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Featured History Tom Cobbs: Blown Chevy

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Ryan, Jul 21, 2025 at 2:06 AM.

  1. Fordors
    Joined: Sep 22, 2016
    Posts: 6,277

    Fordors
    Member

    Tom had the rocker oiling covered @bchctybob , he metered the flow with this valve. He no doubt used the minimum he thought necessary. I’ve seen a couple black and white photos previously but these give more angles and show much detail.

    IMG_4258.jpeg
     
  2. hudsonjoe49
    Joined: Jan 1, 2007
    Posts: 261

    hudsonjoe49
    Member

    Here’s the portable work station that Tom built for Bonneville. All the necessary engine tools were stored in there. I have most of his tools and his Bonneville pit tool box as well as his Lathe, 1940s delta machinery and drill press. A lot of Jack Engle custom blower camshafts and handmade radius lifters. Loads of aircraft hardware, his entire AN fitting collection. Tom handmade everything. He had money and could buy anything at anytime but he chose to build a better mousetrap.
     

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  3. hudsonjoe49
    Joined: Jan 1, 2007
    Posts: 261

    hudsonjoe49
    Member

    And this was an early block. Tom used a J&E full roller custom cam. And this was still pulse oiling circulation system. These engines were from Stu Hilborn. I have a NOS 283 that was Tom’s and he loosely mapped out mods with an oil pen on the block. I’ll post that one of
    These days. I’m moving a fleet of cars and parts to my new shop where this stuff can be displayed.
     
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  4. Mitchell Rish
    Joined: Jun 10, 2007
    Posts: 2,276

    Mitchell Rish
    Member
    from Houston MS

    Impressive is all I can say.
     
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  5. Ryan
    Joined: Jan 2, 1995
    Posts: 22,503

    Ryan
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Staff Member

    Alex told me about the money thing, but he didn’t really know how he made it. Just that you would never know he had it… Do you have any idea?

    The camera stuff he was using in the late 50s and early 60s cost more than a new Ford at the time… and I’ve been told he financed a good chunk of So-Cal’s ‘53 bonneville campaign.
     
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  6. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 35,933

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    I think that number 3 in your picture is nothing more than a very precise throttle pivot..... having the support spread over the whole distance of a valve cover takes almost all of the "jiggle" out of the linkage...
     
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  7. hudsonjoe49
    Joined: Jan 1, 2007
    Posts: 261

    hudsonjoe49
    Member

    His pops was a big international tobacco dealer.
     
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