Roanoke, Virginia Need to see some early fords
 

I am going to Roanoke, Virginia this weekend to see Aunt Besy. I don't want stay up there whole time hearing about her health problems. Need to find some old junk yards, or early Ford parts. Can anybody help at brother out. Thanks for your time.

Re: Roanoke, Virginia Need to see some early fords
 

Are you a member of the Early Ford V8 Club/America or do you know someone in your area who is a member? You could go through their roster and find some names of V8ers in the Roanoke, VA area. Give them a call and maybe they could guide you to some old junk yards and or early Ford parts in their area. Just a thought. Have fun and tell Aunt Besy we said hello. :) ;)

Re: Roanoke, Virginia Need to see some early fords
 

In that area? Drive small roads slowly and keep your eyes open. The countryside is loaded with old cars in yards and barns.

Re: Roanoke, Virginia Need to see some early fords
 

My son went to Virginia Tech from 2002 to 2006. I used to cruise down to visit him during the warm weather months in my 40 Ford Tudor. I loved the rides down. Anyway, on Saturday nights in Salem, a small town near Roanoke, they held a cruise night behind Fast Freddy's, a hamburger joint. This place was right next to a Sonic. The first time I ever pulled in about 5 guys, mature types, came over to the car because they could hear the Flathead. The people were great, the cars were great with a lot of traditional rods that people on this forum would enjoy. Over the four years I traveled down that way, I got to know a lot of people, mostly the Flathead crew. I was always impressed with the cars that came out of those mountains, some really nice machinery. I've since heard that Freddy's was sold so I can't be sure if the cruises are still on. Given the number of cars that showed up, I'd be pretty confident that something is still going on. Check it out, you might like it.As I recall, there were good places for food as well if you want to take the significant other and make it a night out. Good luck, have fun, Dan

Re: Roanoke, Virginia Need to see some early fords
 

VA Route 11 that parallels I-81 is the Route 66 of the east in many ways. Head north or south, doesn't matter, there is lots to see along the way. By all means get out on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a drive. North from Roanoke up to Peaks of Otter is terrific. Or go on the website for the Crooked Road Music Trail and go hear a tune or two. The Transportation Museum downtown Roanoke is very interesting. Racing at Calloway, Natural Bridge and Radford on Saturday nights. Lots to do in the area.

Re: Roanoke, Virginia Need to see some early fords
 

Two names for you to look up in the Roanoke area: Charlie Overfelt is "Mr. Flathead" and has been for a long, long time. He was the keeper of the flame when just about everybody else had given up on them. Last I heard he was running a welding fab shop in downtown Roanoke. He's the man. Even appeared on Pinks All Out a while ago. And over in Catawba, VA not far from Roanoke, Larry Rathburn runs Allegehny Street Rods. He's another very talented builder and flathead specialist.

Re: Roanoke, Virginia Need to see some early fords
 

Thanks for the information. Do have Larry Rathburn number.

Re: Roanoke, Virginia Need to see some early fords
 

Larry built Bruce Elder's Model A Touring car that caused all the stir out at the LA Roadster Father's Day Show last year. He's a great guy and quite the flathead specialist.

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/a...w_and_swap.jpg

And Charlie Overfelt's no slouch either when it comes to a flathead. How many guys do you know who run one in an altered??? :eek: He's the real deal. Here's a short little blurb on him:

http://www.vaautoracing.org/building5.htm

Many, many terrific cars out in the Roanoke area, that is for sure.

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/a...eltaltered.jpg