Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters
Direct drive coupler for my FED project
George:
This accident happened before I started racing at the now closed Motion Raceway. Sheared mounting bolts that I have heard were questionable. A blown FED.
Chuck Stratman
Born: January 8, 1950
Died: July 1, 1972
Buried: Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Jacksonville, Illinois
Age: 22
Full Name: Charles Dewitt Stratman
Nickname:
Drag Strip: Motion Raceway, near Assumption, Illinois
Event:
Accident Date: July 1972
Car: front-engined T/F
Biographical: The car owners were Chuck Stratman and Dick Brodan from Jacksonville, Illinois. About 600 feet out from the starting line, the pinion broke, locking up the rear end. It sheared the bolts off that were holding the rear end to the chassis uprights. The rear end spun down and under Chuck. It drove him up into the cage which broke his neck.
Sources
Bob Gibson, e-mail communication with site administrator, Jan. 14 and Jan. 17, 2013
Social Security Death Index: Charles Stratman, b. Jan. 8, 1950, d. July 1972, SS # issued Illinois in 1966
Photos
Bob Gibson, e-mail communication with site administrator, Jan. 17, 2013
Brogdan-Stratman dragster at Motion Raceway, courtesy of Bob Gibson
dreracecar:
Common denominator was "Sheared mounting bolts" due to poor mounting, lack of bolts and lack of anti-rotation plate/mount and not the R&P comming out or the 3rd member exploding. At that point it did not matter what the rear end is or was. I the last 25 years of FE dragsters I have seen plenty of blown R&P's (Ford , Chrys, and Olds (big and small))and none/nothing has ever come out
Add to that list Jack Chrisman, Mike Sorokin, Rich Guasco, all injured from a total spin out
Van:
--- Quote from: dreracecar on February 29, 2016, 09:09:01 AM ---
--- Quote from: Van on February 29, 2016, 08:19:20 AM ---I have a complete 57/64 Olds/ Pont rear end, Has Wilwood brakes, 35 spline strange axles & Spool, This is ready to run. If you are interested just send me a PM
Thanks & welcome to the FED board.
Van
--- End quote ---
Sorry, a completely wrong rear for this build, its the small 49 that was used (2/3's the size of that '57)
--- End quote ---
Bruce you don't need to be sorry for posting your opinion. I have owned quite a few FED's that saw time as J/F and the very early ones did have the early ?-56 Olds rear (junk) but most cars built in the stated 65 though 67 era had 8 3/4 and a couple I owned in the early 70's did have the larger 57-64 Olds. One car had the 55=57 Chevy, I can't even imagine a new car being built in 67 with the early Olds. The 8 3/4 would be my top choice for use with a little Chevy., but if cost is a factor ? Just like my FED I run now and built it with a Dana 60. I blew up to many 8 3/4 Chryslers but I don't run SBC's.
George:
--- Quote from: dreracecar on February 29, 2016, 06:01:20 PM ---Common denominator was "Sheared mounting bolts" due to poor mounting, lack of bolts and lack of anti-rotation plate/mount and not the R&P comming out or the 3rd member exploding. At that point it did not matter what the rear end is or was. I the last 25 years of FE dragsters I have seen plenty of blown R&P's (Ford , Chrys, and Olds (big and small))and none/nothing has ever come out
Add to that list Jack Chrisman, Mike Sorokin, Rich Guasco, all injured from a total spin out
--- End quote ---
I have never heard of a fatal accident from a Ring or pinion gear exiting the rear end assembly either. I shared the article to help prove problem installations can be bad news . I also took a look back to date the accident. I actually thought it was several years later.
digster:
I was told at least one the gentlemen on that list were using alum. bolts with drilled centers. If that is indeed the case the ring and pinion would be the least of my rear worries.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[*] Previous page
Go to full version