Here is a clip of the coupe making a pass in Bakersfield, at a Nostalgia Drag Race around 1987. At this time Dennis had a 10:1 406 cu.in. Small Block, duel quads with tunnel ram intake. This was a 11.98 second pass at 112.78mph.
Monday Evening update (only it is Tuesday cause I did not get on the computer last night). Over the weekend the engine was mounted, and angle set for the driveshaft. A little surgery is needed on the driver side headers to miss the new steering box. Front engine plate/mount had to bent back to shape at the drivers side.
Back in 1987, they used a picture of Dennis Wile's 32 coupe along with a gasser 55 chevy with full glass front clip for the 3rd annual San Diego Antique Drags, held at the now defunct Carlsbad Raceway. Sorry about the quality, just took the shot from the wall in his garage office Here we are some ten years later at the 13th annual SD Antique Drags, still in Carlsbad. E.T. 10.65 at 125.17 mph.
Here are a couple of shots of the body damage. The body is going in this weekend to be worked on. We will give more details then, but the rear decklid corners are damaged. This side is a little worse Once the body is pulled back a little this rear quarter should pop back out.
Very beautiful 3window coupe. Sad to see this but metal is just metal. Glad the gentleman is alright. Best
Wow - I just caught all of this. I have always been in awe of that video and wheelie. Especially now that I see the frame wasn't boxed! Just saw the video of the accident. Glad Dennis was OK. Wow again. Wow a third time - the rebuild is going awesome! Bad ass NICE car man. That's some dudes getting it done.
This 32 coupe was on Pinks All Out. The color along with the stock valve covers caught my attention. I do not remember the exact details but the car was very impressive. It is a shame to see this happen but, racing is a high risk game.
Actually it was on Pass Time in Vegas. I have been trying to find the clip to post here, but do not have one. You may have also seen Dennis on Won-N-Done winning a round in his jaguar. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Ok, here is a quick update from last weekend. The body was mounted, and a little floorboard surgery was needed to get lined up correctly. The Coupe has been sent to Rocky at L&P racing to work on the body, and straighten everything back out.
The original 32 frame, has gone off to a better place. It had provided it's fair share of service through it's lifetime. Henry would have been proud and amazed.
I know your suspossed to get back on the horse if it bucks you off but this wreck might be a warning from the higher up & maybe you just ought to enjoy it as a street rod & buy a glass one if the race "BUG" still has you bitten.Just Sayin'
Dennis is the nicest guy in town. He never hesitated to help us kids in high school. "What's up with the Olds?" "I don't know, let's see if Dennis is his garage. He can help." Things like that. A great guy and a great car.
Ok, update coming soon! The car is back from Rocky's and body work done, doors shut great. I am hopefully going to get some photos from Rocky, and get some shots from the garage. As far as turning his original steel 32 coupe into a street rod, well, as Dennis puts it, that is "sacrilegious". "You just don't put a tilt column in an old race car!" Thanks Dean, I think you know what Dennis would say! Instant T, Dennis is always willing to help out, and has saved my ass on the side of the road more than once. Luckily I can sometimes coast downhill to the front of his garage. Well, I do promise more stories and updates soon.
Drove past day before yesterday. I t looks like its coming together well. And the roadster was looking AWESOME!!!!! as always.
Update!!!! Finally I was able to stop by Dennis place and the coupe was there. It had came back after the body work, but was sent back to L&P racing to get the surgery of the header around the steering box. They also welded in some of the floor panels. So now back home for some final assembly. Dennis thinks in a couple of weeks he'll be all plumbed and wired and ready for some test passes. His son Scott is coming by this weekend to do all new wiring. Radiator is ready to go in. Seat back in this evening with floor boards and shift linkage and emergency cable. Dennis is on a roll. Hope your all able to check in on the updates. Right side, body mounted, doors shut like a fine machined latch. Passenger side cowl straightened out. Drivers side cowl and door straightened. This one shuts like a glove too. Rear Quarter Panel shots. Rocky, that is some fine craftsmanship there!
Glad to see you guys moving forward in spite of the setback. That thing really sounds great, whats the specs on the engine? Tim
The Jalopy Journal
