@bobby-williamson16 years ago
Cool shot. Looking at the cars in the infield, I'd guess late '50's or very early '60's. Notice Ned Setzer's model 'A' body has been narrowed, placing the driver's seat in the middle of the car. Also, the brake master cylinder can be seen on the firewall on the 'right' (passenger) side of the (mighty flathead) engine. Also, of interest, is the right front hub on the #6. It looks to be an aluminum 'Frankland'. This technique utlilized rear brake drums (usually finned aluminum from a Buick) etc. and required welding a 3/4 ton Ford rear axle snout over the Ford buggy spring front spindle. This technique continued on in to the late '60's, after the coupes had faded and the Chevelle body was the car of choice.The other car in the photo, appears to be that of Sam Smith of Union, SC. Notice the spare tires stored inside the race car. Most race cars, at this time, were flat towed with passenger cars. Storing tools and equipment in the race car was a popular and necessary mode of operation.
@paul-woody16 years ago
Thanks Dargan. great picture. Is that Gaffney?
@dargan-watts16 years ago
Yes, Paul, this was Gaffney. And Bobby, all the race cars that were flat-towed had to be registered in the state of South Carolina and had to be equiped with tail lights. If that were done today, they would be required to have turn signals as well. Well known car owner and builder, Marion Cox flat-towed his cars until he got a flat-bed truck the middle of the 1966 season. The first driver I remember who towed his car on a trailer was Ralph Earnhardt around the year 1960.
@jeff-gilder16 years ago
You guys are AWESOME! You can't get this kind of education anywhere but here...on RacersReunion.com.
@bobby-williamson16 years ago
Jeff, I've just finished restoring an old '60's era ('37 Plymouth bodied) coupe modified. I tried to keep it as original as possible, but among the improvements/additions that I made, were Frankland front hubs (from rear axle stuff!). I'd seen that done, when I was a kid, but going through the same process is a journey in itself. I'll have to get some photos and post them here.
@jeff-gilder16 years ago
Please do. I'd love to see them.
@a-true-race-fan13 years ago
was this a frank heafner owned car - good picture .
Cool shot. Looking at the cars in the infield, I'd guess late '50's or very early '60's. Notice Ned Setzer's model 'A' body has been narrowed, placing the driver's seat in the middle of the car. Also, the brake master cylinder can be seen on the firewall on the 'right' (passenger) side of the (mighty flathead) engine. Also, of interest, is the right front hub on the #6. It looks to be an aluminum 'Frankland'. This technique utlilized rear brake drums (usually finned aluminum from a Buick) etc. and required welding a 3/4 ton Ford rear axle snout over the Ford buggy spring front spindle. This technique continued on in to the late '60's, after the coupes had faded and the Chevelle body was the car of choice.The other car in the photo, appears to be that of Sam Smith of Union, SC. Notice the spare tires stored inside the race car. Most race cars, at this time, were flat towed with passenger cars. Storing tools and equipment in the race car was a popular and necessary mode of operation.
Thanks Dargan. great picture. Is that Gaffney?
Yes, Paul, this was Gaffney. And Bobby, all the race cars that were flat-towed had to be registered in the state of South Carolina and had to be equiped with tail lights. If that were done today, they would be required to have turn signals as well. Well known car owner and builder, Marion Cox flat-towed his cars until he got a flat-bed truck the middle of the 1966 season. The first driver I remember who towed his car on a trailer was Ralph Earnhardt around the year 1960.
You guys are AWESOME! You can't get this kind of education anywhere but here...on RacersReunion.com.
Jeff, I've just finished restoring an old '60's era ('37 Plymouth bodied) coupe modified. I tried to keep it as original as possible, but among the improvements/additions that I made, were Frankland front hubs (from rear axle stuff!). I'd seen that done, when I was a kid, but going through the same process is a journey in itself. I'll have to get some photos and post them here.
Please do. I'd love to see them.
was this a frank heafner owned car - good picture .