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Front Engine Dragsters #2852837
11/29/20 11:14 AM
11/29/20 11:14 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 957
MI, Lapeer
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maximus Offline OP
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MI, Lapeer
Thinking about looking for a FED project to play with in retirement. Anybody had one or currently have one. Any pointers , tips pro/cons? What to look for or avoid? Looking for 160" to 180" wheelbase. I know the most sought after is a Logghe or Woodie Gilmore chassis. Would like to find something that would certify for nostalgia drags. Any input appreciated.

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2852884
11/29/20 12:39 PM
11/29/20 12:39 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,627
anywhere@ anytime
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actionange Offline
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Joined: Apr 2003
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anywhere@ anytime
I’d start searching RacingJunk. Some usually pop up on there.

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: actionange] #2852918
11/29/20 01:50 PM
11/29/20 01:50 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,239
north of coder
moparx Offline
"Butt Crack Bob"
moparx  Offline
"Butt Crack Bob"

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,239
north of coder
i always had an affinity for a competition coupe.
at least i think that's what they were called. an old 30's style body chunk on a FED chassis.
good luck in your search and retirement !
beer

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: moparx] #2852928
11/29/20 02:35 PM
11/29/20 02:35 PM
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MI, Lapeer
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maximus Offline OP
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I found a few already. My old friend Al Bergler says they are overpriced. He will be my guidence.

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2852932
11/29/20 02:49 PM
11/29/20 02:49 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,379
Taxes & Virus's R-US, NY
Dragula Offline
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Taxes & Virus's R-US, NY
Well, I run in a Gasser class, and they tended to fad away from competition. We had a couple of them that would run with us. They tend to be long and difficult to maneuver, and many didn't have built in starters, and cooling systems....Combine that with bad handling and inconsistent launches.....Well unless they race each other, they don't fit well in other classes.

To run Mopower with a starter, it needs to be 24" between the frame rails...no less. Me, I like the period correct Alterds better, but that's me.

Last edited by Dragula; 11/29/20 02:59 PM.

'70 Cuda,...605 EFI Hemi Street Car (6.20 best pass, 1.33 60ft)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYw6RA-k5Bk (6.25 at 108.75mph from inside car)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zQEb9uxFng (6.25 at 108mph from outside car)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCvfzsC4NgM (9.9)

'66 Barracuda AWB Stretched nose Blown 440 Car in build stage

'71 Duster Drag Car 400 Low Deck 512 best 6.002 at 115.44mph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Znuo3jMUXTk
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2852947
11/29/20 03:21 PM
11/29/20 03:21 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,408
Fulton County, PA
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CMcAllister Offline
Mr. Helpful
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Fulton County, PA
Originally Posted by maximus
I found a few already. My old friend Al Bergler says they are overpriced. He will be my guidence.


He would certainly know.

I would think the first decision to make is find a real original 60+ year old car and use it, or use an up to date car like S&W builds or a modern nostalgia car.


If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: Dragula] #2852948
11/29/20 03:25 PM
11/29/20 03:25 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,135
my own world
theraif Offline
master
theraif  Offline
master

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,135
my own world
couple of styles i like

18836927_281350515662742_5175742406988832361_o.jpg44427074_10213064518789577_2363756782024654848_o.jpg314532551_c_P6_P6_XL.jpg
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2852960
11/29/20 03:40 PM
11/29/20 03:40 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,812
South Bend
John Brown Offline
top fuel
John Brown  Offline
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,812
South Bend
Originally Posted by maximus
I found a few already. My old friend Al Bergler says they are overpriced. He will be my guidence.


Al would have the scoop. A friend of ours, David Crane, Battle Creek, MI, passed away late in 2019, and his shop (a museum to front engined cars) was full of them.

His widow might could use the money.


July 19th should be "Drive Like Rockford Day". R.I.P. Jimmie.
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: John Brown] #2852968
11/29/20 04:00 PM
11/29/20 04:00 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,097
back in Georgia
dthemi Offline
master
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back in Georgia
I have a weak spot for a fed too. Not a fan of the bodied ones, just the super clean motor on a stick look,

There are some guys that run I think south east something or the other nostalgia whatever that runs a few of them. I love watching them. Not really fast, but I bet it feels like it. They're often all over the track, wheelies, sideways, whatever.

Funny that older guys, myself included talk about running them in retirement. Reality is, they look harder to manage than ye olde door banger lol.

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: dthemi] #2852991
11/29/20 04:41 PM
11/29/20 04:41 PM
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MI, Lapeer
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maximus Offline OP
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Al's car is now in the permanent home in Speedway Motors Museum in Nebraska.

moreaggrivationberglerridler1964-640x427.jpg
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2853104
11/29/20 08:22 PM
11/29/20 08:22 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 957
MI, Lapeer
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maximus Offline OP
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MI, Lapeer
John Brown tried to send you a PM. Your inbox will not accept Private Messages. Please contact me. Thanks

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2853133
11/29/20 10:01 PM
11/29/20 10:01 PM
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 430
Michigan
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HR3128 Offline
mopar
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 430
Michigan
My late racing partner & I had this one for a few years in the late 70's. This was before there was a nostalgia craze. It was supposed to have been Kalitta's last front-engine dragster. As best I can tell, it was a 70 or 71 Logghe. We had the engine & trans mounted by Wayne Farr. Engine was a low HP 396 Chevy. It ran & drove OK. Not fast. Al Bergler built the scoop. The only real drawback to this car was that the seat was narrow & it took 2 people to operate it at the track.

CarTrailer.JPG020_20.JPG021_21.JPG
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2853204
11/30/20 02:12 AM
11/30/20 02:12 AM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,812
South Bend
John Brown Offline
top fuel
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South Bend
Originally Posted by maximus
John Brown tried to send you a PM. Your inbox will not accept Private Messages. Please contact me. Thanks


I don't do private messages at all. Ask whatever you want on the board. I will answer if I can.


July 19th should be "Drive Like Rockford Day". R.I.P. Jimmie.
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: John Brown] #2853261
11/30/20 10:53 AM
11/30/20 10:53 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 957
MI, Lapeer
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maximus Offline OP
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John Brown, just wanted to know if you had any contact information for his widow? Hate to bother people but according to Dave's obituary he passed away Oct 2018, two years ago now. Maybe it's sold by now. Got a phone number or something. Thanks

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2853274
11/30/20 11:25 AM
11/30/20 11:25 AM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,812
South Bend
John Brown Offline
top fuel
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South Bend
I sent you a p.m. Didn't realize it had been two years. Getting old sucks. Not getting old is even worse.


July 19th should be "Drive Like Rockford Day". R.I.P. Jimmie.
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: John Brown] #2853349
11/30/20 01:53 PM
11/30/20 01:53 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,812
South Bend
John Brown Offline
top fuel
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South Bend
Sent another p.m. Good luck.


July 19th should be "Drive Like Rockford Day". R.I.P. Jimmie.
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: John Brown] #2854951
12/03/20 08:58 PM
12/03/20 08:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,130
Melbourne , Australia
LA360 Offline
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Melbourne , Australia
I toyed with the idea of building one, even went as far as buying plans from Mark Williams. The new builds that were fast were the Neil & Parks cars.

https://neilparks.com/

They had a car or two run in Comp Eliminator as well from memory


Alan Jones
Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: LA360] #2855410
12/04/20 07:29 PM
12/04/20 07:29 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,176
East Coast
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A/MP Offline
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East Coast
You definitely don't want anything less than 20 years old. You should consider a SB and not make too much low end power. The traction of 700+ HP will be a handful to drive. Probably would put on a good show but going rounds is a different story. Great for nostalgia events where you are running similar cars. Ran an Altered in the 70's and became frustrated with the inconsistencies. Traded it for a FED and sold that the following year. I had my FED set up so I didn't need a crew. You need at least 1 guy at the track always w'o the mods. Try calling S&W race cars. They might have a lead with someone updated to a new ride.

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: A/MP] #2855472
12/04/20 10:32 PM
12/04/20 10:32 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,182
aZLiViN
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J_BODY Offline
I Live Here
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aZLiViN
My small block has gone 9.16 in my Duster.... I’d love to put that in an old school FED! Of course out here in the west that would be like 2-3 events a year. Might be a good exit plan smile

Re: Front Engine Dragsters [Re: maximus] #2855483
12/04/20 10:45 PM
12/04/20 10:45 PM
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,110
Usa
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A39Coronet Offline
super stock
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Posts: 1,110
Usa
Not sure how much racing you do now, but make sure you really, really, really want a FED. We had a buddy who did the same thing, spent several years fighting to just get it down the track, and never got a chance to actually enjoy it or racing before he passed away. There's a reason Garlitz moved the engine to the back, and a reason they are few and far between in any form of racing. Killer looks, but their time has passed.


Follow my G3 Hemi Barracuda build on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSDAWczXoZw&list=PLTus_wQu8POADHEeJNJp2nr4NMHEyB9EK

2015 Tri-State Stock Super Stock Champion
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2018 Monster Mopar No Box Winner
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