nearchoclatetown

David, I had an interesting phone call tonight. I have said many times I don't know DB trucks very well but learned something tonight. GB built the Truck Builder kits in 1919, but also built a Speed Truck in '19. Perhaps you know about them. Sounds like a complete truck with pneumatic tires instead of the solid tires the Truck Builder used. I know the Truck Builder was limited to 18 mph because of the gearing. Do you know if they were building both at the same time? There is a copy of an ad for the Speed Truck on the DB, Inc. fakebook site. These pictures you have posted have opened up many questions that I need to learn about.

The Truck Builder above maxes out at 18 mph. They are geared superlow.

On the limo above does anyone understand what is going on with the running board?

Every time I look at these pictures I see something different. I missed the checker/chess board first go around but it doesn't surprise me. If you read books about the Brothers they knew almost all the employees by name, all 10000 of them. Beer was once a week for everyone at lunch and every day for those in the foundry because of the heat.

Wow, more stuff I have not seen. The truck in Rawlings Wy. picture sure looks like a GB Truck Builder like on the cover of the new club magazine, only second one I have seen. You can read how they were built in the latest magazine. Our's came from S.D. I THINK the one labeled as a Closed 5 Passenger for Military Use is actually a touring with a Rex wintertop. Note location of door handles. It is also unusual as most military spec cars had 7 lug wheels. The Quartermaster truck is another that we see pictures of but have not found in real life. It is VERY similar to a Light Repair Truck but has screenside rear fenders. It also has a windshield and headlights which most LRT's don't. Interesting stuff. Thanks for posting them.

Very interesting pictures. I have only seen one or two of these before. The second picture should not be a 17, as the windshield was not leaned back until '20 and for '17 the rear window should be cathedral not rectangular. The interior shot of the centerdoor sedan shows something I have heard of but not seen. That being a leather seat for the driver, was supposedly used on early centerdoors, maybe just '17. My '18 is cloth. The building of construction of the single story building shows what appears to be a pickup, but they didn't happen in 1915. But as we've discussed many times DB did what they wanted to and never built two cars alike. I am not saying any are wrong. OH, and did you see the double whitewall tire on the front of the '17 touring? Have only seen pictures of them a few times.

I THINK you could just turn the screw couldn't you?

The early DB parts book I looked at only shows a lock washer for the rear fenders. It does seem as though as big as the slot is it should have a flat washer too. I think a real fender washer would have to have a flat either bent up or cut off as the bolts are pretty close to the fold in the fender. Could be bent over in a vice with a hammer. Maybe an oval washer? McMaster Carr would have them. I have an unmolested car I will have to look at.

Why not contact the AACA library? That is their business to research things like this. Why would you bother Corky Coker?

Wayne, I am so sorry to hear this. I hope things turn out for you. That is such an unusual body style. I hope someone gets it that appreciates the work you have done and the historical value of such a rare car. Perhaps you could advertise it in the club magazine? I can help you with that if you want?

It sounds like you are unfamiliar with early DBs. Stop where you are and get manuals. The fuel system manual is available from the DB club store as a copy. The owner's manual, the Book of Information, is available from AACA library as a copy.

When you turn the carb upside down can you hear the dashpot slide up and down? Sounds like it is stuck. Get rid of the electric pump. It will light your car on fire.

Wow, you're a lot of help! At least the teacher? is smart enough to ask instead of destroying it first. If you have a hole in it I would use a Dremel and cut a slot RIGHT out to the threads with an 1/8 inch bit. Cut another slot directly opposite and that will weaken the plug. It should collapse on itself with a small punch and light hammer hits. I once took out several broken spark plugs like this in an aluminum head and didn't ruin the female thread, takes time and patience. Several of the other suggestions will work too. ALL except the EASY OUT, they are worthless. Good luck and proceed slowly.

I think the balls are bronze, available from Mc Master Carr.

I thought he said Healthy.

The clip does not go behind the reflector. I have not seen cork in a DB, just string.

I have only seen one other conv. coupe 8 cylinder DB before. Very nice.

1915 and 16 had clear flat glass, no DB or numbers. After 100 year very few brass rims do not have cracks. FWIW, in 1918 some of the rims were steel to save the brass for bullets. I have at least one of them.

I don't like to say never or always with DBs but I have not seen a factory car with both a side mount and a rear mount spare. DO you have wires or wood wheels?

All of the sport roadsters I know had wire wheels and side mount spares. Are you sure what you are looking for?

Your original suggestion of pushing the master link through and cut off the end plate is how I would do it. No need to go through all that other work. You can get a new link from either Myers or Romar.

Merry Christmas to all of you. So Matt, since it's so warm down under does Santa have wheels on the sleigh?

I sent you aa message with contact info. Let us know what happens.

The only one I know of for sale is a '25. I have only seen pictures but it looks perfect. It is in Virginia as of Oct. I MAY have contact info. The 2 door coach is a Fisher Body, as said before. They are a steel body attached to a wood frame like other Fisher Bodies. I own a '24 Fisher coupe.

There are not many complete cars available in the US. And parts are hard to find. That being said I would love to have one but probably never will. I missed my chance at a sedan several years ago. Good luck.