trimacar Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I went back and looked at threads, in 2003 asked my friends on this forum about this car. It was in a basement garage, the door (caulked shut) boarded up and insulated, sitting there for years. I'd become friends with the owner, a likable old codger, who unfortunately passed away recently. He'd told his son and daughter about my interest in the car, so the story had a sad/happy ending.The previous owner was a pioneer of sorts in this area with early car restorations, having a Locomobile (sold a while back), a 1914 T (beautiful car, and going to a great home), and a very early 1916 Indian motorcycle with sidecar (sold a while back), and others. My good friend Greg, who's oft copied on the Avanti Unimog John thread, said that this fellow was his mentor in learning how to properly and authentically restore early cars. This 1927 Dodge cabriolet, the first of it's body style for Dodge and a rare car (albeit not that valuable), was bought new in Winchester Virginia, bought by previous owner in the early 1960's, restored to a then-high standard, used, then stored.The car has the original Spanish Leather (imitation leather) interior and rumble seat, a good quality paint job (but should be dark green), and a top that will probably be replaced by a trimmer I know quite well.Today, the garage door was free again, and we pulled the car out of it's resting place, ready for another adventure! I was so smart, taking pictures and not pushing. I was not so smart, to load the car had to put my Suburban and trailer in the parking lot next door due to lack of room. I'd asked permission earlier that day of the Troopers. For those of you who may not know this, parking a Suburban with an expired inspection sticker in a State Police parking lot is not such a good idea. Yes, I have a ticket. Yes, the Trooper was very nice about it, and when I said "thank you", he said "I'm NOT going to say you're welcome...." They had the grace not to embarrass me in front of the other people there while loading the car, one of the Troopers followed me and got me on the highway. Sheesh.....but my fault...Very happy to be the next caretaker of this special car. Not a high dollar Classic barn find, but exciting nonetheless.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 He shoots.....he SCORES!!!! That is one smart looking car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted November 9, 2014 Author Share Posted November 9, 2014 Thanks, yep, a score! Really like it, as does my wife! Very attractive car, even in wrong colors.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cahartley Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 HOLY COW.......it looked THAT GOOD straight away?....... :eek: ....... COOL....... :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwight Romberger Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Nice, David, Nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uh6077 Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Having a car the wife likes makes the hobby SOOOO much easier. Car looks really nice. What are you plans for it? Looks like all it needs is a wash and a fresh tank of gas but as is always the case after sitting for so long I am sure it needs a bit more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted November 9, 2014 Author Share Posted November 9, 2014 Plans are to get it back on the road as is.....previous owner was very good with his stored cars, and kept them drained and turned over, but sure it will need cleaned gas tank, rebuilt vacuum tank, and so forth....wife wants to paint it the original green but that's down the road a ways! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Good score. Get it driving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cben09 Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 what year is the Loco,,,Cheers,,Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhambulldog Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 The Dodge looks happy to be in the light again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnseeker Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 That's the kind of "barnfind" car I like. Not some half rotted junk from the bottom of a damp dirt floor barn that they tout is so special because it was neglected and poorly stored for decades. Nice score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted November 10, 2014 Author Share Posted November 10, 2014 The Locomobile was a 1924 open front limousine, restored in the '60's and a first place AACA then...it sold to a dealer a number of years ago, has recently turned up again at auction....the Model T is a 1914, beautifully restored from a correct "real" car, and is going to a good home.....only thing left at house, car wise, is a 1962 Studebaker four door, beautiful car too if anyone's into that, asking for offers against 10k asking, if interested pm me and I'll send you a phone number, in Winchester Va.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted November 10, 2014 Author Share Posted November 10, 2014 This one....I'd be embarrassed to tell you the price I was given to buy this car from the previous owner of the Dodge....you'd call me a fool for passing on it, and you'd be correct.....Locomobiles of this period are funny cars, twenties styling but running gear little changed from 1910.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted April 26, 2016 Author Share Posted April 26, 2016 Update on the Dodge Cabriolet, the engine, clutch, and transmission were all very tired, which is interesting considering the rest of the car is so solid. Removed, rebuilt, and today installed back in car, now to add all the little goodies that can make it run again! Should be on the road this summer, first time in a few decades, and much healthier this time around! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted April 26, 2016 Share Posted April 26, 2016 Nice car and thanks for the update! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1940TORPEDO Posted April 26, 2016 Share Posted April 26, 2016 looking great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve9 Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 Great little car. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ryker77 Posted April 28, 2016 Share Posted April 28, 2016 Awesome work. ryker77 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted April 28, 2016 Author Share Posted April 28, 2016 Thanks for compliment, but the credit goes to my friend Rob B., who's really doing all the work, I just show up now and then to help or watch (both of which he charges extra for!) This should be a fun little car to drive, I understand it's Model A or better performance.....with a five main bearing engine, and typical Dodge, every thing is heavy duty, if you ignore all the cursed pot metal they used.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 Nice save. I do believe it is going to be a wonderful automobile. I hope you have many happy and trouble free miles with it. Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlCapone Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 On April 28, 2016 at 11:44 AM, trimacar said: Thanks for compliment, but the credit goes to my friend Rob B., who's really doing all the work, I just show up now and then to help or watch (both of which he charges extra for!) This should be a fun little car to drive, I understand it's Model A or better performance.....with a five main bearing engine, and typical Dodge, every thing is heavy duty, if you ignore all the cursed pot metal they used.... I have the Model A Cabriolet you refer to. I love it and you will also. Happy motoring! Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintagerodshop Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 That looks like a Great car David. I am sure it will drive great. Nothing like a car that hasn't been totally taken apart for a "restoration" Keep us updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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