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Cheaters Car Club
 Written
by Keith Fudge
While the classic car hobby has indeed grown, there are only a few examples
of people actually living the life of driving their favorite rides on
a daily basis. In Milwaukee , Wisconsin , there is a group who still
doesn't care about front wheel drive. From all appearances, they don't
realize that James Dean is no longer around. Ladies and gentlemen, meet
the members of the Cheaters Car Club!
Recently, Dennis Gage and the crew had the chance to visit with these
cool cats who take a step back in time to an era where cars weren't
just transportation. Instead, they were a way of life. At first, this
notion may not seem too remarkable. After all, several guys want to
return to the days of their youth and start car clubs, but there is
something a little bit different about this group. None of the members
are more than 30 years old! Perhaps what is even more amazing is finding
out that the members of the club and their crew are not only old school
in appearance but also in thought. They are definitely a group of rebels
with a cause about the cars they build and drive!
Arriving at their clubhouse, Dennis Gage was greeted by several of the
guys who told him what being a Cheater was all about. Bob “Bleed” Merkt
told Dennis that what set the Cheaters apart from other clubs is their
“no holds barred” attitude. Brothers, Chris and Jack Roepke told Dennis
that for the most part they were, “sick and twisted and just not for
the general public.” Another member, Dan Syzdel, had a more conventional
explanation when he said, “we're all really good friends, and we just
have fun.” Finally, Dennis met the boss, Cheaters Club President Carl
“Flat top” Urbaniak, who gave him a little history about the club. Carl
said the club started when he purchased a 1965 Dodge Coronet. Along
with his older brother and two other friends, the notion to start a
car club just came along. He said most of the group had always been
friends and had similar interests in other areas such as music. More
and more they began to be taken with and drawn to the cars of the past.
When Dennis asked about the name of the club, Carl told him they took
a bit of grief from their girlfriends. The name is actually in reference
to Cheater racing slicks that have adorned many hot rods in the past.
Concerning the group's mission in building their cars, Carl said they
wanted things to “be like they used to be but better.” Well, one thing
is for sure, this group is not your Granddaddy's car club!
Once again, Dennis talked to club member, Bob “Bleed” Merkt, who told
him the history behind his own street rod as well as his passion for
cars. “Bleed” told him that cars had been a way of life for him and
his family, and his dad had a shop since the 1960s. His auto design
and custom ideas consist of taking what was done in the 1950s and “pushing
it real hard.” His own car has a bit of family history as well because
it was built by his grandfather and his uncle in 1956. They then sold
the car to Bob's father in the early 1960s. His dad turned it into a
show car, and now it has made its way here to the Cheater clubhouse.
This rad rod features a Chevy 283 bored to a 301 and is fed by four
Stromberg carbs. The interior features a 1949 Mercury dash that has
been cut to fit, and the exterior is equipped with a set of 1959 Cadillac
tail lights. The car also runs on Cheater slicks (what else), and the
dash is also adorned by a couple of nifty autographs of George Barris
and Ed Roth.
Next, Dennis talked with Cheaters member, Mike Busateri, about his flamed-out
1955 Buick Roadmaster. This custom cruiser features a stock motor, a
custom interior, shaved door handles, and a satin finish paint job.
This car is Mike's everyday driver, and it shows some marks of character
that Mike seems to embrace! When asked about what it is like to be a
“Cheater,” Mike says that it is hard to explain. He goes on to say that
he has a great time with the guys. To sum it up, Mike simply says, “Cheat
On.” Finally, Dennis got back to visit with Carl Urbaniak and talk about
his ride. This sweet custom roadster is powered by a 1951 Mercury flathead
engine. Originally produced at 255 cubic inches, today it has been bored
one-eighth over and now makes 276 cubic inches. Equipped with aluminum
pistons, Carl estimates that the engine now makes approximately 225
horses! Other features on this sweet machine are Stewart-Warner gauges
fitted in a 1932 Ford dash. Also, the car has been chopped two inches
to give it a raked look, especially when the top is up! Carl said that
he built the car in six months of continuous work while he was fortunate
enough to be laid off from his job. Now that's the Cheater spirit! Last
of all, a visit with the members of the Cheaters Car Club would not
be complete without a cruise! Dennis hopped in with Carl, and the entire
club followed them to their favorite hangout, the Nite Owl Drive-In.
After they arrived, a burger and malt were needed to cap off the cruise.
Carl proclaimed that the Nite Owl has the best burgers around!
Our trip to Milwaukee and our visit with the members of the Cheaters
Car Club was a refreshing experience. These guys and their rides are
throw-backs to a bygone era where cars were a way of life and not just
a weekend hobby. Guys, all we can say is, “Keep on Cruisin'.” That's
it from Milwaukee , Wisconsin . So remember, “Honor the timeless classics.
Happy Motoring!”
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