Innehållsförteckning för December 1949 från Hot Rod

WHAT PRICE PUBLICITY? We’re beginning to believe that “hot rod” is rapidly becoming one of the most misused terms in our vocabulary. The true meaning of the words, while perfectly clear to the genuine devotees of the hot rod sport, is a thing that has no bounds in the general public’s interpretation. This is due mainly to the varied usage that has been bestowed upon “hot rodders” by most writers and correspondents to whom the real facts are not clear. When the planning committee of the SCTA was formulating plans for the original Hot Rod Show, there was much discussion as to whether the title should include the term “Hot Rod” or if they should devise some other descriptive name for their cars. And from time to time the suggestion…

Fast, reliable and neat appearing is Dick Price’s red ’32 roadster which clocked 137.40 mph at SCTA recently. A member of the San Berdoo Roadster Club, Dick takes great pride in the fact that his car has proven so successful in the speed trials even though the engine is considered quite small. The stock stroke, 258 cubic-inch ’42 Mercury engine is equipped with Edelbrock heads and manifold, Harman-Collins cam, and Potvin ignition. Using two 48 carburetors, the car has been run only on pump gasoline in all of its dry lakes competition. Most of the engine’s removable parts have been chrome plated, an aid to Dick in keeping it spotless. With 3½ inches road clearance, the front end was lowered by installing a Model-A front cross-member and a dropped axle…

Q. What is the difference between the Stromberg ’94’ and ’97’ and why are they better than the Chandler-Grove carburetor? Everett Held Mill Valley, Calif A. The ’94’ is not a Stromberg make, but is a Chandler-Grove carburetor. The main differences between the two carburetors are in the different base venturi sizes, the vertical needle seat of the Chandler and different fuel routing in the carburetors. Possibly the biggest reason why Stromberg ’97’s’ are used in preference to the Chandler-Grove ’94’ is the simplicity of the former and the critical carburetion of the latter. Q. What is the difference between a de-stroker and a stroker? And what is a destroker usually used for? Ernest K. Field Norwood, Mass. A. A stroker is an engine with a stroked crankshaft. Stroking consists…

In their final scheduled meet of the 1949 season, held at El Mirage on October 22-23, the Southern California Timing Association ran one of its smoothest events, which saw five new class records established. Although the course was loose and dusty and Saturday’s runs were made into a mild head wind, many fast times were turned and the second day proved to be a most ideal day for running. After qualifying at 180 mph, Dean Batchelor drove the famous Xydias and Batchelor So-Cal Special Streamliner to a new all-time El Mirage record with an average speed of 179.22 mph. The car (shown on HRM’s October cover) has created a new interest in the long-range development of streamlining for high speed competition at time trials events. Originally built for a Ford…

A popular practice in the construction of today’s hot rod is the installation of a steering column gear shift assembly. Various methods have been devised by car owners in making this conversion but many have run into difficulty due to the limited space available in early model chassis arrangements. Two methods which have proven satisfactory on ’32 Fords, without the necessity of trial and error tactics, are described here. The basic requirements for converting your car from a floor shift to a column shift are, of course, a side-shift transmission (1940 Ford or later) and corresponding steering column tube, relay assembly and rods. These may be obtained as used parts from wrecking yards or purchased new. Whether you use a late model pedal assembly or convert your earlier model, all…

Future Products company of Portland, Oregon announces a new semi-automatic gear shifting device for 1940-49 Fords and 1940-48 Mercurys. Called Futur-Matic, it is controlled by clutch pressure and the driver needs select only one position for the forward shifts. Return to manual shifting is possible at all times. Easily installed and requiring no maintenance, the unit is sold on a 90-day unconditional guarantee. Auto enthusiasts traveling in that direction are reminded to be sure to attend the National Roadster Show in Oakland. Featuring some of the finest street, lake, and track cars, as well as many other interesting attractions, the show is scheduled for January 19 to 22. Planned far in advance, this should be a show well worth attending. In behalf of his newly formed club in Erie, Pennsylvania,…

READER’S ROADSTER As an ardent subscriber of one year’s standing I am renewing my subscription and enclosing a shot of my little “jewel,” which took nine months hard labor, nites, Sat’s, and Sun’s … Only trouble with your mag is it is too long between issues, should be twice a month or oftener, otherwise it is OK. George Bonsteel Alameda, Calif. FUEL INJECTION Please advise me if any information has been published on the Stuart Hilborn fuel injection system mentioned in the August 1949 issue of Hot Rod Magazine … Has your magazine carried any articles on this or similar systems? Charles Burson Portland, Oregoh We have contacted Mr. Hilborn in regard to writing an article on fuel injection for one of our forthcoming issues.—ED. NOT HOT RODDER I am…