Features Ford Thunderbolts Photos Wanted

I saw the "restored" car a few years ago at a Year One event at the track. Hubert I think was announcing or working at the track. Whoever the old guy was that owned it (it was for sale) did tell me that a bunch of the sheetmetal had been replaced. In spots the resto work looked a little rough.

 

A couple more color shots

 

Looks fast....

 

Jody;is there much of a weight difference between your Fairlane and your Fathers Comet? Just curious. ROY.

 

I've enjoyed seeing the various pics of Larry Short's Romy-Hammes T-Bolt but was wondering if it was always Black? Does anyone have any pics of it as it was in 1964?

 

Notice the Fermier Bros. '62 406 alongside Les Ritchey's T-Bolt.
Joel

 

I don't think there are any known pics of it from the 60s. The car has a strange history from what I've heard. I don't think it was on the track much.

I really liked the first quarter panel lettering he had in it.

 

Yes there is, about 250 lbs. if I remember right. He has lexan side windows, removed all of the factory wiring among other things plus it being a sedan helps. I have more motor though.....

 

Here is a photo from around 1965. Note the rocker panel clearance.

I also have a photo somewhere of it from 1964. I think it had a kings crown on the door or something like that. Car was street raced in 1964 by Stan Rohrig. Later on, Ron Staley ran the car in SS/D.

I don't think the car has been raced since 1970 or so, and probably never will be.

Regards,
Dennis

 

Wow....great to see that pic. I had heard a little about it being street raced and figured there weren't many pics of it from back then.

 

Very cool! Any ideas what color the car was in that photo?

Deron

 

Dennis,
I saw the Short car racing the Bob Ford T-bolt in Atlanta years ago...

 

Spiertb or anyone

Do you recall the origin of this picture, or what magazine or periodical it was from? The current owner of the car is inquiring.

Thanks.

Regards,
Dennis

 

I thought he raced Larry Davis's 64 Lightweight? However, I was referring to a hard 1/4 or 1/8 mi pass, not the 300 footer "exhibitionist runs" we were doing.

Regards,
Dennis

 

I have no idea what color the car was. I'll ask Short the next time that I speak to him.

Regards,
Dennis

 

Here's a Fairlane clone project waiting to be re-born in upstate NY:

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/1613769178.html

 

Regarding the "Speed Shop" T-Bolt--I've hunted for over an hour for that pic but can't find it --I'm sure I've got it somewhere--I'll keep searching. Sylvanus

 

I believe that scan came from me. I'm sure that I posted it on another email group a few years ago or possibly over on the S/S thread that I started. I don't recall where I copied it from, possibly some racing news that I copied down at Garlits' archives. Anyway ... the photo was taken by Jim Hill who used to be the ad/PR man for Crane Cams and Holley Carbs among other positions. Jim is a Florida native and an aquaintance of mine although I've not communicated with him for a few years. I'll see if I can contact Jim on this one. I seem to recall finding some information about that T-Bolt being from somewhere in north central or west coast Florida. I cannot recall any particulars nor a source of that information though ... so it is not solid 100%.
Joel

 

Sorry if this has been posted, but then again one cant enough THUNDERBOLTS

 

Hi every one.I've seen a pic of the Wickersham shop showing the cars on the lifts.Does any one have a pic of it.I work in that shop now.Thanks Matt

 

Incredible! This board has exploded, since I last checked it in '07.

Way to keep the dream alive, Jody! It sure takes a long time to catch up on 2 years of posts. I don't think I saw these in the earlier posts...

<O</O
Does anyone know if these are these the same car? Is either or both of them real TBolts?

 

From what I recall the one on the left is a clone built for nostalgia racing. The one on the right is the Rockenfield Ford T-Bolt.

Regards,
Dennis

 

Thanks Dennis!
Is the real one a "restored" car?
Does it have a race history? I can't locate any other photo's of it, unless it was repainted, altered, top cut-off,...
Do you know who the original driver/owner of the car was?
Anything extra you can share would be greatly appreciated!

 

Yes, it's restored, although I believe it has a four speed and not the original automatic as delivered. There have been numerous photos of the Rockenfield Ford Thunderbolt, circa 1964 and 1965, posted on this message board. Stan Haggard drove the car back then.

I believe the current owner is Pete Ricart. It was for sale last summer. However probably not cheap.

Regards,
Dennis

 

I was just looking through some books and found the following T-Bolts if someone can scan them. In--"Total Performers-Ford Drag Racing"--page 76 Paul Harvey driving 'The Lively One' AWB T-Bolt; on page 94--Curry Ford 'Shaker" AWB. In "Super Stock-Drag Racing the Family Sedan" on page 125 Bill Ireland. For the '65 guys--page 134 and 235 pics of Paul Harvey '65 and Downy Ford '65. In "Quarter Mile Muscle" on page 24 "Precision Products"?? T-Bolt racing Wally Bell in Platt's Z-11.

 

Thanks again, Dennis. I am going back to review this thread a little slower. BTW, I know "cheap" is a relative term, so where would you categorize this T-Bolt that came up for sale? Is it worth the asking price?

http://www.bangshift.com/blog/Exclu...nd-Factory-Race-Cars-Up-For-Private-Sale.html

Has the history of car #93 been discussed in this thread ???

 

I hope the owner gets his asking price. It will make all the others worth that much more. All you need is one buyer that wants it. The supply of original T-Bolts that are for sale is limited, and most if not all are cars already restored. Drag Council units, with race history, or both tend to demand and get more.

I believe the history of the Collins Motor Sales car has been discussed. This was the car that John Paradise had restored, "Thor", and did the articles in SFM.

Regards,
Dennis