TomP Posted December 25, 2010 Share Posted December 25, 2010 Hi GuysI'm Tom, home is Barnstaple, Devon, which is South West, UK. I am trying to find as much information about the model 68 3 window Coupe before viewing one with the intention to purchase.This is what I know about the particular car.I would discribe it as a barn find. It is said to be 85% complete and I have only seen a very poor photograph of it that I can't reproduce. The wood work is completely gone, there is no roof structure or fabric, the seat frames are gone. The side mounts are missing but only the wheels, radiator shell is there without cores.It stands on 4 wheels, body work and chassis are sound, all doors truck lid and hood with side panels are there, dashboard is complete. the engine, gearbox and drive train are thought to be rebuildable, there is very little rust and does not need any replacement panels.There are no documents or import papers but the seller states that it his property to dispose of.I'm looking for a worthwhile project to undertake after retirement and thought this may fit the bill. Have always tinkered with cars and feel I have the ability to undertake a restoration project.Thanks for looking and hope you can help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted December 28, 2010 Share Posted December 28, 2010 Hi Tom, Welcome! This is a scarce car being a coupe, and all the things you mentioned are capable of being restored. Just be prepared to do a lot of wood working unless it's just the top of the car. That, and all the woodwork should be fairly doable if you're capable. Most of the cars in the 20's and early 30's had a lot of wood in them from bottom to top so be prepared.The rest of the missing parts should be available with a lot of hunting. I suggest that you join or contact the Marmon Club (They have a website). There may be parts on there right now that you need. Good luck, and a Happy New Year! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted December 28, 2010 Author Share Posted December 28, 2010 Hi kaycee.Thanks for your reply, have already contacted the club, have had a reply advicing me that my email has been forwarded to a member that should be able to help. My problem was that I couldn't find anything much about the model and with the amount of work needed I don't think guessing is the way to go.I'm a better carpenter an a metal shaper provided I can find info it could be a goer, I'm told that all the wood has gone, for what reason I don't know, perhaps its changed hands a few times?? At present no history but I suspect it is known by the right people??Have asked the question about the seat frames thinking they would be metal but they are not there, so would that be because the floor has rotted out or been removed?? lots of questions and maybe's but at least I am now getting some responce.From what I have found so far am I correct in thinking that the floor would have been White Oak. Have you any idea if detailed specifications of sizes and materials is available?All the best for 2011, lets hope its good to us all.Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted December 31, 2010 Share Posted December 31, 2010 Hi Tom, The lower wood is probably white oak, but Marmon used other hardwoods for the rest of the car like ash, maple, and red oak. If you're able, try to find a copy of The Marmon Heritage, a big hardbound book on Marmons. It's an excellent book and available on e-Bay at times, and will provide you with a lot of information along with the Marmon club. Good luck, and have a great New Year! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted December 31, 2010 Author Share Posted December 31, 2010 Thanks kaycee.I will keep an eye out for the heritage book, I understand they hold their money well. Have now had a reply from the Marmon Club, fortunate for me the guy that specialises in the model 68 lives in the UK, just waiting for his reply.Will keep you posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 Good luck , Tom, and again, a Happy New Tear! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 Tom, I meant Happy New Year, not tear. Tears come after working on these old cars for awhile! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 2, 2011 Share Posted January 2, 2011 Hi again Tom, There's a Marmon Heritage book on e-Bay now, and will be on for nine days. It's starting price is $19.99, but be prepared to pay a lot more. e-Bay item number is : 220717873609. Good luck! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 2, 2011 Author Share Posted January 2, 2011 Thanks for that kaycee, would have missed it if you hadn't given me the nod.Lets see where it goes $76 at mo.Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 3, 2011 Share Posted January 3, 2011 You're welcome, Tom. I bought mine when they were new and paid about $40.00, but have seen them on e-Bay go up to $250-$350 or more. Good luck! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 3, 2011 Author Share Posted January 3, 2011 $40.00 can't see one going for that now.Would you have any idea of what the roof of the 68 Coupe would be made from? From what I have found so far it would not be steel, a wooden frame covered with a fabric and some sort of resin would be my guess, was wondering if that sort of info would be in the heritage book?Have now had contact with the Marmon expert based here in the UK and he has offered to meet me when I go to see the remains in approx wks time, I ask him about the roof but his experience is mainly with the 68 Sadan.Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambarn Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 Tom the roof for my 27 Marmon model L coupe looks very similar and is wood frame with a vinyl covering and padding and what feels like chicken wire underneath. Looks like you could easily rebuild if you are good with wood. the vinyl is available, I have been told that there are model a parts suppliers that can sell you the proper vinyl. Good luck with the 68 and I hope you choose to join the Marmon club, a great organization and great people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 4, 2011 Author Share Posted January 4, 2011 Hi Sam.Thanks for your comments,would you think the vinyl would be preformed around the corners? the image didn't come thru, seen post from Ron but a bit dated.Any where near Harvest? got a pal there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 Hi Tom, The top is vinyl over a thin felt pad over a chickenwire mesh on my '27 Little 8. You should'nt have problem finding any of these items or rebuilding the wood top bows. kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 Tom, Another comment, the corners will stretch with a little pulling and a hairdryer or heat lamp. kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambarn Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 Tom, I am near Harvest, or at least the cars are and as far as my father, he passed away in 2008. Lucky for me though he passed on his obsession for the Marmon's and the hobby. The vinyl, Like Kaycee says, is stretched around the corner. I can get pics for you but it'll be two weeks before I make it back to the cars to get a good detailed pic. As far as parts go, some Marmon's are exceptionally easy to find parts for, especially through the club. There's a complete, rusted body 68 being parted in the Marmon News this month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 4, 2011 Author Share Posted January 4, 2011 Hi SamSorry to hear about your dad, he has left you quite a legacy and probably a lot of history.you have PMCheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 7, 2011 Author Share Posted January 7, 2011 Hi guys.From a very poor photo the remains are now thought to be a 78 Coupe, personally don't know what the difference is but you guys will know. Four days before I view, hope its up to my expectations don't want to be dissapointed.Will post pics Tuesday Thanks for looking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Hi Tom, The model 78 will be a longer wheelbase (120 inches versus 114 inches) than the model 68. It should have a serial number on the left of the dashboard that should start with the letter Y followed by 1 and another two letters and then two numbers. The 'plaque' will be about 4 inches long by approx. 1 1/4wide. The engine will be an overhead valve 8 cyl.( versus a flathead 8 on the model 68) with the serial number on the left (drivers)side and starting with the letter N followed by four numbers. This info is assuming that it was shipped from the US and not modified. Marmon exported a lot of cars in the 20's, so it's possibly right hand drive. Please do send some pictures along with the serial numbers. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail or PM me. Good luck, and bid on that book! kaycee e-mail littleeight@att.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 kaycee thats great info, thanks will let you know its progress, regarding heritage watching.Thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 Sorry folk, the viewing did not happen, will have to reschedule once the seller gets back to me, he has assured me that he does have a Marmon for sale.Looking on the bright side I have just won the Marmon Heritage at what I think is a good price, not sure what shipping will be but thats life.Thanks for looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Hi Tom, Congradulations on winning the Marmon Heritage book, and at a great price even with shipping charges. Now, hopefully the seller of the car comes through. Please keep us posted. Good luck! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bungwahl Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Hi Tom PRead your Marmon story with great interest. I am in Australia and would love to see photos of the car you intend to purchase, as I am interested in one the same over here. I wish you luck in your prospective purchase. I understand the Marmon club's register has only 6 registered vehicles of that body style recorded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 12, 2011 Author Share Posted January 12, 2011 Hi Bungwahi.We are thinking that this is now a 78 3 window Coupe, but until I am able to get the chassis and engine Nos. we are in no mans land, once thats done we will all have photos to view.Good luck with your intended.Thanks for looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bungwahl Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Hi Tom..looking fwd to seeing the photos...have you received heritage book yet...does it have detailed specs and info on each model ? I will be on lookout for one if I am lucky enough to acquire the car i'm after. Can you let me know suitable email address, I'd like to send a few pix of coupe I'm looking at in Australia, also RHD 29 model, definitely series 68, but has a roof structure in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Hi Bungwahl, The Marmon Heritage book has about everything you need to know about the model 68 you're looking at. Another good book to look for Tom and you (regardless of whether you're looking at a model 68 or 78) is a reprint (commonly found on eBay) of a Chiltons interchange manual. Mine covers almost all cars '27-32, and they're about $20.00 US. It's a good reference for parts. kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 14, 2011 Author Share Posted January 14, 2011 Still no news regarding viewing, selling does not appear on the sellers list of priorities.Regarding 'Heritage' still waiting for US seller to advice shipping cost to UK.Just a waiting game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bungwahl Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Thanks for your advice Kaycee...will keep a lookout on ebay. Fingers crossed on the inspection of the car...hope the seller is "fair dinkum" about selling it.Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bungwahl Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 Sorry Kaycee...second part of previous message for Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 Hi Bungwahl, No problem. Good luck on your purchase! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 17, 2011 Author Share Posted January 17, 2011 Hi kaycee.Can you give me more info on the Chiltons interchange manual, I can't find it listed.Re. Heritage, on its way to me, thanks your a star. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 (edited) Good news guys.The owner has come back to me, will now wait for the Heritage book to turn up before I make the trip.keep you posted. Edited January 19, 2011 by TomP (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Hi Tom, Great on the seller of the car contacting you. You have two choices on the reprint of the Chiltons Interchange Manual '27-'33. Number one (my favorite) is eBay number250714775816 (Buy it Now) bound and printed $24.95 +shipping (US $6.00), or number two from a different seller is Buy it Now number 220597821178 $19.99 no shipping but on a pdf copy cd which you would have to copy 100 pages on your printer. I'd spend the extra few dollars and buy the printed manual which I have. Both of these sellers have a lot of these so time is'nt a real factor. Another good ORIGINAL book to look for is a Chiltons Flat Rate and Service Manual (29-31 or'32 (hard to come by ), which has a lot of info. If you look at the car and buy it, a must is the original Marmon factory literature like the owners manual, service manual and parts manual,and factory brochure (preferably color). These come up on eBay at times, but the big literature dealers list some although Marmons are rare. One is Autolit. com on the net, and he lists things on eBay also at times. Please keep me posted! Incidentally,I just bought a '29 ad from Pass and Joyce co, London (old Marmon dealers in the 20-30's ) off e Bay today. kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Hi again Tom, I gave you the wrong number for the bound Interchange manual. It should be 250721944804. Sorry. kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 Hi kaycee.Thanks for the info. Purchased the first interchange before seeing your second post :eek: hopefully the seller will swap it over for me. I have set-up world wide search on Ebay but don't get the leads your getting without doing a manual search??Yes it is good news about the car, just having problems sorting out when to see it as their is a third party I want to come with me. I'm 160 miles from it and he's 240 miles and our working patterns are totally different. Maybe a couple of weeks before we can get together which will give me time to get the literature together.I'm told its a 78 as the front wings fenders have curved detail at the front edge.Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Hi Tom, On eBay the same seller has both the bound books and they're the same book and he has them on constantly, only I thought the first number I came up with was coming up on eBay sooner so I gave you the last number. I came up with this info on eBay just searching 'interchange manual', and for Marmon, I type in Marmon almost daily to see the newest things up for bid, but most of the time I go to 'auctions only' and ending soonest so I don't have to go through all the Buy it Now items. I checked (on search for autolit.com) tonight and he has a 29 '68 &78 part color brochure folder for $45.00 US, so I'd advise going to his site (which you can purchase from directly), 'punching in' US under categories and down to Marmon to see what may interest you. I have several ads and other Marmon things that I've purchased of '28,29, 30, and some on earlier years or the newer '31-33 Marmon 16 and Big 8s on eBay(even though I have a '27 Marmon Little 8 , the first Marmon 8 and the fore runner of the model 78 starting in '28). As I mentioned earlier, the '78 has an overhead valve straight 8 a bored out version of the Little8 and the '68 (which also started up in '28) has a flathead engine. When you get your Marmon Heritage book (and then hopefully the car) you'll find a lot more info and pictures.As usual, keep us posted! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted February 8, 2011 Author Share Posted February 8, 2011 Just to update you guys I viewed the Marmon and surprise surprise it was the car that Lee Holman sold on Ebay early last year. Here's the link to the local news cutting.1929 Marmon roadster set to take journey from Sedalia to the U.K. | span, style, font - Top Story - Sedalia DemocratFunny how prices change, what started out at around $1300 is now $6400 in the UK and all that's Marmon is a body and a chassis with springs. The straight eight engine has already been sold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 (edited) Oh Brother ~~~It sure sounds like this fellow selling the Marmon bought and shipped it to the UK just to get the engine & drive-train for another better project car. Now it appears he is trying to sell whatever is left-over to try to recoup his purchase & shipping costs ! There is more to this story than he is telling you~~~I would bet ~~~ What a sad let-down for you after all this waiting & anticipation time !Another "wild-goose -chase" as we say here in the USA !I feel very bad for you~~~Keep searching for your dream car ; you will find it some day !Follow Your Dream~ Edited February 8, 2011 by Silverghost (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaycee Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 Hi Tom P, 'Sorry things did'nt work out, but at least you have the book which you'll be able to recoup your investment on, and keep looking for another Marmon or something else if you run into it. Best of luck, and keep us in mind! kaycee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 Thanks for your kind thoughts, certainly was a wild goose chase, the annoying thing is that the body would restore relatively easily, its almost 97% solid but if left for long as it is in the building its in, deterioration in the UK elements will soon take hold.To try and collect whats not there would be a mountain perhaps impossible to climb, but it would be a dream to one day own a piece of American history of that style.In all fairness to the guys that have handled the car in recent months its all to do with the supply train and they will buy and sell what they can to make money on regardless, its what they do, sell their own grandmothers to make a buck.All I can ask you guys to do is keep an ear to the ground and if you hear of something too far gone for economic restoration but in the same style, remember TomP and send me a message.Many thanks for your interest, take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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