SPRING 2008 1

Artists and craftsmen work in all kinds of media. Some ex-cel at painting in oils, water colors or acrylics. Others do their best work when drawing with inks, pencils or charcoal. Still others sculpt in stone, plaster, clay or metal. Those at the top of their respective medium may see their works displayed on the walls of the world’s museums. Harry Hauch is one of these fi ne craftsmen. His medium is sheet metal and his “canvasses” are the bodies and interiors of the many, many race cars he has fabricated on over the years. His best work sometimes fi nds itself on a wall also, but in his case, that is never a good thing. The wall is usually going into or coming out of a turn on some banked speedway. To fully appreciate

Harry’s artistry, you sometimes have to get there early.

We were invited to visit Harry’s garage recently to survey some of his more long lasting metal crafting projects, and his

collection of race automobilia. We’re glad we accepted. Har-ry’s involvement with race cars has spanned over forty years and his collection refl ects bits and pieces of everything that has had an infl uence on his craft. In his lifetime, he has lavished his considerable skills on everything from altered drag roadsters and slingshot dragsters to dirt and asphalt stockers and late models, and nowhere is this heritage more evident than in Harry’s garage.

The day of our visit, Harry was putting the fi nishing touches on his new traditional hot rod roadster pickup, built to refl ect a late 1950’s - early 1960’s theme. Based on a modi-

fi ed set of Model A frame rails, the car sports a body that started with a ‘27 Model T Ford touring car cowl and doors. From the cowl back, Harry formed the back of the road-ster pickup body

and then scratch-built a shorty Model A style pickup box . The engine bay pays homage to one of the all time favorite early hot rod engines, the Oldsmobile Rocket, but it does so with a cleverly disguised small block Chevrolet bearing valve covers that have been customized into early Olds lookalikes. Other one-off touches include the grille in the deuce radia-tor shell which was fabricated from a pair of grills of another

kind...barbecue grills to be exact. Flanking the roadster pickup are two very early vintage

Chassis Research front engine dragsters; the one with the blown early hemi mock-up is a vintage K-88 chassis and the injected small block rests between the rails of a TE-440. Both were pretty much lacking histories when Harry got them, but, little by little, each has begun to gain an identity, and some historical signifi cance as well.

The TE-440 was originally a B/Dragster, built and cam-paigned by Adelphi, Maryland brothers, Jim and Joe McNeece. They raced under the Adelphi Race Team banner and set an AHRA record of 9.00 seconds at 155 miles per hour in the early 1960’s. Harry has been in contact with the McNeece brothers and they have expressed some interest in getting the car back so they can restore it to its former glory.

The K-88 chassis is possibly among the oldest surviving Chassis Research cars, although this has not been verifi ed. Harry likes the way it looks with the early Chrysler hemi on board and plans to top the engine off with a 6-71 blower as soon as he can locate one.

Likely the most impressive example of Harry’s metal craftsmanship is his scale replica of the #32 Marmon Wasp race car that won the very fi rst Indianapolis 500 in 1911, with Ray Harroun behind the wheel. Authentic in every detail, the bright yellow model is museum quality. Another re-ally slick piece is the streamlined tricycle that Harry built for his grand-daughter. All three wheels on the cycle achieve an aerodynamic advantage with aircraft-inspired, Hauch-built wheel “pants”.

Harry’s automobilia collection is an impressive mix of hot rod parts, old race photos, show and race posters, and antique automotive toys. He is a dedicated swap meet shopper, ebayer and all-around pack rat, with a trained eye for just that right part or fi xture. Harry is an interesting guy, with an equally interesting garage. We enjoyed the visit im-mensely. R&R

FEATURES:The Spotlight ........................ 1 Editors Notes ........................ 2 Hot Rodding News & Notes .... 3New Allstar Products ............. 4New Products ....................... 5

Racing News.........................6,8,9New Vendors ........................ 7Rodding Journal.....................10Lane Happenings .................. 11Lane Collectables .................. 12The Parts You Need and the Service You Deserve!

Harry Hauch...Maintaining Metal Health

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Harry’s traditional ‘27 Model T pickup hot rod.

Harry’s amazing replica of the Marmon Wasp, winner of the fi rst Indy 500.

The Chassis Research TE440 B/Dragster with Maryland roots.

Harry’s granddaughter will sail through the wind with this one-off trike.

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Editor’s NotesMaynard Rupp’s “Chevoom” Funny Car Unearthed

Looking somewhat forelorn, with much of the original body color and graphics scrubbed off , “Chevoom” showed up at the National Hot Rod Reunion in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 2006. Where it had been hidden since being retired from the funny car match race circuit re-mains a mystery. Rumors of the car being for sale with a very high price tag have circulated, but never been confi rmed.

“Chevoom” was a departure from what passed for the funny car norm in 1966 for a number of reasons. A good portion of its body was steel at a time when fl ip top funnies were starting to be built completely out of fi berglass. Most of the newer funny car bodies were replicas of sportier type cars - Ford Mustangs, Dodge Chargers and Chevy II Super Sports were among the most popular. “Chevoom” was based upon a Chevelle 300 2-door post type body, most likely because the body was not only lighter, but was also structurally stronger. The really big diff erence between “Chevoom” and the other funnies, however, was the overall design. For starters, the engine was a relatively small 354 cubic inch early hemi, rather than a 392, or 426 late hemi, but it was supercharged and ran on large doses of nitro. The engine was not up front, but right in the middle of the chassis, right behind the driver. While the average funny car’s wheelbase had been altered to move the rear and front wheels forward slightly for weight transfer, the Chevelle’s rear wheels were moved rearward a fair amount to accommodate the mid-engine setup. No doubt, the 2-door body’s extra strength came in handy to support the wide gap between front and rear wheels.

I remember seeing this car only once, but it was a memorable race because Pete Seaton’s more conventional ‘66 Chev-elle hardtop with injected 427 was in the other lane. I cannot remember which car won...hey, after all, it was 42 years ago! “Chevoom”and Maynard Rupp enjoyed a moderate amount of success in the match races of the day. After one season, the car disappeared and Rupp moved on to other race cars. “Chevoom” was defi nitely one of the more radical funny cars of the sixties, and likely the only non-Chevy powered Chevy of its day. It’s good to see that it has survived to be restored after all those years in obscurity. R&R

Keep The Lid On Expenses This SummerI remember a trip to the Goodguys Indy event about eight years ago

when the oil companies were messing with us much like they are now. At that time, gas had reached $2.25 a gallon and it was really painful to fi ll up the car, hand over two twenty dollar bills and get only a hand-ful of coins for change. Now that forty bucks will get little better than two thirds of a tank. I don’t want to go anywhere near my soapbox, or express what I think of the oil folks. I do believe, however, they are prod-ucts of male and female unions done without benefi t of clergy.

The high fuel prices have caused me to prioritize my car related travel plans this year. I’ve cut out about half of the events I like to attend on a yearly basis primarily because I refuse to double the cost of a trip just to contribute to “record profi ts.” Another plan I am following involves seeking out as many local events as possible. For me, “local” is an event that is within an hour’s drive. Check out local events calendars. You’d be amazed at how many shows and cruises take place right under our noses. Some involve a day long event, others just an evening, but they’re all worth it. And, they don’t cost an arm and a leg for gas to get there and back home. R&R

Open Header Cruise News The Second Annual Open Header Cruise on Friday night, May 23,

promises to better than ever. For the fi rst time in history, not one, but three nitro-powered, front engine dragsters will join in at the tail end of the cruise and romp and rumble down M-140 to Lane Drive and into the midst of our cruise night celebration. It promises to be quite a spec-tacle, one that will be hard to forget. R&R

SPRING 2008 3

Supercharging Systems For Ford MustangsNothing beats a blower for sheer acceleration and all around

excitement. Vortech’s gear-driven supercharging systems can add over 100 horsepower to a late model Mustang, and trans-form it to a real “supercar”. With a polished, high effi ciency

impeller and blower housing, the systems have everything needed for installation including a drive belt and pulley system, high fl ow fuel injectors and fuel pump, DiabloSport Predator hand-held programmer, high fl ow air fi lter and billet aluminum mount-ing brackets. Hardware and instructions can also be found in the package and, for an even greater thrill, high output supercharging systems with an integrated air-to-water charge coolers can further boost horsepower. All systems are emissions legal in all 50 states. R&R

Trick Flow Specialties is one of the oldest and most well known of the aftermarket aluminum cylinder head and intake manifolds geared toward the high performance street and strip enthusiast. We’re proud to now have their products available to our customers. R&R

Trick Flow Small Block Ford Twisted Wedge Street/Strip Cylinder Heads

An improved combustion chamber design rotates valves over the center of the cylinder bores for opti-mum valve angles, locations and chamber shape. Aluminum heads are fi tted with 2.020” intake and 1.600” exhaust valves and are the only heads with 2.020” intake valves that do not require fl ycutting of pistons. Choose as-cast, 170cc, or CNC-ported 205cc intake ports. Sold in pairs, completely assembled. R&R

Big Block Ford PowerPort Street/Strip Cylinder Heads

Add signifi cant horsepower and torque to Ford 429-460 engines. PowerPort aluminum cylinder heads have large, 290cc intake ports, and 130cc exhaust ports that are raised .270” for improved air fl ow. Sold in pairs, bare or assembled. Assembled heads use 2.200” intake and 1.760” exhaust valves, 7/16” studs, guide plates, valve springs, retainers and locks. Heads have no provision for EGR. R&R

BB Ford PowerPort Race A460 Race Cylinder Heads

Extra large, 340cc intake ports, 172cc exhaust runners, 91cc combustion chambers and big block Chevy exhaust port confi gurations provide superb air fl ow. Off ered bare or assembled - assembled heads have 2.350” intake and 1.880” exhaust valves, 7/16” studs, guide plates, 1.640” dia. dual valve springs, titanium retainers and valve locks. This is the head to use for mega-power from the big block Ford. Heads have no provision for EGR. Sold in pairs. R&R

BB Ford R-Series A460 Intake Manifold TRFTFS-54400111

Extended runner, single plane aluminum manifold is engineered for high RPM, 500+ cu. in. big block Ford engines with TFS PowerPort Race A460 cylinder heads. Manifold accepts a 4500 series carburetor and includes bosses for nitrous or fuel injection. R&R

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Hot Rodding News and Notes

4 Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266

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New Allstar Products

Heated Tire Siper ALL10266Sipe tires quickly and eff ortlessly while maintaining precise control. Siping can greatly im-

prove traction by allowing the tire to reach and maintain optimum temperature. A locking lever and blade clamping screw secures up to 13 blades in the head assembly. Tool heats in 10-15 minutes. 110V operation. R&R

Outlaw Asphalt RoofsRoofs have a molded-in recess to provide a smooth transition for mounting wrap-around wind-

shields. Choose LW fi berglass 3.5 lbs or carbon fi ber 4.25 lbs. R&R

Chrome Plated Water Neck ALL30174Cast aluminum 45 degree water neck fi ts small block Ford. Includes an O-ring for sealing the base fl ange

and two hex head bolts. R&R

Door Bar ComponentsReplacement components for Rocket dirt late models.

ALL22390/22391 three-point mounts are constructed of 1” steel tubing and bolt to the frame. Each mount has a pre-welded sleeve sized to accept posts of the ALL22392 door bar, 5’ L x 1-1/4” steel. R&R

Radiator Air Scoop For Sprint Car ALL23224Maximize airfl ow through the radiator, increase cooling effi ciency and at the same time, create

down force. Lightweight and durable gray plastic is 1/8” thick x 21” wide x 11” tall. R&R

Brake Bias Adjuster with Crank Handle ALL42078Our popular brake bias adjuster is now also available with a crank handle. Reference scale shows exactly

where brakes are set with no more guessing and counting turns. Housing, internals, brackets, and crank are all made of aluminum. Includes a fi ve foot cable that can be cut to any length for a custom fi t and has 3/8”-24 threads for most standard pedal assemblies. R&R

Hood ScoopsScoops are molded from durable high impact plastic with carbon fi ber look and have a molded-in

fl ange for easy mounting. Protect air cleaners that protrude through the hood from dirt and debris. R&R

ALL22390 ALL22392ALL22391

ALL23233

ALL23230

SPRING 2008 5

The Qualifier And Eliminator SeriesBe Cool has recently bolstered their impressive line of aluminum perfor-

mance radiators with two new entries: The Qualifi er Series of competition radiators and the Eliminator Series in sizes to fi t an array of modern muscle car restorations. Both lines of radiators feature dual 1” cores, billet fi ller necks and folded and tapered tanks for maximum effi ciency and durability.

The Qualifi er Series radiators are available in a variety of sizes and hose connection con-fi gurations for use in race cars powered by Chevrolet/GM, Ford and Chrysler engines. The Eliminator Series radiators are off ered for select GM, Ford and Chrysler muscle car and pony car applications. R&R

Chevrolet 4340 Steel Alloy Oil PumpsPumps have 4340 steel alloy pump housings and valve bodies with

drive/idler shafts extending into the valve bodies to prevent gear defl ec-tion. Steel billet gears are machined for perfect gear mesh and an aircraft quality chrome moly gear shaft eliminates fatigue from vibrations. An ad-

justable bypass valve and enlarged inlet and oil passages increase oil fl ow and effi ciency. All pumps include drive shaft, but pickup is sold separately. Call Lane Automotive with your pan depth and we can help you select the pickup assembly needed for your particular pump. Two pumps are available for small block Chevrolets: CVROP455, a steel Prolube pump; and CVROP455CT, a pump specifi cally engineered for circle track use. CVROP477 is a steel Prolube oil pump for big block Chevrolets. R&R

AP Steel Top Ring File-Fit Piston Ring SetsSets have AP (Advanced Profi ling) steel top rings, conven-

tional second rings - both with extremely tight tolerances, and three-piece, standard tension oil rings for excellent seal-ing. Rings are ideal for naturally-aspirated, supercharged,

turbocharged or conservative nitrous engines. All sets are for eight cylinders and include instructions for fi le-fi tting. R&R

Torque ConvertersHard launches and quicker 60 ft. times can become

reality with Transmission Specialties’ line of torque converters. Unmatched in quality and workmanship, each converter includes a heat treated pump hub, new pilot and three sets of Torrington needle thrust bearings. Street and street/strip torque converters are available and stall speed is an estimate based on engine displace-ment and torque output. R&R

New Products From Our Longtime Vendors...

New

ProductsNew Products

6 Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266

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Drag NewsNitromethane Woes In 2008

The $100,000 fi ne levied against Don Schumacher Racing by the National Hot Rod Association for having “illegal” ni-tromethane in his trailer has brought to light other nitro-related issues, including the peripheral involvement of Homeland Security. Let’s see if we can sort out this mess.

For openers, all nitro used in drag racing is now imported from China (no, you can’t buy it at Wal-Mart...yet). U.S. compa-nies currently do not fi gure in the equation. Because nitro is imported, it has come under tight scrutiny from the federal government and is labeled as a high explosive. Some theorize that the sicko responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing used nitromethane even though residue left at the scene pointed more toward ammonium nitrate fertilizer.. Regardless, the Homeland Security group instituted rules to keep nitro out the hands of potential terrorists. While they were not specifi -cally targeting drag racers with their edicts, the rules nevertheless had a drastic eff ect on how, when and where legitimate users could get their nitro.

Next, the NHRA and IHRA, no doubt solely motivated by money, gave rights to sell nitro at their events to a single com-pany. Those previously mentioned federal regulations inspired NHRA to adopt rules even more stringent than those of the government regarding the safe handling of nitromethane. Of course, this made the product even more expensive. Proof of this lies in the “shrinkage” of a barrel quantity of nitro. It used to be roughly 50-53 gallons, allowing some room for expan-sion. Prices were in the $800-1000 range. Now, a barrel is only 40 gallons, but the price has escalated to around $1,200. At the same time, racers are limited to a total of 400 pounds of nitro at any one time. They may purchase it at the races, but any unused over and above the 400 pounds must be returned to the NHRA where it will be labeled and sealed for pickup by the racer at the next event. It remains to be seen how this will aff ect the nostalgia nitro dragster and funny car teams who do not follow the NHRA circuit.

Schumacher and company ran afoul of the rules when they brought along nitro not from the annointed supplier, to use in testing after an event. They were not using it for the race, in fact the barrels were sealed. Schumacher has fi led a lawsuit to appeal the fi ne from NHRA. There are two rules within the NHRA rulebook that contradict one another...one is NHRA’s ba-sis for the fi ne, the other is the basis for the Schumacher appeal. How this whole hundred grand fi ne works out is anybody’s guess at this point. R&R

FEDA Nostalgia Drags At Osceola Dragway May 25th

Nitro will hang heavy in the air over Osceola Dragway on Sunday May 25 as members of the Front Engine Dragsters of America (FEDA) line up for a nostalgic trip down drag race memory lane. For the second year in a row, the group, primarily made up of front engine dragster rac-ers from around the Midwest, will do their thing as part of the weekly Bracket Race program at the historic Osceola facility. The event fi ts in real well with our fuel effi cient Memorial Day suggestions for automo-tive fun. Come to the Lane Car Show on Saturday May 24th and then head to Osceola on Sunday...after all, it’s only about fi fty miles from here. R&R

Mid Michigan Memorial Day Marathon May 24-26

Mid Michigan Motorplex, near Stanton, will stage a three day Memo-rial Day Marathon drag race event May 24-26. On Saturday May 24th, Super Pro and Pro classes will vie for $1,000 each plus Street. On Sun-day, May 25, Super Pro and Pro will see $1,500 go to the winner in each bracket. Monday, Memorial Day, Super Pro and Pro will each race for a $1,200 top prize.

The Diversifi ed UG Utilities Junior Dragsters will race for points all three days and Lane Automotive/Edelbrock points will be awarded all three days as well. R&R

Tom McKeon will run his injected A/Fuel Dragster at Osceola

Super Pro contender Dan Gorby at Mid Michigan Motorplex

SPRING 2008 7

New Vendor Showcase Racing N

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Fire Suppression SystemsAsk any racer what their number one fear is and

they’ll tell you that it is being on fi re. With regard to extinguisher systems for race cars, there is no such thing as overdoing it. H3R has debuted a line of fi re suppression systems that gives new meaning to race car safety. Specifi cally designed and engineered to handle the type and severity of fi res that occur in an automotive environment, H3R systems can extinguish fi res without leaving any potentially harmful residues behind or conducting electricity back to the user.

The H3R Max Out Chemical Extinguishers are available as Class B; C for smothering fi res involving fl ammable liquids and Class A;B;C for fl ammable liquids and common combus-tibles like paper and wood. All extinguishers are rechargeable and Made In The USA with high quality steel cylinders and all metal valving. All are UL listed and rated.

H3R HalGuard is a clean extinguishing agent that turns into a gas upon release to quickly smother fi res involving fl am-mable liquids without leaving any residue. Halguard is an excellent protection for race cars and hot rods, as well as high tech computer equipment. Portable units with HalGuard are available up to 5 lbs; wheeled units are available with up to 150 lbs. of HalGuard. All are rechargeable and UL listed and rated.

H3R Automatic Fire Suppression Systems make fi re fi ghting an around the clock proposition and off er fi re protection to race car trailers and even shops. Available in 45 lb. and 55 lb. sizes. The smaller unit can safely protect trailers up to 24 ft. and shops up to 1,500 square feet; the larger unit protects trailers to 28 ft. and shops to 1,820 square feet.

Finally, H3R manufactures band clamp style billet aluminum brackets to fi t 1.0, 1.4 and 2.5 lb. extinguishers and also of-fers fl at surface or roll bar mounts to complete the mounting system. The brackets are available with polished or brushed fi nishes and are accepted by NHRA, NMCA and NMRA for all categories of race competition. R&R

Diesel ProductsNew to the our line up is the complete line of high performance

diesel truck turbocharger components off ered by BD Diesel. Included in BD’s product line are turbo charger kits, cool down timers, inter-coolers and high performance exhaust manifolds.

BD Diesel Turbocharger Kits are available for Dodge/Cummins trucks from 1994-2002, GM/Chevy Duramax diesels from 2001-2006 and Ford 6.0 Powerstroke diesels from 2005 to 2007. The kits for Dodges can boost power up to 425 horsepower; the GM kits can build power up to 550 horses and the Ford kits can help the Powerstroke 6.0 realize 500 horse-power.

BD Diesel Intercoolers have 33% thicker cores and 57% more surface area to increase cool-ing eff ectiveness by as much as 90%. The BD designed inlet and discharge tubes are 36% larger to handle up to 100 PSI boost pressures and move up to 1,500 CFM with a pressure drop of less than 1 PSI. These units will exactly replace the factory intercoolers, and hoses and clamps are included where they are needed.

BD Diesel Exhaust Manifolds for 1988 to 2007 Dodge/Cummins and 2001-07 GM Duramax diesels are much tougher than the stock units and will resist leaking and cracking under high temperatures. Pulse-tuned and balanced for effi cient combustion chamber evacuation and fl ow, the manifolds reduce back pressure for improved fuel effi ciency and power output.

The BD Diesel Cool Down Timer is an important component in any turbocharger instal-lation. Big rig diesel drivers will testify to the importance of cooling down a turbocharged diesel engine after a hard run. Shutting down without a cool down period causes untold damage to cylinder heads and valvetrain parts because, upon shutdown, heat continues to climb in the combustion chambers and cylinders. Letting the engine cool down at idle for a period of three to seven minutes will allow cylinder temperatures to “normalize” and prevent serious, expensive damage. The BD timer kit includes an exhaust probe (thermocouple). R&R

New Additions To Our Vendor Line-up

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Racing NewsKamp Motor Speedway Lane/Holley Challenge Winners

Dan Walden Ted Loomis Kent Robinson

Matt Huddleston Rob Fuqua Mike Spatola

Jason Lakey AJ Dixon Ryan Thomas

Josh Ferguson Nate Alexander Ian Keller

Jerrad Krick Scott Buchanan Dylan Campbell

Scott Hufford Dave Rudisill Brian Meneffee

SPRING 2008 9

Racing New

s Manufacturer Spotlight

The Choice Of Today’s Top Car BuildersAmong the most recognized names in the hot rod industry, Billet Specialties has been the hallmark of innovation in

wheels, interior, exterior and engine dress-up accessories since its founding in 1985. In less than a quarter of a century, the company has become the clear choice for all automotive billet needs. Certain important steps need to be planned out and strictly adhered to in order to achieve this degree of recognition, especially in a very tough automotive aftermarket atmo-sphere. Here’s Billet Specialties’ recipe for success:

DIVERSITY - Billet Specialties current off ers over 600 billet accessories and 90 plus wheel styles...more diversity than any other manufacturer.

INNOVATION - The key to success in the billet accessories market lies in continuous development of products that are in-novative, one-of-a-kind and readily available. Innovation leads to development of off -the-shelf products that look like they were custom built.

QUALITY CONTROL - Every Billet Specialties piece is inspected for fi t and fi nish in each phase of construction. To com-pletely assure quality, each product is subjected to as many as 5 or 6 process points before undergoing fi nal inspection.

PRECISION MACHINING - A major component of Billet Specialties’ quality control program involves their reputation for precise machining and the ability to turn out a fl awless product, time after time.

RECOGNITION OF CUSTOMER NEEDS AND TRENDS - Billet Specialties customer service staff consists of automotive enthusiasts who understand customer needs and current trends, and can incorporate this into the development of new and exciting products.

TECHNICAL ADVICE - Technical assistance is very important, especially when it comes to selling custom wheels. After-market wheels have never been a simple bolt-on aff air. In these modern times, terms like bolt circle diameters, backspacing and run out are more important than ever given the wide variety of old and new vehicles that are popular with automotive enthusiasts.

INVENTORY - You can’t buy a product if it isn’t on the shelf. Billet Specialties inventories an enormous number of wheel centers, rim shells and center blanks at all times to fulfi ll orders. They also stock a very large inventory of completed wheels in select styles and sizes, ready for immediate shipping.

DELIVERY - Billet Specialties takes special care to emphasize the importance of product delivery. If they manufacture a product, it’s in stock for immediate delivery. No other wheel manufacturer can match Billet Specialties’ delivery time. Period. Manufacturing is not a hobby at Billet Specialties.

There you have it. To Billet Specialties, this is simply the only way to do business. It shows in their successes. R&R

10 Phone 269.463.Lane • Toll Free 800.772.5266

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Rodding JournalThe 56th Annual Detroit Autorama

My fi rst trip to the Detroit Autorama, when I was a senior in high school, bore a remarkable resemblance to my most recent trip to this year’s show. In late Feb-ruary of 1966, I climbed into a ‘61 Chevy with four friends - all of us around age 18 - and we headed down Van Dyke (M-53), full of excitement at the prospect of seeing some of the nation’s best show cars. In March of 2008, I piled (smaller vehicle, larger personal girth) into a van with four diff erent friends, all of us with the same objective, to travel to the 56th Annual Autorama. In spite of the grey hairs, larger mid-sections and somewhat slower reaction times it was pleasing to note that forty-two years had not diminished one iota the excitement we all felt as we happily motored on toward the show.

In 1966, we stopped for breakfast at a Big Boy in Imlay City. In 2008, a Big Boy near Ann Arbor fulfi lled our breakfast needs. Upon our arrival at the earlier show, we all split up and went our separate ways after arranging a common meeting point and time.

This year, we pretty much all went our separate ways, each with certain people to meet and things to see. (Some of the groundwork for our annual Lane Automotive Car Show Noisefest is taken care of at this show.) All of us this year had agreed beforehand that we’d meet in the lower level at the Cobo Center, which is reserved, in part, for the so-called traditional hot rods.

If memory serves me correctly, in 1966 the Ridler Award, presented every year at the Autorama to the best new, never before shown hot rod, went to Maynard Rupp’s “Chevoom”, an altered wheelbase, ‘66 Chevelle funny car with a rear-mounted, Early Chrysler hemi. Painted a bright yellow and adorned with the ubiquitous Mooneyes logo, the car’s major sponsor was Detroit’s premier hot rod shop, Gratiot Auto Supply.

While many of the current Ridler contenders may never see any real hot rod duty, the “Chevoom” went on to be a serious competitor on the funny car match race circuit after its debut on the show circuit.

(See the related “Chevoom” article elsewhere in this issue.)The 2008 Ridler winner was certainly diff erent than what has caught the

judges’ eyes for the past several years. Based upon a miniscule 1960 Rambler American station wagon, “Ferrambo” was overwhelmed by a complete Ferrari engine and transaxle assembly mounted amidship. Painted Ferrari red, the little wagon needed no help standing out in a crowd. I found it interesting that there two other station wagon entries among the eight contenders for the coveted Ridler Award. A 1956 Chevy Nomad, with amazingly few modifi cations and a superb fi nish was another wagon in hot conten-tion, but it still was not my favorite. This distinction went to a ‘55 Chrysler with considerable body modifi cations to make it resemble a late model Dodge Magnum wagon.

All in all, the show was as good as it gets, and it still represents all the best aspects of hot rodding, showing them in the best possible light. Check out the photos and see for yourselves. R&R (Photos Courtesy of www.HotRodHotline.com)

Getting There Is Half The Fun ! The Road To Cobo Arena For several years, my wife has accompanied me to the Detroit Autorama, and in 2006 and 2007 we had taken advantage

of the chance to ride a bus chartered by the Rod Benders club. This year, my wife decided that she was not up to being on her feet for the length of time it would take to traverse the entire two fl oors of the show. About this same time, a seat opened up in John Keyser’s van, and I gladly accepted the invitation to fi ll it with my presence. I couldn’t have asked for a more delightful bunch to join in a journey to a hot rod mecca. John drove, I rode shotgun, and Steve Wright, Rick Kirvan and Dave Crane fi lled up the remaining seats. We had a great time, and the day was over way too soon. Getting together with a group of like-minded hot rodding friends is a great deal of fun and reaffi rmed what I’ve always believed: We can’t do a thing about getting older, but we never have to grow up. R&R

SPRING 2008 11

Plan Now To Attend Our 2008 Car Show Lane Happenings

Lane HappeningsSecond Annual Open Header Cruise To Kick Off Car Show Again

Last year’s inaugural Open Header Cruise went over so well that we are going to do it again this year...and we hope to increase the number of participants. The route will be the same as last year and some of the rod-ders who would have joined us last year if the road was in better shape will be happy to know that the state moved up their paving schedule and that M-140 from downtown Watervliet all the way to Lane Drive is brand new asphalt. We are planning at this time to add a few vintage fuel drag-sters to the cruise. Sign up for the Open Header Cruise on our web site - www.laneautomotive.com, or call John McLellan at (269) 463-0202.

Ron Willit’s supercharged, Pro Street 1964 Corvette struts its stuff at last year’s Open Header Cruise.

It’s Not Too Late To Join Our 2008 Open Header Cruise !

Work is moving right along on the 20th Annual Lane Automotive Car Show and Cruise which will take place May 23-24, 2008. Many things will remain unchanged, including the nitro-fueled Noisefest, which has grown to be a real crowd pleaser.

The 40th Anniversary Circle will highlight the Cars of 1968. We’re on the lookout for any and all cars built in 1968. Remember, 1968 was also the fi rst year of the Road Runner, Super Bee, GTX and R/T Mopars, AMX’s and Javelins, as well as the intro of restyled ‘Vette, GTO, Chevelle, 4-4-2, etc.

Don’t miss the Lane Chassis Dyno Challenge II both days! R&R

NAME

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE

HOME PHONE: WORK PHONE:

CAR YEAR:

CAR MAKE:

CAR MODEL:

Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun,Sign Up Now

Mail To Lane Automotive,ATTN: John McLellan 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098

or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com

NAME

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE

HOME PHONE: WORK PHONE:

CAR YEAR:

CAR MAKE:

CAR MODEL:

Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun,Sign Up Now

Mail To Lane Automotive,ATTN: John McLellan 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098

or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com

8300 Lane Drive Watervliet, Mi 49098Phone 269-463-LANE • Toll Free 800-772-5266 • Fax 800-772-2618

CAT109.2

Part No. 410 • Limited EditionOnly 1,098 Made

Due Late August - $119.95