DBG: Why Bob Glidden Switched From Ford To Chrysler In 1979, And Dominated Pro Stock, By Dave Koffel

This video, happened by chance. I have a Bob Glidden video almost finished, the 1979 season of NHRA Pro Stock and was reading the Motown Missile by Geoff Stunkard. In that it mentions the story that I mentioned reading. I have to Joe Papas about Dave, and his history. I have had some work done by Scott Koffel back in the day, so I said I will call him up and see if Dave is around. Well Suzy Koffel answered, and I told her who I was, and my interest in the racing history. I got Dave on the phone, and I talked him into meeting me, Glad my fingers were crossed. I went there, and it was like the red carpet was out. They took time to chat, and show me some great historical photos, and stories. Their son Scott, came out and said DragBoss, and watches DragBoss Garage. He really enjoys the videos, and live chats. So after quick discussion, the Koffel's invited myself, Mrs. DragBoss, and the Bossettes back for more time to interview, and a tour of Dave and Suzy's museum.
However, once we got talking time got away from all the history, so we will have to get back there for another episode of Koffel's Place, and the museum.
Bob Glidden Was approached by Dave Koffel in July of 1978, at the Northern Nationals, when Dave talked to Bob, on the tail gate of Bob's Truck. Asked him "How would you like to race for Chrysler?" Bob Glidden was like a deer in headlights,. Dave asked him what has Ford ever done for you? Bob answered they never even gave me a gasket. He said let me think about it. Dave reproached him at the Fall Nationals which was in Seattle in September of 1978. Dave tells the story and fills in the details. Talks about about Bob Glidden and his personality, his drive and determination. Also tells stories of their first test session, where all the big boys were, They were running in the low 9s, and Bob backs the car out of the trailer, drops the clutch, and blows off an 8.60. Dave says Bill Grumpy Jenkins, had to pick his jaw off the ground. As Bob said he dominated the year, only lost twice, but did see that he lost 3 times. Once 6/30/1979, to Randy Humphrey, Driving Bob Lambecks Volare, at the Mile high Nationals at Bandimere Speedway. Sonny Bryant came in runner up. The next race was the Summer Nationals at Englishtown 7/15/1979, where I read that Bob's car broke. Then I saw that on 9/23/1979, at the Fall Nationals at Pacific Raceway, Frank Iaconio took out Bob. This info was from the ultimate racings history site. Let me know if you have different facts.
Dave talks about breaking a sprag in the Lenco, and he says to Bob, what are we going to do. Bob sdays, "I will tell you what your going to do, drive to Lenco and get me the parts so we can fix this. The best is when the Arrow bent a valve, and instead of Bob pulling the head, He put the valve stem in a chuck of a drill, and started pulling up and spinning the valve to reseat it. Then put the valve train back together, and ran low ET and won the race. This is something you got to listen to, pure racing history at it's best.
Thank you Dave, Suzy, and Scott Koffel for the history lesson and hospitality. Also Brian Hammons Enterprises, and The Hoosier Legends Series for video clips.
"DragBoss Garage Where your always seeing and learning something new"

[@michaelclanton1152]

Thanks for the interview with Dave Koffel,family! Thank you Dave,Scott for taking me in on the dragster crew all those years.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks for watching. I need get back there for a tour of the museum. On the list. Great Family

[@teddysgunshop2318]

Your channel is unbelievable keeping old school drag racing alive

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Ken, appreciate you being here. Like I say, never know what going to see or learn on DragBoss Garage

[@anthonytumbarello9940]

I'm a Mopar guy but I think the ford Cleveland was the best small block

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Anthony, one my favorite is the 340 in a Duster or cuda

[@michaelwallbrown3726]

a MoPar guy since the late 60's a 340 was the best small block they always fought out of there weight class a giant killer

[@chaunceypaulos3712]

@@michaelwallbrown3726nothing comes close to the cleveland back in the old pro stock days you gotta go by wins and z Bob Glidden ran a 351 cleveland and he basically dominated he went one whole season without a single lost 🤷🏼

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I always loved the 340 in a Duster. Tough little ombré

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

But he also kicked booty with the 340 based engine. Goes to show his ingenuity and working harder than most, and determination to win. Thanks Chauncey Aloha

[@davepotanko5514]

B1 development and early Wayne County stories, I'm counting the seconds till that. Thank you

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes have to hook back up and get some more war stories 🏁

[@billfioretti3013]

Wow, Dragboss. NICE! The Koffel's on Friday and Warren Johnson Saturday evening at 7:00 eastern. NICE TWICE!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Twice as Nice!! Yes it will be pretty dam cool if I say myself. 💯🏁👍🇺🇸

[@mikecurtis2585]

Wow these stories are always amazing!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Hope I keep you watching, sharing, and liking Mike

[@scottkoffel2827]

Tim was great doing this with you and look forward to doing more!😊

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

It was history Scott thank you and your family for the opportunity❤️ yes we all look forward too. Chat soon

[@studio95951]

Sharing history. Love it!!!!!! 👍👍👍👍🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Pat G appreciate that and glad you appreciate it too. ☺️

[@terrygrover6440]

Tim it doesn't get any better then this the things you bring to the memories and the legends of racing that made this sport what it is today , thank you for all you do my friend 😊

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Your most welcome Terry, I’m just a guy in DragBoss Garage, keeping the faith. Thank you for appreciating the work I put in. Like I always say, always seeing and learning something new at DragBoss Garage

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Terry, Tim always has something cool up his sleeve! Good stuff

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks my friend, but usually wear short sleeve or sleevless, lol@@UnityMotorSportsGarage

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Amazing Content! How cool is this...

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thank you Andy, figured guys would like to know this. How about Bob fixing the vent valve with a drill. I can see it now.

[@donnieprinnell4857]

Love your videos thanks for being old school. God bless you and your family.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thank you Donnie, old school I am. Never change. We can use the blessings. God bless you and your family too

[@charlesbuffolano3403]

Learned something new from the interview. Good job Tim!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Knowledge is power and racing history will never be repeated. Thanks Chuck.

[@mohanperformance.enginerd.1308]

So beautiful. Just amazing Tim.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks you again my friend💯☺️🏁

[@aaronwelsh7008]

Been with this Amazing Family and crew since 2005....Very humble Family....and then realized the Amazing things this great family has done...priceless. Can't wait to see the episode from the museum....first time I walked in there took my breath away...just wow

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks for watching Aaron, I see that now after meeting them. It’s family like this that made the US what it was. They realize the importance of each other and others and teach that. I am blessed to have this opportunity and to be able to share with all of you. Can’t wait for the museum tour. More history on the way.

[@antibowtie440]

Just watched the story why bob gladden switched to mopar in 79. Great story and great seeing Dave koffel and son. I am a ABC- anything but Chevrolet guy. I looked up Dave koffel on Wikipedia and true to form-only Chevrolet was mentioned that powered the packard. Nothing about any other accomplishments of his. This is common in all the car magazines not directed at a certain manufacturer. Truck magazines are just as bad. I am sure Dave accomplished a lot more with mopar than he did with a shivvy powered packard.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

You are so right, funny how the media chooses what to say. He was instrumental with bringing in Prudome and lots of racers using the hemi. He is a wealth of knowledge and experience. Thanks

[@timrayburn2461]

Outstanding video and work to the entire Drag Boss family

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Much appreciated my friend. I will thank them Tim

[@larrystarkey2899]

Very cool. Thank you. Don't stop .

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

You got it! Stay tuned

[@Gdone]

This style of video it’s a history lesson , thank both families for doing this

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Gregg, school is always in session at DragBoss Garage.

[@georgedreisch2662]

Holy crap! Two videos in one day! Must’ve cashed in a kitchen pass…😂 Chuckling at the “Bang Head Here” sign, behind Tim’s head. Coincidence?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I keep the faith George and doors open 🙏 be true to you guys with no film flam

[@gunwrencher1566]

As a Ford guy that year hurt me. Never knew the story behind it. Thanks for sharing!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

You’re welcome, now you know the truth and not hearsay. Appreciate you being here

[@johnnystanley4469]

Sure is great to see the good old racers making power and winning and the stories bring it full circle.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Johnny, good to find out exactly how it all took place. The clandestine operation Glidden switch. Stay tuned

[@strokermaverick]

Mr. EXCLUSIVE, is at it again! Many thanks, Tim!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Your most welcome. Mr. Exclusive, right on stroker Mav

[@Tshade67]

Another great video! Thanks for all of your work sharing all of this wonderful racing history! Also thanks to your guests and the help and patience from your wife and daughters. We so much appreciate it!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thank you so much for taking time to watch my channel. Glad you enjoy it. My family is the best and understand the importance. This stuff is once in a lifetime.

[@stevejohnson6858]

Being a Mopar guy I've known about Dave since the 1970s when I was a kid. I did not know he was involved in the street racing scene up0 there in Michigan. I bet he has some great stories about that. The Ford roadster he mentioned must have been a monster. I've told friends of mine that there were actually some 9-10 second street cars running around circa late 60s-early 70s and they almost always say "You're full of it" Little do they know. Guys including men from the race and engineering depts of the big 3 had their own one off ultra worked over hot rods they brought out and ran guys with. I only recently read about one of the Pontiac guys with a one off Ram Air 5 GTO that would run 11s in street trim. There were many others besides the Silver Bullet GTX. Nowhere near as fast or high$ as todays street scene in certain places but a 9-11 sec street car in the 68-71 time frame would have been over the top.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I have heard of him back in the day. But that’s it, heard. Yes people always think 9 never came around until the 80s with fastest street car stuff. But back then you were in the know, you were on the go. That best time to be alive, for sure. Thanks man

[@michaelcoger4626]

As an old Detroit street racer from the 60's. I ran a 69 big bad orange Javelin. It was easy to get a race from Chevy's and Mopar. All you had to say is are you afraid of a Rambler? It was on after that. Great content. Keep it up.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@michaelcoger4626 thanks Michael. I get it. Any pics or good stories about back I the day?

[@bluedoggg1]

The weight break was part of the reason he switched. They kept adding weight to the Cleveland Powered car.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Not really why, no money from Ford, I did not hear that.

[@MrValhem265]

nice piece of history, we had chyrsler scorpions down under same as plymouth arrow american Mitsubish Australia had taken over chyrsler australia by them long story.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I never even heard of a scorpion, more history from our great Australian mates 🇦🇺 🇺🇸🏁💯

[@robertgardner1259]

Thanks DB

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Your welcome Robert

[@DavidMiller-gu1cn]

Wow it is just wonderful the guys you have interviewed on your site,the hair on my arms was standing. God bless all of you guys David

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks David, just wait until tonight with Warren Johnson, ever hear of him?

[@Dantheman1919]

Fantastic work Tim!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Many thanks! To you

[@nhra7110]

Wow, fantastic! Thanks for all you do Tim!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thank you for always supporting DragBoss Garage. I thought you would appreciate some mopar history. More power to ya

[@mrbizmarky1]

Excellent interview just have to drown out the background noise, but I love the old school prostock and superstock stuff. I’m a Mopar guy and I’ve watched some of your videos I’ve always liked the 351 Cleveland and boss 302. High winding small blocks are what I’m about bangin gears! I’ve also done business with the Koffels on their B1 stuff and they’re an amazing family. Anyway I’m going to subscribe to your channel because I like the old school content. Good job brother

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks much, I love all the old pro stock racing too. Trying to get a video or audio record of everything I can. They are a great family and Dave made racing history on many occasions. Appreciate you noticing my channel. More in store Mr.Biz

[@johnelliott7375]

Thank you for sharing your hard work and time spent researching these priceless pieces of history with everyone! Everyone in the neighborhood is getting better and back on their feet slowly but surely. Again I and they thank you and told me to tell you thank you for the enjoyment of the historical facts in your videos and documentary on the man and what he did in his career. Have a good evening and enjoy your weekend.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Tell them all thanks you from DragBoss, Mrs DragBoss and the Bossettes. It is history John we will never see again. This type will never repeat itself. It must be preserved, and I am the Mark Twain to do it. See you tonight with live chat with Warren Johnson, spread the word.

[@johnelliott7375]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland I am home and I think I am going to have 75-80% of them here. TTYL

[@chadkent1241]

Your channel is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Your effort to document the glory days of drag racing is valued beyond measure! Thank you for the ride-along.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Appreciate you Chad, thanks for coming along on the journey, it is something that will never be again. Doing my best.

[@chadkent1241]

@DragBoss351Cleveland did you hear of the passing of the Gasser King, Ohio George Montgomery? He made Fords fly and won many a championship with Ford motivation. Oldest/longest running engine shop in the country, was a leader in innovation, and made a twin Turbo Boss 9 so fast, the NHRA banned it in 1975. I built my own tt Mach 1 back in 06, in his honor.

[@chadkent1241]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland you ARE the best!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@chadkent1241 yes Chad, rip Ohio George. He was on the list, to road trip too. 🙏 🇺🇸

[@johnelliott7375]

Glad you are doing these series and getting the rel true story from the driver's and small guy's lightly or non sponsored perspective. Thank you for sharing this stuff and true history of the day.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Your most welcome. You help spread the word to the world 🌎 have a great weekend

[@johnelliott7375]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland I do my best and I have passed it along and the younger ones in their 20's gobbling it up. Makes me feel like I am helping out the ones that need to learn it and I owe you a few. Thanks again and good evening

[@mylanmiller9656]

When I talked to Bob about the switch, he told me, The main reason he excepted was the deal because the weight brake for the small block Dodge engine was soft, it was a given that he could make it work. Like he said if it couldn't win all the money and support wouldn't be any help.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

And look what Chrysler gave him. No brainer when you need to race to eat

[@edge2sword186]

FORD lost Sox and Martin in 1965 because they would not give both of them a courtesy cars . Imagine 1 car cost Ford millions ?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Man that is irony for sure. Price they pay for being cheap

[@50th-state15]

The three races that Bob loss in that Arrow back 1979 were: 6/30/1979 at the Mile High Nats where he red lighted against Randy Humphrey 7/15/1979 at the Summer Nats where he red lighted against Frank Iaconio 9/23/1979 at the Fall Nats where Bob's car broke in the finals and Frank Iaconio won

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes good stuff to reiterate. When I get Frank Iaconio on, we will ask him about racing Bob.

[@50th-state15]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland Awesome! I think Bob qualified in the number 1 spot in all of the races for 79

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@50th-state15 not sure on that one, but would not doubt it one bit.

[@rodneyachance8257]

In one of the magazines at the time of the switch to Chrysler, someone made a comment that has stuck with me 40+ years later. They said that by getting Glidden into a Chrysler they did two things; bring attention to Chrysler but they also eliminated their number one competitor. It’s hard to know how those cars would’ve done with a different driver against Glidden in a Ford but why the hell take a chance at finding out? Thought that was genius.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

They were thinking outside the box. Yes a great move for Chrysler. And for him to win that year was just icing on the cake. Very genius

[@bobwhite4344]

outstanding vid with amazing history and personal recollections.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Glad you enjoyed it bob see you tonight

[@jmflournoy386]

Which FORD racer blew like 30 engines by building them with White GREASE (hint do not use anything not soluble in oil)???

[@alanmeyers3957]

I don’t know, but you should assemble with motor oil.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I have of Bob running no oi l to the top, and packing valve train with moly

[@jmflournoy386]

I heard it was the Melling oil pumps said to be experimental I was pretty much out of racing by then@@DragBoss351Cleveland

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Or assembly lube sticks much better

[@jmflournoy386]

Moly lube for the lifters and STP is the racers Edge@@DragBoss351Cleveland

[@fredebert959]

Nice interview Tim...I asummed it was Iacocca was who Glidden was dealing with...but he obviously was the one that put the cabosh to the program when they bellyed up! Look forward to the next chapter! thanks!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Fred for watching, Interesting story to say the least. I appreciate the pics and vids, stay tuned, yes he was the guy

[@redbarnproductions6482]

I remember seeing koffels place on Frank Teague car but I never new the connection or history behind the name. Enjoy every minute of the interview.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks much red barn, I have heard of Dave too, but never to this degree. Crazy how they are only 15 minutes from where I live. Wait for more on his history. Thanks again

[@peteross4293]

get rid of the background noise

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

It is what it is, listen past it.

[@raymondminich5462]

When are you going to interview Dave lyall

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I had said something to him, but I don’t think he ever replied. Have to try again Raymond. Thank you

[@toddbob55]

Bob Glidden Ford kicked everybodys ass

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

,,, down eye 5 to Lemon Grove California, Lenco . What the heck is all that background talking ,,, ?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Lol that is his wife talking to mrs DragBoss and the Bossettes. Smile and enjoy Roland. That story is priceless, “ well you your going to get on that truck and go to lenco

[@shoominati23]

I heard that in the mid 70's in NASCAR they found out about the W2 heads for the Chrysler Smallblock engine after they bought in the 358 cubic inch rule, and team chiefs discovered that you could make a good 50hp over the Chevrolet or the Ford with these heads ported right, so many drivers switched over there and then. It wasn't until the C3 , and later SB2 was developed that redressed the power balance between the makes.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I never heard that before. But agree with the ol C3 heads, def got Awesomebill from Dawsonville, the million dollar and 212mph lap. I have some lapel mics but they needed batteries, get them going this week.

[@johnsalvaterra3116]

Nothing but an old wives tale. Richard Petty told us a Cleveland they bought from Bud Moore made 40 hp more than the best Chevy or small Mopar they tested. The W2 heads were a good head , but not really better than anything else.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@johnsalvaterra3116 I believe the King. Especially in that context. Wow

[@johnsalvaterra3116]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland HI Tim! You have to remember the C3 heads came later. Ernie was using the A heads like you have, Bob Glidden did the intake manifold. The C3 heads were a head that came about 1992, the Yates head. Nobody ran a Mopar, Richard Petty, went to a Pontiac with Brodix sbc, though he did say they thought about running a Ford, but there was no factory help. Pontiac supplied Petty a good sponsorship.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Great point John, I forgot about the year we are talking about, 1987 right. So he ran A3s, I don’t that exactly time each came out. Remember theee was a cleveland style C3, c302 before the Yates too. Glidden ported the Roush intake then. I thought Ernie Elliot did all the port work? Good info on petty.

[@louislepage5111]

I always heard that Chrysler offers Glidden a sweet deal 😊

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

They sure did. DBG: Bob Glidden's Pro Stock Championship 79 Plymouth Arrow, FOUND Inside 900+HP 314 ci W2 Headed kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4SpaayYdseWY9k

[@MrValhem265]

aussie galants ,yours were called dodge colts see the trend there?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I sure do see it mate

[@joedobbins870]

For every Cleveland there are 10000. Chevies!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Since the cleveland was only made 4 years in the states….

[@mikeg4163]

When is the WJ video?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Tonight at 7pm .est. will make a post. Can’t post too much on FB they restricted me twice yesterday. So will make it this am

[@af4od02]

@@DragBoss351Clevelandhello! I am curious. It is off the subject. What does FB restrict in the world of Drag Racing?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@@af4od02 too many post at once. Have to space them out I guess. I never had an issue until yesterday. First restriction one hr, then 24 hrs, so will have to space out today

[@malcolmhamilton5200]

To go faster and win?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes and where no man had gone before

[@douglorimer5985]

Well Tim ,im sure its a great interview, but i can't here these guys 😊

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Doug. Try a different device. May work better.

[@Tegridynews]

Ford isn't loyal to nobody, after Bob Glidden 11 championships Bob asked Ford to back him for one last year, at a real run at the championship, Ford said sure we will supply you with 3 engines, Bob spent thousands of dollars prepping for the next season, by the time the season was about to start Ford still didn't even tell him that they already done backed out. 😅 That's how Bob Glidden ended his drag racing career. On false promises

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

That I never knew, nor heard before. Would not put it past them. Makes me think how could they?

[@bradyelich2745]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland It was a money thing and the crackdown on racing vs RND for emissions. I grew up watching Bob and his Fords on ABC Wide World of Sports carried by our local channel ... Ford went from No 1 to 2 or 3 in sales.

[@johnsalvaterra3116]

What most people don't know, but I'm sure Rusty knows, Ford, was done with NHRA. NHRA, officials basically called Bob, "crazy" , that he had lost it. Ford officials, at that time had been through the nitrous debacle, and had had enough, of NHRA. Was it right, the way it was handled? Probably not. It was a sad way for a sanctioning body to treat their many time champion. IMO from what I heard, and read at the time, somebody at Ford, told Bob, of the meetings and what the very unflattering things the NHRA , said and told him, in that climate he was better to retire.IMO Had the NHRA, been even reasonable, Ford would have given Bob another contract.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thats exactly when I learned about him, 1975 the agony of defeat, remember? @@bradyelich2745

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I don't know this history, as I was going to school then and no time for anything. Can you expound on it a bit. Called him crazy for what? who said what? Ford or NHRA, please clarify. @@johnsalvaterra3116

[@smilsmff]

Why is it that bob Glidden switched to Mopar and won everything all year long and Darell Alderman does same thing, he went from IHRA TO NHRA racing , so then they all claimed cheater? they destroyed the fan base for Dodge .and continued with the Boohoo ers of GM.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Great Drivers, Great cars and hard work win races. And the crew too. Go with what you know and don’t let go.

[@petergehle4222]

I had mates who had 4v fords and my 340 flogged them. Unless you went full race the 4vs had no air speed in most street applications so majority in Australia were disappointing plus block issues .Impressive nowadays with the development. Ford were on the right path that's for sure. Ford and Mopar seemed ahead of Chevrolet in the early days.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes yes all in how build them, not Ford. Love to have a w2 headed 349 in a 71-4 Duster.

[@benjaminbrower540]

He switched because Chrysler contacted him and he didn't have a contract with Ford. He says it in his own words on I interview of Hoosier Legends..

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

So what are you saying? This is not true what Dave said?