checker

Yesterday I bought a thread restorer kit from Sear and have used it about a hundred times so far cleaning up old nuts and bolt that are too specific for the car to just replace with off the shelf hardware. In the past when doing a restoration I just use a tap and die to clean up the old threads. Saw this and thought I would give it a try. Verdict is still out. I'd love to hear from others who have used the Sears or Snap On thread restorers. Benefits using this over a tap and die? Doug

When will the car show registration start?

I read the Antique Auto article today. The 2 page photo capturing his collection is a masterpiece. To me it ranks up there with Picasso and Van Gogh. I could stare at it for hours. Beautiful.

This article is on the DOT employees home page. Thought you all might enjoy. In 1931, the federal government purchased a vehicle from the Graham-Paige Motor Corporation for the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads (BPR). In addition to its unique body style of combining a two-seat passenger area with a covered equipment bed, the vehicle also sported a lighted U.S. Bureau of Public Roads sign, a siren, and a red emergency light. Known as a Graham-Paige commercial car, it was used to transport surveyors and their equipment for work on BPR projects in the western United States. Today, the Federal Highway Administration's Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) owns the 1931 Graham-Paige, possibly the only remaining vintage automobile of its kind. In Vancouver, Wash., where the WFLHD offices are located, the 1931 Graham-Paige commercial car is occasionally driven around the neighboring streets. After its BPR duty, the vehicle was retired from government service and used by a Reno florist as a delivery truck. Sometime after that, Harrah's Club of Reno purchased it to showcase in its famous collection, but it was never restored or displayed. Long-time highway construction contractor William (Bill) McBee recognized the vehicle's value, purchased it from Harrah's in 1978, restored the damaged portions, and made the engine, transmission, and brakes operational. In 2003, McBee approached former WFLHD Engineer Ron Carmichael and graciously offered to donate the vehicle to the agency if it completed the restoration and preserved it for the enjoyment of future generations. "The car was 97 percent restored when we got it," said Dan Donovan, WFLHD director of Program Administration. Wade Johnson and Caleb Frobig worked on the engine, replaced the tires, and put on a vinyl roof (the original was canvas). Donovan also said interested employees are doing the remaining restoration work on their own time, devoting small amounts of time adding up to approximately 40 to 80 hours over a full year. The WFLHD has featured the vintage car in parades and ribbon cutting ceremonies to make it visible to the public, but it is stored primarily in a trailer, and occasionally brought out for light use and display. According to Donovan, WFLHD employees occasionally drive the 1931 Graham-Paige around its Vancouver, Wash., home. He says, "we take it out once in a while just to make sure the systems stay lubricated. It's always a sight to see!" But in general, the restoration continues, with WFLHD maintaining a website featuring information about the vehicle's history, restoration updates, and requests for needed parts. In agreeing to acquire the vehicle, Ron Carmichael not only returned the Graham-Paige to the federal sector, he also made it a fully functioning piece of WFHLD's history.

Jim, The seller did not misrepresent. This is my doing. I did read up ahead of time on the rules and saw that over 21 years was exempt from EPA. I did not read the part about engine must be original. Does that mean a frame can never be shipped/brought into the states? Thanks

OK All, I'm in a panic now and could use some advice. I purchased a car in Canada and plan to import it to the USA next month. It a 1968 English Daimler. Problem is the engine is a 1980 Chevy V8. The stock Hemi is long gone. I just got off the phone with EPA. They said NO car can be brought back without it being completely stock. That includes the motor. He said I cannot bring it back without a motor since that would not be stock. Any ideas would greatly appreciated. Doug

It's been almost a year since the Lee Hartung collection went up for auction by RM. I've read some of the older posts on this forum and it looks like a few of you may have bought one or two of these cars. Are you happy with what you thought you were buying? I ask because, as expected, some of these vehicles are now up for sale by the buyers from the auction. I read on one site that some of these cars were under water at one time. That is never good. Doug

Susan, I saw parts of WV are expecting close to 2 feet of snow. Not where I live but I thought St. Albans was down near the snow.???

I have about 40 car magazines from early early 80s to 1990s that I am wanting to give away. They are mostly Popular Hot Rodding, Car Craft, and Super Chevy. Is there a vendor at Hershey they might take? If so a lot number (location) would be great. They are Free, I just would hate to throw aways. I'm heading to Hershey now and will have them in my trunk. Doug

For Checker do you mean Marathon? Not sure what a Checker Manhattan is. Sounds like a good drink to me though.

Here is a nice story in Hemmings. I wish I lived closer to Madison Ga. World’s largest microcar museum to close, head to auction | Hemmings Blog: Classic and collectible cars and parts

I was in OKC, Oklahoma last week and drove by what appears to be an old Pontaic dealer. I stopped and looking inside the building, where there were 2 additional signs and some old cars of different makes, mainly Corvettes. 20 years ago I lived in OKC but don't recall ever seeing this. Anyone have the history, if this is even historic? Based on the phone number it must be. Sorry for poor quality, only had my cheap cell phone with me. Doug

Thanks all.

Today at work I was pleasantly surprised when I opened up my web browser and there on the mandated front page were 2 old Fords. As DOT employees we are recognizing the day because the First Production Model T was produced in Highland park, Michigan on August 12, 1908. I am not an old Ford man but are both these cars model Ts? The one seems too new. Doug </SPAN>

I may give the heat a try. Where would I buy banding steel at? On a separate note, I see I slaughtered the word "Patiently" in my previous post. Does anyone else have a problem with the spell check working? I get a javascript:void error when I try to use it.

Curti, I took a road trip to Restoration Specialties a few years ago to buy some goodies. I should have thought of that. I browsed the catalog today and although I couldn't find one in there, I emailed them a photo and am patienciently waiting their reply. Coley, this is the same width as steel banding but I doubt if I would be able to make the share bend needed. The photo doesn't show the part the slides on the panel. 1/8" bend on that part. Thanks to both for replying

I am looking for some clips like in the photo. They are a little over 1" long and about 1/2" wide. Do these look familiar to anyone? Thanks Doug

I loved the truck, video, and music. Doug

Loved it

Thanks for replies. I am an AACA member but I've tried researching before, and have visited the library. An impressive collection but nothing on my car. No problem, I found a new USA made belt on ebay. Cogs most likely were not the issue since my factory parts book photo shows they had cogs so obviously they were available then but one never knows since the judges did not ask for proof. Always a concern, sort of like having no spare tire, are they going to deduct points? I'm with Matthew believing it was the made in Mexico markings. I thought about taking some acetone to it to try to remove but went with the USA cog free belt to be safe.

I got my judging sheet back today. Thanks Hulon. I see I got dinged on engine belts. Since I only have one belt I know which one at least. I went and looked at the belt. Looks like new so that's not the issue. Two possible issues though. First, the belt has "Made it Mexico" all over it, yikes. Shame on me. Probably not correct for a 1958 American car. The other issue might involve the inside cogs on my belt. Are cogged belts allowed for 1958 American cars? I need to know before I buy a new Made in USA belt. Doug

54nuyorkrwagon, no need to apologize about the Newport TN comments. She would agree the car looks like Cocke County. Keep in mind we now live in WV and we hear our share of jokes up here. Some more deserving than others. Doug

My wife, from Newport, was entertained by your comments. She did not disagree.

From the Yahoo forum, a guy in UK wroke “There were pickup versions of both the 311 and 312 (model designations 311/7 and 312/7), and I’m aware of two body styles which were the Pritsche (standard pickup) and the Schnelltransportwagon. The former having its rear section looking like the estate/van with the top removed, and the later having a more boxy back end on it. There were nearly 5000 311/7 and around 500 312/7 pickups made. However, the one in the picture doesn’t look like either of the pickup types that I know off, and I suspect it’s a “bitsa”. Looking at it the car it is riding too high, the front hubs are certainly not Wartburg, and I suspect the rears aren’t either. There’s a further clue in the air intake that has been grafted on to the bonnet. My guess is that someone has dropped a cut about Wartburg body on to a chassis from a 4WD car.”

RU22; oh yeah, I forgot about not using the 2 stroke engines to brake. As you pointed out there is no lube. Dale, the hood scoop looks like a hood tach mounted backwards. :-) From the East German Forum- There was a 353 pickup version called the Wartburg Trans; this appears to be a 311/312 pickup version.