Joe Schulte
New member
I've browsed the site occasionally, but this is my first post as a member.
I've been in love with Syclones since I was a kid, it began when given a Sy model as a gift. My first vehicle once I became 16 was none other than an '88 S-10, which the 2.5l Iron Duke power and work truck body left much to be desired, but it had the idea and hope. Never would I have of thought of meeting an older gentleman named Barry Tisdale through his dentistry.
I've seen a Syclone around locally, not often, but often enough. Never expected it to be owned by this guy though! I walked into his office which was located at his home, and was totally awestruck when a picture of him and this very machine I've caught glimpses of hung on the wall. That moment I knew I had more than a dentist.
I struck up the conversation regarding it during my cleaning, I loved how it really caught him off guard, the simple fact I knew the basics of what he owned. Once finished with my cleaning he pulled me aside and walked me down to the basement. He then proceeded to light up a cigarette as I gawked in amazement at a fully built, rare, AWD, turbo....wait, truck? All 10 minutes from my house and I never knew it. The massive runs of misc. wiring could leave anybody confused, but he could point and direct you as to what it was, where it went, without hesitating. You could tell he had truly poured his soul into this truck, which I highly admired and looked up to. Very innovative in thinking, and an engineering madman.
Visits went by, conversations about the Syclone became a regular thing, and Barry became a great friend to me.
I'll never forget him writing off $800+ of dental work my insurance wouldn't cover out of goodwill, which I could never have thanked him enough for.
As many of you know Barry passed away early 2005. It hit me hard being so young, and becoming to know him in such a short amount of time, the innovator he was, the generosity he showed me, and the time he took to get to know you as a person....not a patient.
Over the past few years I've dabbled in the sport compact scene, owning and building a total of 3 3rd gen. Cavalier Z24's, my current being my favorite and most involved....both time and financially. I enjoy these cars despite everyone hating them, I think it just inspires me more. Though I've realized it's time to move on soon, and I'm looking into my dream and one time, something of value to me, and many others. None of that exists in the sport compact scene.
Now I've searched posts on this site, seen the RIP Barry post which hit me hard seeing so many others whom knew him as I did................and that he has made such an impact on this community and in my opinion still does today in his own way.
I've seen the post looking for his Syclone, #26. No results, and I can accept that.
However I'm posting my story in hopes something can be told about where his passion, his love, his joy ended up and the condition she is in today. I knew about the swap, and how much it meant after going through multiple 4.3l's, only wish god would've given him the time to complete that project.
I won't lie, owning #26 is a dream to me! I find myself seriously considering purchasing a Syclone next Spring more and more each day.
Wanted to share my story and tell you guys how much I respect this platform, thanks if you've made it this far
.
I've been in love with Syclones since I was a kid, it began when given a Sy model as a gift. My first vehicle once I became 16 was none other than an '88 S-10, which the 2.5l Iron Duke power and work truck body left much to be desired, but it had the idea and hope. Never would I have of thought of meeting an older gentleman named Barry Tisdale through his dentistry.
I've seen a Syclone around locally, not often, but often enough. Never expected it to be owned by this guy though! I walked into his office which was located at his home, and was totally awestruck when a picture of him and this very machine I've caught glimpses of hung on the wall. That moment I knew I had more than a dentist.
I struck up the conversation regarding it during my cleaning, I loved how it really caught him off guard, the simple fact I knew the basics of what he owned. Once finished with my cleaning he pulled me aside and walked me down to the basement. He then proceeded to light up a cigarette as I gawked in amazement at a fully built, rare, AWD, turbo....wait, truck? All 10 minutes from my house and I never knew it. The massive runs of misc. wiring could leave anybody confused, but he could point and direct you as to what it was, where it went, without hesitating. You could tell he had truly poured his soul into this truck, which I highly admired and looked up to. Very innovative in thinking, and an engineering madman.
Visits went by, conversations about the Syclone became a regular thing, and Barry became a great friend to me.
I'll never forget him writing off $800+ of dental work my insurance wouldn't cover out of goodwill, which I could never have thanked him enough for.
As many of you know Barry passed away early 2005. It hit me hard being so young, and becoming to know him in such a short amount of time, the innovator he was, the generosity he showed me, and the time he took to get to know you as a person....not a patient.
Over the past few years I've dabbled in the sport compact scene, owning and building a total of 3 3rd gen. Cavalier Z24's, my current being my favorite and most involved....both time and financially. I enjoy these cars despite everyone hating them, I think it just inspires me more. Though I've realized it's time to move on soon, and I'm looking into my dream and one time, something of value to me, and many others. None of that exists in the sport compact scene.
Now I've searched posts on this site, seen the RIP Barry post which hit me hard seeing so many others whom knew him as I did................and that he has made such an impact on this community and in my opinion still does today in his own way.
I've seen the post looking for his Syclone, #26. No results, and I can accept that.
However I'm posting my story in hopes something can be told about where his passion, his love, his joy ended up and the condition she is in today. I knew about the swap, and how much it meant after going through multiple 4.3l's, only wish god would've given him the time to complete that project.
I won't lie, owning #26 is a dream to me! I find myself seriously considering purchasing a Syclone next Spring more and more each day.
Wanted to share my story and tell you guys how much I respect this platform, thanks if you've made it this far
.
