Reid Whisnant's Pro Stock Duster

[Scott Eriksen]

Ok ,,here we go ,,starting this one ,,,,,I have the decals from STS ,(that has the lacey gold side panels) which represent his 72 car ( sorta ) which was built by Whisnant's shop Atlanta Race Cars . I have AMT's 71 Duster ,,,(haven't been able to locate a 72 tail light panel ) so,,,what to do,,,,,, what to do ,,,lol . I'm pretty sure the 72 car was the 71 car updated to coil over/link with a narrowed Dana ,,,not sure on the front end if it retained the torsion bars,,cant find any pics .....so I might take a little artistic license here and do my own "rendition" . So in these pics I made a tracing of the STS decals to get the rear wheel well opening down for cutting. Looks like I'll use the Pro Street Nova for the chassis pan and do the link coil over like I did for the McCandless Demon.If I can't get any more info on the car(s) in the next few days I'll just back-half it using the Nova and keep the torsion bars (just have to cut away the inner fenders like I did wayyyyyy back when with my S&M Pro Stock Duster . Here's some tidbits on Reid I picked up on the Detroit Garage Facebook page >> 

REID WHISNANT -

The Early Years

Reid Whisnant began racing in his early twenties on the infamous drag strips of North Carolina - starting with a 1957 Chevy that ran in the Gas classes. A 1964 Dodge and a 1967 Dodge both followed as Whisnant became active in the very popular Super Stock competition. While racing the Dodges, he was able to establish a relationship with Chrysler's Racing Division and in 1968 he was offered an opportunity to purchase one of the new 426 HEMI Dart LO23 Factory Lightweights. Painted in what became his trademark “gold” and labeled “Super Dart” - Reid raced the car with regional success in NHRA Division II running in the SS/B class in 1968 and 1969. Then like many, the Dart was converted to Pro Stock status in early 1970 upon the birth of the new NHRA class.

The Sox & Martin Connection

While running the Southeastern Division II drag strips in the late '60s, Reid became acquainted with Joe Fisher, the shop manager at Sox & Martin in Burlington, North Carolina – with the relationship eventually leading to the purchase of S & M Chrysler Hemi Race Engines for the “Super Dart.” Then in late 1970, came the purchase of a complete race prepped A Body Plymouth Duster Pro Stock Sox & Martin “Customer Car” which Whisnant campaigned under the S & M umbrella during the 1971 season. His end of year totals were most impressive as he finished fourth in the 1971 NHRA Eastern Conference standings and second to Ronnie Sox in Division II WCS points.

Atlanta Race Cars

Reid was frustrated with finishing second to Sox and in 1972 he ended the S & M relationship and started his own race shop in his hometown of Atlanta - known as Atlanta Race Cars. This included the hiring of several of Sox and Martin's key employees – most notably Joe Fisher and engine wizard Bird Shoffner. Fisher and Shoffner completely “re-engineered” the Duster and this resulted in immediate success. In June of 1972, Reid set a new NHRA Pro Stock speed record of 144.60 MPH at Blaney Drag Strip in Columbia, South Carolina. He went on to win the 1972 NHRA Division II Pro Stock Championship and the Eastern Division Championship besting Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins by over 800 points!. The car before you is Reid's original Sox & Martin Duster – presented as it was “fully developed” by Atlanta Race Cars. (Documented Original Sox & Martin Car)

A Bit Of History

Reid Whisnant's Sox & Martin Duster made it's initial appearance at the 1970 Supernationals in Ontario, California. (November 20-22, 1970). The car first ran with a 1971 body but was updated to a 1972 body by Atlanta Race Cars for the '72 season. After the 1973 Gatornationals, the Duster was sold to Walt and Jo Ballard but Reid continued to drive the car collecting valuable WCS points until he took delivery of his new Don Hardy built Duster in June of '73.

 

 

[Scott Eriksen]

I had already grafted the Pro Stock scoop to the Duster hood when I was doing the Project 6 Pack Road Runner body work

[dragcarz]

I’ve been waiting for this one Scott! I’m glad your sharing the build on the forum. I was at the Hot Rod Reunion last year and the restored car was there, I clicked off a few photos. Unfortunately I did not take one of the rear suspension, I probably got distracted as there was a lot going on. I hope these help.

[dragcarz]

A couple things, reasons I don’t like restored cars, no Lenco Transmission in 72, if he continued to run the car into 74-74, then perhaps this would be accurate. Second I don’t think the seats would have been Tan.  Tire size is important in getting the right look on a model, so I try and take photos of the tire size. These 14x32s were old and dry rotted a little. The 14x32s came out in late 72 so it’s probably correct.

[Scott Eriksen]

1 hour ago, dragcarz said:

A couple things, reasons I don’t like restored cars, no Lenco Transmission in 72, if he continued to run the car into 74-74, then perhaps this would be accurate. Second I don’t think the seats would have been Tan.  Tire size is important in getting the right look on a model, so I try and take photos of the tire size. These 14x32s were old and dry rotted a little. The 14x32s came out in late 72 so it’s probably correct.

From what was said in the video about that car was that those were the original Drag 500's that were on the car when they got it ,so yeah prolly from the 70's .Looks like it is a link rear suspension from your pic which makes sense because Joe Fisher and Shoffner supposedly rebuilt the entire car in the ARC shop for 72 . I found a pic of that car before resto so yeah,,link rear n suspension,,not sure of the front . I couldn't find anything about the Lenco in the 72 car or not . I'm friends with David Hakim he was going to try and find out for me ,,he thinks Roy Hill might know,,,and weather permitting I'm planning to go out to Carlisle on Friday so maybe I can ask around . I also found a pic of his Don Hardy built car and the car as found before resto .Also STS didn't not make any of the roof/trunk or hood panel-lace-spiderweb  panels so I'll just be doing it in Gold,,,I don't think I can replicate that with an airbrush!  

[dragcarz]

Wow Scott, that first photo answered a huge question for me as I haven’t been able to decide how to attach the front of the ladder bars on my BTK build. The car is beautiful and the paint was really done well. I’m sure you will do it justice.

[James2]

11 hours ago, Scott Eriksen said:

Ok ,,here we go ,,starting this one ,,,,,I have the decals from STS ,(that has the lacey gold side panels) which represent his 72 car ( sorta ) which was built by Whisnant's shop Atlanta Race Cars . I have AMT's 71 Duster ,,,(haven't been able to locate a 72 tail light panel ) so,,,what to do,,,,,, what to do ,,,lol . I'm pretty sure the 72 car was the 71 car updated to coil over/link with a narrowed Dana ,,,not sure on the front end if it retained the torsion bars,,cant find any pics .....so I might take a little artistic license here and do my own "rendition" . So in these pics I made a tracing of the STS decals to get the rear wheel well opening down for cutting. Looks like I'll use the Pro Street Nova for the chassis pan and do the link coil over like I did for the McCandless Demon.If I can't get any more info on the car(s) in the next few days I'll just back-half it using the Nova and keep the torsion bars (just have to cut away the inner fenders like I did wayyyyyy back when with my S&M Pro Stock Duster . Here's some tidbits on Reid I picked up on the Detroit Garage Facebook page >> 

REID WHISNANT -

The Early Years

Reid Whisnant began racing in his early twenties on the infamous drag strips of North Carolina - starting with a 1957 Chevy that ran in the Gas classes. A 1964 Dodge and a 1967 Dodge both followed as Whisnant became active in the very popular Super Stock competition. While racing the Dodges, he was able to establish a relationship with Chrysler's Racing Division and in 1968 he was offered an opportunity to purchase one of the new 426 HEMI Dart LO23 Factory Lightweights. Painted in what became his trademark “gold” and labeled “Super Dart” - Reid raced the car with regional success in NHRA Division II running in the SS/B class in 1968 and 1969. Then like many, the Dart was converted to Pro Stock status in early 1970 upon the birth of the new NHRA class.

The Sox & Martin Connection

While running the Southeastern Division II drag strips in the late '60s, Reid became acquainted with Joe Fisher, the shop manager at Sox & Martin in Burlington, North Carolina – with the relationship eventually leading to the purchase of S & M Chrysler Hemi Race Engines for the “Super Dart.” Then in late 1970, came the purchase of a complete race prepped A Body Plymouth Duster Pro Stock Sox & Martin “Customer Car” which Whisnant campaigned under the S & M umbrella during the 1971 season. His end of year totals were most impressive as he finished fourth in the 1971 NHRA Eastern Conference standings and second to Ronnie Sox in Division II WCS points.

Atlanta Race Cars

Reid was frustrated with finishing second to Sox and in 1972 he ended the S & M relationship and started his own race shop in his hometown of Atlanta - known as Atlanta Race Cars. This included the hiring of several of Sox and Martin's key employees – most notably Joe Fisher and engine wizard Bird Shoffner. Fisher and Shoffner completely “re-engineered” the Duster and this resulted in immediate success. In June of 1972, Reid set a new NHRA Pro Stock speed record of 144.60 MPH at Blaney Drag Strip in Columbia, South Carolina. He went on to win the 1972 NHRA Division II Pro Stock Championship and the Eastern Division Championship besting Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins by over 800 points!. The car before you is Reid's original Sox & Martin Duster – presented as it was “fully developed” by Atlanta Race Cars. (Documented Original Sox & Martin Car)

A Bit Of History

Reid Whisnant's Sox & Martin Duster made it's initial appearance at the 1970 Supernationals in Ontario, California. (November 20-22, 1970). The car first ran with a 1971 body but was updated to a 1972 body by Atlanta Race Cars for the '72 season. After the 1973 Gatornationals, the Duster was sold to Walt and Jo Ballard but Reid continued to drive the car collecting valuable WCS points until he took delivery of his new Don Hardy built Duster in June of '73.

 

 

Looks like a great project and the start of a fun build. After all that's what the hobby is all about! Enjoy...

[Scott Eriksen]

1 hour ago, dragcarz said:

Wow Scott, that first photo answered a huge question for me as I haven’t been able to decide how to attach the front of the ladder bars on my BTK build. The car is beautiful and the paint was really done well. I’m sure you will do it justice.

Thanks Roger! I'll give it my best shot....I'm going to get in touch with STS and see if he can do the top panels for me

[Scott Eriksen]

1 hour ago, dragcarz said:

Wow Scott, that first photo answered a huge question for me as I haven’t been able to decide how to attach the front of the ladder bars on my BTK build. The car is beautiful and the paint was really done well. I’m sure you will do it justice.

That same picture,,looking at the front,,,it's hard to tell whats up front,,maybe torsion bar??? on the left???? I dunno

[dragcarz]

According to Herb McCandless video, when they built the Demon, the removed the torsion bars and replaced the front shocks with coil overs. Since it started out as a Sox and Martin build I would assume it would have been built the same. The then added front steer rack and pinion. You can see the front suspension in the the photo behind Herb. 

[Scott Eriksen]

3 hours ago, dragcarz said:

According to Herb McCandless video, when they built the Demon, the removed the torsion bars and replaced the front shocks with coil overs. Since it started out as a Sox and Martin build I would assume it would have been built the same. The then added front steer rack and pinion. You can see the front suspension in the the photo behind Herb. 

That's what I thought too,,,I wasn't sure because the car was done by Reid at his ARC shop ....so I'll go with that,,pretty much the same as the Demon build

[Scott Eriksen]

On 7/6/2024 at 9:03 AM, dragcarz said:

Wow Scott, that first photo answered a huge question for me as I haven’t been able to decide how to attach the front of the ladder bars on my BTK build. The car is beautiful and the paint was really done well. I’m sure you will do it justice.

Roger,,I'm also using the "ramp" style hood scoop instead of the "snorkle" like in the pic I put up next to his hauler,,,seems like every picture I found of basically the same car had something different and I'm going with the Keystone Classic wheels.Oh and you mentioned the tan seats,,,,if you look at the same pic from back in the day,,those seats do look tan !!

Edited July 7, 2024 by Scott Eriksen

[dragcarz]

These cars changed weekly, I try to pick my favorite version and replicate that car. Interior photos seem to be the hardest to find. I haven’t  researched  Reid’s Duster to speak definitely about the interior, I have never seen the Solar seats in any other color than black, and made that assumption.

It’s really interesting when you start to research a project.

[Scott Eriksen]

2 hours ago, dragcarz said:

These cars changed weekly, I try to pick my favorite version and replicate that car. Interior photos seem to be the hardest to find. I haven’t  researched  Reid’s Duster to speak definitely about the interior, I have never seen the Solar seats in any other color than black, and made that assumption.

It’s really interesting when you start to research a project.

Yep....I found the same thing when I did the Motown Missile,,,,,, every picture had something that was different.STS got back to me on the decals ,he's going to do the hood/roof and trunk panels,,,,,,should look pretty good with the MCW Tawny Gold enamel

[Tim W. SoCal]

Scott, Looking forward to following your progress on this build. Great subject choice!...

[dragcarz]

12 hours ago, Scott Eriksen said:

Yep....I found the same thing when I did the Motown Missile,,,,,, every picture had something that was different.STS got back to me on the decals ,he's going to do the hood/roof and trunk panels,,,,,,should look pretty good with the MCW Tawny Gold enamel

Should be sweet!

[bytownshaker]

Love this generation of Pro Stocks.  While looking thru pictures on a CD I found this picture and thought of your build.

[Scott Eriksen]

3 hours ago, bytownshaker said:

Love this generation of Pro Stocks.  While looking thru pictures on a CD I found this picture and thought of your build.

That's Reid's Don Hardy built 73 car ,,, look how low the front end is and the drooped nose!  

[dwc43]

14 hours ago, Scott Eriksen said:

That's Reid's Don Hardy built 73 car ,,, look how low the front end is and the drooped nose!  

Looks like they just bent the fenders down where it curves at the back part of the wheel well opening. It has a distinct bulge there. 

[bytownshaker]

There were numerous body alterations being done, altered wheel base, body mods, front ends being narrowed, rain drip rails being removed etc. IIRC there was a magazine article at the time about things that were being done.

 

[Tony Coomer]

This is looking to be a great start for a kool build. I love the accuracy your going for…

[Scott Eriksen]

...............did a little tonight......... some body work,,engine placement ,narrowed Dana , I found a different tunnel ram,,I might use it instead of the one in the pic ,,,,I'm throwin' the Lenco in there too .... hopefully I can get the stance down some ,,we'll see .........don't know if I'm going to Carlisle or not ,,,,see what the weekend brings we're supposed to get bad storms here Friday night

[Brutalform]

Really nice start on your build. This thing is going to be a beast of a car. Where are you from Scott? I’m about an hour and a half from Carlisle. 

[Scott Eriksen]

17 hours ago, Brutalform said:

Really nice start on your build. This thing is going to be a beast of a car. Where are you from Scott? I’m about an hour and a half from Carlisle. 

Piscataway N.J. 

[Scott Eriksen]

It's like the surface of the sun outside today so I did some on the car .......... shot the MCW Tawney Gold,,,looks pretty close,,like I said the pictures are all over the place as far as hue ,,so ....Hemi coming together with the Lenco and some interior