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I've been following the wheel flare threads with particular interest in the Thumper style flares. Not really interested in the 1.5" expanded belt line quarter panel versions. There is/was a lot of discussion about Thumpers but no real source on anyone currently making them. Can anyone shed some light on a possible source?
Thanks, those are pretty close but I wanted flares that are more flat across the top at the beltline and not arched like these. I was impressed with the homebuilt set that Brian Hobaugh has on his red 65. Beautiful flares containing huge 315/30 x 18" on all fours. You can see his car in action on youtube. Sorry, no linky
I can't help you much on where to find some Thumper Flares, but here are a couple of pictures of Corvettes that raced on the East Coast in the early 80's, with Thumper Flares. I'm pretty sure I took both pictures at Summit Point, but I'd have to dig the slides out, to see what year it was.
The reason I never put up those early 1st generation Thumper pics
I was bombed by a few that thought I should offer up my rare parts for mass reproduction, so they could profit! Actually one contact was so rude that it really was irritating!
I can put a picture up, but they ain't leaving my garage or getting duplicated! I personally would like them to stay rare!
Not my fault that the anti-flare crowd cut them all off and trashed them or convinced the entire Corvette world to not like flares! I never wavered!!!
Last edited by TCracingCA; 04-26-2016 at 02:54 PM.
I was going back and forth on the origin of the Thumper style units! I am back to thinking the Thumper guys were again the first!
Rehash- SCCA had basically the 1.5 inch wider rim rule, so the early flares on C2 cars got to run 7.5 rims! Then the C3 came out initially with 7 inch so they got 8.5s and then that was followed by 8 inch stock and allowance of 9.5! So the C2 guys complained and the larger tire sizes were allowed to level the playing field and therefore the flares got larger and the more arced style rears came about! Then they even got wider with the adoption of the 10 inch rims, so at the 9.5 and 10 inch sizes is were the unattractive bulges came about for clearance!
I was going back and forth on the origin of the Thumper style units! I am back to thinking the Thumper guys were again the first!
Rehash (short version)- SCCA had basically the 1.5 inch wider rim rule, so the early flares on C2 cars got to run 7.5 rims! Then the C3 came out initially with 7 inch so they got 8.5s and then that was followed by 8 inch stock and allowance of 9.5! So the C2 guys complained and the larger tire sizes were allowed to level the playing field and therefore the flares got larger and the more arced style rears came about! Then they even got wider with the adoption of the 10 inch rims, so at the 9.5 and 10 inch sizes is were the unattractive bulges came about for clearance!
I just might get a flared set from Pacifica and modify to suit my taste. Thanks to 66Jack for the tip. I'm not a fiberglass guy and would have to work with someone locally who knew their stuff. Not many vette body shops to choose from here on Oahu. Also tried contacting Brian Hobaugh but no luck.
In a recent flare thread a guy posted a picture of his with front thumpers on all four corners. Looked very nice. They were the modern thumper types like corvette Pacifica has.
My original Thumpers aren't anywhere close to being that wide! They fit a standard AR Torque Thrust 8.5 all around or a deep 5" Backspace 9.5 or 10 inch wide rim, Just on the backs! The fronts can't support the 9.5 or 10 unless you have a 3-3/4 BS and are heavily sprung because they will stick out some like in my old 1987 picture I have shown!
The various flares I have in my garage are not these modern wide pro touring sized units!
You should go get some flower foam blocks (I have done that twice in my lifetime) and a dremel or better a 90degree angle air grinder and some screw on sanding discs and stick them on your car and shape the base form! Use old fashion spreader type calibers or make some templates to work side to side equally! You can lay the glass right on top using some duct tape and heavy wax or mold release and shape you glass sheets right over the foam contoured shape!
I said I would picture them, just for conversation! I will try to go dig them out of that garage and shoot that set that will be going on my damaged C2 project car eventually! The ones I will show are the prettiest of all of the versions ever made!
The guy with the best Thumper flared look that is my favorite of the wider custom done ones is on the Orange Frank Manning Autocross/track car! He did a beautiful job on those units!
Last edited by TCracingCA; 04-27-2016 at 12:23 AM.
I just might get a flared set from Pacifica and modify to suit my taste. Thanks to 66Jack for the tip. I'm not a fiberglass guy and would have to work with someone locally who knew their stuff. Not many vette body shops to choose from here on Oahu. Also tried contacting Brian Hobaugh but no luck.
Well, there's got to be a board shop there that will make a mold for you, they'd probably get a kick out of ..or they could make the shape you need/want and make your own flares...
Where you called me out and others that valued these types of Vintage parts to keep them and are not sharing even faced with monetary offers! The more I participate on forums, I keep leaning away from wanting to help with the history of the type of things I thought I would enjoy sharing! Since the very day I was born (literally), my Family had Corvettes continuing for 55 years with my Fathers involvement going back to 1958 (even longer than my entire lifetime, so 58 years total)! Therefore with such a lengthy relationship with Corvettes! I have been a witness to what has been cool about them or was special built for them, and picked up cool things over the course of my whole life for "my cars!"
Last edited by TCracingCA; 04-28-2016 at 02:47 PM.
Mike Meek was a Nor-Cal Vette racer that made most of the flare kits for guys up this way. I believe Hobaughs Vette originally had Meeks flares on it but Brian has done lots or reworking on that 65 Fuely since its original configuration. I think Meek is still around just don't know how to contact him.
There were a few shops around these parts that did custom work...my friends son Tony Williams JR did a lot of custom flares that his former employer took all the credit for....but, Tony SR moved off to Florida years ago and I think JR might have followed him to the east.....SR has a really nice 63SW with trick flares and opened up engine compartment vents...really nice car....I built the M-22 for Tony years ago and he did work on my wife's long gone 64 coupe in trade. Tony was a class act Vette guy always helping guys with their cars....Navy during Nam and Lockheed Missles/Space during his working career. He was fastidious in details and exceptional craftsmanship in any work he did.
04-24-2016, 07:04 PM
Thumper style wheel flares
