History Vintage "Cageless" Midget Picture Thread

[DocF]

I've seen those pins in a catalog somewhere in my past, but I cannot for the life of me recall where.

Doc

[Dean Lowe]

Originally Posted by skot71

I am trying to identify these pins I've had since I was a kid. Bought them from a guy that used to work on my dad's boats, whose house and shop was a mile or 2 west of Winchester Speedway in Indiana. They are nice enamel pins, and curved if you look from the top, like they are made to pin into a hat or belt. There is a thumbwheel on the back that screws on, with the words "HOOKEAST" and "PROVIDENCE RI" on it. Anyone have any more information on them? Thanks!!

I have the balck and white one! It has a safety pin type clip on the back rather than the thumbwheel. I bought mine from Roscoe Turner when he had his souvineer stand at Gardena stadium in 1957. Yes, it is enameled and very well made, not cheap Chinese crap.

[mlight9]

Originally Posted by skot71

I am trying to identify these pins I've had since I was a kid. Bought them from a guy that used to work on my dad's boats, whose house and shop was a mile or 2 west of Winchester Speedway in Indiana. They are nice enamel pins, and curved if you look from the top, like they are made to pin into a hat or belt. There is a thumbwheel on the back that screws on, with the words "HOOKEAST" and "PROVIDENCE RI" on it. Anyone have any more information on them? Thanks!!

bought my black one @ wms grove from frank smith, prob.
1949 or so.
mlight9

[skot71]

Thanks for the info guys!! I have the 4 pictured, only 3 have the wheel on the back.

[DocF]

I have looked through my stuff and I no longer have a catalog from the company I believe was the source of these pins. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it either. We bought souvenirs from them when we were running trips in the Southern Railway steam excursion program many years ago. I do remember that the company was located in either Jacksonville, IL or Robinson, IL. Getting old makes the brain leak like a rusty sieve.

Doc

[fredeuce]

A technical question.

What gauge aluminium was typically used in the manufacture of the Kurtis Midget bodies?

I am particularly interested in the gauge used on the belly pans.

[slobitz]

.063 3003 h14 16 gauge

[fredeuce]

Thanks slobitz.

[moe#69]

Engine finally getting ready to go in. One more step to get her running!!!!=

[DocF]

Originally Posted by moe#69

Engine finally getting ready to go in. One more step to get her running!!!!=

I am looking forward to seeing this important car run again. I remember Rich Vogler driving it at Hartford (MI) Speedway in the late 70's or early 80's. At the start of the feature, someone got out of shape and collected most of the field.

Richie and his parents evaluated the situation. The front end was pretty well trashed. While Rich and Don started pulling bent things off the car, Eleanor and Danny Lockard went and retrieved spares. Then all four of them started bolting pieces on. Before the rubble had been removed from the track they had the car back together and running. Amazing!

Doc

[gnichols]

Moe, could you post more images of the Badger's front suspension, either here on in your album, please? I'm always amazed how race car designers get parts to serve more than one purpose. In this case we have an upper A arm instead of 4 bars also mounted ICW the coil overs. I'd like to see more on the steering, too. No rush, Gary

[moe#69]

Doc, This is the first badger that Bob had. Although some of the “Greats” drove this car. Sad to say. I do not believe the great Rich Vogler was one of them.
Ginchols, I posted A couple more photos of the front end in my album. Here is one that shows the steering A little better?

[gnichols]

Thanx for the addl pix, Moe. Gary

[THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER]

Originally Posted by slobitz

.063 3003 h14 16 gauge

That raises the question (at least to me): Why wasn't steel used - only in a thinner guage, say .032" - because it would have a much better fatigue life with minimal increase in weight, and be easier to weld with the relatively primitive welding techniques generally available at that time.

I know my dad fabbed a few tail sections for midgets from steel.

[Black vette 59]

Originally Posted by moe#69

Engine finally getting ready to go in. One more step to get her running!!!!=

moe#69.....really great to see the progress on this car.....love it....

[DocF]

Originally Posted by moe#69

Doc, This is the first badger that Bob had. Although some of the “Greats” drove this car. Sad to say. I do not believe the great Rich Vogler was one of them.
Ginchols, I posted A couple more photos of the front end in my album. Here is one that shows the steering A little better?

I believe you stated elsewhere that this car was run by Lockard in 1975-76. If that is the case, that would be the time frame that I saw Richie run a Badger for Lockard at Hartford, MI. I think this was a pickup ride, not a regular deal.

The history of Hartford Speedway is shaky to say the least. The plant was running automobile races in the 20s, but the records only go back as far as the current promoters have been associated with it.

Doc

[moe#69]

Doc, That is GREAT news! Rich is one of my favorite drivers. This is that car….. I have lots of info. & photographs signed buy some of the greats that have drove this car. I also have USAC records & track records that this car held. This car always never seizes to amaze me! Thanks for all the information & comments they are all very appreciated! Keep them coming.
Thanks to every one, Moe

[memaerobilia]

I never throw anything out. Have a box full of these, from the "old" days. i thought they might awake some fond memories for some of you..

[Sprinter 2]

Originally Posted by memaerobilia

I never throw anything out. Have a box full of these, from the "old" days. i thought they might awake some fond memories for some of you..

Great stuff !!! please post some more....

[DocF]

Originally Posted by memaerobilia

I never throw anything out. Have a box full of these, from the "old" days. i thought they might awake some fond memories for some of you..

I love this sort of stuff. It brings back memories of the days when racing was really fun.

Doc