Illinois/Chicago flathead guys?

46Ford4dr

Senior Member
Anyone here from the Chicago are or Illinois in general? Seems like all the places I call for parts are in every other state except Illinois. Would be nice to actually walk in and talk to someone or be able to meet up with some other flathead guys so I can learn more about these motors.
 
Yes, join an Illinois Regional Group of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America as suggested by Tom above.

Also, try and find Matt Werksman of Fox Valley Hot Rods. Matt and his father are long time flathead builders in Illinois. http://www.foxvalleyhotrods.com/

TonyM.

Tom,

I just joined RG8 and I am a member of RG69 as well.
 
Thanks for the links guys. And I can't see the dues for the club on my phone. How much is it? Do any of you get together for any local cruise nights? I usualy hit the one at Cozzis Corner on 7th & Lemont in Downers Grove.
 
Last edited:
If you Google the names Matt Werksman and Cotten Werksman you will be contacting two folks who know just about all there is to know about building flathead engines from ARDUN's to today's Hot Rod Flatty's. Also do a search on HAMB. Legends in their own time.
 
Bought my first flathead speed partd form Von Esslers speed shop in Chicago,. when I lived there. Bought cam, lifters and 3 3/8 pistons for less than 100 bucks. Still have the receipt somewhere. Oh ya, This was baclk in the late 40's
 
Hi,
orighinally from harvey straight south from chicago. I left hravey back in 1946 for the air force. Retired in 1967 after over 20 years. I hav,nt been back in over 40 years. I understand harvey looks as if it had been hit with an hydrogen bomb. Sad.




Al
 
Arlington Heights but there are only a couple of places near, and they think they are boutiques. Al K.
 
46Ford4dr,

The half year dues are $17.50 from 6/1 - 9/30. You must also be a member of the Early Ford V-8 Club. Go online and check out both clubs or come and visit one of our meetings in Arlington Heights. Our next meeting is July 17th
 
Hugeal, yeah, Harvey isn't as pristine as it once was these days.

Al K, boutiques?

Tom, I will look into that.
 
Hello If you are northern Illinois There is a fello in Edgerton Wiswhich is just a few miles north of the Wis/Ill border His name is Rich Bickel SR. Hot rod builder eace car builder and Flathead GURU Hr is he father of NASCAR driver Rich Bickel JR. His shop has at least 50 flatheads sitting around. He redid my 32 straight down drain motor including a runin on his test stand. Runs like a watch. Also a flathead legend in his own time. He can be reached at (608)884-6932
 
True blue,, now that sounds like something I need to see. Even if it's just to take a ride and check out the shop!
 
I have been to Rich's garage. It is exactly what you would picture for an old veteran of the hobby. He has an older dog that was at home lying among the old blocks standing there. I bought a 4" crank and some lifters from him. If you are looking for engine related parts, he might be a good source.

46Ford4door, yeah one used to be in the elgin area and moved up north. Now their show room is the main event, and no more parts hanging on pegboard walls. You used to be able to browse for the shackle or bracket yourself. Now they want a part number. They went Coddington.
Al K.
 
Back
Top