Almquist Catalog 1962 - 63

Some clippings from the Almquist Engineering Co. Catalog

Speed - Mileage - Customizing - Performance

 World's Largest Supplier Of HI-Performance Equipment

Almquist - Milford, Pennsylvania



Danbury Racearena Advertisement - Summer 1964

Crude, but effective ad, beckoning both race fans and the general public alike

to a night at the races.  Danbury was a beautiful facility in its time.  Probably one of the

nicest in the country.  Look for more Danbury posts in the future.

Cantilevered Coupe

Bob Iden's wild 1930 Model A coupe from 1965.  Built by Dave Puhl of "House of Kustoms".

Car features a one piece wrap-around Lucite top.  Front "A" posts removed for a cantilever look.



Power comes from a stout 327 Chevy, topped with a GMC 4-71 blower and four

Stromberg carbs.  All engine accessories and running gear were chrome plated.  Body was

 painted by Puhl in a Kandy Pagan Gold lacquer. 

Beautifully sculpted back end has chromed rear axle. Check out the M&H pie crust slicks.

Black interior features pleated naugahyde and full carpets, S-W gauges and a Cragar steering wheel.

Popular Astro Supremes all around.  Rake is from 3" Cragar dropped axle.

The Greek at Bakersfield

Chris "The Greek" Karamesines getting pushed to the line in 1964. 

This was the much anticipated showdown between 'The Greek' and Greer-Black-Prudhomme in round one at the '64 March Meet; Karamesines crushed G-B-P with a 7.92-189.86; although Connie Kalitta won the race, Karamesines set low e.t. of the meet at 7.84.

The Chizler smokin' em on down the track at Bakersfield in 1963.

  Chris set low e.t. of the meet at 7.99

Also at Bakersfield in 1961

Amazingly, at 80 years old, Chris defeated Doug Kalitta in the first round

 of Top Fuel at Bristol Dragway on June 19, 2011.

What would Sid say?

Johnny likes Country Life But'ta....

Hey, a punks gotta make a buck too.  Johnny was always

a capitalist at heart anyway.  Plus, he has a good stare.

  Flog on!

Cale Yarborough leaves the track at the Southern 500 in 1965

From Speedway News, September 14, 1965:

"Cale Yarborough and Sam McQuagg became involved in a most spectacular spill during the running of the “Southern 500” this past Labor Day at the Darlington, S.C. raceway. The top picture shows Cale’s car, out of control, gyrating skyward as Sam McQuagg strives to bring his car under control. Bottom photo shows the Yarborough car hurtling the guardrail as McQuagg still fight to keep his(24) under control.  Entering the scene of disaster at right is LeRoy Yarborough (no relation to the spilling Cale).   The mishap took place on the 119^th lap of the annual “Southern 500” Labor Day classic. Both drivers escaped injury, but were eliminated
from the race.”

Scoots from Japan

Japan is well know for their enthusiasm of American rod and custom culture.  Here are some examples of the Japanese being ahead of the curve and giving the treatment to scooters.  They have been modified for horsepower, fitted with gas shocks to lower them, and some have custom fabricated bodies.  Never would have thought scooters could be so rad.  Enjoy!

CSRA Fall Swap Meet at Lake Compounce Bristol, CT.

Every Spring and Fall the Connecticut Street Rod Association host a swap meet in the parking lot of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park.  Both buyers and vendors file in well before dawn and the line waiting to get in extends over a mile sometimes.  No fret.  The meet is exceptionally well run and the $10 admission is very reasonable.  Vendor spots are equally reasonable.

The food vendor row resembles a carnival sideshow midway.  The offerings are varied and tasty.  No line yet... but within a half hour there was.

 

Vendors who set-up the day before saw their wares coated in a thick frost.  Things get going real early.

Two guys keeping warm and cooking breakfast sandwiches.

 

Vintage pedal fire truck.

Nice old motorcycle trophy, maybe 40's.

Original magnesium wheels for Anglia spindles.  Nice, but at two grand, priced on the upper end.

30's sedan body was in nice shape.

The parking lot had some unusual rides.  This 50's Chevy pickup was chopped and had HUGE rolling gear and massive rear.  Very cool.

This realistic looking fellow didn't move a muscle for over 18 minutes.

Vintage big block chevy Cal Customs.

Buy the Fairlane and get 10 sheets.

If a motorized wagon mated with a motoized bar stool.  Nicely done.

Rolling billboard for All American Blasting had surplus radar unit for a center console.

Early Dart was one of the most mysterious of the cars in the corral.  Had late Hemi power, Doug Nash 5-speed and Dana rear with electronic traction control.  Automatic headlight dimmers and tubular frame ties it all together.  Dash tach hints at cars potential.  Supposedly owned by a crazed madman in Putnam County New York.  $2500 price was a steal!

Love 'em or hate 'em style Charger.  Not sure if it was a 66 or 67.  Nice shape, I love 'em.

You can find just about anything at the swaps.  Well used hookah was $30

Nice clean shorty Ford pickup.

Bone stock. Bone original. 78 Honda wagon drew a lot of interest.  Price around 8 grand.

Vintage laydown kart for $250.

Barn find 57 gasser had radiused fenders, moon tank and tinted windows.  Sans engine or straight axle.  Still, a nice start.

Check out the CSRA at csra.org  See ya in the spring!

Mighty Tiny - Tiny Mites

While vintage karts with multiple engines are somewhat common, a twin engine dragster minibike is a rare bird.  Here are some true pocket rockets to whet ones appetite.  The dual Mac powered ride above was built in the 1960's and was good for 100 MPH! 

Click on picture above, and then click on "show original" to read text.

Below is a modern day creation using a pair of inexpensive Honda four stroke knock-offs.  Nice clean job, although it may a bit uncomfortable on the jagoons in the laydown position... could use some seat padding.

Offset motors and a special twin sprocket clutch make this combo work.  Check it out in detail at www.ratrodbikes.com  (note: this is primarily a very cool bicycle site, but they couldn't resist showing this great piece) 

Finally, if some is good... the three must be better...