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April 30, 2009 at
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I had the honor and pleasure of speaking with Gordon Woolley the other evening (April 28, 2009). He is 86 years old and very much alive! We reminised about his days driving the Jerry Gilbert #19 T Roadster as well as other cars. He told me he won $600 for placing second at the 1962 Knoxville Nationals (he got to keep 40% of this purse) and almost won the event except for a loose magneto/fuel pump combination in Gilbert's car. He said he lost to Jerry Richert on the last lap by about 6 feet or so. He said Jerry won $1,000 and a wristwatch. How times have changed.
Anyway, I sent him pictures I have collected since I began work on replicating the #19 T Roadster along with pictures of my dad's purple/white #42 B-Modified he drove a few times (he won a feature at Olympic Stadium in this car, beating Dale McDaniel and Greg Weld). Ray Lee Goodwin also drove the #42 car and flipped it end over end while leading a feature event (broke the right front spindle as I recall, which caused the wreck). I loaned one picture of the demolished #42 car to the Sprint Car Hall of Fame (I need to get it back). There used to be a series of pictures showing the #42 car going end over end...if anyone knows the where abouts of these photos or where I could find negatives/copies, that would be great. Probably Tom Powell photos.
Anyway, what a treat to talk and correspond with a true legend in racing.
KC Race Fan
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May 18, 2009 at
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Reply to:
Posted By: KCRaceFan42 on April 30 2009 at 02:50:03 PM
I had the honor and pleasure of speaking with Gordon Woolley the other evening (April 28, 2009). He is 86 years old and very much alive! We reminised about his days driving the Jerry Gilbert #19 T Roadster as well as other cars. He told me he won $600 for placing second at the 1962 Knoxville Nationals (he got to keep 40% of this purse) and almost won the event except for a loose magneto/fuel pump combination in Gilbert's car. He said he lost to Jerry Richert on the last lap by about 6 feet or so. He said Jerry won $1,000 and a wristwatch. How times have changed.
Anyway, I sent him pictures I have collected since I began work on replicating the #19 T Roadster along with pictures of my dad's purple/white #42 B-Modified he drove a few times (he won a feature at Olympic Stadium in this car, beating Dale McDaniel and Greg Weld). Ray Lee Goodwin also drove the #42 car and flipped it end over end while leading a feature event (broke the right front spindle as I recall, which caused the wreck). I loaned one picture of the demolished #42 car to the Sprint Car Hall of Fame (I need to get it back). There used to be a series of pictures showing the #42 car going end over end...if anyone knows the where abouts of these photos or where I could find negatives/copies, that would be great. Probably Tom Powell photos.
Anyway, what a treat to talk and correspond with a true legend in racing.
KC Race Fan
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I had lunch with Ray Lee a couple of weeks ago & said he did drive the car, a Model A coupe with a 348 Cu In engine. Said he was looking the car over before action started & noticed it had a car, cast wide five hub on the right front. He suggested replacing it with a steel hub because cast break easy. Said the cast hub did break & he flipped the car. He said the difference between cast & steel is one has a dimple (looks like a woodruff keyway) & the other does not have it. Said Jackson had twin boys about 10 years old at the time. ...Luther
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May 21, 2009 at
09:08:02 PM
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Luther, Ray Lee is right. I am one of the twin boys. My twin brother (Barry) lives about 4 miles from my home in Lee's Summit. Interesting about the wide five hub...I have several pictures of the Gilbert roadster that has a wide five on the left front that has the dimple you noted. The right front was a safety racing equipment hub (aluminum) made in Eau Claire, Michigan (not Wisconsin as some have suggested). I have three of these (two for the rear, one for the right front)...all in excellent condition. Thanks for your note. Brian
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April 09, 2011 at
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Reply to:
Posted By: KCRaceFan42 on October 19 2008 at 08:28:12 PM
I am looking for any old pictures or info on the Jerry Gilbert #19 T Roadster from Lee's Summit, MO. I would like to replicate this car. My dad, Ken Jackson, worked on this car and ran his on B modified (Purple and White #42) at Olympic Stadium, Lakeside, Riverside, Sedalia, Marshall, Knoxville, etc. I was around it as a kid, but memory has faded. My dad died in 1987.
I have some pictures from High Plains Thunder, the internet and one at home from a victory at Sedalia. I am told Luther Brewer or Curt Grogan might be able to help.
Looks like the car ran a 327 SBC with 4x2 Stromberg 97s. I already have some vintage parts. Any help would be appreciated. A great era in racing. Thanks
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I am Jerry's daughter - I'm amazed and honored that you wanted to rebuild my dad's car. It's been fun running into the pit crews over the years - one I still have connections with who helped on the engine as well if you have any more questions. I may still have some pictures - old polaroids of the car.
Any garage or tool shop reminds me of my dad and I just have to stop and smell the metal! He's been gone 42 years now - and I've missed him more in the last couple of years than ever. My mom and the three of us kids were the ones who found him.
Live on #19!
Vickie
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April 10, 2011 at
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Vickie: Go to "won this on e-bay" page two on this site.if you have not already. There is a photo of the # 19. I also have a photo of the #19 at Belleville, Kansas. I believe the photo was taken in 1962. My father competed aginst the car in the K.C. and Topeka area. There are more than likely a lot of photos out there.
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June 09, 2011 at
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Vickie, I have been traveling with my job and been off the forum for awhile. Just ran across your post from April. I have many great memories from the garage/service station off old 50 highway (what is now 50 highway and Chipman Road). John and Nadine were always so kind to us kids while my dad and Jerry worked on the race car until late at night. I am still collecting parts for the #19 restoration (the most difficult part of the replication...along with the research). I just bought some Atlas bucron tires on e-bay that I received today (the car is often pictured with these tires...a Gordon Wooley favorite). They are in amazing condition (like new) and extremely difficult to find for sale (it is the first time in 3 years I have found a pair for sale). I still live in Lee's Summit/Longview Farms area and would love to see any pictures you may have. Many have given me pictures. I had a few of my own to get me started. Your dad is buried close to my dad and I place a checked flag on Jerry's grave each memorial day. I attend John Layne's get together each September...and gets lots of invaluable information. Of course, John is one of the master's at restoration and so willing to share his knowledge. He has forgotten more than most of us will ever know about these race cars! This site is amazing. Thanks for posting. Hopefully we can get together someday. Kind regards, Brian
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February 28, 2012 at
05:49:59 PM
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I just stumbled onto this thread while killing time at work.
I am Jerry's son Jeff.
This is what found going through some old clippings from a 1961 Lees Summit Journal. Might be good for a start but I'm sure some of the parts were changed over the next couple of years.
1927 chevy frame
model A rear spring kickers
1925 T body
1958 chevy engine
1939 ford rear end
hildebrand rear end gears
1932 ford front axle
franklin steering box
culbert i/o box
1939 ford 3/4 ton rear axles
It also listed some of the guys that helped out on the car
Bob Bachman
Dennis Williamson
Tucky Randall
Bruce Winston
Sam Willey
Ken Jackson
Other people that might be able to add a few more pieces to the puzzle
(not sure if they can add anything more or not, just remember them saying that they spent alot of time at the garage)
Johnny Gilbert (duh)
Dave Pemberton
Jim Vest
Ferrel Sexton
The car was retired after the trailer came off the truck on the way home from a race.
As far as the old parts, I know where the engine went,
Dee Zelmer bought it in the early 80's and Dave Pemberton bought the intake in about '75
I had the body from '72 till '86. ended up in the dump. Wish I still had it. Didnt have any place to keep it at the time
Not sure about the frame. From what I remember it could be in a ditch on a farm out in Louisburgh KS. Maybe someone could confirm or deny this.
I know a lot of stuff was sold at the auction when the garage was sold in '72.
Still looking for more old pics
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February 28, 2012 at
08:37:44 PM
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Jeff, I what great talking with you tonight. You have been a great help to me as I continue working on this car...in fact, invaluable. It would be great if I could find the frame and engine...then I go from a replica to a restoration. We will get together and I will give you copies of pictures I have collected. As I said, I have been fortunate to collect a lot of vintage parts, even the Atlas bucron rear tires that Gordon Wooley loved so much. Later this year I hope to begin putting it all together. Again, thanks so much. Regards, Brian
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February 29, 2012 at
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This message was edited on
March 01, 2012 at
02:01:22 AM by Racing From The Past
Another great story and the info put out. I can hear the Miami County Sheriffs department running all over the county checking out suspicious vehicle reports, prowlers, trespassers etc. I can hear the deputy, now what did you say you were looking for.
Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes
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February 29, 2012 at
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I am ready to host a big ass 50 hwy and Chipman reunion. I know less about my grandpa than most people know about the guy across the street, even less about my dad. I am ready to hear stories and see pics about what was going on in Lee's Summit in the 60's. I was 4 when he died and dont remember much.
I am talking big time shit, want to see all the old timers,(and they know who they are) anybody mentioned in the post(or 2) above, kids, ex wives, dont care
dont know how long it will take to get this going, but I see labor day 2012 working for me.
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March 05, 2012 at
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Brian
Here's a 1962 or 63 shot at Knoxville from facebook.
Curt Grogan
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March 05, 2012 at
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Jeff, thanks for the info you sent this weekend. I tried to e-mail a response to you over the weekend, but the message was getting bounced back. Hopefully, you received the note I re-sent. Great pictures and projects you have going. With respect to the get together, John Layne has been hosting a great vintage racing event each September in Smithville. If it held again this year, I think you would really enjoy it.
Curt, thanks for the picture. Naturally, Gordon Wooley behind the wheel in his yellow helment that is now in the Sprint Car Hall of Fame. The early version ('60-'61) of the car had the flames and different pipes.
Anyway, I responded to your e-mail. You do a great service for vintage racing. We all appreciate it.
Anyone else out there with any information on the location of the original engine and frame? Other parts or pics?
Regards, Brian
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September 12, 2012 at
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Reply to:
Posted By: KCRaceFan42 on January 27 2009 at 10:07:15 PM
Luther, thanks for the Kinko tip. I am just at the phase where I am trying to determine measurements from photos. This will help greatly. Regards, bjj
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My father worked on that car ,knows alot about it, even drove it once.
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September 13, 2012 at
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geo3, I would like to talk with him. I will be at John Layne's get together in Smithville this weekend (Sunday, Sept. 16). If not able to attend, maybe we can make arrangements to talk by phone.
I lost touch with Jeff (Jerry Gilbert's son) who has posted on this forum. I have tried to e-mail him several times, but I must be hitting a spam blocker or firewall, because my e-mails get bounced back undelivered. Jeff sent me some e-mail picks that were great (original Horne gas pedal, etc.) and has been very helpful. I have most of the hard-to-find parts now, with the exception of a big bell CAE in out box (anyone have a good one they want to sell?). Anyway, would love to get together. I learn something new each time I talk with someone.
Also, I visited the Eastern Motorsports Museum of Racing in York Springs, PA in May. For those who love vintage racing, I recommend you see it. Several nicely restored vintage race cars, including Kenny Weld's supermodified. Spoke with Lynn Paxton and he is very knowledgeable and helpful. Beautiful part of the country and lots to do in the area, including Gettysburg, Lancaster, etc. Worth the trip.
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February 23, 2013 at
08:50:36 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: KCRaceFan42 on September 13 2012 at 12:18:12 AM
geo3, I would like to talk with him. I will be at John Layne's get together in Smithville this weekend (Sunday, Sept. 16). If not able to attend, maybe we can make arrangements to talk by phone.
I lost touch with Jeff (Jerry Gilbert's son) who has posted on this forum. I have tried to e-mail him several times, but I must be hitting a spam blocker or firewall, because my e-mails get bounced back undelivered. Jeff sent me some e-mail picks that were great (original Horne gas pedal, etc.) and has been very helpful. I have most of the hard-to-find parts now, with the exception of a big bell CAE in out box (anyone have a good one they want to sell?). Anyway, would love to get together. I learn something new each time I talk with someone.
Also, I visited the Eastern Motorsports Museum of Racing in York Springs, PA in May. For those who love vintage racing, I recommend you see it. Several nicely restored vintage race cars, including Kenny Weld's supermodified. Spoke with Lynn Paxton and he is very knowledgeable and helpful. Beautiful part of the country and lots to do in the area, including Gettysburg, Lancaster, etc. Worth the trip.
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KCRaceFan42, I stumbled onto your postings about the Gilbert roadster. My favorite car and driver and owner. Knew the car pretty well but nor so much Jerry and Gordon. The driver list read like a who"s who of KC racing back in the day. Dale McDaniels, Chet Hamby, Don Rittman, JL Cooper, Bud Hunnicutt, Jay Woodside, Jud Larson, Wes Farrand, maybe Bill Burdick, and who knows who else. I had intended to be at John Layne's picnic but got the date mixed up and missed it last fall. Anyway I see you're looking for a CAE big bell in-out box. I have one with the ten spline u-joint and slider ball coupling with the six spline input shaft. Let me know if you are still looking. You can call me at 816-853-5582. By the way I furnished to John Layne a Halibrand mag wheel that was original to the Wes Farrand #3 car that he restored. My name is Ed Fitzgerald. I drove the #92 car at Olympic and Riverside in the late 60's. Another piece of info regarding the steering in the Gilbert car, I recall he used a Franklin gear. Can't prove it but that's what I remember. Good luck on the car.
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February 25, 2013 at
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Ed, thanks for your note. I will give you a call. I have a lead on the CAE big bell, but if yours is in very good condition, I would be interested. Several others I have located were not in very good shape. I do have the Franklin steering gear, along with many other vintage parts. The #3 car restored by John Layne was once owned by my dad, so it was nice to see it restored. I'll be in touch. Brian
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June 01, 2013 at
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The #19 Jerry Gilbert roadster project is going well, now that I have more time to devote to it. Since I am doing this "period correct", it means that most parts I have purchased are dirty/rusty/pitted/greasy or slightly damaged. It takes some time to restore/refurbish each part or assembly. I recently refurbished a CAE big bell gear box and it turned out well. I am moving on to the Halibrand QC rearend now. One thing I need is a 12 spline spool for a 201 Halibrand QC in good condition. Anyone have one laying around they would like to sell?
Although I now have several photos to reference for this project, including on this forum, as always, any new pictures anyone has is always helpful. Thanks.
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August 16, 2014 at
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Hey this is Jeff back. my email got crappped up with junk mail. 2 years later I am working on a project for a friend's (dads that died a tear ago )GT puller that was a bad ass puller back in the early 70's that got me thinking about this project ( that and a big kick in the ass from my wife) The only advice I could give him was " you cant sell it for what you can buy it back for" and " he has a big box of trophys somewhere and you cant buy them back from a landfill.. go find them"
This jacked me up for a while, but I am ready to see pics if you have any. If I can add anymore info to track down parts, let me know
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September 06, 2014 at
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Jeff, sorry I have been off the forum for a while. I have been dealing with a serious health condition but, following a recent surgery, I am on the road to recovery. Based on that, obviously, the project was on hold. I have been able to collect quite a few parts. I would like to show you pictures I have and would love to see the Horne throttle pedal you have from the original car. John Layne's race car get together is coming up. I believe it is on September 21 starting at 1 pm at his home in Smithville. Always a lot of vintage race cars and drivers/owners from that era. Maybe we could meet there? Let me know. Brian
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June 01, 2016 at
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I'm Gordon Woolley's son-in-law, Earl. Please let me know how the project is going. I know that Gordon would love to hear that you're replicating Jerry Gilbert's car. He has a lot of photos and we're in the process of organizing it all. If you have any photos to post, I'll be sure to show it to Gordon.
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