Information on:
The Cars of Cross Members
Owner:  Vickie Grooms   Church:  Covenant Bible Church, Lincolnton, NC
400 cu / My first cousin ordered the car new from a dealership in Charlotte in the Spring of 1968.  He wanted a 3-speed automatic with factory air, convertible, stereo system, hidden headlights, Hurst his & hers shift, red-line tires, and as many of the extras as he could afford.  He lived in a condo in New York and had to use the parking deck.  The car got scratched a couple of times and because of that he offered to sell it to me in December of 1969.  I have owned the car since.  I picked up my wife on our first date in the car.  Drove it for about nine years.  It's been in dozens of parades and many, many beach trips.  Some favorite memories were cruising downtown Myrtle Beach and Ocean Drive on Saturday nights.  In 1978 we had our first child and I felt I needed to park it.  In 2007, John Dellinger and his son from Crouse, NC completed a frame-off restoration.  Put it back to original. (color and all)  I drive it now on special occasions and when the weather is good.  I'm fortunate enough to have won a couple of car shows but most of all, just love the feel of being in the driver's seat again.  In 2012, I changed it to a 4-speed.  I kept all the original transmission, gears, shift, etc.  Looking forward to cruising with our Cross Members organization and the good group of car guys and girls. 
Owners:  Tim & Debbie Edwards   Church:  Cross Pointe Baptist Church, Concord, NC
​This standard model 1995 Nissan XE two-door short bed pick up truck, came equipped  with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine.  The truck is equipped with heat and air and features an R4 transmission.  The wheels are stock slotted chrome 14 inch, with added chrome spinners.  My brother-in-law purchased the truck new and recently sold it to me.  Since the purchase, I have lowered the truck three inches  (front and rear) repainted the exterior in its original color, and restored the vehicle to like-new condition.  To modernize the truck, the rear step-bumper has been removed and replaced with a roll pan, painted to match the body.   A hidden trailer hitch behind the license plate completed the process.  The truck has been detailed to show quality. 
Music:  "See the USA in a Chevrolet" by Dinah Shore
1955 Chevrolet   Owners:  Tim & Debbie Edwards  
​Church:  Cross Pointe Baptist Church, Concord, NC
55 Chevrolet hardtop was purchased in 2006 as a driver but decided to do an off frame restoration in 2008.  Car was restored by neighbor who lives one mile from me and a painter/body man at Freightliner in Cleveland, North Carolina.  55 was restored to like new condition with new ZZ 4 350 cubic inch engine, 700r4 transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes, sway bars and shock package, to handle as close to Corvette as possible.  Interior by Carolina Classic and tires/wheels from Punchy Whitaker.  My first car was a 55 hardtop and I always wanted to have another one.  I never dreamed it would be as nice as this one.
"Zovia"  Owner:  Lavell Hall   Church:   Boger City United Methodist Church, Lincolnton, NC
​Affectionately referred to as "Zovia" (taken from Z-0-roman numeral 6-VI) -  this atomic orange beast, a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 came race ready out of the box -  featuring a short-throw,  6-speed gear box mated to a 427 cubic inch,  505 hp power plant with 470 lbs. of foot torque at 4800 rpm.  Top speed:  198 mph on the test track...0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds... a quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 125 mph.   The race-inspired push button start is the beginning of "Zovia's" power to thrill!!!  The ebony leather interior features Z06 logos embroidered on the headrest.  The head up display projects speed, engine rpm, g-force data, fuel levels, stereo information and more on the windshield.  She rolls on Z06 polished aluminum 18" front, and 19" rear factory wheels, on Goodyear Eagle F1 supercar tires.  "Zovia" originally hails from Texas, and I am the second proud owner of this awe inspiring piece of Chevrolet technology.  Currently at 21 thousand miles / purchase date:  December 28, 2011
1951 Mercury   Owner:  Don Brafford    Church:   Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, Concord, NC
​​My love for 51 Mercurys goes back a long way.  Carolyn and I went on our honeymoon in a 51 Mercury.  I have owned the present 51 Mercury since 2009.  The car came from California to Illinois to Kannapolis.  Since I purchased it, I have repainted it, refurbished the interior with new carpet and rebuilt the flathead engine.  I had to redo some things to my liking upon purchasing.  I removed the  sidepipes, put it back to stock height, and in general put it back to stock like I knew as a young man.  It has a 5 speed Mustang straight drive transmission that produces good gas mileage.  It rides great and it is a joy to drive.  It gets lots of looks. 
"Pearly Mae"  Owners:   Joe & Deanie Morris  Church:  St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Lincolnton, NC
​Developed during the union of Daimler and Chrysler, this 2006 Pearl Yellow roadster shares 80% of its components with the Mercedes-Benz SLK 320.  The black convertible top, with charcoal and beige leather interior, combines for a stunning sports car presentation.  This rear wheel drive,  limited edition Crossfire is powered by a 3.2 liter V-6 engine, with a 5-speed automatic transmission.  The front wheels are 18 inch Satin Silver Aluminum, while the rear wheels, made of the same materials, are a modest 1 inch larger.  The automatic speed controlled rear spoiler positions itself when a speed of 60 mph is reached to force a down-draft to the rear of the car, automatically returning to its closed position when the car slows to 30 mph.  Chrylser's presentation of the Crossfire proves beauty and intimidation can be achieved through inspiration.  We are the second owners of this low-mileage beauty, purchasing it in April of 2010. 
1999 Pontiac Trans Am 30th Anniv.  Edition  Owners:  Mike & Beverly Moore  Church:  Boger City Baptist, Lincolnton, NC                
This special edition car celebrates 30 years of the Trans Am and the paint scheme is similar to the original Trans Am produced in 1969.  This car was also the official pace car of the Daytona 500 in 1999.  Only 1600 of the 1999 anniversary Trans Ams were produced.  There were 1,065 coupes with T-Tops and 535 convertibles produced each of which were individually numbered.  This car is fully equipped with a 4 speed automatic transmission and is number 128 of 1600. 
"Gomer"       Owner:  Lavell Hall           Church:  Boger City United Methodist, Lincolnton, NC
Do​ you remember playing Army in the sand pile as a youngster?  Remember invading your buddy's territory with your little green plastic soldiers - driving their little green military vehicles?  These tough soldiers, as well as their military mode of transportation were indestructible.  My dream to own a military jeep dates back to those youthful days growing up in Lowesville, NC.  "Pap" purchased this 1955 Willys M38 A1 military jeep at a living estate auction in West Jefferson, NC in November of 2013.  Immediately upon seeing it, I laid claim to it should he ever decide to sell it.  The call came the following August, as Pap opted to sell the Willys and purchase a 1930 Model A Ford.  The small green plastic toy model of my youth, had now been replaced with an authentic, full-size, ready for combat, genuine military jeep - older than I!  This heavy duty piece of American military history is powered by a 4 cylinder, 72 horsepower "Hurricane" F-head 134 I-4 T engine - mated to a T-90 3-speed transmission.  It boasts a 24 volt electrical system and 4-wheel drive.  The M38 came with an underwater ventilating system.  The installation of the deep water fording kit enabled this military machine to drive through water up to 74 inches deep.  It's all heavy duty metal and iron (manufactured in the era when Detroit was really making vehicles - no plastic to be found!) and weighs an incredible 2,665 pounds.  Because of it's government military heritage, this M38 had no VIN number, having never been titled in it's 60 year existence.  After a lengthy and involved process  with the NCDMV, this vehicle manufactured in 1955 was issued it's first VIN number, and titled for the first time in November of 2014.  "Gomer" as it is affectionately referred to, is a "blast" (no pun intended) to drive and always attracts a lot of attention - especially from military veterans.  The M38 model jeep was the fore-runner of the present day jeep.  The M38 A1 model introduced the "round fender" style military jeep - which would eventually become the very popular Jeep CJ5. Sporting it's original military olive drab color, "Gomer" rolls on military standard drop-center 16 inch wheels, mounted on military NDT (non-directional tread) 7 x 16 tires.  I'm thrilled to be the care-taker of such a rare piece of American history.  The fact that it was Pap's, makes ownership just a little more special.  Purchase date:  August 7, 2014.  "Gomer" was featured in the July 2017 edition of Reminisce Extra Magazine, and also on the TV Show "Dream Rides".
            In Memory of Jerry
 ​               Vickie Grooms'

1968 GTO​​​
Tim & Debbie Edwards'
1995 Nissan
          Lavell  Hall''s  
2007 Corvette Z06
​aka "Zovia"​
             In Memory of Carolyn
           Don Brafford's ​

       1951 Mercury​
                Mike & Beverly Moore's 
          1999 Trans-Am​
           Coach's
​1955 Willys

        M38  A1​
Military Jeep​​​aka"Gomer"​
Joe & Deanie Morris'   " Pearly Mae"
2006 Crossfire​
Owner:  Lavell Hall                   Church:  Boger City United Methodist, Lincolnton, NC
Aerodynamic features, a fastback coupe with a split rear window design and new passenger comforts - these were just a few of the exciting new features found in the 1963 Corvette.  Chevrolet​'s styling and engineering divisions hit the mark with their radical changes for '63.   This "Little Red Corvette" was purchased in Denver, NC in 1998 by Cross Member Joe Morris and sold to its current owner, Cross Member Lavell Hall in November of 2018.  It no longer has its original drive-train. It does boast a small block GM 350 cubic inch power plant mated to a manual 5-speed Tremec Transmission, with a new 373 rear end.  A recent "frame-off" restoration included a 330 horsepower crate engine, new front & rear suspensions, new wiring system throughout, a quartz clock conversion, a bluetooth compatible stereo system with new speakers, tilt steering wheel - with 4-way flashers, Vintage Air Conditioning, disc brakes, electronic ignition, fuel injection, finished off with a Flowmaster Delta Flow 40 series exhaust system - producing a dynamic performance sound.  The 42-month, frame-off restoration by David Gilbert, of Hickory, NC was completed on September 29, 2022.  The red exterior matched with a traditional black interior makes for a stunning  and traditional Corvette presentation.  Stock turbine Kelsey Hayes wheels with knock-off spinners on Maxxis 205 70R 15 white wall tires gives this restomod Corvette a period-correct stock look. The iconic "split window" design makes this rare beauty a very desirable piece of Chevrolet history.  Of the second-generation Corvettes, the '63 is no doubt the most coveted and sought after model.  I realize just how blessed I am to be the care-taker of "Josephine" and her "split personality".   She IS the original American Idol!
          Coach's  Josephine
  1963 Corvette​​​       aka "Split Personality"​
"Pap" & Linda's
1930 Model A Ford
Pam & Randy Poole's
1969 Chevy 
"Black Sally"   Owner:  Lavell Hall    
​Church:  Boger City Methodist, Lincolnton, NC
​This 2013 FORD MUSTANG comes with a V6 Premium Performance Package featuring a 3.7L Ti-VCT engine pumping out 305 horses and the perfect note from the X-pipe dual Flowmaster exhaust system.  This "Blue Oval" product is true to its heritage  -   Mustang V6 is all Mustang!   This 2013 tribute to its hugely popular predecessor - the 1970 Mach 1, grabs your attention and takes you back in time with it's retro features.  Beginning with 1970 Mach 1 sport-lamps in the grill, continuing with the hood  scoop and clamps, the Mach 1 badging on the lower front fenders and trunk lid, the rear spoiler, and finishing with the Mach 1 logo script on the passenger side dash. The over-sized Cooper Tires, the Crager chrome wheels, and the  Mach 1 license plate on the front bumper completes the transformation.  The DNA of the 1970 Mach 1 is definitely evident throughout this 2013 re-creation!  Had Ford chosen to continue with the extremely popular Mach 1 production line, I like to think this car represents what they would have developed
.
Lavell' Hall's "Black Sally"
2013 Mustang - Mach 1 Tribute
​​
Owners:  Finley & Linda Hodges    Church:  Mt. Lebanon Baptist, Vilas, NC
The Ford Model A was the second huge success for the Ford Motor Company, after its predecessor the Model T.  First produced on October 20, 1927, but not sold until December 2, it replaced the venerable Model T, which had been produced for 18 years.   This 87 year old Tudor body style sporting it's original signature green color, originally had a sticker price of $500.00!  In March of 1930 Model A sales, including  all nine body styles, hit the three million mark.  Model A production ended in March of 1932, after 4, 858,644 had been made in all body styles.
"Silver Queen"   Owners:  Randy & Pam Poole  
​Church:  St. Luke's Lutheran, Lincolnton, NC 
Purchased December, 1969  /  She has a 350 - 300 3-speed.  A SS with matching numbers and we still have the original spare tire.  She was our "first child" and was fully restord and returned back into action in January 2016.  This was my daily driver for 12 years.​
Scott & Lisa Rabideau's
1928 Ford Tudor Model A​     
Owners:  Scott & Lisa Rabideau 
​Church:  Temple Baptist, Lenoir, NC
I remember as a child I would disassemble my Matchbox cars and  reassemble them.  When asked why I did that, I would say, "I wanted to make an old car run and handle like a new sports car".  (that was a 1960's sports car)  This 1928 Ford Model A Tudor is literally the fulfillment of that dream.  This all steel Street Rod has a polished Mustang II front suspension, 700R4 L 60 transmission with a B&M race kit and a 9" Ford rear end with 3.73 gears.  Under the hood I built a 1964 Corvette 327 300 HP engine bored .30 over, Competition Cams Magnum 270H cam, Edelbrock Polished Performance Aluminum heads.  Pete Jackson Timing Gears, Aluminum Roller Rockers, Polished Edelbrock 650 carburetor, Stainless headers and exhaust,  and much more.  Needless to say, it runs and handles like a modern 2017 sports car.  We love this little car and enjoy cruising in it.  ​
Tim & Debbie Edwards'
1951 Chevy Truck​
Terry & Jane Edwards'
2002 Mercedes Benz SLK 230​
Owners:  Terry & Jane Edwards      Church: Daniels Lutheran
​Lincolnton, NC
​After a decision was made to sell our previous car, a 1967 Chevy Impala Coupe, Jane and I talked about what our next "toy car" would be.  We thought about a two seat sports car.  Within a few months we had an opportunity to purchase the SLK roadster from a fellow club member.  The SLK 230 is a hardtop convertible and is powered by a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder supercharged engine producing 185 horsepower linked to a 5-speed automatic transmission.  Options include air conditioning, power-steering, windows, seats, AM/FM stereo, etc.  Color is Silver Metallic with black leather interior.  Wheels are 7"x16" front and 8"x16" rear which provides superb handling through the SLK's performance suspension.  The SLK roadster is a new driving experience for us and we look forward to many enjoyable cruising days ahead.
1951 Chevrolet 3100    Owners: Tim & Debbie Edwards
Church:  Cross Pointe Baptist, Concord, NC​
Owner:  Lavell Hall    Church:  Boger City Methodist, Lincolnton, NC​
My fascination with hardtop convertibles finally got the best of me.  On ​July 23, 2019 I purchased this little package of fun - a two-seat Mercedes Benz hardtop roadster - aka "Black Jack".  The SLK impresses with its quick sporty handling dynamics, its sleek exterior design, as well as its luxurious sports car feel.  
Lavell  Hall's
2009 Mercedes Benz slk300​
Brian & Gayle Ridge's
1958 Chevy Impala​
"Pap" & Linda Hodges'
     1955 Chevrolet​


Owners:  Finley & Linda Hodges   
Church:  Mt. Lebanon Baptist, Vilas, NC

"Pap's 55"
This gypsy red and shoreline beige hardtop  beauty was purchased in 2017 at the Auto Fair in Charlotte, NC.  After a lengthy restoration process that included the addition of power steering & disc brakes, electronic ignition, a new exhaust system, and vintage air conditioning,  it is now dependable and ready for the road.  ​​I really enjoy driving this beautiful piece of bow-tie history around the hills of Boone, NC.
Owners:  Scott & Lisa Rabideau                                                                            Church:  Temple Baptist, Lenoir, NC​
C10, The Rest of The Story​
The ​​story begins when I was a child.  My dad had a Chevy C10 pickup that I just loved.  Dad has always regretted getting rid of that old truck.  I learned to drive on that old truck.  All my life I have longed to own a C10 pickup of my own so that my dad and  could once again cruise in it.  I always envisioned it being clear coated to preserve the original patina.   About one and a half years ago, I found the perfect C10 in Kings Mountain, NC.  It was a 1971 Chevy C10 Custom 10 with great patina.  The original 307 motor in it had seen it's better days.  That did not break my heart, since I wanted a stronger more reliable motor anyway.  So I purchased a new balanced and blueprinted LS1, 5.7L, 350 motor that produces a dyno proven 384.3 HP and 404 ft. lb. of torque.  I lowered the truck 4" in the rear and 3" in the front.  After replacing everything between the lug nuts (including the lug nuts) on the running gear, installing power steering, power brakes and the new LS1, I then sprayed the exterior with KBS Diamond Clear.  I must say it turned out to be exactly what I had envisioned for all those years.  It drives and handles like a dream and actually rides much better than my Model A does.   Here's the real neat and amazing part.  When I went to the tag office to get a license plate for it, I just took what they handed me without looking at it.  When I arrived home and installed it on the C10, I just about fell over.  You see the first three letters of my plate are FJR.  My dad's initials are FJR!   Dad and I really love this truck!
            Scott & Lisa Rabideau's 
                  1971 Chevy C10​
Owner:  Lavell Hall                                               Church:  Boger City Methodist​​​​​​​​​​​                                                    Lincolnton, NC​
Purchase Date:  July 15, 2020  /  119,086 original miles​
This true one-owner,  H-code 1969 F-100 was purchased new on August 8, 1968 in Statesville, NC.  It remained there for 52 years.  On July 15, 2020, I purchased it and brought it to nearby Lincolnton and gave it the name "Ranger Roy".   It is an extremely solid truck, with absolutely no rattles or squeaks.   It's readily evident it has been pampered throughout its existence.   Under the hood of this classic Ford pickup sits the original 390C.I. V8 engine, equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor, mated to a smooth automatic transmission and a 3.70 rear end. Along with that massive powerplant, it came stock with creature comforts such as factory air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes.   It also features sport factory bed rails.   This stunning piece of Ford history is the highly sought after 115” short wheelbase model.  The exterior is finished in correct Raven Black color that really makes this F100 stand out in a crowd.  Proudly displaying its Ranger badging, this model was the top of the line trim level in it's day, and it shows in the beautiful black interior highlighted with chrome and wood grain accents. 
I have installed a new wooden bed flooring, headliner, Flowmaster Exhaust System, a Bluetooth compatible stereo system, and new 265 / 75/ R15 Cooper Tires and 15" Cragar SS wheels.  
My favorite memory of classic Ford trucks involves another black 1969 Ford Ranger F100 that was extremely similar to this one.  It was owned by one of my former student's dad.  When his son became 16, his dad gifted him with his '69 Ford Ranger.  This former student and I were very close friends and shared a love of old vehicles.  Following a lengthy illness, he passed away in 2012.  I wanted to recreate the truck he loved so dearly as a tribute to his memory.  Following his death in 2012, his dad and I became close friends, bonding over the loss of his son and our love of old vehicles, especially 1969 Ford Ranger pick-ups.  Tragically in 2020, an unexpected Covid related death took the life of the dad.   "Ranger Roy"  brings back special memories of my two good friends, and the great times we shared.​​
                    Coach's
       1969 Ford Ranger  F  100
            aka "Ranger Roy"​​
             In Memory of :
  Johnny Wayne & Johnny Aaron
              Rollins​​​
Owner:  Don Brafford                                                             Church:  Mt. Olivet Methodist, Concord, NC
            Don Brafford's 
             1940 Ford​
Coach's 
1940 Ford ​
"Matilda"          Owner:  Lavell Hall                      Church:  Boger City Methodist, Lincolnton, NC 

​​This 1940 Ford is proof that dreams do come true.  Since I was a youngster growing up in Lowesvile, NC, I dreamed of owing two very special cars - a 1963 "split-window" Corvette, and a 1940 "split-window" Ford coupe.  Having purchased the Corvette in November of 2018, the dream was completed when The Lord blessed me with the opportunity to purchased "Matilda - aka Tilley" on December 19, 2020.  Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, this  '40 Ford Standard coupe is  beautifully finished in Tuxedo Black, with excellent chrome all around.  The interior, as well as the trunk area is done exceptionally well in pleated burgundy leather.  Classic Dolphin Quad gauges housed in a custom insert set perfectly into the factory dash.  The interior package is complete with period-correct knobs.  A dynamic quad-speaker stereo system housed in the glove box is an added creature comfort.   For safety purposes, turn signals and four-way flashers have been added.  "Tilley" is powered by a 239ci flathead V8 engine that was rebuilt in 2009 and has just over 2k miles since the rebuild.  As an upgrade, disc brakes and air shocks were recently installed.  She has been converted to a 12 volt system and boast an MSD electronic ignition for substantially more firepower.  The factory "3-on-the-tree" column shift is mated to the 3-speed manual transmission.  She rolls on 15" tires mounted on steel wheels with stock "dog-dish" hubcaps and trim rings.  Back in the day, hopped-up flathead '40 Fords with their large trunks, were a favorite mode of transportation for "Moonshiners" running from the "Revenuers".  The "souped-up" flathead V8s more times than not, proved to be a viable match for the police and "Revenuers" with their stock engines.   To pay homage back to the "good old days of runnin' 'shine",  Tilley comes complete with a wooden crate display, filled with 5 clear, one-gallon "finger-hole glass jugs", tucked snuggly away in her trunk.  Ol' Junior Johnson would be proud!
"Tilley"
"Resto-Rat"              Owners:  Chris & Diedre Cook Church:                   Temple Baptist, Lenoir, NC

Purchased in August of 2019, this 1968 Ford Country Sedan comes complete with 95% of its original paint, providing the inspiration for its nickname - "Resto-Rat".  It's owner completed the vast majority of the work himself during a span of 13 months.  His outstanding craftsmanship included a frame-off and suspension restoration.  That restoration included a hefty 5.0, 2015 Mustang engine with a GT350 throttle body and air intake​​ being installed, along with a MT-82 six
​speed manual transmission swap.  It boast a rack and pinion steering conversion.  A 26-gallon fuel take was added.  Custom tweed seat upholstery using the factory seat frames was installed.  Other creature comforts include:  Heated front seats, air conditioning, new dash display, a 5-speaker sound system with blue-tooth capability.  This family-friendly beast  is a cool family cruiser.  Exactly what it was designed for!
Keith & Miranda's
1966 Ford Mustang​
Keith & Miranda's
1966 Chevy Nova​
Jim & Marilyn's 1941 Chevrolet​
Coach's 1956 Chevy Bel Air    "Bella"​
Owner:  Lavell Hall                        Lincolnton, NC
​This 1956 Chevrolet and I share the same manufacturing year!  I was born November 15, 1956 and this tri-five classic Chevy rolled off GM's assembly line the same year.  It had always been a dream of mine to own a 1956 Bel Air because that was the year of my birth.  That dream was realized on January 17, 2023 when "Bella" was purchased and moved to Lincolnton, NC from Springfield, Ohio.

Affectionately named "Bella", (taken from the Bel Air model moniker) ​​this 1956 Chevrolet has undergone a complete and thorough restoration process.  Extensive efforts were made to maintain the stock appearance and this was accomplished, as she looks and performs as though she just rolled out of the GM manufacturing facility in 1956.  While maintaining the stock appearance inside and out, many upgrades have been made to enhance the performance, dependability, safety and drivability of this iconic tri-five.  Bella is powered by her original 265 V8 Chevrolet powerplant, mated to the original 3-on-the-tree manual transmission.  New power disc brakes have been added, along with electronic ignition, and an alternator system to replace the generator.  A complete rebuild of the rearend, a new radiator, and a new quartz clock round out a few of the many upgrades.   A blue-tooth, AM-FM, USB port radio system with the speakers mounted in the original passenger-side dash bezel, supplies the entertainment.  i

I am so blessed to be the caretaker of this incredible piece of Chevrolet classic machinery.   The fact that we were both manufactured in the same year, provides a special bond! ​​
Owners:  Jim & Marilyn Bassani     Lincolnton, NC
This burgundy and champagne, all steel 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe was purchased in 2006 in New Jersey.  It has a 1991 Corvette engine with TPI, 700 R4 transmission and a 9" Ford rearend, on air ride suspension.  It has vintage air, a backup camera,  power steering, brakes, antennae, and a blue tooth compatible stereo system.