If you've checked the HAMB classifieds in the last few days, you may have noticed an HA/GR dragster for sale. I plan to build a new drag car. I haven't given up on the class. It's just time for a clean sheet of paper build. I've been playing around with chassis designs. I plan to do a little research on old engines. I'll be heading to Norwalk, Ohio on Wednesday, to help Brad with his Top Fueler. If a HAMB'er doesn't take her, it will be listed on an auction site next week.
Well Mac, that's a good question. I love the class and would like to see it grow. We had so much fun last summer. This year, My team mate has other commitments, and I don't have the equipment and cash on hand to pull a hundred miles to race. I need decide what I want and what I can afford. My stance on HA/GR has been pretty simple. Build what ever you want, just don't change HA/GR. I'm going to put some thought into the ergonomics of the cockpit, maybe build a different shifter and add a foot brake. Design a chassis that is a lot safer, yet still looks old-timey. The next chassis I build should be able to hold just about any engine or trans. The short answer is; I think I could build a kick ass HA/GR that might be able to evolve or transform into somthing else.
well, the first 4 ha/gr cars.....Hornet: still around but outlaw, Ramrods: sold (first to me to make the Crooked 6, then sold the new car), Speed Merchants....soon to be gone, Crooked 6: sold. Well, I think those that have built and are racing now are doing a great job keeping the class and spirit alive. Randy, I understand your position. Availability of team mates was one of the things I had trouble with towards the end of my stint too. However, knowing all the guys in this thing don't let that be your only decision. I know that if you ask for any kind of help the guys here will help out. As for me, I still lurk here all the time since I think the ha/gr cars are one of the coolest things ever! It got me into racing, made me some great friends and memories. who knows, maybe I will resurrect the Crooked 6 at some point and actually defend 2007.
I suspect they really don't "get" what they're bidding-on. I thought we might have some HAMB'ers going for it. This car has a lot of historical value. I'm sure I'll regret selling it some day. I regret it already, but I've made up my mind. It's time for a new project. I may be surprised and it meets or beats the reserve. The savy bidder that really wants it, won't submitt a bid until the last minute (the actual last 60 seconds). If it dosn't sell this week, It'll be relisted, starting off higher.
Well my friend, for what its worth (which combined with a bus ticket will get you down town.. ) if i had the cash, i'd buy it outright AS BUILT, drivetrain an all just to keep one of the original "hambsters" just for the sake of its history... i know its kinda getting cliche', but this class of grass roots race car WILL be proved to be a huge part of drag racing history, and not a simple interesting footnote.
Did it sale yet ? I'm about done with our second car , and wow I should of just bought yours !!! If it didn't sale ,and you are going to relist it , you might try a different title like " HA/GR hamb dragster " or something ! I found it but it took me about 20 mins. Sad to see one being sold ! Hope it sales ,and you can build something else to " keep on keeping on " !!
It's still for sale. It's now listed under "Ford Flathead Dragster". I'd like to see a group of hamber's get it. It makes sense to split the costs and share the driving.
Here's a link to the car, in the HAMB classified section: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=289359&highlight=ozark
I'm in the process of digging out of the "Great Ice Storm of '09". Trees down everywhere, including on top of the family car and the house. The Ozark Moutain Special has to go. First guy to step up with $2000.00 cash takes the rolling chaissis home. $500.00 buys the wire wheels. $1000.00 OBO buys the ultimate HA/GR trans.
To clarify, the rolling chassis sells with the steel front wheels with Moroso 5.50-15 tires. The wire spindle-mounts and trans are available separately.
The Trans package includes the trans, shifter, hydraulic throwout bearing, master cylinder/pedal and lines, clutch disc/ pressure plate, and bell housing. Trans: Mid-sixties from full size V8 model. It is as strong inside as a racing four speed top loader. Was "Pro-Shifted" and has had several heavy-duty parts installed by Liberty Gear. I don't think you could ever break it. Shifter: Retrofitted an old Mr Gasket shifter. Nothing great, but it works perfectly. Includes Tee handle. Hydraulic throwout bearing: Is a prototype made by Ram clutch Co. It works great. It does tend to leak down over time, like over the winter break. We bled it and it worked fine again. Master cyl-pedal: Wilwood like a lot of stock cars use. Works great. Cluch: Ram racing model with cintered Iron paddle disc. Shows very little wear. Worked awsome for us. Bell housing: Flathead V8 Tuck model. Stamped steel. hard to find. A must for this combination. I Know have well over $1500.00 in this combination.
The Ozark Mountain Special has been sold. It went to a new HAMB member from Wild Rose Wisconsin, calls himself underdogexpress. I think it went to a good home. He's interested in racing with you guys up North. It was a Hell of a job, but we got it in the back of a Dodge pickup this morning and he is on his way. I miss the rail already. I just couldn't afford to keep it. I started building a 194 Chevy six for it. I might be able to build another HA/GR, but I have to finish my shop first. You guys keep building and I might see you on the starting line line later on.
This means you California guys have to come to the HAMB drags this year. It's not gonna be any fun if there are only two or three of us running!! It will be but it would be a lot more fun if there were 10-12 of us running. Robert
They first came out in 1962 Novas. They are hard to find. They can make good power for not a lot of money. I think I'll save this one for that '32 Chevy Coupe I want to build "someday".
Check with Ryan. You have a major chip on your shoulder. If you think I caused that, I am sorry. There is another car with that engine being built right now and you're the first one to bitch about it. I don't give a shit what engine, carb, or trans you use in your rail. I'd like to see your rail. I assure you I won't find fault with it.
You read me wrong, I said "Nice motor". They are easer to find and I hope one day, not to far away, the smaller inch versions of the Gen 3 will be accepted.
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