Avanti R2, 1963, refresh

[unimogjohn]

It is Tuesday, March 15th. Greg is a very busy boy. Here is his report. PS: After you read Greg's report, here is a link to the "rest of the story".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langley_Aerodrome

"Today's events.

I delivered the Peerless throwout bearings to Carl Mills for him to program and mill the oiling grooves. Now he's got the ball. Old Carl is a hoot. It's always good to have a reason to go see him.

Jumped through enough hoops today to satisfy the DMV. Avanti tags are a done deal.

Getting nearer to being able to road test on asphalt, so I took a few minutes to look into the parking light bulb socket problem. I was able to free the stuck contact assembly, so I stuck it where it belongs. Right front fender. Now the right side wires for parking, headlights, horn are plugged in. But not tried.

I need to be securing bumper bracketry and bumpers. After a few trips through the nearby subdivision, the car should be ready to ferry to the painter's shop for the final touchup and buffing. That would be a goood chance to give the doors a final adjustment.

I need to be getting the seat and belt ready for the drive over. Maybe should leave the new carpet out until it comes back.

Now, the day job. While my contemporaries are anxious for retirement, I shudder at the thought. I get to do the most incredible things that I could if I wasn't working.

For example: One of my responsibilities is to complete and demonstrate a copy of the engine used by Dr. Langley in his Aerodrome of 1903. That was a five cylinder rotary turned radial. When this was done by Langley's brilliant project manager Charles Manly, he realized that the engine would then need a cooling system and also flywheels. Rotary engines have inherent balance and air cooling.

Always fighting mean old Mr. Gravity, Manly chose to use "automobile rims", 33" diameter steel single tube tire rims and wire spokes. He also added counter weights. Their method in this project was to calculate the component strengths required, try it and if it failed, add some material (and weight) until it didn't.

The flywheel story: Plan A, upon startup on the dynomometer that Manly devised and constructed, the spokes failed.

Plan B, stronger spokes. They twisted out.

Plan C stronger yet. They held, but the rim buckled. Manly continued the dyno run after wrapping the rim with steel wire.

Ultimately, plan D, the flimsy rim reinforced with weight was replaced by a sandcast aluminum rim, which served them well.

I need to duplicate the flywheels (one on each side of the engine).

Through the efforts of Peter Jakab and Malcolm Collum of the Smithsonian, I've been allowed to borrow one of the failed flywheels from early 1902 . The Langley Aerodrome was constructed on Smithsonian property, they've still got a ton of artifacts in "as found" condition.

I've begun machining the hubs. Photos are included showing some of the flywheel details.

As for my old friends....go ahead and retire. To cleaning out the gutters, fixing the porch, etc. Not me.

=

Edited March 15, 2011 by unimogjohn
added link on Langley Aerodrome (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

It is Wednesday, March 16th. Too much farm stuff to do. But like Alice says "every day is an adventure".

Went to the farm coop today, and Alice says we need to fertilize the pastures. So they say they can have a spreader truck out today. So we plop down $1100, and head for home. Truck arrives and the driver looks over the pastures and says "we will try". After all it is 4 wheel drive, and huge. Well, a couple small flat pastures were done, but then, it happened. Stuck. Called in for heavy pulling power. So up comes a Dodge dually with a diesel. Pulled him right up the hill. What to do? Driver drops the rest of fertilizer, and now I have spent three hours spreading just half of the pastures. More to do today.

Greg is lucky, he gets to work on fun stuff. Here is his report.

" My chore work

I've been looking the other way when walking around the Avanti door panel stainless steel trim. Phantom Auto Works is doing the door panel upholstery and they will need these before they finish. The long skinny ones go on the carpeted portion.

Living their lives in damp carpet did cause some rust deterioration. A lot of the attachment barbs had disintegrated. After bead blasting the backsides. I prime coated the bare mild steel, buffed the shiny part and repaired the retainers.

Taking a long skinny thing to an industrial pedestal buffer is never a comfortable thing. Anyone who's done it will know what I mean.

Now to get them packaged for a ride in the big brown truck."

[unimogjohn]

Just another project. I received a note from Paul that he is a new 1923 Buick owner. Thought I would post a few pics of his ride. If he does not post to the forum I will post things as I get them. This is an original 1923 model 54 in original condition. Paul's goal is to bring her back to running condition. He currently plans to keep her "as found". She looks great. I would not touch her either.

Edited March 16, 2011 by unimogjohn (see edit history)

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

Thanks, John. And which Paul are we talking about?

Ben

[keiser31]

Very interesting dashboard background pattern.

[Scotts_DG8]

Very interesting dashboard background pattern.

I agree, quite unique. I also think this is one heck of a cute little ride and as complete as it appears agree with the "Leave as Found" approach. It would be great if he does decide to post his progress on getting this back to driving condition or at least allows you to keep us informed on his progress if you're up to it (it's almost like you've become a clearing house for restoration projects). Scott...

[unimogjohn]

Here is more on Paul's car. He is a member of the forum and his name is Super Six.

This is from Paul.

"Thought you might want to see some better pictures of the 23 Buick. The car is ALL original except for the tires, fan belt and radiator hoses! The car was in a rider truck box just two miles from the shop!

I believe the car was sold new in New York, there was only one dealer and one exporter in New York area in the year 1923. The car was on Long Island all of its life until 2008. There was a match book inside one of the doors from a resort golf club located in Babylon NY, Long Island.

There was also paper work and stamps on the original owners manual that listed the Long Island Car Museum. The Museum went out of business in the mid to late sixties and much of the collection was sold at auction.

The car was sold to a man who owned a place called Presto Motors (still on Long Island). The car was owned by him until his death (Presto Motors was closed). The car was stored after the death of his son for over 40 years! The Buick was then left to the person whom I purchased the car from, he has had it since about 2008 (just before I saw it).

The day I first saw the 23 Buick, it showed up on the back of a flat bed truck, just coming from New York. The owner asked about the possibility of restoring the car. I looked the car over and was impressed by the original features (I took several pictures when the car was there). I simply told him not to restore, just repair, maintain and preserve the current condition. Also the price made his hart skip a beat!

He then took the car away and I thought that was that! Then he showed up saying he had to sell the car, the price was way too high, and I thought that was that! He kept coming back no less that four or five times, each time the price coming down. Finally he came close to what I thought it might be worth, and I stopped by to REALLY look at the car. By this time it was in the box truck (a lousy place to keep it). I made an offer but he said it was too low. He also said a collector from NY was interested and he was a big Buick collector, apparently missing this year in his collection). I thought that was that!

Then I was working in the shop and he turned up again! I told him I like to work out something or part ways for good. We worked out the deal in about five minutes. I also told him I would only purchase the car with registration, bill of sale and proof of ownership. We now have all that worked out and as of Sunday we will be done at last.

The car has been stored at the shop for the last 8 weeks waiting for the paper work to be cleared up. I haven't worked on the car yet, other than cleaning and vacuum work. I have found a new head lamp lens for five bucks and restored the VA tags that will be used. It has attracted much attention while being in the shop. The radiator has been removed to repair a leak in the bottom tank (should have that back by next week).

The car has all the side curtains and top boot, but was missing the rods that hold up the side curtains. A fellow came in and said he had some early Buick parts. He called the other day and wanted to stop by to show me some parts he said. You would not believe what he had.........the two rods needed to hold up the side curtains! That’s awesome!!!! There even rusty!

The first step is to repair the radiator and service drive train, chassis and make adjustments as needed. I have started engine, but not driven (because of radiator leak). I have cleaned the car (no polishing, the patina will stay). I have also found a set of 1923 VA tags and painted them with cracking paint to make them look 88 years old!

One of the forum members has responded and is sending the three crusty hose clamps needed to replace the improper air craft type, thanks again!

I plan to join the BCA and partake in both AACA and BCA events. I have been a long time member of the AACA, but this forum is a new experience (a very positive experience) Thanks to all for the encouragement and interest in the 23 Buick.

[unimogjohn]

It is Thursday, March 17th. Some very sad news from Greg. I will let his words tell the story. Normally, I would not post this, but it does effect the old car hobby.

Here is Greg's report.

"Not much work done tonight. It was an evening of phone calls after hearing of very unsettling news. The very sudden loss of Billy Thompson, the founder and driving force of White Post Restorations.

I've known him since the early seventies. Enrolled as a tool and die apprentice, I also worked for him part time as he developed his automotive restoration business, then joined him full time as he expanded his operation with an in-house machine shop. From a small farm machinery and auto repair shop, he pushed the business until at one time we had thirty-six employees and a building so full of pre 1948 restorations that you couldn't walk through the place.

I don't think it unkind to say that he was demanding to work for, yet he would surprise you with his generosity. The consumate business man, promoter, showman. He spawned an entire industry of craftsmen. It was his style to find an interest, develop it to the point of excess, then walk away from it. This he did many times, yet he stayed with business at WPR for many years.

As an employee of his for fifteen years, he was an important factor not only in my life , but also my fellow employees and their families. Leaving the protection of his operation was a difficult decision, and I did on good terms. I took with me the experience of the years of projects, also the work ethics that he demanded.

So, tonight has been one of reflection and dispair. My thoughts go out to his family and the guys I left behind at the shop. I can't help but imagine that right now, wherever they are, Billy and Big Al Place are at this instant resuming their battle over control of the thermostat."

Here is a link to a local newspaper article. Billy Thompson Found Dead in Home - Clarke Daily News

[unimogjohn]

Re Paul and his 23 Buick. Paul contacted me out of the blue. That is the power of this forum. I found out that he is not just a shade tree mechanic like me. Here is a link to his website. Vintage Motorcar Company (VMC)

[unimogjohn]

It is Monday, PM, March 21st. I am busy with farm stuff, so cars are on the back burner right now. And now my new Cub Cadet just quit. So tomorrow I have to see what is up. Only 60 hours on her.

But Greg is still working on the Avanti. Here is his report. I think he is almost ready for that first ride on the country lanes.

"Started laying carpet. When we first started restoring our Avantis, Steve and I had some carpet sets made locally. This was in '72. I've some random pieces left and they will do fine for a "driver".

I'm substituting the more modern foil backed insulation for the original style jute underlayment hopefully to kill a little cabin heat.

With the important areas covered then the seats can go in. Of course, that is when I find that one of the nutplates is missing that secures the driver's seat.

You can see that I bored a hole, fashioned a nutplate from a nut brazed to a piece of sheet steel which was then accessed through the hole and rivetted in place. As of now both front seats are in place.

Next I will work on the light system, getting all bulbs working."

[unimogjohn]

It is Tuesday, March 22nd. Here is Greg's report for Monday. I have lost broadband and am on dial-up backup. So pictures are out of the question. I will post them when I get service back.

Here is Greg's report.

"Got a few things off the list tonight.

All headlamps working

All parking lights working

All turn signal lights working

Still on the list:

instrument lamps

back-up lamps

Air cleaner housing cleaned and installed, now I need new filter elements and some hose clamps.

A call to the paint guy leads me to think that he can take it in for finishing soon. Maybe this week.

And I dared try a test drive. Probably five miles total through the local subdivision.

Cone's Comment No. 7:

Any test drive that results in a round trip is a success. A test drive without a police escort even better.

Edited March 23, 2011 by unimogjohn
broadband is back, added pics. (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

It is still Tuesday, but PM. Here is Greg's report.

"Got another check mark on the list.

Trouble shot the backup lamps. Traced the problem to a broken connection for one of the ground wires....and a bad bulb.

Photo #1 Proof that the backup and tail lights work (right now).

Avanti trivia question: The backup light wire harness has a clip for securing the wire to the deck lid hinge. *To which of the four bolts does the clip attach?

Bonus: I was called to Carl's shop for Peerless throwout bearing consultation. I approved the grease groove configuration, and I stood by while his CNC machine did it's work.

The ball back in my court, I'm to bore the ID and perform the finishing touches. Photo provided."

[NCReatta]

Avanti trivia question: The backup light wire harness has a clip for securing the wire to the deck lid hinge. *To which of the four bolts does the clip attach?

I think it's the bottom left bolt..

[Roger Zimmermann]

During the construction of my model, I got some pictures from an Avanti owner.

Maybe this will help...

[unimogjohn]

Marck and Roger, thanks, will pass them on to Greg. I have to run out and look at mine also. Too dark right now.

[Roger Zimmermann]

Tjhe attachment of the wiring may be incorrect in the picture I published. I found a factory picture; it's not so clear, but the routing is different.

[unimogjohn]

Roger, thanks. Cannot get any more official than the brochure. So mine is correct, see pic.

[Roger Zimmermann]

You are welcome! Glad to help when I can...

[unimogjohn]

It is Wednesday, March 23rd. Well, I finally have some Avanti news to report on my car. I am slowly getting all the missing parts for the car. I was down to three items to make the car complete as built. I managed to win a pair of stainless steel spark plug covers on Ebay. I will put them on in a couple of days, but looking at the engine bay I will have to remove at least the air cleaner to get them on. Here is a pic.

The only two things I am missing (that I am aware of) are the original style rearview mirror and the driver's side horn.

[unimogjohn]

It is Thursday, March 24th. Have the movie guys coming out today to see if one of the 20s cars is suitable for the movie "J Edgar", which is shooting in our little town on Monday. The scene is set in 1932.

Greg is actually driving his Avanti. Here is his report.

"The rear seat cushion springs came back today. Out for chemical rust removal, they did a really good job. Dipping wasn't expensive, about the same price as the shipping out, about the same price as the shipping back. Next I'll epoxy prime them.

I stopped by the paint shop and Jason has made room for the car. I hope to run it over to him on Friday, weather permitting.

Otherwise busy day but I did find time to terrorize the neighborhood. Put about nine miles on it. Came back with the steering pump growling, so I've had about enough of it. During my lapping of the subdivision I could see that some poor fool was trailing fluid.

Time to replace the pump, I guess. Hope Johnstone's Interchange works.

Cone's Law #1: Restoration is not for the faint of checkbook."

=

[unimogjohn]

Still Thursday. Our first movie roles. The scouts came out this morning to look at the Buicks. They said, "just what we need"; something other than a Ford. They said that they have one scene in the parking basement at the Justice Dept. Building, and they were having difficulty filling up the spaces with cars other than Fords.

We won't there for that scene, but on Monday we will be taking the girls to their first movie roles at the Warrenton Court House. They said that they probably would like the 28 at a farm in The Plains, VA where a shootout is suppose to take place. To top it off they are actually paying us. Oh boy!

They do not want them all polished up as they have to make them look "used". I do have to clean the carb on the 28 so it runs right so I have a few things to do before the shoot. He said that they would probably be used as static props, but the 28 could have a driving role. "J Edgar" here we come.

[unimogjohn]

Still Thursday. Just got an update from Paul on his 1923 Buick. Here is his report. Must be getting closer to spring. Everyone is busy.

"1923 Buick model 23-6-54 progress update March 24, 2011

Finally had a chance to pay attention to one of my own shoes last night.

I was able to pick up the radiator for the Buick in Winchester from Dickey’s Radiator Repair (best place in town to take a leak); he was able to repair the bottom tank where some of the pin holes were. The core was in great shape and fine to continue to use. I cleaned the radiator in one of those magic solutions to remove rust. It worked better than expected.

I also found there was never any paint on the radiator itself, only on the two brackets that hold the shell onto the frame rails were painted black. The radiator shell was nickel and the rivets were also un painted. I gently clean the radiator, shell and stone guard under the radiator with a wash cloth and soapy water. Allowed it to dry and applied a mist of matt finish clear coat. Looks like it did, just protected from wetness.

I reinstalled the radiator and the old crusty hose clamps (thanks Mark). Fill the radiator with warm water, primed the vacuum tank, hoped and cranked. I was amazed, the old gal started and purred right before my very eyes. Thrilled with my success, I played with it until I ran my self out of the garage (can what to do that again when the smoke clears).

Next will be reinstalling hoods and preparing for short test laps around the building, Yahoo!

Paul"

[unimogjohn]

Still Thursday, and here is an exchange of email between Jim, Frank, Greg and Dave (trimacar on this forum). Years past Greg and Dave worked at White Post Restorations in VA. I know that Dave still does do some work for them on the early cars of the teens and twenties.

Anyway here is the exchange. It is a good read about a very rare car.

From: Jim

To: Frank

Subject: The Babcock Car

Hi Frank:

This car was restored by White Post Restoration in 1986. Ask Greg if it was one he worked on there.

From: Greg Cone

To: Frank

Subject: FW: The Babcock Car

Oh Frank, do I know that car well! Inside and out. David did the wonderful diamond tuft upholstery. Ask him about the time when installing the front seat upholstery. He drove a nail through the side, from inside out. After it had been painted and rubbed of course.

The car started and ran fine. Tires were a trick. Took two sets to please me. The first set were sent back as blems. I later bought them as blems for my REO. Ask David about the day we put them on.

There are only two gasoline Babcocks left as I recall.

The car was returned to Watertown, NY after restoration. The owners ran the Watertown Daily Times. It broke my heart that they spent considerable money on the restoration that I thought it deserved, and yet they wouldn't let me show it for them at Hershey. They did however show me and my family a wonderful time in Watertown.

A magnificent car, I've often wondered how they and the old thing is doing. Thanks for sending me the pic.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: David

To: Greg

Ah, Greg, you bring up such great memories. We did have fun working on that Babcock, though. Tack, Tack, Thunk, Greg walked over and looked at end of long tack sticking through side of body, and I said “Well, we have to go to tell Dave [the body and paint man]. It was a wide-eyed look back from Greg, “WE?” and he walks off……

The top irons are covered in leather, just like original, hand stitched along one side of each iron. Think it took me 3 or 4 days to do them all.

Then Greg buys the blems as he said. Trouble was they were metric sized, and about an inch too small in diameter for his Reo wheels. Doesn’t sound like much, does it? Took the two of us 9 hours, skinned knuckles and all, to mount the 4 tires.

Greg told me one time later that he had a flat, was going to have to remove tire from rim, new tube, and remount. Told him I was out of town that day, sorry couldn’t help. He said, but I didn’t tell you what day I was doing this. Doesn’t matter, I’m still out of town that day………………..

Probably one of the best upholstery jobs I’ve done, tufting so deep you could stick your fist down in it…..(well, a small fist…)

David

[unimogjohn]

It is Friday, March 25th. Finally tore into the carb of the 1928 Buick. I knew a month ago that one of the two metering tubes had clogged again. So off it came. As I suspected, one tube was plugged with just a little debris. It does not take much. So cleaned everything up and put it back on the engine. Fired right up, yep, that fixed the problem; but oh, look at all the fuel pouring out the top of the carb. I did not get the needle valve in correctly and it stuck open. So that took another hour to redo. Oh well. Runs great now. And I did drain out all the oil fuel in the tank, and will put in five fresh gallons tomorrow. Here are a few pics, and one of the offending tubes.

Then I spent the afternoon washing both the 23 and 28. Going to be freezing tomorrow so today was the day to do it. I will do some detailing tomorrow, but not much. Here are a couple of pics. They are now all ready for their movie shoot on Monday. That should be a great day. Here are a couple of pics of the clean cars.

Oh, snow on Sunday, three or more inches. Will winter ever end?

[unimogjohn]

It is Monday, March 28th. Off to make a movie. We arrived at 9AM, well before the scheduled time of 10AM. Glad we did as we were able to meet the other car owners as they rolled in. In total there were about twelve cars. A few ended up not being used as they a few too many.

We got the 23 off the trailer and was directed off to the side; the 28 was parked inside the shoot area, but off to the side. To my surprise they told me that the 28 was to be in the movie as a driver, and I was directed to wardrobe and make-up. I did not get any make-up, but I did get a haircut for the period and all decked out in period garb.

I was directed to move the 23 to a spot in front of the court house. She was to be one of three cars in the front with all the actors. I did as I was told and the prop folks promptly came over and put on 1932 NJ plates and then sprayed down the car with mud. They wanted to make it look like it had been driven to the court house.

Clint Eastwood, the director, arrived to screams and much clapping of the crowd. For the next two hours all the actors rehearsed and then filmed the scenes. They nixed the old car driving by, so I did not get in the movie, but both cars did. Here are some pics.

We had a great time, people loved the cars, and we let anyone sit in them and take pictures. There must have been 500 or more watching the filming.

We have been invited to take both cars to another shoot tomorrow at the "Lindbergh" farm. That should be fun as Leonardo DiCaprio will be acting there.

Edited March 28, 2011 by unimogjohn (see edit history)

[Bill Stoneberg]

Then I spent the afternoon washing both the 23 and 28.

I did as I was told and the prop folks promptly came over and put on 1932 NJ plates and then sprayed down the car with mud. They wanted to make it look like it had been driven to the court house.

Figures, get the car all cleaned up and then get mud all over.

It looks like a good time.

[unimogjohn]

It is Tuesday morning, March 29th. Up early again and have to get the cars ready again. Left the 23 on the trailer, drained all the water out due to the freezing weather, put a space heater next to the engine and put on the battery tender. All I have to do is put water in the radiator this morning. Going to leave on the mud from the shoot yesterday. Should be every interesting today as there will be no public viewing.

And here is Greg's report from last night.

"Another busy day.

I'm working up another distributor for the car, so I called in an order for more points and condenser.

While downtown, we hiked up the hill to Main Street to see how Feser was coming. He's involved with the making of an Eastwood film and he brought a couple of his cars. Saw his cars but no John. After reading his AACA forum post, I realize that I missed an opportunity to throw mud on his cars.

Then the call came from Jason to come fetch the Studebaker. He worked out a sag on the front fender and readjusted the doors for me."

[trimacar]

John, John, John....oh my....I'm heartbroken.....wish I could have brought a car for the shoot....I have a nephew, Lea Coco, in the movie, as one of the FBI agents..Agent Sisk I believe.....oh man...and here I am stuck in California....glad you got to do it though, bet the Buick will look great in the movie!

Ah, man........

[unimogjohn]

Dave, I met agent Fisk, aka Lea Coco, on the set yesterday. He was in the shoot for most of the day. And he came up to me and introduced himself. Great young man.

And here is my report from yesterday.

Started work at 8 AM just got home at 11 PM. It was an all day shoot at Belvoir farm in The Plains, which was cast as the Lindbergh farm; and then some more scenes shot down the road in a garage that was suppose to be the garage of Lindbergh's farm. We had a great time both days, and they used our cars for all the shoots.

Shooting at the farm was much better to see everything going on as it was not open to the public. We started work at very early and did not get done until about 10 PM. We had to leave both our cars at the farm as it was too dark to drive or load them. So we will go back tomorrow AM to get them, hopefully before the snow comes.

We saw a lot of Clint and Leo; and all the other actors. The film crew was great and treated us like we were apart of the crew. They really liked the cars and were in almost every shot as background. The 28 is directly behind Hoover's car as it pulls up to the farm; exciting.

I was even personally directed by Clint Eastwood too. The Ford staff car would not start on cue. It was carrying Hoover from the scene. So with a flick of his wrist, Clint directed several us "lookie loos" to come over and pull the car from scene with a black rope.

Both cars were used in both places. But the 28 was placed directly behind Hoover's staff car so it will be in the scene where the car pulls up to the house. The 23 was behind it, and it might make the scene too.

Have to head out this morning and pick up the cars. It was pitch black and we did not want to risk load and driving back to the farm. We went home, picked up a couple of blue tarps and covered them up. We did not get home until midnight. But what a great day.

[trimacar]

John, thanks for update, and so glad you got to meet Lea. He's been an actor for years, mostly plays in Chicago, some TV, a few low budget movies, this is his "break" into the big time!

Heading home today, is there any shooting still going on Thursday? I could bring my Pierce!!

Well, may have my question answered, talked to brother about his son, and he said that he thought the shooting was over tomorrow, and the group (they were staying in Washington DC) was heading back to Los Angelos.......oh well.....

Edited March 30, 2011 by trimacar
added answer to my own question (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

It is Thursday, March 31st. Another cold day, snow expected. We were able to pick up both cars on Wednesday morning. Had a nice talk with the owner of the farm and he took us to his garage. There inside was a 1937 Ford sedan and a 1955 T Bird with 22K miles. The Bird was his mother's car. It is stored in a garage with the top off. It was quite dirty and there was some rust forming on the motor parts. But all in all, it was a great looking car. Just needed a little TLC to be perfect.

Here is Greg's report from yesterday. No pics, bummer.

"As if things around here weren't hard enough... someone hacked my email and sent out a Viagra commercial. Sorry about that. Now I (a computer illiterate) need to find a solution for the intrusion, or a new email account. Otherwise, a busy couple days without a lot of auto accomplishment.

Last night I drove to Rob's where I not only dialed in another distributor, but got in some Stoddard quality time. I got the oil pressure relief plumbing secured, and we put up the oil pan. Next trip I'll fill it with oil and try out the system.

Tonight I was late getting in from a field trip, caught in the DC rush hour traffic and finding this email problem cost me the evening. Not enough hours in the day."

[unimogjohn]

It is Monday, April 4th. Going from 50 degrees yesterday to over 80 degrees today. Did I miss spring?

I cleaned up the mud from the 23 MLB so she is ready for her next run. Other than that I have not been doing much on the old cars. Just too much other stuff going on. I have a new to me Club Cadet tractor that decided not to run anymore. Have tried about everything to including pulling the flywheel to check for a broken key. No luck so far. Pulled the carb yesterday and will try to find the time to look at it today.

Also on Saturday, we headed home from town after dinner, and we got run into by a deer. Did not see it. The Trailblazer took a hit, but all plastic parts. Ordered some grille parts and glue. So another project to do.

But Greg is busy as usual. Here is his weekend report.

"Got in a little Studebaker time. Same old story. Still doing everything twice.

I ordered new seat belts. Punctured the new carpets for the seat belt anchors, was hooking up the new belts and guess what? They sent me one proper belt, the other seems to be for XXL or Hefty. It is absolute hell for me to go through the paces to get something mailed out. So I talked to Trimacar and it was decided that we'd just shorten it in the method it was assembled.

I also spent a little time putting on two more emblems. The repro STUDEBAKER for the trunk was a problem. They cast the mounting studs too small. Too small for the stamped palnuts to grip. I applied electrical shrink tubing to the studs and that allows the nuts to secure it to the trunk lid.

Sunday saw a road trip to work on the Dayton a bit. Tightened all the plugs, added oil and water so that I could try running it enough to test the new old oil pressure regulator. Mostly good news. The regulator works too well. What used to be too much oil pressure is now barely any. That means success is just a proper spring away.

But this weekend's true highlight was a staff "class reunion" at White Post Restorations. The first ever, we had an outstanding turnout. We walked through the shop looking over the projects, but it was also a tour down a restoration memory lane.

Rob Burchill took a few minutes to remind us of who had started the operation, and how he enriched our lives and had left his mark on the entire antique car world. Then the stories started and David "Trimacar" Coco kept them going. Some food, some drinks, and time with old friends. We'd all spent time together in the trenches of the war against rust and rot.

And I was so glad to be in the company of so many who have worked their way to the top of their field. Craig Naff for his world famous ability of metal forming, David Carte, top of the pile in the world of Ferraris, Talbot Lagos, etc., Paul Rose cranking out the restoration under his own shingle, Ham Dyer who knows no limits, I can't name them all. I wonder just how many hundred years of restoration experience was in attendance.

The current crew is as enthusiatic as ever. Under the leadership of Billy's son WR who has remained in the trenches all these years, and his son Billy Ray who really impresses us with his desire to keep WPR a leader in the restoration industry. We forsee a fresh direction and another generation or two in a very difficult business.

Otherwise, my cell phone laid down on me, but I cleaned the battery and battery box and now it's back on the air. That's all for now, signing off.

Edited April 4, 2011 by unimogjohn (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

It is Monday evening. Here is a note from Greg.

Autoweek article on the death of Billy Thompson, White Post Restorations

W. R. ‘Billy' Thompson, owner of White Post Restorations, dies at 72 - AutoWeek Magazine

[unimogjohn]

It is Tuesday, April 5th. 88 degrees yesterday, and 53 today. A quick spring. Here is Greg's report from last night.

Followed the instructions in the service manual for aiming the headlights.

Next to clean the glass covers, chrome bezels and hopefully the rubber gaskets fit and all will be installed.

[unimogjohn]

It is Wednesday, April 6th. Off this morning to get the oil changed in the Passat. Takes 9 qts of special VW oil so it is cheaper to have the dealer do it.

But here is Greg's report.

Only had one set of keys for the Avanti, so I tried locally to get another set cut. No such luck. Called the locksmith in Winchester and he said that he had a few of the key blanks left, so I caught him before his quitting time. Got a couple sets made.

Stopped by the storage garage to look for another exterior door handle assembly , should be a couple there somewhere.

As you can see by the photo, one of mine had been broken, even though functional. I couldn't find any. The broken handle appears to be some sort of zinc die cast, so doubt I can weld on a repair. Guess I'll have to start a search.

Did make a major find while there. Stumbled across my secret hiding place for my genuine New Old Stock cardboard headliners, and a used set as well. Color me happy about that. The car had a good (although slightly saggy) set in it....until I took out the rear liner for safekeeping and the landlady folded it up and threw it away for trash.

I've assembled the driver's door handle while I determine what to do about the broken one.

I also stopped by Phil's . Dropped off a random assortment of carpets. They might be of help in getting another set made up for his '63. I had a nice chat with his son John about distributors, camshafts , etc and picked up the flyweights and springs to build up another distributor. He wasn't there, so hey Phil, bill me!

I think that's all the automotive news to report tonight.

[Roger Zimmermann]

Knowing the skills from Greg, it would not be too difficult to do one handle in brass and let chrome it!

Another possibility is to laser weld the diecast part; it can be done; I have an address...in Switzerland.

Edited April 6, 2011 by Roger Zimmermann
comment added (see edit history)

[Guest Corvanti]

my '63 avanti passenger door handle broke off in my hand as i opened the passenger door last summer :mad: only place i could find one was nostalgic motors - was $90. :eek:

[unimogjohn]

Thanks guys, passed on the information to Greg.

Decided to install my newly cleaned carb on the Club Cadet. It was not dirty inside, but took the opportunity to clean it up and blow out the passages. Here are a couple of pics of it.

Tried to start it, no change. I am about at my wits end, could it be an internal problem like a sheared cam gear?

The background is that I have been working on my new to me Club Cadet with a Kohler 23 hp OHV twin motor. Only 60 hours on it. Had been working great. Three weeks ago it was running on only one cylinder, then it coughed and quit. Would not restart. So checked spark, saw spark; drained out all the old fuel and put new in with new filter, no change; pulled flywheel, key, OK; checked all the wiring, looked fine; fuel pump, pumps OK; carb issue, cleaned and no change.

On a lark and because they are right there in front of me, took off the valve covers. This is what I found. Now what could cause this? Bad gas? Guess I better run to the parts house tomorrow.

At least I found the problem. Everything else looks fine in the valve assembly, but will look more closely tomorrow.

[30 Hupp]

You seem to have my kind of luck, John! Hope that's all the problem!

Dale

[unimogjohn]

Dale, sometimes if I did not have bad luck, I would not have any luck at all. Actually, it has been kinda fun finding out the problem. And here is what I found out about Kohler engines. Who knew. This is from a small engine forum.

Re: Kohler Engines?

Do you know what causes bent push rods? Every time I've seen a bent push rod, I asked the owner does he choke the engine everytime on start up.....They all say yes! It is a little known fact that the choke should not be pulled "UNTIL" the engine begins to spin. The over choking causes a over compression condition that forces the valves to not open therefore bending the weakest part of the valve train, "the push rods". I would try less choke, and a cleaner air filter to allow better air flow.

As for a broken Governor....check your Governor spring, or carb. throttle valve, or even for a vacum leak before you ship it off for more repairs.