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Restoring a car; revisiting a boyhood
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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - When Phil Schwaab recalls his first car, he needn’t page through old photo albums, shaking his head regretfully as he points to photos of moments he can’t retrieve, wishing he would have held onto a car that defined him in those early years. Unlike those in similar situations, all he needs to do is look as far as his own garage.
Twenty-plus years of easing into a restoration project, through varying levels of motivation, caused this muscle car fan to appreciate the second life he has given to his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. Unlike many who point to an influential person who put them onto to the love of rubber and gasoline, Schwaab doesn’t recall such a moment or person.
“I am not sure where my interest came from,” said Schwaab. “My father was not much of a car guy. To him, a car was a tool, a way to get from point A to point B.”
Schwaab said the car hobby grabbed hold at an early age. By age 14, he started working a job and made a commitment to himself that by age 16 he would have wheels — but not just any.
“I wanted a Mach 1 Mustang to fix up,” said Schwaab. “At some point in time, I gave up the thought of owning a Mach 1 and settled for another pony car, the Camaro.”
It didn’t take long, however, until settling became a passion. Since then, Schwaab has owned four Camaros, including two first-generation models that he still owns and second- and third-generation models.
“I did eventually get a Mustang, but that came via marriage!” said Schwaab.
Schwaab picked up the dilapidated ’68 for $350, about what it costs to fill up in a month these days. He had determined to restore it at some point but was using it for the time to get him to and from college. Schwaab recalls when he finally began to take the car apart; it seemed the project was doomed to failure. At one point, a chimney brush hit the car after a fresh coat of paint had been applied only 24 hours earlier. Problems continued to ensue, making what was supposed to be an enjoyable hobby a headache.
By 1985, Schwaab abandoned the entire project. While he didn’t trash the car, for nearly 10 years, he let it waste away in his mother’s garage. From time to time, he picked up a wrench, and by 1997, the car was back together, though hardly in one piece.
This past winter, a friend approached him about fixing the persistent problems that had plagued the car and Schwaab agreed to let him take a crack.
“He returned the car to me earlier this spring,” said Schwaab. “It was more beautiful than I could have imagined, and it has been pure joy since. Everything works for the first time in probably 15 years!”
What do you drive?
A 1968 Chevy Camaro.
And why do you drive it?
Generally, I drive a Ford F-150 pickup truck to work, although occasionally, I’ll drive the Camaro. I like owning a pickup truck for the convenience, but I hate the commuting costs right now!
What makes this car so special?
It was my first car, and I’ve had it for 30 years. I’ve seen it transition several times over that period.
What’s your most memorable driving experience?
I can’t really think of one. I am driving a piece of history, the golden age of American Muscle, and that just makes it fun to drive.
What was your first vehicle?
This 1968 Camaro!
What’s currently in your CD player?
I believe that Crack the Sky is in my CD player in my truck.
And your first ticket? What was it for?
I believe that it was for a failure to yield in an accident that I allegedly caused in my parents’ 1971 Ford LTD station wagon.
