YELLOW BRAKE DRUMS, a history

[johnl]

I was going to save this for photos, but honestly I don't think they are necessary.  Over the weekend I was watching a DVD of the European Bug-In gifted to me via Gregg Bunch.  Much of this was devoted to Mark & Paul Schley and there was early footage of their black ’63 fresh air sedan with red interior.  This is basically the twin car I've owned for 30 years and drive to all events.  In fact, when I drove it to the DKP reunion at Schley’s home they both commented about buying it from me to recreate their original car.

What immediately caught my eye were the front brake drums on the slalom course which was a bright yellow.  I didn't notice this in the rear, but it made me think back to possibly how this look came to be.

When I met Rich Kugel in late 1963 I soon learned that his dad owned and operated the Dutch Boy Paint store in the center located on the north east corner of Lincoln and Knott Ave. in Buena Park.  One day when we were there Rich went over and took a pint can of bright yellow off the shelf.

To the back of the store we went and after mixing the stuff up out the back door we went.  Each one of us jacked up the rear of our cars, removed a wheel and yes, applied a liberal coat of the yellow stuff.  It took a while for the stuff to dry before we could mount the wheel and hit the road.

Neither of us was running rear caps but had VW chrome wheels.  To clarify these had no slots and were ½” positive offset which was ultra cool back in the day.  Our wheels came from 101 Chrome and Speed which was located on the southwest corner of Harbor and Commonwealth in Fullerton.  Yes Mr. Schwimmer, that is just around the corner from your digs !!  Today this is a fine china store I think, but over the years has been many things including a Pawn Shop.

Later I had Porsche caps on the front and painted the black around the crest the same yellow.  Mike Johnston, DKP I, recently reminded me that I sold him the two chrome wheels and the custom yellow caps for $40.  He also informed me that he had to borrow the $$ to make it happen.

I think Rich always retained the yellow drums, but over time I moved to different rims with a new look.  Ah, but that is another story……………………

[beatnik beetle]

Thats a cool story..thank you.

[speedwell]

like this 

[johnl]

like this 

That would be the "look" except we used VW chrome rims instead of Porsche style slotted.   

[nicolas]

again a much appreciated story from yesteryear. thanks!

[volksnut]

funny you should bring that up.....it must have been some universal thing because in 77' I was into Pontiac's and I felt the need to paint my rear brake drums yellow too, well at least the center you could see through the chrome reverse rims 

[Lee.C]

Or like this 

[johnl]

The only difference I see is that we also painted the "nut" yellow.  When the header brand name was painted on the fender there was no mention of "equal length".  Beyond those two items this is exactly as it was back in the day....

Oh and in reading my original post I mention my black '63 which was like Schley's.  Drove that car today to Cars & Coffee and joined up with a bunch of the old DKP guys.  We went to breakfast after the event and as always had a great time.  I'm glad all of these years later these guys are still in my life.............

[Lee.C]

Yeah I know about the logo John...... Its kind of a mix of several versions of the logo I have seen in different pic's, The "star" comes from Don Crane's Red 67 

Also I need to "touch-up" the yellow on the rear drums so I'll probably do the nuts then..... I might even do my porsche crests on the front hubcaps too 

At the moment I have taken off the front hubcaps & the bumper and its given the car a kinda "Street-Racer" look..... I am soo please I painted the drums 

[johnl]

There is certainly nothing wrong with what you did by adding the statement and I personally like it.  I remember back many moons ago taking my car down to Chestnut St. in Anaheim just a few doors from where the DKP Club House would be a few years later and having a sign painter apply "Fourtuned Headers" to my fenders.  I'm sure the guy thought I was nuts but he cheerfully took my $$.  When I drove away from him I'm sure the car went much faster and I thought I was about the coolest thing on the road but my Dad just shook his head when he saw what I'd done.

I think in some previous post I'd mention that the first time I'd ever seen a brand name of a header painted on a VW fender was Rich Kugel's gold '58.  He ran Jardine Headers on his 36hp and he should be the guy credited for the idea.

[Lee.C]

Hehehehe I was actually going to go with the "Fourtuned Headers" logo but I didn't think enough people would "Get" it 

But I sure the 65 went 10kph faster WITH the logo...... maybe 15kph 

[peejke]

just found a NOS fourtuned dual quiet pack on a local swap-meet, don't no the age ...