Steve_Mack_CT

Newbee, you will love the experience. As Dave points out hotels in the immediate vicinity are notorious for jacking rates during Hershey. I would suggest you check out the Lancaster, PA area - we have stayed there for years and trade a 30 - 35 minute drive for a choice of lodging, and no long lines or waits at restaurants after a long day. For me this has worked out really well. Also, plenty to do to fill an afternoon or even a day if your wife does find herself looking for some non car oriented time - or plan an extra day, just know a lot of the Amish/PA Dutch attractions are not open on Sunday. Some don't want to be that far from "the experience" but we have found a lot of show goers doing the same thing - just a thought. 15 minutes on the Internet should get you all the info you need on Lancaster, about a half hour's drive due east of Hershey.

Agree with all of these experience based comments, but another way of looking at it is even a well sorted restoration doen properly could have an unexpected issue arise. Barry, I think the best advice here was from Matt indicating once you sort it out you will eventually forget the stink of the rework and enjoy the ride - nice truck with just the right touches. Just not sure how that fits in with the Continental theme....

Two ways to dramatically improve this car would be to remove the add ons - hood ornament, luggage rack, maybe a couple other things and tone down the color. Then it would be, well graceful is not the word but improved for sure...

As Matt said scale is tough but I looked at this earlier and it looked a little big to be based on a TR to me. TR-3 wheelbase is 88 inches, so this one is a little more than a foot longer. Lines of cowl, doors and rear sure look TR-2/3 inspired but the rumble would never fit in a TR trunk which is barely big enough for a lunch box or two. Wheels look beefy - bet there is a substantial, V-8 chassis underneath. Lines are interesting, but not quite as porportioned as you can see sometimes if you look at some of those old pocket size Rod & Custom mags. Looks like an older homebuilt that was updated at some point. Agree with A.J. - a step up from last week. One more and we will be there...

Cool Thesis, Postwarnut. I am likely stating the obvious but if you have not already done so you should reach out to George or Manny Dragone - Dragone Classic Motorcars - About Us - Antique and Classic Car Restoration. We buy, sell and restore classic cars, antique, old and vintage automobiles as well as collectible sports cars. Located in Westport and Bridgeport, CT Two very nice guys who will I am sure help you with history and maybe some relavent details on the restoration process - Good luck with it!

Ha - you may want to consider a dealer plate. One last hoarding story for me today - one of my good friends has been a collector/restorer and kind of a hoarder since we were kids. Well, how can you fit 6 - 8 cars into a 4 car garage? Easy, you take half of them apart and pile things up!! (He also had a bare MOPAR V-8 block in his kitchen forever. "You may be a hoarder if..."

AuburnSeeker, your mention of signs and pumps got me thinking - been collecting this stuff for a long time, but have only recently been able to properly display my collection, before it was scatterred about, with no order. While I am very happy to have it out where it can be enjoyed, was it a "hoard" or a "collection" before? Hmm... Tough to believe scrappers don't differentiate but my theory is that they go for the quick, dependable sale, and are not in the business of tracking down potential buyers for signs, pumps or desirable car parts for that matter. Anyone who does this as a business or a hobby knows it can take a while for the right buyer no matter what you have to offer - couple that with the lethargic economy and I think you can see the issue. I hate to see the loss there but I bet the key is timing - and it is tough to be there anytime something like that comes in... BTW - put that Christmas Vette on the road yet, Seeker?

Steve, there is a future for you at Foxwoods - but first I can check to see if we still need a comedian for the CCR AACA Spring Banquet!!!

Drive, first, sorry not looking to insult anyone, actually I was just expanding on my thoughts after digesting this for a day or so - general comments not directed at you personally. I now see I did not "break" the two thoughts apart in a very elegant manner. Second sorry but I still do not follow your thought pattern, I think I am missing something obvious here but dang if I can see it... Dan the anvil reference was hillarious!

Drive, I don't follow you. Is your position that folks who have amassed a large number of cars, widgets, etc. should be compelled to share them? If so I cannot agree - while I agree with A.J. in principal I don't think that was the overriding reason for the article, I think it was just part of their desire to add interesting content. That said, I think anyone overly concerned with "hoarders" likely falls into one of 3 camps: 1) Busybodies who should be concerned about more pressing societal issues if that is their calling - My God, there are people drinking 20 oz soda all over the U.S. that need saving... 2) Those fellow collectors annoyed because they want what the "hoarder" is "hoarding" - "I deserve that car because I would restore it properly right now.." 3) Those who have some financial interest in (outside of collecting for themselves) in seeing the cache of whatever split out. Insurers, auctioneers, etc. Aside from flagrent zoning violations, I have not found a sound argument that this is illegal, or even immoral. Unhealthy - not if one derives great satisfaction from preserving history - or even dreaming about restoring that old timer in the mud a couple times a week. Hoarded cars may eventually be restored or parted down the road, but I cannot see the practice as having a negative material impact on the supply and demand in the hobby. Something AACA should be concerned about, no, but Smartphones, Video Games, well, that's another story...

Billybird, agree with your sentiments, and Steve M's comment that the article is intended to start discussion. That is intent of this post, to be clear I certainly am not advocating dropping Hagarty or anything like that they are a fine company as I mentioned in my OP, and I am a long term satisfied customer - just someone's opinion I don't happen to agree with, and thought might be of more interest than the usual rodder vs. restorer redux...

Wouldn't the cut outs in the front fenders (one side is boxed) that appear to accomodate A -arms be indicative of a more modern chassis underneath? This, along with the modern steering column & wheels/tires seems to support that IMHO.

On fenders, I was thinkin' Lincoln, West...

I admit to recently criticising the buying decisions of someone who IMO had acquired too many unfinished cars when a knowledgeable friend reminded me that people buy cars for different reasons... The guy with "a super rare widget" or "who has one of everything" exists in many other collecting hobbies - guns, gas & oil, etc. Some just don't want to play with others... On the other hand, funny how when those "Pickers" show someone a little respect, and of course, cash as Seeker suggests, they usually do alright...

This would definately be a lot of fun to give to three or four teenagers, to play around with, learn a bit, and maybe drive in a small town parade. Unless the OP can figure out what this is based on, (see modern steering wheel and column in one pic) the frustration will be in identifying the mechanicals to repair assuming it was up and running at one time. Better than endless video games...

Well, I just finished reading through my latest issue of Haggerty's magazine - not the "Antique Automobile" but a nice touch for Hagarty customers. Past issues have included short articles on high profile collectors and restorers, etc. A great company and magazine but... Well, I am not sure I liked the tone of their article "Hoarders, the Dark Side of the Hobby" - seemed a little judgemental to me, towards a small group whose collecting habits may be eccentric, but legal. To me, and this is my opinion only, "hoarders" are usually just saving things for down the road, rather than rodders (also legal, arguably not preserving history and damaging their cars as much as the person who is not properly storing them, but I think they constitute enough of a client base so you won't see negative articles on them) who often do ruin a car. If the argument stands that "it's their car to do with what they want" - why pick on "hoarders" then? Ahh, "They will usually never sell" - so what? "They value the chase and acquisition, and don't usually use or restore their cars" Again, so what? From a societal point of view, if some "hoarder" type collectors have any mental health issues they are very minor compared to those whose issues impact others, not to mention run of the mill criminals. Seems like TV and now a hobbyist magazine is putting a lot of energy into examining this group - really? I think there are bigger things to worry about both within the hobby and in general. Well, that is my two cents. And no, I am not a "hoarder" of collector cars or anything else, in fact I cannot see myself owning more than three at a time, as that is about the limit, IMO for me personally to maintain and enjoy in top shape. Could just be the libertarian in me but I found the article a little distasteful. Another case of "someone needs to be watching out for these people, to save them from themselves" - dissapointing to see Hagerty take this point of view, as that train of thought makes me think of the mayor of NYC trying to ban large softdrink containers - too many calories, we need a law for that... Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Interesting thread. FWIW I like F&J's idea of a custom body - but in period style and methodology to the extent possible. F&J being a CT local, if you get a chance you should check out Morton Coachworks in Bristol. He has been building a speedster body for a RR chassis that was displayed as a work in progress a couple seasons ago at the Hershey meet. Jesse is quite talented and has done a few very high quality restorations for clients but this is the first complete fabrication. Dissapearing top, Vee windshield, fully templated in light gauge aluminum before he does the actual body, etc. very cool and hope it is really far along but not quite done for this fall's Hershey meet. Only downside is that I can only imagine the cost involved here in both time and materials. http://mortonautomotive.biz/twentySixRolls.html

Well I was doing a little research Steve, on a LaSalle that was advertised in HMN and is local, but I am in like, not in love with the 52 sedan. Still all over the map in terms of a suitable stablemate for the MB, which continues to be a big hit around the house. Will keep you posted, sir!!

Jim thanks for your nice offer, and the info. will keep you posted!! Steve

Thanks guys. @#$% carburators and heat - same issue I had with my Packard only it sounds like it could be worse. Will keep y'all posted!

Thinking about a LaSalle that is available locally. Some views, but no responses on this inquiry in Caddy section - http://forums.aaca.org/f151/1940-lasalle-question-346567.html Wondering if the traffic is jut not that high there? Thanks, Steve

Dan, since you have already decided to join this is more of a general statement then one for you. A major benefit of memberhsip not mentioned thus far is access to joining a region. You must be a national member to join a region. What that has done for me over the years is provide access to comoraderie, knowledge, leads on vehicles & parts, and inclusion in local activities. It increases the enjoyment factor tremendously. I have also been able to see several private collections in the area that simply would not have been made available to a "civillian" . That alone is worth the money. Eventually I would like to get involved more with the National however right now time is an issue, was a local region BOD member for 5 years but dropped due to business committments, for now.

Hi all - new to this section of the forum with a quick question for the experts. Is the 130 HP LaSalle V-8 the same powerplant used in contemporary Cadillac models, perhaps the 60 Special? Understand this to be a good engine for the era? Will be looking at one of these in next week or so and have heard these are pretty good road cars - at least that is what I understand of the Caddys of that era. I know what to look for in general terms having owned several cars of this era, but any specifics would be helpful as well. Thanks in advance, Steve

Ghammond, good luck with your car, sounds like you are looking beyond the value vs. investment that keeps many from saving a given car. Sounds like you have at least one good local lead. HOpe you stick around, both of your vehicles are AACA antiques having managed to survive their initial 25 years of life..

A related suggestion for the OP is to consider a slightly wider geographic range. Once we establish the vehicle, and perhaps his goal (100 point perfection, returning a family heirloom to the road, etc.) their are a few choices in this area. If he is willing to trade off driving an hour to check on it regularly (some shops may not want a "regular visitor".. ) for a little further drive the quality/value/savings of the right match can pay off in the long run. The good news is I am thinking given the economy, many of these guys will be happy to take on another project. Searching this topic on this forum will bring up some good general info as well.