Honest Charley ? and newbie intro

[seadog]

I've been a lurker on this board for a while and being basically somewhat shy and retiring have refrained from posting until now. I have been into cars since grade school in the mid 50's, so its fair to say that I've been around for a few years. Over time I have drifted in and out of being active with the hobby. Went through a sports car phase in the 70's and as I look back, what a waste that was. I have now returned to my first love, early Fords, and am in the process of building a 33 5 window.

The other day I got to thinking about the early days and pulled out some of my Hot Rod Magazines from the 50's. After seeing some of the old Honest Charley ads I dug a little deeper and turned up one of his catalogs. Whatever happened to this company. They had really creative advertising and I spent many hours pouring over the catalogs in the back of algebra class. Who was Honest Charley and what happened to cause the company, which seemed to be huge at the time, to go under? I understand that the name has been resurrected today and among other things it is used to sell flathead powered motorcycles and a line of clothing. Just curious, maybe somebody knows the story. Thanks - Seadog

[Petejoe]

Welcome to the Hamb seadog. Post some pics of your stuff, wives daughters or anything else you may have of interest. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Roothawg]

I think they do custom pickup stuff now.

Welcome.

[El Caballo]

Good intro Tom, where in NC are you? Lots of HAMers are from the Carolinas. I still have kin there and plan on moving back some day. Are you by the coast, my folks live on Emerald Isle near Jacksonville.

[seadog]

I'm in Shelby...near Charlotte (home of the soon to be SuperBowl winning Panthers) Grew up on the coast, hence the name seadog. In addition to cars my other main interest is sailing. I lived in SoCal, in Orange County, for four years, 86-90, and have many fond memories of the car scene out there. I liked everything about it except the traffic. On slow days here I sometimes wish I was back there but then I think about the fires, earthquakes and the 5 Freeway and life here in the slow lane 'aint so bad.

[littledeucecoupe427]

Welcome

[flamedcoupe]

Welcome I get to Charlotte every year for the Good Guys. Once in a while I get to the flea market. Its a great town if your into Nascar or Hot Rods

[JamesG]

[ QUOTE ]
I've been a lurker on this board for a while and being basically somewhat shy and retiring have refrained from posting until now. I have been into cars since grade school in the mid 50's, so its fair to say that I've been around for a few years. Over time I have drifted in and out of being active with the hobby. Went through a sports car phase in the 70's and as I look back, what a waste that was. I have now returned to my first love, early Fords, and am in the process of building a 33 5 window.

The other day I got to thinking about the early days and pulled out some of my Hot Rod Magazines from the 50's. After seeing some of the old Honest Charley ads I dug a little deeper and turned up one of his catalogs. Whatever happened to this company. They had really creative advertising and I spent many hours pouring over the catalogs in the back of algebra class. Who was Honest Charley and what happened to cause the company, which seemed to be huge at the time, to go under? I understand that the name has been resurrected today and among other things it is used to sell flathead powered motorcycles and a line of clothing. Just curious, maybe somebody knows the story. Thanks - Seadog

[/ QUOTE ]

Their out of Tenn. now. I gots one of theirs tickers on my wagon...............!

[k9racer]

After Mr Card (Honest hisself Charlie) passed away the survivors changed the name of the business to somthing more modern. A short time later it closed.I never understood why some one would change the best known name in the speed business Then in the 90,s it reopened.under the the leadership of Mr Corkey Coker of the tire co. they are also cho cho customs dealing in later El Caminos. The other product is a custom built motor cycle with a Flathead Ford V8 60 horse power engine. sells for around 20 grand. Honest got the name when he was in the cafe buss, He put in a stool where the cash register was and put up a sign for people to pay on the honor system the bottom of the sign said I am Honest are You.. Welcome to the misspellers club from another oldster..