ron hausmann

Titles are often wrong. Some states like Michigan have only a limited number of car types in their DMV TITLES lexicon. I tried getting a title for a "three-door" car of mine and also for my "Tourster" awhile back. But the nice lady said that she couldn't put those correct words on the title, because the DMV computer wouldn't let her alter the fields. So I now have a "three-door" car titled as a "two door" Sedan, and a "Tourster" titled as a "Touring". Go figure. Ron Hausmann P.E.

New convertible top has been mounted on a jig and stretched out to check dimensions and plan for proper Kissel Sedanlette “wondowlettes” on the side. I’m just beside myself that this top was located and available! Ron

Hursst - The top has a few aging ares and some rips, although I don’t know from what. The inside fabric is starting to discolor unevenly but the real problem is the cotton(?) stitching. It’s turned to dust. When unpacking, I pulled on a couple stitched pieces and they deteriorated in my hand. I believe all of the interior stitching is bad. Just due to age and humidity. Besides all that, my wife wants a cognac colored fabric top to compliment the blueish body. And since Kissel colors wet “optional” for $20 back then, why not do the bling thing? Thanks, Ron Hausmann P.E.

All - As of today, May 9, 2019, we received the NOS convertible top It is a “Higgins” top, similar but not the same as the more common “Goulde” top. This specimen is in better shape than I had ever hoped for !! Although the 102-year old fabric is brittle and deteriorating from never having been unfurled in all that time, the fittings and sockets are shiney brand new, and the bows are excellent !! The original beveled glass portholes and frames are fantastic. And because the top is all there, my upholstery guy can use it for exact patterns for the new fabric. As this one-of-a-kind, unique, first ever convertible-hard top nears completion, these are the upcoming work items which will be documented ; A. Radiator needs to be lowered by de-shimming to better fit the hood. B. Hood latches and hood will be mounted once radiator is adjusted. C. Upholstery on interior of hard top and main body is scheduled for June. D. Handles and trim need to be applied. They are. Wing nickeled now. E. Once hard top interior upholstery is done, hard top will be dismounted and put onto a wheeled display dolly. F. Once hard top is upholstered and dismounted, convertible top will be mounted for fitment. G. Convertible top will be recovered to original pattern with cognac colored fabric. H. Newly nickeled convertible windshield will be mounted. stay tuned. Ron Hausmann P.E.

A Dixie Flyer top is identical. Socketed tops were made by suppliers for car manufacterers back in the teens and early twenties. Proportions of what parts of body and tail light we see could be Dixie or other cars. Thoughts? Ron Hausmann P.E.

1950 panhead, One of the best, if not THE BEST English Wheel / Classic Sheet Metal artists in the USA is Mike Kleeves now in Carolina. His company name is "Automobile Metal Shaping". High end classic, antique, and sports car folks are aware of him. He did one Kissel car for me and his work was magnificent !!! He's not cheap but you certainly get what you pay for !!! I was at his shop in Michigan before he moved to Carolina, and watched his crew working on big Lincolns, Lagondas, and several great sports cars - - all metal artistry . On balance, for a special car, I would heartily recommend him. i'll use him again myself. My opinion. Ron Hausmann P.E.

Gavin, Kissel manufactured some really beautiful production speedsters, as did Daniels, Stutz, and Marmon. Google "Kissel Speedster" and you'll get a lot of pics. Below is a picture of what is said to be a custom built 1918 period Kissel Speedster. I cannot determine if it is actually based on a Kissel, but its neat! Ron Hausmann P.E.

John - Yup, I was certain that someone out-of-the-blue would show up with a 1918 Kissel Sedanlette top and fittings in NOS condition. Happens all the time - - - RON

Don’t look so close. Wood was hard to get. This one will be covered with original padding no and leather! thanks, Ron

All Coincidence never ceases to astound me - out of the blue yesterday, I was contacted by a person who has a complete NOS, yes NOS, convertible top for a 1917-1918 Kissel Sedanlette. It has never been mounted. Yes brand new101-year old convertible top.The fabric is somewhat deteriorated due to age, handling and humidity, but the sockets, and top bows, AND all top rest hardware unique to Kissel, are there. It’s perfect for everything and pattern. It even has the Kissel rear portholes. I just bought it outright. How could we not? Here are some pictures. I will have I reupholstered in wine -colored fabric next month once I get it. Wow - what are the chances of this occurring? Ron Hausmann P.E.

Tom, On Monday we tested my wiring job. My wiring was fine but the original ignition switch was bad. Upon inspection it looks like the brass contacts are loose and my modern solder just causes havoc with the original leaded solder, so I couldn’t resurrect that switch. Luckily I had several externally similar switch knobs so we canabalized one that works. We aren’t done yet but we did “bump” the ignition system and the engine turns fine. We should be driving very soon. Below is a picture of a correct KisselKar dash with unique ignition switch that mounts in, not on, the dash. Ron

All, - This is how she looks today. Essentially done, except missing interior upholstery and some door and hood latch trim being nickeled. I have started working on convertible top sockets and top bows. Ultimately, I plan on displaying her in Convertible guise with the removeable (black) hard top next to it. Ron Hausmann P.E.

Dear LCK81403, There was a beautiful Daniels Speedster, circa 1921-ish, at the Meadowbrook Concours several years ago. They would have the owners contact info. Only one I’ve seen. Daniels’ lines are very similar to Kissel Gold Bugs but didn’t have weird suicide seats and all Daniels were eight cylinder. I have nine complete Kissels, mostly running and eight parts car piles and Kissel engines. Mine are 1918 thru 1927, including three 1923s, a 1924, and a 1925. You are welcome to schedule a trip to Detroit where the cars are. Airport is a Delta hub and is easy to access. There are also two other award-winning Kissel Gold bugs owned by other lucky Kissel owners nearby, a 1925 model 6-55, and a 1927 model 8-65. Below are pics of the 1918, 1921, three 1923s, and 1924. Thanks, Ron

Right hand drive ???

Mike , Not a silly question. The aluminum panel trim strips are L-shaped. The hidden sides that surround the panels are flat and drilled and countersunk for small trim screws to anchor each piece to the sides. lot of work. Thanks, Ron

Jan, The aluminum trim around the panels did come from an antique car supplier, while the aluminum trim grommets around the pedals are original Kissel parts that I buffed out. thanks, Ron

Jan, i used floor mat materials that I had left over from prior restorations. I’m not sure if it was material from Restoration Supply, Lowe’s, or Home Depot. Some of the common hardware store and internet-available materials actually are the same as more expensive materials from antique sources, yet are virtually identical. thanks, Ron

Couple other shots

All, Finished mounting the new Houk wire wheels and spare on to the car this week. Had to redo two spare front hubs because of a problem with bearing races in the remachined ones. Getting races to match hundred year old bearings can be a challenge. I solved it by using old races from old hubs which were in excellent shape. Note that on Kissel Kars of this time frame, the front tires are to be smooth while the tears are to be “non-skids”. I know it oops goofy, but it is exactly as it’s supposed to be. Also have mounted all the seats and done what pedal adjusting is possible without driving. Mounting horn was also accomplished - Spartan Model J is the correct horn for this car. Monday, April 22, 2019, we will fire her up and test drive I for awhile. I hope like hell that all my wiring is correct! Ron Hausmann P.E.

Broker-len In order to assure a durable, complete, and long-lasting result, I have my wire wheels first sandblasted and immediately powder coated with a close matched color by a professional shop. That really isn't expensive here, and assures a good protective bond/undercoat. Then I apply the finish paint coat(s) OVER the initial powder coating in the amount required for excellent, smooth results. I use an old axle with front hub at chest-height for this finish painting. I turn by hand. Results are Concours ready. Good luck. RON HAUSMANN P.E.

This would work on a 1920’s kissel. Yes it’s lights as well as ignition. ron hausmann

I have several 1916 and 1917 Kissel model 6-38 and 6-45 frames and 6-38 engines in various stages of rust that I’ve amassed thru the years. I’ll mever get to them all. They are restorable if you have the time. Lots of 6-38 spare parts. Sorry, nothing earlier. These were 60 HP beasts, custom made. If interested, PM me. Ron Hausmann P.E.

I visited Shanghai China a few months ago and went to their Shanghai automotive museum . It’s a beautiful place , filled with North American cars and trucks with correct thanks to us for pioneering the automotive industry. Not political. They also have loads of open space! If this is where those cars are going, more power to them! BTW, living in Shanghai is, in my opinion, very oppressive with rules and cameras and restrictions, but if western cars and tv get more exposure, isn’t that ok? thanks, Ron Hausmann P.E.

Last pictures from today

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