMRA tomorrow to continue testing with Trilogy #1. Roll Cage installed and legal.

Jerry: My car will be running car this weekend too (I hope). Here is my cell 914-582-6262. Call me if you hit 10.6 or better or just call me if you feel like it! :D

[Glenn]

I have seen Marty's MM at the drags many times. Marty has driven it more times then I have seen anyone else drive it. I am sure Marty will drive it and then I hope I can have a chance behind the wheel.

Glenn

[martyo]

I have seen Marty's MM at the drags many times. Marty has driven it more times then I have seen anyone else drive it. I am sure Marty will drive it and then I hope I can have a chance behind the wheel.

Glenn


Thanks Glenn, you are right.

If it makes any difference I have personally driven my car into the 10's. My best personal time so far is a 10.92 in 95 degree weather (hell, driving any car into the 10s is something in my book). I think that's pretty good and it gives me the fastest Marauder owner/driver distinction until Jerry gets behind the wheel and then I am sure he will take that title -- until I take it back! :D

I also drove my car on blower only to a 11.55 in the same 95 degree weather, making me the holder of the fastest owner/driver in that class with Zack hot on my heels! And, I am expecting him to come after me too. But I am ready for him also.

Now, I expect my buddy Jeff (Shankin) to hang on to the fastest designated driver/non-owner record and to best his own record, but then again, Jeff has about 15 years of experience on me and he has his heart, blood and soul invested in my car too!

What I want at SSHS6 is for me and my friend Jerry Barnes to line up for a grudge match and then for our cars to line up with whatever drivers we choose. Now that right there will be fun!

[Dan]

You know, Marty. We could have a "World's Fastest Marauder Without A Concealed Budget" title, too. :lol:

Yeah, just joking.

Best,

Dan

[DEFYANT]

Why not drive each others car? That'd be different!

[bigslim]

Thanks Glenn, you are right.

If it makes any difference I have personally driven my car into the 10's. My best personal time so far is a 10.92 in 95 degree weather (hell, driving any car into the 10s is something in my book). I think that's pretty good and it gives me the fastest Marauder owner/driver distinction until Jerry gets behind the wheel and then I am sure he will take that title -- until I take it back! :D

I also drove my car on blower only to a 11.55 in the same 95 degree weather, making me the holder of the fastest owner/driver in that class with Zack hot on my heels! And, I am expecting him to come after me too. But I am ready for him also.

Now, I expect my buddy Jeff (Shankin) to hang on to the fastest designated driver/non-owner record and to best his own record, but then again, Jeff has about 15 years of experience on me and he has his heart, blood and soul invested in my car too!

What I want at SSHS6 is for me and my friend Jerry Barnes to line up for a grudge match and then for our cars to line up with whatever drivers we choose. Now that right there will be fun!
Jerry called me Friday and he too had piloted his car into the 10's.

[martyo]

Jerry called me Friday and he too had piloted his car into the 10's.

Damn him! :D

I gave him my cell phone number and he didn't call to let me know!

I hope he posts up soon, because I won't be able to sleep until I know how he did!

[bigslim]

Damn him! :D

I gave him my cell phone number and he didn't call to let me know!

I hope he posts up soon, because I won't be able to sleep until I know how he did!
I haven't heard from him since. I will call him tommorrow and tell him to contact you.

[martyo]

I haven't heard from him since. I will call him tommorrow and tell him to contact you.

I saw mention of a 10.86. Not too shabby for an old guy like him! :D

[Jerry Barnes]

Well, here is what I ran over the weekend

11.06
10.95
10.92
and Chris T. ran a 10.86

I finished off the weekend running an 11.01 and we had some hesitation in the last run, so I stopped and wanted to research the issue.

I can't win! Chris gets in the car for the first time at the drag strip and runs a faster run, 10.86, then I ran. He hauled a$$ down the track. His smile was sooooo large his white teeth blinded me!!!!!

We are still tuning and making changes. The temp was pretty hot and humidity was up there, but no excuses. We still have a ways to go to catch Marty(Mr. Number #1). It was a great time and I really enjoyed hanging out with all my good friends..... Don Jr., Chris(2), Mike, Justin, Lidio, John, Rob, Jake, Don Sr., Joe, Jamie, Louis(the dog), Rox, Kristin, met Chris's brother also and his family and all the other folks at the track. What a great bunch of people!!!!!

Took the car back to Stenod's Performance this morning to have the 2 stage nitrous fittings installed, rear racing seats, seat harnesses to finish up Stage 1 work before Joliet. Don wants us to run colder plugs and 116 octane in the future. We think that is what caused the plugs to show signs of burning.

Don made it to the final round and did a great job of regaining the Pro 5.0 lead in the points race. Lidio run some great runs before getting knock out of the race. I thought someone said he ran in the 9's with his Mach I. Our car did very well with myself and Chris T. at the wheel.

All in All, a great weekend with great friends!!! Marty, wish you and the other Marauder crowd could have come along!!!!

Have a good one!

Jerry

[TooManyFords]

Wow! Good numbers Jerry!

Looks like I have to get busy for SSHS6.

:D

john

[MarauderTJA]

Great times Jerry:D .

[FordNut]

I saw mention of a 10.86. Not too shabby for an old guy like him! :D
And how did you do?

[martyo]

Well, here is what I ran over the weekend

11.06
10.95
10.92

Wow Jerry, our numbers this weekend were quite similar!

The only difference was a also ran an 11.0 index class and ran an 11.00 with a Zero! That slip netted me 250 bucks and steaks for my crew! Another 75,237 wins and the car will have paid for itself!

We are going to have some fun in the fall!

[Glenn]

Marty:

I understand from talking to my Sales Manager at work that you ran the MM into the 10s at Commerce. He was the guy running the red 1966 turbo Chevy II SS in the 9s who was behind you on the scales. He said he could not believe how quick the Marauder was running. Also, I ran into 4 guys tonight at the Summit car meet in Atlanta who were looking at my MM and commenting on how awesome your MM ran last Friday night. Seems like the LE is really getting its act together big time.

Glenn

[Jerry Barnes]

Wow Jerry, our numbers this weekend were quite similar!

The only difference was a also ran an 11.0 index class and ran an 11.00 with a Zero! That slip netted me 250 bucks and steaks for my crew! Another 75,237 wins and the car will have paid for itself!

We are going to have some fun in the fall!

Good job Marty! Sorry I did not call, I will do so tomorrow. Sounds like the car is running very well. There is not 10 minutes that goes by at the track that we don't bring your name up and how we need to work hard to catch you. I hope you health is getting a little better.

Please take care of your self!

Mr. Number #2

[martyo]

Good job Marty! Sorry I did not call, I will do so tomorrow. Sounds like the car is running very well. There is not 10 minutes that goes by at the track that we don't bring your name up and how we need to work hard to catch you. I hope you health is getting a little better.

Please take care of your self!

Mr. Number #2


Come on Jerry. Come and get some of this!! :D

http://www.legalknevil.com/albums/Events/ahk.sized.jpg

[bigslim]

Maybe you guys can settle this on the TV show "Pinks".

[martyo]

Maybe you guys can settle this on the TV show "Pinks".

I am open to discussion......

[Jerry Barnes]

Come on Jerry. Come and get some of this!! :D

http://www.legalknevil.com/albums/Events/ahk.sized.jpg


Oh Ya Big Guy!

I want some so bad I can taste it!!!! I am gonna bring an extra trailer to bring back all the Diet Coke I will be winning!!!!!

Nice shot of the car, the only thing missing is the Trilogy decals(HA!).

Have a good one Marty!

[RoyLPita]

Oh Ya Big Guy!

I want some so bad I can taste it!!!! I am gonna bring an extra trailer to bring back all the Diet Coke I will be winning!!!!!

Nice shot of the car, the only thing missing is the Trilogy decals(HA!).

Have a good one Marty!

Jerry,
How much Diet Coke can you drink in one day????

[ap2003]

Egads, There does not seem to be anyone in the drivers seat! This car may be possessed.

And the tires are starting to crumple.. I hope they are under warranty:rolleyes:

Gus




Come on Jerry. Come and get some of this!! :D

http://www.legalknevil.com/albums/Events/ahk.sized.jpg

[BillyGman]

Egads, There does not seem to be anyone in the drivers seat! Marty drives it via remote control. It's kinda like that cartoon that some of us middle aged guys used to watch when we were kids. "Gigantor" where the kid operates this collossal robot via a remote control box with a joy stick. Yeah, Marty's toys are big and expensive. :D

I can just hear his Mom when he was a kid....

"Now Martin Ochs, you stop turning 10 second ET's with your Marauder toy right this instant, and get in the house and eat your supper"

[martyo]

"Now Martin Ochs, you stop turning 10 second ET's with your Marauder toy right this instant, and get in the house and eat your supper"


Billy you make me laugh! :D

How's the Cheby comin'?

[BillyGman]

How's the Cheby comin'?Slowly, but surely. It's keeping me pretty busy. Lotsa work! This week, the welder and I are reinforcing everything in the rear suspension areas that we can possibly think of. I make up the templates out of cardboard, and trace them out onto the piece of 1/4" thick steel I bought, and he cuts the pieces out and welds them in. Next week, when that's all finished, I'll be installing the new Dana 60 rear end. The week after that, I'll be installing the engine and transmission.