Another funny car arrives in Alton

[sYc]

Another funnycar now resides in Alton, MO, one with a very interesting history. Known then as “A Novel Nova” or “Instant Funny Car”, the car was built in the shop of Bill Thomas in late 1965. The car was featured in both Hot Rod magazine and Popular Hot Rodding in March of 1966.
According to BT, this car was a sister car to the “Bad Bascom” Nova, which later became “Retribution II” once Dick Harrell acquired it. After totaling RT II, Dick campaigned the well known Nickey sponsored Red 1966 Nova, which was being built in the BT shop at the same time as “A Novel Nova”. Because they were being built literally side by side, for the same purpose, serious drag racing, the cars are very similar. Of course the most unique aspect of the two cars, which this one is considered the prototype, was the bolt on tube front subframe, making it an “Instant funny car”. This car also has several other BT features, such as a hand crafted dash because the engine is “set back” several inches, Cheetah seats, fiberglass one piece tilt nose, doors and trunk lid.
Besides all of the neat history associated with the car, what really is neat, except for paint, the car is basically unchanged from the way it left the BT shop.
The car left CA sometime between 1966 and 1968, where it was raced in the Rockford, IL area. Appears to have had two paint schemes, the R/W/B one which is on it now and under that, Hugger Orange, possibly with stripes on the sides and/or top. If any one has information and/or pictures of this car, please contact me.

Hot Rod magazine, March, 1966.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Various%20Photos/BillThomasNovaArticle1.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Various%20Photos/BillThomasNovaArticle2a.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Various%20Photos/BillThomasNovaArticle3a.jpg


As it sits today.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/228425-HPIM0021.JPG
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/226894-car005.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/226917-HPIM0028.JPG

[PeteLeathersac]

Nice move Tom!!! .
I was wondering just a couple days ago what had happened to that car after the postings a few months back. .
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
~ Pete

[Stefano]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif Wow!

[bkhpah]

Sweet, I love tha build photos with the black nose, steelies and mags up front...BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[sYc]

The interesting, or scarey part, depending on how you look at it, BT said the car would have been running an injected BBC while at their shop.


Guess we could have a match race of vintage BBC Novas, Novacaine versus Pscho.
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/173761-sb-1.JPG

[LVCamaro]

way to go Tom. don't hurt yourself http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[Stefano]

Both have a passenger seat. So Who's going along for the ride? Best of three?

[Schonyenko2]

Thank God he bought a nova. I was kinda worried he'd bought the Munster's herse. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[JChlupsa]

Very neat ride, congrats on picking it up.

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Both have a passenger seat. So Who's going along for the ride? Best of three?

[/ QUOTE ]

Me first! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[sYc]

[ QUOTE ]
Sweet, I love tha build photos with the black nose, steelies and mags up front...BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Everyone I have talked to have said the same thing.

[Kim_Howie]

Tom, Congrates on buying this neat piece of history!!!!
Will make a great race car. Race cars rule!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[LVCamaro]

any purple paint left over Kim? I think Tom was considering a repaint.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Kim_Howie]

1/2 gallon should do it!! No problem!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif Do Want me to call Stevie Wonder to paint it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Here's the link to the thread w/ those great pics of the Retribution car, Bascom and others. .

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/214197/page/1/fpart/all/vc/1

Where'd the thread from when the Novacaine appeared go? .

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[sYc]

[ QUOTE ]
Here's the link to the thread w/ those great pics of the Retribution car, Bascom and others. .

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/214197/page/1/fpart/all/vc/1

Where'd the thread from when the Novacaine appeared go? .

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Novacaine (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=226901&Searchp age=1&Main=226894&Words=novacaine&topic=&Search=tr ue#Post226901)

[ORIGLS6]

"any purple paint left over Kim? I think Tom was considering a repaint." LV



"1/2 gallon should do it!! No problem!! Do Want me to call Stevie Wonder to paint it." Howie

__________________________________________________ _______

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif Well Tom, you expected to get beat up about this car, but I'll bet you didn't think it would come from your friends! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cool Car, and CONGRATULATIONS! (Now what's gonna be stickin' through the hood???? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif)
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Kim_Howie]

Wow, I thought we were making fun of my car, not Tom's http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Thanks Tom...I never seem to have much luck w/ the search thing?http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif.

Comparing some of the details again, it sure looks like you've got it!!!http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif.
Is there more you can share that helped make the decision for you? .

I vote for the black nose, rear steelies look too...kind've the as delivered '68 Super Stock Hemi Dart/Cuda look!?http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[budnate]

dang!! you scored Novacain...way cool!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
that was a top ten find this last year in my book,

[sYc]

Thanks guys for all of the compliments. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif


PeteLeathersac, "Fastbowtie" AKA Donn Waters, deserves all the credit for not only finding the car, but IDing it as well. Donn spent a lot of time on this, researching old magazines, tracking down past owners, taking to it various events and many phone calls to anyone who might know soemthing about the car.

ORIGLS6, most likey Hilborn stack injection. Seems Stu Hilborn, the man behind Hilborn injection, was known to frequent Bill's shop, working on new and better injection units.

[ORIGLS6]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[bashton]

Awesome find, TC!

I can visualize Novacaine and Psycho side by side at Vettefest next month; whaddya think?

[markjohnson]

Hilborn would certainly be cool but how about an original Bill Thomas-modified 1963 Corvette fuel injection unit with dual air meters re-located to the top of the plenum. These were used by Bill Thomas during the Cheeetah program and are extremely rare. Mine's currently not for sale, but it wouldn't be too difficult to duplicate.

[budnate]

Mark, put up a few pics if your FI unit,
never seen one before, how much CFM will it flow????

[Verne_Frantz]

Bud,
Here's the dual air meter FI as it appears in the '69 Bill Thomas catalog (same one that Tom displayed in the other thread). The price sheet states $295. if you provide the doghouse.
Verne

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/DualAirMeterFI0001.jpg

[budnate]

man I want play with one, anyone taken the time to run one???

[1967Z28]

Congrats on your purchase of that car, Tom. It is a neat piece of Chevy race history and it is very cool that it has survived pretty much as it was "back in the day".

-Jon

[sYc]

[ QUOTE ]
Congrats on your purchase of that car, Tom. It is a neat piece of Chevy race history and it is very cool that it has survived pretty much as it was "back in the day".

-Jon

[/ QUOTE ]


Thanks. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[427L88]

[ QUOTE ]
Hilborn would certainly be cool but how about an original Bill Thomas-modified 1963 Corvette fuel injection unit with dual air meters re-located to the top of the plenum. These were used by Bill Thomas during the Cheeetah program and are extremely rare. Mine's currently not for sale, but it wouldn't be too difficult to duplicate.

[/ QUOTE ]
I would like to see the Dual Cone setup as well... Ted

[markjohnson]

Injection system is currently totally dis-assembled for cleaning and inspection but I will post some pics very soon once it is assembled and I figure out my new digital camera. By the way, I was actually very close to buying the Novacaine Chevy II also and it would have been a very fitting home for the dual-air meter injection but since that didn't pan out, the injection system probably will become available. Would love to see it back on a Cheetah.

[jim sanders]

Hi Mark i found you here on a Bill Thomas search so dropping in to say hi on this topic.I will try to post the only 2 pics of my late uncle Curt Wasson and the 62 corvette as run with the Thomas F.I. unit and pass them along to you also.. jim sanders overland Mo.

[jim sanders]

pic test.. Curt Wasson

[markjohnson]

Hey Jim, great to see that you found your way here. Awesome picture, by the way and it was a pleasure to talk to on the phone Saturday. Yep, that's it in the photo you posted. For those that don't know, Curt Wasson was a legend in St. Louis. I have video of his '62 Corvette racing and beating dragsters back in the sixties. He sold the injection when he went to the supercharger and I acquired it from the fellows that got it from him. Thanks again for the photo (which by the way is my new desktop backgound now!) and I look forward to meeting you in person soon.

[Belair62]

Nice find Mark...you come up with some cool stuff.

[Paul_S]

Tom,

That thing Rocks!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Sure looks to be the real deal. What info do you know about the two small blocks that came with it? What's the rear setup like? Do you have the bunch of detailed photos taken of the car to document it? -I'd like to see a few, check your PM.

Way-Cool Piece

Thanks, Paul

[Paul_S]

Mark,

Have you run a dual meter FI? If so, how many cubes and what's the power/response like below 3000-3500 RPM? Is yours a modified '63 or a later unit?

Thanks, Paul

[sYc]

I only got one of the engines with the car. SBC with Hilborn injection unit, vintage unit from 1968.

Yes...lots of pictures.

[markjohnson]

The dual air meter injection unit is a 1963 unit and I've never run one on a car before. I've spoken with guys that have run them on Cheetahs and they say that when they're right, they're awesome. I've got a lot of money tied up in a Rat motor for my current 1965-era Matchbash car so it'll probably be awhile before I get around to piecing together another motor to put underneath the injection. Always wanted to build a hi-revving 331 small block, maybe now's my chance.

[Stefano]

The Crew ,both young and old at Nickey Chicago will be reproducing the Bill Thomas front subframes to be used to build your own funny/a/fx car.

These were sold out of the Nickey parts department back in the 1960s-70s.

We should have a sample and pricing ready at the Fall Chevy Vette Fest. Kit "A" will be just the subframe with loose brackets and you weld them up, in case you want to alter the front wheel base. Kit 'B' will be welded up, with springs, spindles, and shocks.

All kits/frames will be numbered.

Anyone who has seen John Tinbergs A/FX Chevy II, Psycho II Nickey Race Car or Tom Clary's Real Deal Survivor "Novacaine" knows just how cool these strait axle cars are!

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
The Crew ,both young and old at Nickey Chicago will be reproducing the Bill Thomas front subframes to be used to build your own funny/a/fx car.

Anyone who has seen John Tinbergs A/FX Chevy II, Psycho II Nickey Race Car or Tom Clary's Real Deal Survivor "Novacaine" knows just how cool these strait axle cars are!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes....yes they are! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/SCRX/Saturday%20car%20show/107Clary1.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/SCRX/Saturday%20car%20show/156Tinberg1.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/SCRX/Saturday%20car%20show/157Tinberg2.jpg

[budnate]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif these 2 cars are so nice!!

[ORIGLS6]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[bashton]

And...if you'd like to get an "up close and personal" look at these along with perhaps all three of the mentioned cars, mark November 17-18, 2007 on your calendar!

Now c'mon, you all know I never pass up a chance for a shameless plug! Besides, anyone who knows me knows that I am as excited about all this cool stuff as everyone else who hangs out around here.

BA

[Stefano]

Looks like building an A/FX style altered wheel base vintage match racer for the street might just catch on.

http://www.maxchevy.com/tech/2007/ii_9-nova-1.html

http://www.maxchevy.com/toc.html

[Stefano]

This Bill Thomas A/FX Nova is available in the For Sale Listings.

[x Baldwin Motion]

That is my idea of a great sunday street car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif