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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Orlando.....What's the status on the convert today?? Cool story......Did anyone notice the 60 Vette in the ad with the Hemi engine?? and the Hemi Coronet.......And.....LOL
Eddie, I forgot all about that incident....Yep!!....That could have been a bad one....... Ken </div></div> I haven't done anything with it yet. Its in storage. Rick Nelson is doing a car for me now, and the convertible will be next. The 60 vette with a HEMI caught my eye! Very Cool |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Hey Ken,
Thanks for the great stories that i remember like it was last weekend,spent many weekends it that area with my black 1969 C.O.P.O. and my good friend Mike McNamara with his 440 dart we won a few and lost a few.It was a great time for all,I was eighteen a few dollars in my pocket,a car car that was a great contender and guess what happen,Yep Uncle Sam called Gone June 7,1970 off to Ft. Brag N.C. |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 66 L78 ragtop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The similarities are almost beyond belief. Identical cars from Chicagoland and raced at the same track (US 30 Dragstrip)
What are the odds? What was that Chevelle's VIN? KWhizz, do you remember a Marina Blue 66 L78 Chevelle convertible in the chicagoland area? Also raced at Oswego. White convertible top, black interior? </div></div> Yep!! When those Pic's of the Chevelle were first posted a while back....I had to do a double take and thought is was an early pic of Mighty High.... </div></div> I got a chance to talk to my Dad today. He distinctly remembers an exact twin of his L78 Chevelle. He said they were at Pop's Drive In together once. It was not a drag car at the time, but he said the car had white steel wheels and black wall tires on it. Could this be Mighty High before it was turned into a drag car? John |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
John
I dont recall white rims.It had chrome slotted wheels on the car before it was painted Mighty High ed |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
What happened to Joe L, the original owner of Mighty High?
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 66 L78 ragtop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Long story short, I found the car in Arizona. It had IL plates from 1977. The owner was originally from Chicago and found the car in a Chicago newspaper in 1968. I went to the Herald Washington Library in downtown Chicago and searched all the newspapers and found the advertisement. See below. I did a reverse directory search on the listed phone number and found the second owners, the family that listed the car in the Chicago Tribune. The original owner was drafted after the car was purchased and unfortunately died. The second owner, Arnie Borreson was also drafted. His father Edger Borreson listed the car in the tribune per Arnie's request. They lived in Lincoln Wood, just 10 miles from my house. Arnie is still alive and well. He is a pilot based in Idaho. He was best friends with the original owner and knows the cars history since day 1
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...ertisement.jpg </div></div> 66L78, do you know what dealership this car was originally sold at? I see in the paper that the Chicago telephone prefix is RO which was Rockwell and was in the Little Village neighborhood where my father grew up. What streets did the first and second owner live on? |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 66 L78 ragtop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What happened to Joe L, the original owner of Mighty High? </div></div>
Joe is still around and lives in the western suburbs..... Ken |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Frank, the address was 6133 N. Newbrg. Look at the photo, rt. hand column, towards the bottom, near the small star
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...address001.jpg |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
I was digging around in some old picture albums and I found a picture of the 66 L-79 car when it new........We were living in Chicago (obviously) at the time and the picture was taken at Paulettes Grandparents house in Wisconsin......the odd thing is, is that we ended up 6 years later buying a new house that was built on the lot next to her grandparents house......Here's a picture of the Nova in the driveway..........
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...scan0008-1.jpg Then......I came across this poor quality picture of Joe Szabo's Psycho Gasser.....As I remember thia picture was taken on a weekend trip to Minnesota for a UDRA meet........The car was trailered and was towed by Szabo's Ford station wagon...The car never got off the trailer that weekend as it rained the entire weekend....... http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...scan0009-1.jpg Also.......my arm is getting twisted to tell the "Other" story.....(Stefano??).....but....maybe some things are best left unsaid.......LOL Ken |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Also.......my arm is getting twisted to tell the "Other" story.....(Stefano??).....but....maybe some things are best left unsaid.......LOL
Ken </div></div> Little late now! Tell it! Can you give me some approximate dates that you guys raced in Minnesota and at what tracks? I have several hundred photos of MN drag strips and will look through them so see if either car is on them. |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
YEAH...TELL THE STORY!
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Also.......my arm is getting twisted to tell the "Other" story.....(Stefano??).....but....maybe some things are best left unsaid.......LOL
Ken </div></div> Little late now! Tell it! Can you give me some approximate dates that you guys raced in Minnesota and at what tracks? I have several hundred photos of MN drag strips and will look through them so see if either car is on them. </div></div> That picture of Psycho was taken in 66......About a month or so later is when we were at Edgewater Raceway outside Cincinnati for another UDRA meet and that is when a broken valve took the engine out.....and that was the last time the car was out for a while......... |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I was digging around in some old picture albums and I found a picture of the 66 L-79 car when it new........We were living in Chicago (obviously) at the time and the picture was taken at Paulettes Grandparents house in Wisconsin......the odd thing is, is that we ended up 6 years later buying a new house that was built on the lot next to her grandparents house......Here's a picture of the Nova in the driveway..........
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...scan0008-1.jpg Then......I came across this poor quality picture of Joe Szabo's Psycho Gasser.....As I remember thia picture was taken on a weekend trip to Minnesota for a UDRA meet........The car was trailered and was towed by Szabo's Ford station wagon...The car never got off the trailer that weekend as it rained the entire weekend....... http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...scan0009-1.jpg Also.......my arm is getting twisted to tell the "Other" story.....(Stefano??).....but....maybe some things are best left unsaid.......LOL Ken </div></div>Ken, A GREAT picture of your nova!! |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Sammy........It was my all time favorite car......I wish I was smart enough to have just kept it the way it was......
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Great stuff Ken! Thanks for sharing...now, how about the rest of the story?
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Another picture from the Grove from last year........
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...n/DSC02873.jpg |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
A Link to the rebuild of "Shake" Mario drove for years
http://www.hotrodhotline.com/feature/garage/0657chev/ |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
A pic of Mario driving Shake many years ago............
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...hot_201_1_.jpg |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
KILLER stuff Ken! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img]
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
ken
you hav'nt aged a bit ed |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
ran across this picture the other day..
thought of this thread... http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...black69/57.jpg |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
That is a cool set-up. Love the scoop, wheels, and the red tinting! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img]
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Just a note on Big Ernie. He was the only black guy I ever saw at Skips. His Marina Blue 55 had a one piece front end on it, the last time I saw him race on Elston. Never got a close look at the motor, I was always at the back of the line.
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Dan.......I went to High School with a guy named Al that lived in Bucktown........he had a yellow 64 Impala Convert 327 300hp/ 4 speed.....the car was stolen and recovered with some parts missing......( as I remember it was missing the Engine and trans)......anyhow, I somehow got involved in getting the parts and putting it back together for him......we bought a 327-365 hp engine assy from Nickey and he wanted to take the car after completion and go to the Grove and win some Trophies......Hey!! We were still in High School and Trophies were a big thing....LOL
Anyhow ....Al wasn't a mechanical guy so he basically dropped his car off and bought a lot of parts......He bought an Isky 505 cam and I put it in while doing the swap......Got the car together and the car sounded crazy with the cam.....Now that I think about it,....It was a pile of mismatched parts (3:36 gear) but it sure sounded good.........Anyhow, after getting it back together (After a couple of weeks......Al stayed away and I didn't see him during this time) I had a problem with the shifter in the car.....Not a Hurst ( Cal 500???) and after a test ride I decided to jack the car up in front of my house (Addison & Southport) and adjust the linkage.......so....I'm under the car and I see a car pull up in the street and stop....but....I'm under the car and couldn't see who it was....after a couple of minutes I hear the car door shut and I see shiney shoes coming towards me.........Humm.....Ends up the Police saw the car jacked up and me underneath trying to fix the shifter......he did a liscense plate check and the car was still on the Hot Sheet.......It's funny now but I ended up going to jail in handcuffs with my Mom looking out the window.....Took a couple of hours to get a hold of Al so his parents could get everything straightened out........ Had a lot of fun and learned a lot with Al's car......Till his Grandpa figured out that Al was stealing all the car money from his Stash in the basement........LOL....His parents sold the car and gave Grandpa his money back and Al became a Bus Guy..............Crazy Times......... |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
That is a hoot Ken! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Ken...your stories are just too damn cool....
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] I can't help but think that's the origin of an old phrase; "No good deed goes unpunished!"
Cool story. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Priceless stuff, Ken!!!
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
That's a great story. "Honest Officer, I'm fixing the car for a friend."
Jason |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORIGLS6</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] I can't help but think that's the origin of an old phrase; "No good deed goes unpunished!"
</div></div> LOL! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] Great story Ken! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Thanks for sharing it! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img] |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
I had purchased a new 63' Inpala SS in 63. Got my first real job at Illinois Tool works off Fullerton and Pulaski. Used to park the car on the street when working. After only four weeks, some dirt bag, AWOL fron the Army stoled my car. Found the body shell on the southside. The insurance conpany totaled the car. I went out and bought a new 64' but my dad said no more SS's for me. Had to wait 4 to 6 weeks back then for a factory ordered car.
Both cars were 327/300 4 speed cars maroon with black interior. Went with mods on the 64. Isky solids and kit, Hurst, curved distribitor, jetted Holey, and stock Posi rear. Of cours I did glass packs and side pipes(lakes plugs at the time). It made a nice street racer. Have a few good stories about this car. I'll share some later. By the way, this is the car that my girl and I ran through the Elston police blockade one late Saturday night. |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
A lot of guys would look at a large car like a '62-64 Impala and think that a small block would be a slug, especially since 409s get all the glory.
I have ridden in a few 300hp 327 4-speed 62-64 full size cars. Give them a good tune and some gear, and they will run a lot harder than you'd expect! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img] |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
KWIZZ, I have a 64 Impala convert story for you.....
After driving the 64 Impala for a few months, I missed the black vinyl interior that I had in my 63 SS. So I decided to contact my local midnight auto supply guys. I told them what I wanted. They said no problem, we'll call you in a few days. Sure 'nuff, I get a call two days later. We got your goods. Come to the garage and bring your tools. I'm there. They open the garage and behold, a 64 Impala convert with a black vinyl interior. They tell me that I'll need to do the transfer 'cause they got another job. I'm in their 6 car garage removing both interiors when I decide to take a brewski break compliments of midnight auto. At this point, I'm under age and can't buy booze. The side door swings open and one of the midnight auto guys tells me to be very quiet, the police are outside checking some things. I finished the brew, browned my shorts, and smoked a half pack of Camels. About 15 minutes later, the boys give me the all clear. The cops just left not bothering to check the inside of the garage. When I realized that the sedan and hardtop rear seat was wider than the rear convert seat, I was not happy. Restored the interiors and left the garage. Told the guys not to bother with another interior. Somewhere in the brews, smokes, and soiled underwear, I lost interest in vinyl. I don't remember the color of the donor Impala. I hope it wasn't your freind Al's ride. Did some stupid stuff when I was a kid. This is just one example. I have a few others that I'll share. |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
Midnight Auto Supply.........LOL.......I knew some of those guy's that worked in the Parking Garage in McCormick Place at the Lakefront.........They used to take orders for cars.....when somebody pulled into the parking garage with the "Correct" car.....well........you can figure out the rest of the story.....LOL....
Life in the "Big" city............... |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
I remember the first time I used midnight auto supply. I was at Skips, parked, enjoying a Boston coffee. This female was driving, with her boyfriend shotgun. She backs out and nicks my driver's side headlight bezel with the rear fin of her 57 Chev.
We both get out to check the damage, at Skip's! Well long story short, her car, nothing, my 59 Impala has a dent in the bezel. The boyfriend steps up and says he'll cover the cost. Well, I say, that bezel is expensive, at least $40.00. He gives me two twentys, and we're both happy. The next day my midnight guys say $5.00 for a replacement. I a happy camper. We agree to call when the part becomes available. Three day later, I get my bezel. Take the old dented part off, put the replacement on. I'm once again I'm happy that my beautiful black with red interior 59 looks like new. A few days later, I notice that my neighbors 59 four door Chev is missing a headlight bezel. Contacted my midnight boys and told them to farm their parts a little further from home. Message received, cool out, they said. I bought the 59 from a friend who joined the Marines. He wanted to keep the car, but his dad said to sell it. It was like new when I got it in 61, plastic seat covers and all. I borrowed $1500.00 from my dad, promising him I'd work for him without wages 'till the 59 was paid off. Great guy that my dad was, we did the deal and I kept my end of the bargain. He deeply regretted the loan after I started stacking up speeding tickets. When I had to go into the 'insurace risk pool', he said buddy you're on you own, you need to get a better paying job. When I California raked it and installed scavenger pipes, it looked like it was right out of Hot Rod Magazine. This was my first practice car. The car you learn everything about go-fast with, including power shifting. Corvette cam form Nickey, three duces, Hurst shifter, baby moons, Mallory dual point distributor and huge coil and Sun tach. The 283 held up well 'till i traded it for a 63 SS. I did blow the three speed once, but rebuilt it myself for pennys. |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
We used to get a lot of 'New" parts from the parts guy at Hoskins Chevrolet.....his name was Art Tart.......Cam and Solid lifters out the back door.......$30.........LOL....At Nickey, we had to pay list.....(till Nickey Mike started in parts).....LOL
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Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
The above are all good reasons why I'd like to stay out of Chicago. Tough town.
Verne |
Re: Growing up in Chicago in the 60's
At Nickey all you needed was a tax number for the parts guy and you got the big discount. I just made up a number and a shop name.
Man I can't believe how cheap real Chevy parts used to be. When I started buying Isky stuff, I had to work some o.t. for the extra bucks. Good thing my company offered all the o.t. I could use. I remember a lot of 80 hour weeks in them days. Hey Verne, it's who you know in Chicago that made a neighborhood safe or not. If you were 'in' with the right guys, no worrys. When I had my 63 SS stolen, I was out of my safety zone, but then again, I should've used the company parking lot like everybody else. Strange how all my old friends turned 'straight arrow' in the 70's after getting married and having a few kids. I guess we all grew up. |
Been some years since the last post.....As I was reading thru the thread again.....There are a couple of Nickey stories........Here's one of them.....We used to go to Nickey every weekend to see what was going on in the back room with engine swaps......There's another earlier story, but this one was from the Spring of 68........I became friends with one of the Parts counter guys named Mike and his Boss Mr. Cusser.......He was a Hippie at the time.....But very knowledgeable in parts......He would always answer the phone "Nickey Mike"......So everyone knew him as Nickey Mike.......
So.......one Saturday in the spring of 68, I was sitting at the parts counter talking to Mike.......This young guy walks in and asks Mike if they had any L-88 engines in stock.....Mike said yes and he indicated he wanted to buy one and have the service department swap it into his 68 Vette with just a few hundred miles on it........It was a 427 - 400 engine.......Hydraulic cam with 3 deuces, Turbo 400.......And he wasn't happy with the performance.....He was a college student with deep pockets.....He wanted the swap done right away........Mike checked with the Service Department and they were booked for weeks.....The guy was disappointed......Mike asked if I would do the swap for the guy in my dad's garage........the guy asked how much to swap out the engines.........I told him I would do it if he gave me the old engine......said sure and wrote a check for the engine and Mike had it delivered to the garage.......the guy dropped the Vette off the following day...So....I swap everything out and I have this basically brand new 427 engine sitting in my Dad's garage.....So......A week later I go over to Dad's place and notice the engine and engine stand were gone.......Hummm!!!.....I find my Dad and ask him what happened to the engine.......He tells me that the Guy from Nickey told him they needed it back at Nickey........So....I drive over to Nickey and go into the parts department looking for Mike.......I couldn't find him so I asked his Boss Mr. Cusser where Mike was.........He told me that Mike quit and moved to California..........Never saw Mike or the Engine again..........The Education continues........ Ken |
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