Could we get some back story on the man who made these and what other things he may have had his hands in, what kind of guy he was, the "pattern bonfires", and how you came into them. This is very interesting.
The Cyclone Quick Chanqe Patterns that you had, Where did they come from and where did they go??? I know that Cook never sold them, He did lend them out, According to Jim @ Cook's Machine Works-Home of Cyclone since the late 30's. They were never returned. We took what was there and completed what it took to make a usable part and it's truly a work of art. Fab32, Mickey's Challenger, used 4 Cyclones to get to 406 mph and the driveline was done @ Cook's as well. N8B, In speaking with both Jim @ Cook's, and his grandson, Mendle"Cookie" Ledington worked with Ted on his quickie and offered up suggestions to make a beefier center section. Ted wanted a lighter qc so the roundy round cars would/could have an advantage over the BART built style "cast iron" converted quickies that even Okie Adams used to make at both Cook's and Blairs. I believe that Cook machined up many of those along with his own Cyclone unit as the late Bob Wright and Jack Stewart once told that both units were in the shop and being machined at the same time. Makes sense as they both used many similar internal components. Great score there, There are the changer core boxes missing,but looks like they could be made fairly reasonable. Jim Lattin has the orig Model A unit from the early Halibrand days as well as a V8 one that I seem to have seen.
I am always on the look out for any orignal photos, drawings or do***entation of the develpment of these units. Any body have anything?
Great story. Those pieces are fantastic. I saw a piece of equipment demonstrated on Jay Lenos website a couple of years ago. You put your old part inside, press start and it scanned the part and produced a working example in plastic...... It was impressive to him because of the need to fabricate or re-pop parts that are, in most cases, impossible to find. I don't remember anymore than that about it, but it might be something of interest to you. I'm sure the video is still available, and if it's not, I hear that Mr. Leno is very personable and approachable. (I think he's on the HAMB, in fact). I have a Culver City CQ on the shelf for my roadster that is still in parts gathering stage.... I got it first and started the project around IT.....
I am familiar with that machine. Seems though they are limited in size capabilities, or at least that model was. I have access to a 3d modeler/printer which is fun to prototype with also. I am also going to look at a Culver rear that someone wants to get rid off. We will see how that works out.
Absolutely Beautiful!!! Good for you to be able to take care of it for now, thanks for sharing. I have NEVER actually ever seen one. "Racedad"
Just a small update. I have been working with a few folks on having the core boxes remade and evaluating the casting of a few units. The center section / pinion support, as Kevin noted above was notorious for failure because of the over machining (casting) in the pursuit of lightness. We are looking at several ways to beef it up. I can tell you at this point that there will be at least three units re cast off this original mold. Stay tuned.
Well I hope this explains why I am always bugging you for your Halibrand stuff! You have some great items also.
It is art, my dad was a pattern maker. Dad taught me and my three brothers the trade. We worked with him in his home shop when we were in High School. H & H Flatheads has Navarro patterns. Some are on display in the NHRA Musume. Old patterns are starting to show up at flea markets. Collect all your can. Thanks for the pictures.
I have a NOS V8 unit that Ted Halibrand setup for me in the mid 70's - when they were in Torrance. I have it safely stored all these years -- looking for the right flathead car to put it in. Still have the original receipt and catalog that he handed me. We used to chat about flatheads and hotrods -- really nice guy who was willing to talk, share stories and bench-race a bit. If you want copies of any of my paperwork, will be happy to send them to you (but they are not 40's stuff!).
Shameless spam though, I am looking for a Culver City V8 unit to do some comparison to. I need to see if there is degradation or shrinking in the pattern. If anyone has a unit that is out of commission and they would like to part with it please PM me.
Dude, if you happen to cast an extra one I will happily send a fist full of $$ if you will send one to me........ Serious mate, I would LOVE one to go under my 401 Nailhead powered A40 G***er project. Doc.
Well it's hard to believe but the patterns left for casting development today. I will keep you up to date as we proceed. Just as a tease, you should be seeing one in action soon at Bonneville upholding the land speed record.
wow. It's been awhile. I guess it's time to finally let the cat out of the bag and tell you that one of the first castings should be making it's way into the ch***is of the Team Vesco #444 little Giant. I thought this would be a great opportunity and the ultimate testing ground to run behind their record breaking Model A engine.
Soon. The patterns are still traveling between Kanab and SLC for the casting and machining process. Casting will be soon.
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