My wife reminded me last week that I promised to have the Berry Wagon at the US30 dragway show in York July 7th. Needless to say I had to get busy! There really is not a lot to do (compared to my roadster). As a lot of you know , this was the display car that stayed at Knotts Berry Farm in the late 70's that I bought from HAMBer Leon last year. It was painted/lettered/striped by Ed Roth when he worked at Knotts. Anyway, the wheels are out being polished, I need to order some dark plastic for the windows, and the whole car needs wiped down to get the chalky paint off. The car sat outside for years. All the paint is fairly tight, but the white pinstriping will just wipe off if you touch it. So I'm now wiping the car down with water right up to the striping. Clark is going to blend in the roof where there was no paint and the rusty spot on the hood. They didnt bother with primer on the aluminium roof...probably the whole car. Then after some test spots, we will clearcoat the whole car leaving all the paint as Roth painted it. I know a lot of it is nearly gone...BUT the point is Ed painted it!!! Finished photos by the 4th of July weekend.
Looks like it's cleaning up real nice. I remember seeing it there in the '70's and actually watching a guy airbrush t-shirts. Not sure who it was but I'd like to think it was Roth. I'd love to see the wagon in person again. Perhaps at next years Jalopy Showdown??? Thanks for the update.
Denise, I'm hoping it ends up in the museum by next years show. I'm pushing them to expand the vintage dracing and hot rod part of the museum.
Thanks for the update.........I was thinking of it the "Berry wagon" the other day and "Salt". Chris Nelson Kansas
Hey Larry, It's about f#8^& time! That is one bitch'n ride. Nice job hope to see it soon. Any chance at B'ville this year. Todd
Thanks for the B-ville photos Chris...good times! Todd, you'll have to come north to see it! We are planning a trip to B-ville next year. Larry
Looking good, Larry. I'm glad you're having some luck with the paint. I'm glad it went to a good home.
A lot of guys worked with Ed over the years, but I believe Lee is correct about Von Franco on this one... Check out his web page to view an original pen\ink drawing, which Larry should still have?! (scroll down, bottom right) http://www.vonfranco.com/penandink.htm Thanks Larry for sharing and keeping it real...
Memories. I remember seein that run. Wild Bill always put on a good show. Whatever happened to those wheelstanders, the army tank, the 'vette, all the LA Darts? Must be a wierd club somewhere.
The Berry Wagon toured New Zealand in the late 70,s and put on a great show at Champion Dragway. I probably have 8mm movies of it somewhwere but don't ask me where. If they turn up I'll let you know. I remember Wild Bill cruisin down the return road about 2 feet from all the fans leaning on the fence, well he just stood on the gas and pulled a wheelie down the return road. It was cool!
Kev, I'd love to see the footage if you ever find it. If anyone can help me find some slicks that fit on 16" wheels FAST, that would be great. Like a dumbass I bought a set that fit 15" wheels. Now I'm kinda jamed up. I posted in the wanted classifieds too.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47720974 This is Von Franco's page on MySpace, incase you want to confirm his part on the wagon. Unless someone else has a more direct route to get ahold of him.
Larry, did you notice the slicks on my cragars in the barn. Not sure if they're 16 or not I 'll check. They're kinda beat, but would work for display maybe. Race patina shall we call it
I remember that thing at Knott's Berry farm in the 70's... I was about 8 years old... and dreamed of getting in it and driving it! Will it be a runner? Sam.
How proud they look.... after driving their car off of the side of the trailer....(check out the front wheel....)
M&H is making the 16x14.5 cheater again. I got the first set out and run them on 16x11 Halibrands.... look great and sticky as hell I got them from Hashim in Bakersfield
nice.. it's good to see your "preserving" the car rather than trying to restore it or recreate the artwork... i have alot or respect for that..
Sam, It will not be a runner, never was. Makes it real easy to move. Ol' Scratch I'll get with you...thanks. Big Olaf, we are proud. And that is is spare tire for his trailer. There were no wheels on the front. Guess you showed us, huh?
You have to admit....It sure does LOOK like you ran it off the trailer.... The front fender is even over the tire......
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