I Would Like to Share this with everyone

I have a story to tell about a young man that has touched the lives of many car enthusiasts in our hobby. His name is Elijah Ault. I first met Eli at Chrysler’s @ Carlisle in July of 2010 while I was visiting with Rick Gorski from Firecore50. While with Rick, I met a young man who told us about his battle with cancer and how the cancer is affecting his life. He was not complaining about the cancer or how it may be life threatening, he was simply stating the facts and how it has affected his daily activities. But, he still tries to live his life to the fullest, and not let cancer get in his way. This young man was not looking for sympathy, but instead, was looking to extend his hand out to who ever needed help in his path. After a short conversation with Eli, Rick and I went on with prep for the show.

The next morning at Carlisle, I heard that one of the writers for Mopar Collectors Guide, Paul Wilson, had lost his battle with Cancer. Throughout the day, I could not help but think about that young man I had met the day before and his ongoing battle with cancer. Then I bumped into Ed Buczeskie, Events Manager of Chryslers @ Carlisle and he asked me, “What do you know about an enthusiast in CT that is battling Cancer?” At first I wasn’t sure who Ed was referring to, but when he told me the persons name, I knew who he was talking about. I told Ed I had met Eli that weekend and knew only a little about his situation. We continued our conversation about the show and went on our busy ways. The next day Ed and I spent sometime together at a luncheon and again Eli came up. Ed looked at me and said, “WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING FOR HIM! DOES HE HAVE A CAR? WHAT KIND OF CAR? WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!” At that point, I told Ed I would take the lead and get information about Eli, his car and his situation. The weekend passed with great success, Another Chrysler’s @ Carlisle event, even better than the one before.

On my ride home, I could not help but think about Ed’s sense of urgency and need to make sure something gets done, and done quickly. The Tuesday morning after the weekend, I made calls and gathered enough information to present to Ed. Then I called Ed and the process started. Both Ed and I agreed we needed to take this project from delivery to completion in less that 90 days. We had no idea of the condition of Eli’s car, other than it was a 1966 Dart 270 Convertible. Per my conversation with Eli’s best friend, Jack McLean, I knew Eli wanted a V8 installed in it and that was really about it. Ed and I spoke about who could we have do the body work and paint? Who could we get funds from to make this come together? We bounced around many ideas and then went on our day thinking of ways to solve our challenges.

Within a couple of days I received a call from Ed and he said that he found someone that would do all the work at NO CHARGE! Gary and Pam Beineke from 71WingCars.com. Once I heard Gary and Pam were going to be involved in the restoration, I knew this project was going to be a success. I filled Ed in on information Jack had given me, that on July 25, 2010, Eli’s friends were going to have a benefit picnic for him and present Eli with his 1966 Dart that Sandy and Sally Schrader had spent many weeks making road worthy so it could be registered and driven. I contacted Jack and filled him in on the new restoration plan. Jack could not believe what was going to happen.

July 25, the plan was in place, bring my truck and trailer to Eli’s benefit party, talk to Eli and the 50 to 75 people at the party about the plan and then load the Dart and deliver it to Gary and Pam that same evening. The event was filled with happiness and friendship for the young man I had only met weeks ago. I had a chance to visit with his closest friends and understand why Eli is in such great spirits. The love and feelings all of these great people have for him is amazing. I heard stories about how Eli touched each and every one of their lives. The party went on and it was time to fill Eli in on our plan. As we brought the crowd to attention, Eli could not figure out what was going on. I told Eli how he touched my life, along with many other car enthusiasts and friends, and how we were going to do our part to bring his dream car to life, and bring some extra joy to his life and help lift his spirits as he endures his treatments. With tears of joy, Eli could not believe what was happening and was humbled that his friends new and old would do something like this for him. I then explained it was time to deliver his Dart To Gary and Pam Bieneke. We pulled the truck and trailer out of the back of the lot and loaded the Dart. Eli, in his true form, helped with the process from tying down the Dart to closing the door, excited to envision what it would look like the next time he saw his beloved Dart.

The process started with a deadline of completion in under 60 days. Gary, Pam, Ed and myself knew the urgency with this project was set to high. Gary started a wish list of parts and supplies needed, e-mailed it to me, and the calls began.

We should all be fortunate as I am, to be surrounded by the best group of enthusiasts and friends in the car hobby. The list of people that rallied to contribute parts, time, money, supplies and know-how is staggering. The stories and tears that were shed during every phone call I made telling Eli’s story to a friend, vendor or enthusiast are too many to tell.

On, September 19, 2010, day 56 of the build, we presented to Eli and all of his friends new and old, Gary and Pam’s Creation, “Eli’s 1966 Dart Charger.”

Eli’s Friend, Ralph Barbagallo

Contributors

This is what we started with

more

Pete removing the Slant Six.

Fitting the Rally's and checking tire size.

I invite all the people that helped in this build to share Pictures and Stories.

The Big Day. September 19, 2010

Eli waiting....

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Without all of these names this would of never happened

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Thank you to everyone that made this possible.

Eli’s Dart Charger Project Coordinators
SuperCarRaces.com Ralph Barbagallo
71Wingcars.com Gary & Pam Beineke
Chryslers @ Carlisle Event Manager Ed Buczeskie


Donated Parts & Project Labor and Support

*Project Leader
*Coordinator
*Labor
SuperCar Races Ralph Barbagallo


*Project Design
*Fabrication
*Bodywork
*Prep
*Paint
*Assembly
71Wingcars.com Gary & Pam Beineke


*Hood Scoops, Steering Wheel
*Engine Assembly
*Miscellaneous Parts
*Labor
Ed Buczeskie


*Labor
*Engine Assembly
*Wiring
Chuck Buczeskie


*Re-cover Dash Pad
*Re-cover Sun Visors
George (Butchy) Benoit


*Front Bumper Rechrome
Derek Feist DDF Design Customs
LKQ / Keystone


*Grille Restoration
*Tail Panel Restoration
*Bright Trim Repair, Restoration and Refinish
Derek Feist DDF Design Customs



*Bucket Seats
*Exhaust Manifolds
*Adjustable Seat Tracks
*Custom Dual Exhaust
*Alignment
*Mini Starter
*Labor-Front End Rebuild
Greg and Jeff McGovern @ Better Automotive Attleboro, MA

*Design Ideas
*Labor (/6 & 318 Engine removal, and Interior Pulls and Installs)
*Steering Column
*Front Kick Panels
*Oil Filter Adapter
*Shifter Mechanism Fabrication and Install
*Brackets and Pulleys
Pete Christensen


*318 Engine
*904 Transmission
Dave Jacobowitz

*ECU Ignition Box
*Coil
*Voltage Regulator
Bill Corcoran


*Motor Mounts
*Cam and Lifters
*Timing Chain
*Air Cleaner
Mancini Racing


*Be-Cool Radiator
*Coolant
Rick Marko


*Pistol Grip Shifter
Gunslingers


*Plug Wires
Custom Wire Sets/ FireCore Rick Gorski


*Interior Delivery
Ted Thompson
Gary & Rob Augliera


*Labor to Re-cover Bucket Seats
Legendary Auto Interiors


*Wheels
*Centers
*Trim Rings
*Lugs
Specialty Wheel


*Complete Restoration and Refinishing of ALL Chrome Pot Metal Parts
New England Chrome Plating, Dean Malinguaggio / Joe Sokola


*Custom Carpet
*Floor Mats
Pro Fit Auto Interiors, Ricky & Libby Cheek


*Project Parts Pickup and Delivery
*Headlights
Kevin Davey


*Pushrods
*Freeze Plugs
*Windshield Removal & Installation
Howie Pellegrino


*New Windshield
Mygrant Glass (Randolph, MA), Howie Pellegrino and Matt Rause


*BFGoodRich Radial T/A’s
TireRack.com


*Tire Mounting and Balancing
Advanced Imported Auto Repair (Bridgewater, MA), Keith Porges


*Driver Side Remote Mirror
Vans Auto, Duane Schnieder & Tom Zeitlow


*Windshield Washer Bottle
Mega Parts


*Edelbrock Carburetor
*Water Pump
*Alternator
*Additional Engine Parts
Evan Larson


*340 Aluminum Intake Manifold
Sharleen Barbagallo


*Sandpaper
*Body Filler
*ALL Body Supplies
*Paint
*Clearcoat
Car Quest (Mike & Chris-Mansfield, MA)


*Rear Bumper
Tri City Plating


*Complete Gasket Kit
Car Quest (Bristol, CT)


*Show Board & Artwork
Anlikerartsigns.com-Bruce Anliker


*Travel Expenses
Carlisle Events

*Group 24 Mopar Battery
Artioli DCJ Enfield, CT


*After Project Completion Support
Billy Atwood Auto Services of Old Saybrook

*Complete CarCare Kit Value $150.00
Adams Detailing


*Complete Initial Prep of 6 Cyl
*Rebuilt Brake System
Sandy and Sally Schrader


*Initial Bodywork
Jimmy Barstow


*Hood Trim Locator
*Valuable Project Resource and Support
*Parts Locator
Shirley Bencaz-Kvatek, Mopar Collectors Guide Magazine


*Convertible Top Purchase and Install
Absolute Auto (New London, CT)


Cash Donations
Steven Juliano - $1,000
Mopars In Motion Car Club $700
Mopar Rebellion Car Club $500
Jack McLean $500
Kevin Davey and Bret Tassias $200
Mikes Hot Dogs $100 and food for life at all MIM Events
Glen Keller $50


Discounted Parts Donators

Discounted Pricing on:
*Interior
Legendary Auto Interiors


Discounted Pricing on:
*GTX Gas Cap Kit
*Passenger Side Mirror
*Inside Door Handles
BE&A

Wow great story and great job you guys did on his car! You folks who helped out are a true asset to the hobby! Very touching what you guys did for Eli. Awesome to see this hobby can still be all about the people!

Well done!

Great Job Ralph and all! This is what makes this hobby great, "the People"!!!!!!!!! Everyone involved should be proud of themselves.
Just a real good story.

Very cool!! I know the supporters will be first in line the next time I need something for my car.

Face book- http://www.facebook.com/ChryslerNationals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYNxJHPkyDg just a short video ..

Ralph,

That had to be a HUGE undertaking. Coordinating all that in such a short time.

Congratulations

Ralph, unreal. That is one of the most touching things I have been apart of in like...forever. This young man is a dynamic, energetic, wonderful-wonderful young man. I was honored to meet him at this years Carlisle Classic. His enthusiasm was contageous all weekend long. I have no idea how his energy level seemed to be higher than anyone who came in contact with him. It was a pleasure to meet him, and I would love to see him again.. Congrats Ralph and Eli..

I think the most touching and heart wrenching thing I witnessed in a long time, was when he was sitting in the stands , listening to the other guys story, battling with cancer. Eli got up, walked down the stands, and proceded up the stage steps. He walked up to the other gentleman, and gave him a huge hug. I was in tears, as I am now.. Congrats Eli, you are a very loved person, who's fierce battle is not being fought alone.

Well done and I hope Ei has many, many years of enjoyment.

I am so glad to have been involved in the project. After meeting Eli in person,I began to understand the struggle to survive that he faces on a daily basis. The smile on his face when the car was unvailed was priceless.

Great job to all !

That car looks terrific. I'll have to ask Eli to take me for a ride. Amazing job and so kind of everyone involved

This is all I got...

Hey Ralph, could you please PM me Eli's email address so I can send him the art of his Dart?

I am proud and blessed to have Ralph as a friend.

There will be a special place in heaven for Ralph, Gary, Pam and everyone else involved in this project and I am so glad that I could help, even in a small way.

I am going to post two pictures that I think say it all.....

Bill Corcoran

Another photo...

Hats off to you Ralph, if were not involed this mite not have happened.

This is amazing , hats off to all involved.

Congratulations to all!! Unbelievable job!!

Very nice!!

Unfortunately, cancer was a recurring topic at Carlisle this year from Paul Wilson of MCG who passed away the day before the show started to John Kozak who I had only been made aware of about 2 weeks before the show. John owns the beautiful green Fury that was on the Stage all weekend. John's story was heartbreaking to say the least. His longtime girlfriend had passed away just 30 days before the Chrysler show and all John wanted was to attend Carlisle and thanks to some great friends he was able to attend.

I heard about Eli from another Carlisle staff member and I just wanted to do something. Ralph's account in the original post pretty much tells the rest of the story. We had no idea what we were getting into but we needed a place to do the work. I put out a few feelers to some shops that I know but they had obligations and couldn't fit it in on such short notice.

After that I immediately thought of Gary and Pam Beineke because they have a fully equipped shop but they don't do customer cars. I sent Gary an email hoping that he'd get back to me in a couple of days. WRONG! He called me in less than 1/2 an hour telling me that he had already talked to Pam and they were in!!!

From there it was time to start looking for parts, supplies, etc and folks stepped up big time! Please take a look at the show board and consider those folks first the next time you need parts.

Thank you to everyone involved. As Eli said, he now has something positive to look forward to.

Ed

What an absolutely amazing story of selflessness and genuine human kindness. Congrats to Ralph for organizing such an incredible project and coordinating everything ... this is really a heartwarming story and shows that not all car guys are meatheads.. .I actually believe that most car guys enjoy the camaraderie and 'brotherhood' that goes along with the hobby... you are a perfect example of that. Great job!

Another great shot I snagged off Facebook.

It was a great day,Ralph,you and the Mopars in Motion crew did an awsome job with the show!

Great job, y'all!!

Thanks, Ralph!!

Dave

God bless all involved. You ALL went way above and beyond. My hat is off to all of you.

That just made my day! Thanks for sharing!

Congratulations Eli!
I'm glad that I could be a small part of this project and be there for the presentation. It can't be said enough that thanks to Gary, Pam, Pete, Ralph, Ed and everyone else who donated their time, expertise, parts, money or otherwise helped, this team effort pulled off the creation of a beautiful, unique car in such a short time.

Eli and Gary

Another picture

Wow - hard to read this without tearing up. Job well done.

Eli and friends strapping the Dart Charger down.

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Stories like this make me proud to be part of this community. Congratulations to everyone who made this happen, and I hope Eli gets to enjoy his Dart for many years to come.

Talk about good people pulling together to do a good thing. To all that helped and participated, you guys and gals are simply awsome. That is probably one the ost beautiful and caring thing I have ever seen on moparts. It's people like them that give me faith in my fellow humans in this world. X infinity!

I bet he will never forget the wonderful thing you all have done for him, and will enjoy those very precious moments he spent with you. Amazing and beautiful are the only ways I could say on how I felt after reading that.

Wait....So you mean there are decent people still left out there? Congratulations guys, I know Eli is going to cherish that car even more now thanks to the dedication of a few people expanded into an outpour of love and work to put an even bigger smile on his face every day.

Nice!

I just got to reading about this amazing story now and have to say that stuff like this makes me believe that goodness and humanity are still alive and kicking.


You all should be proud of yourselves for helping out and doing something that not only made this one person happy but also brought a lot of others together for a very rewarding adventure.


Stuff like this should be headline news in the media.

Congratulations Eli! Some wonderful people have pitched in to build you a beautiful car. GARY and PAM, nice treatment, it looks AMAZING! To everyone that pitched in a big

Enjoy that beautiful car Eli!

Joe

One of the more challenging aspects of the project,was taking a very mundane looking slant six Dart,and converting it into a muscle car. I told Gary that I had read about the 65 Dart Charger in a magazine,and I thought that would be a great theme for Eli's Dart. Gary,Pam,and I sat down and thought out what would the 66 Dart Charger have looked like had they continued the model into the following year. We were originally told that the little Dart was to be restored to stock appearance. We put a presentation together to present to Eli,but we didn't want him to know what the details of the finished car would be. After meeting Eli and showing him actual cars and pictures of the cars we have built,he gave us his blessing to build what we thought he would like. Gary carefully watched the things that caught Eli's eye as he looked at the cars that he saw in Garys garage. We wanted to include those items in the design. About three weeks into the project,while Gary and Pam were massaging the little Darts body back into shape,Eli called Gary and said the suspense was driving him crazy,and he wanted to go up to see the cars progress. Gary replied,to Eli,don't you want to be surprised? Eli said he did,and chose not to come look at the car. According to Eli's dad he was so excited the night before the unveiling,that he only slept about two hours! It was a great project for a great guy!

Wow, great job! And an amazing story of human kindness and generosity - it doesn't surprise me it involved familiar Mopar people like Gary & Pam.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE THAT HELPED OUT WITH THIS CAR ..GOT HIS FIRST TROPHY TONIGHT .. SMILE WAS PRICELESS .. THANK YOU AGAIN JACK

Thats awsome Eli!

This is just awesome to see everyone help out someone in need....and a mopar brothern to boot.


Maybe Moparts could start up a "wish foundation" for those members who are having medical battles in their lives.

Chris

Popped in from Bang Shift to see the car... what an awesome gesture, so rare today. And what a job you all did on the Dart. Fan-freaking-tastic!

Wow great story....utterly speechless

Great job to all involved. The story made my night. With all the bad stuff going on in the world, it is so nice to hear some good stuff. Congratulations and a job well done.

Very emotional and great story!The best thing about it is that it is amazing what can happen when people pull together to help someone.