I grew up about a hundred miles from Chicago so we all bought a lot of stuff from Warshasky's/JC.Whitney.In those days you could go to there warehouse and pick up your order.Lots quicker than parcel post.I also still have some of  their old catalogs.In the 50s as far as I remember Honest Charlie's was the only place to get Smitty's steel packed mufflers.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Warshasky's/JC.Whitney back in the 60's used to carry just about any manual trans gear for any car, Zephrys included! I had 26 tooth Zephyr gears in my '48 which were great with the warmed-up flathead. After I installed the 312 with an adapter and Hurst motor mount from Honest Charley, the trans EXPLODED one day and I went to a T-10, shortened '57 driveshaft and a '59 Edsel 9" rear end!



Whitney also sold used engines. Nowdays they mostly carry over priced junk! I don't know how they stay in business.



Anybody remember Gratiot Auto Supply in Detroit? They had fair prices and a good selection of Hi-Po Ford stuff too.



Honest Charley's was the best all around source of speed equipment back then.


FIGHT CONFORMITY! 

When I lived in N.W Chicago area back in the 70s, I decided one day I wanted a big shifter ball for my Toyota Carina, so I drove all the way downtown to Warshawsky's. They had just what I wanted way high up on a pegboard display, but it was the only one in stock. Since I had come so far, I insisted they retrieve it. Long story short, to get rid of me the oriental counterman (warehouse was located near chinatown) eventually climbed up using a payphone for support, it ripped off the wall, and he fell and broke his leg. After the ambulance hauled him away and I still wouldn't leave, someone finally knocked it down with a broom handle and I caught it in mid air.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA