Hot Rods The ALTERED thread

Flyer, thanks for your concerns. I would not desecrate such a great old piece of tubing such as this one, so no racing in it's future. Since this chassis has no history other than belonging to someone i've know for a long time, hard to put a name to it. Just not sure what it will turn into just yet. The wheels in my mind are spinning.

 

Dean, thanks for the compliment. But Brad has been doing in house repair for some time now. But when he needs something his welder can't handle he will stop by and get things done. I'm so far from knowing everything I need to know about this project. The only Don Long altered that I know of was the DiMatteo Brothers Bantam owned by Dan Pettinato. Still lots of research to be done. If I get the blessing from Don Long, that will help a lot. I know you and Joe both know it's a Long chassis, but need the creator himself to bless this chassis....

 

His welding skills are probably better than mine, especially since it has been years since I taught welding classes at our local junior college and had every manner of welding process available at my disposal. I used the welding component of this project as only one area that could be problematic if the car is to be used. Tubing and seat upgrades to conform to spec are another concern. An exact replica of that frame built from shiny new chrome moly would be much easier for me to accomplish than building a replica / "restoration"' around rust.

The pictures bring to mind the old saw:
"This is George Washington's original hatchet. The head has been replaced twice and the handle has been replaced three times, but yup, this is George's hatchet."

[EDIT: I see from recent replies that no racing will be planned for it. So I am on board with your visions to use this frame. Enjoy the build. Keep us up to date.]

 

Look at those rear nerf bars

 

They remind me of Harley aftermarket exhaust tips. They must have wanted to be sure the push car did not jump the shark.

Mopar coupe body

 

SPECIAL EDITION.

With the passing of Leon Fitzgerald of The altereds Pure Heaven I figured we should have some photos all in one place.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/leon-fizgerald-passes.1201727/

Thanks to @Marty Strode who provided a link to a great Hot Rod Article on Leon.
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/pure-heaven-life-fast-times-fuel-altered-pioneer-leon-fitzgerald/

These photos are from that article.



Early effort


Tank driver/mechanic in the Army










vs Pure Hell



Later years new style



Apparently Leon was quite the character. RIP

 

Very nice LB.

 

Such a Cool Hotrod...Proper definitions aside...
​

 

Loudbang -

Nice pictorial history of Leon F.

Mike

 

posted by 40ragtopdown in traditional images

 

posted by 40ragtopdown in traditional images

 

Be there.

 

Pure Hell classic LARGE version

 

Looking for photos of the DiMatteo Brothers fuel altered. Only known Don Long fuel altered chassis i've seen. Limited amount of photos without much detail. Any and all info will be welcome...Thanks

 

Here's a couple...Google is your friend...
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/595319644462840190/

Mike

 

Thanks Mike. I have pretty well exhausted the photos that are existing on the internet, but always looking for more. Getting detailed photos is harder than it looks. If only Steve Reyes photoed the build it would be a perfect world, but they just aren't out there.

 

There is a feature article on the DiMatteo altered in the November 1968 Hot Rod magazine .

 

Thanks Pete. Will check it out.

 

posted by swi66 in the vintage thread

Dynamic Engine Service (large version)

 

Three nasty race cars in that photo. ^

 

I'm pretty sure there are good photos of the Willys in the Willys thread. Seem to remember a discussion about the car in there.

 

Nice.
Wonder what ol Mr. Ford would have thought about what the hot rodders did to his cars ?



Mike

 

Henry would not be happy!

 

But Edsel Ford II is. He's a big motorsports enthusiast.

 

posted by 40ragtopdown in traditional images

Classical Gass

 

Got a copy of the Nov.1968 Hot Rod magazine. Great article on the DiMatteo Bros altered. No similarities between the chassis other than the roll cage. DiMatteo's altered had a traverse spring rear suspension, where as my chassis has none. Mikio Yoshioka (Stone T altered) told me a lot of owners tried many thing, including him with a rear suspension. Pete said he believes there may have been 4 chassis build in Don shop, but haven't had any response from possible original owners or any one claiming to have such a chassis. Got a third member for the rear end, and a friend throwing in a Tee bucket body. God I love my friends....Onward I go.......

 

Mark, if you want to talk with Don, Joe can hook you up.