Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

Did it again, watched the new year come roaring in like a lion.
Went round to my neighbors house, right next door. Most of the lane residents were there.
Everyone takes a dish of something or other and a couple of bottles of wine, his house is obscenely large-------he has a ballroom size lounge and an Olympic size indoor swimming pool so he could cater for the whole damned village.
He insists on full evening dress, so pulled out my dress uniform which was made for me by Jimmy and Charles of change alley fame, Singapore, some 25 years ago. Still fits like a glove but I don t fasten the button any more.
Kept going until 12:30 am but then the peepers started to close and it was time to call it a day, I hadn't let the side down, Steve always has a plentiful supply of Glenmorangie single malt ----I try not to disappoint mine host and managed to quaff my fair share of the Scottish brew.
We watched the fireworks in London and joined hands for Auld Lang to herald in the new year .
he has a device up in the ceiling which throws an image some 10'X 8' on to a blank white wall with incredible clarity, so it was almost like being in trafalger square along with the screaming hordes of revellers .
Fell into bed and slept 'till 7:30--------that's unheard of !

Check out Cooperative Motor Works , www.gmccoop.com. Jim Bounds, friend of mine, he rebuilds them.

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Originally Posted by JFL

Check out Cooperative Motor Works , www.gmccoop.com. Jim Bounds, friend of mine, he rebuilds them.

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Now now that's a hell of a website, nice to know that there are folk out there who love the old GMC 6 wheeler. First time my kids ever saw one was at the Windermere record week in late October, each one of them picked out the bed they wanted to sleep in. Can we take it home now daddy?. Little did they know that daddy didn't have a pot to pittle in at that time--------six months later we had the GMC. WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR KIDS--------a man can move the mountain, or at least, get the mountain to come to you!
Like I said before------GO FOR IT. ,!!

Attachment 363809Attachment 363810

Just when I thought old Santa had forgotten where I lived, I get one of these, did any of you lot out there get one of these? Rare as rocking horse sh-t I'm told !

Oh well, guess everyone went back to work today,
Packed up half the workshop, death of a workshop takes some swallowing, still, I'm slowly getting there. Get the keys for the bungalow on Saturday-----work starts on building the benches and shelves, installing all the machines.
Need to invest in a new compressor, I've had the present one for quite a few years now. It's a 3hp twin motor but a right noisy cow-------didn't matter in the lane cos I'm far enough away from neighbours, so it doesn't annoy them. New place has folk living either side, it's also a bit snotty is the close. Looked at the compressors that dentists use------A HALF decent one comes out over £1400. You have to build a shed load of concepts to cover that!

Jackie would it be easier/cheaper to enclose it soundproof/deadening type board?.....

Rich can tell you- believe he has their name and #

Need a bit of help here, anyone know the name of the very nice chap with the husky voice who bought the metal "REDBIRD"--------was something to do with the film crew up in Tavares ?
He asked me if I had any old movies or slides of old boats-------told him I'd have a look see , well yes I have------but unless I get a name, contact number and address, there's not a lot I can do, so help wanted here guys!
Gary and Lou ( GIECO) are over here for a couple of weeks, Gary is a Southampton fan and Loisupports Tottenham[/QUOTE]

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Originally Posted by ron54

Jackie would it be easier/cheaper to enclose it soundproof/deadening type board?.....

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Trouble is Phill, the damn thing thumps and shakes the brickwork when it fires up, sounds more like a jack hammer ! Anyway, I have a yen for peace and quiet these days. There's a time and place for everything, I wouldn't think the residents of LONG MEAD, WALBERTON would appreciate it if I fired up a "stacker" on a Sunday morning any more than a twin pot noisy old compressor. Soundproof it all you want, it'll never be quiet.

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Originally Posted by shadowcat

Rich can tell you- believe he has their name and #

Need a bit of help here, anyone know the name of the very nice chap with the husky voice who bought the metal "REDBIRD"--------was something to do with the film crew up in Tavares ?
He asked me if I had any old movies or slides of old boats-------told him I'd have a look see , well yes I have------but unless I get a name, contact number and address, there's not a lot I can do, so help wanted here guys!
Gary and Lou ( GIECO) are over here for a couple of weeks, Gary is a Southampton fan and Loisupports Tottenham

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[/QUOTE]


Ok Ted, I know Rich sometimes reads the "tricks" column so maybe he'll tell me the guys name !

Victor Nappi..... we are making a tv show about the history of Offshore.
Contact info to folluw tomorrow as i am not at home.

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Originally Posted by T2x

Victor Nappi..... we are making a tv show about the history of Offshore.
Contact info to folluw tomorrow as i am not at home.

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Many thanks Rich, happy new year to you and Doreen. Are you really running for SENATOR ?

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Now now that's a hell of a website, nice to know that there are folk out there who love the old GMC 6 wheeler. First time my kids ever saw one was at the Windermere record week in late October, each one of them picked out the bed they wanted to sleep in. Can we take it home now daddy?. Little did they know that daddy didn't have a pot to pittle in at that time--------six months later we had the GMC. WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR KIDS--------a man can move the mountain, or at least, get the mountain to come to you!
Like I said before------GO FOR IT. ,!!

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They look great
My wife wants one already.
Imagine the gas bill with a 454 maybe conversion to Banks hot 6.5 diesel??

I once actually used a full tank of fuel ( 25 gallons) and only travelled 105 miles, mind you, we were towing a boat, running 95/100 mph, with a bunch of kids demand we want to see fast it went,

Fifty years ago today, Donald Campbell lost his life trying for a new world water speed record.
Looking back on my time racing boats, I realize I'm damn lucky to have come through it the way I did. I have the most wonderful set of friends any man could wish for, largely due to racing, I met some wonderful engineers and drivers, my kids and grandkids took up the sport so it's still an ongoing thing. The only injuries I got was a "Durante" nose and Molinari elbows, would take too long to explain it today, but you just know somebody is about to ask!

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

The only injuries I got was a "Durante" nose and Molinari elbows, would take too long to explain it today, but you just know somebody is about to ask!

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Only the nose knows....

Attachment 363951

here ya go Jackie; and its for sale.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-GMC-Gla...m=232191359142

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Thanks Bob, that's another I owe you ! Attachment 363682

Wonder how many of you out there ever owned one of these ? I've been lucky enough to own two of them. First one I bought off Barry Sheene ------the second one had a 427 Hemi and would run a 100mph with a growl like a lion (That's the one in the picture). Best damn campers in the world, back in the day they were "Ritz Carlton Camping"
Flush toilet, hot and cold water, air conditioning, Built in Genny, Shower, and six berths. Double full size bed at the back--------a masterpiece in motorhomes.
Even Lassies Hilton on wheels won't do 100mph downhill with a tail wind-------we made history with those things and I sometimes got 10 mpg out of it.

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Little known fact is they were sorted out by Kiekhaefer Aeromarine for GM. George Thompson worked on them. He showed me pictures of him driving the test mules around.

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Originally Posted by lilabner

Little known fact is they were sorted out by Kiekhaefer Aeromarine for GM. George Thompson worked on them. He showed me pictures of him driving the test mules around.

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Nuther little known fact, Butch--Mr. Kiekhaefer was good friends with Bunkie Knudsen. They partnered to build a Motor Home--using the complete engine/drive package from an Olds Tornado---I think that is the vehicle George had pictures of. Mel and I drove one from FDL to Miami--I think Odell ended up with it?? They never brought it to market.

Nuther well known fact: Remember when MerCruiser made a switch from GM Engines to Ford Engines? hmmm--

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Many thanks Rich, happy new year to you and Doreen. Are you really running for SENATOR ?

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Contact info sent to your email @Mac ace.net

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Originally Posted by T2x

Contact info sent to your email @Macace.net

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I do not have the foggiest idea how you did that Rich, but many thanks anyway.

Now there's a rake of replies that need answering but I'm afraid it's going to have to wait until tomorrow------never realised just how much gear I had in the shop----- not so much the "QUART IN A PINT POT", more like a gallon in a teacup.
Got 50% of it racked and packed-------attacking again tomorrow.
Bought myself a nice screw compressor -----it's whisper quiet, but so it should be for the big bucks I had to shell out----------it damn well ought to brew coffee as well.

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

Nuther little known fact, Butch--Mr. Kiekhaefer was good friends with Bunkie Knudsen. They partnered to build a Motor Home--using the complete engine/drive package from an Olds Tornado---I think that is the vehicle George had pictures of. Mel and I drove one from FDL to Miami--I think Odell ended up with it?? They never brought it to market.

Nuther well known fact: Remember when MerCruiser made a switch from GM Engines to Ford Engines? hmmm--

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yes but just a few model small block windsors 188, 233 and 255hp ( they had more torque than chev)
The 470 inline 4 custom made did have a big block ford head on it as well...

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Fifty years ago today, Donald Campbell lost his life trying for a new world water speed record.

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I recently came across a very well done documentary by the BBC on Bill Smith's recovery of Bluebird and the remains of Donald Campbell some 34 years after the accident. The amount of time, money and patience involved are overwhelming. You may have already seen this, but if those of you reading this have not, it is an hour long and well worth the time watching. I have attached the link below. I also see that Bill Smith is just about done restoring Bluebird and is scheduled to run it this spring.

https://youtu.be/PS9bdXR4yfs

[QUOTE=GENE LANHAM;2918333]Nuther little known fact, Butch--Mr. Kiekhaefer was good friends with Bunkie Knudsen. They partnered to build a Motor Home--using the complete engine/drive package from an Olds Tornado---I think that is the vehicle George had pictures of. Mel and I drove one from FDL to Miami--I think Odell ended up with it?? They never brought it to market.

Gene,
I was always under the impression that WAS the GM Motorhome, with the FWD Olds Toronado engine.

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Fifty years ago today, Donald Campbell lost his life trying for a new world water speed record.
Looking back on my time racing boats, I realize I'm damn lucky to have come through it the way I did. I have the most wonderful set of friends any man could wish for, largely due to racing, I met some wonderful engineers and drivers, my kids and grandkids took up the sport so it's still an ongoing thing. The only injuries I got was a "Durante" nose and Molinari elbows, would take too long to explain it today, but you just know somebody is about to ask!

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Wasnt there a ride guide limp as well?

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Originally Posted by powerabout

Wasnt there a ride guide limp as well?

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Not me pilgrim, I disliked ride guide intensely--------no feed back or feel, was pissed off when I loaned my boat to Pruett for the 1970 Paris 6 hours and he fitted DUAL RIDE GUIDE ?
Dick Summerfield had a nasty accident in Como, bent his leg all the way back to front and had years of trouble, but I always thought he ran pulley and cable under the dashboard ?

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Not me pilgrim, I disliked ride guide intensely--------no feed back or feel, was pissed off when I loaned my boat to Pruett for the 1970 Paris 6 hours and he fitted DUAL RIDE GUIDE ?
Dick Summerfield had a nasty accident in Como, bent his leg all the way back to front and had years of trouble, but I always thought he ran pulley and cable under the dashboard ?

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Go to http://autoshotcar.com/boat_gallery/boat.php & look at the first picture & tghe others as well. It looks like he did use ride guide on his twin.

Got my knickers in a right little twist today, Workshop just about ready to roll but packed sardine tight ----had to use the back door to exit the shop. Karchered all the shelves and cupboards, removed the grease dust -n-snot -------beginning to look like it belongs to somebody instead of the rag and bone mans cart.
Need a very stiff CC7------ I'm handing in my notice after this-------nobody should have to work this hard in today's world----dammit, it is a throw away society, so why don't I just buy all new ?

John Schubert-------I really am a dopey bugger, put your address somewhere so safe, even I can't find it.
Would be grateful if you could do it again John-----

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

John Schubert-------I really am a dopey bugger, put your address somewhere so safe, even I can't find it.

Would be grateful if you could do it again John-----

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694 California Ave., East Galesburg, IL 61430

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Fifty years ago today, Donald Campbell lost his life trying for a new world water speed record.
Looking back on my time racing boats, I realize I'm damn lucky to have come through it the way I did. I have the most wonderful set of friends any man could wish for, largely due to racing, I met some wonderful engineers and drivers, my kids and grandkids took up the sport so it's still an ongoing thing. The only injuries I got was a "Durante" nose and Molinari elbows, would take too long to explain it today, but you just know somebody is about to ask!

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Dont forget " Boat racer's neck". I also have abroken tail bone and a bad hip.

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Originally Posted by T2x

Dont forget " Boat racer's neck".

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You saw George Peroni in November, Rich. :nonod: George is only a couple years older than me---(Yes, there is someone older than me:))

[QUOTE=lilabner;2918465]

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

Nuther little known fact, Butch--Mr. Kiekhaefer was good friends with Bunkie Knudsen. They partnered to build a Motor Home--using the complete engine/drive package from an Olds Tornado---I think that is the vehicle George had pictures of. Mel and I drove one from FDL to Miami--I think Odell ended up with it?? They never brought it to market.

Gene,
I was always under the impression that WAS the GM Motorhome, with the FWD Olds Toronado engine.

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I told you it was a little known fact, Butch!:)

Prior to the introduction of the GMC motorhome, a handful of other manufacturers made use of a similar front-wheel drive, which went on to inspire the use in the GMC (WIKI)

The GM motorhome was not introduced til 1973---

By the end of 1969 both Kiekhaefer and Knudsen had been 'retired'---(Mercury---Ford)

By the end of 1971 George Thompson had been 'retired'---(KAM)

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Originally Posted by T2x

Dont forget " Boat racer's neck". I also have abroken tail bone and a bad hip.

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If your sat at a dinner party and the chap opposite puts both elbows on the table and starts to roll them around and there's a horrible crunching noise and one of the ladies throws up--------you just met someone who raced an early Molinari!

[QUOTE=GENE LANHAM;2918605]

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Originally Posted by lilabner

I told you it was a little known fact, Butch!:)

Prior to the introduction of the GMC motorhome, a handful of other manufacturers made use of a similar front-wheel drive, which went on to inspire the use in the GMC (WIKI)

The GM motorhome was not introduced til 1973---

By the end of 1969 both Kiekhaefer and Knudsen had been 'retired'---(Mercury---Ford)

By the end of 1971 George Thompson had been 'retired'---(KAM)

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I knew it was the Olds Tornado lump with the (400) Auto box as I had reason to replace the box, bought a low mileage olds that had been rear ended for peanuts-----still had the lump many years later.
i never knew Mercury had anything to with the six wheeler-----I really must get around to reading the "Iron Fist" that Roger Hinsdale gave me.

[QUOTE=jackiewilson;2918644]

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

I knew it was the Olds Tornado lump with the (400) Auto box as I had reason to replace the box, bought a low mileage olds that had been rear ended for peanuts-----still had the lump many years later.
i never knew Mercury had anything to with the six wheeler-----I really must get around to reading the "Iron Fist" that Roger Hinsdale gave me.

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The 455 Olds was no lump as far as performance went. Buick and Pontiac also had them and Chevy had the 454.. The manufacturers had to go big cubes, or litres for Jackie, because the US gubment strangled them with emission laws so something wouldn't happen, but I forget what that was. I think they didn't want any more smiling out on the road. :) We can sure smile now though.

[QUOTE=GENE LANHAM;2918605]

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Originally Posted by lilabner

I told you it was a little known fact, Butch!:)

Prior to the introduction of the GMC motorhome, a handful of other manufacturers made use of a similar front-wheel drive, which went on to inspire the use in the GMC (WIKI)

The GM motorhome was not introduced til 1973---

By the end of 1969 both Kiekhaefer and Knudsen had been 'retired'---(Mercury---Ford)

By the end of 1971 George Thompson had been 'retired'---(KAM)

------

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Thanks Gene, i can always count on you to keep the facts straight..I had forgotten they were late coming out. George seemed to be pretty proud of his part.

http://i50.tinypic.com/rsfsat.jpg...Always the show-off...:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

Nuther little known fact, Butch--Mr. Kiekhaefer was good friends with Bunkie Knudsen. They partnered to build a Motor Home--using the complete engine/drive package from an Olds Tornado---I think that is the vehicle George had pictures of. Mel and I drove one from FDL to Miami--I think Odell ended up with it?? They never brought it to market.

Nuther well known fact: Remember when MerCruiser made a switch from GM Engines to Ford Engines? hmmm--

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A little later version with smog 73-76 J heads but the same animal.
http://odanielresto.com/wp-content/u...013/10/235.jpg

[QUOTE=lilabner;2918651]

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

Thanks Gene, i can always count on you to keep the facts straight.

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You know what the journalist says, Butch? "Never let the facts interfere with a good story"----

Attachment 364063Attachment 364064Attachment 364065Attachment 364066

Just giving you an update on the closing down of my workshop, it's a right bloody mess !
Out of the chaos came forth order-----I hope !
Get back to the GMC stuff-------much more interesting than shifting shop shufflings.