The Cal-look Lounge

Cal-look/High Performance => Cal-look => Topic started by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 20:10:53 pm



Title: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 20:10:53 pm
In my slide collection I've found some very early photos of Tar-Babe.  Some of these shots were taken at F&A on Howell St. in Anaheim.  The one thing I'm puzzled about it the bottom of the front nose as I remember it being more flat but possibly this was done a bit later prior to paint at Becker's.  If you look at the rear shots you can see how flat or horizontal to the ground the body is compared to a standard VW exhaust panel.

I've been saving these to share for the appropriate time and now with Russell's post http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,17345.0.html I feel it appropriate.

First shot is the car in F&A original shop with unknown car to the left.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 20:16:08 pm
A shot of the car's rear.  Note the flat exhaust panel.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 20:21:50 pm
The engine, don't recall the size and I remember it having a "Mag" in later configuration.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 20:26:03 pm
A three quarter passenger shot with the door not attached.  At this point the car was still pretty basic.  Unknown bus in the background.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 20:30:42 pm
The final shot of this series.  I believe this was taken at OCIR.  To the left with the Army hat is Rick Winter.  On the far right is Mike Mahaffey and possibly Mark Thurber next to him.  Unknown person at the rear of the car.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Matty c on November 30, 2011, 20:37:27 pm
Awesome pics as usual, tar babe is my all time favourite  :o
Thanks john


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Ole on November 30, 2011, 20:51:21 pm
 :o  :o :o

 How cool is that??

Thank you so much for sharing these treasures, made my day!

John, YOU DA MAN!!!


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on November 30, 2011, 21:17:45 pm
 :o :o :o :o john your're da man , absoulty amayzing , thx for sharing
in some footage i've there's  tarbabe in primer color runnig at OCIR, may be bug in 8 , ron was always behind the wheels of underdog II in that film


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 21:23:39 pm
Glad you guys are enjoying this.  I've got mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooore for everyone.  Sarge, put on your seat belt cause I'm saving the BEST for last............................    ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: carlito421 on November 30, 2011, 22:30:47 pm
thanks for sharing John.
That's always a pleasure to reed your stories...

Fab, tu prends des notes? Il a l'air bien archiviste le Monsieur aussi...  ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: deano on November 30, 2011, 22:52:29 pm
Just when you think you've seen all the old DKP photos, Johnl drops a bomb with a Tar Babe build series. Just the best! I like looking at the shop background, as F&A had just moved into that Unit on Howell, from across the parking lot, judging from the lack of junk everywhere and new benches. Could that brown sedan on the left belong to Jim Brooks? I have never seen Tar Babe in primer like that.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Russell on November 30, 2011, 23:06:49 pm
Wow John.......where were you when we were rebuilding the car ?

Anyway fantastic picture, thanks for taking, keeping and sharing.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 23:21:41 pm
Just when you think you've seen all the old DKP photos, Johnl drops a bomb with a Tar Babe build series. Just the best! I like looking at the shop background, as F&A had just moved into that Unit on Howell, from across the parking lot, judging from the lack of junk everywhere and new benches. Could that brown sedan on the left belong to Jim Brooks? I have never seen Tar Babe in primer like that.

Dean, you could be correct on the brown car belonging to Jim Brooks.  It could have been while he was doing one of his "Kitchen Table Engine Builds".  We all use to laugh at it but it was the truth...    :D :D :D   

Christie remembers seeing Jim Brooks riding the OCTD (bus) going to work and said he looked like a lost sole on the bus.  Mike Mahaffey recently talked with Jim via the phone and he said he would be in the Garden Grove area around Christmas.  I sure hope so and maybe we can get together for a visit as the last time I think any of us have seen him was the DKP I Reunion.

Regarding the "primer shots" of Tar-Babe.  I never realized how many photos Christie and I took over the years.  Besides all of the DKP and VW stuff I've shared and will continue to do so we have discovered our past lives in front of us.  It sure brings back wonderful memories for us personally.

Side story;  last night on driving home from dinner I had on the "Elvis" station, what else??  They were playing a song from "Spinout" and she remined me that this movie was the first one we attended together at the Anaheim Drive- In on Lemon St.  It was Thanksgiving night 1966 and parked next to us was Rich Kugel and his then girlfriend Shanua Smith (a real cutie).  Christie was wearing some checkered pants with a side zipper and it broke.   No, I never touched it...    :o :o :o :o  Off to the "lades room" she and Shauna went for the repair. 

In my life between hearing songs, seeing old photos or just having someone say something triggers the memories.  Great times and I'd sure like to go back and live them again.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on November 30, 2011, 23:26:14 pm
Wow John.......where were you when we were rebuilding the car ?

Anyway fantastic picture, thanks for taking, keeping and sharing.

Russell, sorry I didn't discover these back then if it would have assisted with the restoration.  Anyway, I'm pleased you are enjoying them.  Hey, should I ever come over there do ya think I could get a ride in the Dog or Tar-Babe??  It would stir more memories for me.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: . on December 01, 2011, 01:00:14 am
As always, another glorious trip down memory lane John !
 :)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Fritter on December 01, 2011, 01:42:13 am
Wow, great stuff, thanks John!!


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: WCB Hitler's Hot Rod on December 01, 2011, 04:06:17 am
Wow John! It doesn't get any cooler than this. I nominate you our official cal-look historian. Keep it comin' big man! Tar Babe is my favorite Gasser; more iconic than any other car .<--Period! IMO.     I suggest this thread becomes a sticky...


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: beatnik beetle on December 01, 2011, 09:12:51 am
Fantastic to see more photo's of Tar Babe..thank you for sharing them...


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Fastbrit on December 01, 2011, 09:43:15 am
Fantastic as always, John!  8)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Ole on December 01, 2011, 12:31:12 pm
So was this already the "2nd build" with the windscreen in stock angle? Or is the screen laid back in the first pics? Hard to tell from the perspective the pics were taken...


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 01, 2011, 16:21:19 pm
So was this already the "2nd build" with the windscreen in stock angle? Or is the screen laid back in the first pics? Hard to tell from the perspective the pics were taken...

I'm told that my attention to detail and memory are better than the average guy but on that one I honestly don't remember.  I'm sure Greg Aronson or Ron Fleming or possibly Sarge would know by looking at my photos that were posted.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: SEBB on December 01, 2011, 16:48:29 pm
Fabulous !   :P Thanks johnl !!! 8)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Russell on December 01, 2011, 21:06:01 pm
John

Come to Scotland and you can ride in both, and maybe a few more that i have that you may remember......., Would love to see you in So-Scot

Russell


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: vwcab on December 01, 2011, 21:11:38 pm
Awesome,let the pics come John.  ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 01, 2011, 21:54:05 pm
John

Come to Scotland and you can ride in both, and maybe a few more that i have that you may remember......., Would love to see you in So-Scot

Russell

I'll see if I can "pull a rabbit out of the hat" and make it happen.  Christie and I have always wanted to come to Europe as one of the things on our bucket list.    ::) ::) ::) ::)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 02, 2011, 01:44:00 am
I'm now not so sure that posting the photos brought me good luck.  My latest Hot VW Magazine just arrived and it is torn to shreds.  Thanks to the U.S. Postmaster, no wonder the service is failing.  How do you destroy a magazine when it is in sealed plastic?   >:( >:( >:( >:(   :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: deano on December 02, 2011, 02:48:02 am
John e-mail me your address and I will have the elfs send you another one....


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 02, 2011, 03:58:17 am
John e-mail me your address and I will have the elfs send you another one....
Thanks Dean,  I just sent you a PM.  Thank the efs too................



Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: jamiep_jamiep on December 02, 2011, 10:04:08 am
Great photos John, I love seeing cars 'in build'.... maybe thats why mine are never finished  :D


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: kraftwerk on December 05, 2011, 09:26:50 am
Sweeeet! my fave car ever!  ;D


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 05, 2011, 17:09:10 pm
Ron Fleming told me last night at the DKP Christmas Cruise he has photos of the first chop on the roof, so maybe he will dig them out and we can get them posted on this link.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Ole on December 05, 2011, 19:55:42 pm
Ron Fleming told me last night at the DKP Christmas Cruise he has photos of the first chop on the roof, so maybe he will dig them out and we can get them posted on this link.

Yes please! Keep em coming!

This is the best Advent Calendar I ever had! ;) :D


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: WCB Hitler's Hot Rod on December 05, 2011, 20:42:39 pm
Ron Fleming told me last night at the DKP Christmas Cruise he has photos of the first chop on the roof, so maybe he will dig them out and we can get them posted on this link.
Just when you thought it doesn't get any cooler. BAM! 8)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: rick m on December 05, 2011, 22:08:11 pm
Love the shots of chops!  Keep um coming!  Nothing more fun than cruising in a hammered roof VW.

RM


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: So.Cal.Life on December 07, 2011, 00:14:38 am
Love the shots of chops!  Keep um coming!  Nothing more fun than cruising in a hammered roof VW.

RM
  thats a Big  X2   ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: deano on December 07, 2011, 02:46:35 am
What I really enjoy about these particular photos is that they were taken just before I began to hang around, and then worked at F&A. From what Ron told me today, there is a lot more to come from this era.... Before Tar Babe was black, it was gray.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 07, 2011, 02:51:06 am
What I really enjoy about these particular photos is that they were taken just before I began to hang around, and then worked at F&A. From what Ron told me today, there is a lot more to come from this era.... Before Tar Babe was black, it was gray.

Gregg Bunch phoned me last night and asked to borrow my slide converter.  Christie took it to her office today as it is only a couple of blocks from Gregg's house.  I know that Ron has provided him with photos, sooooooooooooooooo maybe he is involved in the project.    ;) ;) ;) ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Peter on December 07, 2011, 17:41:14 pm
Hello John,
great pictures!

Do you know where the name of the car came from?
Maybe some nice stories about it :)

cheers, Peter


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 07, 2011, 19:12:02 pm
Hello John,
great pictures!

Do you know where the name of the car came from?
Maybe some nice stories about it :)

cheers, Peter

Funny you asked the question as Ron Fleming and I were discussing this Sunday at the DKP Christmas Cruise.  I'd remembered that Ron named Tar-Babe and also The Underdog.  Ron confirmed that my remembrance was correct.

Years ago I remember his saying that "Everyone roots for the UNDERDOG".


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Bruce on December 08, 2011, 08:14:41 am
I'd remembered that Ron named Tar-Babe and also The Underdog.  Ron confirmed that my remembrance was correct.
I think it was in 04 or 05 when I visited Tar-Babe prior to it's rescue from Mexico City that I talked to Ron about the car.  When he says the car's name, he says, "Tar-Baby".


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: dirk zeyen on December 08, 2011, 18:21:03 pm
Hello John, do you know something about that car? Picture was taken by Ron F.[attachment=1]


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Fastbrit on December 08, 2011, 19:21:55 pm
That's a picture of Ron's that I scanned and posted ages ago on here... So far, nobody has positively ID'd the car. We know what cars it isn't!


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: dirk zeyen on December 08, 2011, 21:36:11 pm
I know.... ;D I was in this discussion.
But the cage in the car looks like the cage in Tar babe and the picture was taken by Ron... ?!?
If I'm right Tar babe was shopped twice..... maybe John can help.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 08, 2011, 22:33:39 pm
I know.... ;D I was in this discussion.
But the cage in the car looks like the cage in Tar babe and the picture was taken by Ron... ?!?
If I'm right Tar babe was shopped twice..... maybe John can help.

To my knowledge Tar-Babe NEVER had an open section in the top like this car.  Also, I don't think any F&A race car would have shown up at the drags with wheels like that.  So, I'm like 99% sure this is another car but I don't know who.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on December 08, 2011, 22:41:28 pm
in a film i've  the car was grey primer with BRM's and it was at bug in 8 , i will see tomorrow if i can take a capture of the car in the movie  ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: dirk zeyen on December 08, 2011, 22:51:55 pm
ThX John for that information!!!
Speedwell take that film on youtube ;D ;D ;D

Greetz: Dirk


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on December 09, 2011, 18:05:56 pm
!
Speedwell take that film on youtube ;D ;D ;D


no i promise to not put this one on the net , and a promise is a promise


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: dirk zeyen on December 09, 2011, 19:40:44 pm
A promise is a promise!!! I agree!!! But make a picture with the BRMs  :o :o :o


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on December 09, 2011, 20:50:33 pm
ok dirk here're some snapshot of the film , but the film isn't good enought to have good quality

but here we go  ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on December 09, 2011, 20:58:08 pm
 ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on December 09, 2011, 21:01:13 pm
 ;)

ps : don't ask me to have a copy  :D


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Fastbrit on December 09, 2011, 21:12:14 pm
;)

ps : don't ask me to have a copy  :D
He can ask me for one, though.....



......but the answer's still No!  :D :D


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on December 09, 2011, 21:15:07 pm
;)

ps : don't ask me to have a copy  :D
He can ask me for one, though.....



......but the answer's still No!  :D :D
i know that we're several to have this film  ;) but you can confirm that 's tarbabe in primer ???


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: . on December 10, 2011, 00:59:16 am
I have a copy too and also had to promise not to copy it.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Zach Gomulka on December 10, 2011, 02:57:55 am
I think it is. It's got the same pinch in the rear quarter windows.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: rick m on December 10, 2011, 06:08:19 am
Based on the wheels on the grey car...highly unlikely this was the F&A car.  I agree with John that I doubt they'd run those wheels or the car would sit that high in the back.  By bug in 8 quite a few VWs had already been flying at the top end of the track. I doubt the F&A car would have set that high in the back.

Rick Mortensen


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Sarge on December 14, 2011, 18:04:30 pm

Do you know where the name of the car came from?
Maybe some nice stories about it :)

cheers, Peter


From Wikipedia....

The Tar Baby is a character from Joel Chandler Harris' Uncle Remus books one of which was made into a Disney movie titled Song of the South.  Br'er Rabbit ("Brother Rabbit") is the main character of the stories, a likable character, prone to tricks and trouble-making who is often opposed by Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. In one tale, Br'er Fox constructs a lump of tar and puts clothing on it. When Br'er Rabbit comes along he addresses the "tar baby" amiably, but receives no response. Br'er Rabbit becomes offended by what he perceives as Tar Baby's lack of manners, punches it, and becomes stuck.  Using the phrase "tar baby" to refer to the idea of "a problem that gets worse the more one struggles against it" became part of the wider culture of the United States in the mid-20th century.  Unfortunately, it's considered politically incorrect nowadays.

[edit]


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: TexasTom on December 14, 2011, 19:18:36 pm
Excellent research there Sarge ...
Thanks,
TxT


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on December 14, 2011, 22:50:23 pm

Do you know where the name of the car came from?
Maybe some nice stories about it :)

cheers, Peter


From Wikipedia....

The Tar Baby is a character from Joel Chandler Harris' Uncle Remus books one of which was made into a Disney movie titled Song of the South.  Br'er Rabbit ("Brother Rabbit") is the main character of the stories, a likable character, prone to tricks and trouble-making who is often opposed by Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. In one tale, Br'er Fox constructs a lump of tar and puts clothing on it. When Br'er Rabbit comes along he addresses the "tar baby" amiably, but receives no response. Br'er Rabbit becomes offended by what he perceives as Tar Baby's lack of manners, punches it, and becomes stuck.  Using the phrase "tar baby" to refer to the idea of "a problem that gets worse the more one struggles against it" became part of the wider culture of the United States in the mid-20th century.  Unfortunately, it's considered politically incorrect nowadays.

[edit]

Jim,  how come you never read me that story when we were young??  You only wanted the ones telling tales of Weber and Solex and they only sucked up some bugs once in a while.........     ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Cornpanzer on December 17, 2011, 18:32:53 pm
With that said, the car is known as Tar BABE....not Tar Baby.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Nico86 on December 18, 2011, 02:06:40 am
Once again, thanks for the great photos and stories guys  8)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Lids on December 18, 2011, 23:47:52 pm
With that said, the car is known as Tar BABE....not Tar Baby.

Wasn't this due to an error on the sign writing?


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Fastbrit on December 19, 2011, 08:55:45 am
With that said, the car is known as Tar BABE....not Tar Baby.

Wasn't this due to an error on the sign writing?
No, you're thinking of the famous 'Ingle' instead of 'Engle'...


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Lids on December 19, 2011, 09:25:37 am
With that said, the car is known as Tar BABE....not Tar Baby.

Wasn't this due to an error on the sign writing?
No, you're thinking of the famous 'Ingle' instead of 'Engle'...

I knew that one, for some reason I had it in my head the car was always called Tar Baby when talked about at the time, but ... that wasn't reflected in the sign writing.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: OgCalLook on January 02, 2012, 00:26:18 am
Aside from the spelling, whats the correct pronunciation?

I've always said Tar-Babe (Bab - Long A) ,

not (Ba-bee) Baby



Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: So.Cal.Life on January 02, 2012, 06:11:51 am
Aside from the spelling, whats the correct pronunciation?

I've always said Tar-Babe (Bab - Long A) ,

not (Ba-bee) Baby


Agree


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speed7 on January 04, 2012, 01:15:26 am
Hi all ,

just keep on diggin' guys , we might end up with a book on Tar Babe .....(might not be such a bad idea   :-)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Fastbrit on January 13, 2012, 11:21:47 am
Hi all ,

just keep on diggin' guys , we might end up with a book on Tar Babe .....(might not be such a bad idea   :-)
Watch this space...


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: johnl on January 14, 2012, 02:49:54 am
Hi all ,

just keep on diggin' guys , we might end up with a book on Tar Babe .....(might not be such a bad idea   :-)
Watch this space...

Keith,  will your "Carlos" be doing the Forward???    :o :o :o :o   ::) ::) ::)  Sorry guys, inside joke....


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Russell on August 05, 2012, 23:40:18 pm
latest photo of the Tar Babe taken yesterday....

please note ive reduced the size in paint so quality not as good a original photo.



Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: kingsburgphil on August 06, 2012, 01:04:28 am
The car still looks nice, slightly surreal. Like a toy amongst the bobbins  :)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: deano on August 21, 2012, 22:41:52 pm
I think I just found Tar Babe's original floorpan.....


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Fastbrit on August 21, 2012, 22:49:50 pm
Pray do tell!


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: deano on August 22, 2012, 00:22:23 am
Doing these interviews has opened up so much new information... Wow... It's time to rewrite the California Look (history)....


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Russell on August 22, 2012, 00:31:17 am
was it the lead we expected ???

do you think he will sell it ?


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: deano on August 22, 2012, 01:11:24 am
RR, call me!


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Ole on August 22, 2012, 19:33:16 pm
 ;) ;D


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Dyno-Don on August 24, 2012, 00:28:29 am
Reading through this brought back a lot of memories of watching this car run. I found this photo that I've had a copy of for years, thought I'd share
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn203/hotroddon/369_65323c511f23dabb9427de593aec7f86.jpg)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: . on August 24, 2012, 22:18:46 pm
RR, call me!

I'm on my way !
 ;D


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Russell on August 26, 2012, 00:56:08 am

Not bad RR  ;D

Br

RJR


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: deano on September 01, 2012, 18:07:22 pm
Yes, the original floorpan for Tar Babe has been found... In Texas of all places.. What a story.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on September 01, 2012, 18:31:23 pm
Yes, the original floorpan for Tar Babe has been found... In Texas of all places.. What a story.
cool and the original roolcage is on?? he's complete or just the floorpan  without front beam ,gerabox etc..


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Bruce on September 02, 2012, 07:16:42 am
Yes, the original floorpan for Tar Babe has been found... In Texas of all places.. What a story.
This has got to be a great yarn!  How did it make its way from Mexico to TX?


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Russell on September 02, 2012, 08:52:38 am
Yes, the original floorpan for Tar Babe has been found... In Texas of all places.. What a story.
This has got to be a great yarn!  How did it make its way from Mexico to TX?

Bruce, I can assure you we believe this story 100% true and is not a yarn.



Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Jon on September 06, 2012, 19:49:29 pm
Congratulations, well done!


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: 51splitDLX on September 12, 2012, 05:59:17 am
fantastic build and congrads on the floor pan thats a score of a lifetime to relocate it !!!

more pics please  :P

bless up,
kiefer


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: . on September 13, 2012, 01:02:47 am
Looking forward to the whole story and some photos !
 :)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: So.Cal.Life on September 21, 2012, 22:58:34 pm
 :)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Simpsonshoe on October 27, 2012, 03:58:13 am
Things sometimes just happen.. Recall the famous  Roth ( no, not you Richard) show car that was sitting for years in front of a whore house in Mexico..And The latest HOT ROD has an great article on how, many Know it alls fell through their ass on a score in SFO...


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Miggs on March 26, 2013, 20:17:06 pm
Superb thread great reading


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Neil Davies on October 29, 2013, 00:39:34 am
Yes, the original floorpan for Tar Babe has been found... In Texas of all places.. What a story.

Ta-dah!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1335018
 :o


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: bugnut68 on October 29, 2013, 01:46:16 am
$40,000 for a road race bug and, hey, you get the Tar Babe's pan to go along with it!  Sweet deal!


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on October 29, 2013, 16:49:31 pm
Yes, the original floorpan for Tar Babe has been found... In Texas of all places.. What a story.

Ta-dah!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1335018
 :o
here's the car  ::) ::)

(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/4469789.jpg)

(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/4469793.jpg)

(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/4469791.jpg)



Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Zach Gomulka on October 29, 2013, 19:55:50 pm
I would like to know how that can be proven.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: mg on December 27, 2013, 15:08:33 pm
I’ve seen similar issues where a Tar Babe (vintage race car) has been restored on the wrong chassis.
Typically the owner of the correct chassis/pan will offer it for an inflated price to the owner of the correct body.
If the owner of the Tar Babe body passes on the correct chassis the real Tar Babe chassis owner may build another Tar Babe.
Then claim the 2nd Tar Babe to be the real one based on fact that it is on the correct chassis.
I know of a couple half million dollar vintage race cars that are in this situation.

40k asking price for the white oval seems a fair ransom for the correct Tar Babe chassis.
MB offer him 10k to swap pans?  :-[


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Zach Gomulka on January 19, 2014, 18:58:57 pm
So what's the real story on this chassis? Has it (can it?) be confirmed that the chassis is that of Tar Babe? The most famous existing gasser should be reunited with its correct floor pan, if at all possible. Easy for me to say though, not my bank account ;)


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: mg on April 25, 2014, 18:49:13 pm
5 days left on fleabay, buy it now $40k.
just where you would look if you needed a tar babe pan, isnt the internet great?  ;)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1956-Oval-Window-Vintage-Racer-Tar-Babe-chassis-/181391468857?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a3bc62939&item=181391468857&pt=Race_Cars_Not_Street_Legal_#ht_0wt_0

This original 1956 Oval window Championship winning VW Beetle Vintage Road Racer is an Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Camaros & Mustangs eater!! The chassis is the original chassis of "The Tar Babe", the body has not rust and never been wrecked and is painted with Lexus Pearl white paint. The extra wide fenders are fiberglass to accommodate the BBS 3 piece wheels and still look stock. It is powered by a highly modified and sophisticated Type 3 VW engine capable of produce 192 HP @ 7,200 RPM with 2 40mm Weber carburetors and can produce 220HP IF 48mm WEBER IDA carburetors are installed. No money has been spared while building this engine! The case has been modified to accept type IV main bearings and oil squirters like Porsche 911 engines. The crankshaft is a Gene Berg, counterweighted, large dowel pins and tappered to match flywheel to prevent from turning with special pressure plate and ceramic clutch disc. It is equipped with a special high flow oil pump using aircraft lines, a extra deep aluminum oil sump and windage tray. Carillo rods, Okrasa 90mm Slipper skirt pistons with Nicasil coated aluminum cylinders and lightweight pins. The pistons are drilled for gas ports. The heads and the manifolds have been welded to increase port size and flow, A special Engle cam moves the Titanium valves and retainers, with original EMPI rockers with Gene Berg shafts and Porsche adjusting screws. 3/8" lightweight pushrods. A special Porsche look alike fan housing made in Germany to accommodate a Porsche 911 alternator For ignition, it uses the same MOTEC engine mangement system that the Vipers used when they won the 24 hours of Daytona with more than 250 timing adjustments, that could be made from the driver's seat. For suspension and brakes: It has custom made shocks for valving and size on the 4 corners and stops on a dime thanks that it is fitted with 912 Porsche disc brakes with drilled rotors on the front and 914- 6 Porsche disc brakes with drilled rotors on the rear. The transmission is a beefed up 4 speed with limited slip differential with custom made helicoidal 1st & 2nd gears. A Sparco red seat and a quick fill fuel cell. And a custom made aluminum rear spoiler This beetle runs, turns and stops in a dime, it is a very fast toy that is a joy to drive!! Please contact 210-304-0293


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Bruce on August 07, 2015, 01:45:54 am
I would like to know how that can be proven.
Easy.  The original VIN tag is still on the body by the spare tire.  I don't know how the guy with the oval race car can prove it, but Russell sure can.
It's too bad the guy thinks his car is worth a fortune.  You would think that after 3 years he might drop the price a bit.  Still for sale....


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Bruce on January 12, 2016, 09:44:22 am
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1335018
The Samba ad for Tar Babe's chassis with a bunch of other parts has been taken down.  Anyone know what became of it?


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: Jos on February 13, 2017, 23:55:32 pm
Still for sale Bruce. The owner appears to have just pulled the old ad and then reposted it.


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: speedwell on August 02, 2019, 10:26:06 am
 tarbabe when ron fleming and mike hunsaker were owner of the car
note htat the car had mitchell spindle mounts wheels  and "DDS" wheels at rear


Title: Re: TAR BABE, THE BUILD
Post by: BeckyCalderon on March 12, 2022, 11:52:18 am
Nice car design