Performance in Motion Magazine Vol. 8 No. 4 by Performance Improvements

June / July 2008 • Vol. 8 #4 • $3.95 Canadian

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40609642

June/July Contents

Table of Contents

Editorial ....................................... 5 Nostalgia Engines ....................... 6 Quicksilver Boattail Speedster .. 8 Life & Times of Dean Murray Dizzy Tales................................. 10 Performance Showcase ............. 18 NHRA March Meet.................. 21 Graffiti Car Show ...................... 26 Krown Grand National ........... 28 Book Review ............................. 29 Business Directory .................... 32 Reluctant Passenger .................. 34

Thanks to MacOSaiX for the Mosaic creating software, to hint at the many stories that made up the unique life of Dizzy Dean Murray.

16 Years Of Innovation, Integrity & Leadership

■ Chassis

Harnesses ■ Fuel Injection Harnesses ■ Relay Kits ■ Connectors ■ Terminals ■ Battery Accessories ■ Fuse Blocks ■ LEDs ■ Switch Control Centers ■ Switches

PERFORMANCE

PRODUCTS

w w w. p a i n l e s s p e r f o r m a n c e . c o m

June/July 2008 • P|M

Dizzy’s Motion show in its heyday!

Big corporate sponsors and huge crowds. Minutes later the Fire Marshall shut it down until the crowd thinned out. See page 8 for more photos and Dizzy Tales.

SEMA ACTION NETWORK: WORKING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER

Joining SAN is easy. Log on to www.semasan.com to add your voice to this growing movement to protect the rights of automotive enthusiasts.

SEMA_DC_HondaTuning_FebMar.indd 1

The border between the United States and Canada is fairly transparent when it comes to tuner cars. A hot ride is a hot ride no matter where you are. We all want the same thing, whether you’re in the Great White North or the Lower 48.

publications, with an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts. The SAN sends out action alerts so you can respond to pending legislative proposals, and issues timely updates of legislative and regulatory developments.

On the other hand, we also tend to share the same challenges when it comes to government unfairly meddling with our cars. Legislation over issues like aftermarket exhaust systems, vehicle lighting, and registration fees can hit tuner cars particularly hard.

Membership in the SAN is absolutely free (hey, no exchange rate worries!), so it costs you or your car club nothing to take an active role in keeping our hobby alive and well. For more information about joining the SAN, log on to www.semasan.com and add your voice to the growing number of enthusiasts on both sides of the border who support our hobby.

Luckily we have an organization here in the States that tracks these issues, and that organization has expanded to include the Parliament of Canada and the provincial governments. The SEMA Action Network, or SAN, is a partnership of clubs, individual members, and companies in the specialty auto parts business who want to protect our industry by stamping out unfair legislation and passing favorable laws. In the U.S., the SAN regularly rallies the support of 3,500-plus car clubs, thousands of individuals, and 100-plus automotive

www.semasan.com P|M • June/July 2008

11/6/07 10:42:22 AM

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PERFORMANCE in

Performance in Motion Publications 1100 The Queensway Toronto, ON M8Z 1P7 Phone: 416-259-3678 • Fax: 416-259-6433 EDITOR/PUBLISHER Bob McJannett bmcj@performanceinmotion.ca Phone: 416-259-3678 U.S. ADVERTISING Dick Van Cleve PRODUCTION DESIGN Rob McJannett rmcj@performanceinmotion.ca CONTRIBUTORS Thomas Anderson George Jessel Bob McJannett Robert Michaelson Greg Miller Leonard F. Slye Ken Weisbrod with Bonnie Staring as the Reluctant Passenger ILLUSTRATIONS Kayvene PROOFREADER Spike “The Machine” LaVigne MOVING? Please let us know! E-mail both your old & new address to: moving@performanceinmotion.ca Return undeliverables to: 1100 The Queensway Toronto, ON M8Z 1P7 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40609642 PERFORMANCE IN MOTION is published six times a year: February, April, June, August, October and December. Circulation is 30,000+ (ISSN 1703-8421) Copyright ©2008 All rights reserved by Performance In Motion Publishing. The fine print: We respect your privacy, and do NOT sell our mailing list. This magazine may not be reprinted without express permission of Performance In Motion Publishing. (We’re nice guys, just ask!) All opinions are those of our writers, most of whom have sniffed too many leaded gasoline fumes. The information presented is via said leaded gas huffers from which there can be no responsibility by the Publishers as to legality, completeness and accuracy. Be good to the environment - recycle this magazine to your friends. If you enjoy our magazine, be sure to let us know! Thank-you Kayvene, for your beautiful image produced under another tight deadline. Don’t forget to watch Bonnie, our very own Reluctant Passenger, on Stuck, a new TV show on W Network, Wednesdays 9:30pm. Go, Bonnie, Go!

Editorial Cruising season is about to

begin (as this is being written.) Most of the weekly cruises start up in mid-May. There has been some speculation on just what effect gas prices will have on the use of our enthusiast vehicles. The doom and gloom crowd predicts that high fuel costs will ring the death knell to our hobby. Some claim they are just going to park it, while others are planning to pull their V8 engines and install some type of a four-cylinder. I find these thoughts hard to understand. Most of us use our vehicles for fun, does that mean that increased fuel costs will be the end of fun? Right, golfers will still be driving to the golf courses, cottage owners will still be travelling to their weekend hideaways, boaters will be cruising the waterways and car enthusiasts will still be taking out their pride and joy. From what I understand, most of us drive our special cars less than 2,000 miles a year. Oh, I know, there are exceptions, but I’m betting the average mileage will be two grand when everyone is taken into consideration; 2,000 miles equals 3,218 km. Let’s suppose your vehicle gets 13 km. to the liter, that means you would consume 247.54 liters of fuel during the season. Round that out to 248 and assume that fuel costs .99 cents a liter (you wish), your season costs for fuel will be $248. If fuel costs rise to $2.00, your cost will double to $596. Doubling the cost of fuel will attack your pocket for an additional $248. about the equivalent of five rounds of golf at one of the economy golf courses. (We won’t even talk about a round at Glen Abbey, it would be more than your year’s fuel use.) If you and your significant other go out to the movies, at $12 each, you will be able to see ten and a quarter fi lms. Would I trade driving my Hot Rod for 11 crappy movies or five rounds of golf? Not likely. I will however, if fuel costs bother me, do all the things possible to achieve the best possible mileage with my current combination. Performance engines are efficient engines. Properly tuned and driven, they will produce excellent fuel mileage. If you go back to our last issue, you can review all the items we listed that can help you save fuel; take those to heart and you will be able to enjoy your fun car, while using the least amount of fuel necessary.

If anything will change, my guess is the really long distance events will see some reduction in attendance. If you watched the recent NASCAR race in Talladega, you should have noticed a number of empty seats. The good news will be, increased attendance at local events. Instead of traveling half way across the US, Canadian events will enjoy additional support. I think that’s a good thing.

BILL 203 Still a bone of contention for many. If you don’t like the lack of due process this bill represents, you may want to sign the petition one of our friends has. Here is his explanation: “The purpose of posting an online petition is to provide elected officials with an indication of the number of people who have a problem with this type of new legislation. We don’t want anyone to get confused either. We’re not promoting that anyone go out and break the law – far from it. We believe that anyone who breaks the law deserves punishment as much as the next person. But this new legislation clearly crosses the line of good intentions, and it’s a trend that should be stopped. What we’re asking for here is that the law be revised, as opposed to scrapped. The part that we’re asking for a revision on is the immediate seven-day vehicle seizure and licence suspension.” The petition can be found at: www.petitiononline.com/civil013/petition.html

If you don’t support the immediate suspension and seven-day impound of vehicles at the Officer’s discretion, sign on.

P|M • June/July 2008

Bangers: the engines of choice for the oval track and dry lakes racers of the 1930s

Flatheads: embraced by hot rodders once Henry began building them in 1932

NOSTALGIA ENGINES Story & Photography by: Robert Michaels

hen we were building cars in the 50s and 60s, you usually ran whatever engine you could get from a donor car. Often this would be the family car that had seen better days, and your Dad donated it to you for your project. Usually with the caveat that you had to get that engine out pronto, then get the car out of the driveway. Some parents were more understanding than others, but when the yard started to look like a wreckers, the heat was turned up. One of our pals who was sharing ownership of an early Ford with his dad decided it needed more power. Dad was away one weekend, so on Friday night out came the flathead; Saturday and Sunday was spent stuffing a 394 cubic inch Oldsmobile V8 under the hood; by Sunday night, the hood was closed and the car running again. I still wish I could have seen the

June/July 2008 • P|M

look on his dad’s face the first time he took the car out. Occasionally, I hear people complaining that the car hobby today has become too predictable. Everyone is building a Ford car with either a small block Chev, big block Chev or 5.0 litre Ford engine. There is no question that these power plants are economical. For those looking to be different, times are changing. Bangers: During the 30s, these were the engines of choice for the oval track and dry lakes racers. Hot rodders of the day benefited from all the speed parts that the racers were building to make their four-cylinder engines run faster. Winfield manufactured high compression heads in two sizes, 6.1 and 7.1, as well, he even made some aluminum versions dubbed the Winfield Super Head. Numerous people manufactured their own

overhead valve heads, with the best-known names being Riley and Cragar. “Jiggler” Joe Gemsa even built an overhead cam version to fit the Model T block. Flatheads: As soon as Henry began building these engines in 1932, hot rodders embraced them. From 32 through 38, the standard Ford V8 was 221 cubic inches and made either 65 or 85 horsepower. In 1937, an attempt to create a more fuel-efficient and economical engine was launched. Ford brought out the smaller V8 60; however, with the reduction in horsepower, it didn’t appeal to the target market, and it was dropped from the line by 1940. Racers, however, loved it as a power plant for their tiny quarter midget race cars. Soon speed equipment parts dried up and the engine fell into disfavour. If you had one today, you would own a real treasure.

Back to the standard V8, by 1939 Mercury vehicles came with more cubic inches, boosted to 239 and, by 1948, the horsepower had climbed to 100. In 1949, the engine received a much needed upgrade. Many changes were made to the heads and numerous other castings. By now, the regular engines came in at 239 cubic inch configurations, while the Mercury jumped to 255 cubic inches. At the end of their run, the flathead was producing 125 horsepower. The speed merchants loved this engine family; there were loads of parts being sold to increase performance. Multiple carb set ups, high compression heads, all types of camshafts were normal on any enthusiasts engine. Real horsepower lovers soon moved to Ardun overhead valve conversions and Roots-style superchargers. The horsepower race was on.

Flatheads: Speed parts for this engine were plentiful including Roots-style superchargers.

Early Hemi Early Hemis: Chrysler made these hemispherical head engines in three different families. The king of the early hemi engines were the Chrysler Fire Power series with sizes ranging from 331 through 392 cubic inches, slightly smaller were the Desoto Fire Dome engines coming in at 276 through 345. The smallest of all were the Dodge Red Ram blocks with sizes ranging from 241 to 325 cubic inches. In addition to loads of hot rods, these were the engines of choice for the serious drag racer in the 60s. All of the big name racers eventually bolted one of these combinations into their front engine dragster. These were very sturdy platforms to build onto. By the time they were displaced in the mid 60s, by the new 426 Hemi, they were producing massive amounts of

60s Chrysler horsepower. Supposedly, the fastest ever 392 iron block ran a remarkable 239 mph in 5.85 seconds. Not bad for an engine that came from the factory with a mere 345 horsepower. Nailhead Buicks: So named because of the upright design of the cylinder heads and their small valve sizes. This was the engine that GM replaced the old reliable Buick straight-eight engines with. Built from 1953 through 1966, they came in sizes from 364 cubic inch to a massive 425 version. The fact that these engines were very narrow made them an excellent choice to fit between the fenders of the popular 30s cars. While the small valves and restricted intake and exhaust ports kept them from making real high horsepower, they did

Flathead horsepower lovers soon moved to Ardun overhead valve conversions and superchargers.

Oldsmobile make massive amounts of torque. In the early days of their racing careers, elite drag racers like Tony Nancy and Tommy Ivo were very successful using nailhead engines. Max Balchowsky from Southern California took great pleasure spanking the high-dollar sports car racers with his Buick-powered “Old Yeller” race cars. Oldsmobile: In the 50s and 60s, most GM divisions had their own engine families. Oldsmobile was no exception. Starting in 1949, their V8s were getting the job done; 1949 and 1950 Olds fastbacks held loads of NHRA records at the time. The engine family that had the most impact was the 1959-1964 371 and 394 configurations. The four-barrel 394 versions that came in 1962 through 1964 Oldsmobiles

topped out a 345 horsepower. These engines would soon be seen in the legendary Stone Woods and Cook gassers and Hugh Tuckers race winning A/SR. Other: No matter what type of engine you could find back in those nostalgic days, someone would transplant it to their car. GMC six cylinder, numerous other Chrysler, Studebaker and many more. Were those the good old days?

P|M • June/July 2008

QuickSilver hg Iron Buffalo’s

Mercury Boattail Speedster Story & Photos by: Bob McJannett

im McBurney is a confirmed car nut. The list of cars he has worked on is remarkable. He has restored old race cars, built street rods, muscle cars and customs. It doesn’t matter to Jim as long as it has wheels. He saw his first hot rod at 8 years old, a 1936 Ford. It was love at first sight. Mind you, the fact that his Dad ran the first NASCAR race track in Canada, Stamford Park from 19461952 didn’t hurt. There were always interesting cars around the track. Here is a copy of the press clipping from that time.

Don Francks and you have the making of a very interesting project. Jim and Don co-designed the car you see here. Don is already the proud owner of a number of original restored Model T speedsters but he wanted to return to his teen and twenties hot rod building days. Quicksilver hg is the result of this wish. Don (whose Indian name is Iron Buffalo) is no stranger to cars’ and like most motorheads, became interested in them playing with toys and making models as a youth.

When he was old enough he bought his first auto, a Model T and over the years has owned more than 50 different makes of all ages. When asked which car he liked best, he thought for a moment then answered “All of them”. The car he likes best of all, would be a 1913 Mercer Raceabout Model 35J. Starting with Don’s alloy 1925 Mercury Speedster body (factory was in Louisville, Kentucky) Jim hammered out the dents, reformed half of it, welded up all the places that

1952 Grand National Race Stamford Park Race Track, near Niagara Falls, was the site of Canada’s first NASCAR race on July 1, 1952. Stamford was a flat, half-mile dirt horse track that also ran stock car races beginning in 1948. About 4,000 fans were on hand to see the 100 lap event. Buddy Shuman, from Charlotte, NC, driving a Hudson Hornet won the race by two laps over second-place finisher Herb Thomas. Shuman took the lead on lap 71 and led the remaining laps. Seventeen cars started the race, but the rough track caused high attrition with only six drivers finishing. Admission was $1.75 for the event. With that kind of heritage it is certainly no wonder that Jim has a fondness for old race cars. Combine his enthusiasm with that of noted Canadian actor, singer and activist

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Check out the shine on this great looking aluminum body. The Brasso salesman just loves this car.

Here is a rare accessory from the 20s the “Fat Man” steering wheel swings up to allow easy access to the vehicle. Power is from a 355 ci small block Chevrolet. The engine has been balanced, blueprinted and port-matched. A March pulley and bracket kit ensures all accessories are properly aligned. Effort has been put on detailing the underneath of the Speedster. Lots of chrome and polished aluminum fins to catch the eye.

needed fixing until it became the shape you see here. Once satisfied with the body, work began on a chassis to put under it. Beginning with a Model T frame from Speedway Motors, Jim widened it, added cross members to accept the small block engine mounts and the rear transmission

mount. Once the frame was completed, it was ground, sanded and powder-coated blue. The narrowed Ford rear end is suspended by rear coil over shocks and a four bar system. Front suspension is traditional hot rod. A three inch dropped axle is suspended on a stainless front spring with chrome shocks and a four bar

A traditional hot rod-style front suspension features a dropped tube axle, buggy spring, disk brakes and again lots of chrome.

locating system. Steering is handled with a rack and pinion assembly. To help Don run down the road at highway speeds, power comes from a completely built 355 cubic inch Chevrolet small block. Everywhere you look, there is liberal use of polished checker plate aluminum. In fact blue and orange paint is only used to provide highlights from the polished alloy. No matter where you look on this car, there are unique features, from the 18” Colorado Custom alloy wheels to the original factory cast alloy badges. Check out the “fat man” steering wheel: with the current trend to obesity, these could be coming back. Don says, “Wilber James McBurney is a great Canadian builder, fantastic musician, writer, singer, bluesman and my dear friend.

Photo credits: www.donfrancks.com • CBC Still Photo Collection

Veteran Toronto actor and jazz singer Don Francks has been an avid motorcycle rider for over 47 years. His collection of 12 antique automobiles includes Model-T Ford racing cars from 1912-27. For more information on this unique Canadian personality, visit www.donfrancks.com P|M • June/July 2008

fter coming to grips with the passing of Dizzy Dean Murray, we wanted to celebrate his life and acknowledge the positive force he was to the Canadian automotive community among many others. Dean would never be one to sit quietly if this became foolishly sentimental, so we asked a number of his friends and associates to “tell us your best Dizzy story.” Thus Dizzy Tales were created.

Dizzy was never boring, always unpredictable and his exploits were legendary… Motion was a product of the month of March, heralding the rebirth of another season of automotive events. Losing Dizzy Dean during this month somehow puts a hold on spring for just a little longer as we realize there will never be another Motion, and Canadian Motorsports will never quite be the same. Donald Kee Tachmen Car Club I remember when I took responsibility for Molson’s participation in the Motion Show. Oh, boy, I had to deal with the Diz. Everyone said it would be fine, all I had to do was deliver perfection, by Dizzy’s standards. In those early days, I wasn’t quite sure what he thought of me. He’d worked with some real pros at Molson, or as he’d put it, trained a lot of guys ahead of me. Opening day of the show, I had a dozen roses delivered to Lynn at the ticket booth. Diz walked up to me and said “I like your style kid.” I asked what he meant. He said “Roses to the most important person to me, that’s my soft spot kid. You know the game, we’re going to get along just fine.” Ferg Devins Molson Brewery

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I became friends with Diz in the mid-70s. I was Managing Director of CSRA back then, and we were affi liated with the Motion Auto Shows. Amongst everything else, we did the judging for the shows. I remember the trips to Peterborough and Sudbury in particular, where we would put our cars in the show, man the CSRA booth and complete the judging all while crammed four or more into a single hotel room. Diz didn’t waste a lot of money on creature comforts. In the early years of the Motion Auto Shows, our club, Waterloo County Street Rods, hosted Motion Kitchener. While putting the event together, Dizzy would either spend the night in his ‘Department of Highways’ yellow VW van parked in my driveway or crash on my sofa. He came a long, long way from those low buck days. But he never forgot those who helped, and he repaid those favours whenever the opportunity arose. A few years later, he purchased two truck loads of appliances for his home from me, but of course, he and I delivered them in borrowed trucks to keep the cost down. By the mid-80s I was living in Moncton, New Brunswick. Our club, the Greater Moncton Street Rods, worked Bruce Robertson’s Speed Sport Car Show. While setting up the calendar sales booth one evening, I got to chatting with one of the security people. She was a friendly, outgoing

‘older’ lady who seemed more interested in where I was from, than in the car show. One thing led to another and she told me about her son in Toronto, also involved in car shows. It turned out that she was Dizzy’s mother, she was proud of what he had accomplished, but thought it would still be good if he got “a real job.” When she told me that, I could almost hear Dizzy’s infectious laugh and see the twinkle in his eyes. Bill Merkley BFGoodrich and CSRA We met Dizzy and Lynn in 1975, when they were planning their car show in Sudbury. At that time, the Nickel City Car Club was picked to host the show at the Sudbury Arena to be known as Motion Performance, the show went well. That year, we also showed our 1968 Chevelle convertible in Motion Sault St. Marie and Kingston. Each year after the show series, Dizzy would throw a dart at a world map, where ever it landed would be the destination of their next vacation While we were in Florida in ‘77 we called Dizzy. He said they were just leaving for the Bahamas, I said we will meet you there. The next day we landed at the airport and there were Dizzy and Lynn coming in on their flight. Boy did we party.

A fr iend and Check the sh Dea n in Vancouver, 1958 the cigarette.ir t, the slacks, the belt an . d A re we cool?

on, someone hy presentati “Pied.” op tr e on g in t ge Dur livid. Dea n shou ld decided that never showed it, Dea n was he h A lt houg

ning for the Nav y. Dizzy in 1952 dur ing basic trai est Naval Tra ining base larg the was llis nwa Cor HMCS dur ing the war years and in the Brit ish Commonwea lth Korean serv ice. for ors sail g by 1952 was trai nin

While we were on the island Dizzy sold me a 1941 Ford Convertible, at least, he said he did. It was then that hot rod fever was kick-started. I talked with Dizzy a couple of months ago telling him I was getting the 41 powderblasted in preparation to redo the car. Well, he broke out in his big laugh and said “you better get a good shovel to carry the bondo off your driveway!” Brenda and I had so many good times with Dizzy and Lynn over the years, we know that he will be waiting for us in Hot Rod Heaven, laughing and saying what took you so long. Never forgotten, Rust in Peace, Dizzy. Gary Lonsberry (Cooter) Show Chair Sudbury Diz leased the food booth at Toronto International Dragway (pre-Motion show) and came to the track with good ideas and lots of attitude. He printed ads for his food offerings and brought them up to the tower for me to announce. When I learned that he would not allow track staff to get their food from the back door of the booth (to save time during a limited lunch break), I refused to read the spots. During the break, I was in the lanes talking to track manager Dave Pratt. Diz (visibly agitated) came looking for us and

jumped clear over TV Tommy Ivo’s top fuel dragster, all the while screaming at me and telling Pratt he was gonna sue his ass off for breach of contract. We worked out our differences and all was well, but you should’ve seen Ivo give him hell for jumping over his car! On another day, the track starter (Al?) was hit and thrown15-20 feet, by a kid with a 340 Duster and a stuck throttle. It was a terrible scene. Diz came over to help and after the ambulance took Al away, he noticed the Duster driver was going into shock. Diz put him into the tow truck and went with them to the hospital emergency. This was a very unselfish act, and it was surely not his responsibility, but he did it without a thought. RIP, Diz. You will be missed. Norm Noddle Former Super Comp racer and track announcer Dizzy Dean Murray and the Tachmen Car Club joined forces in the summer of 1974. No longer in control of Wheelspin News, Dean and his Corvair-powered VW microbus had hit the road with a new product to promote, a second custom car show for Toronto. The groundwork was completed for a show at the Toronto International Center and its name would be Motion!

Dean also realized that for a show of this magnitude to be successful, it would need a strong unified group as the backbone of the organization, similar to what our friends the Motor City Car Club did at Speed Sport. So 1975 started an endless procession of automotive (and some not so automotive) stunts that propelled Motion to what we believed was Canada’s premier Custom Car Show. From Dean’s fertile imagination, we had motorcycle stunts, monster trucks, rail dragsters and multi-engine tractors running during show hours (lost a few ceiling tiles from that feat) and even an indoor swap meet. Other ideas included Playboy Bunnies, Penthouse Pets, Blue Rodeo in concert and who could forget Little Irvy, the dead whale in his own refrigerated trailer. Perhaps the pinnacle of all of Dean’s stunts was the infamous wet t-shirt contest that almost ended in a riot, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to the building. Above it all, Dean was a flag-waving Canadian. Although he often relied on a high-profi le drawing card to increase attendance, Canadian rodders and racers were always showcased front and center. Dean believed our homegrown talent was second to none and deserved all the support and recognition that could be bestowed upon them. This mantra became the standard for what Motion represented. P|M • June/July 2008

D N

The Canadian Street Roddin in Moncton, NB. Dea n stan g Ha ll of Fame presentation Read Don Root’s “Dizzy Talding in the center. e” of the trip to the coast.

old one-room schoolhouse where Wh ile dow n east, Dizz y visited his That’s his 36 Ford Coupe in the he went to school from 194 2-19 48. foregrou nd.

Although most people only saw Dean during the show when he was all business, the Tachmen were able to know him as “Diz after hours.” He was the entertainer and the tour guide for Car Club adventures. He was never boring, always unpredictable and his exploits were legendary. Whether he was cooling our refreshments after the show with a C02 fire extinguisher or when he volunteered to be the celebrity chef at our annual open house, Diz always gave more than what was expected! Diz was one of our most enthusiastic supporters and a true promoter of the Tachmen Car Club Inc. The long-time membership of the Tachmen Car Club is truly saddened with the news of Dizzy’s passing and will always remember him as an unforgettable part of our rich 40-plus year history. His entrepreneurial spirit will be sincerely missed. Donald Kee Tachmen Car Club and former Chairman of Motion Autoshows It’s sad to lose Dizzy Dean Murray - he was a great friend. When I think of Dizzy, it always brings a smile to my face. It seemed that every time we got together there was some new “experience” waiting to happen.

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In July of 1994, Dizzy and I headed east in his 36 Ford Hot Rod from his home in Kleinburg, Ontario, to Moncton, New Brunswick, for the Canadian Street Rod Nationals where Dizzy was to be inducted into the CSRA hall of fame – Diz the driver and myself as the navigator. Of course Dizzy having his NASCAR driver’s licence felt that either the gas pedal or the brake pedal should be on the floor at all times. At “Pit Stops,” Diz would gas up, and I would clean the windshield and do a circle check and then we’d be on our way again. Nearing Kingston, we started to smell smoke (no, not that smoke) and noticed that the carpet was smouldering! I poured Diz’s Perrier water on the fire, while arranging on a cell phone to stop at a muﬄer shop to check it out, because God knows we wouldn’t waste time checking it out on the side of the 401. We got lost in Montreal, but then doesn’t everyone? We even got lost in Trois Rivieres which seemed to only have three streets to go with the three rivers. Arriving at our hotel in Moncton, Diz said Lynn had told him to put his clothes in a drawer when they arrived. Diz proceeded to open a drawer and he set his duﬄe bag inside the drawer and that’s where it stayed for the duration of our stay.

After the show, our bellies full of lobster and award in hand, we headed back home. During a rain storm on the way back, we hit a bump and all the lights went out in the 36. Diz decided we would just follow the eighteen-wheel transport in front of us and use his taillights as our guide. Further up the road, we hit another bump and the lights came back on – perfect, no time wasted looking for the problem. Also on our way home, we got the prize for going the fastest through Quebec. The only words the cop could speak in English were “Give me the radar detector.” We returned home safely to plan for our next adventure. Don Root Friend & Root Autobody In my job as promotions co-ordinator for Molson’s in Ontario, I met Dizzy in 1981. His “Motion Shows” at Toronto’s International Centre was one of the sponsorship properties I would be responsible for. To say I immediately found him larger than life would be a huge understatement! At the time, I was new to the marketing department with little understanding of how any promotional event was staged either from his or my side.

Dizzy in his Wheelspin days (60s). Nice that the boots match the jacket! with Peter Wrig ht lk s n Track interv iew Dean doing an O e Th ru sh Performance C-Cab Vo th of l ee wh e at th 75 . Rod probably 19

tion

Diz and Jr. Han ley, Molson Mot orsports days, probably shot at Cay uga Spe edway.

Dizzy ret urn ing from a suc Cuba. Tan ned wit h a bottlecessfu l trip to and his beach towel. What’s of Tequila wrong wit h this picture?

80s. If you don’t know Tim Tim Richmond in the early Dizzy wit h NA SCA R driver him for an interest ing forgotten NA SCA R story. Richmond’s histor y, google P|M • June/July 2008

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thou se Pets he couple of Penaphs, about 1982 . a h it w is he gr Here in to sign auto had brought

Diz taught me all I needed to know and much, much more, including some nuances I didn’t need to know, but it was all important to my company and to my career! I did two shows with Diz, it was always hard work, but above all it was fun, fun, fun. He was much more than an event promoter to me, he was a close friend, confidant and teacher. We met many times over the years, and I was always treated as more than a business associate by Diz, his lovely wife Lynn and the rest of the family. They made me feel trusted, respected and loved not only during my tenure with Molson’s, but over the years since. Like many, I will deeply miss his presence and influence, and wish I could have spent more time in his company. He was an amazingly unique gentleman. With wondrous reflections and now deep regrets on his untimely passing, Brian Luft spring A privileged friend Back in the 70s, our company ran a wholesale trade show. It was a small affair to bring in our manufacturers and offer our wholesale customers a spring special to kick off the season. Dean suggested that we run it

June/July 2008 • P|M

In 1974 , Dean contracted Super Joe Einh motorcycle duri ng the show. Here you seeorn to jump his Howard Cosell, who Dean brought in to both Evel Knievel and do the commentar y.

in the building next to his Motion building on the same weekend. “You will get better attendance, and we can give them passes to the show.” Like all of Dean’s enthusiastic ideas, it seemed like a good idea at the time. However, the true scope of it started to hit home with my wife, Susan, the day before the adventure was to begin. You see, Susan was responsible for registering the attendees, passing out the sales information etc. Suddenly, she realized we had no idea how many might show up. She soon allowed she was terrified. Dean walked in, took one look at her, called her name, strode over to her, grabbing her in his usual bear hug and told her “Don’t worry, honey, everything will be OK.” Susan has never forgotten that big hug. Another time, we were in the Disneyland Hotel attending the SEMA show. They had a restaurant located in the middle of the pool. I believe it was called the Ships Inn. It was our last evening before the flight home, and we decided to try it out. As we walked in, a booming voice called out “Susan.” There at a table by himself sat Dean. (Notice he always called for Susan, never for Bob.). He waved us over to sit with him, he was just finishing up. “Have the Scampi,” he declared, “It’s great!” So we ordered Scampi and so did Dean, only his was a second portion.

Added to the wine, desserts etc. we had a wonderful time, closed the joint and had a very fuzzy trip to the airport next morning. Oh, how I wish we could do that again! Bob McJannett Performance Improvements

Th ﬂ F

Some years ago, I went to see Dizzy about buying a street rod. When I was in his shop, I couldn’t help but notice a Vendo 44 Coke machine sitting in the corner. It was a pretty nice looking piece and so I asked him about it. He told me it had been there for years and, if I wanted it, that he’d sell it to me for $1,000. I didn’t have a way to get it home at that moment, so he offered to deliver it for me, if I’d buy him lunch. A deal was struck and instead of leaving with a new car, I left with a Coke refrigerator. The following day, Dizzy pulled up with the pop machine. “You know” he said, “I did my homework last night, and this machine is actually worth two grand.” He smiled. “But a deal’s a deal and a thousand bucks it is. You do owe me lunch though!” Peter Klutt Legendary Motorcar Company

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Dean with his da Ad a Mur ray Wrigug hter Cher ie and his mom ht in 19 66 .

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The whole deal. Cowboy hat, Moon shirt, ﬂamed running shoes and his hot rod 1934 Ford Coach in the background.

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oto shot on thei r kitchen, ph Ly nn and Dean in e eyes are sti ll sparkl ing. March 9, 20 08, th P|M • June/July 2008

From the archives:

While researching photos for this issue, I came across the one you see here. Great shot, eh! During our research, we sometimes discover unknown stories. Well, this is certainly one.

PAPA NOEL T

he day after each Motion show, Lynn and Dizzy would leave for a well earned vacation to somewhere warm, usually Mexico or Cuba. In the early 90s, while staying at a hotel in Cuba, Lynn and Dizzy took a shine to their waiter, Manuel Castro. Before they left Dizzy strongly encouraged the young man to learn English. Returning the following year, they were pleased not only to see their friend, but to find he had taken Diz’s advice and was now fluent in English. That year, they were introduced to Manuel’s girlfriend. Since then, the Canadian couple have kept in touch, bringing some necessities for a better life in Cuba to their friends each year. The couple married and soon had a son, Andy. Lynn and Dizzy were asked if they would be Andy’s godparents, which they accepted. Nothing like an increase in responsibility, now they were making two trips a year to Cuba bringing prescription drugs and necessities to the young family they were supporting. Over the years, the relationship has grown; there is now another son and Manual has had a bout of medical problems that could have taken his life, if it wasn’t for the drugs from Canada.

June/July 2008 • P|M

Andy is now 10 years old and considered Dean as a grandfather. Everyone in the family called Dean “Papa” except Andy, who called him “Papa Noel,” which is another story. Every Christmas, Dean and Lynn lugged a Santa suit on their vacation. Come Christmas, Dean would play Santa for all the kids in the area. Thus “Papa Noel.” Dean’s Santa became so popular that at one point he was playing Santa in both Cuba and Mexico. One year while in Cuba, the Mexican resort called and pleaded with Dean to come, they had over 400 kids in need of a Santa. Dean and Lynn were on the plane, and Santa showed up in time. Lynn tells me that Santa was always adventurous, arriving one year in a boat, another on a Sea-Doo, but the best arrival was when Santa arrived on a Parasail. Just look at the twinkle in those eyes and remember that laugh, you know Dean was always a perfect Santa. Photos credits: Thanks to Lynn Murray, Bert Coates, Dave Franks, John Laidlaw, Bob McJannett, Gary Mortimore, Race Pro, Gary Wallace, Robert G. White, Terry Williams, and Grant Young.

Performance Showcase

Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial is now available in a wider selection of sizes with the introduction of four new 18” sizes. The ET Street Radial is built using the latest in radial construction developed from Mickey Thompson’s legendary drag racing technology and compound development. This D.O.T.approved street-legal drag radial provides responsive, reliable handling and an excellent ride on the street, and dependable high-performance on the strip. New sizes include: COMP Cams now offers a 9-Keyway Double Roller Billet Timing Set For GM Gen III (LS1, -2, -6) Engines. This provides cam timing adjustment and stock timing cover compatibility. One of the most important tuning adjustments that can be performed on an engine to make more power is a cam timing adjustment. Until now, GM Gen III-based engine owners faced a lack of high-quality adjustable timing sets. This new COMP Cams Billet Timing Set will put horsepower-increasing cam timing adjustments within reach of all Gen III owners. Designed to allow a range of cam timing adjustment from eight degrees advanced to eight degrees retarded (in two-degree increments), this durable billet timing set allows Gen III engine owners to adjust their cam timing by simply installing the unique billet steel crankshaft gear at the desired setting and aligning the camshaft and crankshaft gear timing marks. Each of the nine keyways on the gear is marked with an easy-to-read, laseretched timing setting for quick identification. To learn more, visit your nearest Comp Cams retailer. (www.compcams.com)

June/July 2008 • P|M

3 80R 3 84R 3 82R 3 8 R

P245/40R18 P315/30R18 P2 5/40R18 P305/45R18

2 x9.50R18 2 x12.50R18 2 x10.50R18 29x11.50R18

The ET Street Radial utilizes a soft compound and low void directional tread for superior traction. Unique sidewall construction reinforces this tire during fast acceleration. The impressive tread pattern has been designed with both performance and appearance in mind. For further info, check your nearest M/T retailer. (www.mickeythompson.com)

Covercraft’s ultimate all-weather fabric, has been improved. WeatherShieldHP is the next generation of this high-performance fabric, and technological advances made it almost totally fade resistant. This eco-friendly material will help shed moisture and harmful UV rays. It’s rated Best for severe weather outdoor storage and protects against dirt, tree sap, bird droppings and minor paint damage. WeatherShieldHP “breathes” allowing moisture and condensation to escape, preventing surface damage and interior mildew. WeatherShieldHP folds into a compact size for easy trunk storage and can be cleaned in most home washer/dryers! Custom covers can be made to your specifications. For more information visit your nearest Covercraft retailer. (www.covercraft.com)

Montreal-based wheel manufacturing company, Fastco Canada, announced the creation of Fastco Motorsports. Fastco Motorsports will field a two-car team of Hyundai Tiberons powered by 2.7 liter V6 4-cam engines. The cars will be prepped by GT Racing. The team will participate in the Super Touring Car class in this year’s Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship series. Driven by the father and son team of Glenn and Lee Chaplin, they plan to use these races as a testing venue for their popular line of high-quality alloy wheels. Glenn is the operations manager, while Lee is the regional sales manager of Fastco Canada. In addition to the races, plans call for these cars to be displayed at a number of car shows across both Quebec and Ontario. Watch for them at an event near you, drop by to say Hi.

For further information contact: www.fastwheels.ca

SPEED DEMON from Barry Grant. With patented free-flowing air entry design and racing carburetor technology, the Speed Demon is the most formidable street performance carburetor on the market today. Available in either vacuum-operated or twin-squirter mechanical-secondary designs, all Speed Demons are equipped with billet metering blocks, billet base plates with “Idle-Eze,” fourcorner idle circuitry, large capacity float bowls with glass sight windows and anti-backfire powervalve protection. For further information visit your nearest Barry Grant retailer. (www.barrygrant.com ) KW Suspensions Clubsport coilover for the Honda S2000 has been developed for the enthusiast who requires a more aggressive setup for racetrack events with mild street use. Featuring high-quality racing top mounts, increased spring rates, tuned valving and large diameter piston rods. All applications feature adjustable rebound and compression damping for a personalized performance driving setup. Important characteristics such as quality and performance are all taken into consideration with each KW coilover design. Each KW coilover suspension is produced with unique stainless steel “inox-line” technology. The stainless steel construction internally and externally provides long-term durability and corrosion resistance from the elements. These coilovers performed with favourable results throughout the various driving tests in Sport Compact Car Magazine’s S2000 suspensions shootout. For further info, visit your nearest retailer. (www.kwautomotive.com)

Design Engineering has introduced Reflect-A-GOLD, a high performance reflector born in the aerospace industry for use in automotive applications where extreme temperature-swing environments exist. This state-of-the-art polymer laminated glass cloth is extremely light weight and capable of handling continual operating temperatures up to 850º F, reflecting 80% of all radiant heat while offering a weight savings advantage versus other types of reflective materials. Requiring minimal clearance, Reflect-AGOLD is a highly conformable material that has a pressure sensitive adhesive backing that is easy to apply and remove. Common uses include wrapping wire bundles, fuel lines, engine covers, seat bottoms, bulk heads, fuel cells, engine compartment, the possibilities are endless. For more information, check your nearest retailer. (www.designengineering.com)

COMP Cams Thumpr Hydraulic Roller Camshafts for Small Block Chevy, (Factory Roller Engines) These new camshafts feature the same lobe design profiles as original Thumpr Hydraulic Roller Camshafts, but are direct drop-in for popular GM crate engines. This new line of late model engine Thumpr Camshafts was built specifically for engines originally equipped with hydraulic roller camshafts, (including many popular GM small-block crate engines) and will dramatically improve the exhaust sound of your engine, while also providing significant horsepower improvements. Designed only for carbureted engines, the newest Thumpr Camshafts fit 1987 and newer Small-Block Chevy hydraulic roller camshaft engines. To learn more, visit your nearest Comp Cams retailer. (www.compcams.com) P|M • June/July 2008

Performance Showcase Hella has just introduced a permanent, fully active, radio-controlled system for monitoring vehicle tire pressure and temperature that meets or exceeds the same specifications as all OE-installed systems. Hella’s TPMS is extremely flexible and can be installed in any vehicle not originally equipped with an OE system or fitted with custom wheels. In the event of a wheel change with an OE-equipped system, the Hella TPMS will allow the vehicle to stay in compliance with Federal regulations. Hella’s new system uses tire sensor valves in place of conventional tire valves. These high-tech sensor valves transmit the tire’s pressure and temperature by radio to the control unit, which forwards the data to the cockpit display. In the event of sudden pressure loss, the control unit triggers an optical and acoustic alarm. Additionally, the system also warns of over-inflation and slow loss of pressure. The TPMS display can be placed anywhere in the cockpit and shows the position of each tire on the vehicle and displays pressure and temperature for each tire individually. The display can be easily reprogrammed after a tire change or rotation, and features bars and sections on the tire symbol, which change according to the amount of air pressure. The temperature gauge on the sensor allows the driver to determine the accuracy of the readings as the tires expand and contract from outside air temperature. Each tire can be monitored separately by highlighting the appropriate tire symbol on the display. The air symbol appears along with a warning symbol below to indicate a sudden loss of pressure such as a blowout. For more information, contact your nearest Hella retailer. (www.hella.com) Mickey Thompson has just introduced a new ET Front tire in size 25.0/4.5-15. The new ET Front is narrower and lighter than the previous model, and is perfect for tube chassis door cars like Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Top Sportsman and Comp class cars. The ET Front line of tires is a complete line of front tires with applications for cars and dragsters on the strip. This ultra-light weight tire has been designed specifically for high-speed use on the drag strip. The tube-less construction reduces rolling resistance for increased performance and handling at high speeds. (Not for highway use.) For further information, check your nearest M/T retailer. (www.mickeythompson.com) New valve spring pressure tester from PROFORM PARTS Maintaining correct valve spring pressures are critical for the life of your engine. Incorrect spring pressures can cause premature lifter and cam lobe failures, as well as bent pushrods and broken valve springs. The Proform Valve Spring Pressure Tester is inexpensive insurance for your expensive valve train. This Valve Spring Pressure Testing tool is a fully adjustable, stud-style pressure tester that fits easily onto your rocker arm for on-the-fly pressure tests, and will measure pressures up to 600 lbs. Visit your nearest PROFORM retailer. (www.proformparts.com)

June/July 2008 • P|M

Tube straightener tool available from CLASSIC TUBE Using coiled tubing to make stock or custom hard lines has just became easier. Most do-it-yourselfers and professional fabricators prefer to start with straight lengths to create hydraulic lines for their projects, and this handy tool accomplishes that in minutes. This tool will straighten light-wall tubing from 3/16 to 1/2-inch OD. Using the tool is easy. Simply use the bracket to secure the tool in position with a vise. Feed the tubing into one end of the Tube Straightener, and straight tubing will come out the other end. Just cut to the length you need. It’s a no brainer, and this Tube Straightener Tool will save you time and money on all types of tubing fabrication projects. For more info, visit your nearest Classic Tube distributor. (www.classictube.com)

Story & Photos by: Bob McJannett

N.H.R.A.

has formed the Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series. Their purpose is to support the growing interest in Nostalgia Drag Racing, with a year-long racing series designed to help preserve N.H.R.A.’s rich history and tradition. There will be seven events held throughout 2008. Unfortunately, all are on the western side of the continent for the first year. “This new series is an exciting step that will appeal to drag racing fans young and old,” said Peter Clifford, N.H.R.A. executive vice president and general manager. “It’s a great way to introduce the younger generation to the history of our sport, and give fans young and old a glimpse of racing the way it used to be.” The first event in the series, the 50th anniversary of the fabled “March Meet” in Bakersfield, California, was a fitting location to start from. For over 50 years Famosa Raceway, just slightly north of the sleepy little town of Bakersfield, has seen every big name Top Fuel drag racer speed down its asphalt strip. Its rich history of top fuel racing has made Famosa the go-to track for all students of the genre. In addition to a full field of Top Fuel and Funny cars, we were treated to a wide variety of Jr. Fuel, Comp and Gas class racers. No matter what or who you wanted to see race, they were there. Plus there was a swap meet and car show to see, whenever you got tired of sitting in the stands. When the dust settled, Jack “the Sheriff” Harris marched through the sixteen car Top Fuel field to, not only win the event, but also set top speed (2 3. 2 mph) and (low et, 5.5 8 seconds) records. Bucky Austin’s winning Funny Car was close behind with a speed of 243. 3 and an et of 5.833. Here are just a few shots of the over 500 race cars, plus the show cars on-site that weekend which caught our eye.

Remember Zingers? This radical blown Hemi-powered 34 Ford Coupe was a tribute to the Rat Fink.

A lot of builders are replicating long-gone race cars. Here is the Pisano and Matsubara Vega Funny Car recreated by Danny Pisano, driven today by Jeff Utterback.

Blown Alcohol Altered were well represented at the March Meet. Here you have the Cub Barnett small block-powered car verses Phil and Dee Morris’ Hemi-powered race car. P|M • June/July 2008

Voodoo Hemi claimed to be the “World’s Fastest Chrysler

Long-time racer Butch Blair had the “Fugowie” Top Fuel car out for the weekend. While they did not win the event, they ran a very respectable 5.85 at 257mph.

Art Chrisman driving the Chrisman Bros. and Cannon top fuel dragster won the first March Meet in 1958 defeating Big Daddy Don Garlits. Art has restored the original car to perfection.

This shoebox Ford has been drastically modified into a unique custom. Quad headlights, louvers, rolled pans etc.

Even the haulers were nostalgic. Great looking GMC Cab Over with a polished aluminum ramp was hauling a polished Airstream trailer.

Retro-styled 1934 Ford Roadster pickup.

June/July 2008 • P|M

A couple of Nostalgia One front-motored dragsters on the way to the end of the track. The injected engine would be on alcohol, while the blown motor is on gas.

HP288_Dist_PerfInMotion.qxp

Mousie Marcellus has recreated the legendary Marcellus and Borsch Winged Express, now driven by Mike Boyd.

3/25/08

10:31 AM

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NO ONE MAKES MORE PERFORMANCE DISTRIBUTORS THAN MALLORY!

Very rare 1936 Ford Panel with traditional Flames.

Mallory has made over 2 million distributors, won 18 Indy 500’s and countless other races. • From the new high tech all-electronic Max-Fire distributors to the Model-A points style distributor, Mallory makes more Performance and Racing Distributors than all of our competitors combined • Mallory custom makes distributors for virtually all engines – including antique and hard to find applications – contact us if you need one New Max-Fire Distributors • Full electronic timing control – RPM and vacuum based • Built-in multi-strike digital capacitive discharge ignition system • Single stage rev limiting • Simple fire up and go installation This straight-axle 49-51 Chevy Gasser had all the right nostalgia parts. You could have been at the track in the 60s to see this.

Mallory – Making Performance Ignition Distributors for over 83 years! www.MalloryRacing.com 216-688-8300 P|M • June/July 2008

Just like the good old days was this Supercharged1964 Chevelle C/Gas.

There was a wide variety of intakes, carbs and valve covers in this vendor’s space.

The swap meet was filled with great rustfree California sheet metal similar to this pair of ‘40 Ford Fenders.

Looking for an early Hemi engine? This vender had a bunch.

June/July 2008 • P|M

Canadian Motorsports Expo By Robert Michaelson

he last weekend of February was Glenn Butt’s second annual Canadian Motorsports Expo held at the Congress Centre in Toronto’s west end. During the weekend, attendees had the opportunity to meet veteran racers like Ron Fellows and young guns like J.R. Fitzpatrick and Kyle Marcelli. Exhibitors covered all disciplines of racing and many of the motor sports venues throughout eastern Canada. If you like racing, you will enjoy the Canadian Motorsports Expo.

Doug Andrews and Tara McLeod were on hand to explain their “Have Bus Will Travel Racing Tours” program. If you want to see a NASCAR race, this is the way to go.

Bryan Durette from Lucas Oil at the wheel of the “Virtual Driver” simulator that evaluates drivers and their driving skills.

Andrew Ranger’s NASCAR CT Series championship-winning race car.

For further information, contact: www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com P|M • June/July 2008

Graffiti Car Show By Len Sly

f you are looking for a neat event to attend in Southern Ontario, look no farther than the Graffiti Car Show sponsored by the Highwaymen Car Club in Kitchener. The Graffiti cruise is held at the Waterloo Rod and Gun Club property just north of Kitchener. The lawn is spacious, the food is great and the cars outstanding. There is something for the whole family to do. Kids games, big kids games, trophies, live music, plus radio station KICX 106FM will be on site. The Highwaymen Car Club was established in 1961 and has a long history of raising money for local charities. They are “Dedicated to the preservation of street rods, vintage and classic automobiles.” Their 2008 event is scheduled for June 8.

June/July 2008 • P|M

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Fuel Ban Update By George Jessel

T The Highwaymen’s 2008 Graffiti Car Show is scheduled for June 8. For more information visit their web site: www.highwaymen.ca or call 519-742-1141

hanks to everyone who expressed their concern about the leaded fuel ban in letters, e-mails etc. The government has heard your concerns and extended the date of implementation to January 2010. During this time, there will be an ongoing study to determine the facts and figures regarding health, financial, economic and demographic impact of such a ban. As well, Health Canada will be conducting a trackside Lead Fuel monitoring study during 2008. Their purpose is to assess the impact of lead fuel at the tracks in regard to air quality.

Many of you made your cases very clear. If you want to read the actual wording of the extension, go to the Canada Gazette and look up: SOR/2008-126. There you will read all of the suggestions and concerns that had been expressed by you. Great job! While we haven’t won the war, we have at least won one of the battles. Fight on. For further information contact: http://canadagazette.gc.ca P|M • June/July 2008

Krown Rustproofi ng Project Grand National By Robert Michaelson

ast fall, on his TV show, Dream Car Garage, Tom Hnatiw brought this Buick Grand National to Krown to have it coated with their rustproofing product. The Buick GN has a 3.8L V6 Turbo with 235 hp – perfect for winter driving! It spent the winter being driven everywhere without being washed or cleaned in any way. After the worst winter in

recent years, when the snow had finally gone, Tom took the now fi lthy car back to be cleaned and inspected for rust etc. Once the layers of muck were removed, they were all relieved to see that there was no damage whatsoever. The final episode of three will be first aired on June the first. If you have missed any, watch for the reruns.

2. 1. You would smile too if Krown gave you a high performance car to drive all winter. Tom had a ball with this Grand National. 2. After the winter of discontent. Th is is what the car looked like when it arrived.

3. 3. Krown Tech, Doug Wood was charged with the job of cleaning and inspecting the car to see how their product had stood up to the abuse. 4. Here is Tom doing the recap for the fi nal episode of the show. He can’t wait to get that car outside again.

WIN this CAR You can win this Krown-protected Grand National! All you have to do is write your most interesting story about your use of Krown product and send it in. The stories will be put up on their web site and at the end of the season a winner will be declared. For further information contact: www.krown.com

6. 28

June/July 2008 • P|M

5. Now you know why he couldn’t wait. Th is is such a fun car to drive. Oh, and it could be yours too! 6. Proudly parked in the parking lot at Krown waiting for its new owner.

: w e i v e R k o o B

Steering Solutions

Dyno Testing and Tuning

uthors Harold Bettes and Bill Hancock have written a book to fi ll a need. Until now, there have been no books detailing the ins and outs of Dyno tuning. Now there is! Dyno Testing and Tuning explains the proper test procedures that will result in accurate data about your engine’s performance potential. This book explains how a dyno works, describes what kinds of data a dyno test can produce and then shows the proper way to set up a test. If you are looking to squeeze the most power from your engine combination this book will help you maximize your engines output. Authors Bettes and Hancock bring decades of first-hand knowledge to the subject. Harold Bettes is a dynamometer and flowbench consultant with 35 years experience. Bill Hancock founded Arrow Racing Engines in the Detroit area and has six dynomometers in his shop. They do testing and engine development for the OEM’s.

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FLAMING RIVER INDUSTRIES. Inc. 1-866-897-5493 • FAX 440/826-0780 www.flamingriver.com

P|M • June/July 2008

R E VOLU T ION

1955 Chrysler Phantom Wagon

Canadian wins Goodguys 2008 West Coast Custom of the Year Award By Robert Michaelson

J.F.

Launier’s 1955 Chrysler phantom station wagon “Revolution” was crowned the “Goodguys West Coast Custom of the Year” award at the 26th All-American Get-Together in Pleasanton. The “West Coast Custom of the Year” award is open to custom cars 1936 through 1964 vintage and is awarded at the Goodguys AllAmerican Get-Together each spring in Pleasanton. The award is designed to honour an exceptional custom car of all styles and genres (from traditional to modern). For Launier, winning the award was yet another notch in the belt of his relatively young customizing career. His new custom wagon has clearly established the Osoyoos, British Columbia builder as one of the industry’s brightest young stars.

For further information contact: JF Customs by Desert Speed Shop www.desertspeedshop.com deserttruck@telus.net P|M • June/July 2008

Performance Directory Paul Speirs is the mechanic car guys recommend to their friends. He knows his stuff, and charges a fair rate … his only problem is he’s often busy! So book your car today! 34 CHAUNCEY AVE, ETOBICOKE, ON.

June/July 2008 • P|M

Performance Directory

Auto Services Ltd. P• 905-471-3335 F• 905-471-7274 C• 647-228-3434

Doug Lamb

60 Bullock Dr. Unit #8 Markham, ON L3P 2P2

P|M • June/July 2008

In Rod We Trust

here comes a time when the need to check the mirrors becomes less of a safety issue and more of a nod to those who’ve joined the cruise and those who’ve slowed down for us to pass. Without the latter, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Okay, for some of us that might mean lying on the driveway, looking up at an oil pan, but for the rest of us that means being able to enjoy the ride. “Dizzy” Dean Murray, in his signature gold cowboy boots, took steps to ensure that motorsport, custom cars and all things speedway could be celebrated shamelessly. He was a true believer in doing what you loved—and we’d be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn’t try to get a little “dizzy” about things. Consider this a gentle request to let your hair down (literally or figuratively) and have fun with your household’s fine vehicle, even if it’s a work in progress. And as passengers, our job is to guide the car nuts we love through the ups and downs of transmission overhauls, sporadic electrics and dimpled bodywork. This isn’t a call to suddenly toss out any helpful advice on avoiding certain automotive-enthusiast situations. Especially when there’s something much better to do. You’re still best to leave the oily bits to those who appreciate them most, and do so gladly.

What we really need to improve upon is recognizing how lucky we are that our drivers have a passion for something that can be kept in the garage. Sure, there may be some trophy walls, Haynes manuals and even large framed photos to contend with, but once our car nuts are back in the house, we can usually grab their attention. Though sometimes a socket wrench may be required. It would be an understatement to say automotive aficionados aren’t easy to live with. We all have our own stories of how much “fun” it can be.

These are battle scars we should wear with pride, because people who live with football fanatics or world chess champions simply can’t beat what we’ve been through. Who else can describe the sound of a piston seized in the block? Or the aroma of a burning break pad? Or how it feels to watch a ride leave the driveway for its first run of the year, and freak out when you discover your loved one’s CAA card and cell

on the kitchen counter? But somehow, some way, parts are located, mechanics are sourced and the ride survives yet another winter. While some drivers insist it’s destiny, passengers know it’s more than that. The direction of wax application, the angle of the flow of motor oil and the number of signals indicated on the third Wednesday of the month may or may not have an impact, but aim for clockwise, 80 degrees and more than10. And no matter what else you do, always carry a few handfuls of faith. And tell them Dizzy sent you.

About the Author: Bonnie Staring is a comedian, advertising copywriter and one of those people who enters all kinds of contests. To see what else she’s been ranting about, visit her website: www.bonniestaring.com Illustration created by Kayvene • website: www.kayvene.typepad.com

June/July 2008 • P|M