Strombergs at Pendine !

DSC_0639Golly, just realised we never posted our pictures from The Second Annual Pendine Sands Amateur Hot Rod Races, hosted by the Vintage Hot Rod Association. Here’s a healthy selection of the pics we (Clive and Rick Pearmain) took. You might notice how many of them are of Stromberg 97s. That’s because there were so many Strombergs at Pendine we couldn’t stop ourselves. It filled us with pride almost as fast as the pub on the quay filled us with Welsh beer. As we drove to the event, we wondered whether this could be the first UK meeting that Americans fly over to be part of, just as so many of us UK folks fly over to US events. And sure enough we met a great couple who had read about it on the interweb literally a few days before, and booked a flight. There they were, hanging out on a beach miles from nowhere, just enjoying the old style hot rods. That’s what the old car hobby does to us.

You won’t be surprised that it’s all happening again next year. Dates will be announced soon. And folks are already retuning and rebuilding looking for an extra few mph. Sand fever! Be there or miss out on one of the best events you’ll ever go to. Which reminds me, BIG thanks to Neil and all the other VHRA (and local) guys who organised, scrutineered, wardened, participated, raced, broke, drove the ambulance and more.

 

New 2×2 linkage for Ford 4-bangers

We’ve got together with our buddy Charlie Yapp at Scalded Dog Speed Parts (and the early Ford four-banger dedicated ‘Secrets of Speed Society’, of course) to produce some cool linkages for early Ford Model A-based four-cylinder engines.

The new Stromberg TwoStep 9248S (direct) and 9248PRO (progressive) linkages are designed principally for use with the popular Scalded Dog Equalizer and Riley Two Port intake manifolds (both available from Scalded Dog Speed Parts), which set the carburetors five inches apart. The new TwoStep 9252S and 9252PRO linkages set the carburetors 9 5/8th inches apart to suit Burns, Zephyr and Roof 101 Cyclone intakes. Prices for all kits are highly competitive: $45.95 (or £24.96 + UK tax) for the S (direct) kits, and $99.95 (or £49.96 + UK tax) for the PRO (progressives).

Designed and manufactured exclusively by Stromberg Carburetor, the TwoStep linkage range combines clean, traditional looks with maximum leverage and huge versatility. Each kit comes pre-assembled and installs in just two simple steps, without the need for extended throttle shafts. Check out the following features:

  • Die-cast zinc SuperLink lever arms. All other parts stainless steel.
  • Every kit comes with new Stromberg ‘Snapback’ throttle return springs, which wrap around the end of the throttle shaft. These chemically blacked, stainless steel torsion springs snap the carburetors shut, yet virtually disappear from view.
  • TwoStep progressive systems are designed to ensure optimum performance and maximum versatility. The long primary lever has three mounting points so you can change when the secondary carburetor opens, and you can pull the front carburetor or push the rear one open to suit individual applications. On the top setting (as supplied), the linkage will start to open the secondary carburetor at around 50% throttle. Lower holes will open the secondary carburetor sooner.
  • To improve leverage, the primary (center) arm was kept as long as possible without hitting the carburetor S-jet. It also has a bigger clamping screw to handle more linkage torque. The sliding progressive rod meets the secondary carb rod at the top of the lever arm – not part way down like some systems. Effective leverage is especially important as 97 multi-carb systems have strong spring resistance.
  • The neat tapered rod stops are fully adjustable, with discreet set screw fixings.

Just one warning, I’m afraid: Like most progressive linkage systems for Stromberg carburetors, the TwoStep progressive linkages cannot be used with banjo fuel fittings (eg. Stromberg 9082K and 9083K). The banjo and its fuel hose interfere with the long (primary) linkage arm causing linkage binding or sticking. You can use our 9080K hose ends instead, of course, leading your hoses to a firewall-mounted 2-outlet fuel manifold block.

We wouldn’t be responsible if we didn’t ask you to read the instructions before installation, of course. Luckily, (and unlike most other linkage suppliers) Stromberg TwoStep linkages all come with full instructions.

Who’s Who at the Antique Nats?

You meet at all the best folks at a Stromberg show booth. Look who rocked up to to meet us at this year’s Antique Nats.

Robert and Suzanne Williams. Don’t know who Bob Williams is? Where have you been…in prison? Google him…you won’t be disappointed. In the meantime, we’ve added a picture we found of Dick’s ’32 roadster and Suzanne’s ’34 Tudor – chopped (many years ago), by new Stromberg Team Member Rick Pearmain.

Cigar Larry McCullough, who has new Stromberg 97s on all his hot rods.

Dick Flint and Dick Winfield. Dick Flint’s bright red track nosed 1929 Ford Model A roadster needs little introduction, but here’s a pic anyway. The Glendale Sidewinders member had Valley Custom form the distinctive nose and pan,helping it run 143mph at the lakes. The car was restored by Don Orosco, winning the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Hot Rods Class in 1999.

Ray Salmon, who we caught installing stacks on his new Stromberg 97s at the Antique Nationals. He said his little Model A Roadster ran better than ever with new 97s  – and right out of the box, too.

Click on the small pictures for the slideshow.