Grady Clay - RIP June 7, 2014

[cmpski]

He was my go to guy when my 59 Super needed a valve job around 1975. I was living in Aspen. I called him, and told him the issues I was having and he told me to bring him the heads. He did his thing, gave me some more advice and all worked well. Many years later he gave me some good input on my 912 POLO car. I will miss him and his encyclopedic knowledge.
Chris Pomares

[Christien]

Really sorry to hear. Grady was an invaluable contribution here.

[Cipotifoso]

Coincidentally, I am right this moment going through the process of installing new CV Joints on my car and Grady's advice in the Reconstructing CV Joints factored a large amount in how I re-engineered the flange connections. Per his advice I went with longer bolts, moon washers and (of course) new Schnoor washers. Attention to eliminate as much as possible grease on the flange mating surfaces and fastening bolt threads was heeded. He was knowledgeable and generous with his advice to make sure we knew how to do things right with no compromises. He'll be missed. RIP, Grady.

Dave Roberts

[Iciclehead]

Never met the guy, but read his posts and helpful advice with great interest and respect. Some talent will never be replaced and his is one.

God be with him and his family,

Dennis

[911pcars]

A few years ago (2007), during one of Grady visits to So. Cal, some Pelican people gathered to meet him at his grandparent's home in Pasadena. He brought with him a photo album of the house and some early family pictures to share. Their house turns out to be a significant Green and Green-designed craftsmen home near the Rose Bowl. We only expected to see the exterior, but one of us managed to contact the owner who graciously allowed us to tour his home.

I and others had only known Grady through this forum, but we finally met him that day. He was a nice and gracious individual and was kind enough to share his visit with us. Sad to hear of his recent passing.

Some pics of that afternoon here.
Duncan-Irwin Residence Photos by dontcallmesurely | Photobucket
access code: Accessslee

RIP
Sherwood

[Eric Hahl]

Rest in peace Grady, we'll miss you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fbarrett]

Sherwood:

Thanks. I recall your earlier post on that visit and the house. Grady's father was a highly respected architect/planner. You just gave me an idea. I'd like to gather all of Grady's posts into a dedicated place, either on Pelican or perhaps even in print. Wayne, can this work?

Frank

[Geary]

Very sad news, indeed. RIP Grady ..

[Quicksilver]

Had a crazy busy week and I get some time for myself and I come back to this...

Grady has for years been on my list of the 5 people on Pelican that I don't question what they post. I finally got to meet Grady a year or two ago when he was out here and at the last minute we put together a meet up at Pelican for him. I canceled a couple things and jumped at the chance. Sad to say that it was so last minute that the only ones that made it were Grady, myself, and Wayne.

One of the qualities I appreciate most is the ability to tell a story (and the ability to be patient enough to listen to the stories of other people). Wayne had a very personal screamer of a story (and I am still sworn to secrecy!) but Grady had stories. I gave him a ride back to his hotel and the stories continued. It was just wonderful. You can't buy entertainment like that.

The stories of the time when racing was less about $$$ and corporate interests are stories about people doing intense stuff with people who were intently focused on the same thing. And that makes the backdrop for so much that can be looked back at with entertainment. The evening was simply a pleasure.

I wonder how many other people have gotten together with other groups of people and enjoyed Grady's retelling of experiences? I know we are all richer on the forum from his writings of technical subjects and personal experiences.

------
Obviously the loss of Grady is our biggest loss but the loss of the stories is also tragic. I wonder if Wayne can think of a way scrape together the "personal experience" portion of Grady's writings into something blog like.

[Macroni]

Grady loved cross country trips .... He loved to navigate pelicans east to west, west to east, north to south & south to north, he recommend Lar's 73T, he defined for me what a proper hotrod should be. According to Grady, It should have heat. I will post for all to read.

Grady's Hotrod would be.....
Grady’s choice would be to find any ’69-’73 rust free non-sunroof coupe tub that had already been somewhat molested and build a 911 to my specification. This lets me choose all the best parts to build a lightweight, powerful, good handling, reliable, stock appearing wolf in street clothing.

Remove every bit of sound deadening and undercoat. Put some removable deadening pads under the carpet. Full Carrera RS perlon carpet kit, RS America Leather door panels, Dash as new

A high compression, twin plug 2.8S, MFI (or EFI on MFI throttle bodies) with Ti hardware and FG tin stock appearing – light weight. Alu engine mount. Engine raised 1-2 cm in the rear (so it won’t drag.)
SC oil cooler piping & thermostat with dual ‘72S like fender coolers. Use the rocker covers.
A 20+ gal fuel cell with provision for mounting a 2nd 20 gal cell above the smuggler’s box. No fender filler.
Mag type 911 trans with short gears and ZF LSD.
Alloy rear arms, S brakes, appropriate suspension. As low as reasonable. 7x16 & 8x16 done to appear as the earlier Fuchs.
Alu deck lid, FG (lightweight version) rear bumper assy painted to appear to have trim. Steel ’73 front bumper with S-trim. SC rear flares. Lexan rear window. No wing or duck.
Keep the dual batteries.
Keep lightweight stock muffler, heat exchangers, wipers, washers, vent blower, pull-up windows. No radio, vent controls, etc.
Glue (or Velcro) sewn Nomex black cloth for a stock appearing interior. Lightweight stock (sport) appearing seats.
A simple, bolt-in roll bar with shoulder belt support.

[mjshira]

I spent a day with Grady years ago in Louisville. I was living in Southern Indiana. I drove my 964 RS clone project over and we had lunch and then went back to his Dad's home where we visited for a while. His father was a unique man too. Very engaged intellectually just like his son. Interested everything. Informed on seemingly any topic. Grady's passion for the hobby was genuine. He was patient with guys like me who know way less than him about Porsche. I am very sorry to hear about his passing and can only hope for him that it was peaceful. RIP Grady.

[robhamster]

RIP Grady. You have been a friend to me and many here. I treasure all the days we spent together. Always an incredible learning experience hanging with you.

What a loss

[DRACO A5OG]

Oh my goodness, RIP Big Brother GC, RIP.

[fanaudical]

Sad news and a sad day. Grady, I will miss you. You were one of the first to help me with sage advice when I started my project. I have learned a lot from your great posts and experience.

Is there a memorial fund or scholarship being set up somewhere in his name?

[photoeditor]

Had the immense pleasure of spending an afternoon with Grady at his home about two years ago. Will never forget all his wisdom and willingness to share.

Rest in Peace Grady Clay.

[911s55]

All that knowledge and kindness in the same man, way to be Grady!

You will be missed by many.

[Jeff Alton]

RIP Grady.

[maresdesign]

I was always impressed with Grady's knowledge, especially on the early Porsches. His insight and tribal knowledge will be missed. Thank you Grady for taking the time to help answer my technical questions. You will be missed. RIP

[al lkosmal]

Really sorry to hear this. Grady was one of the good ones. He will be missed.

al

[orange260z]

Very sad news indeed. RIP Grady.