ron hausmann Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 All,Here are a couple of pictures of my progress on restoring the 1923 Kissel Model 6-55 Brougham Opera Sedan which we acquired two years ago. Shed-find. The wood work, Nickel, body panels, painting, are nearly all done and we should be installing the big Kissel Custom 6-55 engine into it next month. New connecting rods made and aluminum pistons. Then to the upholstery shop in January. This car, one of only two of this year and model which remain in the world, will be debuted at the 2013 St. John's Concours de Elegance in Michigan. Thanks, RON HAUSMANN P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Very nice Ron. Will we see it at Hershey? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted November 15, 2012 Author Share Posted November 15, 2012 Restorer32,Never have been to Hershey. I'm not retired and still working and traveling all over the country for my business. Maybe will get there in a few years. Take Care, RON HAUSMANN P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Nice to see such efforts expended on a closed car - very elegant. Thanks for sharing your updates, Ron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Yes, please keep us posted on your progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Nice car, Thank you for the photos and update. Worked on a 1913 Kissel years ago. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Standard Eight Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Nice. I like the rounded radiator surround.Butler Old Stone House RegionClub Website: www.aacabosh.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldren Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 It is looking great. I'm so glad that you have saved. Lee waldren Florida Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motoringicons Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Looks great, Ron. Hope you can finish it in time for the St. John's Concours! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 Handsome car! Interesting how the running boards stop well short of the front fenders. Will that gap be filled by sidemount spares or will the spare (or spares) go on the back? That would look very sporty, I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted November 19, 2012 Author Share Posted November 19, 2012 All,Here are several more, better pictures I took yesterday. Now the car has brand new, tensioned, Gabriel Snubbers!.Thanks, RON HAUSMANN P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Graham Clayton Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Nice to see a closed Kissel - most people think of the Gold Bug speedster when Kissel is mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share Posted January 8, 2013 Actually, many of the enclosed models are much rarer than the already-rare Kissel Gold Bugs. This 1923 Kissel Model 6-55 Brougham Opera sedan is one of two that exist - mine with the restoration almost completed, and an original non-runner in the Kissel Museum in Hartford, Wisconsin. On the other hand, my 1923 Kissel Model 6-45 Gold Bug Speedster is one of three restored, and there are another incomplete and unrestored two that also exist. My 1927 Kissel Model 8-65 enclosed Brougham Standard two door is the only one that exists. So "yes" these enclosed ones are rare.Thanks, RON Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted February 16, 2013 Author Share Posted February 16, 2013 All,here are several pictures taken January 29, 2013 which show the 1923 Kissel Model 6-55 Brougham Opera Sedan's progress. Upholstery and top are done. Micsellaneous trim and fittings, alot of them, are done. Just awaiting Engine completion next month and drop it in. Upholstery and top were done by Mark Larder Classic Car Upholstery, Homer, Michigan, and they did a wonderful job. We used an optional light Kissel Gray and Maroon pattern wool with Maroon windlacing, which really looks great.The ladies with me are Valerie (blond), one of my many daughters, and Esther (dark hair) my wife.Thanks, Ron Hausmann P.E.air) my wife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted May 22, 2013 Author Share Posted May 22, 2013 All,Here are a few more restoration shots of the 1923 Kissel Model 6-55 Brougham Sedan. It is ALL DONE except for mounting the egine, and then putting the hood and sidemounted tires back on. I left these off because it will be much easier to fiddle with the engine without those on. The custom Kissel visor and windshield were hard to get done, but worth the trouble. The Kissel will make its debut at the 2013 Concours de Elegance at St. John's this July, 2013. It's 90-year "coming out" party. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Great job Ron! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Nice Ron. Still think you should bring it to Hershey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Sweet ride and great job!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motoringicons Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Looking forward to seeing it at St. Johns! Great Job!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 13, 2013 Author Share Posted July 13, 2013 All,Update. This weekend (7-13-13) the new Kissel Model 6-55 engine is being started up and test run, and then mounted into the 1923 Kissel Brougham Opera Sedan. Many thanks to St. Claire Engine Rebuilding, Armada, Michigan, and its Owner Larry, for this wonderful job. He's pictured in the foreground in the pictures. If any of you out there want a craftsman to do an exact engine overhaul or engine rebuild, he's great to work with.Thanks, RON HAUSMANN P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 Looks great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldren Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 All,Update. This weekend (7-13-13) the new Kissel Model 6-55 engine is being started up and test run, and then mounted into the 1923 Kissel Brougham Opera Sedan. Many thanks to St. Claire Engine Rebuilding, Armada, Michigan, and its Owner Larry, for this wonderful job. He's pictured in the foreground in the pictures. If any of you out there want a craftsman to do an exact engine overhaul or engine rebuild, he's great to work with.Thanks, RON HAUSMANN P.E.Fantastic. The Kissel never looked better. Good job. Leroy Waldren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 All,Here's a picture of the Kissel Model 6-55 engine with all the brass and nickle fittings mounted. It's been run several hours now and should be in the car tonight, driving this weekend. This is one of only two 1923 Kissel Model 6-55 Brougham Deluxe Opera Sedans that exist, and is the only restored and running car. the other one is in the Kissel Museum in Wisconsin. My car will debut at the 2013 Concours de' Elegance at the Inn of St. John's in 2 weeks. Thanks, Ron Hausmann P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulrhd29nz Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Very nice looking indeed. Can you please tell us what that W 12 block is on the floor right by your fan blade? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 18, 2013 Author Share Posted July 18, 2013 paulrhd,Sorry but don't know about the W 12 block. This picture is at my engine repair guy's shop. St. Claire Engine Rebuilding, Armada, Michigan. Owner is Larry.Thanks, Ron Hausmann P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 All,the Engine is in the car, and we've taken it for a few test drives. Sounds beautiful. thank you St. Claire Engine! Except for cleaning and some tuning, the car is brand new, 100% restored. It will be at the St. John's Concours de' Elegance in plymouth, Michigan this weekend, and is one of the 30 City of Northville "Concours Preview Cars" for Saturday night's Gala. It is finishing just in time !!! Here are some pics.Thanks, Ron Hausmann P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Very NICE!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Nice work. I'm shocked at how quick you did that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 A two and a half year restoration, when I have a demanding full time job, is still too long!Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 There has been increasing interest in Kissel the last few years it seems with cars being bought, sold, toured and restored. Nice job Ron. My Son will get to see your car at St Johns this weekend. Sadly business will keep me here. At least 5 Kissels have been treated to full show restorations in the last 15 years or so, 3 Gold Bugs and now 2 Broughams, with more underway I'm told. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 25, 2013 Author Share Posted July 25, 2013 Restorer,When I bought my 1923 Kissel Gold bug in 2007, I went web crazy and posted a lot of Kissel pictures. adding to that mischief, one of my sons-in-laws gave me a website for Christmas and so I was able to properly brag about the beautiful legacy of this lesser known American Heartland marque. I can't help but wonder if my Internet flooding has had something to do with raising the public's interest in Kissels. And yes, Fatty Arbuckle's 1923 Kissel Model 6-45 Gold bug Speedster, a twin to mine, has just finished a beautiful show restoration and just been shown. There are about 15 high end show car Gold Bugs, and another 10 drivers. See my web site.thanks, Ron Hausmann p.e. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 27, 2013 Author Share Posted July 27, 2013 All,It's Done. Here are pictures of the detailed 1923 Kissel Model 6-55 Brougham Deluxe Opera Sedan on 7-26-13. Show time this weekend.Ron Hausmann P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Ron, have fun. I brought a car to St Johns last year and it is a very well done show. I'm sure they will have some great cars there. Since you are finishing the car today I assume you are not 12 hours away from Plymouth MI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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