About two years ago when I first bought my roadster I bought a flathead engine
to build for it. Myidea was to build it with all the components that I never
had. My first thought was Chet Herbert with his years of experience and one
inch ads. I've known Chet for all the many years I spent with automotive
magazines. I found a cam profile that seemed to suit my needs and called Chet.
I explained to him that I had bought an old roadster and was planning to
restore it. Then I said I was putting a flathead in it. He immediately said, "I
don't do flatheads anymore." I pleaded with him, "just one more." He finally
agreed assuming that he a proper blank. Then he asked me what kind of a grind
do I want. I had a little trouble explaining it so I said to him, "Sort of like
the Isky 4000." To that he retorted, "Go call Isky." and hung up. Good ol'
Chet. They don't get any better.
Bob D.
-----Original Message-----
From: "Thomas E. Bryant" <saltracer@awwwsome.com>
Sent: Feb 25, 2005 10:21 AM
To: Land Speed <land-speed@autox.team.net>
Subject: Chet Herbert, etc.
List,
I just finished reading an article in The Rodder Journal about Chet
Herbert. A great must read story! Today's rodders forget what it was
like in the early days. You couldn't pick up a catalog and order the
parts you needed. So...you made them.
I have know Chet as a racer since the mid 50s, but this story reveals
the personal struggles as well.
I am now ready to lift the body off the race car. We are doing a frame
up restoration this year. It is time, lots of rust & such. That's the
good news. The bad news is that my engine builder, Randy Liddell, is
battling a Leukemia type of cancer that attacks the organs. His heart,
kidneys, & liver are affected.
Randy is one of a kind. A very serious engine tech that keeps up on all
the latest innovations. His son, Ron, has worked for the Childress Teams
for several years so Randy gets lots of the new info. He has not been
well for a time, but just found out his real condition about Christmas.
He has been part of my program since the early 70s. This is a very sad
situation for me. Pray for Randy!
Tom, Redding CA - #216 D/CC
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