I have owned the car for almost 9 months. I have spent my time doing repairs and fussing with details. A couple of days ago I installed custom park brake cables since the stock cables didn't fit the Corvette brakes. The car gets better a little at a time. I plan to continue to improve the car but am not planning any major projects at this time.
I have enjoyed taking it to shows and events. Of course it is fun to drive. I don't abuse the car or drive fast. However, when I need to pass someone I don't waste any time in the passing lane!
I have enjoyed researching the history of the Purple Pavement Eater. I am grateful to Mrs. Warber for the information she has provided as well as Cliff Pennock for providing the place to gather. Thanks to all those who have posted comments, opinions and information in this thread and elsewhere. Sharing what I have learned through this thread has opened the door to more learning.
----Alan----
[This message has been edited by newin55 (edited 10-04-2015).]
It was great reading the story on your car. Back in December of 2002, I made a visit to Archie who at that time was installing my LT1. The PPE was at his shop and I got a first hand look at that car. Being that I am from Miami and my visit was in the winter, I only looked at the car for a short time. With the cold wind and some white looking stuff on the ground, I finally made it back inside to attend to my car. As dirty and snow covered that the PPE was it was still a great looking ride.
I saw you driving the PPE last Thursday afternoon turning onto the Corvallis-Lebanon hwy from Philomath Blvd. I was the slack-jawed guy in the blue Silverado suffering from shock due to seeing one of my top 3 favorite Fieros in person. Those in the car with me then had to suffer with me raving about your car, describing the stats/mods that I could remember and trying to convince them of the importance of this sighting!
I had read this thread before but had forgotten that the PPE was in Oregon. It looks stunning. The sound as you accelerated was quite nice as well. Thanks for adding some excitement to a long drive from Boise to Newport.
I saw you driving the PPE last Thursday afternoon turning onto the Corvallis-Lebanon hwy from Philomath Blvd. I was the slack-jawed guy in the blue Silverado suffering from shock due to seeing one of my top 3 favorite Fieros in person. Those in the car with me then had to suffer with me raving about your car, describing the stats/mods that I could remember and trying to convince them of the importance of this sighting!
I had read this thread before but had forgotten that the PPE was in Oregon. It looks stunning. The sound as you accelerated was quite nice as well. Thanks for adding some excitement to a long drive from Boise to Newport.
Jay
Jay, It never occurred to me that someone other than my acquaintances would recognize the PPE as I drive it locally. Your sighting was a one in a million chance because I don't drive it very much. I was on my way to the Thursday cruise-in in Shedd, OR.. I only go every 3-4 weeks. I am glad you got to see it. Too bad we didn't get to chat. Alan
I had every intention of attending, but...it was announced they are permanently closing the factory where I work and everyone would be laid off. I couldn't justify the trip. I have been spending more time looking at Monster than PFF! Now that I am out of the job-loss panic mode and calmed down a bit I may check into it. I would really love to show the car to the NW Fiero community!
I too would love it if you were to bring the PPE to the show on August 8th. I know that just about everybody would love to see that car.
Tony
I wish I could make it there but it just isn't going to happen this year. I will do my best to get it there in 2010. It should have glass side windows by then!
The Purple Pavement Eater now has real DOT glass side windows. It previously had acrylic or polycarbonate side windows which had scuff marks. How did I manage to acquire custom glass that fit my chop top? Easy, I ordered it through Archie.
Archie and Rodney Booth worked together to develop the windows. They posted in the Mall section of Pennocks and got enough people to commit to buying them to make it worth running a batch. Enough people believed and were willing to take the risk to make it all happen. Archie also did the leg work and took care of the logistics. In the end 19 sets were produced. I feel extremely fortunate to have a set. At this point they are irreplaceable. It is incredible what talented individuals with vision and drive can do. A big thanks to all who made this happen.
[This message has been edited by newin55 (edited 10-06-2015).]
And the PPE legend grows! Each owner since Rich has continually loved and cared for the car and make the subtle changes that would most likely make Rich proud. Hat's off to you Alan for keeping it going.
And the PPE legend grows! Each owner since Rich has continually loved and cared for the car and make the subtle changes that would most likely make Rich proud. Hat's off to you Alan for keeping it going.
Pat
I couldn't have said it better myself.
When I saw the pic newin55 posted above & in the window thread, all I could think of was I'd bet Rich would be happy & I wish newin55 would post some more new pics of the PPE.
This is one reason I love doing research.... I found this thread... You know, I feel Rich would be very very pround how his creation has turned out. Thank you for this thread.
------------------ SMTHGT..... Steve Aka. "SmoothGT" 1987 GT 4.9L~V8~4T60E (Un.Su.)
Good to see another local here on the board! This car is really something special, and you've obviously taken quite a bit of time and effort in enjoying it, and keeping it true to it's history. I've seen a few numbers of Fieros around Corvallis and Philomath, but haven't spotted the PPE out and about yet.
I remember seeing the PPE on Archie's site years ago, and thinking it was one of the most awesome cars I'd ever seen. It's the little details that are particularly excellent, like the subtle ducktail spoiler on the trailing edge of the roofline... gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing the whole story of the car, that's a Fiero with a mammoth history and one which deserves a loving and careful owner who appreciates its true value. Hats off to you, good sir.
I took the PPE for a drive last weekend to the Northwest Fiero Festival. I had a great time. I met a lot of great people and saw a lot of fantastic Fieros!
Thanks, Katey, for this great picture of the PPE scooting down the road!
My car took the People's Choice award. It also tied for 3rd place in the Super Modified class. Thanks for the votes, folks. I gave my vote to Dogcreek's "Porvette". Awesome car, Jeff. Thanks for suggesting and taking this picture, Mick.
Congratulations to the individuals noted in this thread who's hard work and imagination went into the creation of this car! Rich's dream lives.
[This message has been edited by newin55 (edited 10-06-2015).]
I love this car and I was going to create my own version of it but the longer I looked at both rear clips the sooner I realized that it wasn't going to be easy. Trying to figure out where to make the cuts was givin me a headache. I might get back to the project again now that I have two notchback and fastback clips.
You sent me a coiple pics of your car but my computer crashed and lost everything. So if you ever get a chance please send me many pics, close up pics. Just pm me the pics or I can send you my email. I would like to have close up pics of the top lip that curls up on top of the rear window. I need as many pics as possible. I used to repair boats and one of the tricks was to wet the boat and you could see the areas that were repaired. That might help me out in figuring out what areas were grafted. If you don't mind.
Hi Alan!!! Wow this is a great thread to add to the stuff I learned about your awesome car!!! And I will tell everyone here.... That is one he11 of a car... I told my wife as we were pulling into the FieroFest hotel... OMG.... Look there... That is the "Purple Pavement Eater." She just said WOW!!!...
Folks, this car couldn't have gone to a nicer home or a better keeper of her legacy!
Great to meet you Alan! Let's do it again next year!!!
Alan, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you at Fiero Fest. That car is also one of my all time favorites, such amazing work. I just read the whole history and it looks like you are really doing all you can to keep the car true to the creator but still improving it. I am very impressed, if I had to sell my car that is exactly what I would want. The car could not have gone to a better owner!
Till next time, keep up the good work Alan.
Damian (Kateys boyfriend)
I definitely think the car looks even more stunning on the roll than sitting!
[This message has been edited by thedrue (edited 08-21-2010).]
Here are the pics I took the day you drove up to meet FieroChick and I in Oregon at Fry's I have video of the car as well, if I can find it and remember too, I'll post up the videos of it running and you driving it around the parking lot. I do want to thank you for bringing my Dream Fiero up to visit. I am slowly getting my copy of that car built. I am going to turn my 87GT V8 into a Notchback then maybe chop it.
------------------ 85GT Soon to be 87GT,93 Eldorado 4.9, 5spd Dual O2 Custom Chip, Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything Capt Fiero --- My Over View Cadero Pics Yellow 88GT 5spd Full Poly Suspension, Lowered 1/2" in front, Corner Carver.
You know, I feel Rich would be very very pround how his creation has turned out. Thank you for this thread.
_1.JPG)
.JPG)
