Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Dave; My car has a staggered front end, but not for roll out. When we went to re-install it, things did not go so well. As simple as it looks, it is not easy (at least for us rookies) to get it back square under the car. You may have to explain to us how to set it. Working on the fiberglass beast has been a real learning experience. And I have not even tried to figure out the workings of a magneto fired, blown/injected big block Chevy yet. Tom

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Tom
I will give this a shot. The first thing you need to do is verify that the rear end is square to the chassis in its mounting this is a must. If I know Hardy like I think I do there is a centerline scribed somewhere, probably on the bottom that you can work from.You can adjust the trailing arms to make this happen. Please tell me you replaced all those hiem joints if not now is the time. With that done the rear end and centerline will be your reference. Now to the front end, I am not certain your car was offset w/b but it is a very good possibility.There may be a slight difference in the length of the front end radius rods.again check all those hiem joints, very important! Using your rear end as a reference adjust the front end to bring it into line with your preferences either square or offset somewhat. Given what the destiny of your car most likely wil be square or very close will suffice.
As far as a startup tune up goes I would suggest you contact menmyfcs for a safe ballpark tune up. He as you know is one of the foremost nitro/tuner/crew chief who really does know his engines and is vastly more up to date than me. I would only suggest for you in the event you actually make maybe a half pass with it, I am sure you have no intention of a b**** out run with it, to keep the timeing set NO more than 23 degrees (static with no advance capabilities (ie) locked out mag) and NOT more than 55% nitro.
An iron block & head chevy although likes more than that it is very likely to have a short life (ie crack cyl wall& blown out combustion chambers) Aluminum blocks and heads of today are far better than the old castings and will take MUCH more. Reminds, me it would seem we would get new cyl heads from Mondello very often. Charlie loved to "tip the can" the old 10 10 &10 (old racer jargon) meanind 10% on the blower,10 degrees more lead and 10% more nitro.

On another subject I believe we have thrashed the subject of Dick's 68 funny car enough, I plan to post version of the past/present of the 67 car tomorrow sometime with pics. The much talked about 69 car I have many pic of I am going to get a couple of together and post that next week.
Thanks to you for the fine welcome to this forum.
You can't imagine how bad I want to see my old friend...
your car again. Best of luck hope I helped you even if only a little bit.
Dave

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Dave, Great, I thought all of the radius rods were the same length. Back to the drawing board. As of yet, we have not replaced the joints, but will once we do the final assembly. Engine wise, we are set up to run alcohol, not nitro.

As per runnning the car, a lot depends on where it ends up and who has it. I have had several interesting offers, including a big time museum, someone wanting to put it on the Nostalgia FC circuit and one just wanting it to display it at numerous shows and race events. If I do keep it, I do not intend to race it, but would like to see it do a burnout or two. At this time, I do not anticipate the car being sold, mostly because of sentimental reasons and what I have associated with the car. Original DH t-shirt and patch, check made out to Ed Pink racing from DH Racing, signed by Dick, and my most cherished momento, a DH business card, removed from the billfold Dick had in his pocket at the time of death. Holding that billfold sent chills down my spine. I am sure you know where the items came from. That person is close to both of us.

Maybe someday there can be a reunion of known Harrell and Gibb/Harrell race cars. Dick's '67, '68 and '69 FCs, ZL-1 #1, Kim's '70 Gibb Camaro and Lil Hoss. The ulitimate tribute to Dick and Fred.

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Tom
Please consider keeping that car as I am confident you will take it to places it can be seen by the many fans of Dick.
There are more of them than most of us can imagine.

On the car note I said there MAY be a difference in those rods maybe not. measure and see if there is a difference,
it may be slight as to where the front shock mounts are located from say.. the very front of the top chassis tube back to the mount. If they are square chances are car is/was setup to be square and procede accordingly.
Engine wise ok on alky safer fuel but there is no other sound like a chevy on nitro... even a small % (25or30) makes a unforgettable sound. Best luck.

I have made several posts concerning this car and mentioning the different paint configurations and failed to post pics to document them I am goint to attach them to this message. one the red/black,all red and the tri color
last config.

Again best to you
Dave

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

second pic is all red against Limefire (Clare Sanders)

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Last is the tri color it that is my personal fav
This was taken at NY National I dont know by who.
BTW if anyone wishes to claim credit for any pic I might post I will be glad to aknowledge that. credit where it is due. This not a really good pic sorry

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Tom, I think a reunion of those cars that made history would be a great idea! I grew up looking at those cars in the magazines and going to the Super Stock nationals at York US30 and Atco, NJ. Maybe the York Super Stock Reunion would be a great place. As for a driver to do some burnouts, I know a good guy that has a double B funny car license. Very reliable and knowledgable. For any chassis mods you need: S+W chassis in Spring City, Pa. or Ed Quay Race Cars. All these people are less than an hour from Maple Grove Dragway, Pa. Keep up the good work. I appreciate all the commitment to Nostalgia racing and our muscle car hobby. Thanks, Sam

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Sam, The York show is one of the shows I hope to attend within the next year or two. Not only with the FC, but to display a Yenko or two, and my memorabilia collection, in the Supercar Registry area. As per the funnycar, I had put it on the back burner for a while, as I worked on my Yenko Nova. But, because of the all the interest in the car, both online and off, I pulled it out of the corner this evening, to see what was needed to finish it. I hope to finish it, ot at least be close, by spring, as just today I have received invites from a couple of shows wanting the car to be part of a vintage FC display. In addition, I have been in contact with a NHRA person to see what would be required to do a burnout and maybe even a short pass. If all goes well, with the help of Dave, Bob, Dale, Val and people like you, sometime in the not to distance the future, a blown/injected big block Dick Harrell Funnycar can once again be roaring down the track, and hopefully, joined by a couple of others. The ultimate Harrell reunion. Tom

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Dave; thanks for the tips. I can see that Mo and I have our work cut out for us, just getting the car square. We did a short walk around the car this evening, and both the front and rear ends are not square with the chassis or each other. I guess next time we will need to do more then just eyeball everything. Looks like the first pass needs to be in a big, wide open area. I would suggest standing behind the car, way behind. Tom

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Tom, Sounds real good! If I can do anything for your cause let me know. I would like to meet you guys. All you guys have OIL for blood. Just like me. Sam

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

One final thought moparts stick to taking pictures and parking cars thats what your qualified to do.I will consider all statements and will respond calmly.

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

"Sorry to say I will no longer associate or be a part of this site.For those who need to get ahold of me you have my phone # and adress.This will be my last post." Copolocater

I guess we are just too much fun to be around. Could not stay away. Tom

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

On a lighter note, Darwin Doll has contacted me and has invited the Supercar Registry to again be part of this great east coast show. Last year was great and we won the Largest Group Participation Award. All involved had a great time. An all indoor show makes it perfect and a large cruise area outside has new cars coming and going all day. The dates are July 11-12 2003. You can visit www.yorkus30.com for additional information. I once again will help out with the set up for the Supercar area. Email [email protected] for registration info. Think spring!!!...BKH

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Tom and all
To you first Tom what you describe is not unexpected by me as always with any restoration the attention to detail is the primary consideration. With a funny car maybe paramount is a better word. I know you guys will do the best you can remember do not hesitate to ask if you are not sure. There are many who will help. You know who I mean.

There is another car of Dick's that is under restoration at this time it is his 67. Thought I might share with you what I know of it's past and present.
The 67 was the second of 2 like it built by Don Hardy. Kelly Chadwick's being first. Actually Dick ran it in early 67 before his was finished to honor a race date. This is about his not kelly's so...
The history of this car is well documented. It was built from a new "rear clip" of a real camaro (new never a completed car) with an extended fiberglass front end,glass doors ,trunk lid. Chassis is rectangular tubing ant the normal for the era roll cage. w/b is 115 inches with the rear wheel opening moved up approx 8 in and the front end was approx 12 in extended. It first saw service as an injected only (on nitro) and its many antics (giant wheelies) have been featured many times in/on many publications. I have attached a photo taken early at Green Valley raceway against Mike Burkhart in a similar car.Sorry it is b&w more to follow
Dave

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Cont-
The 67 car was equipped with a blower about I stress about mid year minor chassis mods were made at this time (ie) engine set back a few gussets...the car ran the rest of the season this way and was very sucessful winning an amazing percentage of its match races. In this time this was the bread and butter of the touring funny car.
Attched is a well known pic of the car w/ blower at Orange County Raceway. more....

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

cont...
After the season and when the new car (the one Tom Clary has now) was ready to go the 67 was conditionally sold to a party who shall not named, My term used here will be obvious in a min. The car was taken to AMT (the model people) and repainted by them. The reason was as I understand they were going to make a model in it's image but that never happened.Reason being Dick was never paid for the car and he repossed it.When it came back to the shop I personally thought it was beautiful (attached pic)
We (shop) built a new engine and put it back in service. The plan was to use it as a "fill in" car for match racing when the other car was busy elsewhere. Remember this car was somewhat heaver than the all glass body fliptop cars.
(app 2400 lbs) but was still competitve. more

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

The car was relettered and that pic is attached here.
nearing mid year of 68 this car was again sold to a fellow named Bruce Neff who match raced it for several years. When he took possession of it, it was painted an orange color and named The Stroker. Making a longer story shorter He eventually sold it to a party who is unknown to me. It was then aquired by the present owner who I was with at the reunion this year. He has owned it for close to 20 years and fairly recently discovered it's true history. This has been documented and verified by several persons including the builder, Mr. Neff and myself.Plans at this time are to restore it to it's original configuration. Red/black,inj.
It is hoped to be done at least to the point of being able to show it at the reunion next year. So there is another genuine Dick Harrell car. This is a true piece of history and I for one am very glad it is being preserved.
Thank you all for this forum and a place to share my memories.
Dave Libby

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

All
If there interested parties I have similar accounts of the 69 car, the 70 cars and the 71???
Dave

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Dave; Being both a Yenko and a Harrell addict, I can not wait to see this car. Tom

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>
The 67 was the second of 2 like it built by Don Hardy. Kelly Chadwick's being first. Actually Dick ran it in early 67 before his was finished to honor a race date.

<hr></blockquote>

I've got a picture or two around here of Chadwick's car with what looks like a piece of posterboard on the side with "Dick Harrell" or something to that effect written on it. Your statement explains that picture!

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Dave,
Thanks for that great history of the '67 car. History remembered by the people who were there and helped make that history is always fascinating to read. Accounts like yours are a big reason why this board is great! I, for one, would definitely like to read the stories of the 69, the 70's, and the 71 car.

Thanks again for sharing your memories with us!
-Sam

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Tom
I talk to Craig quite frequently and progress is moving along but as with yours who can tell. I found a better pic of your car.. maybe you have seen it but it shows the last "tricolor" pretty good. The unique thing about it was it looked different in different light. In the pits sitting next to the Car Shop Camaro out of Lousiana I think it was Henry Garcia drove it.

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Dave; Thanks for the great pictures. With them you have solved question I had. In fact, I had just asked Bob about it yesterday. When I got the car, it had a door handle on the driver's side, but the passenger side had the indention, but had been filled in. I have numerous pictures of the car, but none of the passenger side. Glad to see no handle on the passenger side, as I did not remove the filler. As per the tri-color paint job, I believe I will stick with the rerd/black look. Of course I am sure it looked better in real life, verus pictures.Tom

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Some great info in there fellas! I do have a small "request", though. If possible, could we start a new thread(s) dealing with each of Dick's race cars, possibly a thread per car (year), as Bob and Dave seem to have quite a bit of info, and I'm sure other members would like to contribute as well. Just a suggestion, which would make it easier to find on down the road.

But, on a final note, check out this picture I found while cruising some old SS&amp;DI mags, which I feel helps explain a little bit of the passion behind these cars:

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/25440-DH_FIRE.jpg

Caption reads:

"Dick Harrell was a funny car builder, an excellent driver, and one of the drag racing sport's very best ambassadors to the outside world. He won countless match races and major events, and was cited over and over again by the racing associations and the drag racing media for deeds on and off the drag strip. During his career, he built hundereds and hundreds of Chevrolet engines for customers at his Kansas City shop, and managed to create a full range of specially equipped and very exciting Chevrolet street cars when no one else would, because he believed in high performance cars for their own sake. His talent, creativity, and energy were legendary, and he will be remembered."

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Now THAT'S a funny car !!!! I always liked that type of wheel on these cars.

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

I think most, if not all of us here agree that Dick Harrell did as much, or maybe even more, for the sport of drag racing, then almost any other person. Well, yesterday I was told that he IS NOT in the drag racing Hall of Fame. We are talking about a AHRA World champion, who was at the top of the sport when he lost his life. 30+ years later his influence can still be seen, on and off the track. I am not for sure how, but I feel that we need to do something to see that this is corrected. Tom

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Tom, I would say that while Drag racing may have been Dick's Primary avocation that it its ridiculous he is not in the its Hall of fame, based on his accomplishments and contributions to the sport. IMO he is directly responsible to one degree or another for the whole "Super Car" Culture which exists today ,as well.

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Tom and all,
This is a true statment Dick is NOT in the dragracing Hall of Fame! I personally have written to several of the people in charge of nominations more than once. I know Bob Gibson has also with no responce. Plain and simple he has been shunned by the powers that be. I once thought it was due to
his loyalty to AHRA. This proves out to be wrong as Jim Tice (the founder and president of AHRA until his death) is in the HOF. After Tice passed even Don Garlits was involved in the admin. of AHRA for a while. I think that voices should be heard in order to make this happen. The DRHOF is located near Garlits famous display of cars in FL. There is no reason Dick should not be honored with membership on this
list of Dragracing heros. One person on the board of nominations is Steve Gibbs another Shirley Muldowney just to mention 2. Mentioning to Garlits surely would not hurt.
what say you?

Dave

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Dave. When I see these pictures of the 68 car and Henry Garcias in the back ground it almost brings tears to my eyes.That year I raced several times with those guys, Being the young kid on the block those guys looked out for me.Took me places in New York I never imagined existed.Between Dick and Charlie I never knew who had the biggest grin but they both had it.After being around that 68 car I wanted a Don Hardy car so bad.We were in the staging lanes at NY national when Charlie pulled in next to Kelly. Kelly still had his Door car and was soon to get his flip top.as soon as it stopped he jumped in the 68 just to see how it felt.was all smiles knowing his was next.It was not a deep candy red but a very bright with the gold base showing on the right angles.
Dont get me going on that Hall of Fame. I have talked to Garlits,Steve Gibbs,Shirley Muldowney and others on the board.Its pretty dissapopinting of who has gotten in and not Dick.I would not hurt for any of you to send letters to them about it. I am the 1st to say after the last few years its political.Far be it from me to sugar coat it.
MenMyFcs

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Rob.
I have another picture taken at the same time (by Bob Plummer) from a slightly different angle. Perhaps you saw it on a t-shirt I had on at the reunion. My opinion of this shot is... Here is a perfect example of Dick Harrell in his finest hour.... Putting on a show for the people.
BTW this was taken.. Sat night Sept 11 1971. Dick died on the 12th.
Dave

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

OUCH!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/ooo.gif[/img] That coming from someone who announced his own death a few posts back? If you come to the next reunion with a ??????? car I will be sure to have a special place for you to park. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img] I can also help you with where to put your table! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Maurice Wiggs
6'4" 300 lbs
and almost as good looking as Charley Lillard

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

You Big Lug You. This thread was alot more interesting when you Guys were Fighting.......just my opinion........ [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

My pet snail is as good looking as Charley Lillard.

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Only you would have a Pet Snail........And I know why...

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Would you rather be on the other thread talking about what constitutes a Supercar ? It's spooky over there! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Jeez I just opened the attachment Chas.....for cryin out loud how long have you been peeking ?

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Belair62 &amp; Charley, you guys kill me! Keep it going though. By the way it is getting a little spooky on that other thread. Stay away! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] ................RatPack...............

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

menmyfcs
I also have gotten a little choked up going through some of the pics I have. Thinking today back to 68-69 how many times a touring car would stop by the shop. Hardly raise an eyebrow other than to look and see who it was. Now I would go back to then if given the chance in a heartbeat.

I am going to attach the first of pics of the 69 to this post. It is fairly early on in the year. Has Courtesy in
the logo on the door. This car was fast from the start and probably Dick's best remembered car. Pic speaks for itself.
IMO it was beautiful just like this.
Dave

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

Dave, keep the pictures and stories coming. And if you find a way to return to those days, PLEASE take me with you. Tom

Re: Dick Harrell drag car (new thread)
 

DO NOT FOLLOW THE LIGHT you guys...stay here...Charley has more snails to play with and its much more mellow on this thread now...