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The first photo shows I am the very definition of a shade tree mechanic, or as I say I'm not a mechanic I just play one in the garage. Sunshine, temps in the low 70's, comfortable surroundings, good hobby, life is good. I have a friend who is fond of saying "Who wants to play golf while there are old cars to drive." The second photo at Hershey I purchased these reproduction spring clips even though mine were good, you can see they are too short. Perhaps Cadillac made brake bands larger than those on my '05. The pair of spring clips on the left are the ones I took off the car. I'll give the repop pair to my mechanic mentor. In the final photo is the assembled sprocket and differential. Five weeks, almost, to go before my target of RM Restorations Cars and Coffee. Regards, Gary

Our new hobby is camping in vintage equipment, I've learned it is a popular pastime. I want to combine it with brass era touring occasionally. I acquired this 1976 GMC motorhome last summer. Last week I had new tires installed and paid extra to get ones which would support extra weight, now I can carry 3150 pounds per tire instead of the regular 2650. The GMC is front wheel drive and has an air ride rear suspension, so I raised the air pressure from 65 to 85 PSI in the rear to level the rig. So far so good, the motorhome weighs something in between 12,000 and 13,000 pounds the the trailer loaded should be around 7,000 pounds. Powered by an Oldsmobile 455 and a Cadillac Switch Pitch TH425 transmission. Work on the Cadillac is continuing, I moved the lower portion of the body to the chassis and will correct the wooden framing and I have the hood in the final epoxy primer. Regards, Gary

Classic Coachworks is my great resource. I did all of the drilling and holding but Stan ramrodded the muffler job and now we are good for an other hundred years. It is a shame the job will be out of sight under the body. Began with a flat piece of steel, run it through the rollers, etc. Rivets were installed every 7/8ths" times two rows. The last photo is from my 1915 McLaughlin, much simpler job from Classic Coachworks, but still a work of technical art. Regards, Gary

I asked my favourite restoration shop to duplicate four fasteners which hold the fenders to the fender irons. Had four originals to copy and had four made up from cheap hardware store stuff. Today I stopped in and the fellow said they seemed familiar to him and found he had four early seat belt retainers. They have the correct sized hole to fit the fender iron, the base must be cut away and the it is 7/16ths" NF thread rather than 3/8" NC. Now he does not have to fabricate them and I don't have to pay him to make them. Everybody's happy. Thursday afternoon I am going back and we are duplicating the muffler casing. About three feet long and two rows of rivets about 4" apart the whole length, he tells me it's no big deal. I have my doubts. I worked for the restoration shop three years, part time and when I want him to work for me I act as the holder/helper/apprentice. Regards, Gary

I noticed you changed the title of the thread, however, I hope you still attend the Old Car Festival. You are welcome to ride around Greenfield Village with Bev and I. Good luck with the auction, Nash is a good lookin' car. Gary

Reminds of the time I had seven people in a daily driver '96 Roadmaster wagon and folks on the highway honked their horns and waved. I was accustomed to the attention, but my sister did not understand since no one notices her in her new Jaaag.

Forensic restoration. While sanding the old enamel from the wood body I came across a number stamped into the wood with 1/2" tall characters. Reminded me of the McLaughlin and my Buick had body numbers as well. Regards, Gary

Last night on the local Detroit news they reported the Maritime Church rang their bell 30 times to add Lightfoot to the Edmund Fitzgerald crew. RIP, Gary

I now have all the parts to complete the rear axle assembly and get the Cadillac back on it's wheel, hopefully, next week. I rather doubt the Master of Precision title Cadillac has, it required substantial hand fitting the thrust bearings and ring. Fair is Fair, Cadillac should keep their Dewar Trophy The barn restoration I posted earlier in this thread is back on it's new foundation, but I think I will be finished before the barn has it's first dance. Moved on to removing the old finish on the lower body and uncovering lovely woodworking joints. My, the old workers were craftsmen, nearly 120 years and zero deterioration. Glad I'm not required to duplicate that woodwork. Regards, Gary

Thanks for the well thought out replies, I have read them all and can agree. To sum up I bought my 1913 Buick in 1998 for a bit more than a Ford would have cost then. Over the years I have made it a reliable touring car and used it at the Old Car Festival and Snapper's events performing the work myself or acting as the contractor. I bought a 1915 McLaughlin because It had electric start and a known history from new. Knowing it would not be as valuable as a Ford, but nicer? I have a truck and trailer and garage space. The Buick is so much more comfortable than other small cars I felt they should have a premium, but no, they don't. I'm good with that. Thanks again, Gary

I am easily confused sometimes by the price that the mid sized cars fetch after watching the Two Generations Auction yesterday. I understand the big powerful cars garner the most respect and the early one and two cylinder cars are desirable and limited production keep them valuable. My question is why do the mid sized autos languish near the cost of a Ford? AT Bonhams they sold two EMFs much less than I would have suspected and a fraction of the cost of the sixes. A Loco steam car is half the price of a Curved Dash Olds? Not just yesterday, holds true everywhere. Why do enthusiasts not pay more for the mid sized, EMFs, Chalmers, Overlands, etc? Not complaining, even though I drive a mid sized Buick, It is more comfortable than the Ford and doesn't cost much to buy. I'm off acquiring an Oldsmobile and now on the hunt for an early steam car. The London to Brighton is on my want to do list. Not looking for a fight. Regards, Gary

I have to ask, why are you asking which is easier to start, one or two cylinder. What possible difference could it make, which is easier to start assuming both are in fine fettle? Could it be the deciding factor in the possible purchase? What gives? Regards, Gary

Thanks for the show, Bev and I are looking forward to visiting in August after the AACA Vintage Tour. Regards, Gary

Hello and thanks Peter. I believe I am on track to finish the job at the end of May. RM Restorations hosts Cars and Coffee June 17th, Saturday morning, that is my target for the Cadillac's first outing. The rear sprocket and differential are at Anderson's Machine Shop and Classic Coachworks are fabricating a new muffler casing, including two rows of rivets which hold it together. I've moved on to coach painting. Hope all is well with you, Gary

I've read all of the posts and even though I am not a player for Smith or this auction, this is the reason I only buy cars from people I know. The cars do not matter to me, anything can be repaired/restored and painted, but you can't fix provenance. My last purchase and present restorations a 1905 Cadillac, owned by a local collector since 1975 and I picked it up after a 15 year stay at a museum. The Cadillac was not for sale, I asked if he would let me buy it and he did. When I wanted a pre war sedan I remembered a lovely Buick with side mounts I saw, I contacted the owner and he wanted to sell and I wanted to buy. Perfect, every bodies happy. Personally, if I wanted to buy a Loco I would join their club, meet the guys, gain experience and let people know I would love to buy their car. Regards, Gary

Hey Joe; Good catch with spotting Hugo and Peter. Perhaps Peter bought the Smith Model K because he was tired of being late for lunch? Regards, Gary

During the summer of 2016 my wife and I joined a Lake Erie circumnavigation, 22 pre 1916 automobiles, trip lasted nine days. We drove our 1913 Buick touring car, saw many museums, lighthouses and had no problems with downtown Cleveland, Buffalo and others. You should go. Regards, Gary

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I have completed the change over from plywood to beautiful green Tulip wood for the under hood floor and ramp. When I lightly sandblasted the hood, which my restoration shop calls dusting, I found the seams and any repairs done in lead. The surfaces are sound without any sign of rust. Stripping and cleaning the original wooden battery box I discovered eight quarter inch drain holes in the bottom which had been completely covered over. Regards, Gary

Terry; My wife and I have traveled in Quebec and the Maritimes, this will be our first trip "south" into Maine. Mr Green described the area as wide valleys, perfect for vintage cars. Your photograph reminds me of the Finger Lakes in NY state on the way to Hershey. I especially enjoy the Vintage Tour, Pre '31 vehicles, the big cars like Imperials and the intermediates, Dodge Brother, Nash, Hupmobile, etc. In order to keep this blog car related we expect to drive our 1915 McLaughlin, which is just a Canadian Buick. Their smallest car in 1915, it has electric starter and lights, 25 HP, 3 speed, 106" WB, 33" tires and my wife drives it. We hope to stay after the tour for a visit and perhaps you would invite us to your Museum? Regards, Gary

Retrieved my Cadillac rear axle assemblies from the machine shop this afternoon. I supplied the new bearings and the shop resized the pair of axles to 30 mm and cut four new sleeves, installed the bearings and axles. Everything fits perfectly and should be good for the next hundred years. They performed the work in two weeks and I found the cost reasonable. Competent, everyone is happy. Spoke with Craig Green and also Stacy at the AACA office to get on the list for the Vintage Tour in Maine in August. Bonus photo is my 1913 Buick with the Cadillac. Regards, Gary

Speaking of old photographs, there are many pictures of '05 Cadillacs with non original rear seats, mine too. I wonder if the rear seats are trouble prone and as the cars aged the tonneau broke down and were replaced with something to keep the cars in service or were they primarily roadsters converted to carry a rear seat? Maybe a question for the Early Cadillac Group? Regards, Gary

Completed sanding the wheel spokes and felloes and the metal rims, tire time. I would have bought white or gray tires had they been available, but I feel lucky to have found these Ford Excelsiors at Coker last fall. Obviously I am going to refinish the wheels with the tires in place, that is how the Pebble Beach men do it to win prizes and accolades. Well, it seems like a good idea, too. I have removed the seat from the body and placed it upon a large sheet of cardboard so I can trace a pattern and make notes. The pile of wood near the top of the photos are rough cut for the rear floor. Found the final photo forwarded to me, looks like an early fifties celebration. Best of times. Regards, Gary

When asked about restoring the Cadillac I typically say " what's the big deal, it's ten feet long." Every morning my wife and I walk about 45 minutes and our route takes us past what I would call a restoration project. Also about 120 years old, sitting outdoors summer and winter and about a hundred feet long. I would dare to predict our car has not sat outside one night since 1975. Regards, Gary

It's March and my time line to begin the woodwork and construct a new body for the Cadillac. Under the hood I had plywood for patterns, it's a start, The Early Cadillac Group, on the internet, published a set of plans and that is where I went. The plans gave me the basic sizes and I had to adapt the new wood to fit my situation, thanks Jeff Lee. In the first photo you can see what I had to work with, then with the hood and rad installed, under the hood and finally, yes, my wood primer is pink. Also on the hood of the Cadillac you can see my efforts to match the dark green paint, called Brewster Green. Further, I thought the metal hood was rivetted together, but no, it uses threaded rivets which are still available at Restoration Supply Co in California. Regards, Gary