Race Car Wheel
The laced wire wheel sports a rubber tire borrowed from a Razor scooter. This was temporary, as Ron would eventually mold his own more authentic knobby dirt track tires. Note the racing knock-off type center hub. See bottom photos for a look at the updated tires.
Ron’s First Engine and the Offy
Ron’s first engine sits in front of his latest project—the Offenhauser powered race car.
Race Car Radiator
The top of the stainless steel radiator came from a serving bowl which just so happened to be the proper diameter—eliminating the need to form that part of the shape. It is beautifully integrated into the radiator as if it were made for the location.
Race Car Radiator
The cap also contains a lot of nice detail.
Fuel Tank
Finishes on all parts of the car are finely done. Altogether, there is an interesting combination of metals and surface finishes.
Fuel Tank
The fuel tank sits behind the rear axle.
Engine Detail
Seen from below, this view of the engine shows the pan, along with some of the frame detail.
Rear Details
A low angle view shows the differential and rear axle.
Dirt Track Race Car
A side view of the scale model race car. This photo was taken indoors, while the following image was taken outside—revealing a subtle change in the yellow color.
Dirt Track Race Car
Driver’s Compartment
A close look into the driver’s compartment, with a 1/4 scale helmet on the seat. The helmet is an accurate replica of what would have been used at the time—if the driver wore any helmet at all! It offered only token protection at best, in a car with no seatbelts or roll bar. Early racing helmets were similar to those worn by polo players.
Dirt Track Race Car
Here the car is seen with its fiberglass bodywork removed.
Carburetors and Intake Manifold
A detailed look at two of the carburetors, and the “log” style intake manifold on the side of the car. These carburetors started out as model airplane carbs, but were modified by Ron to resemble the original Winfield carbs of the era.
Race Car With New Tires
Unsatisfied with the look of the off-the-shelf scooter tires, Ron decided to make his own. He molded these rubber knobby tires which are more historically accurate. These last three photos of the car are courtesy of Mike Stewart, who was the photographer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for many years.
Knobby Tire and Molds
The assembled mold halves are shown in this photo. The molds have an inner core, so the tires are hollow, except for an inflated inner tube. The valve stem on the inner tube was much too large, so Ron machined it off and built his own scale valve stems with a pin for the core.
Knobby Tire and Molds
Ron’s Shop
Another look at part of Ron’s revamped home shop.
