Art & Inspiration Vintage Tether Cars

[Ryan]

There has been a lot of talk about tether cars on the H.A.M.B. as of late (cool, damn cool, really damn cool). As such, I thought I would add my two cents with a quick post. I know next to nothing about the little diminutive racers, but have always f...

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[Engine Pro 5X]

Speedy Bill in Lincoln has a kick ass collection of these also. When I think about it he has all the cool stuff. I often wondered what would happen to a run away car?>>>>.

[Ryan]

Mystery solved...

[wvenfield]

Pre War German.

[Ebbsspeed]

Way back in the 60's I had a COX .049 powered one with a Corvette body on it. It could be run as a tethered car, or in a straight line with a guide string running through two loops on the chassis. I seriously think that thing could beat pretty much anything up to it's top speed, which was advertised to be around 40 MPH. The drill was to start the engine, adjust the mixture, snap the body down, then drop the rear wheels onto the pavement. It would INSTANTLY be going flat out......

[Searcher]

This brought back a lost memory.... Making my own Cox 049 powered little race cars. Made the frames out of brass tubing soldered together and ran them down a straight line of string or in circles.

Those you pictured look cool.

[Crazydaddyo]

Yes, it is an exspensive hobby. But it is a real kick in the pants.
It's like building a Bonneville car and runing it but cheaper.
Here is some of the cars I've built and run here at the Whittier Narrows track.

[casper]

Great post! There are a few different levels that a person can collect at. The "big" cars from the mid 30's to the late 40's (pre war cars are super rare and pricey!) and then in the 50's they made smaller cars (mite size) these were more like a toy that a kid could run in his driveway or a vacant lot and not get hurt or make a lot of noise. These cars are just as cool and much cheaper to collect. Names like Rodzy roadster, Ohlson and Rice, The real McCoy, Fuji and many others. And finally there are quite a few reproduction cars available in both big car and mite sizes and most of these are really inexpensive. If I were going to find one to actually run and have fun with, I would definatly build a reproduction with a new "glow" motor and have a great time with it. It's also a great way to teach kids about engine size, gear ratios, and speed!

[<FANG>]

I'll chime in
I only have one and I use it as a paper weight

[long island vic]

i have three of the blue and yellow cars,,,any idea if the value

[Coupe-De-CAB]

Those are too cool

looks like a lotta fun!
thanks for posting,
CAB

[casper]

Something that has been bugging me for the last few weeks.... I would like to try and build a 1950's front engine dragster in approx. 1/8 scale with a 60c.i. model airplane engine, gear box & rear axle and flywheel from Gary Barnes, rear wheels and tires from something like "the big deuce", wire front wheels from Chris Garcia (awesome stuff) all assembled and ready to run in a frame like this....
With a homemade Moon tank and all. I'm not sure I would ever run it, but it sure would look cool in the display case! Has anyone ever built something like I am dreaming about? If so, please post a picture of it for inspiration to fire me up. Thanks.

[Shasta McNasty]

There was a great article in MAKE magazine a while back on tether cars, including some history of these cars. This link might even take you to that history:

http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol11/?pg=97

If not just do a Google search on "make tether cars".

[HEMI32]

Waay cool thread ... brings back childhood memories of many summer afternoons spent playing with my father's old tether car ... without his permission ... I never got "caught" ... but I never got it to run quite correctly either ... nonetheless, it was great fun and provided countless hours of entertainment!

It was an orange-red Roy Cox Thimble Drome car just like this one:



Sure wish I still had it today ... but pop's gave it to Meadors for his collection of tether cars.

[scarylarry]

I bought a collection of maybe 80 or 90 photos at Hershey a few years back that were from 1938-39 from a club that raced tether cars. I was going to do a book with them. Hmmmm, it's on the list of things to do! I WILL get to it one day.

[narducci]

If you want to see some fantastic old tether cars, go to the radio control show every year in Toledo. Its held in early April .
They have a great swap meet with plenty of old timers present. There is a group of old guys who hand build their own engines.
About 10 years ago, I saw a guy sell a 1920's world record car for over 10 grand. It was a beauty, all hand built with a .60 cu in engine.
They also now make replica cars for less than $ 1000 !

[the-rodster]

What about late sixties control line cars?

This was my favorite toy as a kid. Cox powered indy racer.





This was a promotional item from Sprite, turn in 500 bottlecaps, you got the car for free.

I asked every business with a coke machine, if I could have all of there used bottle caps, and just sorted out the sprite

Rich

[48fordnut]

these are some great pics. i have a cyclone powered dooling f car a couple of roodzy,and a couple of the cox cars.

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by scarylarry

I bought a collection of maybe 80 or 90 photos at Hershey a few years back that were from 1938-39 from a club that raced tether cars. I was going to do a book with them. Hmmmm, it's on the list of things to do! I WILL get to it one day.

I,ve got about 100 - 150 original 8x10 photos from the Rail & Cable archives that were used in publishing the magazine back in the 40's.

There is a lot of neat stuff in those old magazines!!!!!!

[oilslinger53]

never seen those, thats pretty cool. especially since theres a track in whittier... i may have to sell my u line control airplanes and get into this!

[Crazydaddyo]

Here is some info on todays form of this hobby.

http://www.amrca.com/

Here are some videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RUuQgvVOzk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ0Fv...eature=related

Turn up the sound!!!!

[50Fraud]

Here's a small collection of mite-sized cars (I've never had the cojones to spring for an 1/8-scale car):



Left to right: .19 Rodzy, .29 McCoy, non-powered Cox TD, handmade wooden Offy sprinter, .049 Ohlsson & Rice, non-powered "Hyde Park Model & Supply".

I have some plastic ones, too: a Cox Mercedes W196, 2 Cox Indy eagles, and a Wen-Mac "Johnny Parsons Special". Don't know where those are, so no pix. All are '049s.

[50Fraud]

Originally Posted by scarylarry

I bought a collection of maybe 80 or 90 photos at Hershey a few years back that were from 1938-39 from a club that raced tether cars. I was going to do a book with them. Hmmmm, it's on the list of things to do! I WILL get to it one day.

Robert Ames self-published a really nice book in 1992 called "Vintage Miniature Racing Cars". It was an edition of only 1500 copies, and was quite expensive -- I think about $100.
You might find one on eBay, and it's really a worthwhile book.

Larry, it sounds like you bought a killer collection. Would you be willing to show us a few of them?

[breeder]

i had a cox sedan a few yrs ago! had to sell it on the ebay to buy some car parts...wished i kept it now!! kool thead!

[Jive-Bomber]

There is an amazing book on tether cars called "Spindizzies" by Eric Zausner (http://ezspindizzies.com/), who I have become friends with over the years... His massive and ultra-rare collection of vintage tether cars puts anything the world has ever known to shame:

[HEMI32]

Originally Posted by Jive-Bomber

There is an amazing book on tether cars called "Spindizzies" by Eric Zausner (http://ezspindizzies.com/), who I have become friends with over the years... His massive and ultra-rare collection of vintage tether cars puts anything the world has ever known to shame ...

Jive-Bomber,

Thanks for sharing those pics and the link to Eric's "Spin Dizzies" website ... I think Zausner is my new hero! ... first the (Moal Coachbuilders) "Torpedo" ... now this!

... but I will have to ding Mr. Z on one thing ... there's a "major typo" in his book/website ... everyone knows it was the "Dick Flint roadster" ... not the "Flyn roadster" ...

[SamIyam]

They used to set up a track at the P-Town GG show and run them... man, what a KICK!

I would love to have one... even a re-pop one...

Thanks for sharing!

Sam

[mcload]

Wow...I never knew about these. A whole lot safer than a spinning propeller, for sure. I guess I'm gonna have to look into getting some plans or drawings to build my own, that is after I finish the project car. Great, just what I need, another habit to feed! Great thread by the way. :-)

[McFly]

There is a guy at Whittier narrows who builds hot rod versions just like these out of old Buddy L & Nylint roadster bodies. You can pick these up for about $5-15 bucks on ebay. I've got a few waiting for the treatment. Cheap way to get a body.

[HEMI32]

Just Googling around ... found quite a few sites with great info & pics of vintage Tether Cars:

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2...-in-the-1940s/

http://tethercar.net/

http://tethercar.com/

http://www.amrca.com/

http://www.onthewire.co.uk/manley.htm

[Bad Bob]

Crazydaddyo,
Do you have any pic's of rail cars? My friends dad made one years ago. His name was Fred Wise. I found a Popular Mechanics magazine about rail cars from 1948,and I gave it to him. The article was really cool! I guess they ran on a big,banked track. Anybody have some pic's???

[hotrod40coupe]

I collect, restore and build tether cars when I have the time. My Avatar is one of my O&R NOS .049's. Here are some that I have completed and sold.

This is a non-powered All American Hot Rod

This is a Cox pusher

Another pusher for Coors fans.

[Happy]

My Great Grandfather raced these and I'm lucky enough to have his cars and a few photos and clipped newspaper articles form the late 30's and early 40's. I've never collected beyond what was given to me but have always thought they are very cool. My great Grandfather is second from the left in the front row (holding his hat in front of his chest)

[Bad Bob]

Found a Rail car track pic...Pretty cool!!!

[Kiwi Kev]

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by Bad Bob

Crazydaddyo,
Do you have any pic's of rail cars? My friends dad made one years ago. His name was Fred Wise. I found a Popular Mechanics magazine about rail cars from 1948,and I gave it to him. The article was really cool! I guess they ran on a big,banked track. Anybody have some pic's???

Hey Bob,
I see you found some pictures of rail cars.

Here is some old movie footage. This was at Ray Snow Hobby park in Fresno Ca. Some time in the mid 40's. These cars were going 100+ mph and weighed @ 5 lbs. The engines were .60 c.i. and ran aon a mixture of methonol, Nitro, and Castor oil. They had additives that the put in the fuel to make the 60% nitro mixtures burn better. Many of those additives are very toxic and are now banned. Those toxic additive are the reson many of these guy died later in life. Any way here is a link to the film:

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/12221

[Crazydaddyo]

Important,

There are a lot of "Gold chainers" out there that will pay big money for some of these old cars. When you post that you have your Dad's or other relitives old car on here, you will probably be contacted by some one that does there buying.

These "Dealers" will try to buy your car at a fraction of what it is worth and re-sell it at a large profit.

My advice is to keep your car. It is probably worth more to you as a reminder of that person then what they will offer you for the car. There are some real scumbags on the collector side of this hobby. I know people that have gone into an old guys house who was an old racer on a fixed income and buy up all of his old cars for a couple of hundered dollars and re-sell them for tens of thousands of dollars.

If you are thinking of selling them, PM me and I can give you a value of what it is worth. Really, no BS

Dan

[38zephyr]

I bought a 56 F100 a while back from an older guy in Paso Robles , he had this Thimbledrome on a shelf in the garage . When he saw how much I liked it , he sold it to me pretty cheap (I think he said he paid $1 for it many years ago ) . I always really liked these . If I could only talk him in to selling me the 36 3 window buried in the garage that he's had since the 50's !!

[randydupree]

Originally Posted by Ebbsspeed

Way back in the 60's I had a COX .049 powered one with a Corvette body on it. It could be run as a tethered car, or in a straight line with a guide string running through two loops on the chassis. I seriously think that thing could beat pretty much anything up to it's top speed, which was advertised to be around 40 MPH. The drill was to start the engine, adjust the mixture, snap the body down, then drop the rear wheels onto the pavement. It would INSTANTLY be going flat out......

i have one of these corvettes,the exact same car,stuck motor.

[Rich Wright]

Here are a couple of pics of a Dooling F-car I restored a few years ago. It was originally owned by my uncle and built by my dad around 1947 or 48. I spent almost a year on this project. Lots of NOS parts I have from my dad's stuff; 1.5 volt wet cell battery, champion sparkplug, Hurlman coil and condenser, etc. I used the original Hornet 60. It needed only clean up to run well. All of the painting (except the 1/4 in checkerboard) is individually masked(which means that there is only one color over the primer/sealer, no two colors overlap, each one masked and sprayed individually), which was a weight saving trick my old man used on all his racing planes and cars back then(anything to get an "edge").

After I finished, I gave it to a friend for his birthday(yeah, I know what these are worth... He's a good friend who has done many favors for me over the years). It's a runable car, but I doubt he will ever fire it up.
I still have the F car my dad built for himself at the same time... unrestored and will probably stay that way. I have a pic of the car on my lap taken in '49.

[Stumpy]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Hey Bob,
I see you found some pictures of rail cars.

Here is some old movie footage. This was at Ray Snow Hobby park in Fresno Ca. Some time in the mid 40's. These cars were going 100+ mph and weighed @ 5 lbs. The engines were .60 c.i. and ran aon a mixture of methonol, Nitro, and Castor oil. They had additives that the put in the fuel to make the 60% nitro mixtures burn better. Many of those additives are very toxic and are now banned. Those toxic additive are the reson many of these guy died later in life. Any way here is a link to the film:

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/12221

WOW! That is so cool!!!!! I added it to my favorites.

[4 port Riley]

The Dooling Brothers mentioned in the ad's art work were the originators of nitro-methane fuel in "full size" miget racing. As stated in both the Edelbrock biography and the new Roger Ward biography, Vic Edelbrock got some "rocket fuel" used in tether cars from the Dooling brothers and used it at Gilmore Stadium in his V-8 60 Kurtis against the Offys. Roger Ward won in that car that night, which was the first time that a V-8 60 beat the Offy migets. Just a sidenote.

[Bad Bob]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Hey Bob,
I see you found some pictures of rail cars.

Here is some old movie footage. This was at Ray Snow Hobby park in Fresno Ca. Some time in the mid 40's. These cars were going 100+ mph and weighed @ 5 lbs. The engines were .60 c.i. and ran aon a mixture of methonol, Nitro, and Castor oil. They had additives that the put in the fuel to make the 60% nitro mixtures burn better. Many of those additives are very toxic and are now banned. Those toxic additive are the reson many of these guy died later in life. Any way here is a link to the film:

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/12221

Hey! Just checked that video out. Midgets at the Coliseum!!! That would never happen now, lol...

[Crazydaddyo]

Here are some pictures of rail track.
This is the Tyrone , PA. track @ 1950



This is the Fresno, CA track as it was beeing built



And this was the Oakland, Ca. track. (thanks for the corection Papina)

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by Engine Pro 5X

. I often wondered what would happen to a run away car?>>>>.

Here is what happens

[Bad Bob]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Here is what happens

I wonder what that car would be worth today? That just sucks...He doesn't look very happy,lol...

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by Bad Bob

I wonder what that car would be worth today? That just sucks...He doesn't look very happy,lol...

His car was a McCoy Railton with a McCoy .60 engine and a hand carved balsa wood top. Back then (late 40's) the kits went for @ $40 had that car survived in one piece it would be worth @ $2,500

[publicenemy1925]

Those have always been the coolest. My favorite saying comes to mind, "one day".

[Crazydaddyo]

Here is some cheescake!! I hope you don't mind

[Bad Bob]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Here is some cheescake!! I hope you don't mind

NO TAT'S???? Who would have thought....

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by Bad Bob

NO TAT'S???? Who would have thought....

If you look close they are there. Women did them up with clear ink back then!!!!

[Engine Pro 5X]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Here is what happens

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Here is some cheescake!! I hope you don't mind

Dude that cat looks sick,I guess $40.00 was a lot of dough back then. But hey cheesecake is my favorite!!>>>>.

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by Engine Pro 5X

Dude that cat looks sick,I guess $40.00 was a lot of dough back then. But hey cheesecake is my favorite!!>>>>.

In most cases a guy would spend about a months wages on a complete car!!!!

[scarylarry]

Originally Posted by 50Fraud

Robert Ames self-published a really nice book in 1992 called "Vintage Miniature Racing Cars". It was an edition of only 1500 copies, and was quite expensive -- I think about $100.
You might find one on eBay, and it's really a worthwhile book.

Larry, it sounds like you bought a killer collection. Would you be willing to show us a few of them?

Yep, here are a couple.

[Bad Bob]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

If you look close they are there. Women did them up with clear ink back then!!!!

I thought maybe in that last pic,on her right wrist! But no....lol!!!!!

[Bad Bob]

Originally Posted by 50Fraud

Robert Ames self-published a really nice book in 1992 called "Vintage Miniature Racing Cars". It was an edition of only 1500 copies, and was quite expensive -- I think about $100.
You might find one on eBay, and it's really a worthwhile book.

Larry, it sounds like you bought a killer collection. Would you be willing to show us a few of them?

I think that's the book with my friends dad and his rail car in it. Fred Wise

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by 4 port Riley

The Dooling Brothers mentioned in the ad's art work were the originators of nitro-methane fuel in "full size" miget racing. As stated in both the Edelbrock biography and the new Roger Ward biography, Vic Edelbrock got some "rocket fuel" used in tether cars from the Dooling brothers and used it at Gilmore Stadium in his V-8 60 Kurtis against the Offys. Roger Ward won in that car that night, which was the first time that a V-8 60 beat the Offy migets. Just a sidenote.

Here is a picture of the Dooling Bros. with their first "F" car prototype

[fanspete]

Originally Posted by 4 port Riley

The Dooling Brothers mentioned in the ad's art work were the originators of nitro-methane fuel in "full size" miget racing. As stated in both the Edelbrock biography and the new Roger Ward biography, Vic Edelbrock got some "rocket fuel" used in tether cars from the Dooling brothers and used it at Gilmore Stadium in his V-8 60 Kurtis against the Offys. Roger Ward won in that car that night, which was the first time that a V-8 60 beat the Offy migets. Just a sidenote.

Joe Dooling lives about 40 minutes from me. He's a grandson or nephew, I forget which! He's got a few of the family cars. The family talent continued, Joe made/makes cams for those 1/2-a-chevy-small-block roundy round motors. One hell of a machinist and a prince of a guy and, of course, has alot of cool old stuff and a bitchin' shop.

[Crazydaddyo]

Here is another broken dream

[50Fraud]

Originally Posted by scarylarry

Yep, here are a couple.

Very cool. Thanks!

[Crazydaddyo]

These guys were playing with steamlining back in the 40's too.




What looks like the front is acctualy the rear. On these cars the narrow skinny tires are the rear tires. The pair that are in the center of the "Teardrop" are the front tires and they are the drivers.




Here is one in action. The cable is atached to the bridle so that the center of gravity lifts all but the inside drive tire off of the ground to reduce the rolling resistance.




These three cats are from The So. Cal. area. The one on the right is the one and only Dick McCoy.

[Harvey Mushman]

Here is a small sample.

[woodythx138]

Wow what a awsome post, didn't know there was this much interest, I have been doing tether cars for 25+ years and make scale model wire wheels for said cars.Back when I first got involved my very first big car (A Dooling F car )I got from Don Edmonds and from then on I have had over 300 + cars go through my hands over the years.I know just about every seriouse collector there is and allot who have passed on.Whay a great hobby it used to be and still is.I have built over 300 sets of wire wheels for guys all over the world.I also build scartch buiklt cars as well as reproductions from castings.The orig. cars got so dam expensive and are getting harder to find and even hardder to tell appart from fake cars.If your new to this you better make sure you know what your buying before you step up.I have seen some big pre-war cars go for 20k plus and also some cars that were represented as orig sold for 4-5k and then the guy shows off his treasure and finds out he got burned.
Like anything research,research,research , it pays off in the end.Here are a few pictures of cars I have built and old time photos.The picture of perfict circle speedway was given to me by Al Papina's Daughter Pat. Chris

[woodythx138]

Just a note, the last three pictures are cars that were at Sabattinis tether car show in Fresno, Ca ever March.The very last picture that looks like a bee gee plane is an ice racer , the track roadster and other two cars in the same picture were built by Marv Richert of L.A. and the streamliner car was built by Don Edmonds, the rest were all built by me.See how many guys you can I.D in the picture of Perfect Circle Speedway, there are some famouse people in that picture.Chris

[Truckedup]

Me and a friend used to fly teathered model airplanes,we decided to build a tether car powered by a prop model airplane engine.We scrounged up a wooden model car,mounted a engine and prop at the rear.This wasn't a Cox little motor but a quite large engine designed for a big wing model plane.Being we lived in the city and having no proper round track,we fired it up in the street for a straight line run.Unfortunately we didn't have a reverse prop,the car wanted to go in reverse,we just let it rip.The fucker shot backwards like a rocket into the curb and flipped over,before we could grap it, Uncle Zero pulled next to the curb in his 50 Mercury,crushed the car flat.

[Rich Wright]

I found this pic after reading this post rekindled thoughts of tether cars. It's a parts list that came with Dooling F cars. My dad raced these, as well as airplanes in Las Vegas, NV back in the 40's-50's at Cashman field. The second pic is of the F car my old man raced sitting next to the restored car.

[Harrison]

Casper's T-Bucket is killing me.

Does anyone know of a source for affordbale kits? I'd like to build a roller just to look at. I've heard mention of fiberglass bodies being available but haven't been able to find any photos.

Great thread.

JH

[justanotherguy]

For kits try:
http://www.tethercar.com/
go to the "store" link.

[woodythx138]

This will drive you crazyer, these are all scratch built from the raw or kits, the red wire wheeled track roadster was a kit from a guy in Stockton Ca and I did the wire wheels for the car,the other car and dragster were from a guy in Salt Lake city.Gary Barns sells a fiber glass bodied track type roadster and some guys sell the 32 roadster type cast alluminum bodys,theres a cool track roadster nosed hot rod on E-bay thats under tether cars. Chris

[woodythx138]

Pictures iof the track roadsters.Chris

[woodythx138]

Some more track T and a coupe.The black coupe is a Randy Giovenale car and the rest are the great Don Edmonds who still cranks out cars.What a blast these are and some are dam near as much as a real car, Dons cars go for 6500.00 to 12k .Chris

[woodythx138]

Ok a few more pictures of track T and a big sprinter at the Sabattini show in Fresno.The first three pictures are of a King car which is from Austrailia and kits for this car are still availible from tlc tether cars ,I didn't build the car but put the Ford Av8 wheels on the car .Chris

[Harrison]

The Randy Giovenale car is a little stunner. Would love to know more about those.

I love that Australian King too.

JH

[Stevie G]

My brother has one that is set up for a Cox 0.049 engine and propeller.
The body is hard rubber.
Just a little something different.

[woodythx138]

Ya Randy was a true craftsman, sad to say he's not with use anymore. The king cars are realy cool and I think you can get one for around 325.00 or so. Go to www.tlctethercar.com and talk to Gary he knows the guy who cast the cars up.Also check out my web page www.gmcmachineservice2.com and see all the differant wire wheels I make, there are 8 pages so you need to click around abit to find them all.Chris

[woodythx138]

Sayu tell use more about who's house this is, looks like some cool cars. Chris

[spinzzy]

Hi guys
its been awhile scince I posted anything but couldnt pass this one up the subject I mean

Attached Thumbnails

 

[woodythx138]

Spinzzy , very nice couple of proto cars, also love the tin racer on the top shelf..
Chris

[zellerware]

I will take a picture of my quiver and post them Thursday.. That pre war German Benz is rare.. I cannot justify dropping three grand on a McCoy roadster... no way.. too expensive..

[zellerware]

nice! quite a quiver!

[zellerware]

these are nothing like the spin dizzys/ mccoys but are rare die cast/ tin plate hot rod toys from the 1950's..

[a boner]

Here is another item to add to your list of stuff to look for at a swap meet.

[Harrison]

Thanks a lot guys.

Because of this thread I'm the proud new owner of some pieces of a tether car that I need like I need a hole in my head.

I really hope that I'm happy with just one.

JH

[casper]

Way to go Harrison! The Dooling F car (and the small version) is the best looking car made (in my humble opinion!) You will have fun building it, but "happy with just one"? You will see..... It's like an addiction. Have fun!

[dana barlow]

Well,I looked all these pic's over,but still didn't see type we raced here in Miami in the mid 1950's. We made them our selfs,driven by 1 front wheel right off the motor[mostly .049 power,but a few guys had some bigger motors for the larger class cars. Some of the guys were pretty good at making the bodys look nice,the bodys were bent from the metal of 1gal. tin cans,and fromed into what looked as close as we could to 1940's coupes and sadens stockcar racers,cut back or no fenders at all. The motor showed in the motor bay. The tin bodys were thin and would get dented up like a real stock car racer in time and show some racing age. There was a mag the covered it,but darned if I remeber witch one.
A no this stuff was not invented in CALIF.

[Harvey Mushman]

Tether Cars are like salted penuts. You can never have just one.
Good Luck.

Originally Posted by Harrison

Thanks a lot guys.

Because of this thread I'm the proud new owner of some pieces of a tether car that I need like I need a hole in my head.

I really hope that I'm happy with just one.

JH

[Ryan]

I want one... so badly...

[E Burfield]

This stuff is realy cool! I just broke a record in the modern nostalgia 60 class for the second time in a couple of months. Its not as easy as you think it is!
Crazydadyo it would be really cool if you could make it back out.
Anybody interested in running or checking them out. There is a track at Whitter Narrows in California . They run on the first and third sundays of the month. There is also one in Indiana and Long Island N.Y.

[Rick Thompson]

What a great thread!! I still have a Cox .049 motor in a Chapperal plastic body. i am going to see if it still runs this weekend

[woodythx138]

You know my friend Gary Arnold who owns TLC tether cars sells casting kits and all the goodies to make a cool car, most are repros of orig.I see a guy just snagged a micro Dooling F car from Gary , he also has the frog as well.Go to www.tlctethercars.com and check out his stuff.Also depending on were you live check around for a local MECA swap meet thats were you will find the orig big and little cars I think there on the web some were should be a link through Garys site.Well if you dare to watch e-bay they turn up on there under the heading " tether car " and hold onto your wallet because they get expencive off there.For you guys with time on your hands this can still happen ,run an add in your local rag paper or post a wanted sign at the local grochery store or auto parts house and tell ya what you will be supprised at how many people will say hay I have one of those.The best trick I do is drag a big car with me to a swap meet and bam I always get two or three hits right there.Just ask my good buddy Ken Magee who did just that and scored the best dam orig old time hot rod going, it realy works.Now back to the shop, I do have castings from time to time nd for the woundering they go for around 450.00 for a big car and about 275.00 for a small car thats less wheels and tires those come from Garyus site.If thats a bit steep for some crack out some .050 aluminum and carve out some wood bucks and away you go.The other thing to do is find a copy of the Bantam midget drawings and carve one out of wood frame and all just like they did in the begining.Chris

[woodythx138]

Oh Ya the Red # 5 car is a bantam Midget just how it came from the drawings, this car was built by my friend Will neely out of Conn. and the other two cars I did the wheels for are built by a master model builder Keith Ward out of Chicago.These are all 1/8 scale which is what most all tether cars are.I don't know if it can be done but I can scan the bantam drawings and post them on here for all to have a copy of ? Just a thought.Chris

[fleetbob50]

My Olson & Rice in center of pic

[<FANG>]

Here’s one for the whole family to enjoy
Let the kid’s participate
I saw these at Riverview Park Chicago
When I was a kid



http://cgi.ebay.com/Gas-powered-teth...QQcmdZViewItem

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by woodythx138

The best trick I do is drag a big car with me to a swap meet and bam I always get two or three hits right there

I remember back in the 70's tag'in along with my Dad and Don Edmonds to the local Orange County swap meets and Don always had one under his arm. He use to have one of the best collections of cars that I have ever seen.

Here's a picture of Dad and Don at Sabattini's a few years back:

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by dana barlow

Well,I looked all these pic's over,but still didn't see type we raced here in Miami in the mid 1950's. We made them our selfs,driven by 1 front wheel right off the motor[mostly .049 power,but a few guys had some bigger motors for the larger class cars. Some of the guys were pretty good at making the bodys look nice,the bodys were bent from the metal of 1gal. tin cans,and fromed into what looked as close as we could to 1940's coupes and sadens stockcar racers,cut back or no fenders at all. The motor showed in the motor bay. The tin bodys were thin and would get dented up like a real stock car racer in time and show some racing age. There was a mag the covered it,but darned if I remeber witch one.
A no this stuff was not invented in CALIF.

Is this what you are looking for?






Yes this hobby was started in California. Documintation of tether cars in California goes back as far as 1936

[Crazydaddyo]

Here is a jet powered car that was built by a guy durring WW2. His son told me that his dad owned a boiler building and repair company that did work for the DOD/Navy.
It's basicly a pulse jet straped to a fuel tank with wheels. If you've ever heard a pulse jet run, then you know what a wicked sound these things make. The spark plug is only used to start the jet. Once the jet is running it will run on its own untill it runs out of fuel.

Combustion created thrust and vacum almost simultaneously. The vacum created buy the thrust draws fuel and air in through a reed valve behind the head. The wire attached to the pinch valve in the fuel line would shut off the stream of fuel to shut off the jet.

[Ed ke6bnl]

I still have mine, since I was a kid now 59. mine was powered by a .049 on the back with a propeller and looks like and indy car. Would take some searching to find it in the garage.. Ed

[Harrison]

Got my little kit from Gary Arnold at TLC Enterprise - http://www.tlctethercar.com/index.php

Pretty impressive casting. The wheels are really nice pieces & the tires are a really authentic-looking hard rubber. A neat little kit for sure.

I made some axles for it last night. I'm still not sure if they are long enough though. Part of me thinks they would look better if they were a half inch longer.

Since this won't be a runner, I need to figure a way to keep the axles mounted so they won't slide back & forth thorugh the slots and need to do the same for the wheels to keep them from sliding inward on the axles. I also need to find a tiny tap so I can mount the top of the body to the pan.

I'll probably just polish it & apply some "Dooling" decals. It'll look good sitting in the showcase.

JH

[casper]

Harrison, That looks great! Just go to the hobby shop or hardware store and get some collars to keep the axles from moving. Also, I have seen some cool looking front grills for these cars made from the oval part of an old spoon. Draw your design on the spoon with a sharpie and then start carving away at it with a dremel and a grinder. Your imagination is the only limit on these cars!

[Harvey Mushman]

Looks good.You could use one of the reproduction Thimble Drome or Real McCoy Mite car Grills. Both are easy to find on the auction site, from TLC or www.kellerkraft.com.

[rainman]

Here is a super cool tether truck that changed hands a few years back on e-bay.

[Harrison]

Rainman,

You can't just hit & run like that.

Do you have any more details on that little truck? That's pretty cool.

JH

[tjm73]

Didn't they have tether boats as well? I believe that 2 towns over from my hometown there is an old tether boat pool in the village/town park. It's used for littl ekids to cool off in that can't go into the big pools right next to it.

[rainman]

I do not know anything really except that I wanted to buy it and could not afford it. I believe that it went for around $5800 or so. Very cool but like I said unaffordable to me.

[50Fraud]

Looks like it has two .60's mounted in line. Shoulda been fast!

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by casper

Just go to the hobby shop or hardware store and get some collars to keep the axles from moving.

Casper,

Do you have a pic of what you're talking about here? I got a piece of 7/32" & 1/4" brass tube to slip the axles through but If something else would look better I'd be all for that.

Even though it is new, I'd like for it to look authentic.... just without an engine.

JH

[casper]

Hi,
A pair of these on the inside of the body will keep the axle from sliding around. They come in every size you can think of. I hope this helps! Kenny.

[Harrison]

Man that's slick.

I need to find some of those.

Thanks, Jim

[dabirdguy]

This is all I have left. Little brothers sold my cars.

[Ron Mayes]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdxK6naAkd0 It's not a tether car , but here's a link to me 1/4 scale front engine dragster.....

[Ed ke6bnl]

Originally Posted by dabirdguy

This is all I have left. Little brothers sold my cars.

Ya, thats the one I have, I tried to find it quickly for a picture but it is somewhere in the garage rafters and it will show up soon and will have to get it ready for the grand child. But with that big propeller on the back they can be dangerous.
ED

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by 296 V8

In the winter time we would fly these inside on ten feet of fishing line. (very fast and out of control)
Mig 3
Balsa and plywood
029

Long time no see!!!!!

I remember you fly'n those around at Pleasenton. Those things were crazy fun!!!!

[papina]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

And this was the Los Angeles, Ca. track.

Greetings! I'm really enjoying all the old photos here! Are you certain this track is in Los Angeles? I have the same photo, and my dad (James Papina, bottom left in the picture) marked it "Oakland 1947"



Since I'm posting pictures, thought y'all might enjoy this one of the fabled full-scale racer that my uncle Al (Papina) built for his daugther:



Enjoy!

Anne...

[Chebby belair]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Here is a jet powered car that was built by a guy durring WW2. His son told me that his dad owned a boiler building and repair company that did work for the DOD/Navy.
It's basicly a pulse jet straped to a fuel tank with wheels. If you've ever heard a pulse jet run, then you know what a wicked sound these things make. The spark plug is only used to start the jet. Once the jet is running it will run on its own untill it runs out of fuel.

Combustion created thrust and vacum almost simultaneously. The vacum created buy the thrust draws fuel and air in through a reed valve behind the head. The wire attached to the pinch valve in the fuel line would shut off the stream of fuel to shut off the jet.

A pulse jet in a tether airplane is a real attention getter. That 'car' must have been awesome....

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by papina

Greetings! I'm really enjoying all the old photos here! Are you certain this track is in Los Angeles? I have the same photo, and my dad (James Papina, bottom left in the picture) marked it "Oakland 1947"



Since I'm posting pictures, thought y'all might enjoy this one of the fabled full-scale racer that my uncle Al (Papina) built for his daugther:



Enjoy!

Anne...

I was told that this was the L.A. track, but judging by the racers that are in the picture (all of them are from No. Cal.) and now your info, I will stand corrected. Thanks for clearing this up.

Love the picture of the Midget racer!!! Thanks for sharing

[papina]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Love the picture of the Midget racer!!! Thanks for sharing

My pleasure -- here are a few more! My understanding is that these first two were taken at the Lake Merced track in San Francisco:









All the papinas lined up

[Dean Lowe]

I built this car about 25 years ago. A friend of mine, the late Tony Manocchi, was an increadibly tallented tool and die maker. His specialty was making molds for lost wax casting. A teather car collector brought him a complete car, and told Tony he wanted to reproduce them. Tony made molds for the tail, cowel, belly pan, frame, radiator shell, header, steering wheel, front and rear axles. He cast the parts in aluminum. Tony made a buck for the hood, and formed hoods from aluminum sheet. Then he made a die, and punched the louvers. To me, the most amazing thing is the tires. Tony spent over a week creating molds for front, and rear tires. All the lettering is hand engraved! I machined the wheels air cleaners, and other small parts. Tony gave me the pieces to build this car, and built two for himself. He also stiched the upolstery. The gauges are model airplane accessory parts I found at a hobby shop. The springs are made from clock spring material, and work. The shackels are chain links. We made the radius rods from carb linkage rods. Tony passed away about a year after this project. I miss stopping by his shop to check out what cool stuff he was working on.

[hlfuzzball]

Dean,

You've got the greatest toys to play with. Hope you never run out of things to post !

Thanks,

Tom

[brandon]

i remember when i was a kid , my step dad had one....he told me that it would run 100 mph...i was in total awwwww i still have a later cox prop car that survived my early years.... might be time to light it off.... brandon

[JEPPA]

Fun stuff!

[woodythx138]

Nice picture, I think the guy third from left looks like Curly Glover of C&R tire fame and the Curly car.Chris

[Dean Lowe]

Originally Posted by hlfuzzball

Dean,

You've got the greatest toys to play with. Hope you never run out of things to post !

Thanks,

Tom

Won't happen for a while.

[Crazydaddyo]

In case anyone is interested, there will be a tether car swap meet and fun run at the Whittier Narrows track Sept. 13 th. Info below:

Clark Smith


Dedication


Gas Powered Miniature Race Car Fun Run

and
Collecto

Please Bring your best "Clark Smith" Car out for the Display!!


We will also be featuring a best of class award for following types of cars

Manufactured Cars
Custom Proto Cars
Pre-war Cars
Contemporary cars

9:00 - 1:00 Sept. 13th 2008

Race! Show! Buy! Sell! Trade!

Cars! Motor! Airplanes! More!

Located at the WhittierNarrowsRecreationCenter
At the Tether Racing Track

El MonteCalifornia,
off of the 60 Freeway at Rosemead Blvd.

For more info drop a line At: gascars@aol.com

Upcoming meets:

Jan. 10th 2009
Sept. 12th 2009
Jan. 9th 2010
Sept. 11th 2010

[E Burfield]

Just got home from the A.M.R.C.A nationals in Long Island N.Y. Had a great time. The track was a little rough. I ran two cars one in class 9 and the other was class 10. Ended up pulling out two first place wins.

Any body else out there running any cars?

[couverkid]

My parents had a friend who passed away maybe 10-15 years ago that had alot of tether cars his name was Larry Smith lived in SoCal was a big guy anyone have any of his cars. He had a friend that lived in long beach what had a bunch of tether cars also maybe clark?Just wondering.

[50Fraud]

I went to the meet yesterday that Crazydaddyo posted about above. Maybe 15 guys set up to show & sell their serious 1/8 scale cars, mostly with 4-figure prices. Beautiful, but out of my league.

I found this for $5; funky but a nice shape. The body and wheels are nice enough that I wonder if it was built from an early wood kit.

[E Burfield]

I looked at that. it was in a blue bucket on the ground next to the table. very cool. I was the young long haired guy with the two kids. There was a mccoy hot rod in an orginal box unassembled for $250.00. that was a smoken deal.

[Choptop]

Originally Posted by Jive-Bomber

There is an amazing book on tether cars called "Spindizzies" by Eric Zausner (http://ezspindizzies.com/), who I have become friends with over the years... His massive and ultra-rare collection of vintage tether cars puts anything the world has ever known to shame:

was just at Zausner's place the other day... amazing. It was hard to have a conversation... my eyes kept wandering around the room.

[Dean Lowe]

Originally Posted by 50Fraud

I went to the meet yesterday that Crazydaddyo posted about above. Maybe 15 guys set up to show & sell their serious 1/8 scale cars, mostly with 4-figure prices. Beautiful, but out of my league.

I found this for $5; funky but a nice shape. The body and wheels are nice enough that I wonder if it was built from an early wood kit.

I know during WW II Frank Kurtis made wood race car toys and sold them to department stores. He could get no sheet metal or tubing to build full size cars, and did the wood toys for a source of income during the war. He hired a few high school kits to help in the assembly line and the painting. I never saw one of the Kurtis toys, but my dad said they resembled the later tube framed Kurtis midgets, as does this one. You might have scored a Kurtis Kraft!!

[50Fraud]

Originally Posted by Dean Lowe

You might have scored a Kurtis Kraft!!

Wow! Whether it's a Kurtis or not, I like the idea that it might be!

I have a couple of other handmade wooden '40s racers (a midget that I'm sure is from a kit and a Sparks/Thorne Indy car that I believe is scratchbuilt); I have a handmade Bluebird LSR car, a couple of old Pinewood Derby cars that have nice proportions, and a group of four imaginary open wheel cars built by an English forensic photographer!

Not a lot of the homemade stuff survives, and a lot of it is too crude to be interesting, but I really like finding ones that were made with some sensitivity. Of course, they're scarce.

[Crazydaddyo]

Tony,
There were many wood model kits. The wheels on your new car look like the wheels that came in the monagram kits. The early wood kits were what evolved into plastic models later. Some were pine others were balsa. Most of the later kits were for running on a string and were powered by a CO2 cartrige pierced by a special gun.

[axle]

Originally Posted by

I'll chime in
I only have one and I use it as a paper weight

Awesome ! I have a twin to this. My only other is the All American Hot Rod. These things can get real addicting.

[axle]

Choptop, That collection is amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[50Fraud]

Originally Posted by Crazydaddyo

Tony,
There were many wood model kits. The wheels on your new car look like the wheels that came in the monagram kits. The early wood kits were what evolved into plastic models later. Some were pine others were balsa. Most of the later kits were for running on a string and were powered by a CO2 cartrige pierced by a special gun.

Well, so much for Kurtis Kraft. The solid red (Monogram) car in your photos looks identical to mine, except that mine has no hole for the CO2 cartridge.

I remember the wooden kits. The first kits I ever built as a kid were wooden airliners, military ships, and a couple of "Ace" balsa kits.

Thanks, Dan!

[Revoh]

I've got a few old Prop Rods and teather cars in my junk. Some of them are in these pictures.




FWIW.

[GuyW]

Originally Posted by casper

...

My dad had that same black duece highboy tether car...

...he sold it a few years back...

[evil1]

I just found this on the tube... 200mph!!

[VonMoldy]

I hate you guys. Another thing I need!

[pappatyrone]

I remember when I was a small kid growing up in Pueblo, Colorado, there was a tether car track at city park. I would beg my dad to take me there whenever they ran their cars. It was a real nice facility, and there were lots of cars. I've often wondered what happened to them. This was in the late 40's or early50's. If anyone in the southern Colorado area is interested in trying to get tether car racing started again please PM me. Maybe we can revive it.

[BigO]

Just got one just like this today. What kind of value? Not for sale, just good thing to know. Thanks in advance, Michael

[LowKat]

[50Fraud]

Originally Posted by BigO

Just got one just like this today. What kind of value? Not for sale, just good thing to know. Thanks in advance, Michael

That one's CO2 powered, isn't it? I bought one about 20 years ago for $15 or $20. It's not at all a common piece, and it's quite nicely made. Good catch.

[BigO]

I've never seen the CO2 cars before and love the fact that its a streamliner.

[terrarodder]

There is a nice selection of those cars, at the America On Wheels Museum in Allentown PA>, on display right now. Along with old race cars, worth seeing. Will be there till sometime in April 2009.

[Spooky]

WOw....
There is a track made of concrete in Cheyenne, Wyoming that was used for these cars way back when. It is in an old park that has a steam locomotive near by.

My story of the Red Racer is about a Cox Thimbledrome that is a "pusher",
the non-motorized type.

I hope to find a All American Hot Rod that was made in the 50's to add to my collection.

Love these things!

[mow too much]

Yeah, I have always thought these cars where to neat for words; But as my wife says grow up and quit winning you can't have everthing..........But darn it, I want it all !!!!!!!!!!

[Crazydaddyo]

It is time for another meet. Lots of neet stuff to see. Cars running on the track too.

Gas Powered Miniature Race Car Fun Run

and
Collecto

9:00 - 1:00 Jan. 10th 2009

Race! Show! Buy! Sell! Trade!

Cars! Motor! Airplanes! More!

Located at the WhittierNarrowsRecreationCenter

At the Tether Racing Track

El MonteCalifornia,
off of the 60 Freeway at Rosemead Blvd.

For more info drop a line At: gascars@aol.com

Upcoming meets:

Sept. 12th 2009
Jan. 9th 2010
Sept. 11th 2010
Jan. 8th 2011

[Harrison]

Update: My 3 year old has claimed this one. Hell, it has replaced his teddy bear. He won't go to sleep without it.

Can't hardly complain about that though.

[50Fraud]

Originally Posted by Spooky

My story of the Red Racer is about a Cox Thimbledrome that is a "pusher",
the non-motorized type.

I hope to find a All American Hot Rod that was made in the 50's to add to my collection.

I read your Red Racer with interest for the double reason that I'm into these things, and that I had a toy design business for a few years called "Red Racer Studio".

As for the AAHR: did you see this on eBay? It looked really nice.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tab%3DWatching

[Crazydaddyo]

Anyone going to the swap?

[oldebob]

Oh God ! WHY did you start this thread? I thought I was over my NEED for a vintage tether car. OB

[patzfab]

These things are still popular. I started making them about 10 or 12 years ago...check out some on my site...http://members.shaw.ca/podmek

[a boner]

Chris, what's the story on this one?



This thread needs to keep going.

[a boner]

Ryan, If you don't want to spend the $ for one, build it!
1940's style BANTAM MIDGET. MODEL CRAFTSMAN MAGAZINE

[a boner]

To scale the drawing.....The car on the blue print should be approx. 18 3/4" long from the tip of the tail to the tip of the front wheel.

1. body sides are 1/4" thick, cut from a 2x4 with a band saw
(the rest of the body is cut and carved from scrap pine)
2. the springs are made from railroad banding.....can be cut with tin snips
(use a propane torch and needle nose pliers to form the spring eyes)
3. the shackels are bicycle chain links
4. the frame is cut out with a band saw from 1/2" thick maple
(top view the rails are straight and parallel)
5. hood and belly pan are made with sheet aluminum
6. windshield is from a soda bottle
7. the grill is cast aluminum, but could be carved out of wood
8. the axles can be made out of steel or aluminum rod or whatever
9. a lathe would come in handy to make the wheels
( you might be able to find some wheels and tires on EBAY)

There have been 100's if not 1000's of these BANTAM MIDGETS built over the years, and not one of them ends up the same. Everyone has different skill levels, let alone ambition levels.........improvise to your hearts content

[hotrod30a]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dooling-Streamli...3A2%7C294%3A50

I can see where this hobby might get a little spendy!

[a boner]

Originally Posted by hotrod30a

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dooling-Streamli...3A2%7C294%3A50

I can see where this hobby might get a little spendy!

Like building a hot rod, depending on you wallet, your time and talents.They range from $00.00 to the sky is the limit.

[wandi harry]

cool thread ,dont see to many of these in oz. l did see some nylint thimble drome repros on ebay. Whats the detail like on these thigs? l realise they dont run but they do look ok.

[Dean Lowe]

Originally Posted by wandi harry

cool thread ,dont see to many of these in oz. l did see some nylint thimble drome repros on ebay. Whats the detail like on these thigs? l realise they dont run but they do look ok.

I have one of the Nylint repros. The detail is very good. very faithful to the originals. Even has the correct "Thimbledrome Champion" lettering cast on the bottom.

[winchester]

[quote=HEMI32;2979237]Waay cool thread ... brings back childhood memories of many summer afternoons spent playing with my father's old tether car ... without his permission ... I never got "caught" ... but I never got it to run quite correctly either ... nonetheless, it was great fun and provided countless hours of entertainment!

It was an orange-red Roy Cox Thimble Drome car just like this one:

Attachment 469840

Sure wish I still had it today ... but pop's gave it to Meadors for his collection of tether cars.[/quote does anyone have any info on Medor ?
Leo comway@zianet.com

[HEMI32]

Originally Posted by HEMI32

:
It was an orange-red Roy Cox Thimble Drome car ...
:
Sure wish I still had it today ... but pop's gave it to Meadors for his collection of tether cars.

Originally Posted by winchester

does anyone have any info on Medor ?
Leo comway@zianet.com

Leo (winchester) ...

Sorry ... the "Meadors" I eluded to in my post is not the name inscribed on your (very cool) teardrop tether car:


click thumbnail to enlarge

The "Meadors" I was referring to in my post was my father's friend Gary "Goodguy" Meadors. Gary is the founder of the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association (www.good-guys.com). At some Goodguys events, Tether Car enthusiasts display and/or run their cars (in an exhibition / demonstration-only type sub-event). I believe Gary still has a small collection of Tether Cars ... but it's no where near the size of Eric Zausner's collection (see http://ezspindizzies.com/) ... or the many other Tether Car enthusiasts that have posted in this thread.

Good luck finding out the origin of your teardrop tether car ... although the HAMB is probably not the best forum for this type of research, there are quite a lot of guys on this board that are very knowledgeable about the subject.

[Icehouse]

Hello to you all. I am happy to have found this forum thread section. Everything I have read here is of terrific interest to me.

I am currently trying to source information about my tether car and items from various sources that I have found on the net.

I have a vintage teardrop tether car. It has been passed down from family member to family member and I am currently trying to obtain specific information about its original manufacturer and also value. I believe this car to be Borden but I am seeking further and correct identification.

I have the car in question and also a lot of original period items which have been passed down with this car. Things like the original carry case ( as seen in pic) original AMRCA typed membership correspondence letter ( typed from Robert J. Dunkly NY/NY), AMRCA 1945 rulebook, AMRCA pit badge assigned to original owner, AMRCA lapel button in original box, USPS envelope from the AMRCA circa 1945 all tied to the original owner. A wooden gold faced 1948 AMRCA plaque. Hand written time and speed card. Period AC delco and champion miniature spark plugs. Original 5x7 B/W photos. All of these things are in the pics but may not be openly shown. I also have around 8 race trophies which are also tied to this car and original owner and some are shown in the B/W pics I have.

I am trying to identify the correct manufacturer of my car and the value of all the item I have associated with it. I can supply general pictures if need be upon request. If a person could help me by providing a contact name or website to which I may find other appropriate informatin I will be grateful.

Thank-you for any help or replies in regards to what I am mentioning. It is of great appreciation.

I will try to post a general photo below. I do not have photos of the trophies at the moment.

[casper]

Hi Icehouse,
Welcome to the HAMB! It's hard to tell exactly what type of teardrop car you have from the picture you posted. If you can take some shots of the car out of the box, it would help. Cool story by the way!

[Icehouse]

Thank-you for your reply casper. I am sorry about the poor picture in regards to identification. I will post one of the other pics I have. If I need to take other different views and such please let me know.

[casper]

I think you might be right, it could be a Borden, most of the Bordens I have seen are smaller (mite sized) teardrops. I can tell you it's not a McCoy (the most commen) and it's not a Matthews V car. What kind of motor is in it ..... McCoy 60, Hornet 60, Dooling 61 or something else, also what is the approx. overall length?

[Icehouse]

Thank-you once again for the reply. The overall measured length of this car is 19 inches give or take a quarter inch approx. I just measured it now.

The engine has been mentioned to me as hornet from other people I have had responses from very recently. I will post a pic here now of it. Thank-you for any ID info and such.

[Crazydaddyo]

Icehouce,
I looks like a Borden to me. The engine/axel mount is the give away to me. The value of the car alone is $1500 -$2000. The individual item add up to @ $300 But the whole package together is were you will make your most money. You can probably get $2500-$3000 with all the items together. Collectors will pay more for a car with the original owner / racer's accesories. If the car belonged to a well known racer and it set records the price will go to the high end of my estimate.
,

[Icehouse]

Thank-you for the reply Crazydaddyo. It is nice to know a ballpark range of the value.

[Icehouse]

Hello to you all again. This is all so very exiting to me as I try to pin down the specific origins of the car I am speaking about. I thought you may like to see what I was mentioning in my recent previous posts VIA pictures.

In the one picture is all of the items that I have received with the car in question. It appears that this car was raced extensively from all the trophies and other items that I have which are tied to this car. Also, the front picture shown here is the one I have a question about as written below.

The mans face in the second picture is a bit of a mystery to me and I was hoping that some of you may possibly know who this person was/is? This other picture is a poor partial snapshot of the original B/W 5x7 that I took recently. The reason I am asking is because this is the person who is shown in two of the original 5"x7" B/W pictures that have been passed along with the car I have. I believe it is Warren Borden but I was hoping for a response from you all and what you might think.

I am sincerely appreciative of any replies that you may have concerning what I am asking. If need be I can take more definitive pics upon request.

Thank-you

[Crazydaddyo]

Icehouse,
I'm starting to think you are just here to get infomation from us so that you can take your stuff and sell it on ebay. Are you going to take all of this history and use it to talk up your auction and get a higher price because of it? what is in it for us? Those of us that have spent ours talking to old racers. Spending years at the track putting in time. Are you just looking to make a fast buck?

This is a hot rod measage board. This thread is the only place you have posted.

Good luck.
.

[Icehouse]

Hello Crazydaddyo and thank-you for your honest reply. I am happy to have received/read what you are mentioning. Please let me explain.

First and foremost I am one who appreciates this hobby starting from it's long ago roots and continuing to it's present. I am of the mindset that this hobby and it's originality needs to be preserved for the others who follow in it's tracks. This is the driving factor in my posts here. I mean not to bid up anything but I seek correct information so as to provide this information correctly to whom may want to own a piece of history like what I am asking. To me it seems like a double edged sword of sorts.

My honesty in the car I have mentioned is nothing but. Likewise is the hope that a vehicle and the history that accompanies it will continue on in a place that is deserving of it.

In my honest response to yours, I need to say that I have been lucky enough to have been granted this chance to learn the lineage that I have come to love in my own experiences with this hobby albeit my own understanding is of a more recent nature in comparison.

Everything I mention or ask is nothing but the truth and while I may have veils on my eyes concerning this most pleasurable hobby and in regards to it's history I have the most positive outlook.

I am heavy in my heart to respond to you that the vehicle I am asking about here is unfortunately going to be sold VIA that which allows access to the world. I would most surely like to have it in my own collection but I also because of today's economy am in need of money myself and I connot swing the money to allow for this purchase. With this I am hopefull that it may be purchased by whom who will allow this car to go forward in the future and hopefully influence other people as to the history of this fine hobby. A true collector of these cars who will hopefully provide it a good home devoid of anythng other than museum status is deserving IMO.

This is why I am seeking reassurement about the lineage of the model I am asking about. I mean no harm to the hobby on the whole and in retrospect I mean to continue a historic icon to be passed upon to those who will keep it in a environment deserving of what it is.

I hope this is a answer to what you are mentioning.

This is why I ask the question(s) I am asking. I hope you may understand this and thank-you once again for your responses.

[bakedbeens]

This goes back to the CO2 powered tether cars. I just started collecting them when I got one along with some Pinewood Derby cars. I love the sleek lines.

[andysbodys]

Hello All, Thanks to everyone who posted in this thread, I have enjoyed the great collection of information.

I am currently working on a hot lil job for the Salt Flats. Years ago I saw a car on eBay called the "Xtremeliner" It was fully built and polished, absolutely beautiful, it sold for over 2k and it seemed like every other one that came up went for as much or more. I dreamt of building one with a modern engine and maybe with a carbon fiber body like the full size ones. A few thousand just to take it apart and rebuild from scratch wasn't going to happen so that's as far as my dreaming went. Then last month a raw casting came up, awesome I thought and I bid high only to lose it in the last 2 seconds. Defeated I went to bed, the next morning I had a second chance offer for a second casting the seller had, and the dream was back on.

The castings.

Xtremeliner and a new old stock Orion engine also picked up from eBay

Originally for R/C racing use, the engine has a throttle carb and long crank.
I plan to use the engine mount shown and a standard r/c clutch, I hope to operate the throttle in some fashion yet to be determined.




Here are a few pics of others' Xtremeliners I have saved and the inspiration for my car. I have not been able to find info on the designer. I have been told His name is Marshall, he lives in California and dosent like to be bothered. So if anyone can shed more light or info on this design or share pics of your Xtremeliners I would sure appreciate it. Cheers, Andy


Pic saved in 2003










Work of art no?

[andysbodys]

I'm waiting for resin to dry and cruising the Bay, found this car, I'm especially taken by the leaf spring front suspension. Might have to incorporate that into my Extremeliner.

[colorado kid]

way way cool... i want one!!!!!!!!

[stan292]

Gang -

Here are a couple shots of a Dooling "F" car disassembled. Hope this photo is good enough to show some real detail. Take some time to check these parts out, you'll be amazed.

This one was given to me by an uncle who raced it locally in the '50s. It was tethered, and ran on a portable wooden track that came apart in sections. There was a stake in the center that had a ball bearing on it with a cable that ran to a triangular bracket bolted on the car.

They ran on alky/nitro and were push started with a broomstick stuck into the cockpit. The owner would push it with the stick behind until it fired and pulled away - than quickly step away from the track.

The body was magnesium, and the casting was very, very precise. Running gear (as you can see) was spectacular, including a magneto, and points (from an old Ford V-8 no less). This one had a Hornet motor with adjustable fuel injection and a beautiful little overflow tank.

The tires were hollow so they would flatten out and grow in diameter from centrifigal force at speed, effectively raising the gear ratio for more mph. Very sophisticated stuff for so long ago.

Note the killer piston dome (super-high compression) and tiny aluminum piston rod, as well as the miniature piston ring. Also, the little-bitty box containing an actual Champion spark plug (not just a simple glow plug).

There was a kill switch toward the back of the car - with a length of wire running up from it, and to stop the cars, they would hold a rag out to catch the wire and trip the switch.

This car was the Nebraska state record holder at something like 138 mph. I believe the Hornet was the kick-ass motor for the day. I remember my uncle not wanting my aunt to know how much he had payed for it. She probably would have shot him if she ever knew. Does that scenario sound familiar to any of you hot rodders today? (-:

After having this one for several years (long after my uncle had passed) I finally sold it on e-bay to get money for my "real" hot rod. I kinda hated to do it, but the $1000 went a long way on my low-budget project.

Ryan - If you really must have one, there is always a nice assortment on e-bay. I haven't checked for a couple years, but back then prices were in the $1-3K range for a decent car.

[E Burfield]

If anyone is interested I can get castings from marshall. I think he gets $150.00.plus shipping. P.M me If your interested and I'll ask him

[red sled]

I just peed myself...TWICE!!

[61 chevy]

i also have about 5 cox gas cars i collect,

[Crazydaddyo]

Originally Posted by red sled

I just peed myself...TWICE!!

Don't make too much of a mess, those are repop Yellow Jackets.

Neat car none the less.

.

[red sled]

Oh. Well, in that case, I take it all back ;o}

[Revoh]

Here's a little story I did on these, FWIW.

http://tinyurl.com/njfq8x


Some of the cars in this thread are amazing!

[onearmbandit]

Cool, here is a story I wrote as well on vintage tether cars...
http://www.hotrodrevival.com/ShowArt...?articleid=141

[blackrat40]

Did anybody notice in Ryan's original post, the photos of cars #22 & #5
the radius rods appear to be accelerator pump linkage rods from Stromberg 97's
There's a pretty cool connection!

[casper]

I finally scored a front engine dragster (a modern build) with a twin spark plug head. The rear tires are vintage "Big Deuce", still need to get some cool wire wheels and tires for the front. Overall length is about 22"

[Revoh]

Originally Posted by onearmbandit

Cool, here is a story I wrote as well on vintage tether cars...
http://www.hotrodrevival.com/ShowArt...?articleid=141

Neat pictures!

[Crazydaddyo]

Here is a link to many magazine article. Some dating back to the 30's.

http://www.amrca.com/news.htm

If you look close, you can see me in one of the articles.
.
.

[Harms Way]

You might get a kick out of these,.......

[tfr1]

Amazing thread. WOW!

I have nearly completed a Belly Tank car. The engine has yet to be mounted. I have an engine but am still trying to figure out fuel tank and exhaust details. I have built models before, but a scratch built tether car is a new challenge.

Thought I was the only old car guy intrigued with these toys. Wrong again!

[cooper300_0]

Gooday my name is Adam, I build and restore tether cars in australia. I have about 40 cars at present all built by me. All the doolings except the later front drive, some mitesand a selection of big cars satan,Mcoy rod and invader, all as close to how they were equipped originally. I suppose i am at an advantage because this type of work is my trade and have access to good machinery. For a job i build uav engines(unmanned air vehicles) I really enjoy the info I read on this forum. I hope to post photos and details as they come to mind, all cars built are based on what I see in books and forums like these (no engineering drawings used here) and what i cant see i make what i rekons correct see you all later

[spununit]

Hi Adam I got a polished Dooling F car off you a couple of years ago, your workmanship is top class! One of mates hassled the crap out of me to get that car. How about posting some pics?

Here is a pic of my Dooling Mercury it's original unrestored, has great patina. The car has a Dennymite engine I got it from the original owner who got the car new when he was 17 years old. Johnny

[cooper300_0]

here are a few photos of latest projects http://picasaweb.google.com.au/minic...25649541094866

[hotcoupe]

cooper300 0- that`s a nice looking car! can you post a few more images [with the body opened up] and give us some details on the construction of the car. thanx.

[Deuce3wCpe]

[QUOTE=mcload;2979817]Wow...I never knew about these. A whole lot safer than a spinning propeller, for sure.

Not sure about that....couple years ago I found an old Cox Thimbledrome...the original one that Roy Cox used to build in his backyard shop. If I remember right it had a Cameron Brothers(?)engine in it. Me and the kid used the back wheel of an upside down bicycle to crank it over and ran it on a tether about 20 ft in diameter. I didn't want to knock a hole in the blacktop so I welded a rod in the center of a huge truck flywheel to act as the pivot for the cable. Got that sucker wound up and let it go.....after a lap or two it was moving so fast we couldn't see it. I've messed with a lot of crazy shit in my life and I don't spook easy but I started backing up...just about then it started dragging this 30 lb flywheel aross the playground and we ditched behind a cyclone fence. The only thing that finally stopped it was it walked itself over to the fence and got balled up in the wire.....my kid still talks about it. I found out later that the serious racers bury a steel pipe several feet into the ground and cement it in......lesson learned...Oh yeah, that smell of castor oil and nitro is intoxicating!

[cooper300_0]

here are a few more photos of the belly tank roadster built late this year http://picasaweb.google.com/minicoop95 this car is equipped with Mcoy 49 using billet gearbox machined by me, front axle support machined from billet magnesium and front axle supported on rubber grommets and al alloy collars to allow limted movement to allow car to sit on al l4 wheels nicely . 2:1 steel bevel gears fitted to gearbox, castings originally from xaviator in america then modified to allow a gearbox to mount towards rear of car then new castings done

[cooper300_0]

Her is a few more photos of a satan tether car completed this year this car is equipped with pacemaker 59 not used often in tether cars but a nice engine steel bevel gears in rear axle assy top is fibre glass pan is al alloy wheels Mcoy style really nice car i think. happy christmas http://picasaweb.google.com/minicoop95

[lakes modified]

Where is it" I'd like to see if it matches an original I have.The belly tank is unreal, have any more?.

[cooper300_0]

here is the satan i hope http://picasaweb.google.com.au/minicoop95/2009_08_22 i do have another lakester ready for engine installation final assy and paint