Tom Laferriere

Looks like a Reading Steamer. I have seen this car in person in Rhode Island. See attachement.

Hi all, I am seeking any photos anyone might have on The Great Race, actual 1907 Thomas Flyer photos from the great race, or any other cars from the 1908 race to Paris. Also any Pre-1920 speedster photos would be great! I am seeking ideas for a speedster project I am working on. If you have any photos you could share, you could email them to me tom@tomlaferriere.com or post here. Thanks!

Hi all, Thanks for all your replies. I got some ideas and will play with them. Brad, I will be more than happy to drag with Restorer32's (Dick's Car). It would be fun. I will have such an oversized sprocket, I will never get out of 2nd gear! I love this stuff!

Hi all, I am working on an Speedster project and one of the major things I would like to do is make it look old and worn. It is currently sky blue and I want to change it to flat/semi black. Maybe add some crinkling. I know this can be done on wood, but I have never done it on steel. I was thinking of brushing some kind of paint on, wet sanding, hand rub different areas. I am trying to make this look like it came through a time machine after a race from 1915...complete with some mud and dirt Has anyone done anything like this? Any ideas? Thanks!

Hi all, I just wanted to post a small note that if your are a fan of dual chain drive cars, then please join my new Yahoo group, American Lafrance Speedsters. There are several pictures and polls. Only fun allowed. I have purchased a American Lafrance Speedster project and I am looking to connect with folks who have similar interest. Please join if interested. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericanLafranceSpeedsters/ Tom Laferriere

Hi all, Being that this post is popular, I went ahead and created an ALF Speedsters Group on Yahoo, as Martyn suggested. I posted many photos and two polls. Lets have some fun and talk about these beasts! http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericanLafranceSpeedsters/ .

Hi Al, Thanks for the post. I may be contacting you for some parts. Not sure what I need yet! Tom

I am not sure about the dampers. I will cross that road when I get there. I cant wait for Spring! I may go for the look like one attached, but it looks too much like a Mercer Raceabout

The one is michigan was yellow, no fenders. I think it has fenders now. His name is Mike and also enjoys vintage aircraft.

Hi John, Yes, thats off the list. I have all the history on the vehicle since new. My plans will start will mechanical tuning. It runs fine, drives fast with a sprocket upgrade at one point. Need to fine tune it. Next, will be to remove the rear seat (its a 4 passenger), move the tank closer to the seat and then lay the spare tire down. After that will be to lower it. Remove blocks and every other leaf from the front axle and then flip the leaf's on the rear. This will get me the drop I need. Next will fabricate all new fenders to get that speedster look! And, if I am brave, I will lower the radiator and shorten & lower the cowl. Most likely I will just make a new cowl. After that, I will brush paint and wet sand, semi-polish, wack it with some chains, let it sit outside for a while. This should give the distressed look I desire. Add some race numbers and I am good to go! I may have to sell 'ol #20 to fund this project. Now, you are the Amphicar Buyer, so why aren't you buyin! Tom

Hi Dan, The guy working on my car had it done...$500. I am not sure of the materials used, but I think kevlar was used. He drove the car and it he said there was no pulsing or grabbing. Thats a good thing! Tom

Hey all, Look what I got! I didnt even have to trade the Auburn for it! OK, time to get those fenders off and make new ones, lower it and I will be good to go!

Looky me! I kept a towel with me to wipe the drool.

Thanks for your replies. When I actually drove this car, the clutch was very jumpy and it looks a little "chewed". I agree if its not broke, do not fix it, but I do think it needs some kind of attention. Tom

Hello all, While my 1916 Stude is apart, I assume I should replace the cone clutch. Any recommendations? Thanks, Tom

Thanks all for your tips...they were helpful.

Some great tips here! Thanks All! Frank, I will stop by for that drink. As for money, I will bring some for sure, but it will be a lot less because of the STUDE I had to resurrect! I hope I can meet my friend A.M. from Tyler Texas and ask how it could have had compression in 4 cylinders when the Cam gear was broken. HMMMM I still cant let that go.

OK, I will have two oversize umbrella's, backpack, comfy shoes, camera, carrying water, etc. What are some good things to bring/carry? What are the "must have's" and "should bring's"?

Hi all, I am ready to paint my new million dollar engine so I called Bill Hirsch to get paint and doesnt know what color it is supposed to be. Can anyone help me on this one? What color/where to buy? Thanks, Tom

Hi Frank, Left you a message using Option 3. Tom

Sadly, I blew up my #20's engine. After my mechanic pulled it apart, the terms "need sleeves", "crank scored" "cheaper to find another engine" "rods no good" were used. I am in the New England area and will be going to Hershey. I would like to find a good, never machined engine thats been lying around someones garage. Year is not important to me. Is that you? My #20 needs to be revived!