Hi to all, been lurking for quite a while, decided I need to take the plunge and officially sign up.
My name is Terry, 44 years old, work as an engineer (Metallurgical Engr by degree) on nukes. Been making the Speed Week trip for 6 years now since moving to CA. Live in Livermore, CA (San Francisco bay area, land of fruits and nuts). Last year I got my daily driver COE finished and drove it to Bonneville, here is a pic if any recognize it, certainly not the most common sight:
I am just finishing the top chop on the COE, took 4 inches out of the top. Just think of my new speed advantages
My wife loves Speed Week and Bonneville, I am a very lucky guy! She also enjoys my hot rodding habit and my new quest to be a real racer and not just a spectator. Used to drag race a 70 Camaro (high 10's, basic back half ladder bar car), but the drag racing takes so much time and my wife really could not do much with it. So sold the Camaro, put that engine into a 38 Chevy 2 dr sedan, hence my screen name. I also use that name on several other boards. Here is that car:
Now back to why am I here? I recently picked up a 55 Studebaker Commander to build up into a land speed car. Here is the beauty
once home at my house:
And here is the car being loaded on my trailer, with the guy that owns the property. He was happy to see the cars go to some use, his wife was even happer to see them gone!
The car was sitting up in the Santa Cruz mountains for over 40 years, last reg'd 1967. Too far gone to become a street car, just right to cut up and modify for racing. Price was right, FREE
Also got another 55 parts car, here is what it looked like as found
You can just see the roof of my "good car" behind the parts car in the pic above. Parts car was also free for taking. Although getting it and the other car home were not the easiest loading operations. The parts car is almost all stripped down, getting ready to scrap what is left. Anyone need parts before it is gone?
My goal for the 55 Stude is to eventually go over 200, a personal goal. I figure start with a smaller NA engine, get the car running good, my driving skills ready, and have some fun. Then can step up to a bigger engine and higher speed. I see the car as being stock body, but with an engine swap. I do not plan to run the Stude engine. Besides both cars have engines long locked up, my budget dictates something with better availabililty and costs. Thinking about a V-6 first, then either turbos or a bigger V-8 when I am ready. Since the front end sheetmetal is messed up and the grille parts are one year only high co$t, I am most likely going with a fiberglass 53-54 front end.
Well, in a quick post, that is my introduction. Look forward to hanging out and contributing a bit. Feel free to ask any metallurgical related questions, I'll do my best to answer without too much technical distractions. Terry
