My Muscle Car
Fox Body Mustang
I was 16 years old, I was driving my first car - a 1994 Honda Civic DX Hatchback with a very wild sound system (might have contributed to my bad hearing). I landed my first job, which was as a sandwich ARTIST at Subway. This is where I met my friend, Kurt, and where I fell in love with Fox Body Mustangs.
Kurt, another 16 year old, rocked two things: a red mullet and a Mustang 5.0 LX. It had an intake, gears, and an exhaust on it, and to us, it was the god of the streets.
In reality, I think it ran 14s, but compared to what most cars were doing at the time, it was a time machine. I wanted a 5.0 SO bad.
My parents wouldn’t let me get one. Thought I’d get into a little trouble. I ended up getting a 1966 Mustang, because they felt it was less menacing. A year or two after that, I got my grail, a 1993 Mustang 5.0, and my parents got their nightmares fulfilled, as I indeed got into a bit of trouble.
The most trouble was getting caught racing (still surprised I only got caught once). The funniest trouble came from close to home.
The neighborhood made a petition against my car, because they felt it was too loud (it sounded so damn good). I still believe they were actually mad with the loud truck that ripped around in the neighborhood, not me. I was always polite and mindful of how I drove in the neighborhood, making sure to not bother anyone.
That is until a cop came to my house because of the petition, to check that I made the modification to my exhaust to quiet it down. I asked who started the complaint, he pointed to the house (I’m still surprised he told me).
Later that day, I pulled up to that guy’s house and blessed him with a large burnout.
I figured if I was gonna be in trouble, I might as well earn it.
That car had all the fixins - heads, cam, gears, and a 100 shot of nitrous. I loved it.
In fact, I love everything about 5.0s. I love how they look. I love the plasticky interior. I love how they smell when you hop into one on a hot summer day (they all have this musty scent).
They are the muscle car of my youth, and I’ve gotta own one again one day.
The real question is going to be: What motor is going in it?
The OG
Common Projects Achilles
My Alden Indy video is funnily my most controversial because I said they are great boots. I had a ton of people who don’t own them come out of the woodwork and tell me how wrong I am. I’m likely going to do a video on Common Projects, and I fully expect the same reaction. Probably worse, actually.
People love to talk about how overpriced Common Projects are and how there are so many other sneakers out there that are better-built.
These people are right.
BUT
I still believe this is the most beautiful sneaker ever made. Common Projects created this genre. Shit, companies have been built on duplicating their look for less.
They all miss though.
What Common Projects does better than everyone else is a perfect, sleek silhouette.
Common Projects Achilles are simply a design marvel for me. They are greater than the sum of their parts.
Built on a dress shoe last, the proportions of these are absolutely stunning. A centimeter or two difference in the width or in the size of the sole takes these from being sleek to an orthopedic shoe. I would know because my first pair was a very well-made knock-off, and they looked TERRIBLE.
I bought my first pair of CPs 6 years ago. I just got my second pair this week.
Unlike great boots and dress shoes, you aren’t going to own these for decades. They are absolutely a ridiculous purchase. But visually, they are just too good.
p.s. I’ve bought both pairs on DEEP sale from END Clothing. Best prices I’ve found on them.
p.p.s. You’ll always find strange colored versions on sale. If you’re gonna get them, just pay a little more for the white ones. They are the ones you really want anyway and go with everything, unlike the salmon colored ones you’re considering for $50 less.
If ya need a new belt…
Tory Leather Spur Belt
I stumbled upon this via Die, Workwear (so many great finds here, btw). He mentioned this is “the belt everyone is wearing.” So I investigated.
Many of you know my background, but for those who don’t, I had a leather goods business for several years. I have a pretty good lay of the land when it comes to leathers, materials, tools, etc., because I was on a quest for the best.
It took me about 10 seconds to confirm that this belt is a really good deal:
Brass or Nickel Spur Buckle (this looks great)
Wickett and Craig Bridle Leather - a US tannery that has been around since the 1800s - Solid stuff.
Under $60
I kinda can’t believe the price. This is a fraction of the price I was charging for mine.
Note: This is a 1” belt - skinnier than most, so keep that in mind.
I pretty much solely use leather products that are mine, but I’d totally snag one of these. Solid deal.
Quote I’m Pondering
“The magic you're looking for is in the work you're avoiding.” - Chris Williamson
Song I’m listening to
Melissa - Allman Brothers Band
p.s. Are you subscribed to my YouTube Channel where I go in depth on all of this kind of stuff??? You should be.
p.p.s. Some of these links toss me a commission without costing you any extra. This goes to buying more things so I can talk about them. and g wagons.
Cheers!
Dominic
Great story about your Mustang. That car sounded super rowdy. My brother had a '91 LX that I used to take out and it was. I know exactly what you mean about the smell. We must be around the same age because your stories remind me of my youth. Cheers!