Original Motion window sticker?

L34Pace · #1 09-07-2006, 07:08 PM

Hi all, I'm working on a 68 RS/SS L78 camaro that has some race history at the "old" Wayne Meinert 1/8 mile track that is now Gateway in ST. Louis. The car was factory ordered for that short track with an M22 and 4.56 axel ratio. The original motor was not with the car when I got it and I'm building around another MQ camaro block. Here's the question, the body has 15k original miles and plenty of original docs but since the motor is gone I dont have a clue to what was under the hood other than from the factory. I bought the car from the family of the original owner and all I know was he knew Harrell and the cars only sign of modification is a pair of Motion stickers in the windows. These stickers are placed on the outside of the window not on the inside as I understand was original. I'm wondering if maybe Motion products might have been used by the owner? Or are these exterior type stickers later aftermarket and I should loose them? Any opinions would be appreciated.

**wheelhop** · #2 09-07-2006, 11:59 PM

I certainly am not an expert, but I've seen them on the outside of the rear window.

ORIGLS6 · #3 09-08-2006, 12:08 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I'm working on a 68 RS/SS L78 camaro that has some race history at the "old" Wayne Meinert 1/8 mile track that is now Gateway in ST. Louis.

[/ QUOTE ]

"Tiny" Meinert? Be careful referencing that old reprobate. You may end up in jail!

What history does the car have at St. Louis? We spent a ton of time at that track when it ran the other direction.

Any vintage pix of the car?

L34Pace · #4 09-08-2006, 12:57 AM

Well its a long story but the short of it is I bought the car from the "family" right there in St Louis. The car was titled back in 1968 in the mothers name of Ruby Helmke for whom I believe was her son John? It looks like sister Donna ended up with it titled in her name in 1978 and thats who I bought it from. When I went to look at the car it was advertised as a "big block 1968 camaro" NOM that was one family owned. After I made the deal on the car and handed over the dough Donna's son hands me a stack of paper work from the glove box including the POP, Dealer order, and window sticker. I look it over and start getting dizzy and weak in the knees. He then tells me about his "uncle" who was a friend of this locally famous racer named Dick Harrell and how the uncle also raced a black cuda at Meinerts track. Of course I asked for the contact information for the brother/uncle and thats when Donna tells me of a family rift between the two and she has not talked to him in twenty years! It was obvious to me she did not want her brother to know the car was sold out of the family for $$$$. I've called her a couple times since and she is still not willing to give it up

L34Pace · #5 09-08-2006, 01:04 AM

I really dont think the car is anything other than a complex order but you have to admitt the total package is pretty impresive.

L34Pace · #6 09-08-2006, 01:14 AM

I dont have a full size photo of the warranty book on this computer but here is the POP from Bill James Chevrolet in St. Louis. Of course the date excludes Harrell from doing a conversion on this car since he moved to K.C. a couple months prior. Given the build of this car I keep wondering if this fella might have picked up a short block before Dick left town and did his own work? Was Dicks speed shop set up for over the counter sales or was he just doing Yenko conversions in St Louis? Lots of questions but that makes it fun dont it

camarojoe · #7 09-08-2006, 07:07 AM

How about a close up pic of the Motion sticker?

**Charley Lillard** · #8 09-08-2006, 05:01 PM

Wow, nice car and paperwork..

**firstgenaddict** · #9 09-08-2006, 06:50 PM

I realize that she won't give up the contact info... but does he still live near the area? The name is uncommon and should be easy to get a lead on.

L34Pace · #10 09-08-2006, 09:01 PM

I'll get a close up of the Motion sticker this weekend. It is somewhat faded from being on the outside of the window but says Motion Super Car Club, Dedicated To Performance, and Member. Seems to be black white and red. Just curious but what type of performance parts would a guy have to buy from Motion to get this decal? I doubt he took the car from the midwest to the eastcoast for any major conversion. Could Harrell have been hooked up with Motion some how after the partnership with Yenko ended? It does have signs of ladder bars being on the car other than that and the stickers I dont see any signs of modification.
The brother does still live in St. Louis "part time" I did get that out of Donna. I have run the name John Helmke through a people search but I'm not 100% sure thats his name. Just because his mothers last name was Helmke doesnt mean that is his last name. I did come up with an unlisted John Helmke age 56 in St. Louis who lives at 1166 Hawkstone Lane. Would'nt it be cool if this cars motor is sitting in the garage at that address