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| 1. FISHTALES by Catfish | 2. Haul In The Family | |
| 3. What’s NEW?? | 4. FISHTALES by Catfish | |
| 5. Stick To the Script | 6. One Tough Hombre | |
| 7. Ryan Castor's 1944 Indian | ||
Ryan Castor's 1944 Indian
Happy New Year everyone, before we get started I
just wanted to let you know that Mother Nature can't
keep Mooneyes down, The Christmas Party has been
rescheduled for July so all is saved, there will be coverage
of the 2009 party after all, albeit in the summer
of 2010
For this month's installment I bring you the story of
Ryan Castor's 1944 Indian. I know that a motorcycle
story strays a little off of the beaten path but, I hope
you enjoy it.
Looks can be deceiving and that's truly the case with
this 1944 Indian Scout owned by Ryan Castor. This
isn't just a rusty old bike that was given a facelift with
a new set of tires and fresh coat of paint. This bike
was built from the ground up and incorporates parts
and pieces gathered from several Indian models as
well as prominent British marques of the time.
Originally the bike belonged to Ryan's Grandfather
Ralph Sr. an aerospace engineer by trade with exceptional
mechanical talent. As Ryan says, "he was a guy
that had the ability to do anything he put his mind to".
While Ralph Sr. was in the process of restoring a
1940's era Indian race bike for a friend, he began
assembling this bike for himself. Part of the payment
for the restoration job was a truck load of old motorcycle
parts that he used as the foundation for his bike.
With his friends bike nearing completion Ralph Sr.'s
health began to fade. Realizing his condition, he concentrated
on finishing his friend's bike as his sat idle.
Sadly for the Castor family, Ralph Sr. passed away
after a short illness. In his last days, Ralph Sr. and
Ryan talked extensively, formulating a plan for how
the bike would be finished.
From this point forward Ryan would assumed the
responsibility of finishing the bike. The task was rather
daunting and turning the roller into a rider would take
all of the inspiration and knowledge that Ryan gained
from his Grandfather. And for Ryan, it all paid-off.
Fulfilling his Grandfather's wishes and seeing the project
through to completion.
When talking to Ryan, it's easy to see that building
this bike was something he really enjoyed. In my
experience with projects like this, it's usually the exact
opposite. You spend so much time doing the
research, hunting the parts, and then performing all of
the work. In the end, after several years, all that stuff
is forgotten. That's not the case with Ryan though,
he's eager to explain every detail of his 1944 Indian
Scout and the time he spent building it.
To get the bike down the road a little better than stock
the military spec 30.5 cubic inch engine was removed.
In it's place, Ryan installed a 45 ci engine that was
modified by Bob Stark of Starklight Cycles in Perris
CA. Bob stroked the 45 ci v-twin to 57cubes using the
crankshaft, rods and flywheels from an Indian Chief, a
common modification that's been around since the
40's. In order to squeeze the larger motor into the
smaller 741 frame the cylinder heads and barrels had
to be milled, clearance is still minimal.
The engine breathes through a stock Linkert carb and
exhales into a simple set of straight pipes. With the
higher compression, gained by milling the heads,
Ryan has to keep the timing retarded so the engine
will behave when kick starting- -backfires are pain-full!
The transmission is the stock 3 speed with jockey shift
and suicide clutch.
In order to feed the vital fluids to the engine, Ryan
used a set of Mustang motor scooter tanks that he
found in his dad's garage. The right tank has been
converted into a combination fuel and oil tank.
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One Tough Hombre
THE STORYOF: THAT LOVEABLE ED "ACE" McCULLOCH
Roland Leong might have taught me a few
"tings" in my career, but one thing I learned
quickly enough on my own was that you
didn’t mess with Ed the "Ace" McCulloch.
He was one tough hombre, who wasn’t afraid to let his fists do the talking. Now I never really got whipped by McCulloch and maybe that’s because this "skinny kid from Canada" knew when to steer
clear. Unfortunately for me, advice from others forced me to cross his
path early in my career.I’d say since I was 16, I had purchased every
leading drag racing magazine and had developed what I believed to
be a list of heroes when I started racing in 1972. It just wasn’t right to
be an aspiring drag racing champion and not list Ace on your hero
line-up; along with Snake, Beadle, McEwen, etc.
So, it’s 1972, and we are doing pretty good racing in the Northwest
with that old ugly yellow Pacemaker Vega Funny Car. This was also
the first year that McCulloch had the Revvvvolution deal.So we
ended up in the finals during an event in Portland, Ore., and we
raced down through there, and my team owner/crew chief gets to
me quick, and whispers, "if he asked did you see him out there, say
no."Not knowing any better I followed Gordon Jenner’s advice.Sure
enough, McCulloch finally gets out of his car, he takes his helmet off
and has that big afro hair thing going on; you know, Like the Snake &
Mongoose had back in the day. Bear in mind, I had never met the
guy and didn’t know any more about him, only that he was a tough
racer.McCulloch walks over and asks,
"You saw me out there, huh?
"I responded in my most serious voice, "No."
He gives me the look, points his finger at me and offers,
"I beat you! You didn’t see me out there?
"I held my ground and responded,
"Didn’t see a thing." I knew at this point I was too far to turn around.
Apparently there had been a win-light malfunction and my scoreboard
lit up. Trying to diffuse the situation a bit, I added, "I heard you,
but didn’t see you."He points the finger again and threatens me,
"You skinny little b******, you ever do that to me again,
I’ll drive right over you."I walked away saying,
"Oh s*** to myself."I met my first hero and now he wants to kick my
a**. Nothing like a good first impression.I ended up meeting him
again in the finals at Indy. We brought a wounded car to the line and
we are thrashing trying to get the car running.
I just happen to look over and there he is staring at me.He gives me
a glare of hate and points at me. I’m thinking at this point; please
don’t let me win a controversial race. In fact, I wasn’t so sure after the last exchange that I really wanted to beat him.
As it turned out, he ran a 6.60-something and won the race.
We finished off a great first year by going to the semi-finals at the
World Finals in Amarillo; won a couple rounds at the OCIR
Manufacturers Championships; and went a couple rounds at the
Last Drag Race at Lions. Eventually the relationship between myself
and McCulloch came around thanks to my association with my
former crew chief and mentor, Jerry Verheul. Jerry was already a
World Champion crew chief; taking Frank Hall in Jim Green's Green
Elephant to the World Title.
He knew a lot of these heros, Ed being one of them. He diffused the
situation and eventually I became friends with one of my early
heroes.So, it’s 1976, and McCulloch and I end up in the WWCS
finals again at Portland International Raceway. This time we are in
the Bubble-Up Monza. And by this time, we have the car
trucking.That night we beat him fair and square.
Since the animosity is gone from years past, I actually feel good
about the win and reach for the parachute.
About a second and a half later, my world gets rocked. KABOOM!!
McCulloch had driven into my left side, ON FIRE!! Fully engulfed.
His car bounces off of me and gets stopped. I maintain control of the
car and slide to a stop beside him.I ran over to him and lifted the
body up. I quickly help him get out of the car.He takes his helmet off
and looks at me.If I ever learned one thing about McCulloch that day,
it’s that in addition to being a great racer, and good fighter; he’s also
able to hold a grudge better than the average bruiser.
"I told you I’d f****** run into you," he said.
He smiled, hugs me with a big ole bear hug; and we've been good
friends ever since. Jerry comes down and says "good job kid," and
we head for home.But wait, there's more ... Jerry and Ed, both die
hard racers, also shared a passion for boats; fast ones, slower day
cruisers, Unlimited Hydro's, etc. Since we were leasing a shop from
Bernie Little's Miss Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane team at Boeing
Field in Seattle; we had tons of room for visiting racers to service
their hot rods; McCulloch and Snake to name a few. We also got to
befriend the crews and pilots of the Blue Angels; who headquartered
there every year for Seafair.
After one of Doner's "STEAK & POTATOES, NO VEGETABLES"
kick a** NITRO only events at SIR on an August Saturday night;
we'd always get up early and take Jerry's 21 ft. day cruiser down to
the log booms on Lake Union and watch the Seafair Hydro races;
and watch the "Blues" open the event with their patented precision
flybys. 10 G's, no pressure suits, damn! This year, McCulloch and
crew joined us. It gets a little fuzzy here (too many Buds maybe?)
but as we're leaving the lake Jerry gets the crew cab and boat trailer
a "little" off the road. While he's lighting cigarettes and popping
more Buds; the "Ace" springs in to action. He notices an industrial
size fork lift a ways off, and hot foots it down there. Within literally
seconds, it springs to life; the Ace brings it back with a sh** eating
grin on his face. He's definitely more than just a pretty
face...moments later, we're on the road back to the house.
Ed's reciprocated a ton; letting us stay with Him, Linda, Chip, and
Jason at their ranch in Sanger CA. on the way to Bakersfield every
year. Somewhere in this time frame, the infamous shot of the Ace
holding the "other" Gordon (Mineo) by the throat, fist raised, surfaces
... ALL I could, and still think about; is that could have been me!
Ace, we all love you up here in the Northwest; and our wish for you
is to win the Full Throttle World Championship before you retire.
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Stick To the Script
Whenever I get a call for an appraisal, I always ask
what kind of car it is. If they mention a Chevy II or
Acadian 1962-67, my ears perk up. My beloved
Bambi is a 1964-and-one-half Chevy II, and I know
most of the part numbers off by heart.
Dallas Buleziuk bought this '66 Acadian Canso back in
2000. The body had the usual dents and scrapes, but
was basically pretty good. The 283-V8 was reliable,
but the 2-speed Powerglide didn't provide much
excitement. With help from his father, restoration
began immediately. The rear quarters were replaced
with new ones, and the rest of the body was
smoothed, one panel at a time.
Dallas knew pretty much what he wanted, and
formulated a plan.
The rear quarters were modified slightly for more tire
clearance. A narrowed Ford 9-in. diff with Strange
axles was installed onto the stock monoleaf rear
springs, and a pair of Competition Engineering round
traction bars were added. They're nearly invisible,
and definitely necessary.
When the bodywork was complete, a friend sprayed
the dark blue metallic paint inside and out. The stock
blue interior was shot, and Dallas wanted bucket seats
anyhow. A new black interior was purchased from the
Musclecar Shop, complete except for the console.
He had something else in mind. An IROC Camaro had
been wrecked, and theT5 5-speed transmission was
mounted in the Acadian. The shifter was upgraded to
a B & M Ripper, and the lever sits between the seats.
A few mods were required to the tunnel, but everything
looks like it was factory-installed.
To replace the 283-V8, Dallas had local Corvette guru
Mike Thorpe build him a 4-bolt 350-V8 with angle plug
heads and a fairly lumpy cam.
These old Chevy II's and Acadians are hard to fit
headers into, so Dallas built his own. The finished
products were ceramic-coated, and something to be
proud of. A mandrel-bent system with Flowmasters
completes the exhaust.
The bodies in these Acadians were an early version of
the unit-body, and not nearly as sophisticated as
today's offerings. Back then, lighter metal was used,
and the engineers reasoned that several layers sandwiched
would make a strong floorpan (they hadn't discovered
"boxes" yet). Under certain conditions, the
floors were fairly strong - until someone or something
tried to twist them.
The rear wheels are left on the ground, and the front
is lifted. It is then supported by jackstands just
behind the point where the subframe bolts to the body.
The subframe connector is then welded solidly to the
front subframe. Even if they are bolt-on connectors,
the welded connection spreads the load over ten
times the area, and is thereby ten times as effective.
Master Power disc brakes were added, and a vacuum
cannister mounted under the fender. Crossroads
Radiator built him a new HD 3-core rad and, of
course, a huge stereo fills the trunk. Dallas estimates
that 3,000 hours were put into his car, and he has
only put on about 4,000 miles since completion.
But those were all fun miles.
In the hustle and bustle of Christmas, everyone
seems pre-occupied. If it's cold and stormy, it's
worse. We lost a friend on December 20th when
Doug Nicklassen ("Appraisals by Doug") passed away,
the result of an accident.
I attended his memorial service on December 30th at
the Travelodge in Strathmore; it was packed.
Doug was well-known and well-liked. He cut a fairly
wide swath, but at 53 was way too young to be called
home. Rest in peace, friend.
Fred Nelson is an accredited local appraiser who
owns and operates Nelson Racing.
Reach him at 242-3856.
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FISHTALES by Catfish
The biggest news to hit the local car show scene was
the shocking announcement that there will not be a
LANGLEY GOODTIMES CRUSIE-IN FOR 2010.
The volunteer committee directors listed several
factors such as "Burnout, politics, bureaucracy, economy,
lack of merchant support & safety concerns."
With crowds of over 100,000 and almost $100,000 raised
for local charities in 2009, maybe the upcoming 14th is
nixed, but, you never know what could be in the works.
Time for some people to STFU, walk the talk, get up off
the couch, and actually help out when and where needed.
The only people that really see it, are the volunteers, as it's
always the same core group for any event. Be it parents at
a school function, sports fundraiser, picnic, parade, festival,
and yes...even Parties!
To all the past & present Cruise-in committee
members & volunteers, and all those people who
volunteer in general, because it makes them feel good,
without getting their name mentioned, cutting a ribbon, or a
photo opportunity,…..
Catfish thanks you & Go Canada Go! Olympic spirit!
It is important for men to remember that, as women grow
older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same
quality of house-keeping as when they were younger.
When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are oversensitive,
and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.
Heres a view from a friend on this very important topic:
My name is Murray. Let me relate how I handled the
situation with my wife, Fran. When I retired from CN many
years ago, it became necessary for Fran to get a full-time
job along with her part-time job. Both for extra income
needed assisting the race car program, and the extended
health benefits. Shortly after she started working steady,
I noticed she was beginning to show her age. I usually get
home from Newlands Golf Club about the same time she
gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I
am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour
or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her, instead,
I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets
dinner on the table. I generally have lunch at Riders Pub so
eating out is not an option. I'm ready for some home-cooked
grub when I hit that door.
She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating.
But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for
several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically
reminding her several times each evening that they won't
clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it
does seem to motivate her to get them done before she
goes to bed.
Another symptom of ageing is complaining. For example
she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the
monthly bills during her lunch hour. But boys, we take 'em
for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement.
I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days.
That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her
that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt
her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one
of my strong points. When doing simple jobs, she seems to
think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break
when she was only half finished mowing the lawn. I try not to
make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice
big cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for
a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself,
she may as well make one for me too.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support
her. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is
easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it
impossible! Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating
women get as they get older. However guys, even if you just
use a little more tact and less criticism of your ageing wife
because of this article, I will consider that writing it as well
worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each
other.
M.Z. (retired pensioner)
EDITOR'S NOTE:
January 13, while his wife was packing his luggage for the
Barrett-Jackson Auction, Murray mysteriously suffered a
perforated rectum. The RCMP report states he was found
with a Calloway Big Bertha Driver golf club jammed up his
rear end, with barely five inches of grip showing and a ballpeen
hammer laying nearby.
His wife Fran was arrested and charged with assault. The
all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty,
accepting her defence that Murray somehow, without looking,
accidentally sat down on his golf club.
Murray plans on standing around, doing a whole lot of nothin'
for the next little while! No more spicy hot wings either
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FISHTALES by Catfish
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
1. Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics! Will that be
cash or Chargex? (Term used Back in the Day for VISA)
2. Your $500,000 Vancouver home is only a 5 min.
commute from Downtown Vancouver.
3. You can throw a rock and hit three other Starbucks
locations, from a Starbucks location.
4. There's always the same unemployed people at
some sort of protest going on.
5. Weed.
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN ALBERTA
1. Big rock between you and B.C.
2. Ottawa who?
3. Tax is 5% instead of the approximately 200% it is
for the rest of the country.
4. You can exploit almost any natural resource you can think of.
5. You live in the only province that could actually
afford to be its own country.
6. Americans below you are all in anti-government militia groups.
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN SASKATCHEWAN
1. You never run out of wheat
2. Your province is really easy to draw.
3. You can watch the dog run away from home for 3 days.
4. People will assume you live on a farm.
5. Daylight savings time? Who the hell needs that!
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN MANITOBA
1. You wake up one morning to find that you suddenly
have a beachfront property.
2. Hundreds of huge, horribly frigid lakes.
3. Nothing compares to a wicked Winnipeg winter.
4. You can be an Easterner or a Westerner depending
on your mood.
5. You can pass the time watching trucks and barns float by.
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN ONTARIO
1. You live in the centre of the universe.
2. Your $400,000 Toronto home is actually a dump.
3. You and you alone decide who will win the federal election.
4. The only province with hard-core American-style crime.
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN QUEBEC
1. Racism is socially acceptable.
2. You can take bets with your friends on which English
neighbour will move out next.
3. Other provinces basically bribe you to stay in Canada.
4. You can blame all your problems on the "Anglo %*#!%!"
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN NEW BRUNSWICK
1. One way or another, the government gets 98% of your income.
2. You're poor, but not as poor as the Newfies.
3. No one ever blames anything on New Brunswick.
4. Everybody has a grandfather who runs a lighthouse.
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN NOVASCOTIA
1. Everyone can play the fiddle. The ones who can't, think they can.
2. You can pretend to have Scottish heritage as an excuse to
get drunk and wear a kilt.
3. You are the only reason Anne Murray makes money..
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
1. Even though more people live on Vancouver Island , you
still got the big, new bridge.
2. You can walk across the province in half an hour.
3. You can drive across the province in two minutes.
4. Everyone has been an extra on "Road to Avonlea."
5. This is where all those tiny, red potatoes come from.
6. You confuse ships by turning your porch lights on and off at night.
TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN NEWFOUNDLAND
1. If Quebec separates, you will float off to sea.
2. If you do something stupid, you have a built-in excuse.
3. The workday is about two hours long.
4. It is socially acceptable to wear your hip waders to your wedding.
Let's face it: Canadians are a rare breed.
The views and opinions of "Catfish" are his own
and not endorsed by his employer(s), Quicktimes, NHRA,
SEMA, the Roman Catholic Church, Canada Revenue
Agency, his family, friends or any one else
in Canada or on this planet.
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Haul In The Family by Fred Nelson
While we're on our truck kick, I thought we should
show you this recently-completed Ford F-150 we ran
across in Strathmore. Anytime we see a 31-year-old
pickup as clean and straight as this one, there's usually
a good story to be had. And, of course it needs an
appraisal to confirm that a lot of money went into the
buildup. Graham Jackson and his oldest son, Lachlan
started this project in the fall of 2005.
They had a total of three old Ford pickups around the
place, so there would certainly be enough material to make
one good one.
Graham had purchased a '79 F-150 new ($7736) and
driven it for years. It was a 302-V8 and Ford had
hooked it to the much more heavy duty C6
transmission (many use the lighter duty C4).
This was a pretty good combination so it was
chosen to be the power plant for the project.
Wanting to do as much of their own work as possible,
the engine was stripped down and taken to Todd at
Muscle Motors. The cylinders were bored .030
oversize and the heads rebuilt. Big "S" Auto next
door supplied rings, bearings etc. The C6 automatic
was rebuilt by John Colpoys, the local transmission
specialist. A Stage II shift kit was added, making it
pretty much bulletproof. Since this blue '78 had the
best cab, it was decided to be the focus of their
efforts. It was stripped down to just the bare frame
and cab shell.
The truck was towed to Refinish FX Auto Body near
Rockyford, where it was sandblasted. Shop owner,
Brad Muenchrath painted the frame and replaced
the cab corners. He also replaced the inner and
outer box sides. GM blue metallic paint was a fairly
close match to the original Ford color, and everything
was painted separately, inside and out. Special care
was taken to undercoat all parts, and the bed was
sprayed with boxliner.
The new 302-V8 and C6 automatic were finally
installed into the still fenderless truck. Graham and
Lachlan assembled the truck, with a little help from
younger brother, Brendan and a few of his friends.
I asked Brendan why he was not as enthusiastic
about the Ford pickup, and it was revealed that he
has a newer Chevy 4x4. He and Lachlan have a
rivalry about which one is best. I informed them that
they didn't invent this debate. When Ford came out
with the flathead V8 in 1932, it was already in full
swing. And, like the Middle East Peace Process,
there's no end in sight.
These are things we look for on an appraisal, and a
trained eye can pick up misalignment from four carlengths
away. (So can an untrained eye, although
many times they can't put their finger on what's
amiss.)
All new brakes were next on the list, and the 9-in.
diff was also rebuilt. With the truck now mobile,
it was taken to Blue Oval Restorations, west of Airdrie.
These old twin I-beam front ends were in use for
several years. Shop owner Paul Sanden knew it
should steer better than it did, so he rebuilt the
steering box. All the new chrome was installed,
along with a high performance exhaust system.
Aluminum running boards and a set of newer Ford
mags dress it up a bit more. Lachlan is finishing up
a Power Engineering course at the college in
Medicine Hat.
This story will serve as his letter of introduction to the
Friday Night Cruisers. Give them my regards.
Fred Nelson is an accredited local appraiser
who operates Nelson Racing.
Reach him at 403-242-3856.
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What’s NEW??
Late November the Madmaxx Racing Team of Gary
Racich, Brian Krishka and crew member Jordan
Rachar unvieled their new 71 Cuda Pro Mod, for
sponsors and friends. The car should be ready for
testing in March of 2010 in Las Vegas and should be
on the track in Edmonton in late May or early June.
Terry Capp, Helmut Neitsch, and Dave Dyrbe were
among the over 50 people who stopped by to
congratulate the team on the new ride.
This brand new Jeffers Pro-Cars Cuda has been in
Gary and Brians hands for the past year as they have
been working from scratch to get the car ready for the
track. The car got painted a Candy Apple Purple in
July just before the Rexall Edmonton Indy by Brian at
Chris' Auto Body with the paint supplied by Akzo
Nobel of Edmonton. Brian Krishka from AMS is in the
final assembly of the new Keith Black mopar
powerplant which will be installed in the new ride.
The car will be running well below its potential as Gary
and Brian hope to run in the mid 7's for the first while
untill they get the car dialed in. The team of Gary and
Brian have been racing together for over 13 years now
with this being their 3rd car, with the previous 2 being
super pro/electronic 1970 Challengers.
Gary also has 2 boys Devin and Kristopher who both
ran a junior dragster.
Sponsors for the upcoming season already in place
are Power Source Performance of Edmonton
specializing in car audio,video and starters.
Alberta General Contractors, Supreme Plating,
H&D Roofing, Primac Enterprises distributor for Safety
Sollutions head and neck restraints,
Jiffy Tite quick connectors and Torco Oil products.
Special thanks to Jim Ackland from TAGGZ for providing
the pic’s and info on this very cool ‘Cuda.
Quicktimes wishes the team the best of luck in the
new car and I’m sure 7’s won’t be an issue for them.
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