Hot Rods Top Banana Style Slingshot Dragster- Marty Strode-Chris Kopp.

The Glass Slipper has to be one of the most famous Dragsters ever. I remember hearing about it, when my oldest brother (Jerry) came home on leave from the Navy, in the later 50's, and I never forgot the unique name. Fast forward to the mid-80's, it was running at all of the Nostalgia events, even came to race at Seattle. The big difference between it and the Top Banana, was the driver sat on top of the rear axle, instead of behind, and down low. Both great, inspirational cars !

 

I had a visit from a friend and member on here, that is building a 26 T sedan, and had fabbed an aluminum visor. He wanted some louvers punched, so I gave him some quick pointers on laying them out, and he did a great job. Eric is a crafty gentleman, I knew he would do fine !

 

The louvers are upside down. All the rain will run through them and hit the windshield.

 

More than the windshields gonna get wet if he’s caught in the rain!

 

Youze guys don't know early-made automatic windshield washing systems. They also give you a tremendous aide in top-speed runs. This sedan broke the 3-digit speed barrier thanx to the better air flow.

 

Jim, I like the fire truck dog in the foreground. Was it yours ?

 

. . . only for a short while. Great spots for a dal. Lots of them have too many or not enuf. Had one for years when I was a kid. Speck died of a heart attack after daily chasing a pair of Irish Wolf Hounds(?) that were trained for a mile unleased run every morning.

 

It's been a while since I had anything to report, but I got these pictures from Chris a while ago. The paper takes the look to 3 dimensional, and he is getting ready to start the sheet metal process. Meanwhile I am going to mount the new M&H frontrunners on the 12 spokes, and pay him a visit in a couple days. The magic is about to begin !

 

Chris Kopp is more than a talented sheet metal former, it appears he has a sense of humor too. Do I see “This machine kills nipples” lettered on his louver press?

 

Larry, he certainly ha a sense of humor, we have a lot of fun !

 

I think it says "this machine kills hippies". Still funny.

 

Kinda like Woody Guthrie’s guitar

 

Marty car is looking awesome sure wish I could have made it out to the estranged drags but I didn’t get my trans parts till Friday and wasn’t able to get it fixed in time but I did get it put together and fired it up last night planning on a tnt tomorrow night can’t wait to actually make a quarter mile pass and see how it runs

 

Sorry we missed you, I was looking forward to meeting you !

 

I did finally get the new M&H Front Runners mounted .

 

How about this teaser, 1959 Bakersfield !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Eric, it looks like it was done by a pro !

 

Thanks again for the help Marty!

 

Yesterday I went down to @chriskopp's shop to see the first panel he shaped to fit the mockup, I am really jazzed about this project. We plan on having it in the Suede Palace at GNRS in late January. Also, it was nice to put on the 12 spokes.

 

I had some visitors a short time back, Chris Weir from Australia, and John Nissen, @USMercUte, from Northern California. I was surprised to get this in the mail from John yesterday, my own copy of R&C from Oct. 1958. It still has his address label, and he has had it since he was 13 ! How generous of you John, I will treat it with care, and thank you. Chris is back shaping panels on the car, and I will update when I see pics.

 

U going to have the removable hardtop? Do not think that was mentioned before

 

I don't think a lift off canopy cover would pass tech. With a legal cage, the fixed portion of the canopy will end at the front of the cage loop, close to where Chris has it now. The forward portion, with the windshield, will tilt forward for entry and exit. Just one of the changes required to make it work. Should have more updates on the metalwork soon.

 

Coming along well Marty

 

Well we were very impressed with you workshop Marty .Thanks for the ride in your T roadster .Enjoyed it immensely .

 

Understand hardtop removable canopy would not pass modern tech but would be neat for show. The original had beautiful curve body around cockpit but your body must follow tubing. Still a fantastic great build

 

Chris, I am kicking myself for not letting you drive it ! I was great to have you folks stop by !

 

@chriskopp is making some great progress on the body, he just sent me these. I am going to have to check it out.

 

I took a bundle of pictures at Chris Kopp Metalworks today. I am so pleased with the way he is constructing the body for this, and being mindful of the rest of the pieces yet to be placed on the car. Things like the parachute tube, that will be hidden in the tail, push bar, and shroud line attachment. The good part is, he is using some of the stationary dollies from the great Tom Hanna, and doing the welding with Tom's Burt Weld goggles. Enjoy the photos !!!

 

It's going to be a shame to paint over Chris's amazing work.