Front Engine Dragster ABANDONED in the Woods + HEMI in the Barn!

We dig an abandoned Hemi-powered front engine dragster out of the woods and reassemble it using parts that have been stashed away for more than 50 years. Follow along with the story of Jim Smith and his home built front engine dragster, powered by a 354ci Hemi engine. We were able to show the reassembled dragster to Jim before he passed away, making for a super special moment for all of us involved in the car's revival. This is one of the most impactful episodes of Hot Rod Hoarders you'll find...but please stay tuned for more content of this nature!
#hotrodhoarders #dragster #hemi

[@HotRodHoarder]

1 million views! Thank you so much for the views, the kind words and support!

[@mattjohnson9855]

Great stories about fascinating people and cars. Thanks man.

[@davidjessee7701]

How much for the red 67?

[@jpalberthoward9]

How could anybody not love a crazy rig like this? The cool factor is off the chart. It's about as primal as you can get, like the blues from Mississippi or the guys who fought in the Revolutionary War. Amazing restoration and documentation! My hat is off to you sir. There is one thing I've been curious about all my life, maybe you could help me with. How do they get by without a radiator or water pump in a car like that? It seems like the nitro fuel, combined with the RPM's they run those things at, ought to blow up the engines and melt them from the heat. I've wondered about that for years. Maybe you could tell me how they manage to keep those engines from totally self destructing? I love all this stuff, by my knowledge has lots of gaps in it and this is one of them.

[@m42037]

Why was the dragster disassembled over the years scattered all over the yard

[@Daddyrabbit_2]

Awesome, awesome job bringing the story of an old drag racer and his homemade machine to us. Your passion for the history of automobile racing 🏎️ and the people behind the wheels and/or wrenches is boundless and I can't wait to hear another great history lesson from you! Thank you for your endless energy!

[@pub6023]

Well done, you did Right by Jim in his declining days and at the same time reminded people it’s not all about the money. All the best.

[@Blklincoln69]

hey bro are u related to joseph Brummer and Ernest Brummer we might be related.

[@pub6023]

lincoln Blk hello, so here’s my story.... I’m in Australia, 1 of 5 children that my parents had. My father was Bernhardt Joseph Brummer and my mother Magdalena who immigrated to Oz in 1959. I recall my father saying we had an aunt in Cincinnati, the family name was changed to Bruemmer during the formalities of becoming Australian citizens as people couldn’t get their head around the 2 dots above the U...hence the e after the u, which I ignore anyway. My father came from a German town called Soegel, near the Black Forest. I believe he had 2 brothers, he was raised by his mother and an aunt as his father died of pneumonia due to riding a motorcycle during winter when my father was 2 years old. That’s about all I have, not a lot was ever talked about and considering the war and shite people had to deal with I guess it’s understandable. Anyway, all the best and if any of that triggers something let me know. Regards, Peter.

[@steverice7546]

This right here! 100% agree. Showed the respect the man and his car deserved. Well done and F the money.

[@SNeal5966]

Man the guys that raced these cars from this period were really fearless....I could not imagine going 150+ mph in that car. Awesome story.

[@MrJdsenior]

It was more dangerous then than it is now, even with twice the speeds involved.

[@SNeal5966]

@@MrJdsenior for sure....just look at how in the seat you have to straddle the rear diff and the bell housing lol that's just insane! These guys were truly dare devils but that element of danger is probably part of the excitement around it those days....It must have been one hell of a time

[@petewood2350]

Nobody back then new any different, You have the advantage of 50 yrs of hind sight.

[@MrJdsenior]

@@SNeal5966 Yup, and again, Garlits fixed those problems as well, with a rear engine racer, AFTER he nearly had his foot removed by an exploding clutch (If I remember correctly), and was tired of engines exploding in front of him and showering him with debris.

[@davewilliams6172]

@@MrJdsenior He used to say all his problems were behind him! Great days for racing!

[@breakerbarranch5617]

Can't imagine a finer living tribute to Jim with the car he built and loved.

[@DScaglione.]

Amen!

[@pottsiepotts5378]

@David Armstrong drive

[@JEANSDEMARCO]

Started going to Cicil County Dragaway after service in 62!! Brings back some great memories!!

[@jeremiahleetz8534]

My grandpa use to race the front engine dragsters his name was larry leetz . Still finding drag racing parts going through the garage a lot of hemi parts.

[@theangryitalianscottypiffi1048]

Your grandfather was a bad ass

[@twiztid1fiddy]

Are you serious? I know of Larry leetz dragster

[@razzberry9996]

Wonderful story, I'm sure it meant the world to him to see his car back together. You did a great thing for him, and for automotive history as well. Thank you!

[@daveb5016]

So awesome you saved that dragster and saved Jim's story. Great job.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Dave, the whole process was really enjoyable.

[@CraigBrosRacing]

@@HotRodHoarder this story hit close to my heart as we have a similar story with my grandfathers old moonshine runner and drag car mercury.thank you for sharing this story it flooded old memories back.From the mtns of NC you now have a subcriber for life...and rest in piece to JEFF HAGAMAN the best to ever strap on a helmet, the legend of him will live on forever as we lost him almost 1yr ago at the wanna go fast event in L.A..doing what he did best at 216mph in his GTR...your legend lives on my friend. ..thank you

[@davecorr4421]

Great Job on the video and compassion you have for Jim and his family. A lot of folks appreciate it, even though they may not comment. I certainly appreciate it! Forwarded the link and short story about it to all my uncles and brothers so that they may see your work and Jim's obvious passion back in the day! Thanks!

[@joealan1642]

Sorry about your friend Jim, It’s great you could bring him some happiness before he left this would . It’s also good your daughter is doing well . I’m kinda in the same situation with my friend who is still home but can barely get around But we are into old tractors he has a international cub that needs a new clutch but gonna have to wait awhile because I just got out of the hospital from having heart surgery so it will be some time before I can work again, hopefully about the time it cools off some.

[@donnlowe9129]

Gas welding it's a similar technique to TIG welding except you're using an oxy acetylene torch. Properly done it makes for a very nice weld.

[@a456987]

Even if you don't make it a driver you should make it a runner

[@ianslow1234]

Far better to make a replica, rebuilding the original would take replacing or destroying the originality.

[@ponderin]

Build a running replica...then put the og as is. Don't touch it ever...unless you find another part in the woods. Beautiful story. Beautiful car. Sad to see a man leave the earth.

[@Lawn-Overgrown]

You can recover and build it

[@fasteddyskil]

It would have been a wonderful thing if Jim had heard that old dragster fire up, 'ONE MORE TIME'. Too bad, so sad that he didn't get that moment, but you should be congratulated for your valiant efforts. Your words brought a tear to my eye, .... thanks.

[@Anthropomorph]

No way.... If I had made something, I would want someone to rebuild my car if I could not. It is an honor to a the original maker to not let his creation remain looking like a parted out piece of junk.

[@scottpinney4663]

You did a great thing for that man and his family. I have great respect for you.

[@johncheves4740]

Somehow, it's more impressive when someone like Jim, with limited means, uses his wits and resourcefulness to literally create something from next to nothing. It's good to see people like him and their work appreciated and recorded for posterity. They epitomize what America was, and should still be about. Real car people understand and recognize talent like his. I see that sort of recognition when I go to the local Caffeine and Octane car meet, where on a good day there will be 300 cars shown. And it's telling that some of the cars that get the most attention aren't the Lambos, Porsches, or Ferraris. Or not even the prefect Hemi Charger. It's often something that may be low-budget that some kid cobbled together, like the Miata with an LS engine swap, or some kid's old Toyota wagon with a cammed up, carbureted 4 he just got on the road. Or the guy who actually drove his amphibious armored vehicle to the show. Or the guy who showed up in a really slick late 50's Dodge Power Wagon with a Cummins 4-cylinder Diesel engine conversion that he did. There's a recognition that anybody with deep pockets can pay someone to do any manner of upgrades, but it takes real talent to do it all yourself like this guy Jim and his brother did. Thanks for taking the time and effort to save this car and tell it and it's owner's story.

[@kevinbelcher8490]

That has never been so true

[@m602k9]

you guys should try fabricating a running version of Jim's dragster as close to the original as possible. and leave the original as is for show

[@lobmin]

Too much money for too little reward...sadly

[@brownwrench]

A replica would definitely be doable.

[@tomtee4442]

To race go clone modern safety to have fire up and possibly sell go original bias tires and original before economy collapses again and they devalue almost every thing once again. Sadly another bad finical storm coming.

[@m42037]

@@lobmin They can afford it 👍

[@richardbaker_0088]

The picture of him with the car and trophy made me almost cry

[@gristlepounder]

Not almost for me.

[@Trollemharder]

yeah my eyes got a bit wet too.

[@adedavies572]

What a beaut of a story, what a great time to have been alive

[@donchristie420]

Richard, could see your comment while vid playing and thought at the beginning you were being dramatic- I’m typing this with an actual tear on my cheek

[@johnrollins3740]

gristlepounder o

[@brianfreeman8290]

What a wonderful story, thank you. I'm a 71 year old Brit who read Hot Rod magazine every month back in the 60s. About ten years ago I flew over to watch a Shuttle launch. A couple of days later, I drove up to Ocala and was honoured to meet Big Daddy and his lovely wife Pat, in their amazing museum.

[@virtuestreams2616]

I teach my students the value of spending time with the elderly-this video is a perfect example of things I talk about. Thank you for preserving this story-in the archives, on the pages of Hot Rod Magazine, he will live forever.

[@jerryhablitzel3333]

You were able to add some living to the end of Joe’s life. Great story and touching tribute. Thanks for sharing this.

[@trreb1]

Jim's life.

[@iredell357]

Thank you for sharing Jim's story. Got a little choked up watching this one.

[@347chas]

Me too, very moving, glad Jim held out to the end to see his rail, thank you for making this video.

[@davidmcclendon583]

As did I. One hell of a good story. Sad but happy ending for sure.

[@stevenw1005]

I as well got choked up a little in hearing this story. Thank you for this story and how you went about it. Very touching.

[@gregbenn5664]

What a brilliant story, I'm so glad the old boy got to see it again

[@kylemartin7192]

I'm glad KZbin brought me here. Such a great story. I just want to know who's cutting onions?

[@Turbogto_guy]

I teared up too

[@bigragu6828]

As rough and tough, down and dirty, grungy, greasy, smelly, hard ass and shit kicking us hot rodders are. If we see a rare, legendary car and driver on their last legs, we are puddles. And damn proud of it.

[@LordMekanicus]

Glad I came here too. These mavericks of the golden age are the inspirations to us crazies who wonder "Why not?". I have a love/hate relationship with onions too. Wouldn't believe how I was grinning at the same time though.

[@TestECull]

I'm rather annoyed about it. I quite enjoy watching old cars get driven out of their graves, and that's what I was expecting when I came here. Instead I get a 13 minute rambling sob story and a slideshow.

[@bigragu6828]

TestECull Some things just can’t be saved. The engine was probably locked up, solid, with rust. Back in the day, he probably set everything aside, planning on working on it. One day led to another. Life took over. He never got to finish the job. Seeing him, proudly sitting with his old car, with his trophy, for what would be their last photo together has to hit your heart strings. The fact that most of the car was found and assembled, shows that the host and crew did their due diligence to put the car back together. They, too, most likely wanted to get it running, but saw that any attempt would be futile. They did the best they could.

[@mrscrapper3331]

Wow! Awesome story! This man was in the thick of it when drag racing was a new thing! R.I.P

[@freedomfighter69]

It reminds me of an old coyote road runner episode where the coyote builds a dragster from a junkyard :)

[@mcpeake78]

You did a great job on this story and the photos. My brother was a drag racer also and at the height of his racing career he sadly died from a freak surgery. Johnny Ray McPeake. He was a organ donor and the man that got his heart now tours with the race car for organ donation awareness. Thank you!

[@larrymartelllm]

How on earth could anyone give this video a thumbs down ? Frigging people......

[@Ogsonofgroo]

Awesome story, awesome (potential) car, sure ya'll will do it justice, subbed just to keep track of this project, thanks so much for your dedication to old metal, I am sooo jelly! edit~ I damned near cried to see the picture of dude with his trophy over the old beast, hope he is watching this project too (I'm sure he is), amazing stuff matey! Thank you so much for a history lesson and some great pics, that one you put together in between the gate and the barn of the car is beautiful imho.

[@inthegarage342]

Awesome story. Did anyone else notice the 67 fastback sinking in the ground. I wonder, how much do you know about the Ringgold Ga drag strip.

[@johny2finger604]

When men were men, and cars were cars.

[@gordo66061]

Now the men are men and the women are too

[@logik4264]

When men were cars and cars were men

back in the sixties there was a mild little guy in my neighborhood that ran an early 60's Mopar. he did a lot of fabrication in his garage. I particularly remember that he brought the rear axle forward and can still see the welds (in my memory) on the body panels where he cut out and moved the rear wheel openings to match the new axle location. he fired it up once a week to check his work, then loaded the car on the trailer and went racing. as far as i'm concerned, those were the glory days of racing. now it's all high dollar parts and cubic money. my personal car guy heroes are Max and Ina Balchowsky. he built a series of sports cars using buick engines and junkyard parts. google "old yeller" if interested. thanks for telling this story. jim and my old neighbor might have competed. on my liked list. I think my neighbor's name was Ronnie Dill (?) in Memphis Tn.

[@rhigh100]

This might be the best video i have ever seen in my life.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Ralph, it was fun to put this one together!

[@LawnGone]

Thanks for sharing this story,I feel like I got to know a little about a man I never met-RIP Jim

[@Moparmaga-1]

This kind of stuff makes me extremely proud to be an American & appreciate the small stuff.

[@FingerAngle]

This actually brought tears to my eyes when you had the car back at the farm taking pictures, and again with the photo of him and the car late in the video.

[@mikep8741]

Yeah man that busted me.

[@brianswelding]

Me too. ❤🙏

[@stoneymcrock7649]

Great American story of ingenuity, dedication, and perseverance. So well photographed and produced, Bravo!

[@NitroUnion]

Great Story and video! Love these old drag cars

[@hillbillyholler516]

In budget builds you do what you can to get it done. Modern day mods are based on what we did in our shed with files, sandpaper, drill bits , and junk yard parts ...heads were swapped by going to a bone yard and gasket matching gaskets to fit whatever head.....you were always learning and had nobody to teach you a thing ... You listened to the old timers talk, showed respect and kept your mouth shut.....it was a whole other world before efi, turbo, and fuel injection. It's the foundation for modern performance. It a ton of skill and no computers to get the things we expect technology to do for us now . Old school mechanics could listen to an engine and time it by feel or diagnose issues just by listening. It's becoming a dead skill now

[@davewilliams6172]

So true about modern mechanics, hell Ive seen the difference since I was an apprentice 40 years ago.

[@TestECull]

Car companies don't want that sort of repair skill around anymore. They can't sell you on their service department if the old timer two doors down can just put an ear to a valve cover and pinpoint the problem...

[@hillbillyholler516]

@@TestECull I still can to an extent on the 90's and early 2000 models but all this eco stuff I'm lost. I do work on semi truck issues for my own stuff but all this computer , sensor stuff....im lost. Usually I can hillbilly past it but a lot of it is just stupid. I mean who in their right mind builds a car you have to lift the engine 3" to work on the a/c compresson....smfh!

[@TestECull]

@@hillbillyholler516 Part of why I'm not getting rid of my '85 F150 anytime soon. That old 300 will never die; if it does mess up I can fix it with basic tools for pennies. And my next car will be even older still; looking to get something from the 1930s or 1940s with a Flathead V8 in it. Gonna daily it too; all it needs is aircon, a 12v socket, a decent radio, and maybe a lap belt. Prolly gonna be a panel van, as I could use it to take my RC aircraft to the field then.

[@hillbillyholler516]

@@TestECull I'm my personal opinion....I would keep the old 300 and avoid the 5.4 at all costs. I have seen too many Triton's have issues because the heads have 5 threads for a 12 thread sparkplug......under stress the plug can blow out the threads. I have one in the shop with gacked threads, and aluminum can main bearings that needs a total rebuild and bored....so I can install plastic pan, intake, and rocker covers...no glass fibres reinforced parts available at all aftermarket. Abs plastic timing chain guides too......junk in my opinion. I stick with LS parts...cheaper, and readily available for now.....its all a rip off ....quantity vs quality and the cost hits you in the south end dry as frig when you are facing north

[@innisfree123]

When Jim was born they didn’t break the mould it was kept and used on you You sir are a true gentleman Myself I am into bikes but that was a fitting tribute to a true back garden engineer Far to few left Respect

[@roadskare63]

HAHAH...this video is AWESOME!!!....the back story is amazing!!, and the back story and the man ....JIM, the man behind this find is the best part!!....i am NOT a gearhead, but an enthusiast for the old 50's....60's drag cars, and i tell ya, this vid brought me to tears...... You went WAAY beyond, and brought a pile of rust to a thing of beauty that all car freaks can say "oooooooooooooooooooooooooooHHH"........thank you for the vid...and thank you for making an old dragger feel important, as they all REALLY are! I never saw the Hot Rod article......but saw THIS article here on KZbin, and thank you again for putting Jim's story on here!!

[@bjr2379]

Very cool! Especially taking the car back to show Jim and taking his picture.

[@jerrodmiller8860]

Hit hard I’m from Chattanooga Tn and I’ve heard a lot about this dragster and glad someone has brought history back! Rest his soul 🙏🏼

[@petercarey6883]

I was able to watch Big Daddy, The Snake, Jungle Jim and Grumpy race at Island Dragway in Indepence Twp., NJ back in the day. I was there in 1964 when Garlits was the first to hit 200 mph. Man, I just love the smell of nitro in the morning, and afternoon and evening. :-) It was an amazing time in our history and I'm looking forward to your upload to see what you can do with this dragster that has been slightly woods modified. LOL Save the Wave.

[@robert.clarencehardin1876]

Yes I remember back in the day we would wait for big daddy Don to come to our little track in Muncie Indiana. 200 mph those was the good old days thanks for bringing back good memories

[@petercarey6883]

@@robert.clarencehardin1876 I totally agree. Now it's time to make some new "old" memories. Remember, the reward is in the journey and not the destination. Save the Wave.

[@thenegus5469]

Robert. Clarence Hardin Hey! i live in muncie!

[@robert.clarencehardin1876]

@@thenegus5469 right I've seen all the Big names right here. They used to stay all night in a little hotel rright by my house grays hotel I've seen little red wagon big daddy and the snake mongoose and all of them that was any body. Nw I enjoy the gassers. Sixty five year old kid at heart Robert H. Muncie Indiana. Have a good one thanks for your reply..

[@rustedratchetgarage6788]

Ever been to english town my dad ran there in the late 60s early 70s with a white 63 studelark that pulled wheelies maybe you seen it

[@willytheekid]

RIP (Race In Paradise) Jim ...those engine mounts!! (Absolutely brilliant old school solution) Truly Loved watching this ❤ ...thank you for the effort in sharing Jims story and restoring that awesome dragster...may she race again someday

[@TheCustomEverythingChannel]

What u did for him was absolutely amazing God bless u man u made his day when he got to see the Dragster for the last time absolutely amazing

[@stever4181]

I remember in the 60's my brother and I were going to build a dragster. We had the frame lined up but that was it. It would have been a front engine design. My Dad was an excellent mechanic and loved cars so we asked if he would help. I believe he would have but probably realized he would have to foot the bill on much of it so he said, "I will help but you have to fund it." We then looked at our fiances and realized we could not afford to finish the project. I was 14 my brother was 16 years old. I have the love for cars that my Dad had and now own a 1937 Plymouth. I wish my Dad were alive to see it. I am now 66 years old. The lesson? Don't give up on your dreams, You never know when they will come true.

[@crazypainter57]

wow... what a find......totally awesome....i hope you bring it back to life

[@Innercityoutdoorsman]

i know that ask for respectful comments on your channel but for the 35 people who put 👎🏾 are the reason why our country is full hate and evil

[@Andrewlang90]

FrankO _23 It’s sad isn’t it? What about this kind of video is worth of a dislike? If you don’t like it, watch something else. Someone has to be a spiteful/hateful useless waste of air to go out their way to dislike this.

[@deanwellmer3668]

I feel the same Frank. This was a wonderful tribute to a true automotive pioneer. Keeping art alive is so very important in these trying times.

[@vollickplaysgames]

am i not allowed to have an opinion? i didnt dislike but, its ok if some people dislike things. theirs no need to be fake polite and love all things.

[@OFFAxisBuilds]

@@vollickplaysgames sorry to say your opinion has to be the same as mine. No seriously i like the fact that you said that because too many people don't say what is on there minds these days. People are way to focused on the fear of offending people then actually saying how they really feel. I liked the video. it was well put together.

[@floydwheeler7211]

Good story you got heart

[@engine22emt]

Such a cool cool Story I grew up In the 60’s and 70’s Men like Jim were hometown legends

[@wesleyhayley3657]

this brings back so many memories...1975, I was 17 n had just met steve svetz a racer out of Illinois who had moved his operation down to deer park texas (just south of Houston) he had I think it was a 70 mustang with a hodge podge homebrew boss 302 he and his father had cobbled together. man that car was fast. 4speed B/W super T10, Pontiac 5:13 rearend it was a direct bolt in on that mustang, speed shifting like ol Ronnie sox from the days of yore….steve could really make that ol pony fly. I lost touch with steve after that summer of endless adventures.....I only recall him losing 1 race. im 61 now and I constantly think about what ever became of ol steve, that car and all that time....im 61 now but looking back it was surely a dream living when the muscle cars ruled the road. memories of walking into junkyards and seeing hemi's lined up in a row waiting on new owners. and the sounds of hot cammed cars as they rolled past. it was truly wonderous

[@marvinhancock6433]

I'm 60 I'm from Pasadena just next to deer Park was the track out on battle ship road?

[@stevenllorca]

This is great Tommy Lee. Your effort to bring this to life again for Jim and his family is truly amazing. What a great thing to do and share with the world!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Steven. I really get a lot of enjoyment out of these old cars. Some people might not see the value in a rusty pile of tubing, but it meant a lot to Jim and it means a lot to me.

[@rodneyf.9595]

Thank you all involved, Jim's story needed to be told and the days gone by remembered. The part of our past that needs to be told so we remember all the work and time spent again thank you 👍

[@mickeyjon1345]

The great days It's just a shame there gone for good. Now days the safety police would never even allow you to unload a car you've built from scrap pieces let alone race it.

[@magster65]

This was well done 👍 Thanks for sharing! God speed Jim Smith.

[@riversider681]

Making the last pic match the first was genius

[@bigunone]

Back when you could be competitive with a home built car. Gas welding is a lost art Would love to see more of the old cars in the woods Damn allergies

[@edgmp]

I got my start in wielding with gas, still have my acetylene gas rig.

[@87mini]

@@edgmp Me, too - I often think about the set of headers I built with a hacksaw, file, gas welder and L, J and U bends when I was 18, and wonder "How in the heck did I do that?" Funny how well you can do when you don't know any better!

[@edgmp]

@@87mini Exactly. I built a set of headers the same way when I was about 22. I also look back and think "are you kidding me?" Cheers!

[@southjerseysound7340]

@@edgmp Same here,learned from my grandpop and I can still hear him telling me how to do it. Other than on airframes though it's rare to still use it.

[@LordMekanicus]

Well Charlie, there are still plenty out there, you never know what you might find chained to a tree. Grandpa taught me the torch when I was about ten. There isn't a thing you can't can't do with a torch. Ever hydrogen weld aluminum? That's cool one. Tricky, but just damn cool.

[@60EFFIE]

Great story that might have never been told. Keep up the good work!

[@MrLrry1266]

Kudos to you man, you are doing a tremendous service to automotive history by chronicling these stories. Thank You so much.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@robertrudolph3549]

Wow. Might look like a bunch of rusted parts to some people but to me,.,,,, Man that is BEAUTIFUL.

[@TeamshakeME]

Just an amazing story and video, it's truly awesome that another piece of drag racing history is saved and it's story told, it's so cool that Jim got to see it and hold that trophy with it again before he past, great stuff 👍

[@cyclhed]

Awesome history! Thanks for saving it and documenting the story.

[@petercarey6883]

You've just raised your channel up to a whole new level. You're obviously having fun with being an Automotive Archaeologist. Maybe that should be the name of a new channel, AUTOMOTIVE ARCHAEOLOGY. I'll donate my copyright on the name to you. LOL What a wonderful story and as you described at the end, it's almost like he passed on his life force to your daughter. Coincidence? Hmmmm. Save the Wave.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Peter!

[@nitrousninja882]

Truly a heart warming story. Thank you for what you did. Only in America.

[@FACELOWNER]

"Only in America" what a stupid statement, do you really think your the only people in the world with feelings, emotion's and a heart, how sad.

[@nitrousninja882]

@@FACELOWNER, what I meant by "only in America" was in relation to the hemi powered dragster, not to the people of other nations.

[@BobbyTucker]

@@nitrousninja882, This guy sounds like he just wants to troll someone, ignore people like that. Now you might understand the signs that say "Don't feed the animals". lol.

[@UScarsarethebest]

@@FACELOWNER It's a beautiful story, troll. Get over yourself. I'm not american but yeah, ONLY IN AMERICA. Only because of america your fingers are typing and your browsing the web and watching videos on youtube. Do better yourself if you can basement genious.

[@madviking1320]

Very cool. I hope they have nitro in Heaven. RIP Sir.

[@juanrodriguez-st2oq]

When I was a young about 8 I starter knowing about dragsters and funny cars through a nieghbor and friend Kenny, he used to build those model cars that came in a box, like Revell and AMT, man was he good, from build to paint. So I have memories of that time like my favorites the Mangoose and the Cobra, and now to get to see documentaries about the real thing is like a time capsule.

[@BobbyTucker]

I've passed over this video several times over the last few months and finally, I decided to watch it, what a good idea! I'm very impressed in the way you presented the car and the owner and putting it together the way this gentleman would have wanted, along with telling his story. I decided to subscribe to your channel, I hope to see more of your work. Thank's for sharing.

[@michaelstrangefranke7002]

Awesome story that there's some Grassroots history

[@jasonbarton4035]

Thats a pretty awesome thing you did there!!! Thats what drag racing should be now!!

[@tomtee4442]

Last time for me buying a rough running 67 Camaro running that I would drive at times. It needed metal work 2 rear quarters, a trunk pan, full interior kit and everything needed replacing for a nice full restoration. No more rough cars for me unless they are a steal of a deal, barely broke even on that deal. I still have 2 old Camaros out of 4 left. Going to sell the nice restored 69 stock camaro turn key Cali car I own. Already sold and selling off so much more new and used parts and stuff. I like driving the street and strip 67 Camaro the best and racing it some, my favorite car built my way by me.

[@simon.houseaccount4807]

I have seen this in person many years back .. it was for sale //. I was young .. with no money 💰//. Still the same at 45 //. But great to see someone respect a America. Story ... nice

[@richardjohnson9275]

Auto racing is such an important part of our American heritage. Thank you so much for your efforts to save this wonderful piece of History!

[@2ToneWalt]

Aren't the Petersen Museum Iinterested in it for a this is how it was done cos its DNA is in every dragster running today. Thanks for sharing this piece of history.

[@theupscriber65]

Peterson museum was a huge disappoinment the couple times I visited. But there was another museum I ran across by pure luck in CA that housed so many classic hotrod magazine cars. I wish I could remember the name.

[@theupscriber65]

It was the NHRA Motorsport HOF. Yep, I happened to drive right by it while on vacation and had to stop to check it out. lol

[@garyallen8869]

@@theupscriber65 it is in Pomona, Ca. Better known as Pomona NHRA Museum many legendary cars are or have been there Tommy Ivo's 4 engine wagonmaster buick, the glass slipper etc It would be in good company many come out to be at the California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfeild in october its the closest you can get to time traveling to the 50's/60's

[@iceman11849]

THANK YOU FOR TELLING US THIS GREAT HISTORY OF THE MAN AND HIS CREATION...KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

[@branon6565]

It sucks to see that 67 Charger damn near buried in debris @6:14... great vid, and it's nice to see someone uploading content that's NOT centered on any damn GM product....god I hate Garbage Motors vehicles....

[@Mike583]

First of all thanks to everyone that made this happen! Next,I can't believe all those thumbsdown! What's wrong with people? Lastly, RIP Jim, I'm so glad you were able to see your rail finished before you left this world!❤🇺🇸👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Robert!

[@forrestwiley9866]

Awesome ... to have resurrected such a piece of History to once again be viewed by it's original builder during his final days. His silence had to be so emotional for him to be ready to go in Peace. You are a very Honorable Young Man....:)

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you, it was an absolute pleasure.

[@cjhill726]

Awesome story! Think I have something in my eye😢

[@RejuTheMojo9823]

Great job guys! Such local history! I’ll add this to my stack of old original Hot Rod mag’s 👍 God bless.

[@Richardskull]

I have a 58 suburban out of that stash .they crushed a bunch I was told.vw buses?etc

[@rivermen100]

I Applaud you sir , first for making the best memory in the world for Jim . going above and beyond in your efforts to preserve a part of drag racing history for many people, as well as Jim to enjoy. And I certainly hope that when your day comes, that someone like yourself steps up to make your dream and memory a reality as you did for Jim. may god bless you in all you do.

[@hellpig4309]

OUTSTANDING! All I can say. We all knew a Jim or two back in the day, and so many are gone now. Thanks for preserving our history and the men who made it!

[@PhaQ2]

Too often the owner passes before they get to see it. I was so glad to hear he got to see it. And that photo of him next to it is just the icing on the cake.

[@TheOzflyer]

Incredible story of Jim, the dragster is a part of history and a work or art, thanks for sharing the story 👍

[@cfrend]

omg, Jim was a renaissance man. I would love to help you 3D scan the piece for further documentation. Thanks for the story wow.

it is almost criminal that people let cars like that rot away in the woods not only that drag car but also other classics

[@gregbowen9546]

Very awesome story!! Thanks for sharing and for doing what you do . Keep it up so these things can be remembered and we can know about how drag racing was back in the day. Thanks again!

[@cmsracing]

Wow I can't believe how much this dragster looks like my 1961 dragster!

[@robertgrant4501]

Thank you for saving that beautiful dragster. What a great video. Was glad Jim got to see it one more time.

[@charlesestle8501]

Very kool ,I've got the hot rod magazine this was in ,I was totally excited to get that issue I've read that article over and over ,but to see that dragster come to life was AWESOME! and to share it back with the man whom build it WOW ! THIS IS WHY I SUBSCRIBED TY I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS VIDEO!

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's awesome Charles, thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching!

[@andya857]

This video really knocks my socks off.I have watched this about 10 times and i can not get over the incredible, simple, yet advanced engineering these genius gearhead Good old boys had, and still have, a true state of the art Southern mechanical superiority really started by running shine back in the day and still rules,along with California...Do not want to brag but i have small stable of classic Super Cobra Jet Fords, and a 69 m code Barracuda , and, 66 pontiac beaumont SD 396 K code 430 rear gear , no engine but i have an original GM crate LS7, still in the crate .This summer will install it in my Beaumont, bought the LS7 in Toronto in 80, for $2100.00 LOL. Dig the fact you are a real auto journalist, smart as a whip, with class and integrity to boot. Cheers from Canada..

[@HotRodHoarder]

Wow, sounds like you have some awesome stuff Andy! One of my first magazine photo shoots was a '65 Acadian Beaumont with a big block Chevy in it.

[@Andriod846]

Vintage dragsters, the drivers and builders are awesome.

[@bigeddie1231]

awesome brother you saved some history but from what i saw in the woods theres a lot more history out there

[@rongravel4585]

Great job Very well done. Keeping drag racing alive and telling the story of how it all started. Built not bought.

[@001desertrat3]

Thank You for preserving that History . Another little piece of History that not too many people know about : Back in 1963 when I was a student at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California ; while in Auto Shop Class , I got the job of doing all of the Welding on Tommy Ivo's "Lil' Red Rail" . Tommy lived just a couple of blocks away and brought the frame parts to the School to have it welded , and since I was the best Welder in the Class , I got the job . If you ever get to see the "Lil' Red Rail" up close , look at the frame in the lower right side of the Cockpit - I signed my initials "W.D.C." in weld , on the lower tube . < Walter D. Cosdon >

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's pretty awesome!

[@ronnie5129]

this is a Great video, thanks, i love the old racing days

[@rodneyeurom555]

Love this story preserving history and I seen a few cars in that yard ide be interested in buying

[@426superbee4]

no you don't live for ever< > but your ideals, impressions, secrets do> Don't pass them on, they die with ya

[@-DEATHSTROKE]

Such a beautiful story, rest in paradise Jim, Thanks for building this piece of history, and thank you for sharing it with us. 🙏🏻

[@williambrown6721]

You my brother have a heart of gold!!!!!...we live out here in the back woods of Perry county KY, ....we have rescued a dozen or so of old trucks and cars that mother nature tried to claim!!!!....we had old pictures of cars that my grand Dad had way back in the 30s and we came across this one picture of a 1934 Ford that he ran moonshine in, I looked at my brother and said that!!! Looks like the car we took out of the hallow down next to the creek , so after weeks of inspecting the car we found a key wired to the inside of the finder it was in a spot where we didn't find it..... The old timers did this Incase they lost their car keys and they could just open up the hood and get the other sat out!!!! .... we knew that there was alot of spare keys here in The house that my Dad kept for many of years ,so we went to work on marching up all of these keys and Lord be hold!!!!! There it was!!!!!! The key that was found inside of the finder next to the firewall of that old car was a match to the key that was here in our homestead home.... that was the same car in one of the pictures that we have found inside the old shoe box....we figured that our Grand Dad was running moonshine at one point of time then ditched The car well over 70 years ago!!!!!! ..... The more of the story is my grand Dad disappeared and was never to be seen again!!!!!! .....we know that cop's had killed him and done away with his body somewhere in this dinse forest !!!!! Sometimes I can feel his parents around me when I'm working in the sawmills....... God bless you Grand Dad!!!!!!

[@zachbenjamin2440]

I like old moonshiner stories like this, I want to know more. Very interesting! Have you done any more investigation into what had happened in the prior events leading up to the disappearance of your grandfather or possible murder. Oh and was the car a model 40 with a V8?

[@williambrown6721]

@@zachbenjamin2440 I've heard so many different storys growing up!!! ...up here in the Appalachian mountains from different people who New our grand Dad and his 4 brothers... during the 30s and up through the middle 60s my grand Dad had a huge dugout under The house that he had built , which we still live in today!! .. that's where they made The moonshine...in 1952 my grand dad's brother who everyone called uncle Grant!! Was out hunting squirrel he had been gone for a couple of days.. that wasn't like him being gone that long even though he was handycap!!! My Dad and Mom had 13 sibaleins.. couple of days after he had been gone we all went out looking for uncle Grant my dad and a few others found him Dead...he had been shot in the back!!! On a cold raining afternoon up on what we call cold mountain!!!! ...they had to carry him down The mountain to the house after a few days The cops said that it was a hunting actiondent!!!!! As far as they New we were just a bunch of dumb country Hicks people that we would honestly believe he could shoot his self in the back!!!! .... that case was closed then years later my grand Dad disappeared there hasn't been any Trace of him sense!!!!!! ... The 1934 that me and my brother pulled out of the hollow!!!! We believe it's a model 40 deluxe only The block of the engine remains...we do no that it is a flathead v8 turn key and push starter pedal!!! Most of all the car is a aluminum body... It's hard talking about our history because there was no happiness up here only hard work and no play!! Most coal mines are shut down now days or we're just to broken down or have black lungs and can't do anymore!!! We work in sawmills more than anything now days. Sorry if you had a hard time understanding my spelling not much schooling.... God bless you and your family my friend!!!! .....as far as the car!!! There's not much left of it anymore!!!! We dang nere pulled it apart getting out with two trackters and cutting down trees... Only memories now and unanswered questions..

[@zachbenjamin2440]

William Brown wow I’m about left speechless. I didn’t have any issue reading any of your miss spellings, I’m up here in north VT and some of the kids my age (27) and younger, I can’t read a damn thing they say haha. Yeah back in that time them folks like your grand dad probably had no choice but too produce, run, and sell moonshine because it was about the only profitable thing you can do and with the government making hard working people into criminals during prohibition just so they can support their families, it must have been a crazy time. Doesn’t help with the fact that the police and other government agencies cracking down on moonshiners were very crooked. I hope one day your questions will be answered because this is history that needs to be remembered and never forgotten and it definitely sounds like your great uncle was murdered by the authorities. And with the disappearance of your grand dad can be a hard one to figure out with no body present or found, it could be anything from what you and your family believe what had happened or being that he ditched his car and ran, if he wasn’t gunned down by the police, he could of had to make one of the most difficult split second choices that anyone could make in that moment, and that is to run and disappear leaving everyone behind. But there’s only 1 or a handful of people that truly know what had actually happened that day. About the car, I asked because that was a very popular car for moonshine runners in that day because while the authorities had model A’s or B’s with inline 4s and the 85 hp v8 was obviously faster and could go even quicker with minor upgrades to the carburetor and exhaust. So looks like someone found a gold mine of parts when they stumbled across your grand dads car so they took what they could carry off the top end of the block. After i get my own big rig and we get a house and I’m done building my Bronco, my next project car is 32 model 40 deluxe with a flat head V8, preferably a 4 door sedan and build it up like a moonshine runners car from the 30’s. You sir is someone I would be very grateful to meet in person, I’m sure you have way more to talk about, things that should be in history books to be shared with everyone that has interest in those days of hard working Americans that busted their asses every day just to put food on the table and make a few extra bucks on the side. God bless you sir and your family. Maybe one day our paths may cross, you never know what the future may hold. I’m also looking into buying a house in Kentucky or Tennessee or maybe even Alabama too. Need to get out of socialist Vermont before the communist fully take over and take my guns and rights and tax my paycheck 70%.

[@williambrown6721]

@@zachbenjamin2440 thank you my brother!!!! For all the good comments , and even though it seems like we're world's apart anytime you feel like getting away me and my wife will welcome you here on our homestead!!!! .... we do have some free time on weekends family and friends get together every now again and roast hogs over bonfire and play good music!!! And yes we still sip on a little moonshine LoL..and you my friend are so right about the government is trying to take away everyone's firearms LoL lol ..not ours!!! They will play hell coming up here on our homestead and taking tools that puts food on my family's table...and I see you like guns!!!! You my friend will fit right in up here.... remember what I said Zach!!! You and even your family are welcome up on cold mountain, and not to mention there are lots of things to do here we'll all get together and take The four runners out and I'll take you back in time here on are homestead my friend... when you want to get away for awhile just send me a message!!!! Me and my wife will meet you in a little town called hassert it's right in Perry county KY, be safe my friend!!!!! More less what you said in your last message you sent me this is definitely a messed up world with all of the drugs and corruption in the world places like this is one place to be.... brother and I are getting ready for cleaning up the sawmills and tools for Monday!!! God bless and have a great day...

[@zachbenjamin2440]

William Brown that sounds great. My Girlfriend and I should make a plan to go out that way next year, we’re going to Miami in a few weeks but definitely next year, maybe sooner if I can get a business loan to buy my own truck. We don’t get much free time up here as well being that she works 6-7 days with her medical assisting and I’m on the road 6-7 day a week behind the wheel of 90,000 lbs but gotta take a vacation once in a while. Hopefully when I get my own rig I can work and earn for more time off lol. As far as firearms and 2A goes, only 2 ways I will consider giving up my AK-47 and AR-10 is if the military and police go back to using bolt action rifles with 5 round internal magazines or they are pulled out of my cold dead hands. Other than that my sporting rifles and high cap mags are mine to keep as a God given and constitutional right. I will definitely have to see your grand dads old car if you still have it. By the way if you have a social media account it would be a great way to stay in touch.

[@shanehnorman]

An affecting and romantic story; thank you. As, very possibly, one of the UK's only subscribers to HRM in the early-'60s, I well remember seeing photographs in the magazine of cars just like this competing at the time. Of course, it was the Swamp Rats and Bounty Hunters that drew most of my attention, but I always loved to see these home-built machines, with their simple engineering and perfectly-balanced proportions. They are a tribute to the ingenuity, art, and enthusiasm that has so often characterised American motor sport.

[@56gasser10]

Now finish and restore it in his memory to running condition since you got and put it on display somewhere in his honor with all the history you’ve been pricelessly been shared by him👍

[@UScarsarethebest]

Amazing story, MEN like him lay the foundation so we can be where we are today. Gives me a lot of motivation to finish my 69 camaro restoration project and not take anything for granted from that car and time. Thank you, Jim!

[@Bigsativa]

My grandpa traded his 69 Camaro for a t bucket hahah, weird seeing someone talk about that while I’m watching this

[@garybivens3236]

Thanks for bringing this to us

[@donaldbowersock1057]

That has to be. One above the rest of videos I have seen on here. You should be pretty proud of your self. For being able to show some who have been forgotten and to do a very nice job of giving his family some a great closure. Great job

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Donald, it was definitely one of the coolest projects we've ever been involved in.

[@426superbee4]

Man that thing was pretty crusty! was really total JUNK. With lots of missing parts. Very AMAZING got it back to what it was > My hat off to ya