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Gunsmoke

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Posts posted by Gunsmoke

  1. I've always enjoyed reading thru this now longish thread. I've long followed the Gerald Wingrove work (and had his books). So far I see about page 1-54 devoted to opening topic, the Continental, then 5 pages on an Olds Tornado, a further 5 on the Avanti, and now a Cadillac. At 94 pages and still going, might I suggest a separate thread for the Cadillac? I suspect the Moderators could divide it out from the rest with a suitable heading and short introductory note. Alternatively, could the topic title at least be changed to include "and an Olds Tornado pg 55, Studebaker Avanti pg60 and Cadillac V16 pg 65. Thanks.

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  2. How does it look now? I think this is as advertised, hard to tell from one photo how well front fenders have been cleaned up. Relatively speaking, looks much better, and not a big job to finish considering what one might pay for the car at auction.

    DEUSENBERG J346.png

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  3. I've always been puzzled by the sheer extravagance and frivolousness of the MOPAR rearends of the time, who was in charge of sketching out and developing these obviously expensive yet impractical concoctions. Since all such contraptions were typically one year (and even one model) only, the specialist shops making all the chrome and glass pieces must have been kept pretty busy. such foolish excess. Must be a real challenge to restore any of these.

  4. This is the best summary I could find about this famous car and the Florida event and it's subsequent re-creation. Sounds well researched, so guessing it about covers anyone's questions. While acknowledging the current car's "re-creation"  nature, I think it is wonderful that Mr Chamberlain back some 75 years ago had the insight to acquire the original engine, and the patience and effort to extensively research the car's chassis and engineering. He also had the means (money and factory) to build a chassis and the other components that would be a suitable "habitat"(their words) for the old engine. Will be interesting to see what it brings at auction and whether it wil eventually be displayed for public viewing, and occasionally run in vintage events.    

     

    DESCRIPTION
    Chassis number 1 of 1 Engine number L48 Motor The Edwardian Giant, 1904 Napier L48 ‘Samson’ was one of the most successful racing cars of its era setting many speed records and winning many races. In 1905 at Daytona Beach, Florida, USA it set the World Land Speed Record of 104.65 mph. It was the world’s first successful six-cylinder engine racing car an important point to note in that it led to the production of six-cylinder engine road going cars. This incredibly important and impressive car has about 74 metres of copper tube wrapped around a copper and aluminium dome. In 1906 it also established a women’s world land speed record when Dorothy Levitt, “the fastest girl on earth” drove it at 90.88 mph over a flying kilometre at the Blackpool Motor Race Meeting, UK. The record-breaking and revolutionary six-cylinder engine of the Napier L48 was replaced with a larger engine in 1907 (and the tired original chassis then broken up and disposed of in 1908) and the original engine was no longer needed. In 1912, the industrial ceramic manufacturers from Melbourne, Fred and Percy Cornwell, who loved fast cars and boats, took delivery of the engine. It was shoe-horned into a state-of-the-art racing-boat they had commissioned. The lightweight, 15 litre engine powered Nautilus 2 to many race wins including the Motorboat Championship of Australia, the E.C. Griffiths Cup in 1914 and 1915 (reportedly reaching an incredible speed of 137kph). The Napier L48 engine remained in a corner of the Cornwell brothers’ factory until discovered in 1950 by Bob Chamberlain, the wealthy Australian industrialist. Chamberlain purchased the engine, originally with the idea of cleaning it up and displaying it but changed his mind. He resolved to recreate the Napier L48 car around the original engine using the considerable resources of his tractor manufacturing factories. After much forensic work and extensive research and the recreation of many parts to rebuild the car, the restored engine was run for the first time in July 1982. The Napier L48 nicknamed Samson attracted worldwide interest when it was completed. Few recreations of Edwardian racing cars had been made and none of the quality of the Chamberlain car. Accomplished motor sport journalist Bill Boddy wrote in Motor Sport magazine in 1988: “Whether or not you approve of the modern reconstruction of old cars, you must concede that this is the recreation of the decade. Modifications made were in keeping with the ethics of a highly experienced engineer intent on providing a habitat for a decidedly historic engine, and had the task not been undertaken there would now be no 1904 Napier L48.” It was sold in April 1993 as part of Bob Chamberlain’s estate at a Sotheby’s auction in Melbourne to Peter Briggs for display at the York Motor Museum in Western Australia. The car has subsequently raced and won at the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb in the UK and was a class winner at the celebrated Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance winning the Automobile Quarterly prize for the most historically significant car at the event. It is exhibited by Mr Briggs at the Sydney Harbour Concours in March 2022 and offered for sale to a new custodian.
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  5. A "restomod" seems the best way to go. These cars in original factory specs are not much in demand, a complete decent running one hard to sell at $12k-$15K. And at that, they can only be used for occasional short trips and shows. however, if the out ward appearance can be fully retained and modern power train etc installed, you get a good runner for about the same price, and it can be maintained by most mechanics with off the shelf parts. A friend is doing such with a previously disheveled '31 Chrysler, will be able to drive it anywhere, including long trips.

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  6. 28-31 Model A Ford (I'll let an expert pin down year), about the lowest priced sedan one could buy in the era, at about $500 brand new. Chevrolets were in same price range, next level of cars sold for circa $700-$800 (Olds, Studebaker, etc) and higher level cars $1200-$2000 (Chrysler, Lincoln, Cadillac). I'm guessing that car is perhaps 5-10 years old in photo, so likely circa 1935-1940.

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  7. Sadly, Hemmings Daily blog today started with an item "America's first car to exceed 100 mph is headed to auction". This is so often the sad result of one uninformed pseudo journalist, copying the mistakes of another equally uninformed pseudo journalist. Research is a long forgotten practice amongst these phonies, when it comes to this old car stuff, they should stick to their digging dirt and slinging mud. GRRR. 

     

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  8. I'm with CChinn and Walt with the poor syntax and that MSN is notorious for using click bait tactics aimed at drawing viewers by using "false or partly false" headings to attract hits. Their heading in this case "America's First Car to Exceed 100 MPH Is Headed to Auction. It'll Fetch Over $1M", is clearly false, and they may know as much (in which case it is bad journalism) or they may not know as much (in which case it is bad journalism). Yes, one can go on and read the whole article and cipher between the lines for the facts, but that should never be a reader's role. A reader should simply be able to read the headline and the subsequent text and never have to solve a puzzle. Good journalism should never leave the reader to do the work. 

     

    So much of this poor journalism goes on today, including within the major cable media, where half truths are dressed up as truth, false information dressed up as facts, and gullible audiences often are left to accept fiction as fact. So sad.

     

    As for the Napier, great car, and an even great brave driver!

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  9. Stilson/Monkey wrenches are sometimes my tool of last resort (and I hate using them), and inevitably while solving the problem, leave a lasting impression. So many times large nuts (above 1.25"), round items and such can only be turned resorting to these tools meant for pipe fitters, where scars and imperfections seldom matter. I suppose someone has discovered a better tool, but not one I'm aware of.

  10. Nice find and so much potential. Bought one "brand spanking new" in same dark blue right off the ship at Autoport in Halifax NS (importing facility) thru the local British Leyland dealer in spring 1970, $3600 Canadian without a radio. Such a great driver, and so much fun for 9 months every year. However as a recent U graduate, only had one car, so driving it in winter took it's toll, and within 6 years it was toast. Sold it as parts car in 1979. On the lookout for a good one, but they are getting pricey.

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  11. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" is a popular adage from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, in which Juliet seems to argue that it does not matter that Romeo is from her family's rival house of Montague. The reference is used to state that the names of things do not affect what they really are.(source Wikipedia)

     

    This regularly recurring and frustrating discussion of "antique, classic, vintage", etc always leads nowhere, because the terms mean nothing.

     

    Were I in charge, AACA would only consider as ANTIQUE, cars 75 years of age and older (on a rolling basis) as eligible for registration or consideration as member cars. Today, that would place only pre 1950's cars as eligible. The intention is to recognize cars/vehicles that have lasted for more than a generation, are from a different age of technology and culture, and represent "survivor" implications, i.e. some people along their ownership journey took the time, effort and insight to keep their cars in play. By this measure, for example, pre 1950's cars would be largely mechanical wonders, very little electronics, often all manual, limited power options, and very limited surviving numbers. They are universally admired largely for their rarity and survivability as well as their now somewhat antiquated technology.

     

    Now for cars younger than 75 years, within AACA I would have a "Special Interest" category, with a limited number of sub categories, like 1950's Glamour (chrome, fins, and luxury), 1950's to 1980's racing cars (Ferraris, Canam, NASCAR, GP, LeMans), 1960's to 1975's Muscle cars, and Sports Cars and Exotics up to 1975 (50 years old). No vehicles newer than 50 years would be considered for my AACA membership, as in my view they are both too new and too plentiful. If someone could amount a plea for rare and unusual cars newer than 50 years, (I cannot immediately think of any), then that might complete a good list.

     

    Using this approach, if AACA decided to sponsor an "Antique" car show, by definition it would only permit pre 1950 cars. If it sponsored an 'Antique and Special Interest" car show, it entire membership could be eligible. Regardless, nothing newer than 50 years could be displaYED WITHOUT SOME

     

    Some one argue this would restrain membership? My view is the goal of AACA is not building membership, but creating a genuine antique car club as real antique car people know it to mean. I know it can be done, it just takes a strong vision of what a true "Antique Car Club" should mean, and making it happen. 

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  12. I cannot imagine a design where bolts go into coolant channels, I've never seen such a case.. That being said, sounds to me like head gasket is leaking around one or more bolt locations and coolant seeping up threads to top of head. While some sealant may stop coolant from coming up bolts, the fact head gasket may be leaking is not good. Torquing bolts may stop leak, but needs caution not to over torque. If you have a new head gasket or access to one, you may consider removing head and examining just what is causing seepage. 

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  13. Joao46 asked "Ok what’s a CLUM switch?". CLUM was a company in Milwaukee who specializd in electric light and ignition switches like those used on Chryslers of the period and other makes. I've often heard of the lighting switch on these cars called a CLUM switch. The attached diagram shows the steering box for a Chrysler CD8, from my owners manual. Imperials I expect are similar although you may need to have a schematic of an Imperial box before proceeding. The part #48 is referred to as "steering gear housing felt washer" and part 58 is the CLUM lighting switch. The felt washer fits in a recess and tightly around the steering shaft preventing oil leakage. As an editorial comment, the whole notion of having lighting switch and throttle advance controls on the steering button was not very practical, and before long these controls were moved to the dash with everything else.

    Steering Box.jpeg

  14. I used 600W in the gearbox for my 1931 Chrysler CD8. After sitting and rolling it around in the shop for 2 years, not a drop has leaked out. There are only 2 places it might leak, out along the sector gear shaft, where there are 2 very snug fitting brass bushings that need to remain lubricated. Nothing has gotten past these on my car. The more likely leak spot is at the bottom end where CLUM switch rods come thru. The old felt bushings for mine were well worn and likely would have leaked. I had a friend with some grease packing rope, I removed the old felt and I wrapped some of that around the recess, leaving it slightly proud of the end, and the end cap pressed it very tight, but not binding. No leaks so far. So if your box is prone to leak there, I'd examine the option of removing the CLUM switch and it's various brackets/levers at lower end of box, and replacing the lower seal. This does not require removing the various rods from column or horn wire. Here are some pics of the bottom end of a box from an earlier car, (note light switch rods were pulled out from top) and my CD8, there are usually 2 screws holding the assembly plate to the steering box, and once removed, the felt seal is accessible. Take plenty photos of assembly beforehand to ensure everything gets back together in correct order and at correct angles etc. Good LuckIMG_6973.JPG.4a5497ce05c5d6adc6a10d985e3db87b.JPG

    IMG_4012.JPG

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  15. I understand the '32 Chrysler CI 6 cars came with a black trumpet horn mounted on head of engine inside hood as shown here. A similar " town and country" set up (trumpet and pancake combo) was used on the 1931 CD8's (3rd photo is of my project's engine showing both horns). Exterior trumpet or pancake horns would likely be an aftermarket accessory, and more that one type mounting bracket used. One challenge in using such horns is routing the wire, especially to passenger side horn, and ensuring a weather proof connection.   

    1932 Chrysler CI6.webp

    Chrysler Enginecd8.jpg

    IMG_5337.JPG

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  16. I use Paypal for all long distance transactions, on this forum, Ebay, etc. Yes there is a small fee, but if you include that in your price, buyers winds up paying it. When buying, same applies. This method settles the money aspect in 1 hour, and assuming both parties are otherwise honest, the rest of any delay is shipping time.

     

    Last year I had a fellow buying a $200 item from me who only wanted to pay by personal check. He was in a hurry to get the item, I explained the advantages of paypal and I would ship next day. but he would not budge. I suggested a bank draft or money order. No. So I reluctantly agreed to accept a check. He mailed me a check which I got 3 weeks later. I'm in Canada. Clearly written on the face of the check was "Negotiable only in the USA and it's territories". Just to be sure, I took it to my bank and they refused it as I expected. I got in touch with buyer, and he was frustrated that I told him I could accept a check! I returned the check (which was made out to me) and suggested he go to his bank and redeem it. He then told me his bank would not redeem it because it was made out to me and he had thrown away the receipt! Said he was going to forget the whole matter. About 3 weeks later, a money order arrived for the funds and the sale concluded. So it took him about 7 weeks to get a part he could have had in 4/5 days. 

     

    I relate the story only as an example of how a simple financial transaction which can conclude in 1 hour on paypal can take weeks using antiquated technology. Paypal guarantees satisfaction at both ends of the deal. I've used them perhaps 100+ times, and never a blip. 

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