Gotha, Harvey ILL Tools I came across a Alum Gotha Degree wheel made in Harvey ILL, does anyone know anything about this company?
Sure ... just search "Gotha" in the search deal. They made split manifold flanges, hi-lift rockers, and a bunch of other stuff.
I have a Gotha, steel, 30 pound Chevy flywheel I bought from Joe Bush when he ran Speed Sport on Chicago's South Side. Joe was one of the original Arizona Speed Sport guys BITD. Gotha made a number of different products, I think they probably folded their tent around the late '60's or early '70's.
My cousin, Pat McHenry, was the machinist for Gotha from start to sad finish. His job was to take all raw product and machine it for sale. He often talked about the original owner and had nothing but praise for him and the second owner was just the opposite. Pat's real passion in life was racing AMA flat track motorcycles. He held the national number 41 for many years and was Santa FE track champion in 1958 and 1959. I asked him how he did the racing and still was Gotha's full time machinist. He told me that the owner would set stock levels for the year. As long as he would have enough products on the shelf, he could race as much as he wanted. But, if they ran low on any products , he agreed to come home to build up supplies again. They had a good system and Pat rarely had to leave the circuit. As Pat's career was winding down, Gotha was sold and the new owner had "connections" as Pat related and drove the company ìnto the ground. I had the good fortune to spend a full day with Pat this past June as I came home from Indy. He had saved some adjustable rocker sets and a couple of other things as reminders of his time at Gotha. He went on to a career as a machinist at Panduit. If you don't know who they are, just look as top of the line tie wrap guns. Pat remained racing in clubs around the Chicago area for years and raced successfully on the senior circuit until he was 74. Sadly, we lost Pat on Christmas Eve 2016, all of his trophies, awards, motorcycles, and Gotha stuff is now the center of a legal battle. Incidentally, to set things straight, the correct pronunciation is GO tha. Many years ago I said it as Gotha as in Gothic art and Pat quickly and sternly corrected me. Great racer and superb machinist. So anyone owning a Gotha product, my cousin made for you. He is deeply missed.
wow small world , knew the Mchenrys thru my grandparents (Barb and Charles Roach ) , never talked to Pat , but remember the mini farm east of town ( I lived 5 miles west of them ) and Bevs horses and her pony tail. they had been there since I was a kid and I am now 50 , besides the zip ties , also panduit makes the best electrical connectors , they supply many aviation and DOD contractors.
Yes great story, I have several Degree wheels and didn't really need this one but was wondering about it because I had never seen the name before.
Still sealed, bought when the local muffler shop changed ownership around '79. From '68 until the original owner sold out, he sold me a lot of "obsolete" stuff because no one wanted it. Nicson triple for a GMC "H" head for $30, Nicson dual for F-8 Ford for $25, Edelbrock heads for Lincoln (painted green) for $40 ... I regret not thinking to ask about steelpacks he must have had stashed somewhere, as he was the Douglass & Fenton distributor in this area.
Grew up literally one block away from Speed Sport. Saw all the touring racers in the 60's that stopped their while on the road.
I have had some nice PM's so I thought I would share a couple of shots I took of my cousin, Pat McHenry when I visited just about a year ago. He was 80 at the time and passed away at 81 last Christmas Eve. I hope this isn't hijacking the thread, I do not mean it to be. The Goodyear blimp standing behind him is me. The plaque he is holding is his pride and joy. It is from his induction into the Santa Fe Speedway hall of Fame in 1971. I hope you enjoy "Mr. Gotha".
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