Calling Ray Morrison
 

On another thread is a very interesting discussion in regards to Dueces and original owners. Well, last week I spent time with Ray hearing about the glory days of racing his '68 Nova. Here are a few things he told me, and hopefully we can get Ray to fill in the details.

1. he was able to run in something like 18 classes as he ran a auto and 4 speed, 396 and 427, 2 and 4 barrell carb.
2. once took a 3 barrell carb and turned it into a 2 barrell, did not work.
3. had a guy in St. Louis build him a 2 barrell that flowed about 700CFM
4. could run 2 tenths under the class record.
5. flat towed the car to the races with a tow bar and free wheeling wheel adaptors on the rear.

Ray bought his car through the local Chevy dealer in West Plains. loaning him a Olds 98 to go get the Nova. He and friend Tom left at about 3AM, arriving at Dick's shop before it opened. Almost did not make it home, as the voltage regulator on the Nova quit. The car was financed through GMAC, through his local dealer. There was not a window sticker nor did Ray get any other paperwork, showing the modifications made to the car. The only notation was a note DH made in regards to the carb.

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Talk about a hard car to document https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/blush.gif...and I thought a COPO would be tuff...

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

[ QUOTE ]
Talk about a hard car to document ...and I thought a COPO would be tuff...

[/ QUOTE ]
Can't be too hard, considering Ray is the original owner and still has the car! LOL!!

On a sidenote, the "Tom" fellow that rode along with Ray to pick up the car, and still lives just down the street from Ray, rebuilt the M22 for my LS6...

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

That definitely helps!... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

I enjoyed the visit and talking about some of the past Nova experiences. Though this happened over 30 years ago, it still brings back a lot of memories of things that happened back then. What I don't remember mentioning, was the fact that after getting the car back to Knowles Chevrolet just as they were locking up for the day, getting a new warrantied voltage regulator installed, and leaving them with a flat on the 98 Olds, Tom and I were ready to make the cars debut at the local drive-ins. Of course, anything new in town was an attention getter for the curious. Several gathered around looking it over as we pulled it into a stall. The 427 fender numerals was probably the first thing they noticed and the fiberglass stinger hood? Several admired the SS Cragers, as by this time most all were running aftermarket wheels of some sort. Everybody was interested in what was under the hood, first and foremost,but finally I really started getting hammered after someone noticed it wasn't a 4 speed. Every thing that was supposed to run had to have a 4 speed, was the general rule? Some even laughed and shook their heads as the ribbing started. As time went on, some began to understand this automatic was a little different than what they were used too? This is probably the most memorable and enjoyable thing that I can remember about the first impression of the young at heart muscle car enthusiast's and their thoughts about the new car on the block?

Ray

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Hey Ray...what was the hang out around that time? Was the Dog 'N' Suds there that early?

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Dog & Suds, A&W, and Murrell's, now known as Dairy Princess.
Ray

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Very https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif car that represents the everything-goes times back when.......

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Excellent memories & well told.
Our Local Dog N Suds was our towns Car hangout too.I remember at age 8 in 1971 walking around gawking at the Cars here.
I can still taste their food. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif
I envy you Ray,as I'm sure most do. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Texas Twin Burgers !!!!!

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

[ QUOTE ]
I envy you Ray,as I'm sure most do.

[/ QUOTE ]
You can say that again! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Yes, those Texas Burgers were something else. Reminds me of a man, his wife, and their son who hung out at the Dog-N- Suds with a German Shepard named Sam. By watching them, Texas Burgers were the only thing they sold. They would order 4 at a time, one for each of them and one for Sam, who owned the back seat and could down his in just a couple of gulps. Them were the days. Too, it didn't take us long to figure out that by ordering a single, large drink, not only could we keep the car hop busy, but we would save a couple of pennies as there was a 1 cent sale tax on anything over 25 cents and 2 on a 50 cent purchase.

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Did you have Cock Robin,or Prince Castle over there too?
Steak Burgers & 3 Star Chocolate sodas! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

I never heard of Prince Castle here Rick.....

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Really???
Well how about Cock Robin?
I frequented the one in Villa park on St.Charles & Villa mostly.
Just down the way from E.G. Korvettes in Elmhurst.
Its bulldozed today,but the one in Wheaton & Naperville are still there. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif
Oh.. and it should be Silver Star soda..
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/134...n_signgood.jpg

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Anyways........

Ray did you take any vintage pics of your car back then? How long was the car in use before being "put away"? When did you figure out that the car was starting to become special by enthusiasts again?

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Rick,

I do not remember Cock Robin or Prince Castle in this area? In Springfield, there was a place that was called "White Castle" or at least the castle part rings a bell? I do remember their burgers, though not very big, being 6 for a dollar.

Frank, the car was put away in late 75, the same year I was married, I believe? It would sit until 89 when there seemed to be a lot of interest developing in muscle cars. I knew I had a car that was pretty rare by it carrying the name and being built by DH. What I didn't know or realize, was that it had come through the Fred Gibb dealership as an original COPO 9738 car that was verified by Fred. In 1990, I took the car to the Nova Nationals in Atlanta, GA. I found there, most were in doubt that the car was ever built and sold by Chevrolet dealers? I was put in the Competition Class for judging where I would get deducted for safety features, such as roll bars, driveshaft loops, etc. When I decided to go to a Super Chevy Show in Memphis this same year, I went prepared with documentation. They did the same thing in trying to put me in a modified class. When this started, I began showing them a few things and they then conceded that it should be shown in Stock Class. From that day on, there has never been a question at any shows I have participated in, as to where it belongs.

Thanks to all for your postive comments, but I envy the many who are devoted with their interest, knowledge, and ability to keep the muscle car history alive, that will be passed on to future generations.

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

[ QUOTE ]
In Springfield, there was a place that was called "White Castle" or at least the castle part rings a bell?

[/ QUOTE ]
Those White Castle burgers are a favorite of the LaTrobe gang every year in Collinsville!

The southeast guys will be the only ones to follow this, but White Castle is kind basically the "Krystal's" of the North...man, the things those little burgers can do to your intestines! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Ray,

It sure was fun talking with you and Tom at Monmouth about the day you picked up your Chevy II. Sounded like Tom still remembers (in his hindside) that first ride! That is interesting that the history of these cars was forgotten until 1990 when you first started showing your car.

When I first saw your car in 1999, I had little knowledge of the COPO Chevy II cars, and I was amazed as I looked at the #50 car while it was on the ramp truck at the show, unrestored and fresh out of the barn. It took me several years to understand the significance of these cars. Thanks for all your hard work.

ps. I love those White Castles, have been a big fan since my paperboy days as a young teen.

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Mmmmmm. Sliders. I'm looking forward to buying another 64 pack for the gang on Thursday night at Collinsville. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/crazy.gif

Hope to see you there this year Ray! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Ray, Dave Dineen a Friend of mine came back from Super Chevy that year and tolded me about talking to you there. He told you about the green Gibb nova I owned. A week later I was in my garage and the phone rang guess who "Ray Morrison" I remember we talked for two hours about your car and mine. I know you were suprised about other cars out there. Things sure have changed since then. Kim https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Frankie: ask and ye shall recieve! Check it out...

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

B&W picture of Ray's famous Gibb Nova...

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Sweet color picture of Ray leaving the line...

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Here's the car that had to be sacrificed so Ray could get the '68...a '66 L79 Nova!

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

And a later racing project, an A/S Camaro...depending on which side you were looking at, the door said McGoldrick-Morrison or Morrison-McGoldrick!

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Here is how Ray started his racing career...a '63 Harley Sportser...

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Cool pics! Where's the stinger hood?

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

And a picture of the "Orange Crate"...left to right: Don Morrison, Tom McGoldrick, and Ray Morrison

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Ray
Did you have these individual pix on Display at the Fred Gibb Annual in Laharpe Il. last August?

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Man I love those old pictures,especially the old 55 Chevys.I know the Nova is the special car in this thread but I am partial to old 55 chevys!Although the Nova is a cool looking car.

Bobby

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Ray...do you still have that 63 Sportster ? I want to find a nice early Sporty...

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Thanks Rob for posting the pictures. In answer to Rick's question about the fiberglass stinger hood, notice the hood scoop. We didn't want to cut an opening in the original hood to install the active hood scoop. We simply gutted a steel hood to save weight and cut and installed the scoop on it. The old 55 "Orange Crate" as it was known, ran in the AHRA C/HR class with a modified 396 and had to weigh 9lbs per cubic inch, meaning nearly 3600 lbs. to be legal for that class. The Camaro was the car we were running when we gave up racing in 76. This car was built by my Tom and I to run primarily A/SA formula 3, which was a 440 cubic inch (427 overbored .060 and built by Wes Jerde) running a 2bbl. carb. The DH engine and original Turbo 400 out of the Nova, was installed in this Camaro for its maiden voyage with a Brasswell prepared 2bbl Holley carb that flowed about 600cfm, running 4:56 gearing, and stall converter of which may have been the B&M 3500 rpm we ran for awhile, ran a 12:49, which I do remember. The Camaro was our final attempt at drag racing. Tom and I both enjoyed our free days of being single, but when we got married, things had to change. Personally, I don't think either of us have ever regretted waiting and doing what we liked to do while we were still young?

Ray

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

What kinda ET's you were laying down back then with the DH Nova?
Most memorable,..etc.

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

[ QUOTE ]
Ray...do you still have that 63 Sportster ? I want to find a nice early Sporty...

[/ QUOTE ]

Bob,

I wish I did have it. It was a 63 XLCH model I bought new for $1550. Original color was turquoise and white. I sold it for $750. There were 3 of us that bought new XLCH's here in town, and rode a lot together. We had a 62, 63, and 64 among us. The guy that had the 64 kept his in the shop more than he got to ride, I believe? In sharing one of the funniest moments I believe I ever witnessed, Roy (the guy with the 64) stopped in the middle of the road, revved the thing till it sounded as though it were going to fly apart, released the clutch, and the show began. The thing reared on its hind wheel and looked as though the whole thing left the ground almost unloading him, made another bounce, this time unloading him on the road. If you know anything about the old Harley's, they did not have a return spring to shut the throttle off? With that said, the Harley was still screaming and lined itself down the road in as straight a line as you could ride one. What was so funny, was Roy came up in a flash, knowing what was happening, and started chasing the thing. The thing was still wide open when it finally left the road with Roy in pursuit. The dust boiled as the cycle hit the ditch and turned on its side with the front forks folded back underneath. By the time we got to where the cycle crashed, Roy had gotten there completely out of breath and got it shut down. I remember him saying, almost in tears, "My Motorcycle, I Ruined My Motorcycle." Funny things just seemed to happen back then, but we enjoyed ourselves.

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

WOW!! You just can't beat this site today! TWO orig owner Nova supercars being discussed at the same time! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

[ QUOTE ]
What kinda ET's you were laying down back then with the DH Nova?
Most memorable,..etc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Rick,

In just going from memory, the way the car was origianally set up by DH, with open headers and 9 inch slicks, we ran mostly low 12 teens, this with the original 4 bbl. The Salesman's daughter, who sold me the car at Knowles Chevrolet, would drive it in the powder puff competition, ususally running 12:40's and 50's by letting it shift itself. She was pretty consistent and handled it well. When the competition starting lowereing the records in C/SA formula 2, we decided to try C/SA formula 3, which was a 2bbl instead of 4 bbl. The national record for this class was 13:00. We ran a 12:80 putting us where we needed to be. Ran that combination for quite awhile. We never ran the car with the set-up in the pictures posted, that I remember. All the runs we made with the 427 Harrell combination, were those of the 4:10 gearing, no traction bars, and no high stall converter. The pictures Rob posted of the car, was of those with a 396 that was built by Ronnies Speed Shop in K.C., Mo. With this combo, we installed 4:88 gearing, aftermarket stall converter, and as you can see from the pictures, filled the rear fender wells with tire. This put us in D/SA with the smaller engine were it ran a best of 11:71. This was with the 4 bbl carb. Too, our first try of an active air scoop.

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

I'm thinkin it would really be a treat to see it run at SCR8...

Re: Calling Ray Morrison
 

Ray has been gracious enough to attend several SCRs with his Nova, and even race it. I remember the first year at Nashville, Ray's son Mike walks over and shows me Ray's last time slip. He cut something like a .01 light, https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif but I noticed his ET was down. Well, when I questioned Ray about this, he kind of grinned, and then told me he accidently shifted from 1-3. We all laughed, and felt a little better, as it was good to know we were not the only ones messing up that day.

But, head to head, be careful. At SCR3, my youngest son Jonathan was there in our Camaro, racing for the first time. The first pass, he cut a nice light, ran well and won against a COPO Camaro. Well, when he returned to the pits, was pretty excited, and maybe a little cocky. But that did not last long, as his next opponent was Ray. Well, needless to say, Jon was brought back down to earth, as Ray showed him how the "big boys" do it. But, was a Kodak moment, especially for a 17 year old kid, as he has a picture of he and Ray leaving the line.

Maybe at SCR8 Ray will enlighten Charley in the finer points of drag racing. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif