Projects Gene (Moonlighter) Cromer's A/G Willys Resurrection

I am having some technical difficulties with uploading some of the photos but with what you have here you will be able to get the picture. This is an article from Drag Racing Magazine, the 1967 December issue. It is Gene and Melvin at Indy for the Nationals. They are both looking at the Freight Train which is the article within the magazine that you find this picture.

 

Is the engine going to be dyno'd, or throw it in and tune her in the car, old school? My brother in law races NHRA stockers with 427 FE's. His
single 4BBL Medium riser makes 650, the 2 4bbl will make 675 with the goofy "laberinth" 2 plain medium riser manifold and a boat load of torque, with a .520 lift "legal" solid lifter camshaft. Any guesses how much Gene's old school High Riser will make? I thought I saw some roller lifters in one of the pics, so I'll say mid 600's. In a car this light, on todays tires and a modern torque converter, Gene could very well be at the faster end of the "Carolina Gasser Gang". Hope those wheelie bars remember how to work.

 

Paypal site is working fine. thanks to all the folks that have already ordered.

If you would like to purchase a shirt prior to the May 25th "Return" and be able to pick it up so you can wear it, you should shoot me an email and let me know what you want or you can order on Paypal just don't add any shipping charge and note you want to pick the shirt up.

 

Shirts are being made now just like above. Gene's Speed Shop, Anderson SC is on the front.

 

Local Pick without shipping:

1 shirt smaller than 2X = $20.00
1 shirt 2X and larger = $22.00

More than one shirt smaller than 2X = $15.00 Each
More than one shirt 2X and larger - $17.00 Each

 

Well, today I finally got to meet Quain Stott. I had been wanting to meet him ever since I heard about the resurrection of the Moonlighter. I have heard and read a lot of stuff about what a great guy he is. After talking with him and watching him make patterns for the interior panels, I must say I was very impressed. He is truly a down to earth nice guy that takes pride in his work.
As usual I took a few pictures of the progress. Dennis Glenn was also there doing some work on the interior. Quain brought the transmission today. It is a B&M C-6 that was in the Moonlighter back in the day. It has been freshened up and is ready to go. Gene is installing the original oil pan.

 

Speaking of wheelie bars, will they be axle mounted, or hanging straight down from the push bar? Anyway, everything looks like it's coming along great guys. ---- Steve ---

 

Axle mounted, original Moonlighter wheelie bars.

 

What A find thats neat... thats for posting

 

Thanks Frank, you're definitely one of the Moonlighter answer men. Gene knows the most, but he's crazy busy with the car. Old pictures show the wheelie bars both ways. Those pics look to be from Quain's shop and probably be the way they will be mounted. I think the newer style will work and look a bit better. Now, will the old gal be wearing silk on her behind? ... parachute ... lol. --- Steve ---

 

Gene-
I responded to your PM. Good news on the center caps!

 

I try to answer what I can because I know the others are busy. The pics are from Quain's shop and posted earlier. The bars have been painted and new bearings installed in the wheels, I just don't have a recent pic. As for a parachute, I haven't heard Gene say anything about one. I'll ask next time I see him if he doesn't answer on here himself.

 

Sorry if I get a little off track here but I started this thread so I guess I can do what ever I want. I just got home from spending 14 hours (-15 min. for lunch) doing the final assembly and I have to say that this restoration has to be the most rewarding thing I have ever done. As most know Gene has trouble moving around but he and Melvin both put in 14 hours also today and have been working long hours ever since it left my shop. Watching them today I can now see why they were tuff racers in there younger days. I wish ya'll could have seen through my eyes I just can't explain it no other way. The engine and trans will go in this weekend and there are just a few little details left to be done unless we are overlooking something so she should fire up before to long. Again I want to Thank the Cromer family for giving me this opportunity it's a dream come true. ~Quain~

 

Rick it will go straight in the car just like the old days. It does have a roller but just like everything else it was something he had laying around so I don't know what it is. I think Gene told me the car was about 2300 lbs with driver back in the day and I have added about 100 lbs worth of safety stuff so now about 2400. If it does make 600 hp I would guess low 6s in the 1/8. Oh yea about those wheelie bars the engine in the moonlighter is in the original location from the 60s witch is about 8 inches farther back than mine and you know how mine will wheelie so he better hold on.

 

If that thing runs as good as it looks, Gene better be prepared! Thanks for the updates, Carp

 

The engine looks great! My O.C.D. was making me crazy when I saw the intake and timing cover on the engine before it was painted. Looks like someone found a can of aluma-coat! Yea.....very sparkely....very shiny! Rainman.

 

Wow ... Looks great! Can't wait to see it in the Moonlighter with the stacks sticking up & sweet music coming out those big white headers.

--- Steve ---

 

I tried to talk them out of panting the intake but I got over ruled. But I have to say it still looks good.

 

It sure looks great!! Almost time for the symphony to play!!!

 

New stacks from Mike at alkydigger should be here today.

 

Quain,

Gene is so lucky to have you in his corner, rebuilding his piece of history, and for to be major part of the restoration. Your talents are so obvious and so much of your heart and soul in this. When the engine fires and the car hit's the starting line , I think your emotions are going to go into overdrive. i may not be down for the 25th. but at some point this summer, I will come from Maine to see and hear it in person. God Bless you and all involved.

 

All that engine porn from his parts just laying around pile.I am truly in ahhh.

 

update

 

update

 

update

 

I asked Gene today if the Moonlighter was going to have a parachute, he said, "no, not right now".

 

DITTO THAT ! I have followed this build from the start. All the build details and history provided are just amazing. I'm sure many of us feel quite a cyber connection to the Moonlighter and all of the dedicated people involved ... kind of like really knowing these people and being involved with the car. I, for one, will be thrilled to see the "old gal" run again, and will be happy for all those that will have their accomplishments rewarded. Wouldn't be suprised to see Gene, Quain, Melvin, and others choke up a little at Greer in a couple of weeks. Me and the wife want to meet Gene and the car in person if it gets up this way anytime soon. We both drove drag cars back in the day, and still feel a connection to the racers (especially the great ones like Gene & Quain). --- Steve ---

 

This car is coming together beautifully. Gene has every reason to be a proud racer/owner. With all the things going on and everyone in such a rush, it's easy to loose sight of how this deal originated in the beginning. I've known Quain for a long time, and he would never stand up and say anything that would put himself in the spotlight.

I guess what I'm saying is that if it wasn't for Quain's original willingness to sacrifice his time and skills, or Gene's willingness to trust Quain with his baby(The Moonlighter), we would not be able to enjoy this wonderful recreation of such an awesome example of drag racing history.

Gene and Quain are two very special people. Their skills are only second to their passion for this hot rod. I am glad it has come together so nicely and that I was able to witness it all.

Thanks to Gene and Quain for taking us along for the process. Light the fire and strike the tires.....The Moonlighter will rise again!!

Daron

 

Darrin,
After my brief talk with Gene ,I agree with everything you said. I understand it all started with an introduction and watching a video of gene back in the day. And the rest will be more history.
Is that ford power wrote on the hood. You can really see evolutions of the car through the years. Gene needs to put that back on the ole girl