Robert G. Smits
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Posts posted by Robert G. Smits
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There is one for sale on eBay, very reasonable. Bob Smits
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Thank You to all who have replied. I am always amazed by the knowledge of our members and their willingness to help. Bob Smits
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Thank you to all who have responded. I am becoming more enthused about purchasing a Cartercar for touring.
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I also posted on Buy/Sell for information on a Cartercar. Has anyone ever toured with a friction drive pre 16 automobile or been on a tour with one. I have the opportunity to purchase a restored Cartercar but would like to tour with it. The friction drive is a big question mark for me. Thanks
Bob Smits
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Thank You. Has anyone ever seen a friction drive car on a tour? Bob Smits
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Looking for information on the Cartercar, manufactured from about 1905 to 1915. Cartercar used a friction drive mechanism. Does anyone have information about touring with a friction drive automobile? My research suggests that friction drive was used by several truck manufactures about the same time. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Bob Smits #8218965
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Marty I share your pain. I have restored three Cadillacs along with several other cars over the years and I can not tour with a car that I have restored to perfection. After winning all the AACA and CCCA awards they sit in my grarge until one day I decide this is stupid and let them go. Best solution is to sell to a friend where you can visit the car frequently. My 31 Cad V-12 went to a fellow AACA member and I still get to see it several times a year. In 92 or 93 I sold a 53 Olds 98 Conv, 66 GTO Conv, and 58 Chevy 348 Conv because I needed space. I regret those sales every day. My advice is to pick the right buyer and sell. You will enjoy the 37 touring car much more not having to worry about road rash.
Bob Smits AACA#8218965
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Your series 62 Cadillac is recoginized as a "classic" by the Classic Car Club of America and is a popular tour car. You may want to advertise in their monthly publication which goes out to all CCCA members. Also consider listing on Ebay with a few interior and exterior photos. Just be aware of all the scams associated with Ebay and list a reserve. You can always lower your reserve. Even if you do not sell it on Ebay the listing will give you instant exposure to Cadillac fans all over the world. A large number of cars that are not sold on Ebay are sold privately after the listing expires because of the exposure. Good Luck
Robert G. Smits
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For more information on Harrah automobiles do a search for (Harrah's Question March 4th, 2012) and (Bill Harrah Collection today, June 21, 2006)
Bob Smits
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I forgot to mention that in all the Harrah information this car is listed as a 1913. Through extensive research I have determined that it is in fact a 1912. I suspect it may have been titled for the first time in 1913. Garford stopped producing cars in 1913. They did show a 1914 at the New York Auto Show and advertised quite extensively. This was nicknamed the "One Eyed Garford" for it's single headlight in the center of the radiator. I wonder where Tucker got the idea. Harrah's extensive research determined that their Garford was the only survivor and to date my research has not turned up another. By now you probably know more than you want to about the Garford. Sorry.
Bob Smits
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The restoration details did not go with the cars at the time of auction to my knowledge. In 1998 we decided to research the car and contacted The National Automobile Museum and received;
127 pages of various magazine articles
A copy of "The Garford Factory and its Output: 99 pages
A copy of "The New Garford Six" a 1913 Sales Booklet 16 pages
Information from the"Restoration Manuel" 38 pages including copies of photos of the car as it arrived at the Harrah restoration facility.
On my unrestored 31 Cadillac they provided me with copies of all correspondence leading up to its purchase by Mr. Harrah and all research they had done on the auto. My advice to anyone who owns an ex-Harrah automobile is the contact the National Automobile Museum and see what information is available. The information I have received is priceless to me.
Total cost: $151.60
Bob Smits
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Second try. I purchased two cars from the Harrah Museum. The 31 Cad was unrestored. The 1912 Garford underwent restoration from 1967 to 1971. I am told this was a "Gold" level restoration. It has stood up very well and was last shown at Hilton Head in 06 or 07. I will attempt to insert a photo as it looks today. Those of you who were on the 2011 Reliability Tour saw it at J.C. Osteens where it is currently on display. Bob Smits
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Thanks to all, especially James who only lives an hour away from me. Bob Smits
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I would appreciate your thoughts for a inline 8 cylinder Pontiac engine stand. Everything on the market seems to be for V-8's. Thanks Bob Smits #8218569
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Art the listings for "Refrigerant 12" the real thing? Thanks, Bob Smits #2426
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Thanks to all. I was quoted $100/pound here in College Station. I will take the time to search for R-12. Bob Smits #2426
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My 81 Mercedes is low on Freon and I used my last can of F-12 a year ago. My local mechanic suggests using Freeze 12. Any thoughts on the use of Freeze 12 verses converting to R-134 would be appreciated. I have been told that R 134 under performs in foreign automobiles. Thanks, Bob Smits #2426
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Thank you for the replies. The car has front drums and has only been driven a couple hundred miles since purchase. My wife has complained about the poor brakes since day one and I was actually on a test run after flushing and bleeding the system when the line broke. Since it appears that the rear brakes were not working properly I suspect my wife was correct. Bob Smits
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Just broke a front brake hose on my 68. Although it has a dual master cylinder I had no rear brakes. In addition to new hoses all around do I need a new master cylinder? Thanks, Bob Smits
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GREAT THREAD; Brings back memories of the good old days. My first trip to the museum was in 78 during spring break. We left Des Moines late on a Friday night and stayed in Omaha. There was Antique Auction on Saturday so we decided to preview it before heading for Reno. I fell in love with a 34 Pontiac which I still have today. After skiing for 5 days we stopped at the Harrah Museum on our way back to Des Moines. The first car I saw was a 1913 Garford (actually a 1912) It was love at first sight. I tried to purchase it at one of the auctions but it was above my pay scale. I was able to privately purchase a unrestored 31 Cad 370A 5P Pheaton however. The Garford ended up in the Lassiter collection and I was finally able to purchase it in 98 or 99. Still my favorite car. I couldn't agree more with James Bartlett that the break up of these collections from time to time is healthy for the hobby. Just think how many people are enjoying ex-Harrah cars today. Just my opinion.
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I agree with Restorer32. How many days a year are you on the road with your trailer? An investment is something you put money into to get a profit. Trailers are an EXPENSE. Decide if you want the expense of a Chevy verses a Cadillac. I would rather tow a Chevy and spend the extra 10K elsewhere. When you walk through the trailer parking at a National meet you will see every brand of trailer and they all successfully hauled a car to the meet, they all blow out tires and all need brake service. I still use a steel enclosed 20 ft trailer that was purchased in 1980 to haul my Corvette so any trailer you buy will probably out last you if you take care of it.
As for features get the widest trailer they make along with 16 in wheels as todays trailer tires are all made in China and they lie about their weight capacity. I would also go with at least 7000K axles and install a heavy duty winch. A drivers side door certainly makes loading and unloading easier. Don't trust the tie down rings until you are sure they attach to the frame. I have seen them screwed into 1/2 inch plywood.
If you want to save money take your time and buy a used trailer that will fit your needs. They are all over eBay and Craigs List and often they have only been towed a few times. Just my opinions after towing over 150K since 1978.
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Contact George at OlCar Bearing Co, 910 693 3324. He is very knowledgeble and only handles US made bearings
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NTX5467, Thank you for the reply and suggestions. It was very helpful.
Bob Smits
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I'm trying to help a friend get his 56 Buick ready for the Sentimental Tour. The car has sloppy steering and tends to wander on uneven roads. The front end was supposedly rebuilt during restoration by the PO. He has been told that this was common in cars with power steering of this vintage. Is that true or where should he begin looking? Tie rods and king pins are apparently solid. Car has 83K. Thanks, Bob smits
1925 franklin , steel ?
in General Discussion
Posted
Keep us up to date on your restoration now that you have all of us interested. bob smits