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This is the story of Mike Balogh, the lead technician at the Parma Heights Rad Air, and his father, Greg Balogh. In 1972, Greg Balogh purchased a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix alongside his girlfriend, Mary. They shared many happy times in the car with their friends and soon after, Mary became his wife. Balogh was then drafted into the Army and travelled to Germany. He returned a few years later only to sell the car in 1975 due to transmission troubles. Although the car was gone, Mr. Balogh frequently told stories of the car to his sons, Mike and Ron.
Fast forward to 2013, when Mike and Mary secretly began searching for his Grand Prix. They couldn’t find the original car, but found one just like it and restored it to the car Mr. Balogh once had. Over the next three months, Mike stripped the car down, fixed rust spots, restored the wheels and added a stereo. His friend Dave did the body work and Mike also had a new vinyl top and new interior installed. The entire car was rebuilt except for the engine and transmission. All of this was done without his dad finding out and the car was as good as new by Father’s Day 2013. Ironically, the car was also complete in time for Mr. and Mrs. Balogh’s fortieth wedding anniversary. Imagine the look on his face when the car arrived in his driveway!
Congratulations on your new / old Rad Ride, Mr. Balogh – and Happy Anniversary!
