Indholdsfortegnelse for October 1965 i Hot Rod

It is with understandable alarm that officials and fans alike view the recent rash of strip casualties in the big dragster classes. As in other modes of transportation or recreation these critical spells seem to come and go in waves of eminent warning; after each wave, subsidence that would almost indicate recognition and renewed caution. The natural tendency is to blame the recent high peak on our mastery of the two hundred mark, and if this is the case, have we really mastered it? After due consideration of each of the incidents involved, it must be recognized that no single fault or area of concern is involved other than the fact that we are fighting a numbers game; more people are going faster and as a result we’re going to…

There’s a lot of excitement in the Triumph camp this month as details of the ’66’s begin drifting in, and although the HRM-rumored three-cylinder job has yet to be acknowledged and will be lucky to make the scene in late 1966, their big bread and butter twins have some definite and exciting refinements in appearance as well as performance. Here’s the story: Most noticeable will be the new European style gas tanks designed for the big twins, decked out in red and white or green and white, in either sports or touring capacity. All twins will also have a larger oil tank with an adjustable rear chain oiler feeding from the tank. For the first time in the company’s history, Triumphs will be sporting an American style, and hopefully a…

Oldsmobile’s revolutionary Toronado offers more than a unique new “feel” for the driver. Bonus features include a more spacious cabin and trunk cargo area, straight-as-an-arrow cruising characteristics (even in strong crosswinds), and an overall design that’s sure to please the most critical style-conscious buyer. Cutaway of 119-inch-wheelbase ’66 Toronado reveals most exciting mechanical innovations: compact engine/drive-train assembly, single-leaf, dual-shock rear suspension, and unusual unit body/frame arrangement. New ventilation system does away with side-vent windows, is more efficient than most. Oldsmobile’s new Toronado sports-luxury coupe is the most technically interesting and significant car to come out of the American auto industry since the 1960 Corvair; they have scored a technical breakthrough. Its radical front-wheel-drive principle could revolutionize the design of American passenger cars within a few years. Europe has been swinging…

IN THE BEGINNING… Gentlemen: Being a retired oldster from the old school of auto mechanics, I should like to comment on a statement made in the second column on page 64 of your 1965 “Complete Book of Engines.” We are told there to “… stagger the (ring) gaps so they do not fall over the wrist-pin.” I worked with another mechanic shortly after World War I who always lined up his ring gaps when installing a piston. When questioned as to why, he replied that “They won’t stay that way.” We know that any cylinder in an internal combustion engine eventually wears so as to assume the form of an ellipse (egg-shaped). This is due to not only one, but actually two, thrust sides of piston/cylinder bore. In a plain…

Have a question about motor oil? Lubricants? Engines? Ask the Pennzoil experts… No Deal. A buddy of mine got a new Mustang and I got a Tempest about the same time. When we started comparing notes, we found that both dealers had put in Pennzoil with Z-7 after the break-in oil was drained. Do you have some kind of deal now with new-car dealers so they always put in Pennzoil? B. J. St. Paul, Minn. Nope. Nobody’s twisting their arms. They just like Pennzoil, that’s all. Geography Lesson. I decided to use your 10W-30 oil in my new Corvair, but the service department manager advised me to use straight grade 30 Pennzoil with Z-7 instead. I am still not convinced this is a better way to go. Could you give…

Given favorable conditions, the year 1965 may well go down in the International Record books as the “year of truth.” Upon his return from a survey trip to Bonneville prior to Summers Brothers and Yamaha runs, Joe Petrali of the United States Auto Club (USAC) reported that the salt is better this year than it has been for many years, so the competitors will have a far smoother and longer course than ever before. At this writing we know that Art Arfons and Craig Breedlove are both using GE J-79-3A jet engines with a total thrust capability of 15,000 pounds. Art and Craig are scheduled as the last two drivers to make LSR attempts this year. Art will try to raise his own 1964 record of 536-plus mph high enough…

Have you noticed that your two- or three-year-old car no longer has the smooth, quiet ride that it had when new, despite the fact that you’ve had it lubed regularly and followed recommended service procedures? If such a transition has occurred, so slowly as to go unnoticed, your car could be the victim of severely worn parts, of which you, the driver, may not be aware. To do a quick check-up and “prove a point,” stand on the front bumper of your car, then take off the weight gradually to allow the front end to rise slowly. Measure the distance from a point on the bumper to the ground. Next, raise the front end of the car as high as you are able to lift it, then let it down,…

SHOW SCHEDULES COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA Orange County Custom Car & Hot Rod Show, Nov. 25-28, Orange County Fairgrounds. Gary Canning, P.O. Box 337, Maywood, Calif. LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA Rod-Custom Autorama & Boat Show, Oct. 2931, Long Beach Arena. Gary Canning, P.O. Box 337, Maywood, Calif. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Auto, Boat & Speed Show, Dec. 2-5, Great Western Exhibit Center. Mickey Thompson Productions, 1419 Santa Fe Ave., Long Beach, Calif. SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA Pacemakers Auto, Bike, Boat and Speed Show, Oct. 14-17, Swing Auditorium and Commercial Building, National Orange Show Grounds. Jerry Turner, Box 610, Rialto, Calif. SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA Inland Empire Custom Car & Hot Rod Show, Jan. 13-16, 1966, National Orange Show Grounds. Gary Canning, P.O. Box 337, Maywood, California. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA Custom Car & Speed Show, Nov.…

Chicago-based Sun Electric Corporation, manufacturers of electronic automotive engine-testing equipment and tachometers, will make its screen debut this fall in the new Howard Hawks motion picture production, “Red Line 7000.” The Sun Corporation was called upon by Hawks and Paramount, producers of the movie, to furnish testing equipment which was used by speed mechanics to check out and tune up engines on cars used by professional drivers for daring stunts performed in the film. Sun tachs are also seen on the screen, playing an important role in portraying the story of an engine which is red-lined at 7000 rpm; the Sun Super tach is the “symbol” of the film’s hair-raising scenes. Much of the film’s drama is centered on a driver’s daring, but disastrous, disregard of the warning from his…

A HOODSCOOP, OF COURSE! Dear Don: I would appreciate all the information that you can send me on the new Modified Production class. I also have a few questions to ask: A) Are you required a scoop of any kind on the hood or is it optional? B) Do you have to have the shifting linkage in the original place or not (a column to a a floor conversion okay)? I have a ’55 Chevy 283 with two 4-barrels and a three-speed trans with a Hurst conversion on the floor. Now, is that acceptable for M/P, and if it is, please tell me the class I would run in. Duane Snow Beloit, Wisconsin For latest NHRA rules and regs write to them (enclose $1.00) at their headquarters at 3418 West…

CHROME LOCKING NUTS Only the owner knows the locks are on his wheels, because the Mag-Lock looks just like one of the lug nuts. One lock per wheel is all that’s required; all keys are coded and no two sets have the same code. Sure protection against theft of your car’s custom wheels. For more information: Raylock, Inc., 1036 No. Lake St., Dept. HR, Burbank, Calif. M/T SUPER STOCK AND DRAG TIRES Don’t get left at the line … for maximum bite try a set of Mickey Thompson's new Super Stock and Drag tires. Available in all popular sizes, the M/T tires are reported to be lighter in weight and offer greater stability; proven in competition. Contact your local M/T dealer or write direct to Mickey Thompson Equipment Co., 1419…

After being supercharged gas chump for five years’ running you’d expect George Montgomery’s latest creation to be a doozy; it is. ’48 Prefect frame was stripped to its essentials and then meticulously put into “super sano” shape. Rear end is narrowed ’48 Ford with Lincoln Bendix binders adapted to backing plate flanges. Front brakes are B&N Automotive spots, fitted on a chromed tubular axle fabricated in George’s own shop. While he was at it, George also made his own shocks and steering gear. Interior views to right of frame cate fine attention to construction detail. On opposite page “Ohio George” charges out of the gate on his first run with the new car. Bold white lettering against shimmering coat of Pontiac Jubilee Gold lacquer announces to all just who the…

As the 1965 drag racing season draws A near its climax, competition in all parts of the country becomes more heated. This applies especially to NHRA’s World Championship Series of points events, a 42-meet schedule that started last April and ends in early October. Seven big events in seven geographical areas across the country will determine who each Division’s Champions are. The winners and runners-up in each of six Eliminator categories at these events will be qualified to run at Tulsa on October 30-31, where they will have it out to see who gains the sport’s World Champion titles. The NHRA Division Championships are at National Trail Raceway, Ohio, September 18-19; Connecticut Dragway, Conn., September 25-26; Arlington Drag Strip, Wash., September 25-26; M & N Raceway, Wichita, Kans., September 25;…

HOT ROD MART Requirements: 25 word limit per ad, not including name and address. We reserve right to edit copy or refuse ads. While not responsible for accuracy of description, we will reject misleading statements. No ads from commercial firms. Only one car may be listed in any one ad; this limitation not to apply to parts or equipment, however. $10 per ad must accompany each insertion. When photo is included, the rate is increased to $15 per insertion. Due to normal publication schedule, allow at least two months from time ad is received until it is printed. SELL — AA/A Roadster, ’57 Chry. Mondello heads, Crower Imperial cam, Logghe alum, direct drive, quick-change; 9.6, 156 mph. $2700 with trailer. S. Harwood, 20 Luce Ave., Niantic, Conn. WANTED — C/D…