"About my 1969 Dodge Super Bee, "Honey"

The difference and story needs to be told so people can understand my important mission with Honey. Some have commented about my obession with her, but she is part of the automobile history. From day one that I saw her, I knew I would have to take care of her. I started an indepth research quest. There was no doubt, Jay's Super Bee had to stand out, on her own, and be given the recognition she deserves compared to ALL the 440s and Hemis most MOPAR/Antique collectors boast about. Many of the Dodge Super Bees have been modified or souped up. In reading Super Bee website forums and blogs, a lot of them required massive bodywork done on them due to being in fields, junkyards or auctions. This does not even cover matching motors and numbers.

The Dodge Coronet Super Bees were produced ONLY three short-lived years. On April 7, 1969, Mid-year changes and productions were offered. Chrome hood hold-down pins (Code J45) were released for SuperBee, Coronet R/T and Charger R/T. Hood hinges and front latch were retained. A Scat Pak Spring special package was released. Contents were: air scoop RamCharger hood, chromed hood pins, special hood paint treatment, three-speed windshield wipers, and F70x14 raised white letter tires (code T87). Honey was built on July 7 (Code 707) and holds this Scat Pack Special which is completely operable.
This made the SuperBee a big competitor to the Roadrunners and pushed aside, giving the lime light to the Charger, even though it was known the Super Bee could out perform it. The 383 motor lead the way for its "Big Brothers", 440 and the Hemi. It did prove itself in that era.

Honey has been preserved with vital elements of the MOPAR muscle cars. There are NOT many original non-altered MOPAR muscle/antique cars around. They are coming rarer and more extinct every day. Once I learned the short life of the Super Bees and what I was given, my research and communications began. I had high hopes the DaimlerChrysler Archive Foundation would be able to give me a decent history lesson. I was rudely awakened in emailing twice and calling. On February 2, 2007, an email told me, "DaimlerChrysler Corporate Historical Collection is unable to fill your request for the Build Record of your vehicle. The microfilm that contained this information was destroyed before it could be sent to the archives. No other information pertaining to your vehicle exists with the company." I couldn't believe it. They offered no other help or assistance on one of their historical automobiles. It sounded like they want to forget about this piece of their automobile history. I was told I have more complete original paperwork on her then probably anyone with their car.

With this sad news from the DaimlerChrysler Archives Foundation, I was determined to find out all I could on my own. In having Honey's original price sticker, I had the name of her assembly plant and dealership. Again, after emails and phone calls, it was discovered that neither the St. Louis Assembly Plant nor her dealership, Pierce-Barnett, Inc. in Guymon, OK, exist anymore. Another dead end. But, I have verification of her assembly plant, dealership and delivery date. Her original price sticker is shown in my memorabilia pictures.
While waiting on answers from DaimlerChrysler and the dealership, a letter was sent to the official Galen V. Govier who verifies VINS, fender tags and such on vehicles. Honey's VIN, fender tag codes and original sticker label was bonafide evidence of what she is. On October 1, 2007, I received a Galen's Registry Letter , stating all information is accurate on my 1969 383-4BBL DODGE Super Bee 2 Door Hardtop. "As of this date, it is #194 of 197 in VIN sequence of all 1969 383-4BBL DODGE Super Bee 2 Door Hardtops accounted for at the St. Louis, MO plant and built to spec's for: U.S.A."
Another Super Bee expert, I contacted, is John Bober who has an official Super Bee website, www.superbeeregistry.com. He advised statistics on Honey's production and also stated I have more original documentation then many. Honey "is a Hardtop, equipped with the 383 Magnum and 4-speed, and is 1 of about 7,363 known to be built." On his official Super Bee registry, Honey is listed #406 under the 1969 Super Bee link, verified and known to still be original and existing. At this point, it is really unknown how many originals have survived, let alone the altered or souped up ones.
More to come...

"About Mary..."

I have a 15 yr. career in corrections and an Associate's Degree, graduating right after the 9-11 attack, which built my determination and perseverance, . Many companies laid off. Jobs were very hard to get. The companies wanted "experienced" people, or people with a Bachelor's Degree. It was a rude awakening and very difficult. I was told "keep picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and moving on". Things could be worse for me, being tested all the time. It makes me drive harder, "think outside the box", kicking in my tenacity. Why some people have everything handed to them, I'll never know. It's not appreciated or respected.

The Associate's Degree means nothing in our Society. Like many people, I've been forced to hustle in every avenue possible for money to survive. I learned a lot about doing without, making sacrifices -not being near as materialistic anymore. My life has been as simplified as Life will allow me. I know for a fact there is a big difference between "Book smart" and "Street smart." Most of my experience and knowledge is from life situations and people -listening and understanding. My life experiences, training and knowledge varies widely, which allows me to multi-task very well and utilize time management accordingly. I am computer literate from all my college classes and can teach most basic computer skills.

I have a son who is a "man" now and has taught me all about "Tough Love". In losing my loving mother at 60, her twin at 55 and my precious late spouse at a very young age of 52, my perspective on Life has changed a lot. Life can be too short. Our society drills the retirement saving into our heads to the point of almost brainwashing. We need to remind ourselfs that every day IS a "Present", to stop and appreciate the little things in Life...laugh and love. There are NO guarantees in Life. We all are going to die. We have NO clue when. I do NOT wait for that "Rainy Day" anymore. My life has been lived dramatically, making my Guardian Angel definitely work overtime. If the situation is allowed to happen, it's God-willing...right or wrong in someone else's eyes. I spent my life attempting to fix things I could not. I've been told both versions of "The Road of Life"..."happiness is making others happy", but "you must be happy with yourself first." I was always trying to please everyone else...trying to "fit in". I know NOW I am special/unique. There is "something about Mary" if people care know and will talk with me.

I have been very fortunate and blessed in my life. Many things which aren't thought about as being important, or as appreciated. When was the last time you went to the park and fed the birds, stopped and admired or smelled the flowers, had puppy kisses? I have lived a very variegated life. I tell people that I'm always looking for my hedonism and admit I am eclectic, but aren't we all?