Ken Arnold

[Rick Andersen]

https://www.v8registry.com/ken-arnold-- ... orgia.html

Ken Arnold has been an active member of the V-8 Registry for many years. This week
he is elevated to Lifetime Honorary Member to join Rick Norris and Chuck Rust, the only
two members with this distinction.
Ken has been on this Earth for at least 85 years. During that time he has accomplished
a lot. After graduating from high school he attended Southern Tech, but was persuaded
to join the Army where he spent 6 years. His training as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
included being named as the Outstanding Graduate in his class. After his Army
experience he landed a position with Delta Airlines around 1951 where he worked until
he retired in 1982. He’s been married to Judy now for 46 years.
Ken’s interest in Corvairs is legendary. His engineering and fabrication skills are
apparent when you view some of the vehicles he has built over the years. At the 2024
SpringFest in Helen, GA there were no less than 4 Forward Control Corvairs on display
that were restored, resurrected or modified to go fast by Ken. His attention to detail can
be observed in each one. Ken’s other claim to fame involves 2 late model Corvair
coupes that sport 215/266 aluminum V-8’s with what we call Arnold Transaxles. These
should not be confused with the rear conversion Corvairs built by Art Silva. The Arnold
Conversion uses a special adapter plate fashioned by Ken and other features not found
on Silva Conversion. Jim Stukenborg owns the Arnold Conversion that Ken assisted Jim
Greene with building. If you go to Jim’s Personal Page on the V-8 Registry website, you
can view all the features listed by Jim for these unique Corvair Conversions. The other
Arnold Conversion is currently owned by Dean Gemberling. He bought Ken’s yellow
1965 Monza several years ago after Ken retired from drag racing and decided to sell his
prized Arnold Conversion.
Ken started drag racing when he was 40 and won many events in his little yellow Arnold
Conversion. He entertained many drag racing spectators with his Corvair that
consistently turned low quarter-mile times of 13.0 seconds. I personally remember
observing Ken race about 10 years ago at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, KY. The
fans in the bleachers were standing and applauding when the timing display flashed
Ken’s time in his little yellow rocket. Fast Corvairs excite the fans.
You are invited to contact Ken and congratulate him on his contribution to Corvair
History. Thanks to people like Ken, Corvairs are as popular as ever. Ken thanks for your
contribution.

Written by John LLanning