MochetVelo

I'll now answer my own question, since I just removed the engine: The drive shaft is connected to the flywheel/crankshaft via a taper-fit. Four bolts (wired to keep them secure) near the center of the flywheel pull the taper tight. A framework of steel bars are also bolted to the outer part of the flywheel wth four bolts. After removing these eight bolts, the engine just lifts up and out; probably easier than a Ford T which has an attached transmission housing. The flywheel then just pulls off the crankshaft. You can use a puller, but mine just came off with a little wiggling. Phil

How is the Metz 22 crankshaft disconnected to pull the motor? I assume there is a connection at the flywheel, but not sure what nuts to remove. Thanks, Phil

Thanks, Layden. The catalog page is useful. (To Bob... A Bridgeport is useful; I'm just biding my time until I call you to make me something with it!) Phil

Yes, they do resemble muffler clamps, now that you mention it. My tank is 4" diameter. Phil

I'm wondering how I should mount the acetylene tank on my '21 Peugeot. Below is the only clear image of the car I have showing the tank. It looks rather like a fire extinguisher mounting or a big hose clamp. Brass straps would look good. Any suggestions? Phil

I'm sure this video has been posted before, but I'd never seen it. A great story of a smart woman and a her wonderful car: http://growingbolder.com/media/technology/vehicles/romancing-the-road-259598.html#content_tabs In the last few seconds, I think I saw an AACA badge! Phil

Some helpful Metz owners have kindly sent me photographs and rubbings of the two Metz plates. I've decided to try reproducing them myself using the electrolytic process used to make circuit boards. I plan to make a few extras in case others need them. We'll see how they turn out... Phil

There should be a cover plate over the valves, but it's a simple piece of sheet metal. Phil

There was a guy at Hershey last year selling new horse hair for upholstering. I tried finding it using Google, but no luck except in the U.K. Phil

That confirms it as a Model 25 (ie; 25hp) Metz engine. Phil

Didn't U-Haul used to rent "clamp-on" bumper hitches? Maybe you could find or make one of those and remove it for judging. Phil

To end the story, the facade was sold by RM Auctions for $161,000 and apparently donated to America's Packard Museum in Dayton Ohio: Facade of former Packard factory likely headed to museum Phil

I'm planning to get some metal plates produced for my 1913 Model 22 Metz roadster. There were two of these plates on the car: a 1-1/2" round plate saying "Metz" on the seat riser, and a rectangular instruction plate next the clutch pedal. Anyone else interested in getting these plates? I'm not sure if they apeared on other Metz models or not.

According to Franklin Tucker's article in Antique Automobile, your engine dates from early 1916 and is from a Model 25. It should have had an electric starter, I think, as these were added by 1915. Is the Metz name cast into the head? It is on my 1913 engine. Phil

Bernie... Why not have it both ways: make the vent holes removable and replaceable with screen inserts. That way, you can see if they are truly necessary. If they are, you won't have to risk your paint job. Plus, you've just told the judges the holes aren't original, and you'll lose points! Phil P.S. Congratulations on your AACA award. You deserve it for these great restoration reports.

I was happy to see four great cars on display in the trade show area, despite the difficult weather. I'm still not sure how they get them up there. They must be disassembled and carried up the steps. I'm continually impressed by the organization of the AACA. It's an inspiring organization. Phil

The Brighton event has such cache that pre-1905 cars of any make have a "Brighton Premium" tacked on to their value, even if the buyer never goes there. It's simply supply and demand. The good news is these oldies are being preserved; the bad news is neither of us may ever find one... but you never know! Phil

Bernie... I've imported a few cars from Europe by ocean. It always costs more than they tell you. Everybody who touches the paperwork gets a couple hundred dollars! You should not have to pay import duty, however, as your Dixie Flier was made in the USA. You do need two documents (from the EPA & DOT) to import a car into the USA. In your case, they will prove your vehicle is over 25 years old so it does not have to conform to U.S. pollution and safety rules, and proving it was made in the USA. I suggest you have photocopies of factory info and photos of your car (including the serial number tag, engine number, etc. Here is a useful link: https://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/php/enduser/prnt_adp.php?p_faqid=278&p_created=1043364937&p_sid=8mL16iFi I generally handle my import clearances myself, and find the Customs officers generally easy to deal with, but if you are not a US citizen, you may want to engage a Customs Broker to clear the car for you. If I can be of any help. let me know! Phil

4:15 PM Wednesday: I'm 25 miles west of the city, and snow continues to fall heavily. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the city has more snow this year than Vancouver, and is set for a record accumulation. They should move the Olympics to Fairmount Park! Public transport (SEPTA) will stop bus service today, but the subways will keep running. Center-City gets plowed out pretty fast, and the PA Turnpike and I-95 are well-maintained, so I hope everyone will come! Phil

I agree. HBO should do it and cast James Gandolfini as George Keller. Phil

A few people have played these scammers for all they are worth. For example, expressing interest in what they have for sale and running up a big tab, then scheduling a Western Union payment. The guy goes down to the W-U office to get his money, but it never comes. Oops... you're sorry, but there was a family problem, but he'll get the money Thursday definitely. You get the idea. If you search under "scamming the scammers", you'll see some of these. Phil

Maybe the executors would consider donating a car for our next AACA raffle... Phil

I finally got a copy of the first edition of The Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1805-1942 on ebay, paying $68 for it, which might be a bit high, but I've seen them advertised for over $400. I contacted the publisher, and they said they don't plan on a reprint. I would think the AACA might consider publishing something like this, even if it's on CD or web-based. It could be revised over time, even set up somewhat like Wikepedia where members could add information and photographs. In that way, it could be, in effect, thousands of pages long with detailed information on many makes. That would certainly meet the educational criteria set out in the charter. Phil

Here is a link to the story of Keller Motors, makers of a little car introduced in the 1940s. This tale is more dramatic than Tucker, including jail, con artists, death and micro cars: Automobiles at Redstone Phil

The one sold at Hershey last year was also used as a stationary engine. They are pretty dependable. I assume your's is a 4-cylinder design. If it has an electric starter (or bracket for a starter), it's probably a type "25". If just a magneto, it's a "22" (pre-1915). The numbers stand for the HP. Not sure where the extra three HP came from. Phil