http://www.early911sregistry.org/forums/showthread.php?138842-R-I-P-Ralph
A legend has passed.
Wow - what a loss.
Met him at the WCR in Issaquah(?) ...
What a legend, I imagine he'll be doing laps up in heaven
He made lots of 914 history.
RIP Mr. Meany. 914 legend for sure. Godspeed.
RIP to a legend...
RIP Ralph! You are an inspiration.
Sorry to hear that. He was an interesting guy to talk to. I had the chance to meet him when he picked up a set of heads for me in Oregon and brought them up to Washington. He had a lot of stories about early Porsche development.
Please Correct the Title, his last name was spelled Meaney.
RIP
914 history.
Condolences to friends and family.
I was given Ralph’s name and the directions to his shop
In Framingham Mass. back in 1973 when I attended my 1 and only
PCA Event...
I brought my 6 to Ralph to have the float Levels adjusted....
They really Enjoyed teasing and scaring the hell out of an 18
year old Kid that knew NOTHING..
Best thing that came out of that situation was Ralph’s engine builder
Took pity on me and handed me the directions to HIS Shop, Also
in Framingham.... He has always been a great friend and has
Built some crazy stuff for me over the years...
My wife and I spent countless hours in that shop,
Building all sorts Of things...
I did disassembly work for him and he built engines for
Me.... Money never changed hands....
I was so lucky to have been in the right place at the right time.
My Dad and I talking to Ralph at the Portland International Raceway in 2009.
Great part of 914 History , I too spent a lot of time with him and even enjoyed his UFO sightings,, Ill never forget one night he was starring up into night sky , I said whats up Ralph, he replied sometimes I just get a feeling and look up to see.........So long old Friend...
here is some stories, from my house with his picture book, good times
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=69341&hl=Meaney
Ralph used to work on my 72 911T in Kirkland, Wa. His glass case was full of trophies,pictures and memorabilia from his glory days. Ralph was a straight shooter and had no problem sucking $500 bills from my wallet with no seeming effort. At that time (1982) I had no idea of what a successful racing career he had, because he never talked about it. His glass case did the talking. That was the kind of guy he was.
This thread got me thinking..
When Ralph moved away from Massachusetts, he sold off a lot of stuff he
didn't think he would be needing.
Parts and Cars alike..
I ended up with a couple of things....
First was a rear shift rod for my 6, that was modified so you could use an early aluminum sand cast engine case and clear the castings on the early engine.
And a set of headers that were a backup set for one of his cars..
They were new when I bought them..
If I had only bought the GT he sold off.
found again the vid, which you sure all know by now....
Ralph Meaney Racing At The 1970 6 Hours of Watkins Glen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvTcpJuuoOc
Its been posted here a few times , Great reminder... knew him pretty well, We did n interview with him at my house a few years back,,, I have the the Dealer Porsche sign from his shop...Good Ole , Ralph...Quite a UFO buff also.
.
Ralph is truly a legend. Godspeed.
that footage is stunning.
what a record.
jackie stewart in the sucker car.
and the hippie 917.
its inspiring - i want to build a tribute 14.
with chromies. and tape strips for the rain drops over the engine grille.
i love the look of that car.
ralph had taste if he chose that soundtrack - bet he did given his choice of sunglasses.
thats american avante garde stuff - lou reed "ripped it off" its so good.
i never knew anything about him until i watched this and then i did some googling.
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