Fifty years ago, we'd pour our money into old cars to have something different that was not only seen but also heard. Dual exhaust is standard today, but back then it required quite a bit of labor to put together. Kits were sold at auto parts stores for the purpose of redesigning a basic model.
Mufflers were retrofitted to create a unique sound by inserting the tailpipe into a length of chrome plated pipe 6 inches or wider in diameter and about a foot longer. This perfect baritone sound resonated like a caveman on a mountaintop beating his chest while yelling at the top of his lungs.
We cruised a store (the Beanery, if my memory serves me) near Garfield High School and lingered a bit to see and be seen. A Ford V-8 sounded much different than a Chevy straight 6 and it was definitely tagged as such before spotting it.
Floyd owned a Nash, which was a far cry from the cars at that time as it was a 4 door family car: really boring. He was an apprentice at customizing cars and learned it required a degree of caution.
The normal way to obtain duals was to split the manifold using a kit sold at Shucks'. The exhaust from the engine was split into two exhaust pipes. Floyd split the manifold, all right. With his ability to weld anything anywhere, he configured six tail pipes in a straight row at the rear. There was no money, or room, for mufflers as the pipes ran over, through and around the frame.
When he rounded the corner by the school, the sound of his "Super Nash" was like nothing ever heard before. If a policeman came his way, he'd put it in neutral, and sit until the coast was clear.
The need for speed was an important element in customizing one's car. Again, Shucks' sold carburetors, camshafts and anything to change a car into a rocket. A popular spot in those days to hear "pipes" or to partake in a friendly drag race was the I-90 tunnel to the floating bridge.
One night after a race, Floyd ran through the tunnel and into the caring arms of the law. He told us later he received a ticket, but the policemen looked under the hood - even under the car - cracking smiles in amazement at his skills.
Floyd was the guy to see if you wanted anything welded. The little welding I did as an ironworker made me realize the immense skill and what little room for error there was.
The next fad was to go for a straight, massive appearance. Removing the hood and trunk ornaments and even the door handles made for a clean, modern look. For an even sleeker silhouette, cars were lowered with blocks installed under the rear springs and shortened coil springs in the front. It didn't do too much for the ride, but it looked cool.
Neil was an owner of a 1953 Desoto with a truly radical low silhouette. It was so low he had to approach the driveway at Johnny Primeburgers on Olive and Denny (now the center lane on I-5) at a diagonal so as not to scrape the underpinnings.
Another price he paid for that distinctive look: his girlfriend lived in Bremerton and the only time he could see her was at high tide. At low tide, the mighty Desoto would high center on the approach to the ferry, and that usually happened when he stayed a little too long.
Deck hands had to lift the car on and off the ferry and when he left they yelled, "Get a girlfriend on the Seattle side, would ya!"
The sweet sound of duals, along with reckless driving and speeding, often garnered tickets and bragging rights if a guy received tickets for all three at once. One friend had a spindle affixed to his dash with his tickets attached and when asked about them, he would read every line out loud which led to a few laughs.
My first ticket was bestowed on me on Aurora when I was 16. My mother had to come with me to the Washington State Patrol office on Dexter where an officer let loose on my driving ability. He asked my mother what kind of a driver I was, and she called me a good, courteous driver, which really upset the man.
Well into the '60s, car clubs were popular and customizing was as commonplace as ever. The need for individual renown created styles and changes that are now incorporated into today's automobile ordering system.
While the cars of our youth, as well as drive-in theaters and restaurants, are all but gone, custom car shows are the rage today. Personally, a '51 Mercury convertible would be my choice, but not only are they hard to find, the price is staggering.
Richard Carl Lehman may be reached via the addresses listed below.
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