My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

My ‘65 A/FX Chevelle making its debut at SCR9. Built back in the day with dropped front axle w/dual leaf springs, hand built rear ladder bar suspension, re-worked fender wells, etc.

These cars were known as A/FX (Factory Experimental) cars, or AWB (Altered Wheelbase) cars, and even “wheel standers” (often times on the rear bumper) these were the original “funny cars”, when an announcer looked at one and was quoted as saying “that is a funny looking car”. They were known as funny cars until the one piece flip top cars came along, then they were called Gassers.

Photo credit goes to Randy at TC.

http://www.camaroclubkc.com/images/2...n/sc%20048.jpg


http://www.camaroclubkc.com/images/2...n/sc%20049.jpg

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Cool vintage race car. These Old school race cars/gassers are making a strong come back.

How did it handle thru the traps?

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Not bad, but being I just got it, not really "in it". Of course, hard to get too serious, as the car has 3:08s in it, for street cruising (yeah, right).

Besides gears, needs some shocks, either more motor or less carb (2 600s on a SBC) and a few other minor details.

I am thinking a Gasser shootout. Tinker's Toy, Physcho II, Budnate's Chevelle and Mo's Nova. All leaving on their rear bumpers. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Barnhart can show us rookies how it is done.

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Cool. Tom, where did you find that car?

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Ebay

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Mo actually found it. From Illinois, I am guessing was part of the MDRA (Midwest Drag Racing Association), as the car seems to fit the rules they had back then for these types of cars.

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

I thought it would run better with out the front driveshaft in it!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
I thought it would run better with out the front driveshaft in it!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah but if he took it out he couldn't race that 4x4 in the mud... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

I was afraid it would be hard to control and do 180s if I removed the front shaft. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

That car is soooo cool 65 is my favorite year Chevelle, Malcolm Durham and Dickie Harrell both built their own type of "Thunderbolt" 64 Chevelles, Malcolm made his 64 into a 65, Harrell changed to a Nova and retired the Chevelle. Leave it to Tom and Rob to get something else cool. Great job guys!

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

You are right, those were a couple of cool cars. Since getting the Chevelle, I have been going through my old SS&DI magazines looking for similar cars. Malcolm's is on the cover of one issue, in color. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

I remember seeing at least 2-3 of straight axle cars at every show in WI growing up. At the time I thought they were ghastly...now I'd love to have one.

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
I remember seeing at least 2-3 of straight axle cars at every show in WI growing up. At the time I thought they were ghastly...now I'd love to have one.

[/ QUOTE ]


Yep, several of them built, but it seems few survived. Lots of Mopars and several Fords floating around, but except for Tri-5s, few Chevys.

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

I don't see any altered wheelbase on this car at all and I fail to see why it's being called an A/FX car either. Not even close.Let's get the facts straight before we start calling this car something that it's not already. I looked into this car several months ago and it is a street machine or street freak (depending on what magazine you read back then) and was most likely built in the seventies. Also, gassers came first and were called gassers long before the term "funny car" came about.

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

I like the Car regardless what you should call it! I also thought an A/FX car had altered wheel bases.Still the car looks cool! I would love to have an old gasser style car with a straight axle! When I get finished with my Mopars That will be my next quest!

Bobby Dodson

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Actually, lets get the facts straight. During the time period of 1961-1966 Detroit built factory race cars that did not meet production #s and fell into Super Stock class designation SS/S. As the cars evolved the designation "factory experimental" or FX began to appear on these vehicles. In late 1964 the Chrysler Corporation contracted Amblewagon and Dick Branster Enterprises to built limited #s of Plymouths and Dodges with altered wheelbases, this grew out of the desire by racers like the late great Dave Strickler who wanted more traction to compensate for increased horsepower, Strickler and others began to alter of modify the wheelbases of their super stock cars. Many compeditive racers of many vehicle marks followed by altering their cars example (Hubert Platt, Dickie Harrell, Arnie Beswick, Malcolm Durham). Tom's car is built to reflect that era. Gassers are vehicles with modified powertrains that ran in classes designated by powertrain and wheel base (engine location had to stay the same and wheel base had to stay the same). Tom's car would go with the theme of A/FX. Cool car lets not split hairs. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

I have some side shots and underneath of Toms car if someone can blow them up and post, I can blow them up but cant figure out how to save at that point.

I dont know all the terminology on these cars, I have just been calling them gassers like most people.

I talked with Mo in length and he still needed to lay a tape measure to the car but felt the rear was moved forward a little, in my book if Mo says something he is usually right on. that would make it altered right??? not like some people are thinking where they move the whole mess forward a foot or so, but altered from stock and who knows where the front is on it.

very cool car and I am sure Tom will backtrack the car and figure out the who what where on it.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Hey, Mark I noticed in your post you stated "lets get the facts straight before we start calling this car something that's not already" I agree with your statement. Another example is the Kirby Car. Facts explained to us on this site by Dale P And Dave L, This car was NEVER a Harrell Car and NEVER will be one. Now that M. M. owns it IT"S A HARRELL CAR. Funny thing two years ago Tom's car was a Harrell Funny car and now it's not. Now Matt's car is a Harrell funny car. Anybody want explain that to me. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Yeah I will comment on this... Kim,
First of all, you are correct about getting the facts straight. Both cars you mentioned (Kirby funny car and Tom's funny car) were posted as something they thought they were. Upon further investigation into each car, different results came out as they were noticed and proven to be different as originally thought to be.

First, the Kirby car was advertised as one of Dick Harrell's drag cars. Dale Pulde and maybe Dave Libby (I don't remember) did jump on this statement because it was not true. It was never Dick's car as it was owned all the time by Jim Kirby. When the truth came out on that car it was proven to be a Dick Harrell team car and it was driven by Dick (see photo article below) at the 1968 King of Kansas City Race, and in Kirby's car, Dick won the event. The Kirby car was Dick's match race car in 1969, so he could use his '69 funny car in the points races. That would explain why it was painted in the team colors both in late '68 (with Courtesy on it, this paint scheme was painted by Dave Libby's brother I think) and early '69 when it got it's current and final paint scheme in red with gold lace (painted by Oop in Dick's shop). Also, Dave Libby was the one with Dick that got the funny car from Kirby in late August '68 and he personally said that he put the supercharged 427 motor in it. Matt's car is and always will be a Dick Harrell team car and built by Dick Harrell's shop.

Now, to Tom's car. First I'm glad to see you agree that it isn't a Dick Harrell funny car. When Tom told people about his car being Dick's original funny car from '68 no one had any reason to believe him that it wasn't. But, when it first came out at the Funny Car Reunion in Englishtown, NJ, Dave Libby and Dale Pulde and others started to notice things that didn't look quit right, and Dave even talked to Tom about them at that event. After looking into it they found out that not only was the body not Dick's correct body, but that the chassis wasn't the right chassis either. Dick's Body had a door from the very first race, and Don Hardy, the man who built Dick's '68 and the '68 Kirby funny car has verified that. Dick's '68 chassis was also sent back to Don's shop in late '68 to get it fitted to the new '69 body, and that is the reason why Dick needed another car to continue running races until his car was done. That is where the Kirby car comes into the picture. Both Jim Kirby and Dave Libby will tell you that Dick used it from late August until he got his '69 car back from Don Hardy in December of '68. Both cars were then repainted in the '69 color scheme Candy Apple Red with Gold Lace.

I hope this helps you and others understand why what people say at one time can be changed at a later date once certain facts come up.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y29...ticle08-68.jpg

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]

... But, when it first came out at the Funny Car Reunion in Englishtown, NJ, Dave Libby and Dale Pulde and others started to notice things that didn't look quit right, and Dave even talked to Tom about them at that event. After looking into it they found out that not only was the body not Dick's correct body, but that the chassis wasn't the right chassis either....

[/ QUOTE ]

Mark,
I guess you were there at Englishtown when Dave went over the car? I was there, sitting at the table with the entire group. I watched and listened as Dave discussed one detail after another about the car, walking over to it on several occasions to show what he was talking about. The entire time he was confirming Tom's car to be the Harrell car that he worked on - never once did he (or anyone else there that weekend) ever have any doubts about the car. Please don't type heresay, that is what creates doubt.

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

The Chevelle is a cool looking car that reminds me of the High School days. The Harrell car also brings back memories of working at O.C.I.R. as a youth.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...n_DSCN1836.jpg

Matt's a cool guy. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Marlin, here are the words from Dave Libby himself about Tom's car and its not heresay!!!! Like I said I hope this helps you and others understand why or what people say at one time can be changed at a later date once certain facts come up. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif


<font color="green">12/29/05
My opinion is this so everyone will know where I personally am on this matter;
The Body is no way a Dick Harrell body never was never will be period.
The chassis although I as well as most agree it IS a Don Hardy but I believe it was built for some other configuration of car such as a Mustang (most likely)
(IMO) OR possibly a Barracuda Hardy built both. Such as the Blue Max and the Super Cuda.
Again my opinion Neither piece of the Tom Clary owned and presented as a true DH car neither the body OR the chassis is the DH car. For the reasons stated above.

The statements made in this post are not influenced by any one or anything except my own research and are my own conclusions reached by me and me alone. My opinions are based on my knowledge of how Dick Harrell conducted himself and what his standards of quality in both his life and his business were. For those uninformed Yes I knew the man himself!
RIP my friend.
__________________
Dave Libby </font>

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Mark ,Please don't put words in my mouth. I have never said Tom's car was not the 68 harrell funny car. I really haven't seen any prove that it isn't. What I have seen is personal bashing of the man taken way to far. Also please fix your brakes. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif Kim

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

The parts are ordered and should be in the car this weekend... Mark https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Just kidden!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
Marlin, here are the words from Dave Libby himself about Tom's car and its not heresay!!!! Like I said I hope this helps you and others understand why or what people say at one time can be changed at a later date once certain facts come up. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif


<font color="green">12/29/05
My opinion is this so everyone will know where I personally am on this matter;
The Body is no way a Dick Harrell body never was never will be period.
The chassis although I as well as most agree it IS a Don Hardy but I believe it was built for some other configuration of car such as a Mustang (most likely)
(IMO) OR possibly a Barracuda Hardy built both. Such as the Blue Max and the Super Cuda.
Again my opinion Neither piece of the Tom Clary owned and presented as a true DH car neither the body OR the chassis is the DH car. For the reasons stated above.

The statements made in this post are not influenced by any one or anything except my own research and are my own conclusions reached by me and me alone. My opinions are based on my knowledge of how Dick Harrell conducted himself and what his standards of quality in both his life and his business were. For those uninformed Yes I knew the man himself!
RIP my friend.
__________________
Dave Libby </font>

[/ QUOTE ]

We've all seen his quote, and unfortunately it contradicts his prior opinion - the facts had not changed. It is a shame, his reversal of opinion only disqualified his status as 'the expert' on these cars. This was my point, one memory, two stories - therefore, don't quote either one.

BTW, shouldn't you be preparing for your next 'drifting' competition with your Z https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif Next time, wait until the turn to get it sideways, helps avoid a stop sign, a curb, another car... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/blush.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

I smell a rabbit! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/mad.gif 396L35

Tom you owe me 20 bucks, I told you that <font color="red"> they </font> would find something wrong with your car! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smirk.gif

It's amazing how some people can twist the truth to fit their current situation. DL and DP both went over the car with a fine tooth comb at Englishtown. At no time was anything said about a missing door or a wrong chassis. Matter of fact they both commented on how amazing it was that everything matched and looked as good as it did.Maybe they were too busy getting their pictures taken and basking in all the attention the car was getting...now either they were too old and forgetful to mention this...or the situation changed! Tomorrow if the situation changes so will their stories.

By the way I was there, were you?

But the question is why does it matter.....we were talking about how cool the 65 is!

Why don't you take it to the rabbit site...I hear they are needing someone to post before they have to call the undertaker! the end is near

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
I smell a rabbit! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/mad.gif 396L35


[/ QUOTE ]
Yes I am a member there and the DH web site along with Team Camaro and Team Chevelle plus I am a paying member here... I see nothing wrong with being with all these groups, the only thing I see is Tom calling his car a AF/X car, AWB car, or a Gasser... Its kinda funny how you put all these cars in the same catagory... What Tom has is a Street Machine or Street Freak... As for his car I would take that tape measure back out and measure the front axle to the rear on both sides and figure out which one has to be moved... My friend looked at this car before Tom bought it and he said the front end is not squared to the rear... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Thanks for the heads up on which sites to avoid.. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

I must admit that I usually group stuff like gassers, awb, 2% cars, f/x cars, ss/s, etc... all together. To me it was more of a time period thing, I don't think the sanctioning bodies were consistent with their nomenclature either. In reading the SS-Drag Racing the F/Sedan book, it sounds like these classifications were changed at will sometimes https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif Bottom line, why does it matter? It's a cool old car, call it whatever ya like. I'd like to see a match race between the '65 I-beam Chevelle vs. the '66 I-beam Nova https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Amen Marlin....I am putting a old wore out small block in mine....that just happens to have a blower sitting on top. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'd like to see a match race between the '65 I-beam Chevelle vs. the '66 I-beam Nova https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Dont stop there bring on some other old wicked cars and have one hell of a shoot out. But Mo definately look at the measurments on Tom's car before something happens... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Here's my 65 A/FX car. It's originally factory racer Gary Ostrich's car out of IA. It's actually the 3rd car on the list of the original 65 plymouth hemi cars (Still have vin number on car). Not a chebbie so pleeze don't throw stones. Should have done by next year(time permitting). It's been as quick as 8.70 back in 1967 at Cordova(60% nitro)and was one of the first cars in the 10's in it's original configuration.

Neat post....

Regards,
Alex

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Here's the car back in the day. FYI,Alex

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
Here's the car back in the day. FYI,Alex

[/ QUOTE ]

Cool... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

In regards to my Chevelle, here is part of what was in the Ebay ad, and why I bought. Hopefully as time permits, I can learn more of the car's history.

<font color="red"> Vehicle Description

1965 malibu Gasser ss clone?

Last titled in 1981 recently purchased by my shop as a gasser project unfortunately I do not have the time to restore.Previous owner stated that it was a drag car from 1969 until it was returned to a small block car in the 80s . This car has a van straight axle with leaf spring and drum brakes.This work appears to have been done with a stick welder further making it very likely an old original gasser.Previous owner told me at time of purchase the car ran in southern Ill. in the 60s 70s and 80s sporting a big block and hanging the front wheels in the air!!

</font>

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

That car reminds me of Butch Leal's car out here on the West Coast, back in the day. The"California Flash". Great look. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

hey Superstock can you post a few pics of your front axel at diff angles and the shock angle/mounting points and steering rods from box to backingplate/draglink...trying to get some good info and pics on a good install...I hear shock angle is critical but have yet to find a expert to talk with and answer a few questions I have, cant be rocket science but I am sure there are some points to pay attention to.

there was a bazillion old trucks and vans running around with them and nobody died... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Thnx Bud.

Re: My '65 A/FX Chevelle
 

Hey, bring that bad boy to SCR10. Even though I may put a BBC back in my car, like it was raced, I am afraid you are out of my league. <font color="red"> It's been as quick as 8.70 back in 1967 at Cordova(60% nitro)and was one of the first cars in the 10's in it's original configuration.
</font>

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/222...oryostrich.jpg

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/222763-ostrichafx.jpg