who has started their HA/GR build on the left coast

[leeberz]

cant wait to see everyones build i know puttin ours together was a blast hopefully we started a fire out here and can keep it goin

[ThingyM]

Well I pulled mine down out of the rafters, And getting going again. Just picked up a completely rebuilt 194 Chev 6. Its been sitting about 6 yrs. going to tear it down and check it out. Comes complete with an air cooled Powerglide..(I know, I never heard of one either)..The chassis is already a complete roller. Just install engine and body panels..Maybe add another hoop on the roll cage..You guys got my adrenalin going again..

[jeff/21]

is a 194 legal? I have a air cooled powerglide in the shop has a rear pump so you can push start .

[64 DODGE 440]

We plan on being there next year.

[ThingyM]

Well jeff here is the way I look at it..If some of these guys can build a full blown 302 Jimmies, 296 cu in flatheads etc. Why would you worry about a 194 cu in.Chev.And the price is right, FREE.. So 194 it is.. The idea is to be there. At least that is what I was told..BTW. It will be a stick shift..

[Toymaker]

Thingy' is right from what I've seen. Just build it in the spirit and bring it, when the class takes off then we can start getting in line with the rules. I don't mean thro' in a SB and a glide:eek: but get yourself an early carbureted and points ignition 6 cyl engine like they built in the early 60's and go for it. All the HA/GR guys I met at DragFest were GREAT and just want to have FUN. If anyone is interested in building one of these cars I wouldn't hesitate to contact Old6rodder, ThingyM, 64 Dodge 440, or myself. The members I mentioned are SUPER and very helpful, Thanks guys, Rocky

[Old6rodder]

While a 194 technically isn't "legal" per se, no one's going to cry about it. The whole pre-'62 thing is a rule of thumb that represents the concept. A gearbox is a gearbox and a rear end is a rear end so more available newer units are in use by most of us. If they were significantly different it'd be another thing but they aren't. As an in-line six of basically classic design Thingy's 194's well within the spirit of the class. Also, as a lower cube engine any combustion chamber advantage'll balance out against the cubes of others. Hell, it's still a proper looking upright six.
Technically, Barn Job's carbs are too new as well. They're no different than the older model SU's except for the addition of circuits for smog laws. The older ones are actually a wee bit better for racing but these are close. The point is that they're the same design and functionality as their parents and thus well within the spirit of the class.

Remember, it's about building to the concept and spirit of the period but with more available equipment. If we'd had used slants lying around in '53 they'd have been built the same as a 216 babbit motor; several home modified carbs (usually singles) and open pipes. Play with the ports and valves, and a cam if you could afford it.

The whole stick thing is part of it too. The spirit of it is about racing the person as well as the car. That's also why we'd like some form of straight up starts rather than what it's come to now.

Sometimes it surprises me when one or two don't quite get the "spirit of the thing" concept. I guess it shouldn't, but it does. I guess I just don't have a "sue the bastard, because we can" & "any loophole to get ahead" way of thinking.

Good grief, I sure do rattle on about it, don't I? :o
Surely it isn't fanaticism, is it? :eek:

Anyway, that's about the gist of it ......... :rolleyes:

[ThingyM]

You asked about Efrens car.. The motor is heading to Egges machine for the needed rebuild..Then on to the instalation..It will probably be running by the end of summer..

[ThingyM]

By the way,,, We checked the engine coding on my 194.. Nov.17,1962. Is it legal or not..I'm going to run it anyway..At least till something better comes along...

[Old6rodder]

That's legal as it can be. Claim it's a '63 so you can tweak the rivet counters ............ :D

[Toymaker]

By the way,,, We checked the engine coding on my 194.. Nov.17,1962. Is it legal or not..I'm going to run it anyway..At least till something better comes along...
Depends how fast it is!:D

[ThingyM]

Well TM.. I'm thinking about throwing in a 1/2" stroker crank. Bore it 1/8" 735 lift cam on a 108 lobe centers. Fully reworked head..Is it still legal. hehehehe... All kidding aside.. It is a 62 block..Do I really have to race that Lil' Old lady in the wheelchair??

[Old6rodder]

THAT'S NOT A WHEELCHAIR ! It's a jan-u-wine racer automobile, and I ain't no lil' ole lady ! :p You take that back ...........

[ThingyM]

Butch told me that there is this guy who is a friend of his, that is really interested in building a HAMB car..And Butch is also trying to figure out how to let us run at the ANRA meets.....

[Old6rodder]

I still have my fingers cossed for Butch. It'd be great to be able to run the ANRA meets, they're a lot of fun.


Our creation is ALIVE, it's ALIVE I tell you.

[Toymaker]

I hope Butch figures it out, racing with you guys will be a blast. Maybe exhibition racing for Trophys only?

[ThingyM]

That would be fine with me...I would race for nothing if they want..

[64 DODGE 440]

That would be fine with me...I would race for nothing if they want..

What he said. :D

[ThingyM]

Hey!! I had a thought in my pea size brain. Why don't us California guys put our HAMBsters on display at the CHRR this year at Bakersfield..See if we can drum up some intrest. I'm sure all the cars will be finished. Want me to find out?????

[Toymaker]

Hey!! I had a thought in my pea size brain. Why don't us California guys put our HAMBsters on display at the CHRR this year at Bakersfield..See if we can drum up some intrest. I'm sure all the cars will be finished. Want me to find out?????
You Bet, I'd be there! I need another deadline:D

[ThingyM]

OK Here goes,, Who knows anything about 10 bolt Chev. rearends..I have one that is out of a S10 pickup. It's 4.10 gear ratio..Now here is my question..Now is it a 7.5 or 8.2 or Metric. the casting number is 1-40303052.. I want to buy an aluminum cover for it, the one with the rear cap bolts in it (Summit catalog) Thanks .Dick M. Any help would be a help....

[Rand Man]

I bet an S-10 forum could tell you. There are a lot of helpfull folks out there on the web.

[64 DODGE 440]

Either that or call your local chevy parts man.:D

[ThingyM]

OH I know,, But just thought someone on here knew..

[Old6rodder]

We could make the CHRR as well. Perhaps line up along the fence again? Maybe in the show area behind the stands? Not sure where else we'd be seen.

Sorry, in Chevy I only know torque tube rear ends.

[64 DODGE 440]

OH I know,, But just thought someone on here knew..

Someone probably does.:D

[Toymaker]

We could make the CHRR as well. Perhaps line up along the fence again? Maybe in the show area behind the stands? Not sure where else we'd be seen.

Maybe in the lanes:D My fingers are crossed Thingy'

[ThingyM]

Ok, You Calif. guys be ready..Mr. Headrick is working very hard on getting some races set up, with ANRA, and will be run at Bakersfield. We might be calling on you guys for some help. Would like to get it going where we could invite the out of staters to the races also. Wouldn't that be cool?? Keep your fingers crossed....

[Toymaker]

Ok, You Calif. guys be ready..Mr. Headrick is working very hard on getting some races set up, with ANRA, and will be run at Bakersfield. We might be calling on you guys for some help. Would like to get it going where we could invite the out of staters to the races also. Wouldn't that be cool?? Keep your fingers crossed....

GREAT NEWS Dick! I'm workin on a couple of Strombergs for the our HA/GR. I have entered it in a local car show here in Fresno, June 14th, so thats a deadline I needed to get 'er spruced up then I'll be at the June ANRA race with it. Tom leave your Tape measure home:D

[Old6rodder]

We're in.

[64 DODGE 440]

GREAT NEWS Dick! I'm workin on a couple of Strombergs for the our HA/GR. I have entered it in a local car show here in Fresno, June 14th, so thats a deadline I needed to get 'er spruced up then I'll be at the June ANRA race with it. Tom leave your Tape measure home:D

Don't worry Rocky, I won't measure anything.......next time we can all have our secrets.:D

[Toymaker]

OK, 64', Thingy', Old6' and myself make 4. The Early Riders CC are talking about a build, anybody else? Rocky

[vectorsolid]

That would be fine with me...I would race for nothing if they want..

Way ahead of you, I've even taken that approach with my current race cars... :o

[64 DODGE 440]

I hope Butch figures it out, racing with you guys will be a blast. Maybe exhibition racing for Trophys only?

If we do that, lets build our own.:cool:

[Toymaker]

I have a set of JAHNS Ford Flat Head pistons on rods somewhere, that's enough for an eight race series :D Rocky

[64 DODGE 440]

I have a set of JAHNS Ford Flat Head pistons on rods somewhere, that's enough for an eight race series :D Rocky

I have some old parts too.

From the seeds a tree will grow.:D

[leeberz]

:Dhowz everyones stuff coming along cant wait for dragfest

[64 DODGE 440]

Making slow progress on the Rabbit, seems like life keeps getting in the way.

Planning on being there running or not.:D

[leeberz]

did a little more stomp tunin in the shop tonight throttle is hooked up ready to go cant wait for Dragfest hope everyone had a great holiday and a happy new year

[64 DODGE 440]

Looks good Lee, have you marked the pavement with it yet?:D

[ThingyM]

I was jut dealt another set back..Seems I fractured my right ankle..Don't ask me how... I'm still trying for the Dragfest, But will let my friend drive the car instead of me...

[Old6rodder]

..Don't ask me how..

Bullpuckey, how'd you do it? :p

Seriously, I hope it isn't too bad. There're many ways to mess up an ankle and some of'em are downright nasty, please tell us yours was one of those milder ones.

[348chevy]

I did the same thing a few years back playing basketball with some boys. I went in for a lay up and got laid up. No fun with crutches and a cast. Did they give a walking boot or do you have crutches? :( Roy

[64 DODGE 440]

Probably tripped over the damn poodle again.

Seriously Dick, heal fast. I've broken enough parts to feel your pain.

[ThingyM]

Yea It doesn't seem to bad..Go to the bone Dr' tomarrow for more X-rays and see if it has to be in a cast..I kind of doubt it though..It's wrapped pretty tight now..No crutches needed.. Stepped on the edge of the sidewalk..Between sidewalk and grass.Poodle not involved in this one....

[64 DODGE 440]

Yea It doesn't seem to bad..Go to the bone Dr' tomarrow for more X-rays and see if it has to be in a cast..I kind of doubt it though..It's wrapped pretty tight now..No crutches needed.. Stepped on the edge of the sidewalk..Between sidewalk and grass.Poodle not involved in this one....

Been there, done that.:D Fortunately didn't break anything, but hobbled around for a while.

Hear fast, Dick. There's racing to be done.:cool:

[esfoder]

The more I look at these ol girls the more I want to build one.

One question. I'm a Hudson guy and I'm thinking the Hudson wet clutch might be a little sketchy for this application so could I use the Dual Range Hydro that came with the motor in 54?

Looks like fun!!!

[64 DODGE 440]

The more I look at these ol girls the more I want to build one.

One question. I'm a Hudson guy and I'm thinking the Hudson wet clutch might be a little sketchy for this application so could I use the Dual Range Hydro that came with the motor in 54?

Looks like fun!!!

Sorry, read the rules. No automatics.

[Old6rodder]

Yeah, a proper HAMBster has a clutch and a manual so's we race the person as well as the car. We like to fondle the lever and shoe the third pedal in the game, makes it a bit more fun for us.

Slushpumps and quads are OK among the SDRA version of the class though. Check it out if that's your bent, they have fun too.

[Joe Hamby]

esfoder, I think that toymaker, one of the only two cars running on the west coast started out with an automatic ford six, and when he changed to a standard, he went about a half second faster. With the tork of a hudson make sure you have a strong tranny. We saw the same car break older trans two years in a rowe at the H.A.M.B. drags. Joe

[64 DODGE 440]

It's true that sometimes an older tranny will break, but sometimes it's caused by the un-restricted abuse it is subjected to.

Actually, it might be interesting to work with that Hudson wet clutch. You might be able to set it up as a "slipper" and use it to your advantage.

[ThingyM]

Well I got to tell ya,,Flywheel and clutch on the way. Intake manifold "Almost" fininished. Cam and lifters will be here this next Monday..Now it's gonna start going together...Yipeeeeee

[Old6rodder]

It's true that sometimes an older tranny will break, but sometimes it's caused by the un-restricted abuse it is subjected to.

One of the skills a would-be racer had to develop "in the day" was judicious management of the clutch so as to keep the drive train alive whilst maintaining as much traction as possible on the tires of the period.
This is indeed one of the lost facets of early drag racing that HAMBsters are meant to recapture. Hence, the statement that we race both the man and his machine.

Hey Thingy, what are you looking to turn the first time out?

[esfoder]

I'm doing some more research on the wet clutch. I know the roundy round guys of the 50's replaced them often. But then again I'm sure they did there fair share of shifting on thoes old dirt tracks? I have the rails so I guess I'll find out how smart I are? Or not

Later guys Great site!!!

[64 DODGE 440]

I'm doing some more research on the wet clutch. I know the roundy round guys of the 50's replaced them often. But then again I'm sure they did there fair share of shifting on thoes old dirt tracks? I have the rails so I guess I'll find out how smart I are? Or not

Later guys Great site!!!

The difference between these cars and the roundy round guys has a lot to do with the weight of the cars and the mileage run. If the wet clutch is a problem, run it dry.

Start building and start a build thread.......we need pictures.:D

[esfoder]

Will do.

Is there anyone else running a Hudson?

[Jim Marlett]

A built Hudson would have the potential to eat everybody's lunch. I almost hate to mention this website, but I would bet they can make any part you might need to attach it to a clutch and transmission of your choice.

http://www.uncommonengineering.com/

[Mike Miller]

I have thought about these cars and building one of them, but then where would I go to play with it. I have never seen one in my neck of the woods.

[Old6rodder]

I have thought about these cars and building one of them, but then where would I go to play with it. I have never seen one in my neck of the woods.

Takes a bit of dedication to be the first one in your area. We were at it a year before we even got to run. The second year things went better as another car was built. This year we expect at least two more cars, possibly more, and already have six venues. Still tucked into the brackets but we're working toward a class of our own. Just need eight cars to show up, and if we keep doubling that'll be next year.

How close are you and esfoder? Starting out with two cars would be better still.

[ThingyM]

Old 6... You asked me what I planed on turning on my first pass?? What ever either you or Rocky turns,, Because I'll be tied to the back one of your cars..hehehe.. Seriously though.. I really have no idea..Maybe hi 13s...

[Mike Miller]

I am 70 miles south of Madras Drag strip and have been bracket racing there for the last 4 years. It has started getting to serious, and really Drag Racing is about having fun with your car to me.

[esfoder]

The weather has been kicking my ass for about a month but could start around March or so. Just have to get some shop space cleared out.
Well then ther is that pesky business I have to run and then the kids and wife. Might take awhile but progress will be made!!!


Yeah March it is!!!

[esfoder]

I am 70 miles south of Madras Drag strip and have been bracket racing there for the last 4 years. It has started getting to serious, and really Drag Racing is about having fun with your car to me.
Hey Mike I'm in Hermiston. A couple hundred miles or so from you. Might be more of us around than we know of?

Go figure

[Mike Miller]

Esfoder, I have cousins that live in that area.

[348chevy]

There are several of us who would like to see a Hudson engine in the foray. The Hudson engine should be a real potent contender if you make it breath. I'm sure you have sources that can line you up with cams etc. You already have the longest rods in the world. I run a set of Hudson rods in my GMC. With 308 cu.in to start with you could come up with a monster. :D Roy

[esfoder]

Esfoder, I have cousins that live in that area.
Small world. Well if these cars ever come to be we may have to hook up to brain storm. I think most of these folks have r&d time on us?

Will be nice to race with a common goal(FUN) other than world domination in mind.


Dusty

[esfoder]

There are several of us who would like to see a Hudson engine in the foray. The Hudson engine should be a real potent contender if you make it breath. I'm sure you have sources that can line you up with cams etc. You already have the longest rods in the world. I run a set of Hudson rods in my GMC. With 308 cu.in to start with you could come up with a monster. :D Roy
Hey 348 I hope to give a respectible performance and make all us loyal Hudsonites proud of our brand. The Hudson torque might be fun to drive in a 1800 pound car?

[ThingyM]

1800lbs.???? What are you making it out of. Plate steel.??? Try for 1200 max...

[esfoder]

1800lbs.???? What are you making it out of. Plate steel.??? Try for 1200 max...
Guess that fat girl I was going to strap on the back for ballast is out?

[348chevy]

Mine has a fat boy in the seat.:D Roy

[esfoder]

Can I build my own front axle or do I have to run an OEM? And how about front wheels? I see some with wire wheels and some with steeles?

[mudflap261]

you can build your own but it must be stock width

[64 DODGE 440]

Can I build my own front axle or do I have to run an OEM? And how about front wheels? I see some with wire wheels and some with steeles?

Axle can be home built, just needs to be stock width. Front wheels are nice, keep the nose from dragging and help car roll, Wire, steel, aluminum, magnesium are OK, just need to be less than 6" wide.

[esfoder]

Axle can be home built, just needs to be stock width. Front wheels are nice, keep the nose from dragging and help car roll, Wire, steel, aluminum, magnesium are OK, just need to be less than 6" wide.
Thanks for the info.

[Toymaker]

I'm curious (if the rumors are true) who might of bought the Okie Outlaw car here in Cali.

[Drewfus]

(if the rumors are true) who might of bought the Okie Outlaw car here in Cali.

Hint....it went to San Francisco....;):D

Cheers,

Drewfus:D

[Toymaker]

I think I have an idea, I'll wait and see if my suspicions are true :D

[leeberz]

anybody build yet

[64 DODGE 440]

Hey Lee.......I think we have some "stealth building" going on out there. They either are afraid we will learn from their build technique or scared we will rag on their builds so they aren't posting anything about their builds.:rolleyes:

Either way.......the more the merrier. It would be nice to have enough cars out here to make an eight car show of our own. Hell, let's go for broke and get enough for a sixteen car heads up match race.:D

[Old6rodder]

...... a sixteen car heads up match race.

Now that's gonna take a wide strip! :eek:

Personally, I think they're building "secret weapon" superHAMBsters in hidden and camoflaged ex-nazi expiremental racing equipment research bunkers. ;)

[64 DODGE 440]

Now that's gonna take a wide strip! :eek:

Personally, I think they're building "secret weapon" superHAMBsters in hidden and camoflaged ex-nazi expiremental racing equipment research bunkers. ;)

Nah, we'll just use the existing track and run crosswise. Short track but WIDE!!:p

[ThingyM]

YEA!!! And Maybe, Just Maybe they don't do pictures, I still don't...I really would like to see a full field of cars, That would be cool..If the economy wasn't so crappy, Some travel time also...

[Old6rodder]

....... and personally, I think you're in with'em! :p :D

So, how's your build coming along anyway? :cool:

[esfoder]

I'm still collecting parts and such. Have the rails front axle,rear end, muncie and the engine. Oh yeah the steering box. Gettin the stuff to match the tranny to the engine. And trying to get as many secrets from you guys as I can so I'm not building this ol girl 6 times.

Dusty

[64 DODGE 440]

I'm still collecting parts and such. Have the rails front axle,rear end, muncie and the engine. Oh yeah the steering box. Gettin the stuff to match the tranny to the engine. And trying to get as many secrets from you guys as I can so I'm not building this ol girl 6 times.

Dusty

Half of the fun of the build is the re-engineering of things as they are built.:p

[Joe Hamby]

Hi Dusty, Just use a lot of blocks and clamps to put everything where you want and where it looks good to you, and you have room inside. Joe

[esfoder]

Yeah the art of the mock up right? I must admit this will be more challenging that it first looks like. Must find time inbetween welding up rock crushers to work on her though. It gets old burnning on 1" thick plate anyway!!!

Dusty

[Joe Hamby]

Dusty, at one time my drag link was a 2x4, when the length was just right I ordered one from Speedway.