Calling Ray Morrison

[sYc]

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.

[Born30YrsLate]

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

[Chevy454]

[ 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...

[Born30YrsLate]

That definitely helps!...

[copo-2]

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

[Chevy454]

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

[copo-2]

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

[JoeG]

Very car that represents the everything-goes times back when.......

[Mr70]

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

[Belair62]

Texas Twin Burgers !!!!!