What is it?

[Guest]

May be an old gypsy cart sitting on a Model T or Model A frame. Newspaper dated 1938.

[Guest]

I did not understand ? Is it a picture ? Where ?<P>Regards,<BR>Julio

[Rick Hoover]

You're not the only one Julio!<P>While you are here Julio, I still have not found any fender lights for you. I'll let you know if and when I do.<BR>Rick

[Guest]

Thanks Rick. While I do not find the original type fender light lenses I will use some plastic ones I prepared.<P>About the topic:<BR>What is sitting in your yard ? I still do not understand. Do you have a car that you cannot identify it ? And the 1938 newspaper, does it have a picture of it ?<P>I am curious !!!<P>Regards,<BR>Julio Albernaz<BR>

[Guest]

Hi Guys !<P>The text below I received via e-mail from the topic starter, Nancy. <P>--------------- First e-mail<P>I have in my yard a Model T or Model A frame, on it is some kind of RR crew <BR>car - gypsy cart -tin can tourist camper "I don't know". The brakes are <BR>wrapped in 1938 newspaper, which means it was parked here in 1938. This <BR>house <BR>was built in 1900. Newspaper on walls is 1903. I am trying to find some kind <BR>of Information. The inside of cart is all tongue & groove beaded board. All <BR>kinds of cabinets & compartments. <P>--------------- Second e-mail<P>Attached are several pictures we have been able to get. We have not removed <BR>the boarding around the bottom as to not expose the frame and drive line <BR>parts to the weather.<P>This, what looks like an old train car, is mounted on an old truck frame. <BR>Maybe Model T or something. Has spit housing rear axle with leaf spring that <BR>mounted from one side to the other instead of using 2 springs, one on each <BR>end of axle, as newer autos. Front is a straight axle with same spring <BR>setup. Have not removed old newspaper that was wrapped around ends of axles <BR>for protection. Did remove small piece that was dated 1938.<P>Also under is drive shaft and oil pan. There are only several small openings <BR>to look through at this time. Have not been able to see any names or part <BR>number listing.<P>Suspect it was a old truck frame and suspension that this was mounted on and <BR>used by Gypsies or for a early camper trailer.<P>Do you have any knowledge of such things being done?<P>---------------------------------------<P>I asked her about the spring leaves of the rear axle and she told me the frame had only one spring leaf in the rear axle, so I think it could be a model T Truck. What do you think ?<P>I have the pictures, how can I post them in the AACA forum ?<P>Regards,<BR>Julio Albernaz

[ronbarn]

Julio - email with attachment for photos to Webmaster Peter G. (see home page for eddress).<P>Roger White, Transportation Specialist at the National Museum of American History, just wrote a book, "Home on the Road: The Motor Home in America", and published by the Smithsonian Institution Press. It contains photos, descriptions and oral histories from some of the owners. Early motor homes, starting in the mid to late 1910s were built by individuals rather than manufacturers. This vehicle may very well be one of those early attempts.

[ronbarn]

Looks like a mobile outhouse for gardening tools. The photos don't show the mobile features, so I can only assume that it is an early homebuilt version of a motorhome. Can't date it without seeing some of the vehicle or drivetrain.

[Guest]

<a href="http://www.aaca.org/misc/what1.jpg">First Image</a><P><a href="http://www.aaca.org/misc/what2.jpg">Second Image</a><P>Click the links above to see the vehicle in question.<P>Peter<p>[This message has been edited by peterg (edited 08-16-2000).]

[Guest]

The texts below I received from Nancy and add more information to this topic. She is trying to take more pictures of the cart so we can help in the identification.<P>Regards, Julio Albernaz<P>----------------------<P>THE INSIDE DOES NOT LOOK LIKE IT WAS BUILT BY AN INDIVIDUAL. <BR>JUST IN CASE I DIDN'T MENTION IT, WE ARE LOCATED IN AN OLD GOLD MINING TOWN <BR>IN THE MOUNTAINS OF EMPIRE COLORADO. IF THAT HELPS WITH ANYTHING. THANKS, NANCY <P>----------------------<P>I STILL DON'T THINK THIS WAS BUILT BY AN INDIVIDUAL. THE INSIDE NEEDS <BR>CLEANING . IT HAS BEEN USED FOR STORAGE FOR ALONG TIME. JUST BOUGHT THIS <BR>PROPERTY 2 MONTHS AGO. THE PREVIOUS OWNER IS DECEASED . THIS TOWN IS VERY <BR>VERY SMALL, PUT NO-ONE KNEW WHAT WAS ACTUALLY SITTING HERE BECAUSE THE <BR>OUTSIDE HAS BEEN COVERED WITH SOMEKIND OF ASPHALT SHINGLE. WILL TRY TO REMOVE <BR>BOARDS FROM AROUND THE BOTTOM TO GET A PICTURE OF FRAME & AXLES. THANKS NANCY <BR>