#39 Friday Hassler -- NASCAR Notes

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Date Posted: 18:41:45 05/30/05 Mon
Author: Melvin Smith
Subject: #39 Friday Hassler

Hi Tom,
I have no photos, only memories.
I worked at a local Chevrolet dealer in Chattanooga during the mid 60's and knew your father as a fan and a parts supplier.
One day Friday came in the dealership with a note with what appeared to be a GM part number written on it, and requested info as to the cost of the part. This was far pre computer, and I could find no number that matched. Upon questioning, your father ndicated this was an engine part number{in an era where GM was not in the racing business per se}.
i ordered one of this part number from the GM warehouse in Atlanta. A few days later, I received a call from the GM warehouse, indicating they had no record of this part number, but they did ask who wanted the part, and where the part number came from.
I explained who wanted the part and that it was to go in a 55 chevy race car. No admissions or encouragement from GM.
A few days later, GM called back and rerquested Friday's
car owner and NASCAR license number. Again no committments.
A few days later, GM called back, indicating the if, if they had such an engine, they were expensive, and quoted a price 2,500.00.
I called your father, advised him of the price {remember, this was 45 years ago, a new Impala coupe was 2800.00}
He asked what all was included at that price, I called GM, was told it was a complete engine assembly, less the carb, alt, starter, but did include the clutch housing, pressure plate clutch and flywheel and exhaust manifolds.
FDriday told me to order 2 if we could get them, and have them shipped the quickest way.
2 days later, I received a call from an air freight co at lovell field, to come pick up 2 large heavy crates.
GM called the same day, indicating they disavowed any knowledge of the engines, there were no spare parts, no more engines, and to be careful, if they broke, don.t call them.
I know that these were 327 in small block engines, completely balanced and blueprinted, with both the intake and exhaust manifolds polished to mirror finish.
Friday installed one in a 55 chev coupe, took it to the old Boyd's speedway in east ridge, the engine would turn 8400 rpm right out of the crate.
Your father told me he visited the Jim Hall racing Chapparrel racing operation in Texas {hall was in the road racing business, and pioneered the adjustable spoiler wing}and was tied to Chevrolet, and your dad wrote the part number from a crate in the hall shop.
I ran across Friday's name while reviewing some old nascar records from the mid 60's-early 70's. He and the Fryar family were the local racing entertainmrnt in that era.
Not much, but have often remembered this and thought I would share with you.
Melvin

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