alsfarms

Update, I had sized a suitable alternative carb., based on flow rates for the size engine the Locomobile is and came up with a Zenith 63AW-11. I purchased and was concerned that though the carb. was sized correctly, the physical size was simply to large. This carb.simply will not fit the space available. If anyone needs a very nice updraft carb. proper for a 280 to 340 CID engine, drop me a note as I have this NOS Zenith that I would sell. We are back tinkering with the Carter BB-1, which is under gunned but should run the car. The engine now runs nice at low RPS's, with the current BB-1, but not at higher RPM's. The next BB-1 I have and plan to fit up is a later series BB-1 289SD. More on that subject later. The early Dodge Bros. starter Generator works nice to start the car. This arrangement is very quiet. The additional plus is I have a system that will keep a charge on a battery. More later, it has been a long hot summer. Al

Hello Everyone, We are at the end of the summer season and bad weather is coming up shortly. What is the updates on the several speedster projects now under way? The best update I have is that the Locomobile engine rebuild is now completed, runs strong and nicely. I am not yet satisfied with the carburetor and have another BB-1 carb to install and dial in. More on that later. On starting the engine, I have another update. It took a couple of tries to get it right but the early Dodge Bros. starter/generator works great to start the engine. Talk about quiet, I hit the starter button and the next thing you hear is the engine hitting, no starter/ring gear noise at all! I am very impressed. We installed a new style rear main seal so I should not have the typical oil slinging from the rear seal to oil everything. I need the OD of the flywheel to stay dry to allow the serpentine belt to grip the OD of the flywheel and the starter generator. The full pressure oil system works great also with about 25 PSI being delivered to the crank and rods. That is a good upgrade. The Delco dual system is also an excellent update that certainly makes the engine run smoothly with no burps or coughs. What are your updates. Get the shop ready, winter is on the way and we need to stay busy! Al

Hello everyone in the Locomobile arena. I have a new "Want" item. I have heard, on the Locomobile grape vine, that someone among us has a pattern for the Locomobile 48 oil pan. There is currently a need for a missing oil pan, so if you happen to have a repairable spare or happen to know of the oil pan pattern, please drop a note. Maybe we can help yet another Locomobile 48 to come to life. Thanks, Alan

Hello Mike, How did Hershey treat you this year? Were you able to find and procure lots of needed bits and pieces that you are looking for? If you get a chance, please forward a picture or two of the reproduction Locomobile front fenders. Al

Hello Terry, Like your other projects, It will be nice to see how you complete the Mitchell radiator cap project which is so very similar to the Locomobile cap I need to make. I need to spend some time on the phone with someone from the Smooth-on company and learn for myself what materials are best to use for my application. Al

That resource sounds like a good reference. I am looking for replacement rods for a 1914-15 Locomobile 48. Can you share the contact information for this Drop forging company? Al

I am beginning a search for a reputable shop that has the ability to make connecting rods to specification. Who can I be referred to? Please share your experience and type of rod that you had built. Al

Good luck with your sale of a very clean and beautiful looking Chrylser roadster. Al

Nice project, come on fellows this one has potential and a good share of the project is already done. Al

Hello Terry, The new reproduction cap should make Joe a happy boy. Are you close to pouring a rubber pattern? Al

These wheels appear to be Dayton, do you see much wear on the drive teeth? That is the only weak area on this type of wheel. Do you have the hubs and nuts to offer with the wheels?

Hello Friartuck, Thanks for sharing the contact information for Ed Linn, I will send him an email and ask my question. Al

Thanks for your thoughtfulness. Al

Hello Terry, Have you done any research as to the temp rating of the finished/cured resin product and how it will be affected by UV rays for the radiator caps? Alan

Terry, I have the idea that I will machine out the actual brass threaded insert and knurl the OD. I will then make the rubber pattern, prep and pour a blank cap. I would then set up and machine out the ID of the cap to accept the brass cap and epoxy them together. I can see more issues with pouring the two pieces together, at one time, than I am willing to deal with. After I get a good handle on the casting method, I have several other antique auto's that need to have replacement caps built. If it is not one thing, it is ten others..... Al

Any new progress over the weekend? Al

Nice thread here Terry. I wish I had availability to have and run a 3D machine. I have made a couple of patterns the "old fashioned" way. It is a bunch of work but the outcome is very rewarding, as you have suggested. Of course, I am watching your progress with sure enthusiasm. Al

Could someone share with me contact information for the family of Phil Bray (now past on). If someone in the family is taking care of his business I would like to chat with them. Please PM or use my email, alsfarms@hotmail.com Al

Hello Tim, Keep us all updated on your time frame for having these Hentschell dual distributors available for sale. They are a good thing as a replacement for problematic magnetos. Do you know what happened to Dave H.'s Locomobile project? Al

Hello Terry, Thanks for the forwarded information on home casting the reproduction radiator caps, Locomobile and others as needed. I need to call the listed source to verify that the material can take the heat generated by the radiator. Also, what provision needs to be made to protect the material from the suns UV harm. Your Wisconsin water manifold update does sound great! Regards, Alan

Rich, I am impressed with your determination! I suppose you are going to use a TIG torch to weld in your repaired frame pieces? I have had to do similar work in saving a 1912 Ford "T" frame that you are doing to your DB. I also did the riveting and got to where I am very happy with the end results. Patience with the fit up, correct length rivet and heat rightly applied makes the process OK. I like having an extra set of hands and eyes, hands to take the torch after heating and eyes to make sure everything is in order as I do the grunt work of setting the rivet. Keep up the good work and updates. Al

I am trying to locate the exact Gazette issue to refresh my memory on how Chris did his project and what material he used. Time moves on from 7 or 8 years ago, and there is now a need again for a few of the Locomobile Bakelite style radiator caps. Al

Hello Chris, Are you involved with the Durant Club? It may be that body works from another of the Durant offerings would be similar enough to replace your missing sedan body. It may also be an option to check on the possibility that a Junior 8 Locomobile sedan body could be fit to your 8-80. At this moment I have no information on loose or spare body parts for your vintage Locomobile. However, should I run across or hear of any possibilities suitable for your Locomobile I will pass along that information. What state are you located in? Alan

I am looking into casting my own radiator cap to replace a well weathered original Bakelite radiator cap. I know this same process has been completed many times. Could someone share with me the best material to use that is easily castable, UV resistant, can stand temps to about 220 and be machinable in order to fit and glue the threaded brass cap into the finished casting. I see that McMaster-Carr has a Black product that can stand temps to 180 deg. F but do not know how UV resistant that material is. The McMaster-Carr P/N for this material is: 8644K55. Please share your knowledge and experience. Al

If you, or a friend of yours, would be in need of a Locomobile script "Bakelite" type radiator cap, (using my pattern above), drop a note as this project is about ready to move forward. The more caps built the better the price per each. The cap will be cast out of a modern Bakelite hi temp substitute material and have a brass threaded insert glued into it to fit the neck of the radiator, just like the originals. Al