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Original Owner Interviews.
Would like to tap the sage wisdom of those who have been there/done that. I have conducted interviews previously, but felt that I have room to improve. So, what are the key elements of a good interview? Next week I am heading back east to interview face to face. I have spoken multiple times on the phone and communicated via emails and have established good rapports. I am planning on taking a voice recorder and a digital camera. Would like to know what has worked for you and what have been some of the more interesting questions that have yielded good information. Don't hestitate to suggest even the most basic info as it may have eluded me https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif . Any comments on affidavits are appreciated too.
Thanks! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
"Next week I am heading back east to interview face to face."
How far East? Elgin, IL???????? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
I'd ask him/her their fondest memory of the car...that should open them up a bit I would think. Also ask for any old photos...offer them new pics of the car...maybe have a pre-made cd with photos on it for them?
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
I'd be worried that the person regreted selling the car and they might want nothing to do with it, thinking that bringing up the past would make the person feel like crap. Last year I wanted my 77 Z/28 back because it was my very first new car I ordered. I did go to the DMV and ran into a dead end where the last time it was licenced was in 1985. So I can say that it may be in the bone yard. This is just how I would feel and it would kind of haunt me if I saw the car in my driveway and someone drilling me with questions. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage you guys. I would do the same and I did contact the original owner of my car and I did hear from my Sister who worked close by for the same Co as the owner, and she mentioned many times that he has had nightmares and only sold it because his Wife said that it's not being used much and a child was on the way. I did go over to his house to ask if he wanted to go for a ride and got a picture of it from the early 70's and made a negative of the picture so I could make a print. It just felt to me that he was thinking that I'm over to rub it in his face that I own his car that he'd want back and that was not my intention. I knocked on the door and his daugter who was in her early teens answered the door and I asked if her Dad was home then said " do you want to see what kind of car your Dad used to drive". He came to the door and said he was tied up and would get a picture for me which he did. I didn't go back because I know that he probably misses the car even though I've owned it since early '81. But I'll still want to track down all the previous owners on my next find and get as much doc as I can. So I say go for it guys and good luck. BTW, the guy always looked pissed off, even the day I bought it in '81.
Funny thing, I hang out with the current owner of my 68 Z/28 and for some reason it doesn't bother me that I sold it in '74. |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Hey Mark...Sam has already talked to the original owner a couple of times...so it's not a "Cold Call" so to speak. From what I hear...the owner is going to be giving Sam some mighty cool stuff...I'll leave it at that https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
"Fondest Memory" - that's a good one. I have provided updated photos which were appreciated.
Keep the good ideas coming. Thanks! |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
My suggestions would be:
1. Ask if their Mom or Dad ever had to drive it for them. My Grandmother (on my Dad's side, a sturdy Polish woman) had to take my Uncle's '70 SS350 4sp Camaro (w/sidepipes and L60 or M50-15's on slots) on an errand once and got pulled over by a cop. My Grandfather (on my Mom's side) took my other Uncle's '68 Coronet R/T out while the son was in Vietnam. He, too, was pulled over by a policeman, because by the time he gave it enough gas to "even out the idle" he was 20mph over the limit. Both Grandparents were let off with warnings by the surprised officers. (I would KILL for a picture of my Grandmother driving that Camaro) 2. Any story that drives home the fact that these were once regular cars. Cars that when necessary, would transport a team of little leaguers or hang a stranded snowmobile out of the trunk if the situation called for it. 3. Most satisfying win and embarassing loss in a street race. |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Good stuff Tom. I like the "regular car" angle. Other stuff I hadn't thot of either and will incorporate.
Thanks |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
I also think the regular car thing is cool. My parents would drive to my grandmothers house in a Nomad with 5.13's..it was 40 miles!! My dad told me that was his car..it went to work..to the store..all over.
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Tom...you just made a memory of my late mom pop into my head. My mom had to borrow my brother Gary's 1970 Formula 400 Firebird once to go to the grocery store...and I went with her.
We were at Brookhurst and Ball in Anaheim and the light turned green. My mom (used to her 1970 Pontiac Catalina with a 350) got on the gas fairly hard...and fried the tires all the way across the intersection. It scared the hell out of her (she panicked)...and an Anaheim policeman going the other way looked over and laughed. I buried my head in my hands and slid WAY down low in the seat...LOL Thanks for making me remember a really cool memory! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Most excellent! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Sam, if you want you can call and practice on me. I'm sure my wife would like to relate how she drove to the local lumber yard, and hauled home 3 bags of sakreat in the trunk of my deuce.
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
How far East??
I've had this pleasure several times.. the best had to be talking to the original owner of the original MYSTERY CHEVELLE!! I have it on tape from the phone! |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
My free advice (you know what that's worth....), would be to be yourself and as honest and casual as possible. The investigative reporter approach could (would)make them uneasy. I try to just follow their lead gently guinding them to the info I want if they don't go there. I try to contain my excitement while still letting them know that the info they are giving me is great and important. Good luck.
Dave |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Personally ... If the person doesn't mind I would video tape the interview... take a Tripod and a Video recorder.. set it up and talk away. That way you get it all. The reactions to pictures, the body language as a story comes to mind and is being told. Much better than just voice and pictures in my opinion.
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
[ QUOTE ]
How far East?? I've had this pleasure several times.. the best had to be talking to the original owner of the original MYSTERY CHEVELLE!! I have it on tape from the phone! [/ QUOTE ] Roanoke, VA is the furthest east I will get. My son and I will be visiting family in Pittsburgh area too. I re-read your "Mystery Chevelle" story (again) and that car and its story are just too cool. That is one tuff looking hombre in its racing trim! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
[ QUOTE ]
Sam, if you want you can call and practice on me. I'm sure my wife would like to relate how she drove to the local lumber yard, and hauled home 3 bags of sakreat in the trunk of my deuce. [/ QUOTE ] Schonyenko - I may have to take you up on your offer. As "Col. Sherman Potter" used to say, "curiosity K.O'd the cat", but I have got to ask: Did she get your permission to do this? And if so, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING! LOL, that's a gem! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif BTW, did you like the car's stance with nearly 200#s of ballast in the a**-end? Did you notice the car hooking any better? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Copo 427 hit the nail on the head. I was able to find the original owner of my 68 camaro, helped me a great deal gave me the original bill of sale for the car and helped me with the restoration. Gave me a sined statement of fact for the car and the 427 Modificatio. He gave me a copy of the record he set with the car in 1969 at the detroit drag strip.he also gave me a copy of a drag racing news papper article when he won top bracket racing eliminator.
then i called the second owner after a lot of research and at first he was very interested and told me that his most memorable racing story was one night he was racing a Hemi Cuda 4 speed,for $100.00 US per gear, a lot of money back in the day. He won the race and at the end of the quarter the fuzz was waiting for them the Black camaro took off the fuzz shot at the car to try to shoot out the tires missed the tires and hit the rear quater. He hid the car for one month and repaired the car himself. He told me that he won everyrace never lost with the 427 going 10.60s he also told me that he had many pics the car racing many time slips. He promised to send me some if I let him drive the car with his son and I in the car. I told him anytime. I sent him pics of the resto. the last time I spoke to him (John E.)he told me that he was impressed with the quality of the resto, and comented that if he had the car today he would sell it at the BJ and retire with the proceeds. Everytime I called He was never home after that. conversation.I have mountins of paperwork for the car though it would be nice to get that extra history. good luck PJ |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] How far East?? I've had this pleasure several times.. the best had to be talking to the original owner of the original MYSTERY CHEVELLE!! I have it on tape from the phone! [/ QUOTE ] Roanoke, VA is the furthest east I will get. My son and I will be visiting family in Pittsburgh area too. I re-read your "Mystery Chevelle" story (again) and that car and its story are just too cool. That is one tuff looking hombre in its racing trim! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif [/ QUOTE ] Sam I was just in Sunny Calif. for a mini vacation and went to visit that Tough Hombre!! I had never met in person the new owner, but we are friends through email and phone calls since the sale back in 1999... I was 20 mins away from where he lives and went over to meet him and he handed me the keys immediately!!! All I can say is what I have always said to everyone .. That is one incredibly FAST CAR!!! I have owned some 66's but that one is BADDDD to the bone, snap you back in your seat in every gear and I got the nod from the new owner to drive it like I always drove it when I owned it... and so I did!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif What a thrill! Mike |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
PJ,
You mentioned...." Gave me a sined statement of fact for the car". I am interested in what things you included in the statement. Did you have it notarized? <font color="blue"> Curious what others think about signed statements/affidavits from original owners. </font> |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Mike,
That had to be one excellent trip down memory lane. I appreciate that some folks may have mixed/bad feelings about seeing their old rides. Doesn't seem to have bothered you. Probably good to know that it has a good home. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
I'm having a hard time getting this out of my head...
"1. Ask if their Mom or Dad ever had to drive it for them. My Grandmother (on my Dad's side, a sturdy Polish woman) had to take my Uncle's '70 SS350 4sp Camaro (w/sidepipes and L60 or M50-15's on slots) on an errand once and got pulled over by a cop. My Grandfather (on my Mom's side) took my other Uncle's '68 Coronet R/T out while the son was in Vietnam. He, too, was pulled over by a policeman, because by the time he gave it enough gas to "even out the idle" he was 20mph over the limit. Both Grandparents were let off with warnings by the surprised officers. (I would KILL for a picture of my Grandmother driving that Camaro)" The visual imagery is PRICELESS! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
No she didn't. I was at work, and she needed the sakreat to set the swing set in. The kids ratted her out. I think one thing you'll find is that none of us took these cars all that seriously back in the day. They were kinda special, but were your tranportation. When I was playin in the band, I just threw the amp, and bass in the back seat, and away we went. Now you have to call specialty companies like SMS to get the seat material that you tossesd your stuff on. Remember too, Vietnam was going on, and those of us who were draft age were kinda livin the day.Future planning was not necessarily in your own hands. Had I known that I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
It's funny you should ask about an original owner interview, as I'm planning one now. Here are a few of the questions I'm going to ask:
>What factors made you decide to buy that kind of car? >What options did you choose and why were they important to you? >Describe any changes you made to the car through it's life and why. >Describe the days events when you picked up the car. >What was the first driving experience like? >Describe some of the times when you "played" with it on the street. >Did you even take it down the track, and if so what were the times? Did you save any time slips? That's just a few ideas for you. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gifVerne |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Excellent tips Verne. Thanks! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
And don't forget to ask if they have any old files and/or paperwork from the car also spare parts that may still be around...those original bias ply tires Dad hated and swapped also dead alternator etc may still be in the shed?.
Good luck Sam!. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif ~ Pete |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
"Had I known that I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."
Amen, Schony |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
[ QUOTE ]
PJ, You mentioned...." Gave me a sined statement of fact for the car". I am interested in what things you included in the statement. Did you have it notarized? <font color="blue"> Curious what others think about signed statements/affidavits from original owners. </font> [/ QUOTE ] When I bought the car it was in pieces and Tony whom I purchased it from did all he leg work to find the origional owner.He and his son were going to restore the car,untill his son discovered you know what?? He gave me the signed and witness statement and the origional bill of sale for the car. The statement contains when ordered the car, colour, options,m22 488,4 core rad, stereo multilex, tinted windows,delux interior.the statement has the vin number and it also states that 2 weeks after taking delivery of the car he took it down to Motion and had a 427 short block instaled in the car and for motion to return the 396 375 HP short block returned to him.I have also had 2 local car guys confirmed the motion modification. they also told me the car had a real bad reputation in Windsor ontario.I also have the GM Canadian documentation for the car. The original owner asked for nothing and volunteered the information great car guy.He has a legendary reputation in his area for drag racing.I wish he would chime in as he is a wealth of iformation to our hobby.He was there and was at the top of drag racing seen. If you are reading this Barry we realy would apreciate your input. Peter |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
[ QUOTE ]
"Had I known that I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself." Amen, Schony [/ QUOTE ] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif Yeah, I know a few other people on this site that say that fairly often! (and they ain't all guys!) https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/crazy.gif [ QUOTE ] >What factors made you decide to buy that kind of car? >What options did you choose and why were they important to you? >Describe any changes you made to the car through it's life and why. >Describe the days events when you picked up the car. >What was the first driving experience like? >Describe some of the times when you "played" with it on the street. >Did you even take it down the track, and if so what were the times? Did you save any time slips? [/ QUOTE ] Ah Verne; if you only knew how many times I've answered those questions. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
[ QUOTE ]
And don't forget to ask if they have any old files and/or paperwork from the car also spare parts that may still be around...those original bias ply tires Dad hated and swapped also dead alternator etc may still be in the shed?. Good Point Pete on the parts. I remember talking some years back to the original owner of my 66 showing him some pictures. He came out with that is not the original air cleaner or tension pulley. I almost jumped and said yes they are since they were 100% 66 l-72 correct.I said what do you mean. He said they look like the ones that were on her new but I took them off they are on the wall in the shed we will get them before you leave they belong back where they came from. He kept them all those years and would not take a penny for them even aftre telling him what they were worth back then. I ended up mailing him a gift cert to a local restraunt. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif since I just could not take the idler and this air cleaner for nothing. You never know what some people have kept off their cars. |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
After we bought our '69 SS396, I got in touch with the original owner. He told me that it was the best phone call that he had received in years. We later met him at the Waterdown, Ontario car show and had a great visit. He had built another '69 when the tracking down of his original car reached a dead end. Our car had about 12 previous owners and I have spoken to four of them. Never had any problems. The guy who was forced to sell his Chevelle might be a little bitter, but you never know until you call.
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Hands down, the BEST original owner interview would be with a guy just like that, who is thrilled to hear from the present owner..............and he "wants" to take a trip down memory lane......... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif
After I bought my one owner '62 a few years ago,(the owner had died a year earlier) I tracked down his best high school and post-high school buddy in Jersey City. I drove up there in my other '62 that I've owned since '68, picked him up and brought him back to my place to see the car again. I wanted him to sit in front of a '62 dash board again for an hour to get the old memory muscles working again. I recorded everything he could remember while he was here, either at the kitchen table with photos or in the shop walking around the car. What an experience!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gifVerne |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
" I wanted him to sit in front of a '62 dash board again for an hour to get the old memory muscles working again " Boy, if that don't get you in the right frame of mind. Nice touch, Verne.
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Actually Sam, it was bitter-sweet. As we were pulling into my town I got on it a little in 2nd, and he said later that he wasn't really impressed at all with the way it ran. He said "Pete's" car would have killed this car like it was standing still.
OK, I had 3.36s and a stock cam in mine, and "Pete" had the factory 4.11s and a Crower cam, not to mention a dyno tune (I have the receipt for that as well as the cam) The results of the trip were worth the embarrassment though. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gifVerne |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/blush.gif
I'm sure it was more than worth it! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
My original owner story involved a little detective work: From speaking with the guy I bought the car from he believed the car was sold new in Virginia, Maryland, or DC back in 1969. I did title searches in all three areas and the only one that retained old records was Maryland. They sent me the microfiched copy of the title transfer from when the original owner sold the car to owner #2 in 1977. BINGO! Unfortunately the original owner's name was essentially the Hispanic version of John Smith and there were literally 10,000 of them in the area I was searching. I made a list and started calling every one. The first question I would ask when they picked up the phone was: Hi did you own a 69 Indy 500 Pace Car back in 1969?
On the second call down the list, I hit the jackpot: It just happened to be to the original owner! He was more excited than I was and invited me down to visit and even had his son scan in all the photos of the car from when it was new, on his honeymoon, when they brought their first child home from hospital in the car, etc. He also told me where he bought the car new: Bob Peck Chevrolet in Arlington, Virginia. (They've been in business for over 60 years) I went there and they actually still had the original sales invoice on file in their attic archives. The lesson is: Never give up! |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
and sometimes you must be persistent,when contacting the previous owners.the second time I called the house of the second owner his mother still lived there and would not give John the message. So I told her 6 months latter that I was an old shool friend and had lost contact with him
Bingo gave me the numer. It did not produce the results I wanted in the end OH well it was worth it. maybe John E. will some day change his mind and send me some copies of the info. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif Peter |
Re: Original Owner Interviews.
I bot a car that had been bounced around pretty frequently that was quite well documented and had a copy of the original title. I decided to track down the fella and started with directory assistance with the name and address on the title. First # I got his mother answered the phone and said wait a minute and next thing I am talking to the original owner. Noone had bothered to contact him since he sold the car in the eighties. He was delighted to talk about his old ride and provided vintage pix, repair manual, speed parts, stories, and time slips. You never know... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif
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Re: Original Owner Interviews.
Sam
thats great, too bad that all people are not the same. If it was my car someone called me about i would bend over backwards to help him or her. The refusal to help someone find the history of the car speaks volumes about what kind of person he or she is, that would refuse to help. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif There is a name for someone like that. I will not lower my self to their standards. Peter |
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