68 Dick Harrell Funny Car

[sYc]

Glad everyone enjoyed the car. The crowd reaction was unreal. Had numerous pro photographers, both freelance and magazine, interested in the car. But, the best part was visting with "the old timers" who remebered the car, and of course Dick. Got to meet Bruce Larsen and see his gorgeous '68 Camaro fc, USA-1 make a side ways pass down the track, watched Arnie "the Farmer" make a couple of passes, saw Grumpy's Toy ? (the pro-stock Vega), just to name a few. All in all, a great weekend. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

[68TopStock]

I heard Bruce pulled the chute at just the right time. Congratulations Tom and Maurice, hope to see you soon. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[sYc]

The decision to have it hand lettered was made at the last minute. I had debated for weeks which way to go. I knew it had been done by hand in '68, but did not know how/if I could get it done today. But, Mo ran into a guy who not only did lettering, but was a big fan of Dick Harrell and other funny car racers. About ten minutes after he began lettering, I knew I had made the right decision. As good as the car looked before, the hand lettering set it off. I think that is one of the things impressed the crowd at BG, as most of the other cars were vinyl.

Another interesting note about the car. Mo and I had not had time to build a set of headers, but Saturday morning Bob Gibson and Donny Reeves helped us out. We were able to install a set taken off of Dick's '69 World Championship FC that Bob had removed several years ago. not for sure if we will leave them on the car (getting thin) or if we will install a new set. The '69 headers may go into my Supercar Museum.

[ORIGLS6]

Tom,

I noticed the headers were thin but assumed they might be original to the car. Why not just delete the previous posting and let everyone else think the same??????? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img]

Any info to lead you to think the '69 headers may differ from the ones original to your car? At the very least, you have a pattern!

Dennis

[moparts]

The only bad thing about the 69 headers is they are going to be hard on the new paint job, due to the angle that they turn up on the end. We are considering making some new ones that will exit a little further past the body. The origional one's, the best we can tell, tapered towards the back and didn't come out as far from under the body. If we only fired the engine with the body up we would be ok. So is it new headers or no burnouts? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[moparts]

UPDATE!!!
Starting system installed......shifter installed......waiting on more parts

Mo

[JoeC]

Don't the FC's run double wall tubing to lower the surface temp of the headers? Maybe you can get a set made up to look like the originals but use double wall tubing. just a thought [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]

[moparts]

That is probally right. Our problem is with these the exhaust flames will be directed at the paint.

[davenkc]

Tom,
As I have said before you will never hear from me "that is not right" concerning your 68 DH f/c and that still is true. The very fact that it is still alive and now "out there" where people can see it is great! I am pleased beyond how I can express in words! Congratulations to you and Mo on a restoration way beyond what was expected.
I am trying to work out a way to attend the FCR in E-town next month and will let you know per our phone conversation.
I can't wait to see it in person.
Again thanks very much for bringing it back.

Dave Libby [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

[moparts]

UPDATE 2 !!!!!!!!

Fired it off last night.....ears still ringing.....Note to self "don't fire funny car inside shop again".....dust is still falling out of the roof...... and I think I have all the ceiling pannels put back in place......wife thought we had blew the shop up.....suggested I tell her next time before starting it........ [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]