A Horror Story for Hallowe’en

This is a true story. One that happened to me a few years ago now. Yes, it’s still a painful memory, though I do have to confess, I am beginning to see the funny side of it. And there is even a silver lining, which we’ll come to at the end. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin….

Some years ago, maybe even before we started the whole Stromberg 97 project, I came to own a very rusty 1942 Ford convertible, out of South Carolina. It ended up on my driveway for a year or so and then got moved here and there until I decided I needed to fix it or part it out. Luckily, a remedy presented itself. Around the same time, my buddy Roger Hamilton had been given a 1946 long door coupe body. OK, it wasn’t the best body in the world, and it had to be collected from Dundee, Michigan and shipped back to England, but we had a project! So a plan was hatched. We’d use the solid coupe shell to rescue the convertible – cut the roof off, swap the doors etc. What could possibly go wrong?

Plan worked great. A buddy in Carolina trucked up to Dundee and collected the body. We stuck it on a boat and in due course, we got it back here. No room at Roger’s or mine, but again, no worries. He had a friendly farmer up the track so the body went there while I got my act together. Again, what could possibly go wrong? We even took some pictures to celebrate. That’s me on the left, Mr Happy.

Wanna know what could possibly go wrong? A giant hay bale. Not one of those little old-school ones that your dad lifted on the end of a pitchfork. Oh no, we’re talking one of these 21st Century mechanised rolls that weighs in the same as a mid-size Cadillac. Feeds 200 cattle for three weeks. A Godzilla, black plastic wrapped bale of hay that …..rolled off the stack and onto my [well, actually still Roger’s at this point  ;>) ] unsuspecting 1946 Ford body.

Do I need to remind you never to overtake a hay truck? You know how thick that 1940’s Ford steel is. And how strong the cowl section is. The roof of this car hit the floor pan, through the two doors that were laid flat inside the car. Trick or Treat? You decide. Click on the pictures and enjoy the show.

Finally, I mentioned a silver lining. First off – and I am not making this up – Roger still managed to sell the freakin’ car! To a vintage stock car guy who said he was going to jack it out. And secondly, this year, friends of Stromberg, Russ Pepper and Richard Green, helped me import another, better ’46 Ford coupe at a very affordable price. And it’s parked safely here at Stromberg HQ. Haven’t even unpacked it yet as we have our Model AV8 ’28 Phaeton to finish first. But that, as they say, is another story…for another day. Happy Hallowe’en!

 

 

The Remington Lakester

Not really news in a ‘new’ kinda way, but we’re moving our website home page news feed to point everyone at this Bulletin so I guess it’s new to this….you get the picture….

The important bit is that we were super proud to be involved in the recreation of Phil Remington’s 1941 lakester. Unveiled at a special party honoring Phil, who was 90 this year, at the NHRA Museum in Pomona, the blue roadster is an exact recreation by Burton, Michigan’s Dan Webb. Webb hosted the party for 400 of Phil’s closest friends, including Dan Gurney, Stu Hilborn, and… er…us.

Built in 1941 and raced at the lakes from 1946-1948, the roadster consistently ran over 130 MPH running a 21 stud Ford flathead fed by two Stromberg 97 carburetors. As Dan Webb wanted this to be a perfect recreation of the beautiful lakester, he insisted on Genuine Stromberg 97s for the beautiful new motor, built by acknowledged Ford flathead expert (and Genuine Stromberg dealer) Mike Herman over at H & H Flatheads in La Crescenta, CA.

Congratulations to Phil Remington and Dan Webb for creating and recreating one of the all time greats from hot rodding’s past. We’re proud to be a small part of it. I reckon the pictures say more about the awesome quality of the car than I possible could, so just sit back and enjoy the show….

 

Stromberg Engineer’s/Military Cap/Hat*

* Is it a cap? A hat? Engineer’s or military? We can’t agree on what to call this hat, but we do all reckon it’s pretty cool. We’ve offered a choice of black baseball caps and beanies for over a year now, but this is our first in the more retro Engineer/Military style that is becoming increasingly popular. Item Number 1804-B. It’s 100% cotton, with a ‘one size’ adjustable velcro rear fastener at the back, and our Orange Genuine Stromberg 97 patch on the front.

We’ve always said that everything we do for our Clothing & Collectibles range should reflect the authenticity and originality of the Stromberg Carburetor name. This cap does all that and more. You can get yours at the Stromberg online store today!

 

29447K product update

Stromberg carb blank off plate - 29447K

Our carb blank off plate will never be our coolest product, but we’ve updated it anyway. No more ugly W-shape (like on the later model 97s) –  just a simple D-shape, same as the carburetor base, but smaller so it all but disappears. Yes, it’s a small change, but it’s a chance to improve something and that’s how we do things at Stromberg. For price and more info, click 29447K.

Sales & Service Clock

2802 Stromberg Sales & Service Clock

Another beautiful shop clock from Stromberg! Just the same as our best-selling Sales & Service sign, but as a battery operated clock with back-lit face. 14 inches diameter. Time to order? Part 2802.

PLEASE NOTE. THE LIGHT IN THIS CLOCK IS DESIGNED FOR A 110VOLT (NORTH AMERICAN) ELECTRICAL SUPPLY. IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR UK-STYLE 240VOLT MAINS ELECTRICITY. That’s why our online shop won’t show a sterling price. Sorry!