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?

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

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.

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