TriChrome
03-07-2018, 12:51 AM
From: BOB FORD [BOB_FORD@compuserve.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2001 9:54 AM
To: Blind.Copy.Receiver@compuserve.com
Subject: 57-56-55 CHEVY LISTL
THIS IS THE 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST FOR
DEC 16, 2001
THIS LIST IS DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE 1955, 1956,
AND 1957 CHEVROLETS TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. ALL OPINIONS
ARE WELCOME.
TO POST SOMETHING ON THIS LIST PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR POST TO
BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM
THERE IS NO COST TO BECOME A LIST MEMBER AND ONLY LIST MEMBERS ARE
ALLOWED TO POST SOMETHING ON THE LIST.
THIS 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST IS NOT SENT OUT ON ANY SET SCHEDULE SO IF YOU
WANT TO POST SOMETHING THAT CONTAINS A DATE, PLEASE SEND IT IN EARLY
SO I CAN GET IT OUT TO THE LIST MEMBERS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE EVENT.
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CITY AND STATE WITH YOUR POSTS. IF YOU ARE
POSTING SOMETHING FOR SALE PLEASE ALSO INCLUDE
1. YOUR PHONE NUMBER
2 THE PRICE
3. WHEN YOU WILL BE AT YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR TIME ZONE.
TAKE AS MUCH SPACE AS YOU WANT AND FULLY DESCRIBE WHAT YOU HAVE
FOR SALE OR WANT TO BUY.
YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS LIST ARE WELCOME.
IF YOU WANT TO SEND ME E-MAIL THAT YOU DO NOT WANT ON THE LIST
PLEASE PUT "PRIVATE NOT FOR THE LIST' AS THE SUBJECT.
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS LIST ARE THE MEMBERS OPINIONS AND NOT
NECESSARILY MINE. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OUT ANY MATERIAL NOT
APPROPRIATE FOR THIS LIST.
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AS THE LAST THING ON YOUR E-MAIL.
BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF A VIRUS, PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS
WITH YOUR E-MAIL. E-MAIL WITH ATTACHMENTS WILL NOT BE READ.
THANKS
BOB FORD
EDITOR
__________________________________________________ ____________________
To: Bob Ford, BOB_FORD
From: Tamara Tresko, INTERNET:twtresko@pacbell.net
I am forwarding this for Stevde..Please reply to him.. Tammy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Fitzwilliam" <sjfitz@pacbell.net>
Chevy Carburetor
Time: Sat, 15-Dec-2001 17:48:01 GMT IP: 64.171.116.254
I need a new carburetor for a 350 engine on a 57 Chevy. What
4bbl should I look for? Where?
Thanks,
Stevde
-----------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: bh2004, INTERNET:bh2004@cowco.com
Bob
I hope everyone believes in miracles. Because of your list, I had one
happen to me. I had a 1956
Nomad when I got married in 1960. I kept it for a few years until it had
over 100,000 miles. I
traded it in on a new 1963 Chevy and a lot of payments so I would have
reliable transportation to
go to work and transport my growing family. I had always liked that Nomad
but with the expense
of a wife and 3 children I could not afford to own any classic car. Fast
forward to 2001. I can
now afford a classic car as my children are now out of college and own
their own. You guessed
it, I wanted a 1956 Nomad. I read each issue of "Old Cars" and Hemmings
looking for a car like
the Nomad I had owned.
Last May, I saw an ad in your list for a Nomad with all the options I
wanted on it. I called the
owner and asked if I could look at it. The car was about 200 miles from
where I lived. When I
got there, the owner told me the car was his fathers car and his father
had died some years ago
and the car was in his garage taking up space and he needed the space for
his workshop. He said
the car was not in very good shape. I went to his garage and had to work
about 1 hour removing
junk from the front of the garage to even see the car. When I finally got
to see the car, it looked
exactly like the car I had in 1960 except it was a different color. It had
the same options on it.
The owner said I could buy it for $100 cash if I would haul it away today.
I went to the nearest
ATM and got $100 cash and bought the car. I had brought a tow bar with me
just in case I
wanted to buy the car. I called AAA and had them come out and put air in
the tires. I towed the
car home that day.
The next day, I started to inspect the car carefully. I opened the glove
compartment and in a large
envelope were all of the service records. I started to look through them
until I found one from
1961 WITH MY NAME ON IT. It had the address where I lived in 1961. I
yelled to my wife to
come to the garage immediately. I could not believe it but I have found
the actual car I owned
in 1960. Yes it needed a some work done on it to restore it but I now
believe in miracles.
The Nomad is now fully restored and it is my pride and joy and it would not
have happened with
out your list Bob.
Bill Hansen
Anderson Missouri
------------------------------------
To: Bob Ford, BOB_FORD
From: Tamara Tresko, INTERNET:twtresko@pacbell.net
Forwarding this to you all..hope someone can help him...
----- Original Message -----
From: Michel Proulx
To: twtresko@pacbell.net
Hi
I have a 1954 Chevy pick-up model 3604
The GM part and accessory 1954 Chevrolet Booket say :
For 1954 Chevy Pick-up serie 3000 the deluxe version with commercial red
234A exterior color.
First What was a Deluxe Cab version in 1954.
1. The interior trim should be Maroon and Beige
Question What should be beige and What should be Maroon.
Headliner, Door panel, cowl kick panel, dash, door,
Is the seat fully Maroon or could be maroon in the side and Beige and the
bottom and on the back seat only or vice-versa
Question Was the Maroon a light Maroon such as Burgundy/red Wine
A Medium Maroon such as Burgundy to Medium Brown
A dark Maroon such as Burgundy /Dark Brown
2. The front Grille for Commercial red 234A exterior color soul be
Waldoft White number 558 or Gm code 246
Question What kind of white that was . Was it Pure White , Shell White,
Cream White or else
3. if the front grille is Wakdoft white or Cream What color are the
CHEVRELET Lettering on the upper Grille Bar Red or Black
4. Was the 1954 Commercial Red 234A Exterior color, the same color as for
1946-1947-1948-1949-1950-1951-1952 Swift red 234A and as 1956 Commercial
Red
234A and as 1957 to 1972 -Cardinal Red 714 .
5. The engine color for 1954 for 235 Thrift Master was it bleu , green or
what
The engine color for 1954 for 235 Load Master was it bleu , green or
what
The engine color for 1954 for 2261 Job Master was it bleu , green or what
6. Tinted Glasses option was it Brown, Bleu, Green or else, was it
heavy/dark tinted , Medium tinted or Light tinted) Which glasses were
tinted
Thank You very Much
Michel Proulx
18 Charles Boyer
Chambly Quebec
Canada
J3L 3G8
Phone 1-450-447-2215
Cel 1-514-949-8460
Fax 1-450-447-2212
micproulx@sympatico.ca
------------------------------------
To: UNKNOWN, INTERNET:Bob_Ford
From: 92712,1082
BOB
I have been a judge at car shows for 30 years. After I read your comments
in the Los Angeles
Times I was going to send you an e-mail and tell you your comments about
seat belts were off base. I
am one of those judges at car shows that took off points if a car had seat
belts that did not come
with the car.
On the very day I was going to send you an e-mail message, my daughter and
grandson were in a
car accident. They were hit by a drunk driver. The police told me that
their seat belts saved their
life. It occurred to me that this might have happened to them when they
were with me in my old
car which does not have seat belts. So instead of sending you an e-mail
blasting you for telling us
judges how to judge a car, I want to say "Thank You" for helping me see the
light. I now have
seat belts in my Bel Air. If some judge takes off points for my seat belts
now, I ask my self "what
is more important to me? A few points at a car show of the safety of me and
my passengers".
AL JORDON
57 Bel Air
Editor's note. Al the thanks should really go to Jeanne Wright of the LA
TIMES for the article that brought this to our attention.
BOB
------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:WSSmolick@aol.com, INTERNET:WSSmolick@aol.com
USED 55-57 CHEVY PARTS--> new repro (still sealed) by TrimParts '56 V8
hood
emblem $25; '55 4dr sedan passenger side rear outer wheelhouse (spot welds
to trunk wall) $20; '56 BelAir hardtop/Nomad/convertible sunvisors in lt
green perforated vinyl $10pair; Nomad/6 pass wagon rear seat bottom hinge,
passenger side $15; '56 BelAir 4dr sedan/wagon front and rear door side
moldings $15each; '55 210 4dr interior door panel stainless trim $20set;
working '57 six cylinder starter $25; solid original 1st floor braces at
cowl, blasted $80pair; used six cylinder clutch assembly $10. Shipping is
additional.
Wyatt S. Smolick
Fleetwood, PA
WSSmolick@aol.com
-------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Rolasan@aol.com, INTERNET:Rolasan@aol.com
In a message dated 12/11/01 11:53:31 AM Eastern Standard Time,
BOB_FORD@compuserve.com writes:
Bobby Kirk, I would weld the trunk floor and install a frame mounted shock
brace available from several tri 5 parts suppliers.
Regards, Bob Sanford
----------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "frank broucker", INTERNET:frank_3kids@msn.com
Hello Bob,
I hope you can help me with a question about my 55 Chevy. I have
owned this car for 26 yrs. All
lettering/numbers on radio, clock, speedometer, dash bezels, etc. are all
Chevy red in color and not white.
I am constantly asked why? Everything looks factory and I don't see any
evidence of doctoring. I have
E-mailed many many sites and Chevy clubs and I have not come up with any
answers. The detail of these
lenses and bezels are perfect, too nice for anyone to have changed them.
When I bought the car in 1975
I noticed the dash lenses were red and not white. I thought this was
probably an option in 1955 and didn't
think any more about it. I retired from my job in 1998 and have been
driving my car much more than when
I was working. It seems everywhere I go the question is always the same,
why are your dash lenses red?
My car is a 1955 Chevy 210 2dr. hdpt. The style-55-1037, body#-J-493,
trim-504, paint-605, vin#
B55j177789. If you could give me any info. on this matter it would be
greatly appreciated.
Thanks You,
Frank Broucker
-----------------------------
To: [unknown], bob_ford
From: "Condit, Matthew R [AMSTA-AR-WES]", INTERNET:mcondit@pica.army.mil
Hi Bob,
I'd appreciate if you would post this so other members may benefit.
For those who own a 57 Chevy with a 2 barrel carb there is an (disposable)
air filter available that fits the air breather. The interior section of
the air
breather is removed and in its place, a Purolator filter, number A30067 can
be used.
This filter fits exactly into the lower section of the breather. Recently I
took the breather to the auto store and went through several filters until
found one
that fits. The lower rubber portion of the filter forms the seal at the
interior
perimeter of the lower section of the breather and the upper rubber portion
forms the seal to the lid of
the breather. In fact, it's a perfect fit, looks good, requires no
modification to the breather and is functional.
In regard to those who responded to the question-How many Bow-Ties
are in the dash trim of a 55 Chevy, the answer is 987. All that responded
were correct.
Matt
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com, INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com
Re: SEAT BELTS IN CLASSIC CARS
Bob, thanks for taking a position on the side of safety in your input to
the
LA Times about this neglected subject.
Dennis McGillis
Vintage Chevrolet Club of America
Orange County Region
949-551-4821 phone
949-551-1162 fax
949-533-7211 cellular
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:gary.w.krier@gm.com, INTERNET:gary.w.krier@gm.com
Carl Johnson, I believe your grandfather is correct in identifying the
vehicle
he has as a "Muntz" car. I am originally from the Milwaukee, WI metro area
and
if I remember correctly the car was advertised in that area in the early to
middle '50s. However, the main product line for Muntz was Television sets
at
that time. Perhaps other inputs from Ford's internet friends will confirm
my
recollection on this matter.
Gary Krier
Shelby Township MI
---------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "HENRY ALICEA", INTERNET:popsrocker@msn.com
I am selling a 55 Chevy 6 cylinder engine complete with three speed
transmission, I am removing it from a Handyman Wagon, it's complete fan to
transmission. oil pan to air cleaner even has an oil filter. I am located
in Miami Florida, call 305-984-4921 or e-mail (popsrocker@msn.com) I am
looking for the best offer need the space in the garage
--------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Warren Kramer", INTERNET:wrkchevy@hotmail.com
Bob,
It has been awhile sine I wrote. Still read every new "issue" as it
arrives.
I live in a small community and my bank has called me the once or twice I
"bounced" a check in some 15 years.
Rare, but true.
Warren
http://facelink.com/wk2
Editor's note. In my youth, I lived and worked in a small community and I
bounced a check. The bank called me and told me they were going to
impound my car if I didn't make the check good that day. I got an advance
on my paycheck and took it to the bank to cover the check. The odd thing
about this is that there was not a loan on the car. It was paid for.
BOB
----------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Charlie", INTERNET:chas108@3rdm.net
Hey Bob...
I might as well get into the Plastic/Steel pipe fray.
My first air compressor, about a dozen years ago, was plumbed with
1/2" PVC, but when I replaced it 8 years ago, I re-plumbed with 1/2"
steel pipe. I bought the Compressor and accompanying sandblaster
from TIP (now TP Tools) in Canfield, Ohio, and steel's what they
recommend. I've never had a problem. Of course you need to drain the
moisture out of the lines every day you use the compressor, but that's
a good idea anyway. The idea is that steel will cool the air, the
filter and moisture separator will dry it and therefore the air reaching
your tool or spray gun will be day and cooler, and most importantly
not condense further.
As for Carl Johnson, there was indeed a Muntz. I saw this in my
"Encyclopedia of American Cars 1940-1970", in the "minor makes"
section. It was built by Earl "Madman" Muntz between 1949-54.
He built a sports car called the Muntz Jet, according to my book
about 400 total were made. Cost was $5000-6000. Apparently he
was losing about $1000 per car and so he went out of business.
This is all in 1950's dollars. So you can imagine how much $$ he
lost in today's dollars!!
--------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD (E-mail)", BOB_FORD
CC: [unknown], INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com
From: "Dave Hecker", INTERNET:dhecker@presenter.com
Richard,
Regarding water in the air line. Yes, eventually I would expect water
trapped in steel to rust the inside of the pipes. However, with a well
designed system regardless of the material used for the pipe, it should
have a downward slope to the pipes, and drains which should be used to
remove the water regularly. I have also been advised that the pressure
of the lines should be relieved regularly when the system is not in use.
The compressor, which is likely also steel, should be drained of water
periodically too. Filters, driers, and oilers should also be installed
at the end of the run dependant upon the tools being used to protect the
tools, and/or filter the air. Air quality not withstanding, it would
take an awful lot of rust from the inside before a steel pipe would fail
from the pressure. The horribly rusted galvanized steel pipe that I
think many of us have seen, is usually the result of being used as water
plumbing pipe for many years, the worst rusted examples are usually the
hot water lines closest to the water heaters. These are a very
different situation than air lines. While I wouldn't want to have such
a badly rusted pipe in an air system, and would not want to blow so much
debris into the filter, I also think with reasonable maintenance, it
would take my lifetime before it became a problem. As I stated
previously, I have had good luck with PVC systems, and for cost, ease of
installation and repair, they may make sense especially for the weekend
mechanic.
Thanks,
Dave Hecker
Vice President San Jose Classic Chevys
http://clubs.hemmings.com/sjcc
dhecker@presenter.com
------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Browser521@aol.com, INTERNET:Browser521@aol.com
I asked if anyone could let me know the vertical distance from one of the
letters on the quarter panel Chevrolet insignia to the center line of the
210
quarter trim. Unfortunately, I forget to mention the year. I need the info
for a 1956 Chevy 210. Thanks again, David Browe, browser521@aol.com
-------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Bob Speirs", INTERNET:nomad55427@hotmail.com
Maybe I can be of some help on the battery question that was posted on the
list.There are three main things that determine how long a battery will
last.
The first is the brand of battery.I have had great luck with Delco and
Interstate batterys.This doesn't mean other batterys aren't as good,just my
personal experience over 28 years.I've rarely had to buy a new
battery,there
were always plenty of "bad" batterys at the Chevy dealer.A voltmeter and a
few minutes on the core pile always produced a few good batterys.The
average
used battery was 4 years old,and would usually last 3 more years.I had one
that lasted 9 years total.Stay away from the Pro-start and the value
brands.You get what you paid for.
The second is the cranking amps of the battery.Make sure you get a
battery
that is rated for the load it will have.With all the electrical add ons,the
more cranking amps the better.If you try to save $5.00 and go with the
smaller battery you will pay in the long run.Make sure the CA (cranking
amps) and CCA (cold cranking amps) are displayed on the battery.The cheaper
ones leave this info off.Stay clear of them.Also check the date code when
buying a battery.It should be stamped in the case.I've seen battery reps
come and cover the old stamp with a new sticker after a year.Peel the
sticker back to get the real age of the battery. It will be a letter
followed by a number.Example: A9 would be January 1999, F1 would be June
2001.It isn't uncommon to see batterys on a shelf over a year old.Ask for a
fresh one or buy somewhere else.This doesn't apply to a dry battery,their
shelf life should be counted from when the acid is added.
Third is probably most important.How well you maintain the cars
electrical
system.Never let the batterys water level go below the plates.This will
overheat the battery.Don't put off fixing the car if there is an overnight
drain on the battery.Also make sure the alternator and belts are good.If
you
jump a discharged battery and drive the car before charging the battery,the
plates can crack and flake.The part of the plates that fall off will sink
to
the bottom and short out from neg. to pos. causing a drain.Also keep the
car
tuned properly.The easier the car starts,the less drain on the battery.
I only tried to hit the basics here.The GM instructor spent 4 hrs of a 2
day class on batterys.One other thing.A Delco or NAPA battery ,and some
other brands,should be charged for 8 hours before being tested if the are
drained to far.You would be surprised at how many are still good after a
full charge.
Bob Speirs
----------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Dave Hecker", INTERNET:dhecker@presenter.com
Carl,
There was indeed a Muntz Jet convertible in the early 50's with a total
production of less than 400 cars by the information I have seen. It's
definitely a collectors item if he's got one.
Thanks,
Dave Hecker
Vice President San Jose Classic Chevys
http://clubs.hemmings.com/sjcc
dhecker@presenter.com
-----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: Dwayne Burgess, INTERNET:privateeye4u@yahoo.com
The Muntz was a car made up of several parts of
other cars. There were two versions. They were
manufactured in the early 50s, originally with a
Cadillac engine and later, I believe, it went to a
Lincoln engine. There were only about 400 of these
built. Thet started out in California and were later
built back East. They had a nice design for their
time, but like so many others, never made the grade. Dwayne
------------------------------------------------
To: "'BOB FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: Mike Novins, INTERNET:mike@calwest-radiators.com
DEAR BOB,
CAL WEST AUTO AIR & RADIATORS IS HAVING THERE XMAS SALE.NOW THRU
JAN.31,2002. ALL NEW PARTS ARE 10% OFF.MANY NEW ITEMS. PLEASE
CHECK OUT OUR WEB. SITE AT WWW.CALWEST-RADIATORS.COM.
WE HAVE A NEW NEON ROUTE 66 CLOCK AT A SPECIAL PRICE.TO ORDER CALL
ME AT (800) 535-2034.
MERRY XMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR,
MIKE NOVINS
-----------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:TOTALFLOOR@aol.com, INTERNET:TOTALFLOOR@aol.com
I have owned five Muntz RoadJet automobiles over the past ten years and am
currently restoring the very last Munt RoadJet to come off the assembly
line.
Yes, there actually was a "Muntz"! Originally designed and built by Frank
Kurtis (Kurtis-Kraft) then "MadMan Muntz" bought all the tooling and jigs
and
moved the operation from Glendale, CA to Evanston Illinois. They were built
from 1950-1953. Get in touch with me and I'll get you on our Muntz
Registry.
There are approx. 110 in existence of the original approx. 300. Muntz also
invented 4-track stereos and was the 4th largest producer of televisions in
the fifties. He actually coined the phrase "TV" when his skywriters could
not get the word "television" to stay readable in the sky as his
advertising! He named his daughter "TeeVee" as she was 21 inches long at
birth and his biggest TV model at the time was 21".
-----------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Hogue1234@aol.com, INTERNET:Hogue1234@aol.com
Hey Bob:
This is in response to the MUNTZ car question:
Earl 'The Mad Man' Muntz was the a typical entrepreneur. He began in radio
in the early forties and started in 1949 selling the first televisions for
mass market as a Dumont Television franchiser. As a result he made millions
of dollars. In the early fifties he meet up with various prominent car
dealers in the area and worked out promotions where each would share
showroom
space and promote each others merchandise. Earl wanted to have his
televisions in as many auto showrooms as possible and offered auto dealers
huge giveaways of his televisions. One such dealer was Frank Kurtis who was
tinkering around with a failing self promoting sports car called a Kurtis.
A
general motors dealer in Inglewood California. The two discussed the
possibilities of offering a new, sporty southern California type of
automobile to the public. This discussion was rumored to have initiated out
of learning of the Nash-Healey union in 1953. The original 28 Muntz Jet
prototypes were built in Gardena, California in 1951 or '52. All had
lift-off
tops and Cadillacs 331 cid V8. These prototype were assembled with a
mixture
of current parts from other contemporary cars and custom parts. Most body
panels were aluminum formed over a steel cage subframe on a 'X' frame
chassis. The car was well received in showrooms across southern California
and signups with deposits were large enough to satisfy a start of
production.
A numerically lower final drive ratio gave the Muntz jet a higher top speed
than the Kurtis, and Muntz claimed a 0-60 mph time of as low as nine
seconds.
The jet was much heavier and far less agile, however.
Production was shifted to Earl's hometown of Evanston, Illinois, where the
power train was changed to the Lincoln L-head V
8. In the production stage,
final numbers built was 366. With the prototypes from California total
production was 394. Muntz lost about a $1000. on every Jet he sold, the
main
reason he gave up on the venture after four years.Earl went on to develop
the
4 track and 8 track tape car stereos and continued to promote the large big
screen TV's when first developed in the early eighties. I believe he died
at
the age of 89 in 1991 or 92.
---------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Bill Kautz", INTERNET:kautz@home.com
Hello Bob,
This is for Carl Johnson, who asked about the Muntz automobile. Yes,
Carl, there is, (or was), a Muntz! They were built from 1950-1954.
Production is as follows: 1950-28 built, 1951-'52-230 built, 1953-'54-136
built.
They were the brainchild of a gentleman known as "Mad Man Muntz". He
also built televisions. The cars were very expensive for their time,
costing between $4450 for the '51-'52 model and $5515 for the '53-'54s.
This was comparable to the top-of-the-line Cadillacs of the day. There was
only one model, a 2 door hardtop. The engine was a 331 cid V-8 producing
160 hp in the first model. This was replaced with a 336 cid V-8 for the
rest of their short run. In '51-'52 the 337 made 154 hp and in the '53-54
model the engine was making a whopping 218 hp. The '53 Cadillac, by
comparison, made 210 hp from it's 331 cid V-8. Considering that the
Cadillac was a pretty quick car for it's time, (and weight), the Muntz must
have really lived up to it's model name of "Jet",because it weighed 1000
lbs. less than the Caddy. Wild Bill
------------------------------------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:elliotce@songs.sce.com, INTERNET:elliotce@songs.sce.com
Carl
In response to the above from Bob's list
There was indeed a car named Muntz. It was made by the same Muntz that
made car stereo tape players. They are very collectible, let me know if
you want to get rid of it. Do you have any photos of it you could email?
Good luck with it.
Chuck Elliott
949-368-6586
elliotce@songs.sce.com
57 Nomad
57 Conv.
57 210 Wagon
------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
CC: [unknown], INTERNET:castnet@sec.com
From: "Don Kent", INTERNET:dkent@socal.rr.com
To Carl Johnson,
Carl, there WAS a Muntz car back in the early 50's. Old Earl "Madman"
Muntz sold everything!
Take a look at http://members.aol.com/miray/muntzcarco.html,
http://hometown.aol.com/muntz1950/page/index.htm, or
http://www.bumpertobumperinc.com/hunter/52%20muntz/52_muntz.htm to learn
about them for your high school history class.
By the way, if that car is in decent shape I suggest that your grandfather
have it restored. There aren't too many of them around these days.
Don Kent
Northridge, CA
-------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Carl Berry", INTERNET:cberry@wzrd.com
Hi Bob
I have a 56 Chevy 265 engine for sale. It has been completely rebuilt
with only 12,000 miles on it. It's complete from the air cleaner to the old
pan with the exception of the generator. It has a 2 bbl. carb and also the
adapter for using on the newer style transmissions. If you are interested
call me at 716-772-2038 or email me for pics and more info at
cberry@wzrd.com
Thanks
Carl Berry
Gasport,NY
---------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Ron Williams", INTERNET:cpath@linsoft.com
Bob
I am really impressed by the quality of people you have on your list. No
matter what the questions, someone has the answer. Keep up the good work.
This list is a great help to a lot of us.
The whole TriFive community should know about this list. Would you mind if
I contacted Bow Tie and asked them to do a story on your list?
RON
I don't mind you contacting them but they probably have more interesting
things to put in their magazine.
BOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
end of 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST
BOB FORD
18091 MARK CIRCLE
VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA 92861-2648
BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BOB_FORD/
VOICE 714-637-8877
FAX 714-637-2955
Editor of the 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST and TURBOGLIDE REGISTRY
I plan to live forever. So far so good.
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2001 9:54 AM
To: Blind.Copy.Receiver@compuserve.com
Subject: 57-56-55 CHEVY LISTL
THIS IS THE 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST FOR
DEC 16, 2001
THIS LIST IS DESIGNED AS A MEANS FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE 1955, 1956,
AND 1957 CHEVROLETS TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. ALL OPINIONS
ARE WELCOME.
TO POST SOMETHING ON THIS LIST PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR POST TO
BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM
THERE IS NO COST TO BECOME A LIST MEMBER AND ONLY LIST MEMBERS ARE
ALLOWED TO POST SOMETHING ON THE LIST.
THIS 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST IS NOT SENT OUT ON ANY SET SCHEDULE SO IF YOU
WANT TO POST SOMETHING THAT CONTAINS A DATE, PLEASE SEND IT IN EARLY
SO I CAN GET IT OUT TO THE LIST MEMBERS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE EVENT.
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CITY AND STATE WITH YOUR POSTS. IF YOU ARE
POSTING SOMETHING FOR SALE PLEASE ALSO INCLUDE
1. YOUR PHONE NUMBER
2 THE PRICE
3. WHEN YOU WILL BE AT YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR TIME ZONE.
TAKE AS MUCH SPACE AS YOU WANT AND FULLY DESCRIBE WHAT YOU HAVE
FOR SALE OR WANT TO BUY.
YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS LIST ARE WELCOME.
IF YOU WANT TO SEND ME E-MAIL THAT YOU DO NOT WANT ON THE LIST
PLEASE PUT "PRIVATE NOT FOR THE LIST' AS THE SUBJECT.
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS LIST ARE THE MEMBERS OPINIONS AND NOT
NECESSARILY MINE. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OUT ANY MATERIAL NOT
APPROPRIATE FOR THIS LIST.
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AS THE LAST THING ON YOUR E-MAIL.
BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF A VIRUS, PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS
WITH YOUR E-MAIL. E-MAIL WITH ATTACHMENTS WILL NOT BE READ.
THANKS
BOB FORD
EDITOR
__________________________________________________ ____________________
To: Bob Ford, BOB_FORD
From: Tamara Tresko, INTERNET:twtresko@pacbell.net
I am forwarding this for Stevde..Please reply to him.. Tammy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Fitzwilliam" <sjfitz@pacbell.net>
Chevy Carburetor
Time: Sat, 15-Dec-2001 17:48:01 GMT IP: 64.171.116.254
I need a new carburetor for a 350 engine on a 57 Chevy. What
4bbl should I look for? Where?
Thanks,
Stevde
-----------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: bh2004, INTERNET:bh2004@cowco.com
Bob
I hope everyone believes in miracles. Because of your list, I had one
happen to me. I had a 1956
Nomad when I got married in 1960. I kept it for a few years until it had
over 100,000 miles. I
traded it in on a new 1963 Chevy and a lot of payments so I would have
reliable transportation to
go to work and transport my growing family. I had always liked that Nomad
but with the expense
of a wife and 3 children I could not afford to own any classic car. Fast
forward to 2001. I can
now afford a classic car as my children are now out of college and own
their own. You guessed
it, I wanted a 1956 Nomad. I read each issue of "Old Cars" and Hemmings
looking for a car like
the Nomad I had owned.
Last May, I saw an ad in your list for a Nomad with all the options I
wanted on it. I called the
owner and asked if I could look at it. The car was about 200 miles from
where I lived. When I
got there, the owner told me the car was his fathers car and his father
had died some years ago
and the car was in his garage taking up space and he needed the space for
his workshop. He said
the car was not in very good shape. I went to his garage and had to work
about 1 hour removing
junk from the front of the garage to even see the car. When I finally got
to see the car, it looked
exactly like the car I had in 1960 except it was a different color. It had
the same options on it.
The owner said I could buy it for $100 cash if I would haul it away today.
I went to the nearest
ATM and got $100 cash and bought the car. I had brought a tow bar with me
just in case I
wanted to buy the car. I called AAA and had them come out and put air in
the tires. I towed the
car home that day.
The next day, I started to inspect the car carefully. I opened the glove
compartment and in a large
envelope were all of the service records. I started to look through them
until I found one from
1961 WITH MY NAME ON IT. It had the address where I lived in 1961. I
yelled to my wife to
come to the garage immediately. I could not believe it but I have found
the actual car I owned
in 1960. Yes it needed a some work done on it to restore it but I now
believe in miracles.
The Nomad is now fully restored and it is my pride and joy and it would not
have happened with
out your list Bob.
Bill Hansen
Anderson Missouri
------------------------------------
To: Bob Ford, BOB_FORD
From: Tamara Tresko, INTERNET:twtresko@pacbell.net
Forwarding this to you all..hope someone can help him...
----- Original Message -----
From: Michel Proulx
To: twtresko@pacbell.net
Hi
I have a 1954 Chevy pick-up model 3604
The GM part and accessory 1954 Chevrolet Booket say :
For 1954 Chevy Pick-up serie 3000 the deluxe version with commercial red
234A exterior color.
First What was a Deluxe Cab version in 1954.
1. The interior trim should be Maroon and Beige
Question What should be beige and What should be Maroon.
Headliner, Door panel, cowl kick panel, dash, door,
Is the seat fully Maroon or could be maroon in the side and Beige and the
bottom and on the back seat only or vice-versa
Question Was the Maroon a light Maroon such as Burgundy/red Wine
A Medium Maroon such as Burgundy to Medium Brown
A dark Maroon such as Burgundy /Dark Brown
2. The front Grille for Commercial red 234A exterior color soul be
Waldoft White number 558 or Gm code 246
Question What kind of white that was . Was it Pure White , Shell White,
Cream White or else
3. if the front grille is Wakdoft white or Cream What color are the
CHEVRELET Lettering on the upper Grille Bar Red or Black
4. Was the 1954 Commercial Red 234A Exterior color, the same color as for
1946-1947-1948-1949-1950-1951-1952 Swift red 234A and as 1956 Commercial
Red
234A and as 1957 to 1972 -Cardinal Red 714 .
5. The engine color for 1954 for 235 Thrift Master was it bleu , green or
what
The engine color for 1954 for 235 Load Master was it bleu , green or
what
The engine color for 1954 for 2261 Job Master was it bleu , green or what
6. Tinted Glasses option was it Brown, Bleu, Green or else, was it
heavy/dark tinted , Medium tinted or Light tinted) Which glasses were
tinted
Thank You very Much
Michel Proulx
18 Charles Boyer
Chambly Quebec
Canada
J3L 3G8
Phone 1-450-447-2215
Cel 1-514-949-8460
Fax 1-450-447-2212
micproulx@sympatico.ca
------------------------------------
To: UNKNOWN, INTERNET:Bob_Ford
From: 92712,1082
BOB
I have been a judge at car shows for 30 years. After I read your comments
in the Los Angeles
Times I was going to send you an e-mail and tell you your comments about
seat belts were off base. I
am one of those judges at car shows that took off points if a car had seat
belts that did not come
with the car.
On the very day I was going to send you an e-mail message, my daughter and
grandson were in a
car accident. They were hit by a drunk driver. The police told me that
their seat belts saved their
life. It occurred to me that this might have happened to them when they
were with me in my old
car which does not have seat belts. So instead of sending you an e-mail
blasting you for telling us
judges how to judge a car, I want to say "Thank You" for helping me see the
light. I now have
seat belts in my Bel Air. If some judge takes off points for my seat belts
now, I ask my self "what
is more important to me? A few points at a car show of the safety of me and
my passengers".
AL JORDON
57 Bel Air
Editor's note. Al the thanks should really go to Jeanne Wright of the LA
TIMES for the article that brought this to our attention.
BOB
------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:WSSmolick@aol.com, INTERNET:WSSmolick@aol.com
USED 55-57 CHEVY PARTS--> new repro (still sealed) by TrimParts '56 V8
hood
emblem $25; '55 4dr sedan passenger side rear outer wheelhouse (spot welds
to trunk wall) $20; '56 BelAir hardtop/Nomad/convertible sunvisors in lt
green perforated vinyl $10pair; Nomad/6 pass wagon rear seat bottom hinge,
passenger side $15; '56 BelAir 4dr sedan/wagon front and rear door side
moldings $15each; '55 210 4dr interior door panel stainless trim $20set;
working '57 six cylinder starter $25; solid original 1st floor braces at
cowl, blasted $80pair; used six cylinder clutch assembly $10. Shipping is
additional.
Wyatt S. Smolick
Fleetwood, PA
WSSmolick@aol.com
-------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Rolasan@aol.com, INTERNET:Rolasan@aol.com
In a message dated 12/11/01 11:53:31 AM Eastern Standard Time,
BOB_FORD@compuserve.com writes:
Bobby Kirk, I would weld the trunk floor and install a frame mounted shock
brace available from several tri 5 parts suppliers.
Regards, Bob Sanford
----------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "frank broucker", INTERNET:frank_3kids@msn.com
Hello Bob,
I hope you can help me with a question about my 55 Chevy. I have
owned this car for 26 yrs. All
lettering/numbers on radio, clock, speedometer, dash bezels, etc. are all
Chevy red in color and not white.
I am constantly asked why? Everything looks factory and I don't see any
evidence of doctoring. I have
E-mailed many many sites and Chevy clubs and I have not come up with any
answers. The detail of these
lenses and bezels are perfect, too nice for anyone to have changed them.
When I bought the car in 1975
I noticed the dash lenses were red and not white. I thought this was
probably an option in 1955 and didn't
think any more about it. I retired from my job in 1998 and have been
driving my car much more than when
I was working. It seems everywhere I go the question is always the same,
why are your dash lenses red?
My car is a 1955 Chevy 210 2dr. hdpt. The style-55-1037, body#-J-493,
trim-504, paint-605, vin#
B55j177789. If you could give me any info. on this matter it would be
greatly appreciated.
Thanks You,
Frank Broucker
-----------------------------
To: [unknown], bob_ford
From: "Condit, Matthew R [AMSTA-AR-WES]", INTERNET:mcondit@pica.army.mil
Hi Bob,
I'd appreciate if you would post this so other members may benefit.
For those who own a 57 Chevy with a 2 barrel carb there is an (disposable)
air filter available that fits the air breather. The interior section of
the air
breather is removed and in its place, a Purolator filter, number A30067 can
be used.
This filter fits exactly into the lower section of the breather. Recently I
took the breather to the auto store and went through several filters until
found one
that fits. The lower rubber portion of the filter forms the seal at the
interior
perimeter of the lower section of the breather and the upper rubber portion
forms the seal to the lid of
the breather. In fact, it's a perfect fit, looks good, requires no
modification to the breather and is functional.
In regard to those who responded to the question-How many Bow-Ties
are in the dash trim of a 55 Chevy, the answer is 987. All that responded
were correct.
Matt
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com, INTERNET:McGillis@aol.com
Re: SEAT BELTS IN CLASSIC CARS
Bob, thanks for taking a position on the side of safety in your input to
the
LA Times about this neglected subject.
Dennis McGillis
Vintage Chevrolet Club of America
Orange County Region
949-551-4821 phone
949-551-1162 fax
949-533-7211 cellular
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:gary.w.krier@gm.com, INTERNET:gary.w.krier@gm.com
Carl Johnson, I believe your grandfather is correct in identifying the
vehicle
he has as a "Muntz" car. I am originally from the Milwaukee, WI metro area
and
if I remember correctly the car was advertised in that area in the early to
middle '50s. However, the main product line for Muntz was Television sets
at
that time. Perhaps other inputs from Ford's internet friends will confirm
my
recollection on this matter.
Gary Krier
Shelby Township MI
---------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "HENRY ALICEA", INTERNET:popsrocker@msn.com
I am selling a 55 Chevy 6 cylinder engine complete with three speed
transmission, I am removing it from a Handyman Wagon, it's complete fan to
transmission. oil pan to air cleaner even has an oil filter. I am located
in Miami Florida, call 305-984-4921 or e-mail (popsrocker@msn.com) I am
looking for the best offer need the space in the garage
--------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Warren Kramer", INTERNET:wrkchevy@hotmail.com
Bob,
It has been awhile sine I wrote. Still read every new "issue" as it
arrives.
I live in a small community and my bank has called me the once or twice I
"bounced" a check in some 15 years.
Rare, but true.
Warren
http://facelink.com/wk2
Editor's note. In my youth, I lived and worked in a small community and I
bounced a check. The bank called me and told me they were going to
impound my car if I didn't make the check good that day. I got an advance
on my paycheck and took it to the bank to cover the check. The odd thing
about this is that there was not a loan on the car. It was paid for.
BOB
----------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Charlie", INTERNET:chas108@3rdm.net
Hey Bob...
I might as well get into the Plastic/Steel pipe fray.
My first air compressor, about a dozen years ago, was plumbed with
1/2" PVC, but when I replaced it 8 years ago, I re-plumbed with 1/2"
steel pipe. I bought the Compressor and accompanying sandblaster
from TIP (now TP Tools) in Canfield, Ohio, and steel's what they
recommend. I've never had a problem. Of course you need to drain the
moisture out of the lines every day you use the compressor, but that's
a good idea anyway. The idea is that steel will cool the air, the
filter and moisture separator will dry it and therefore the air reaching
your tool or spray gun will be day and cooler, and most importantly
not condense further.
As for Carl Johnson, there was indeed a Muntz. I saw this in my
"Encyclopedia of American Cars 1940-1970", in the "minor makes"
section. It was built by Earl "Madman" Muntz between 1949-54.
He built a sports car called the Muntz Jet, according to my book
about 400 total were made. Cost was $5000-6000. Apparently he
was losing about $1000 per car and so he went out of business.
This is all in 1950's dollars. So you can imagine how much $$ he
lost in today's dollars!!
--------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD (E-mail)", BOB_FORD
CC: [unknown], INTERNET:Lovemy56@aol.com
From: "Dave Hecker", INTERNET:dhecker@presenter.com
Richard,
Regarding water in the air line. Yes, eventually I would expect water
trapped in steel to rust the inside of the pipes. However, with a well
designed system regardless of the material used for the pipe, it should
have a downward slope to the pipes, and drains which should be used to
remove the water regularly. I have also been advised that the pressure
of the lines should be relieved regularly when the system is not in use.
The compressor, which is likely also steel, should be drained of water
periodically too. Filters, driers, and oilers should also be installed
at the end of the run dependant upon the tools being used to protect the
tools, and/or filter the air. Air quality not withstanding, it would
take an awful lot of rust from the inside before a steel pipe would fail
from the pressure. The horribly rusted galvanized steel pipe that I
think many of us have seen, is usually the result of being used as water
plumbing pipe for many years, the worst rusted examples are usually the
hot water lines closest to the water heaters. These are a very
different situation than air lines. While I wouldn't want to have such
a badly rusted pipe in an air system, and would not want to blow so much
debris into the filter, I also think with reasonable maintenance, it
would take my lifetime before it became a problem. As I stated
previously, I have had good luck with PVC systems, and for cost, ease of
installation and repair, they may make sense especially for the weekend
mechanic.
Thanks,
Dave Hecker
Vice President San Jose Classic Chevys
http://clubs.hemmings.com/sjcc
dhecker@presenter.com
------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Browser521@aol.com, INTERNET:Browser521@aol.com
I asked if anyone could let me know the vertical distance from one of the
letters on the quarter panel Chevrolet insignia to the center line of the
210
quarter trim. Unfortunately, I forget to mention the year. I need the info
for a 1956 Chevy 210. Thanks again, David Browe, browser521@aol.com
-------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: "Bob Speirs", INTERNET:nomad55427@hotmail.com
Maybe I can be of some help on the battery question that was posted on the
list.There are three main things that determine how long a battery will
last.
The first is the brand of battery.I have had great luck with Delco and
Interstate batterys.This doesn't mean other batterys aren't as good,just my
personal experience over 28 years.I've rarely had to buy a new
battery,there
were always plenty of "bad" batterys at the Chevy dealer.A voltmeter and a
few minutes on the core pile always produced a few good batterys.The
average
used battery was 4 years old,and would usually last 3 more years.I had one
that lasted 9 years total.Stay away from the Pro-start and the value
brands.You get what you paid for.
The second is the cranking amps of the battery.Make sure you get a
battery
that is rated for the load it will have.With all the electrical add ons,the
more cranking amps the better.If you try to save $5.00 and go with the
smaller battery you will pay in the long run.Make sure the CA (cranking
amps) and CCA (cold cranking amps) are displayed on the battery.The cheaper
ones leave this info off.Stay clear of them.Also check the date code when
buying a battery.It should be stamped in the case.I've seen battery reps
come and cover the old stamp with a new sticker after a year.Peel the
sticker back to get the real age of the battery. It will be a letter
followed by a number.Example: A9 would be January 1999, F1 would be June
2001.It isn't uncommon to see batterys on a shelf over a year old.Ask for a
fresh one or buy somewhere else.This doesn't apply to a dry battery,their
shelf life should be counted from when the acid is added.
Third is probably most important.How well you maintain the cars
electrical
system.Never let the batterys water level go below the plates.This will
overheat the battery.Don't put off fixing the car if there is an overnight
drain on the battery.Also make sure the alternator and belts are good.If
you
jump a discharged battery and drive the car before charging the battery,the
plates can crack and flake.The part of the plates that fall off will sink
to
the bottom and short out from neg. to pos. causing a drain.Also keep the
car
tuned properly.The easier the car starts,the less drain on the battery.
I only tried to hit the basics here.The GM instructor spent 4 hrs of a 2
day class on batterys.One other thing.A Delco or NAPA battery ,and some
other brands,should be charged for 8 hours before being tested if the are
drained to far.You would be surprised at how many are still good after a
full charge.
Bob Speirs
----------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Dave Hecker", INTERNET:dhecker@presenter.com
Carl,
There was indeed a Muntz Jet convertible in the early 50's with a total
production of less than 400 cars by the information I have seen. It's
definitely a collectors item if he's got one.
Thanks,
Dave Hecker
Vice President San Jose Classic Chevys
http://clubs.hemmings.com/sjcc
dhecker@presenter.com
-----------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: Dwayne Burgess, INTERNET:privateeye4u@yahoo.com
The Muntz was a car made up of several parts of
other cars. There were two versions. They were
manufactured in the early 50s, originally with a
Cadillac engine and later, I believe, it went to a
Lincoln engine. There were only about 400 of these
built. Thet started out in California and were later
built back East. They had a nice design for their
time, but like so many others, never made the grade. Dwayne
------------------------------------------------
To: "'BOB FORD'", BOB_FORD
From: Mike Novins, INTERNET:mike@calwest-radiators.com
DEAR BOB,
CAL WEST AUTO AIR & RADIATORS IS HAVING THERE XMAS SALE.NOW THRU
JAN.31,2002. ALL NEW PARTS ARE 10% OFF.MANY NEW ITEMS. PLEASE
CHECK OUT OUR WEB. SITE AT WWW.CALWEST-RADIATORS.COM.
WE HAVE A NEW NEON ROUTE 66 CLOCK AT A SPECIAL PRICE.TO ORDER CALL
ME AT (800) 535-2034.
MERRY XMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR,
MIKE NOVINS
-----------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:TOTALFLOOR@aol.com, INTERNET:TOTALFLOOR@aol.com
I have owned five Muntz RoadJet automobiles over the past ten years and am
currently restoring the very last Munt RoadJet to come off the assembly
line.
Yes, there actually was a "Muntz"! Originally designed and built by Frank
Kurtis (Kurtis-Kraft) then "MadMan Muntz" bought all the tooling and jigs
and
moved the operation from Glendale, CA to Evanston Illinois. They were built
from 1950-1953. Get in touch with me and I'll get you on our Muntz
Registry.
There are approx. 110 in existence of the original approx. 300. Muntz also
invented 4-track stereos and was the 4th largest producer of televisions in
the fifties. He actually coined the phrase "TV" when his skywriters could
not get the word "television" to stay readable in the sky as his
advertising! He named his daughter "TeeVee" as she was 21 inches long at
birth and his biggest TV model at the time was 21".
-----------------------------------------------------------
To: [unknown], BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:Hogue1234@aol.com, INTERNET:Hogue1234@aol.com
Hey Bob:
This is in response to the MUNTZ car question:
Earl 'The Mad Man' Muntz was the a typical entrepreneur. He began in radio
in the early forties and started in 1949 selling the first televisions for
mass market as a Dumont Television franchiser. As a result he made millions
of dollars. In the early fifties he meet up with various prominent car
dealers in the area and worked out promotions where each would share
showroom
space and promote each others merchandise. Earl wanted to have his
televisions in as many auto showrooms as possible and offered auto dealers
huge giveaways of his televisions. One such dealer was Frank Kurtis who was
tinkering around with a failing self promoting sports car called a Kurtis.
A
general motors dealer in Inglewood California. The two discussed the
possibilities of offering a new, sporty southern California type of
automobile to the public. This discussion was rumored to have initiated out
of learning of the Nash-Healey union in 1953. The original 28 Muntz Jet
prototypes were built in Gardena, California in 1951 or '52. All had
lift-off
tops and Cadillacs 331 cid V8. These prototype were assembled with a
mixture
of current parts from other contemporary cars and custom parts. Most body
panels were aluminum formed over a steel cage subframe on a 'X' frame
chassis. The car was well received in showrooms across southern California
and signups with deposits were large enough to satisfy a start of
production.
A numerically lower final drive ratio gave the Muntz jet a higher top speed
than the Kurtis, and Muntz claimed a 0-60 mph time of as low as nine
seconds.
The jet was much heavier and far less agile, however.
Production was shifted to Earl's hometown of Evanston, Illinois, where the
power train was changed to the Lincoln L-head V
8. In the production stage,
final numbers built was 366. With the prototypes from California total
production was 394. Muntz lost about a $1000. on every Jet he sold, the
main
reason he gave up on the venture after four years.Earl went on to develop
the
4 track and 8 track tape car stereos and continued to promote the large big
screen TV's when first developed in the early eighties. I believe he died
at
the age of 89 in 1991 or 92.
---------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Bill Kautz", INTERNET:kautz@home.com
Hello Bob,
This is for Carl Johnson, who asked about the Muntz automobile. Yes,
Carl, there is, (or was), a Muntz! They were built from 1950-1954.
Production is as follows: 1950-28 built, 1951-'52-230 built, 1953-'54-136
built.
They were the brainchild of a gentleman known as "Mad Man Muntz". He
also built televisions. The cars were very expensive for their time,
costing between $4450 for the '51-'52 model and $5515 for the '53-'54s.
This was comparable to the top-of-the-line Cadillacs of the day. There was
only one model, a 2 door hardtop. The engine was a 331 cid V-8 producing
160 hp in the first model. This was replaced with a 336 cid V-8 for the
rest of their short run. In '51-'52 the 337 made 154 hp and in the '53-54
model the engine was making a whopping 218 hp. The '53 Cadillac, by
comparison, made 210 hp from it's 331 cid V-8. Considering that the
Cadillac was a pretty quick car for it's time, (and weight), the Muntz must
have really lived up to it's model name of "Jet",because it weighed 1000
lbs. less than the Caddy. Wild Bill
------------------------------------------------------
To: BOB FORD, BOB_FORD
From: INTERNET:elliotce@songs.sce.com, INTERNET:elliotce@songs.sce.com
Carl
In response to the above from Bob's list
There was indeed a car named Muntz. It was made by the same Muntz that
made car stereo tape players. They are very collectible, let me know if
you want to get rid of it. Do you have any photos of it you could email?
Good luck with it.
Chuck Elliott
949-368-6586
elliotce@songs.sce.com
57 Nomad
57 Conv.
57 210 Wagon
------------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
CC: [unknown], INTERNET:castnet@sec.com
From: "Don Kent", INTERNET:dkent@socal.rr.com
To Carl Johnson,
Carl, there WAS a Muntz car back in the early 50's. Old Earl "Madman"
Muntz sold everything!
Take a look at http://members.aol.com/miray/muntzcarco.html,
http://hometown.aol.com/muntz1950/page/index.htm, or
http://www.bumpertobumperinc.com/hunter/52%20muntz/52_muntz.htm to learn
about them for your high school history class.
By the way, if that car is in decent shape I suggest that your grandfather
have it restored. There aren't too many of them around these days.
Don Kent
Northridge, CA
-------------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Carl Berry", INTERNET:cberry@wzrd.com
Hi Bob
I have a 56 Chevy 265 engine for sale. It has been completely rebuilt
with only 12,000 miles on it. It's complete from the air cleaner to the old
pan with the exception of the generator. It has a 2 bbl. carb and also the
adapter for using on the newer style transmissions. If you are interested
call me at 716-772-2038 or email me for pics and more info at
cberry@wzrd.com
Thanks
Carl Berry
Gasport,NY
---------------------------------
To: "BOB FORD", BOB_FORD
From: "Ron Williams", INTERNET:cpath@linsoft.com
Bob
I am really impressed by the quality of people you have on your list. No
matter what the questions, someone has the answer. Keep up the good work.
This list is a great help to a lot of us.
The whole TriFive community should know about this list. Would you mind if
I contacted Bow Tie and asked them to do a story on your list?
RON
I don't mind you contacting them but they probably have more interesting
things to put in their magazine.
BOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
end of 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST
BOB FORD
18091 MARK CIRCLE
VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA 92861-2648
BOB_FORD@COMPUSERVE.COM
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BOB_FORD/
VOICE 714-637-8877
FAX 714-637-2955
Editor of the 57-56-55 CHEVY LIST and TURBOGLIDE REGISTRY
I plan to live forever. So far so good.