Prowlers Car Club - Associate Members

Dan Biggs — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Associate Member classification is for fellow members who have moved out of state but still want to remain a Prowler. With this classification the member can still run the club plaque and wear his jacket and still consider himself an active Prowler. We're all very proud to have these guys sticking with us. This is a new idea that has just been started in the last year. At this point we have 4 members in this category and look forward to having more in the future. At the present time the 4 members are: Jerry Baltes, Gordy Kolberg, John LaBarre and Hank Williams. We will be presenting a bio on each of these members and the ones to follow as we get the information. So be sure to check back and follow up on our new Associate Member presentation.

Jerry Baltes member 29/2 was the first to take advantage of becoming an Associate Member and sent us a fantastic bio of his history both with the Prowlers and as a professional Drag Racer from the '50's.

The story begins in 1952 !

This was Jerry's first trip to Bonneville, 1953.

Jerry turning 95.34 in his C Gas Coupe at Paradise Mesa on Feb. 13, 1955.

This shot taken at the California Hotrod Reunion.

Great shot of Jerry as he stands today. San Diego Prowlers would like to thank Jerry for sending us this fantastic bio of his past history in drag racing and hot rodding with the club. This is just a touch of what Jerry sent us. Prowlers are really honored to have Jerry as our first Associate Member.

Next to join our new group was Gordy Kolberg.

Gordy Kolberg did two tours with the club his member #'s are 56 & 58.

Great shot of Gordy in the early '60's using his '37 as a pace car for sprint races at Balboa Staduim. His '37 was bought in 1937 by one of his family. It has always been in the family.

Show'n it off back in the 50's !

Complete frame off restoration !! Man what'a job ! But its worth it !

All new A-arm coil over suspension, should ride like a dream!

This was Gordy's car on its second tour. Gordy did a great job on a complete rebuild of his '37 Ford Coupe. This is the same car that is in the picture above.

Beautiful motor compartment !!

John LaBarre with his 1932 Ford Pick-up

John has been working on cars since he was a young kid. In the 60's, John built a nice '40 Ford truck with a built flathead motor topped with 3 Stromburgs. The 70's project was a '35 Ford pickup. In the late 90's, John acquired this beautiful '32 Ford pickup to the left which he has freshened up with a built vintage Cadillac V8, '39 box and a gear vendors overdrive.

John's passion right now is a historical hot rod, a '27 Ford T roadster referred to as the "Toy T" in the old hot rod magazines.

This car was previously built and owned by 3 other club members. Hoot Gibsons from the 40's, Carl Burnett and Bob Smith in the 50's. So as you can see this car has a lot of history behind it. It's been in just about every magazine. John hopes to have the "T" finished by the end of this year. This will be a lot of fun seeing history made again as this "T" goes for its fourth tour. John was one of the newest Prowler members and he says he really enjoyed participating in the club activities. We are glad to have you aboard John and thanks for wanting to stick with us!

Hank Williams Member #141, 4/1990

Hank has owned a number of rods over the years and all were 1st class. This is a shot of his '32 when it was on display at the S.D. Auto Museum.

His '37 coupe

This is a shot of one of his latest rods which he has owned since he moved to Arizonia.

Hank traded the above roadster for this '32 sedan which he currently owns.

Be sure to check back in to see the history on our other members as this is updated.