ron hausmann Posted October 19, 2018 Author Share Posted October 19, 2018 Kissel made their own engines. They manufactured commercial and military trucks besides a full line of automobiles in the teens and twenties. So it’s likely that their auto engines’ sturdiness and stoutness was a shared trait with their truck manufacture. I know that my Chevrolet cars of the same period don’t compare with the Kissel. thanks, Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted November 1, 2018 Author Share Posted November 1, 2018 All - have had a productive couple weeks getting trim and car-jewelry finished; as of November 1, 2018; a. Headlights and all chassis head and tail light wiring are done. b. Fabrication of headlight stanchions is nearly complete. Kissel offered up-optional double headlight/park light units which were th n unique to the double six and Sedanlette models in 1917 and 1918. I was able to find a pair of cans at Hershey but had to fabricate the stanchion yokes using pictures. c. Dog bone and Boyce motometer have been nickeled and assembled. d. Rear bumper (not pictured) has been mounted right above rear spring shackles so height is same as front which is on frame. Bumpers were optional on these Kissels. next step is to mount the sport wire wheel hubs and wheels and put on the new tires. also, engine should finally be painted and mounted in car this month. stay tuned Ron Hausmann P.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted November 1, 2018 Author Share Posted November 1, 2018 All - here are two period- correct factory photos of a 1918 Kissel Sedanlette with options which i’m copying as much as I can. Note the lights and some of the trim. These pictures show the car in winter dress, with the removable wood hard top on. The last picture shows it with the hard top off. ron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hursst Posted November 1, 2018 Share Posted November 1, 2018 Fantastic work and a fantastic car. I think I've also seen one Kissel in person, at Hershey. I really hope I get to see this one at a show in the near future; so much more interesting than many of the cars you see at most shows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted November 11, 2018 Author Share Posted November 11, 2018 All - as of today, November 10, 2018, much of the trim work is complet3 or nearing completion. a. Wheels have been clea4coated and tires mounted on them. b. Wire wheel axles and hubs have yet to be mounted. c. Headlight yokes have been fabricated and headlights mounted there on. D. Engine painting is underway. Assembly of engine attachments will be on Monday. e. Engine test stand has been create$. thanks, Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted November 11, 2018 Share Posted November 11, 2018 Beautiful work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted November 13, 2018 Author Share Posted November 13, 2018 All - beautiful pictures of a freshly painted and dressed Kissel engine ready for testing. ron 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted December 1, 2018 Author Share Posted December 1, 2018 All - here are pictures of the completed engine. Will fill it with f.uids and test run it on Tuesday December 4, 2018. All the fittings are original. The spark plug loom and carburetor breather are brass and could be either brass or bake lite in original guise. We were. Dry lucky to find the correct rent generator, coil, and distributor combination. Thanks, Ron Hausmann P.E. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S. Posted December 1, 2018 Share Posted December 1, 2018 Ron, I have been following your restoration on the Kissel from the beginning. Wonderful work on a rare and interesting body style. Thanks. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hursst Posted December 2, 2018 Share Posted December 2, 2018 Incredible work. Next, you should start building some shelving with some spotlighting...for all the awards you'll be winning in the near future. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted December 14, 2018 Author Share Posted December 14, 2018 All - As of yesterday December 14, 2018, this engine runs and fired up immediately. Very cool ! We will tune it next week. Car itself is prepped for the engine. Might install it yet this year. I made a video of the engine taking its first powerful breaths, but AACA posting size limit doesn't allow me to post the video here - too big. Thanks, RON 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chistech Posted December 15, 2018 Share Posted December 15, 2018 Nothing like the music of a freshly rebuilt antique engine taking its first breaths again! Then after a little tuning and adjustments when it just sits there and purrs is just icing on the cake 🎂. Congrats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted December 20, 2018 Author Share Posted December 20, 2018 Here are pics of Kissel Model 6-38 engine ready to be put into the Kissel Sedanlette. It certainly is a pretty thing! Ron 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luv2Wrench Posted December 24, 2018 Share Posted December 24, 2018 A work of art!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted January 23, 2019 Author Share Posted January 23, 2019 All - As of January 23, 2019, I'm readying Kissel for transport to the my engine rebuild subcontractor, St. Claire Engine, for installation of the completed powerplant next week. Have also finished dozens of small, important details on the car body and wiring. These included trimming the trunk, finishing tail wiring, fitting windows and window channels, and bumper mount adjustments. I chose delay the installation of the Houk wire wheels as well as the side windows, until I have the car with engine back at my shop. Unfortunately the car is so tall at 85", that it won't fit into my enclosed trailer, so I must transport it on my open hauler. the less parts at risk for road wear, the better!. Here are current pictures. RON 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 AWESOME work on the KisselKar! Are you gonna restore that 1931 DeSoto lurking in the background? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted January 23, 2019 Author Share Posted January 23, 2019 Nope - I doesn't fit with my nickel-era Kissels. I bought it when I was in college (1970) from the ORIGINAL and drove it on expressways. Been sitting since 1984. Will sell it for $8500. RON 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
42319DB34 Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 RE : The wire wheels, are you using non skids on rears and spare, with straight treads on the front ... Really like that touch .... Thoroughly enjoy your sharing of this labor of love ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 Yes - these Kissel models definitely used non-skids I’m rears and smoothie on fronts as per original factory documents and pictures. Looks a little goofy but actually very very correct. ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerczak Posted March 1, 2019 Share Posted March 1, 2019 Ron, Your car looks awesome, please keep it up and keep posting. I had a question on Kissel Fuel gauge markings. It appears that they had King Seely Gauges but I had a question on what were the original markings on the gauge. I found a photo online that had 0,1/4,1/2,3/4,F and 0,5,10,15 and I asked the museum for a picture and it just had the 0,4,8,12,16 markings. Do you know which was original or were there multiple different marked gauges? I found a gauge but it will have to be restored and I was wondering what is correct. Your car looks top notch and I would be great to see it when completed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted March 1, 2019 Author Share Posted March 1, 2019 Gerczak, i am not familiar with these types of gauges. Up until 1924 Kissels used float gas gauges on the gas tanks, not on the dash as these pictures show. My 1925 has a dash mounted gas indicator, but it’s not like those in your pictures. They used a variety of gauge makers. If you have a kissel year and model with more specifics, I can do some digging. take care, Ron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconriley Posted March 4, 2019 Share Posted March 4, 2019 Looks like that fuel gauge works along the same principles as the Hobson Telegauge. Matthew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted March 5, 2019 Author Share Posted March 5, 2019 Mathew - the gas gauge in your picture, and the dash face plate, are of a 1928 or 1929 Kissel White Eagle. Those cars had engraved face plates as you can see around the gas gauge. Prior to the white eagle models in 28-29, these type gauges were not used by Kissels. thanks, Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted March 5, 2019 Author Share Posted March 5, 2019 (edited) All - as of March 2019, the powerful Kissel Model 6-38 engine has finally been mounted in the car. I’m sore from all the careful contortioning I had to do to get it in, but the effort was worthwhile. Now going to attach control wiring and piping and run it! Enjoy - Ron Hausmann P.E. Edited March 5, 2019 by ron hausmann misspelling (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerczak Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 Ron, Thank you for the information on the fuel gauge. Your car is really looking great. Mathew, Thanks for the original documentation on the fuel gauge. I have no idea how you found the instruction sheet but it really helps me out. By the way, the Quam speedster is going to the auction this weekend in Texas. Not often do the Kissels come up for sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John S. Posted March 12, 2019 Share Posted March 12, 2019 Ron, the work on the Kissel is first rate. What a beautiful restoration. John 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1912Staver Posted March 31, 2019 Share Posted March 31, 2019 Remarkable restoration ! The very light engine paint is unusual but I m sure it is another of your carefully researched details. And it certainly is a towering beast. Greg in Canada Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted March 31, 2019 Author Share Posted March 31, 2019 Greg - Kissel engines seem to have usually been painted this light grey color. Below are several pictures, first of a professionally restored 1921 Kissel Gold Bug engine that won best in Class at Pebble Beach this year, and then two pictures of my original 1921 Kissel Tourster engine. Both are colored light grey. The last is a picture of the completed 1918 Kissel engine in the car. The professionals who restored the Pebble Beach Kissel were extremely careful to research every detail, even wire terminal sizes, and they came to the same conclusi9n that light grey is correct. thanks, Ron 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 4, 2019 Author Share Posted April 4, 2019 All - date on progress of restoration as of April 4, 2019 - - - a. Engine has been mounted in car and test run without controls b. Engine wiring and all lighting electrical have been terminated and completed c. Carbretpr, choke, advance, and column linkages have been restored and mounted. d. Electrical disconnect switch (non- original) and gas and prime primer piping and fittings are done. e. Clutch and brake and emergency pedals and shafts have been mounted. f. Special Kissel floor trim and escutcheons have been restored and finished. g. Seats have been temporarily mounted to check pedal distances - ( this car might be uncomfortable to drive!) h. Neville 18” fat-man steering wheel has been finished and mounted very carefully with quadrant controls. Hard job i. Car cover has been ordered from California j. Headlights, radiator trim have been mounted, connected and all rubber radiator pipes done. K. Convertible top sockets that fit have been located in Minnesota and pieced together with rotted top bows to check fitment. They seem to be exact for this Sedanlette (hens teeth again found!) Next step is to put already-restored wire wheels on to car and to get it upholstered, so its at least done in its hard-top configuration. Ron Hausmann P.E. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 4, 2019 Author Share Posted April 4, 2019 Engine pictures - she’s really pretty and has a deep voice 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 4, 2019 Author Share Posted April 4, 2019 Other current pictures from today - 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 4, 2019 Author Share Posted April 4, 2019 Last pictures from today 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 19, 2019 Author Share Posted April 19, 2019 All, Finished mounting the new Houk wire wheels and spare on to the car this week. Had to redo two spare front hubs because of a problem with bearing races in the remachined ones. Getting races to match hundred year old bearings can be a challenge. I solved it by using old races from old hubs which were in excellent shape. Note that on Kissel Kars of this time frame, the front tires are to be smooth while the tears are to be “non-skids”. I know it oops goofy, but it is exactly as it’s supposed to be. Also have mounted all the seats and done what pedal adjusting is possible without driving. Mounting horn was also accomplished - Spartan Model J is the correct horn for this car. Monday, April 22, 2019, we will fire her up and test drive I for awhile. I hope like hell that all my wiring is correct! Ron Hausmann P.E. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 19, 2019 Author Share Posted April 19, 2019 Couple other shots 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hursst Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 What a fantastic restoration. I hope to see it on a show field soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Wowie! Fabulous car and work done on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jan arnett (2) Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 Ron where did you get your floor mat material? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 20, 2019 Author Share Posted April 20, 2019 Jan, i used floor mat materials that I had left over from prior restorations. I’m not sure if it was material from Restoration Supply, Lowe’s, or Home Depot. Some of the common hardware store and internet-available materials actually are the same as more expensive materials from antique sources, yet are virtually identical. thanks, Ron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted April 20, 2019 Author Share Posted April 20, 2019 Jan, The aluminum trim around the panels did come from an antique car supplier, while the aluminum trim grommets around the pedals are original Kissel parts that I buffed out. thanks, Ron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Macartney Posted April 21, 2019 Share Posted April 21, 2019 Ron, This maybe a silly question, but how are the aluminium stirps fitted to the floor panels, I cannot see any screw holes?. Excellent restoration and I have enjoyed reading your posts and seeing the Kissel come together. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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