ron hausmann Posted April 21, 2019 Author Share Posted April 21, 2019 Mike , Not a silly question. The aluminum panel trim strips are L-shaped. The hidden sides that surround the panels are flat and drilled and countersunk for small trim screws to anchor each piece to the sides. lot of work. Thanks, Ron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Macartney Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 Thanks for that, Ron. You have given me an idea for the floor on my 1914 Humberette, as it has a removable floor board to get to the gearbox. I was thinking of 'lino' for the floor covering but I may use rubber matting instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S. Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 Ron, wonderful work on the Kissel. Beautiful car. Thanks, John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 23, 2019 Author Share Posted April 23, 2019 All, - This is how she looks today. Essentially done, except missing interior upholstery and some door and hood latch trim being nickeled. I have started working on convertible top sockets and top bows. Ultimately, I plan on displaying her in Convertible guise with the removeable (black) hard top next to it. Ron Hausmann P.E. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 (edited) Wonderful looking car! Beautiful work and congratulations on your finishing of the job. PM sent. Edited April 24, 2019 by keiser31 (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Boehm Posted April 24, 2019 Share Posted April 24, 2019 You are leaving us in suspense! Did you do the test drive on Monday? How did it go? I have been watching and enjoying your thread for a long time, but this is the first time I have posted a response. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 24, 2019 Author Share Posted April 24, 2019 Tom, On Monday we tested my wiring job. My wiring was fine but the original ignition switch was bad. Upon inspection it looks like the brass contacts are loose and my modern solder just causes havoc with the original leaded solder, so I couldn’t resurrect that switch. Luckily I had several externally similar switch knobs so we canabalized one that works. We aren’t done yet but we did “bump” the ignition system and the engine turns fine. We should be driving very soon. Below is a picture of a correct KisselKar dash with unique ignition switch that mounts in, not on, the dash. Ron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 27, 2019 Author Share Posted April 27, 2019 All Coincidence never ceases to astound me - out of the blue yesterday, I was contacted by a person who has a complete NOS, yes NOS, convertible top for a 1917-1918 Kissel Sedanlette. It has never been mounted. Yes brand new101-year old convertible top.The fabric is somewhat deteriorated due to age, handling and humidity, but the sockets, and top bows, AND all top rest hardware unique to Kissel, are there. It’s perfect for everything and pattern. It even has the Kissel rear portholes. I just bought it outright. How could we not? Here are some pictures. I will have I reupholstered in wine -colored fabric next month once I get it. Wow - what are the chances of this occurring? Ron Hausmann P.E. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 Go down to your local store RIGHT NOW and buy a lottery ticket! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 Fantastic.......photograph it in detail for future historical knowledge. I would send photos of it to Trimacar .......he would be intrested.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Mereness Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 2 hours ago, ron hausmann said: All Coincidence never ceases to astound me - out of the blue yesterday, I was contacted by a person who has a complete NOS, yes NOS, convertible top for a 1917-1918 Kissel Sedanlette. It has never been mounted. Yes brand new101-year old convertible top.The fabric is somewhat deteriorated due to age, handling and humidity, but the sockets, and top bows, AND all top rest hardware unique to Kissel, are there. It’s perfect for everything and pattern. It even has the Kissel rear portholes. I just bought it outright. How could we not? Here are some pictures. I will have I reupholstered in wine -colored fabric next month once I get it. Wow - what are the chances of this occurring? Ron Hausmann P.E. You advertised you wanted one - isn't this supposed to be the result ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 Is it my imagination or is that rear arm rest form made out of aluminum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 27, 2019 Author Share Posted April 27, 2019 Don’t look so close. Wood was hard to get. This one will be covered with original padding no and leather! thanks, Ron 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 28, 2019 Author Share Posted April 28, 2019 5 hours ago, John_Mereness said: You advertised you wanted one - isn't this supposed to be the result ? John - Yup, I was certain that someone out-of-the-blue would show up with a 1918 Kissel Sedanlette top and fittings in NOS condition. Happens all the time - - - RON 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted May 8, 2019 Author Share Posted May 8, 2019 All - As of today, May 9, 2019, we received the NOS convertible top It is a “Higgins” top, similar but not the same as the more common “Goulde” top. This specimen is in better shape than I had ever hoped for !! Although the 102-year old fabric is brittle and deteriorating from never having been unfurled in all that time, the fittings and sockets are shiney brand new, and the bows are excellent !! The original beveled glass portholes and frames are fantastic. And because the top is all there, my upholstery guy can use it for exact patterns for the new fabric. As this one-of-a-kind, unique, first ever convertible-hard top nears completion, these are the upcoming work items which will be documented ; A. Radiator needs to be lowered by de-shimming to better fit the hood. B. Hood latches and hood will be mounted once radiator is adjusted. C. Upholstery on interior of hard top and main body is scheduled for June. D. Handles and trim need to be applied. They are. Wing nickeled now. E. Once hard top interior upholstery is done, hard top will be dismounted and put onto a wheeled display dolly. F. Once hard top is upholstered and dismounted, convertible top will be mounted for fitment. G. Convertible top will be recovered to original pattern with cognac colored fabric. H. Newly nickeled convertible windshield will be mounted. stay tuned. Ron Hausmann P.E. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 AMAZING top! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1912Staver Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 On 4/21/2019 at 4:42 AM, ron hausmann said: Mike , Not a silly question. The aluminum panel trim strips are L-shaped. The hidden sides that surround the panels are flat and drilled and countersunk for small trim screws to anchor each piece to the sides. lot of work. Thanks, Ron My 1918 McLaughlin is done the same way. Probably a reasonably standard technique in this era. Greg 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hursst Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 Does the top have any rips in it? If not, any chance of just cleaning the inside? How fragile is it? It looks to be in amazing shape from the exterior, but old and dirty on the inside. Would be a shame to replace something that original, but I do see how the inside would not work with the rest of the car being perfect. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted May 9, 2019 Author Share Posted May 9, 2019 2 minutes ago, hursst said: Does the top have any rips in it? If not, any chance of just cleaning the inside? How fragile is it? It looks to be in amazing shape from the exterior, but old and dirty on the inside. Would be a shame to replace something that original, but I do see how the inside would not work with the rest of the car being perfect. Hursst - The top has a few aging ares and some rips, although I don’t know from what. The inside fabric is starting to discolor unevenly but the real problem is the cotton(?) stitching. It’s turned to dust. When unpacking, I pulled on a couple stitched pieces and they deteriorated in my hand. I believe all of the interior stitching is bad. Just due to age and humidity. Besides all that, my wife wants a cognac colored fabric top to compliment the blueish body. And since Kissel colors wet “optional” for $20 back then, why not do the bling thing? Thanks, Ron Hausmann P.E. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted May 10, 2019 Author Share Posted May 10, 2019 New convertible top has been mounted on a jig and stretched out to check dimensions and plan for proper Kissel Sedanlette “wondowlettes” on the side. I’m just beside myself that this top was located and available! Ron 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted May 15, 2019 Author Share Posted May 15, 2019 All - am fitting patterns for Kissel Sedanlette “windowlettes” or side panels as shown. Using pictures to get proportions correct. Still need to locate correct oval metal portholes or substitutes. Ron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted June 13, 2019 Author Share Posted June 13, 2019 All - as of beginning of June, 2019, have delivered the car and top to Mark Larder in Homer Michigan for upholstery and recovering convertible top. Convertible top will be a dark ruby red exterior and black top interior. Interior upholstery and walls must be grai Ed leather to be correct as it was an open Kissel. Found excellent black leather hides at Detroit Leather / Reed. I’ll recommend them if you ever need true old style tanned and dyed leather bulk hides. Here are pictures of refinishing the convertible top hardware and top sockets after having stripped the old fabric. Ron Hausmann P.E. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted June 25, 2019 Author Share Posted June 25, 2019 All - I have the now car in Homer, Michigan being upholstered by expert Mark Larder. see his picture below. I also bought a small industrial cart upon which I will place the black removeable hard top when I display the car with BOTH tops at Concours and shows. I plan on doing the Concours circuit next year with it, showing it with its wonderful convertible top on it with this cart with the black hard top next to it. I had to build a framework on this cart to hold the wood hardtop for transport to exact dimensions. Should be very informative and elegant. Ill spend this winter before next years' shows dressing it up with curtains and an obligatory spotlight. Thanks, RON HAUSMANN P.E. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95Cardinal Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 That's going to be an awesome display, Ron! I'm looking forward to seeing it. Joe 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hursst Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 I hope you let us all know where the car will be appearing so we can see it in person! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S. Posted June 26, 2019 Share Posted June 26, 2019 Ron, that is one beautiful Kissel. That is a terrific idea wanting to show the two tops. Thanks for sharing your this great restoration with us. I also hope you let us know what shows you will be taking the Kissel to.. I would love to see the car in person. John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted June 26, 2019 Author Share Posted June 26, 2019 All - right now, and subject to being invited, it looks like we will display the car at the Kissel Reunion, at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in June, the “Eyes on Design” Concours in Grosse Point, Michigan in June, and the St. John’s Concours De Elegance in July. I will have four of our Kissels at the Wisconsin Auto Museum one including this car. thanks, Ron 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 12, 2019 Author Share Posted July 12, 2019 All - preparation of hardtop display cart and installation of interior upholstery and convertible top is proceeding well. Yesterday we dismounted the removable “two-man-top”. Us three men used all our strength to get it clear, but, once off, everything went fine. tWe mounted the NOS convertible top bows yesterday and they fit perfectly. New top will be finished next week. And the windshield stanchions actually fit perfectly - I was afraid that my holes and dimensions in my wood carved cowl might have been a bit off, but they worked very well. more to follow- Ron Hausmann P.E. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 13, 2019 Author Share Posted July 13, 2019 A couple more shots. Very pleased so far 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted July 13, 2019 Share Posted July 13, 2019 Looks great. Isn’t it about time to show us your next project? Seems to me I remember something about building a speedster. 👍 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 13, 2019 Author Share Posted July 13, 2019 Ed - After I take several months off, I'm going to build a 1923-ish Kissel US Mail or Army truck! I have a huge collection of parts from 9 Kissel 6-38, 6-55, and 8-75 cars, from which I could assemble two or three wood-bodied trucks. Kissel made trucks for the US Government and indeed sued them after WWI for breach. i'm a pretty decent carpenter so this will be my final restoration. Any ideas or pictures are welcome. Here are a few pics of the kind of truck Im considering. RON 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted July 13, 2019 Share Posted July 13, 2019 Ron,just awesome,looking great 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted July 13, 2019 Share Posted July 13, 2019 (edited) Ok........let’s see a mail truck and a speed car. I think you should do both. The speed car won’t break the bank, and with a collection like yours you should have one car you can “drive like you stole it!” The mail truck is an interesting bit of history, and fun to see as far as an unusual project goes. Looking forward to the build........I mean builds! Edited July 13, 2019 by edinmass (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chistech Posted July 15, 2019 Share Posted July 15, 2019 Martin and Parry made an assortment of those types of truck bodies and I’ve seen their catalogs in the past. They might just have “the” truck you’re looking for. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S. Posted July 15, 2019 Share Posted July 15, 2019 Ron, that is a great restoration. You do beautiful work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 15, 2019 Author Share Posted July 15, 2019 All, Here are some pic of the removeable carved wood hardtop AFTER it has been removed and put onto its show stand. Im installing windows and garnish mouldings which I made right now. Looks great! Ron Hausmann P.E. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 20, 2019 Author Share Posted July 20, 2019 All, As of July 20, 2019, the carved oak hardtop and show stand are completed. All windows, window garnish mouldings, and metal trim pieces are in place. It looks wonderful. the front door top windows raise and lower as designed. Can't wait to have it sitting right next to its car body with the roadster top on it! RON 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Mereness Posted July 20, 2019 Share Posted July 20, 2019 Glad you made the decision to put the soft top onto the car - beautiful design and will probably get 5+ more people interested in Kissel cars. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted July 20, 2019 Author Share Posted July 20, 2019 John Mereness - i had to start building (rebuilding) the car using the hard top as a guid3 because that was the only t3mplate for dimensions that I could use, see original pictures below. Rotten wood but still could be measured. Those parts actually determined the car. Ron Hausmann P.E. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Mereness Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 Wow, did not realize car started like that - I commend you on your diligence and craftsmanship 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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