Seeking history of fire suits

In both the early 60's and early 70's, Popular Hotrod magazine did a well written account on the fire safety equipment as it existed in each of the respective eras. I was always intrigued by what was touted as then the ultimate in fire safety protection. I was wondering if anyone knows of any articles that chronical the evolution of the suits, their materials, level of fire resistance, etc..?

 

i got one . make ya a good deal ! .......... steve .......... pm me

 

Do a search on Hinchman uniforms in Indianapolis. If I am correct they had the first fire retardant suits and Bill Simpson was second. I reccommend reading Bill Simpson's book "Racing safely, living dangerously" I know you can purchase it from Impact Racing in Brownsburg, Indiana (317) 852-3067. Ask for Michael Walton he is a drag race and roundy round racer buddy of mine. Good luck!

Bob Shutt

 

Before that the guys used to soak wool long johns in borax.

 

Jim Deist might know, too.

 

I would be intrested in the fire suit if it not sold. Thanks Trammel at rushingwagon@aol.com

 

Yup, soaked 'em in a 55-gallon drum of water and borax crystals. But even that wasn't mandated -- heck, Foyt drove his first 500 ('58, I think) in a Dean Van Lines t-shirt.

 

I belive diest was before simpson? the fuel guys started wearing the alumiized suits in the mid 60's.

 

Might know Amen.

The one and only source for history. Ask him if you can come see him to talk for 5 minutes then stand back and listen for a day. Offer to take him to lunch for his time or something. That man has stories! And is one great person to boot.

Hit up his website there is some history on there. http://www.deist.com/main.asp

 

Ya, I'll second that , Jim's a great source and a real character to boot! Very accessable and very enjoyable stories. Get him while he is still available

 

My first driver suit for SCCA road racing was a single layer Nomex back in the 80's, Then in the early 90's a daouble layer suit , with Nomex longjohns was required, in the late 90's I had a 3 layer quilted suit, and SCCA now requires they be replaced every 3 years. I quit road racing and joind this bunch.


jim h

 

Thanks. I will get the book. As for Diest, his shop isnt that far from where I live. My buddy uses his stuff as required for NHRA SUPER/STOCK cl*** racing. Next time he goes there, I will accompany him.

I know that at one point, several folks were selling the aluminum suits through their various speed catalogs. Lou Ansen of Ansen Speed Equipment offered his own suit. So did Mickey Thompson. Hell, Ed Weddle, famed altered ch***is buider of J&M Muffler fame, created his own suit. I suspect these folks bought a bolt of the material and stiched up something