Hot Rod Ramblings: Mild Customs

It’s been too long since I rambled on about Hot Rods and Customs, I mean Kustoms.  My crazy car brain has gone down the path of  “Mild Customs”.  I’ll say it right now, the car that really got me started digging Customs was Nick Hoesing’s ex-Ford Galaxie I scoped at Bonneville last year.   Peep it below…

Then I picked up a Rodders Journal that featured Kirk Jones’ 1960 Ford Starliner.  Our camera man Swanee grabbed this first pic at last years Grand National Roadster Show.  This ‘Liner blew me away!!!  I pulled that TRJ #45 out again last night to re-read the story and stare at the rad photography.  Man, this kustom is mad rad!

 Ok, so it may be categorized as a Mild Custom, but this thing is Wild!  That paint (better pics in the Rodders Journal, you’re just gonna have to go buy a copy) is nutty!  The interior is grade A.  This Ford oozes style and stance.  Can you imagine the hours spent building this car.  I bought this magazine when we were staying in the hospital for the birth of our 4th boy last fall and so, the late nights/early mornings combined with the top notch photographs of this Custom just made me crazy for it even more. 

Just sit and stare at this thing…it will make any die hard hotrodder really appreciate the work the Custom boys are doing…  Take a funky late 50’s, early 60’s land yacht, drop it, add wheels and tires, paint it and you’re crusin’!  Ok, its not that easy, but the formula is simple.  Nice pic Pikesan!  Oh that you woulda had the wide angle and D90 for this ride!  Oh, and anybody know (cheaters can read The Rodders Journal article) where the name “May Cause Dangerous” came from?  It’s pretty funny!

 

This is my favorite Kustom photo at the moment.  Props go to Swanee for the photo.  This was taken at the 2010 Grand National Roadster Show.  Man!  These Kustoms (red is a ‘ 54 Chevy and black a ‘51 Merc’, thanks for the heads up Swanee) are amazing.  The red one is LOW!  ……………sorry, I was staring again!  I’m back now.  ha ha  Love that grille.  Are those lights in the outer edge of the grille factory or is that custom?  Either way I dig.  I’m the biggest fanboy of white walls!  I mean come on!  Even Disney knows whats up.  Remember when “Lightning McQueen” got a “Pimp My Ride” makeover in the Cars movie?  What did Luigi recommend?  WHITE WALLS!!!  So rad!  This picture is my current background desktop at work. 

 

Swanman at it again at GNRS 2009.  This is a ‘62 Chrysler Newport.  I’ll take your word for it man.   Are those the stock headlights?  I’ve seen a lot of Kustoms with that style of canted headlight design.  It looks factor on this ride, it just has a matching style doesn’t it?  I’m not usually a fan of flames, but this one works.  Doesn’t this have a low rider look to it?  The mini white walls and the Astro wheels give it that look I think.  Super low ride height is required for a Kustom. 

The takeaway from this pic is grab an early 60’s large coupe or sedan on the cheap and apply some tasteful Custom touches and you’ll be cruising in style like this Newport!

 

Continuing with this oddball Chrysler Newport above is this Station Wagon.  I think Pikesan said this is a Mercury Comet wagon?  It’s sporting the same Astro Supreme wheels and mini whites.  Nice custom grille too.  But, that paint.  Custom paint is key to pulling off a top notch Kustom.  Man, the paint alone is a work of art.  These early 60’s wagons have Loooooong roofs, that’s for sure!  “All the better to store surfboards on my pretty!”  (quote a la Little Ride riding hood ha ha).  I’ll try and get more pics from Pikesan and Swanee of this ride.  It deserves a blog post all its own!

Last pic of this rambling session.  I really dig trucks.  I think the Kustom look applied to trucks is a perfect combo.  This time, instead of high gloss super detail paint like the Starliner or Wagon above, this truck seen at Viva Las Vegas last year sports a satin red suede with tan panel.   Again its got the tail dragger stance, wide whites and custom wheel covers.  Oh and a trick grille too.  I love the snouts (big hood) of these late 40’s, early 50’s pickups.

Got pictures of the “May Cause Dangerous” ‘60 Starliner above or that Lowrider/Kustom station wagon?  We’d lvoe to see them and post them up for all to see.

Hechtspeed

Bonneville Bound Louver Lover

I’ve been wanting to share this car with you guys for a couple months now.  I originally showed some early pics I took during a tour of Salt Flats Speed Shop (that story link here).   

Chris Davenport, shop owner and metal craftsman, and now louver expert, is building a ‘32 Sedan in the traditional style from the 40’s and 50’s.  He has put together a pretty detailed build thread on the H.A.M.B.  He has been updating it pretty regularly the last couple months as he’s been making some big progress.  Ok, enough of my words, let’s see this work of hot rod art.  Photos by Salt Flats Speed Shop.

Check out them louvers.  I think the top has 420 something louvers.  Wow!  It looks tough and right out of Bonneville 1946!

Here’s the view Chris will have when trekking out to the Salt Flats on I-15.  I wanna grab some rolling shots of this ride when you drive out to Bonneville, k Chris?

This might be my favorite shot.  Add some black and white to this photo and it would appear to have been taken 60 years ago.  Chris, you are the man!  Look at that rod, its a work of art.  Louvers FTW!!!

Gosh dang that front view of the chop top and louvered hood and roof is Bad Ace!!!  I’m in the moment right now, but this is THE most Beautiful Hot Rod of all time!!!  Seriously, its that RAD!!!  Does three exclamation points get my point across?

In process picture with the roof panel clamped down and hoodless.  Dig that hopped up Flattie.  What’s a 40’s traditional hot rod without a hot rodded flattie motor?  From what Chris told me during my tour, this is a stout little Flathead!

Last pic for now.  Here’s the young whipper snapper, Chris Davenport.  Remember that name folks!  Chris “The Real Deal” Davenport is gonna rock Speedweek 2010 with this masterpiece ‘32 Sedan.  Remaking an 80 plus year old door skin?  No problem!  Busting out 400 plus louvers?  All in a days work!  I personally hope Chris doesn’t paint it, at least not for a bit.  Paint will hide all this fabulous craftsmanship.

I wanted to show you more pictures…like of the chop process, door skin repair, etc., but it was too hard to choose.  Go check out the latest on Chris’ build thread I linked above.

Salt Flats Speed Shop will be hosting an Open House sometime during Speedweek 201o in August.  Keep your eyes peeled.  As soon as the details are finalzed, I’ll post up that info so yall can see where all the magic happens.

Hechtspeed

Origins of Speed – a Historical Look Back

 

1948 Hot Rod Show display with Jack Andrews, Charlie Nordon and Ed Iskenderian…Pic Courtesy of Ed Iskenderian.  Click to Enlarge.

I know hot rods and customs is what brings us car guys and gals together but, its the people that make this hobby what it is.  Everyone has their own story.  My passion for the automobile started with my dad and uncle.  They have hot rodded off and on since they were teenagers.  It was their hobby, their passion.  It’s what kept them out of trouble when their dad passed away at the age of 15 and 12.  My dad has tons of stories of his ‘64 Mercury Comet Cyclone on the streets of Azusa, Calif and the original Irwindale Dragstrip.  My uncle has stories of tearing up GMR (Glendora Mountain Road) in his Nova and Datsun 510.  Most of my close friends are there because of our common interestes in cars.  My brother and I and my cousin have our own stories of cars (and motorcycles) that we have customized that we can share with our kids.  It’s the Hecht pasttime.

 

Gardena Speedway, September 15, 1946 photo courtesy of Don Johansen.  Click to Enlarge!

A recurring theme throughout the early days of speed equipment manufacturing was the dirt track racing with chopped and stripped down roadsters.  This is where you advertised your parts.  Win at the races and sell parts, it was the only formula before the days of engine dynos.

The automobile itself has only been around for the everyday person since the early 1900’s.  That’s really not that long in the grand scheme of things.  But time moves on and documenting and remembering our rodding roots is very important.  So, where are the origins of speed?  When did hot rodding and customizing your car really start?  The heart of that industry has got to be Southern California in the late 1930’s and 40’s.  Soon, hotrodders found the dry lake beds of California and the Salt Flats of Bonneville, Utah where they could let the flatheads stretch their legs…

In this post, the hot rod history lesson comes from one of the coolest automotive books of all time!  Motorbooks has done it again with the introduction of “Merchants of Speed”, authored by Paul D. Smith.  This is a fact based book, a history book if you will.  Photos are from the actual “Merchants” themselves in some cases.  Families and close friends have also proven to be a wealth of information, photos and documentation.

Ed “Isky” Iskenderian with his famous roadster purchased from a friend in 1938 for $25.  Photo courtesy of Ed Iskenderian.  Click to Enlarge.

Above is Ed Iskenderian in his military uniform posing with his 1924 T bucket.  Born in 1921, “he was about 12 years old (in 1933 or so) when he began to notice a type of car that was completely different than the run-of-the-mill vehicles that inhabited the roadways.  These street rods were mainly Model T’s void of all unnecessary parts and propelled with hopped-up four-cylinders.  Ed and his buddies found out they could see more of these cars up at Muroc Dry Lake.”

Like many of the time, Ed served in WWII and doing so, gained many mechanical skills that would serve them well later.  When he returned from the war, Ed wanted to get his roadster back on the road.  That obviously turned into “how can I make it faster”.  His first hot rod part was this 4 carb intake manifold for his flathead you see below.  Ed eventually became the first President of the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association in 1963.

 

Isky’s first hot rod part, a 4 carb manifold for his flathead V8.  Courtesy of Ed Iskenderian.  Click to Enlarge.

To find out about the “Isky Cams” part of the Iskenderian history you need to pick up this book.

 

Vic Edelbrock Sr. in 1958 with his X-1 6 carb mani on a Chevy 283cid.  Photo coutesy of Edelbrock Corporation.

Edelbrock…just let that name ring in your ears for a second.  Probably THE most successful speed equipment manufacturer to date.  In 1938 Vic Sr. bought his dual-purpose machine, a 1932 V8 powered roadster which became his family hauler/dry lakes racer.  Vic was involved in every type of racing, oval track, midget racing, dry lakes/Bonneville, event boat racing.  There’s so much more, but I don’t have the room here.  Seriously, just buy the book!

 

Edelbrock, a family tradition of hot rodding.  Photo courtesy of Edelbrock Corporation.

In all, “Merchants of Speed” book includes the history of 22 Speed Equipment shops.  You’ll see others like Navarro, Ansen Automotive, Howard Cams, Braje, and more!  This book is insanely cool!  Being into more modern late model Japanese cars, I really appreciated this book.  Paul Smith did an amazing job of finding out the details of these shops and the speed parts that made them successful.  The old photos are great.  This book will be an important part of future hot rodders remembering their origins.  That’s just my humble opinion.

 

In all seriousness, this book is and will be one of my cherished possessions in life.  Sounds lame, but I’m serious when I say that this book will be very important in continuing the memories of the very first hot rodders.

Take a look at these photos and the history attached and think about your car story.  We want to hear yours.  Please share them with us, we’d love to share them with MyRideisMe.com readers.

Thank you Motorbooks and Paul D. Smith and an even bigger thank you to you Merchants of Speed.  I will have an increased sense of respect at Bonneville this year.

Picture coutesy of Paul D. Smith, author

Hechtspeed

Hot Rod Ramblings: Salt Fever in the Snow

I’m sure many of you are under snow like me.  You lucky hosers in Socal and Arizona, I’m jealous.  Seeing the white stuff outside made me think of the white stuff 2 hours west of me, the Bonneville Salt Flats, also known as the “Great White Dyno”.  I wanted to post up some pictures from Speedweek 2009.  They’re not glamorous shots or anything, but they remind me of the mecca of hot rodding that is Bonneville and Speedweek that I experienced this past August.  I can’t wait for 2010.

This red Olds is cool.  Dig the aluminum sheet airdam, blower poking through the raked hood, Mooneyes decal and Moondiscs and the front windshield littered with Bonneville Speedweek stickers.  This was the first car I shot when I got on the Salt.

This was the second car I saw.  Love the yellow with white walls against the white stuff.  This truck had a “Bean Bandits – San Diego” plate.  Super clean hot rod here.  Everyone’s gotta have a Shop Truck!

Love this roadster (I think maybe a model A by the body line, I’m still learning) spotted parked in the pits to chat with some old buddies no doubt.  That vintage “Hudson Mfg Co” umbrella tells me this is likely a Bonneville veteran, prepared for sun and rain.  Much respect to the old timers at Speedweek.  Hopefully this will be me in a few years.

Compare the #369 D/GR roadster of Mike Water’s with the rusty street rod above.  Notice the setback drivers position with aero wind screen, roll cage and setback engine.  That’s how its done folks!  Oh, its for sale too.  I actually saw a goodly number of race cars for sale.

The Kelly & Hall #664 Belly Tank Lakester sitting in the pits with drivetrain exposed.  Notice some things here…header covers and tennis balls used to keep the Salt out of the engine.  Check that Datsun pickup’s undercarriage.  See how the Salt sticks like snow?

Look at the rearend sitting just off-centered enough so that the driveshaft is centered.  Instead of lightweightness like in many forms of racing, land speed racing on salt requires more weight for more traction.  Look at the stack of weights just behind the engine.

Shawn Killian’s EJ25 turbo Subaru powered Rat Fink inspired belly tank lakester.  One of my favorite cars at Speedweek 2009.  When asked, Shawn said it was at 2.8 Liters from 2.5.

I heard it went 220-something mph that day.  I love how it still retains a TMIC (Top Mount Intercooler) just like the Subaru Impreza WRX STi that the engine comes from.  Takes skill and lots of custom fabrication no doubt to pack that much “stuff” into a belly tanker body.

Out of tech inspection and ready to get in line.  Check out just how low this belly tanker rides.  Nothing like scraping belly on the Salt at 200+ eh?  What a ride that’s gotta be!  Look off into the horizon.  Nothing but sky!  Like another planet out there at Bonneville, Utah.

There you have it!  Some Salt amongst all this Snow that’s keeping me indoors during the Christmas break.  Hope you enjoyed a look back at Speedweek 2009.  I hope you can make it out to Speedweek 2010.  I know I’ll be there.  Leave a comment below to let us know if you’ll be there!

See you on the Salt!

Hechtspeed

“Internet Barn Find #10″: Burkland’s 400 MPH Streamliner

Dallas Volk, my Salt Flats insider, sent me this link.  He is good friends with the Burkland family.  I knew I needed to share their website with you all.   This post does come with some sad news, that Gene Burkland has passed away this week.  I mean this post to be in deep respect and a tribute to Gene and his family’s great history at Bonneville.

The Burkland Streamliner is a twin Donovan Chrysler powered, 4 wheel driven racecar that has gone over 400 mph.  Please take a look at their website HERE as it is full of pictures and information, as well as links to other Land Racing websites and stories.  This blazing fast Streamliner was designed and built by Gene and his son Tom Burkland.  If that’s not “My Ride is Me” I don’t know what is…Here’s a quick blurb from the site about the Burkland family:

“Gene and Betty Burkland, from Great Falls, Montana (the first SCTA members from that state), have been active in racing, and at Bonneville in particular, for over three decades: their first Bonneville car was a chopped-top, Chrysler-powered ‘53 Studebaker Competition Coupe, with which Gene set a record in A/BFCC at 255+ mph in 1978 (this car was recently restored to racing condition and ran at Speed Week in 2000 and 2001).
As soon as he grew old enough, their son Tom joined the team, and promoted the building of their next car, a Datsun-based, Chrysler-powered, ground-effect Competition Coupe, which allowed him to set a AA/BFCC record at 294+mph in 1985.
Around that time came the idea of building a streamliner, which took all of the next ten years to become a reality.
As much as the finished car looks like a fairly sophisticated, high-tech, million-dollar job, it is in fact strictly a family effort: in true hot-rodder tradition, it was home-built using generous supplies of the most precious materials available at no cost: skill, hard work and enthusiasm, plus a little help from their friends!
Then of course, Tom’s experience as an aerospace engineer (he worked on F-16’s) was a key factor in the design of the streamliner…”

 Do yourself and favor and browse the site for a few minutes, you’ll be inspired!

Hechtspeed

Vote For Hechtspeed’s Best Picture of 2009

These pictures are a look back at my first year of blogging at MyRideisMe.com.  I’ve met some cool people and made memories that mean a lot to me personally.  This poll is a cool way to remember my favorites from the year.  Take a look at the pictures below and vote for your favorite.  Don’t forget to click on the images to see them Full Size!  Check the links for the full stories as well.

Bonnie’s Bonneville Homecoming at Speedweek 2009.  The first roadster I’ve ever ridden in.  What a blast!  This beauty shot on virgin salt will stick in my brain for years.

 

Hilborn Injectors from Larry Volk’s ‘29 roadster project.  This Hemi powered Model A will be an epic project that I plan on writing more about in the future as Larry builds his dream ride.

The Hot Rods by Dean ‘55 Chevy at World Finals blew me away when I saw it waiting in line.  One of my favorite cars I shot all year.  Nothing like a stock bodied car with great stance! 

Nick Hoesing’s ex-Galaxie Custom and his buddy’s 5 Window Coupe from Nebraska.  Cruising the Long Course at Bonneville while riding shotgun with Pikesan is one of my favorite moments of 2009.

 

Larry Monreal’s turbo VW just after sunset during World Finals 2009.  The bright yellow paint, low light from the sunrise and a top notch driver and “5th son” Jim Bradshaw.

This is definitely one of my favorite shots from this year.  Man and Machine.  I really gained an appreciation for the roadster as the ultimate driving experience.  Pikesan’s first trip to the Salt Flats will NOT be his last, that’s for sure! 

Just realized this turned into a “Favorite Salt Flats Picture Poll”.  That tells you how EPIC Bonneville is!  See you on the Salt!

Hechtspeed

Galaxie Custom and Bonneville Salt Cruiser

This 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 was easily one of my top 3 favorite cars from Speedweek 2009.  I first noticed it in the pits then saw it again while Pikesan and I were cruising down the Long Course after the drivers meeting.  We sort of cruised the rest of the Long Course along side Nick and his Gal’ then turned onto the Return Road back to the pits. Almost 7 miles from the start, we spied some pristine, undisturbed virgin salt and decided to make a detour for some salt-throwin’ pictures Craig’s ‘27 T, Nick’s Galaxie and Nick’s buddy’s 5 window Coupe you see in this picture above.

Here’s some more shots of this Mild Custom!

I love this car!  That red satin paint against the bright white salt is rockin’.

I dig the long lines.  That stance is perfect with its Air Ride Technologies 4-way system with electronic controller.

I dig this shot with Pikesan’s roadster in the background.

From Nick: “This car has been a great driver for the past 4-1/2 years. It originally had a 390/auto and I decided to swap in a 302/T-5 and 3.70 gears last year. It’ss an absolute blast to drive and I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere. Come to think of it, during the 40,000 miles that I’ve put on it, I don’t recall ever being stranded.”

Here’s the specs on the Gal’

Engine:
Roller cam 302 (5.0), rebuilt .030 over, Trickflow Stage 1 cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, Edelbrock 650 carb., shorty Mustang headers

Exhaust:
2-1/2″ with H-pipe, 40-series Flowmaster mufflers, dumps just ahead of the rear bumper and sounds great.

Transmission:
Stock ‘94 Mustang GT world class T-5 5-speed.

Rear suspension:
3.70 gears. Air-Over-Leaf ‘bag kit, 2 leaf springs remain, with 2″ lowering blocks added.

Front Suspension:
Ford Granada spindles, disc brakes, and (manual) master cylinder.  ‘Cool Ride’ air bag kit installed with shocks relocated to rear of control arms.

Wheels/Tires:
15×7 with 225/70r15 Diamondback Classic tires.  Chrome wheels – original centers with new 7″ wide rims by Rally America. Chrome Spider Caps.

Body:
Red primer and Silver flake / Red candy roof

Enjoy these pics from Nick.

This was taken in 2008 at Nick’s first Speedweek trip.  He drove it all the way out from Nebraska.  Crazy!

This Galaxie just has it all for me.  Late model 302, a T-5 5 speed trans, air ride, white walls, Mild Custom look with great stance-NAILED!!  Nice work Nick!

But Nick, despite his fond memories and long drives in the Gal’ moved on to another project. A 1929 Model A Roadster with traditional style to come, no doubt.   I can’t wait for Model A’s debut. See you at Speedweek 2010?

See you on the Salt!
Hechtspeed

1929 Roadster Part 1: A Long Time Coming

Boy do we have a treat for you guys?  I’ve wanted to do a “work in progress” story on Larry Volk’s street roadster since I found out about it earlier this year.  It’s finally progressed to a point where there’s good progress  showing.  The Volk garage is part hot rod time warp, part skill and craftsmanship, and part inspiration.

We’ll get to the 1929 Ford Model A Roadster project car in a second.  First, let’s talk time warp.  Larry and his family have been into racing and hot rods since the early 1950’s.  He started out drag racing  and dirt sprint car racing.  His race buddy Terry Nish invited him out to the Salt Flats in the late 1950’s/early 60’s and that was it for Larry.  He’s gone every year since (unless it was rained out) and his life has become engulfed in the Salt.  Currently Larry is in his second stint as President of the 200 MPH Club, Chairman of the Save the Salt Committee and current holder of the SCTA Bob Higbee Award given out at the Opening Ceremonies of Speed Week 2009.

With all this and more, Larry’s garage is a museum of sorts for the last 40 some-odd years of Bonneville Salt Flats racing history.  There are stickers, pins, plaques, posters, broken parts and trophies that adorn the garage and his living room.  Then there’s the hot rod parts collection Larry’s been wheeling-and-dealing for during the last few decades.  They’re all just for this car.  The ‘29 roadster Larry’s been dreaming up will be a traditional hot rod build, of course.

Part skill and craftsmanship?  Ok, so the car is not done yet.  But, there’s plenty of work already done showing Larry’s attention to detail and well thought out passion.  Even though I’m calling this story Part 1, it’s really more like Part 5,924.   You see, Larry is and has been carefully and skillfully putting together this game plan.  Larry’s roadster is to be his version of the perfect traditional hot rod.  A hot rod that would have been right at home 50-60 years ago, using the hot rod parts of the day, the newest Hemi engine, with newer Ford 3 speed transmission, higher performing carbs, etc.  Larry dreams of cruising the streets of Davis County Utah, taking the grandkiddies for spins in the rumble seat or maybe letting his “2 Club” kids drive it? And of course, he’ll take it to Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats.  As Chairman of the Save the Salt Committee, Larry takes a bunch of trips out to Bonneville to check the salt conditions and report back to other hot rodders. Around Speed Week and the World Finals, there’s alot of folks waiting to know, “Is the Salt OK? Is it wet? Does it look fast?”  It’s a pretty boring 2 hour drive out to the Salt, found  west of Salt Lake City, so this dream rod will make the trip all worthwhile.  Can I ride shotgun?! Ha Ha

The goal is clear, build a traditional 1940’s to 1950’s-era Model A street roadster.  The key ingredient to this soon to be road worthy hot rod is the 1955 Chrysler Hemi, which was actually used on the Volk Bros’ 1929 roadster land speed racing car (no records, but Dallas was running 220+ in the 2 1/4 when he felt it hiccup, so he hit the engine shut off switch, saving the block, but too late for the pistions).  According to its ID # and “W” cast into the side of the block (see the “W” in the pic?).  Larry tells me that its a 1955 ”Spitfire” 301 cu in Polyspherical Hemi engine used on the 1955 Chrysler Windsor.  It was Chrysler/Plymouth’s way to more economically take advantage of the Hemi engine design to compete with Ford and Chevy’s small V8’s, where before Chrysler had used its big displacement 6 cylinder.  The Poly engine used a single valve rocker and a valve angle that was more straight up and down.  Not quite the performance of the double rocker, full hemispherical engine, but great bottom to mid range torque, less weight, faster manufacturing and cheaper cost.  According to my research on allpar.com, the ‘55 301 cu in Poly Hemi was a one year engine.  In 1956, Chrysler went to a 331 cu in Poly Hemi.  But, of course, in traditional hot rodding fashion, the “Poly” heads got replaced with higher performing, newer design full Hemisperhical heads for Larry’s hot rod.  This Hemi screams traditional hot rodding more than any other engine!

At this stage of the build, Larry mocked up this sa-weet Hillborn Mechanical Fuel Injection setup.  When asked, Larry’d prefer to run 3 Stromberg 97′s atop this beauty since mechanical injectors are a bit finicky and it’s no fun to carry a primer bottle when running a street roadster like what Larry’s got in mind.

The body is of course steel made by Brookville Roadster.  Color will likely be some hue of black, either a satin or gloss finish, he’s not sure yet. He just knows it needs to be black, like a true hot rod should be.  Larry worked years ago doing body work and has a friend with a paint booth, so he’d like to do the body work himself.

The frame rails are vintage 1932 Ford steel.  The ‘32 crossmember is also from Ford and is a sought after gem cherished by traditional hot rodders.  The frame’s boxed for strength in the front section only to be able to harness the Hemi’s weight and tendency to wanna twist the rails.

Out back, you see the Halibrand ID # 178 quick change rear end (will likely run a 3.05 final drive ratio).  Larry said this rear end is another classic component that is probably worth upwards of $5,000 to other traditionalists in today’s market.  As you’d expect, Big Lar’ didn’t pay quite that much back in the day when he picked it up.

Wheels are Kelsey Hayes 16″ wires and tires will likely be early style dirt tracks, either Coker or Firestone.

Continuing with the project details; taillights are blue-dot 1950 Pontiac, the transmission is a 1939 Ford 3 speed manual, and brakes are also 1939 Ford, which would have been period correct for the 50’s.  It just wouldn’t be right to throw a 5 speed and disc brakes at this roadster.

This brings me to the final part, Inspiration:
I simply can’t imagine what it must be like to save and plan and collect parts for 30+ years.  Sure, some of that wait is by choice as Larry’s happily spent time and money raising his family and racing at Bonneville but, some of that wait is just part of this hobby we call hot rodding.  The bench-racing, planning, parts collection and eventually cruising the finished rod are all part of the fun.

Can’t wait to see this car progress to its final stages and cruise to the Salt and local car shows.  Future posts about this hot rod’s progress are coming. Count on it.  Thanks Larry and Dallas for sharing your passion.  See you on the Salt!

Bonner’s Bad Berkeley: A 310 MPH Sports Car

…oh ya, and its FRONT WHEEL DRIVE.  Tell that to the “wrong wheel drive” haters!

Pikesan and I first met Dr. Bonner Denton, Professor of Chemistry and Geosciences at the University of Arizona, in the starting line at Speed Week 2009.  His crew was performing the final preparations for a speed run.  He gave us his whole land speed racing’s history in about 10 minutes.  The more he explained the workings of the Berkeley, the more interesting it got.

Racing on the Salt Flats is a funny thing.  Bonner Denton, owner/driver of this record bearing 1959 Berkeley sports car describes racing on the salt similar to driving on 1-2 inches of wet snow.  Try putting 2400-2500 HP’s of twin turbocharged 540 cu in of  Donovan V8 goodness to the salty ground.  Nope, he doesn’t need a push truck either.  This baby drives off the line under its own power.

Going back to 2000 when Bonner first started running this particular Bad Berkeley, it replaced his Bocar.  The Bocar set the record at 264 MPH with an A motor in 2001.

The first thing you notice about the Berkeley is the super elongated nose, which gives it a streamliner-esque look. Rule changes allowed the wheelbase to be lengthened and the nose streamlined for the Modified Sports class.  Bonner describes in his own words: “That’s where science and technology comes in.  You have to be knowledgeable about aerodynamic forces.  What you have to do is build a car that will NOT fly.  We hope not to fly, but quite frankly, I never intended this car to go much faster than 300 mph.”

Although the Berk’ has run as fast as 310 MPH out the back door as its called, the 3 records held by the car are still in the 200’s.  They are A/BGMS (440ci – 500ci engine size, Blown Gas Modified Sports) at 264.007 MPH set in 2001, AA/BFMS (501ci and larger engine size, Blown Fuel Modified Sports) at 272.232 MPH set August 2009, the AA/BGMS (501ci and larger engine size, Blown Gas Modified Sports) at 298.983 MPH in 2008.  That’s fast.  “Bonner’s Bad Berkeley” is THE fastest Sports Car!  And he’s not done yet.  He has his sights on a record over 300 and the infamous Blue Hat.

Check the engine specs Bonner sent me.  The car makes an estimated 2400-2500 HP at about 20 psi of boost with the AA engine.

Class AA	540 cu in Donovan 4.5 x 4.25
Heads	Dart
Cam	Crower (Custom Grind)
Rods	Carrilo
Crank	Lunati
Pistons	Ross
Turbos	Garrett Air Research Custom
Intake	Modified Hilborn/Fast electronic
Headers	Custom
Class A	493 cu in Donovan 4.5 x 3.875
Heads	Dart
Cam	Crower (Custom Grind)
Rods	Carrilo
Crank	Lunati
Pistons	Ross
Turbos	Garrett Air Research Custom
Intake	Modified Hilborn/Fast electronic
Headers	Custom
Frame	1-5/8 x 0.125 1020 DOM space frame
Differential	Coleman quick-change modified for FWD
Transmission	4L80E Lockup Converter

Let’s take a look at some images that will show you the ins-and-outs of the car.

Here’s a pic of the Berkeley in its skinless state.  Pretty straight forward chassis design, at least from the untrained eye.  Looks very beefy.  Interesting to see the quick change in the extreme front end of the car.

Here’s a look at the large exhaust.  I love how the exhaust pics up salt from inside the body from the front wheels.  Those Garret turbo’s are Large and In Charge, that’s for sure.

Boost is the only way to get 2500 HP right?  I wonder if that exhaust aids in forward propulsion?  That’s gotta have some force behind it…right?  Maybe it works as a stabilizer, liked vectored thrust?

This shot was taken in the pits.  You can see the Laptop downloading run data sitting on the “dash”.  This interior is all GO.  You can see the Ignition switch with permanent marker to point you in the right direction.  The big tach right in front of your face.  Not sure how much you’re looking at that at the 3rd, 4th and 5th mile marker.  The Salt is smooth, but not that smooth.  I can’t imagine what its like to go 300 MPH!?  You can also see the blue Bonneville stickers from years gone by.  These blue stickers are proof that these guys have been around the Salt awhile.

Here’s a drivers view to his left.  You have the shifter engaging the 4L80E transmission.  Be careful not to bump the Fuel cutoff shift to the “OFF” position, also in permanent black marker.  Keep it simple right.  Looks like a fire extinguisher  at the ready in case of emergency.  Bare aluminum seat holding Dr. Bonner down during his runs.  Again, super spartan here, no cushion?  Crazy!  That is hardcore!  Throw in some ziptied roll cage padding and its off to the races!

So, with the body off the Berkeley, I found this view interesting.  First, you wouldn’t think this was a race wheel.  It’s different than the pic above in Bonners shop.  That’s a beefy 6 lug bolt pattern too.  Emphasis is certainly on strength and durability as opposed to lightweight or looks.

Check out that “salt flap” behind the wheel.  Can you image how fast that tire turns?  Then imagine the force at which the salt flings up off the tire and hits the salt shield/flap?

This last pic was taken at the end of the day.  Preparation for the following days runs continues until about 7pm when they kick everyone off the Salt.  You just leave your racecar and trailer on the Salt over night.  But back to this picture, Bonner is at the Laptop downloading data while his crew is nose-to-the-grindstone with their individual tasks at hand.  These guys have to be total Salt Heads and dedicated friends to come all the way out from Arizona to slave away in the heat and salt (its everywhere and sticks to everything) in support of Bonner’s Bad Berkeley.

There you have it!  A 300 MPH Sports Car!  Good luck next year and here’s hoping to seeing you with a Blue Hat in 2010.

Hechtspeed

Click To Enlarge the Pictures

Beautiful ‘55 Chevy “Hot Rods by Dean” at World Finals 2009

I took a couple hundred pics at World Finals at the Bonneville Salt Flats a few weeks back.  I thought I should start sharing some of my favorites.

This 1955 Chevy Bel Air Post built by Hot Rods by Dean was absolutely gorgeous.  I don’t know squat about the car.  It runs in the B/CGC (B engine size is 373 cu in to 439 cu in, and is a competition gas coupe) class.  I dig the yellow interior too.  It gives the cockpit some pop.

The first thing that grabbed me is that two-tone paint.  Cream and grey is not the usual color combo for a hot rod, but it works perfectly.   The paint is a smooth, matte or flat finish, it goes nice with those moondiscs.

The car is run by Sidney Allen and ran a 172 MPH in the first Mile.  Then on Friday it actually spun, according to the Results page on SCTA-BNI.org.

Check out this cool reflection in the crazy chrome bumper.  The bumper was the second part of this Chevy that caught my attention.  This car oozes CLEAN.  Hot Rods by Dean does sneak in some racecar design.  Check out the front airdam, the moondiscs, and that roll cage!

Check out that yellow dash and roll cage.  An unusual color choice, but it looks great.  I love the classic dash from the 50’s.  Still has the horn ring on the steering wheel.  Tons of details on these racecars…look at that front windshield bracket.  Don’t need windshields flying off at 172MPH when the car in stock trim probably didn’t go 3 digits.

It’s actually hard to get good pics of cars at the Salt Flats.  Half the problem is all the light.  Lots of sun against a white background.  But, when you get it right, it pops.  The other problem is its hard to get these cars off on their own.  They are either in their pits feverishly wrenching and when they’re not wrenching, they’re waiting in line.  I was able to grab this picture by cropping out the other cars waiting in line in front and behind him.  Man, when you look at the aerodynamics of this “shoebox” as they were known, 172 MPH is pretty impressive.

Leave us a comment below and tell us what you think of this ride.

Hechtspeed

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