unimogjohn

It is Monday, Dec 6th. Was going to put the 23 away for the winter, but nooooooooooooo! She has a Christmas bonfire to go to on Saturday. Have to remember to part far enough away as to not get cinders on my top. Now that I confirmed that Greg is alive, here is his report for the weekend. "Nothing done on the Avanti. That garage (aka airplane hanger) is colder than Unimog's hiney in a Christmas parade, so I did some shop work on Saturday. Went to Maryland on Sunday and spent a few minutes with the Stoddard planning some work for the upcoming year. While there, I also spent some time on another project. My New Year's resolution from last December. I've been finding time for it during the year, and it will make it's debut probably next month. So that leaves the Matheson engine. Enclosed is the pic of rocker progress. The rebushed stands have been reamed. Took five tries to get the four of them done. One didn't clean up properly, so I rebushed it and rereamed it. Today I machined the repair bushings for the rockers themselves and they are pressed in place, silver soldered and awaiting to be reamed, then honed to fit the new pins. When I get the new pins done."

It is Sunday PM. Just heard from Greg. He has been busy with work, and it has been too cold in the hanger to work on the Avanti. He has to get the wheels on and some kind of seat to be able to move it into the shop area if he can find some room. But we headed out this morning about 10 AM for the parade, which was to start at 1 PM. We had a great time. The crowd was huge for a little town in the Virginia foothills. It was a bit cold around 35 degrees with a 20 mph wind. Brrrrrrrrr. The car ran great, but it was a little hard to start. The other old cars in the parade were a 1931 Chrysler and a 1928 Essex. Lots of horses, mini burrows, llamas, sheep and an abundance of dogs of all shapes and sizes. Here are some pics.

It is still Saturday. Have not heard from Greg since our brake bleeding. I will have to give him a shout. Yesterday, the electrician and propane installers showed up. The whole house generator now runs, and the electrician has run conduit for the power lines and transfer box. He has to come back for another half day next week. Will be nice when this is done and the generator operational. Got the 23 started and out of the garage, heading to a Christmas parade tomorrow. I think a couple of town officials are going to ride with us. Should be a fun day. Suppose to be a high of 38 degrees so we will have to dress warm for sure. Here are a couple of pics.

It is Saturday, Dec. 4th. Cold here this morning, 24 degrees. Frank, am going to write the VA DMV to see if I have any options on the plates, otherwise I am just going to use them when I display the car. Scott, just got a bid from the third painter. It is $4,000 so looks like this bid is in the middle of the range of what I have gotten so far. Found one more place to check out and will try to do that in the next couple of weeks.

Re using a belt, I would think that you would have to use large head pop rivets to try to make it smooth. A buckle wrapped in tape might do in a pinch.

You can always head down to your local auto parts retailer and get a flat belt and turn it inside out so the ribs are out, and flat side down. If you want to make your own, McMaster Carr has the connectors and I bet if you look you can find the right type of belt webbing. McMaster-Carr

This could be what you need on Ebay. It is at a reasonable price too; they are getting really hard to find. 1924-1925-1926-1927-1928 BUICK Vintage Timing Gear NOS! - eBay (item 380226797480 end time Dec-17-10 17:47:48 PST)

Phil, I have a 1923 McLaughlin Buick, and it is marked for export. But different than a Buick. On the firewall data plate the model and serial number are normal, but the engine number on the data plate is X-****. Also the engine is stamped CPX-****. Actually, the X is almost stamped over the P as their was not enough room for a complete X on the block face. CP engines were built in Canada. The car is right hand drive.

It is still Wed, PM. Just got home from helping Greg do the final bleeding of his brakes on the Avanti. He did a great job by himself, as I think we only got a couple of little bubbles from the rear brakes; but he is happy that he can make a check mark on the brake rebuild. Now he can put on the wheels/tires. Getting closer to getting her rolling again. We also had a nice conversation during dinner at a local cafe. A good evening. Here are a couple of pics for your enjoyment. Since it was so ugly weather wise today I grabbed all the documentation for the 23 McLaughlin Buick and headed to the DMV outlet. I tried several years ago to get her titled, but always left frustrated and not getting it done. They always seems to have a reason for not titling it so I gave up four years ago. But I decided that today was the day to get it done. So armed with reams of paperwork and pics, I finally got the job done. It took several calls by the agent to the big bosses at Richmond, VA, but finally I won. Well, sort of. Got the title, but could not use the 23 VA plates I just got as they are still registered to a person and car in VA. And guess what, they could/would not give me a name to get a release letter so I could use the tags. But no matter, I am titled and have antique plates. I am happy. Oh, the cost, $300.

Thanks all, the plates are SOLD.

It is Wednesday, Dec 1st. Really rained here hard last night, almost two inches this morning, sure glad it was too warm to snow. Heading to Greg's tonight to help him bleed the brakes on his Avanti. Have to get that boy on the road and into some heated building. Besides that I want to hear it run. Here is Greg's report from last night. "While I am waiting very patiently for the Unimog cavalry to arrive (tomorrow evening) to help me bleed the brakes, I'm making myself useful on the Matheson project. I machined steel bushings, then pressed and silver brazed them in place. I'll let them cool overnight and then ream the bores to size. That's my story."

Anyone interested in a good pair of original 1923 Connecticut plates? Price is $50 and includes shipping within the US. Send me an email at unimogjohn@aol.com Payment would be OK via PayPal.

It is Tuesday, Nov. 30th. Who would have thought that this little bog would somehow reach over 50,000 hits. I sure did not. We seem to have about 250 faithful readers almost every day. Here is Greg's report for Monday: "Spent some quality time with the Avanti. Adding bake fluid and pumping the pedal. I picked up one of those one-man bleeder kits, the little plastic bottle with a magnet and hose attachment. I guess it works as well as fluid in a Coke bottle. With the car on stands and the wheels off, went around it several times. I guess I have brakes. Pedal is hard, but working by myself means that I can hold down on the pedal, but when I let off and hurry to a hub, it spins. Like that guy that tried to check his brake lights by doing the same thing. I'll go check it again tomorrow to see if there's a pedal or a puddle. Matheson engine action. The rocker arms and stands are completely disassembled and bead cleaned. Obvious repair/damage is the replacement of some rocker shafts. One picture shows how someone has oversized the shafts by boring almost through the casting boss. I'll bush it back to size and replace the shafts. That was this evening's entertainment."

It is Monday, Nov 29th. Despite the bite in the air, Greg continues to work in the unheated hanger. Here is his weekend report. "Well, no pics. I did crawl under 'Ol Seabiscuit today. Secured and tightened the brake system tubing and fittings from front to back. I guess it is ready to start adding the brake fluid. Never a job I liked, filling and bleeding the brakes. I also needed to secure the speedometer cable to the transmission. The parts book makes it look like the clamp is integral with the cable, but I couldn't find it. Made something up and now that chore is off the list."

I second what Mark says. But here are things I always check for when I open one up. When removing the top, pull straight up. There is a long prong that goes into the base, sometimes they get bent and can bind messing up fuel delivery. Make sure the prong is straight and slides easily into the base. Do not mess up the end, which is usually pointed. Check for debris and varnish in both tanks, clean, scrape, sand and blow out any debris. Check the operation of the switch, and springs. Make sure everything operates smoothly. New springs are available and are a good investment. Shake the float, make sure there is no fuel in it. Check the two tanks closely, make sure there are no rust holes forming. You can repair holes with JBWeld. Folks also sometimes seal the tanks with gas tank paint/sealer if rust is present. I use Permatex 2 to seal the cork gasket to the tanks. I have never had a tank fail me for mechanical reasons, problems are usually rust and dirt collecting in the bottom of the tanks.

It is Saturday, Nov. 27th. Brrrrrrr, cold here this morning, just above freezing, but the winding is blowing hard, so with the wind chill it is 22 degrees. From time to time Greg sends me car restoration pictures from his inner circle. This is one that I would like to share as it is a great looking and rare car. But I have deleted the real names to protect the innocent so to speak. Here is Gregs message to me. "Did I ever tell you about the time (about 1962) that for my first car I had a choice between a $250 Studebaker President roadster, a $50 Model T , or a Model A tudor for $1. Well, the Model A isn't finished yet, but still on the list. Just received this from John X that I would like to share. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2010 21:58:19 -0800 I just received these photos of XY's latest restoration, a 1931 Studebaker President 8 Speedway Special Roadster owned by Z. This job was several years in process but it was worth the wait I'd say. My connection was I restored all the locks for this car, ignition, door and rumble seat compartment. The Speedway Special was a short run of roadsters with high speed rear axle ratio, high compression head and special Chessy Lite Gray (has a hint of Rose in it) and Speedway Red trim. Pretty racey for 1931."

Bluedog, are you just needing floor boards? They are usually easy to make. I made them from pine for my 23 using the what I had left for patterns. I can easily pull them and take pics for you. I basically cut the length and then used a router to cut out the appropriate holes and indents to clear the frame bolts. I know of a guy making the wood for the doors, etc if you need that also. Only issue is that you have to get the car or pieces of it to him. But he does great work based on the pics I have seen. Here is some of his work. I do not know him personally, but talked to him and gave him wood dimensions from my 28 for a car he was doing. He sent me some pics of his work on that car. Here they are. If interested in contacting send me your email address to unimogjohn@aol.com

Derek, there are block repair folks out there. Should be one or two in your area. If it is a crack or a split in the block, which is not at a corner or end, then it is a easier repair. Usually, the block is heated and the welding repair is made. The issue is all the moving and transporting, which certainly adds to the cost. Better if you find a place locally if you can. How is the car otherwise? A basket case? They are great cars. Let us know more.

It is Friday, Nov 26th, Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day. Speaking of the holiday, here is Greg's report. He even found the time to do "Avanti" work. "Today was a good day. It began with the cleaning and priming of the clips that retain the brake lines to the axle. I've been putting it off. Then to Mother's to collect those who I was to chauffer to my sister's in Maryland to meet with family and friends for dinner. Great time, great food, great company (and their dogs). Rob even remembered to bring the radiator hose I'd ordered. Goodbyes were said and even though we hit some rain, an uneventful trip back. After saying goodbyes at Mom's, stopped by to visit more old friends. Enjoyed my time with them (and their dog). Included in the visit was some time spent under the hood of his Avanti to verify power steering hose routing (that counts). Now back at the ranch, I've gotten some paint on those clips and clamps, so that chore is done. While at Mom's , she told me a story. Turns out to be a good Thanksgiving Day story. She had run the wheels off her new car. Needed tires already. Shopped around and decided on a brand at our local tire distrubutors. Took it in Wednesday morning as planned, and after sitting in the waiting room long enough for her to finish knitting a sweater, looked at her watch and realized she needed to be at another appointment. Approaching the counter help, she told them of the predicament and they then dispatched a car and driver. While riding along, the driver seemed to know her, asking her name. She replied and he asked if she had any kids, "Yes, a son and a daughter." The driver then mentioned our names, where we had lived, etc. Puzzled, she asked about him. He and I had been best buddies in elementary school. And his little brother tagged along sometimes. Those were the days when we delighted in going for lunch at the Snack Shack or the drug store counter down the street from grade school. A hot dog never tasted better. When we graduated to Jr. High, I fell in with the wrong crowd (car guys) and we lost touch. Mom asked how he was doing and he told her that they'd lost their dad to kidney disease, and that it ran in the family. Both he and his brother both transplant recipients. And now he was waiting for another. Even though my contemporaries are facing social security and retirement, it really wasn't a long time ago that Joey and I were trying to decide which novelty to spend our allowance (or lunch money) on. The fake ice cube with the fly inside or the hand buzzer. It is difficult to realize that in this short time that we are now survivors. So today was a special day to consider what I have. Not the piece of hose that I was glad to get, but what really counts. Family , friends, and the ability to appreciate them. Even though it is now the day after, I hope we can realize every day is Thanksgiving Day. And I need to give Joey a call. Pictures for today: *rear axle brake line clips cleaned, painted, and drying *Matheson rocker arms and stands getting another treatment."

B, if you run into problems with that machine shop I know of two others that will make a single timing gear.

It is Thursday, Nov 25th. Happy Thanksgiving! Greg is still at it, here is his last night's report. "Got a little done tonight. Didn't find a NOS turn signal lever, so I did the new knob trick. When i broke the rest of the old one off, I found the lever had a couple splines and the new knob was definitely an interference fit. Not good for thin plastic. That's when I recalled a trick I saw at White Post. We used it on choke knobs , etc. Warm the plastic in hot water first. Worked great. The part I didn't remember was when using pliers to hold the knob, you scar the plastic. I was able to file and sand them out this time. Took the lever for a ride to see the car. Took the time to install the upper column bearing, the lever and turn signal switch. That concludes this night's entertainment. I see it is now Thanksgiving Day. My best wishes for an enjoyable and safe holiday."

It is Wednesday, Nov 24th. As usual, Greg is busy with his many work and Avanti projects. It is good that he lives so close, above the shop. Here is his Tuesday report. "Only took three tries but I finally got the booster hose and the manifold pressure gage hose installed on the Avanti. I'm sure not working to the Flat Rate Manual. To bring you up to date on the Matheson engine, I have started on the rocker arm stands and rockers. There's evidence of prior activity in there. The parts are now undergoing the paint removal. Then I can examine the parts up close."

Still Tuesday, but PM. Well some non-Avanti news. I finished adjusting the rear (and only) brakes of the 1923 McLaughlin Buick. I had to adjust the single primary rod so that I had pad contact when pressed down about three inches. It took a couple of tries, but with Alice working the brake pedal, it finally reached the adjustment point with a few turns of the turnbuckle to shorten up the rod. Took it for a test drive. On gravel both rear brakes locked up just about the same time, that is a good thing. Then I tried to lock it up on pavement, just got a little skid. So I have to put maybe another round on the turnbuckle to see if that does lock the rear wheels. But she does stop nice and smooth with no wild moves. It is better now than it has every been. I am happy. On another note, I was searching Ebay as usual in the morning with my first cup of coffee, and low and behold there was a pair of restored 1923 Virginia plates. First time I had seen a pair in three years of looking. It was an auction, but had a buy-it-now price. I said, self you cannot let this get away from you, so bought it for the buy-it now-price. I got a great deal. Here is a pic of the plates. I had been running original 1923 Connecticut plates, so they will go on Ebay today and maybe I will recoup some monies. Here are a couple of pics of those plates. Hope that someone can use them, I would hate to just have them sitting on a shelf in the garage. They deserve better than that. Tomorrows job is to pull the carb off the 1928 Buick, take it apart and blow out the jets and metering rods. A year ago I had to do this as there was gunk/varnish in the rods. I am assuming that this is the same problem now. Oh, and I am suppose to get the painting estimate for the Avanti tomorrow. Stayed tuned.

It is Tuesday, Nov 23rd. Well I spent my day working on the brakes of the 23 MB. It only has rear brakes and one side is dragging and engages before the other side. So I spent some time disconnecting rods and adjusting the levers, nuts and pins on both sides. Now they are pretty much engaging at the same time. Put her back down on the ground, and they work great, well almost. Now I do not have good pedal. It goes almost to the floor before it starts working. So today it will go back up in the air and will adjust the rod that controls the pedal. Such fun. Greg is working hard, much closer now to being able to move the car. He needs to make the drivers seat out of parts as his good seats are still with the vendor, and have been for almost eight months. He did get word that they are working on them. Here is Greg's Monday report. "Making it short tonight. This computer is moving slower than an old Dodge Brothers slow four in first gear. Must need a grease job or something's too tight. Don't have any patience for these things. Picked up another stoplight switch and some vacuum hose today. The threads on the switch wouldn't start in the master. Too tight. I used a pipe thread die on them and now it fits. Even got the wires attached. The only vacuum hose they had on hand was 11/32. Too tight. I almost got in on, but almost only counts in horshoes, hand grenades and nuclear devices. Not brakes. I'll try another parts house tomorrow for the 3/8 hoses required. At least I didn't break the plastic fitting on the booster. I found the tool I made to swing the blower belt tensioner to allow the supercharger belts to be installed. Even still, the belts were.....you guessed it....Too tight. Had the same problem at the dyno. The next size belts were too loose. That's where I learned to loosen the blower to bracket screws , get the belts on and then retighten them. Next time I start up, I'll have the huffer working again."

The cut out switch looks close to this pic. It is mounted on top of the generator, close to the front of the engine. They pop up on Ebay from time to time, usually in the $40 to 60 dollar range.