Thread: Bonneville. Who has been there?

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Ken. I met Carl Fjiastadt several years back in his shop near Boyd
Coddington's shop. Carl had a '32 coupe I believe set up for Bonneville there in the shop. Carl mentioned to me that his family along with the
Currie family were involved in the sport. I thought of Carl when I read this post. Man, this guy can lay a mean tig weld!! And he is a "perfectionist". His '32 frames are super nice. Great guy! And I am sure the Currie family are good people also. I imagine Bonneville racing gets in a mans blood just like other forms of auto racing.

Date: Monday, January 4, 2010, 1:16 PM


I don't know if you've been keeping up with the Treit & Davenport project, but if not, here's where they are now.

Some details that aren't here, but that I know about, are as follows.
There are two blown Keith Black hemis for power and it's 4 wheel drive. The outputs of the trannys have a Gilmer pulley attached, which are connected to a common driveline with belts, that runs the length of the car, along one side.
Mark Williams had a big hand in developing parts for the steering, but, for some reason or another, this isn't mentioned here.
Anyway, I'd suggest you start with the interviews with the builder, then progress through the pictures, specs, etc.
You know they're serious when he's worried about dzus buttons interfering with the aerodynamics.
Notice the fit of the panels with one another also. This is how the big guys do it...

http://www.target550.com/index.html

Originally Posted by deuce4papa

Ken. I met Carl Fjiastadt several years back in his shop near Boyd
Coddington's shop. Carl had a '32 coupe I believe set up for Bonneville there in the shop. Carl mentioned to me that his family along with the
Currie family were involved in the sport. I thought of Carl when I read this post. Man, this guy can lay a mean tig weld!! And he is a "perfectionist". His '32 frames are super nice. Great guy! And I am sure the Currie family are good people also. I imagine Bonneville racing gets in a mans blood just like other forms of auto racing.

You are right, they are some of the nicest people. The Curry family has had some real tragedy in there family along the way. I wish someone would do a documentary on them. Frank is having some real health problems as of late, we pray for him. It's not my place to tell about them but I don't think they would mind me telling you about where they live. They all built houses on the same street! Now that is a close knit family.
If you talk to Carl, tell him you know me and ask what happened one year right before Bonneville.
Another great family is the Kugels, if any one visits out here it's worth the time to visit these people. They will welcome you into there shops, give you tours and are genuinely very nice people.
Ken

And all of the names you have mentioned make some very high quality products, and have for years.

Don

Wow Ken I see what you mean about tight clearances. I also think I know where you get some design ideas! Thanks for the link.


http://www.target550.com/gallery/12_...2_009_jpg.html

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

And all of the names you have mentioned make some very high quality products, and have for years.

Don

That's probably why they have been around so long, and being such nice people.

Originally Posted by Ken Thurm

Date: Monday, January 4, 2010, 1:16 PM


I don't know if you've been keeping up with the Treit & Davenport project, but if not, here's where they are now.

Some details that aren't here, but that I know about, are as follows.
There are two blown Keith Black hemis for power and it's 4 wheel drive. The outputs of the trannys have a Gilmer pulley attached, which are connected to a common driveline with belts, that runs the length of the car, along one side.
Mark Williams had a big hand in developing parts for the steering, but, for some reason or another, this isn't mentioned here.
Anyway, I'd suggest you start with the interviews with the builder, then progress through the pictures, specs, etc.
You know they're serious when he's worried about dzus buttons interfering with the aerodynamics.
Notice the fit of the panels with one another also. This is how the big guys do it...

http://www.target550.com/index.html

O.K., from memory, no cheating, who holds this record now and when did they set it?
Ken

Originally Posted by Ken Thurm

O.K., from memory, no cheating, who holds this record now and when did they set it?
Ken

I'm thinkin' the Summers Bros...........early '60s, but can't seem to remember exact year.

I knew you were going to answer this, and you are right, I don't remember the exact year either bu it was in the 60's.
Ken

Hi Don, I Live in Salt lake City and have been to Bonneville several times. Fly into Salt Lake International Airport and rent a car. Bonneville is 105 miles west of SLC. Several hotel/casinos there. Peppermill, Montego Bay in nearby Wendover, to name a couple, Look up there websites for good rates during the week, $15.00 a day to get in the event. There is nothing like the Salt Flats. It's unreal. Have fun! J.R.

J Robinson : Nope haven't been there yet but it on my list !! Yup now in the country in the woods and my new shop ! Still putting stuff away and finishing up the new spray booth ! And yes now in North Carolina !

Originally Posted by 41 willys

Hi Don, I Live in Salt lake City and have been to Bonneville several times. Fly into Salt Lake International Airport and rent a car. Bonneville is 105 miles west of SLC. Several hotel/casinos there. Peppermill, Montego Bay in nearby Wendover, to name a couple, Look up there websites for good rates during the week, $15.00 a day to get in the event. There is nothing like the Salt Flats. It's unreal. Have fun! J.R.

Great information, thank you J.R. I have heard that rental companies won't rent cars during speed week because of the salt driving thing. Is there any truth to it?

Don

I've been the last 4 years.
There are food venders on the salt. Also hats and sunglasses. If you have a camper there are places to stay for free. The bend in the road, and some parking lots. Remember it is VERY hot there. There are also campgrounds at some of the casinos and a KOA.
I stay at a casino with the team where there are soft beds and a shower. But staying at the bend looks like fun. There are showers at the gas station about a mile from the bend and there are showers at the Pilot station in Wendover. Or make freinds with someone with a motel room.
If you have to fly, fly into Salt Lake. I rented from Hertz. Don't tell them you are going to Bonneville. The guy at the desk said, "I know your a tourist and you'll get salt on the car. Anything more than a normal wash we will charge you for". Get some garbage bags and duct tape and cover the carpet.
Last year I flew into Las Vegas and drove up. They don't look for salt but I hate Las Vegas and won't do it again.
Of course driving out towing a race car is my favorate way to go.

Also, Join SCTA and you will get all kinds of goodies. Patch, Poster, rule book, year book, decal, newsletter. Plus, most important, a button to get on to the salt for a week.
Well worth the money.

I wish I had some help here in atlanta to get me car finsihed ......

I am seriously wanting to go this year.

REGS