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RitcheyRch

RitcheyRch

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SoCalDave

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The V75 Liquid Tire Chain was a rare 1969-only option for most Chevrolets (excluding wagons and pickups). It featured rear nozzles that sprayed a traction fluid onto the tires, improving grip on snow and ice. Though short-lived, this unique system added safety and innovation to winter driving, making it a prized feature among collectors today.

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oldman

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SoCalDave said:
The V75 Liquid Tire Chain was a rare 1969-only option for most Chevrolets (excluding wagons and pickups). It featured rear nozzles that sprayed a traction fluid onto the tires, improving grip on snow and ice. Though short-lived, this unique system added safety and innovation to winter driving, making it a prized feature among collectors today.

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The V75 Liquid Tire Chain used a special liquid, typically a type of non-toxic antifreeze or a water-based solution, designed to provide enhanced traction and stability for vehicles in snowy or icy conditions. This liquid fills the tire chains and adds weight, helping improve grip on slippery surfaces.
 
monkeyswrench

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SoCalDave said:
The V75 Liquid Tire Chain was a rare 1969-only option for most Chevrolets (excluding wagons and pickups). It featured rear nozzles that sprayed a traction fluid onto the tires, improving grip on snow and ice. Though short-lived, this unique system added safety and innovation to winter driving, making it a prized feature among collectors today.

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As kids, we'd run a windshield washer tank and pump with VHT...never knew we were copying 60's tech!
 
SoCalDave

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Interesting read...

The Michigan Madman: E.J. Potter and the Legend of the Widowmaker

In the pantheon of motorsports daredevils, few names resonate with as much thrill and audacity as E.J. Potter—familiarly and fearfully known as the “Michigan Madman.” Born Elmer Trett Potter in Ithaca, Michigan, in 1941, E.J. was a mechanical virtuoso who not only defied conventional wisdom but also gravity, speed, and, many would argue, sanity. Potter’s incredible exploits with custom-built V8-powered motorcycles redefined drag racing in the 1960s and 1970s and turned him into an American legend of mechanical bravado.

Early Beginnings: A Boy and His Engines

E.J. Potter’s fascination with machines began early in his father’s workshop, where he experimented with engines and mechanical contraptions. By the time he reached his teenage years, Potter’s passion for speed had already manifested in his fearless modification of motorcycles and cars, setting him apart as an engineering prodigy and an adrenaline junkie. But it wasn’t until his college years that Potter stumbled upon what would become his defining creation: a motorcycle powered not by the typical motorcycle engine, but by a monstrous car engine—an idea so outlandish that it immediately propelled him into motorsports infamy.

The Widowmaker Series: V8-Powered Insanity

What came next was the birth of the Widowmaker series—a line of motorcycles that Potter fitted with 350 and 454 cubic inch V8 engines, stripped of all conventional wisdom. No clutches, no transmissions—just raw power that exploded off the line when Potter twisted the throttle. The Widowmakers were notorious for being borderline uncontrollable, and it was this very unpredictability that captured the hearts and minds of speed enthusiasts across the nation.

The Widowmakers were engineered with a simplicity that bordered on madness: the bike was started on a stand, and once the engine roared to life, Potter would drop the bike to the ground, tires spinning with brutal force. With no way to ease into acceleration, Potter relied entirely on his quick reflexes and uncanny balance to maintain control as the machine screamed down the drag strip. The nerve it took to ride such a creation was unimaginable, making Potter’s exploits a spectacle that drew crowds wherever he went.

Defying Physics and Common Sense: Setting Records and Taking Risks

E.J. Potter’s fearlessness earned him a multitude of records, with some of his most iconic runs clocking speeds over 170 mph on the quarter-mile drag strip. His runs were described as “bare-knuckled rides on the edge of oblivion,” where one small mistake could have catastrophic consequences. The risk of disaster was ever-present, but that didn’t deter Potter, who remained as cool as the machines he created.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Potter’s approach was his unorthodox method of clutchless starts and sheer willpower to keep the beastly machine in a straight line. His death-defying performances not only mesmerized spectators but also baffled engineers, many of whom believed it was impossible to control a machine with such immense torque and power output without sophisticated balancing mechanisms.

Innovation Beyond the Drag Strip: The Rocket Dragster

Never one to rest on his laurels, Potter continued to push boundaries with even more extreme creations. One of his most spectacular feats was building a rocket-powered dragster, named “Cyclops,” which utilized a thrust-powered rocket engine, making it one of the fastest machines ever to grace a drag strip. Cyclops was so powerful that it would often leave the ground at the starting line, further cementing Potter’s reputation as a man who was willing to risk it all for the thrill of speed.

Legacy of the Michigan Madman

E.J. Potter’s contributions to motorsports and his daring spirit are etched into the annals of racing history. The Michigan Madman wasn’t just a man on a machine; he was a symbol of American ingenuity, embodying the fearless pursuit of speed, power, and adventure. His exploits inspired a generation of drag racers and mechanics to think outside the box and push their machines beyond conventional limits.

Potter passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of fearless innovation and a collection of mechanical marvels that continue to inspire awe. Today, the Widowmaker motorcycles are revered not just as feats of engineering but as testaments to the courage and unrelenting determination of one man who refused to let the laws of physics stand in his way.

The Michigan Madman’s story is a reminder of what can be achieved when genius meets grit and when the pursuit of speed becomes more than a hobby—it becomes a calling.

FB_IMG_1728708379409.jpg
 
monkeyswrench

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SoCalDave said:
Interesting read...

The Michigan Madman: E.J. Potter and the Legend of the Widowmaker

In the pantheon of motorsports daredevils, few names resonate with as much thrill and audacity as E.J. Potter—familiarly and fearfully known as the “Michigan Madman.” Born Elmer Trett Potter in Ithaca, Michigan, in 1941, E.J. was a mechanical virtuoso who not only defied conventional wisdom but also gravity, speed, and, many would argue, sanity. Potter’s incredible exploits with custom-built V8-powered motorcycles redefined drag racing in the 1960s and 1970s and turned him into an American legend of mechanical bravado.

Early Beginnings: A Boy and His Engines

E.J. Potter’s fascination with machines began early in his father’s workshop, where he experimented with engines and mechanical contraptions. By the time he reached his teenage years, Potter’s passion for speed had already manifested in his fearless modification of motorcycles and cars, setting him apart as an engineering prodigy and an adrenaline junkie. But it wasn’t until his college years that Potter stumbled upon what would become his defining creation: a motorcycle powered not by the typical motorcycle engine, but by a monstrous car engine—an idea so outlandish that it immediately propelled him into motorsports infamy.

The Widowmaker Series: V8-Powered Insanity

What came next was the birth of the Widowmaker series—a line of motorcycles that Potter fitted with 350 and 454 cubic inch V8 engines, stripped of all conventional wisdom. No clutches, no transmissions—just raw power that exploded off the line when Potter twisted the throttle. The Widowmakers were notorious for being borderline uncontrollable, and it was this very unpredictability that captured the hearts and minds of speed enthusiasts across the nation.

The Widowmakers were engineered with a simplicity that bordered on madness: the bike was started on a stand, and once the engine roared to life, Potter would drop the bike to the ground, tires spinning with brutal force. With no way to ease into acceleration, Potter relied entirely on his quick reflexes and uncanny balance to maintain control as the machine screamed down the drag strip. The nerve it took to ride such a creation was unimaginable, making Potter’s exploits a spectacle that drew crowds wherever he went.

Defying Physics and Common Sense: Setting Records and Taking Risks

E.J. Potter’s fearlessness earned him a multitude of records, with some of his most iconic runs clocking speeds over 170 mph on the quarter-mile drag strip. His runs were described as “bare-knuckled rides on the edge of oblivion,” where one small mistake could have catastrophic consequences. The risk of disaster was ever-present, but that didn’t deter Potter, who remained as cool as the machines he created.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Potter’s approach was his unorthodox method of clutchless starts and sheer willpower to keep the beastly machine in a straight line. His death-defying performances not only mesmerized spectators but also baffled engineers, many of whom believed it was impossible to control a machine with such immense torque and power output without sophisticated balancing mechanisms.

Innovation Beyond the Drag Strip: The Rocket Dragster

Never one to rest on his laurels, Potter continued to push boundaries with even more extreme creations. One of his most spectacular feats was building a rocket-powered dragster, named “Cyclops,” which utilized a thrust-powered rocket engine, making it one of the fastest machines ever to grace a drag strip. Cyclops was so powerful that it would often leave the ground at the starting line, further cementing Potter’s reputation as a man who was willing to risk it all for the thrill of speed.

Legacy of the Michigan Madman

E.J. Potter’s contributions to motorsports and his daring spirit are etched into the annals of racing history. The Michigan Madman wasn’t just a man on a machine; he was a symbol of American ingenuity, embodying the fearless pursuit of speed, power, and adventure. His exploits inspired a generation of drag racers and mechanics to think outside the box and push their machines beyond conventional limits.

Potter passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of fearless innovation and a collection of mechanical marvels that continue to inspire awe. Today, the Widowmaker motorcycles are revered not just as feats of engineering but as testaments to the courage and unrelenting determination of one man who refused to let the laws of physics stand in his way.

The Michigan Madman’s story is a reminder of what can be achieved when genius meets grit and when the pursuit of speed becomes more than a hobby—it becomes a calling.

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Looks like a 3x2 manifold, (maybe an Edmunds or Offy?) With the center carb blocked off to clear the backbone. Springer is a nice piece though. The no clutch deal, chains and jack shafts, that would bother me a bit.
 
rmarion

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www.instagram.com

@thenowyouknownetwork on Instagram: "This Kid Became a Man That Day #kid #boy #man #hardship #struggle #achievement #lifesaver #lifesaving #rescue #stuck #trapped #savior #respect #incredible #honor #inspiring #inspiration #inspirational"

303K likes, 11K comments - thenowyouknownetwork on August 29, 2024: "This Kid Became a Man That Day #kid #boy #man #hardship #struggle #achievement #lifesaver #lifesaving #rescue #stuck #trapped #savior #respect #incredible #honor #inspiring #inspiration #inspirational".
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
 
t&y

t&y

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rmarion said:
www.instagram.com

@thenowyouknownetwork on Instagram: "This Kid Became a Man That Day #kid #boy #man #hardship #struggle #achievement #lifesaver #lifesaving #rescue #stuck #trapped #savior #respect #incredible #honor #inspiring #inspiration #inspirational"

303K likes, 11K comments - thenowyouknownetwork on August 29, 2024: "This Kid Became a Man That Day #kid #boy #man #hardship #struggle #achievement #lifesaver #lifesaving #rescue #stuck #trapped #savior #respect #incredible #honor #inspiring #inspiration #inspirational".
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
Click to expand...
Hmmm If he was the older brother I'd be highly suspect as to how the little guy ended up down there in the first place. 😁
 
monkeyswrench

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Reading the EJ Potter piece, I saw he was born "Elmer Trett Potter"...Straight line bike guys will also know Elmer Trett, another 2 wheeled madman. He passed away in 1996, at Indy, the day after Blaine Johnson. First drag bike over 200, 210, 220, and 230mph....He built the 1300cc motors himself, wife and daughter were his crew.
nationalmcmuseum.org

Elmer Trett’s Mountain Magic - National Motorcycle Museum

nationalmcmuseum.org nationalmcmuseum.org
 
SoCalDave

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The corner of a kitchen in a tent home near Sallisaw, Oklahoma, in 1939 provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of families during the Great Depression. Many families resorted to living in temporary structures due to economic hardships, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of those facing challenging circumstances. The tent kitchen reflects a simple lifestyle, with essential cooking tools and limited space, emphasizing the resourcefulness required to maintain daily life in such settings.

In Sequoyah County, the image captures the blend of rural living and the challenges of the era. Families often relied on local resources for sustenance, growing their own food or bartering for goods within the community. This lifestyle was shaped by the surrounding landscape, where agriculture played a vital role in sustaining families and providing a sense of security despite the economic turmoil.

Furthermore, this kitchen scene serves as a reminder of the broader societal changes occurring in America during this time. As the nation sought recovery from the Great Depression, the experiences of families living in makeshift homes revealed the stark realities of poverty while also showcasing their determination to create a sense of home and community. The photograph encapsulates a moment in history that reflects both hardship and resilience.

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TonyFanelli

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SoCalDave said:
The corner of a kitchen in a tent home near Sallisaw, Oklahoma, in 1939 provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of families during the Great Depression. Many families resorted to living in temporary structures due to economic hardships, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of those facing challenging circumstances. The tent kitchen reflects a simple lifestyle, with essential cooking tools and limited space, emphasizing the resourcefulness required to maintain daily life in such settings.

In Sequoyah County, the image captures the blend of rural living and the challenges of the era. Families often relied on local resources for sustenance, growing their own food or bartering for goods within the community. This lifestyle was shaped by the surrounding landscape, where agriculture played a vital role in sustaining families and providing a sense of security despite the economic turmoil.

Furthermore, this kitchen scene serves as a reminder of the broader societal changes occurring in America during this time. As the nation sought recovery from the Great Depression, the experiences of families living in makeshift homes revealed the stark realities of poverty while also showcasing their determination to create a sense of home and community. The photograph encapsulates a moment in history that reflects both hardship and resilience.

View attachment 1438983
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Very cool piece of history!

Sad thing is that it could happen again tho...will people in this day and age survive, or only common sense folks..
 
monkeyswrench

monkeyswrench

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TonyFanelli said:
Very cool piece of history!

Sad thing is that it could happen again tho...will people in this day and age survive, or only common sense folks..
Click to expand...
There will always be people who survive. I have faith in humanity, though my faith in some humans is lacking. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger...at least that's what they tell me ;)
 
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