Features Ford Thunderbolts Photos Wanted

Anybody have any pics of the Vel's thunderbolt?

Total Perf-

 

Vel's Ford Thunderbolt driven by Don McCain

 

Wow....great pics.

 

come on guys, lets get some new t-bolt info posted. hey dennis k., all the film we posted was taken in 1965. the 66' fairlanes were brought to the track late 65' by yeates motor co. in powatan va. the yellow rebel rouser on the hook after the wreck was before it was modified to match race car. the bubble hood was destroyed. back then we raced all year long, unless it rained or snowed. i have a trophy from the new years day championship event jan. 1st 1965 in my 65 galaxie 427. please keep this thread going strong. this is great, a big thanks to joel.

 

I agree tbolt64804, I want this to continue going on!
I'll ask you guys this. Who is the best person for me to get ahold of to find out details about building a Thunderbolt clone?

 

Can the Thunderbolts be verified by vin?

 

yes.
Tom S. in Tn.

 

If you have a VIN that needs to be verified PM me.

 

Sorry this is ot but all I have to add at the moment. I just did my first custom Hot Wheel and of course it was a Thunderbolt. Wanted it to look like it was made in the early days of HWs.

Took this and stripped it.



Refinished like Spectraflame and added repop redline wheels.

 

I like it!!

 

sale-wjkct-2305665582@craigslist.org I think this is a clone

 

Yeah that is very nice for a clone

 

I shot this one at Norwalk in '09.

 

I don't think I've ever seen a Thunderbolt owner that looked any more proud than this one!!! :

 

Staging for the photo shoot.

 

And you still haven't... He does work for the owner though...

That was a fun weekend.

 

Jody Aberts is the one to thank for this thread ;-)
Joel

 

You were there? I was working with Jeff Ford doing pics for 'Legendary Ford Magazine' that weekend. The press pass allowed me the freedom to take a ton of shots that I couldn't have done as a spectator. As I remember, the weather was touchy on Saturday, but a fine W/E just the same!

 

Yes, I was there with the Bonner T-bolt. Phil still owns the car. I transported it there for Phil and also took it to Dearborn for the Thunderbolt reunion there. The car is still currently at my shop. I'm very lucky that Phil allows me to be the caretaker of the car for him.

 

Jody, thats so cool that you are taking care of Bonners car. would love to see it one day!

 

Great pic of Bob Fords old original 'glass door T-bolt! The first pic was taken at Detroit Dragway in '69 before the Expressway Gulf lettering was applied. I believe this one is owned by Dennis K. today here on the H.A.M.B. and back to it's original '64 heritage!

 

The first photo dated Apr 1969 with Thunderbolt down the side was taken after the Expressway Gulf livery when the car was owned by Frank (Alan) Felong. Paul Moody and Billy Williams ran the car in 1966, then Jerry Hardy in 1967, reference second photo at Richmond Dragway. The next photo was at Milan Dragway in MI, and the last with the hood off is with Paul Moody. I've owned the car since 1982, attached are a before and after.

Regards,
Dennis

 

Thank you, Dennis! Glad to have the proper timeline on your T-bolt! I love the before and after shots!

 

Here is the other side of the restored Bob Ford car. :

 

Dennis,
The before and after shots are great. Looks like it hadn't been cut up bad at all. What are you running for blocks and heads in your T-Bolts? Are they Ford castings? What are your thoughts on the Pond blocks? Does Dove Eng. still cast High Rise heads?

Kevin

 

Cut up? The car was not cut up at all, it's very very original, including all lightweight parts, plexiglass, trim, wheels, even the slicks! Running factory 427 Ford High Riser heads and blocks, no aftermarket castings.

I have never ran a Pond block, so I can't personally attest to it. However, others that have indicated favorably. Re Dove casting HR heads, don't know. You'd have to check with Jim Dove.

Regards,
Dennis