ericmac Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I am going to begin working on the restoration of my '29 Franklin 137 Sedan. The short story is this car is a twin to the car my dad had in high school. I bought the car about 6 years ago but only now have the finances to really go through the car properly. My goals, in order, are to 1. Make the car run, 2. Make the car stop, 3. Make the car drive and 4. Make the car pretty. Here is what I am starting with.May the force be with me on this one. So far I have obtained a new set of wheels (wire), new tires (black wall of course) and new brake shoes. I have rebuilt the generator, fuel pump and carburetor. So now I am on to the next step, getting her started.Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1lark Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Good looking project Eric! Keep us up to date on progress. And remember........we really like pictures Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted July 18, 2014 Author Share Posted July 18, 2014 Here are a few more photos of the car. As you can see it has had a horrendous and oddly cool re-upholstery job that was done in the 1950's. I may enjoy it as-is for a little while.Another significant challenge is a rod went all the way though the crankcase some time ago. Fortunately I have another crankcase so I plan to change that...which likely will lead to a complete engine rebuild in my future.The last big issue is the condition of the body around the rear fenders.Here is the car overall as it looks today.I appreciate the views so far.Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durant Mike Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Wow, Eric great looking car. A friend of mine has 1930 Franklin that is an older restoration. I understand they have a great car club that supports it's members with lots of good stuff. Keep us posted with pictures as you progress, we all like to see what everyone is doing. I'm in the process of doing a complete frame off on my 1928 Durant four door sedan and understand the long long process and complexity. All I can say is take plenty of before pictures at every angle, bag and tag all the parts and try to work on it as often as you can but at least weekly. If no you loose interest and life takes you elsewhere and before you know it it's one of those projects that just sit uncomplete forever. Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Hi Eric,Join the Franklin Club and come to the Trek next month. It will be worth the trip, I promise! Please feel free to post any questions on the Franklin Forum. Good luck on your project, it will be a great car when you are done.BTW, I love the upholstery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted July 18, 2014 Author Share Posted July 18, 2014 Thanks for the support guys. When I did my last restoration I followed a rule which I intend to implement with this car. In short the rule is "turn one bold every day." Now, we all know that nobody turns just one bolt (although I spent one full afternoon getting one bolt back in a hole, but who has never been there?), so with such a rule I usually allow momentum to take me through the process. I actually am already member of the H.H.Franklin Club, but I really appreciate the suggestion. I am actually the co-director of the Air Cooled Gathering at the Gilmore Car Museum that is hosted by the H.H. Franklin Club and have been for four years...but I have never been able to bring my own car. I am hoping to address that problem! Tonight the goal is to get the engine pan off and see what we have up in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 246gts Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Thanks for the support guys. When I did my last restoration I followed a rule which I intend to implement with this car. In short the rule is "turn one bold every day." Now, we all know that nobody turns just one bolt (although I spent one full afternoon getting one bolt back in a hole, but who has never been there?), so with such a rule I usually allow momentum to take me through the process. I actually am already member of the H.H.Franklin Club, but I really appreciate the suggestion. I am actually the co-director of the Air Cooled Gathering at the Gilmore Car Museum that is hosted by the H.H. Franklin Club and have been for four years...but I have never been able to bring my own car. I am hoping to address that problem! Tonight the goal is to get the engine pan off and see what we have up in there.Interestingly enough over here in UK I was not familiar with the Franklin make until last week when I saw an auction catalogue with a very nice model for sale. The auction is scheduled for next Wednesday.http://www.classic-auctions.com/Auctions/23-07-2014-ThePavilionGardens-1368/1928FranklinAirmanSeries12ASeven-PassengerSedan-38293.aspxRegards and good luck with the restoDave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted July 25, 2014 Author Share Posted July 25, 2014 I have not done a lot this week. So far I have been tossing around do I get the engine running as is or go ahead and replace the crankcase as I will be part of the way there anyway. I recognize the second choice will likely take me down the rabbit hole like Barry Wolk did with the Ruxton in another posting. I do have the wire wheels ready to go to the sandblaster soon. Here is a photo of the car with them loosely attached to the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted September 30, 2014 Author Share Posted September 30, 2014 I thought I would give an update so I don't let this thread die an untimely death. Since the last posting I have been busy...spending money! I sent out all the wheel cylinders and master cylinder for re-sleeving and rebuilding. They came back and look very good. I also ordered the brake hardware and brake lines and received them. Then I got derailed. I received and offer to buy my 1926 Model T Touring on the condition that I repaired a few things (like an oil leak) before delivery. It got pretty involved, eventually leading to me taking the transmission apart for a proper repair and adjustment. That work is complete and the car has been sent off to its new owner so I can again get busy with the Franklin work. There are a lot of little things to do right now but I am planning to do a frame-on restoration but will be trying to make the entire car very high quality. I will post some photos in a day or two and you can see what I am doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 Here are some of the beautiful brake goodies I have been getting. I am hoping to get going on cleaning up backing plates and installation hardware tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attitude928 Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 (edited) Keep going man. I'm enjoying the progress (with pics) that your making... Just purchased an 11A. 1st step is to make it go, as well...Who has a tackier interior?Jordan1925 Franklin 11A SedanOther newer cars... Edited October 5, 2014 by Attitude928 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted October 9, 2014 Author Share Posted October 9, 2014 Tackier or smellier? If the latter is the deciding factor I think I can take you! I like the car. Lets see some photos of the work on it too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attitude928 Posted October 10, 2014 Share Posted October 10, 2014 It was restored a while back by a 90 year old gentleman from West Virginia who had a car collection. He would just stare at the cars before he finally succumbed from their beauty. My buddy & I plan to pick her up in a couple of weeks, store her during iceboating season & then get her running next spring for Cazenovia. I suspect that she will smell OK... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 I too would like to make it to Cazenovia. I may be optimistic for this year but we'll see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Getting to Caz is a must! With a Franklin or without. I'm hoping to make some progress this winter on my '32. It's been in a coma for five years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attitude928 Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Steve - When you drive up from LI...what route do you take? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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