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!”