carguy123 wrote:
What makes it a "gasser"? I've heard the term all my life but don't know the distinction.
Generally speaking....NHRA earliest classing (app 1958) had stock bodied, stock wheelbased, full interior, engine-modded cars running gasoline in the Gas (Gasser) class and the altered cars in "you guessed it" Altered. Both classes had weight divided by Cubic Inch bracketing.
As power went up, they raised the car (for the most part) between 1962 to 1967. In the later part of 1967, the drag racing world was radically changed when the slick design changed. The new tire design did not require the CG to be high in order to get good traction. The high altitude of the mid 60's gasser was a major contributor to the 4' wheelstands and the extreme popularity of the class (still alive today).
Most of the high straight axle cars were typically light weight cars. The Willys, HenryJs, Stude coupes, Austin, Anglias, Falcons, Novas, Mustangs, and 55-57 Chevies were common to the higher classes (AA, A, BB, B, CC, C). While bigger cars were used in the lower gas classes (E, F, G, etc.).
Our HJ has had a straight axle in it for many, many decades. However we have not found any indication that it competed.in the hay-day. 1967 cars were still on a production frame (which our car did have with the previously installed straight axle). We currently have 2 pieces of box tube in the front (which was not legal until 1968 for gassers) with an original Chevy axle previously installed in a 35 Chevy. We had to change it do to frame rot.
The Mustang above is actually on a Willys frame. 1968 saw the stock frame rule go away, and new bodies were more aero and the new slicks did not lead to the crazy high wheelstands, so the Funny's took over in popularity, and the gas classes ended in the early 70's.
FWIW, the cars weren't tubbed. The gasser class rules required stock inner fenders and the outer could be cut for "bigger tire" clearance. Not to suggest that our HJ is a period correct representation. We have 2 pieces of box tubing in the front frame and the front inner fenders are gone.
Today - folks call any car with a cut out rear wheel openings and a straight axle or high front end a gasser.