Matt Harwood Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 12 hours ago, alsfarms said: Does anyone have pictures of what the interior of a California type top is finished like? Al Not even in the same era or manufacturer, but here's the inside of the California top on our 1932 Marmon Sixteen. Finished with a headliner and dome light just as in a closed car. Here's the headliner of a 1924 Maxwell, also with a California top and full headliner: 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 14, 2023 Author Share Posted March 14, 2023 Nice pictures of the inside and upholstery appointments used on a typical California Top. It certainly appears that the California Top was a serious attempt to modify a windy and noisy open automobile to, in effect, become much more closed car comfortable. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prewarnut Posted March 17, 2023 Share Posted March 17, 2023 (edited) On 8/11/2022 at 11:55 AM, alsfarms said: Here is a followup to a discussion on this picture and what I have learned about the Demarest Limousine shown. Last year we had a brief discussion regarding the mansion in the background identified as Marina. It is not clearly associated with Locomobile but at Seaside Park it served as a nice backdrop for staging photos. I was unable to identify the owner as owning a Locomobile in the 1926 CT DMV records (or any vehicle for that matter). It was P.T. Barnum's 4th house and it was donated to the newly established and growing University of Bridgeport. It was torn down in 1961. I found pictures at demolition which Alan thought I should post for closure. The property was encroached upon and it appears the building aready attached to classroom or other functional space. Courtesy of the Bridgeport History Center and part of the CT Digital Library. Avert sensitive eyes.... Edited March 17, 2023 by prewarnut (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share Posted March 18, 2023 Here we are celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. First, a couple of days ago it was Corned Beef and cabbage. My wife can certainly nail that delicacy. We then celebrated my wife's birthday with a two day date. When we got home, she was back at it in the kitchen making Reuben sandwiches out of the left over Corned Beef along with homemade sauer kraut. Oh man......I do like that. However, the story is just getting started. I looked out our kitchen window and into our driveway to see that I some Christmas of Saint Patties Day. I will post a couple of pictures of my latest acquisitions that will certainly be a big plus to my ongoing Locomobile 48 restoration. Al Pictures 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share Posted March 18, 2023 Picture 2 Al 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share Posted March 18, 2023 I have never polished German Silver before. I assume that it behaves the same as Nickel? What is the best polishing product to bring a good luster up with minimal erosion of the surface? Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 (edited) That sure is a pretty radiator. Edited March 18, 2023 by AHa (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George K Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 18 hours ago, alsfarms said: Picture 2 Al Is that radiator from Texas? I have pictures of a ton of stuff that was for sale 4 or 5 years ago. He has an ad on this site showing parts for sale. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share Posted March 18, 2023 Hello George, Yes to your question. This, and a few other Locomobile parts I purchased, came from the remains of the Binner estate. Actually, there is quite a back story to the Binner estate. I was happy to find and be able to procure these several missing pieces from the Demarest Limousine. The market is not real wide for Locomobile 48 parts as not many of us are doing restoration on Locomobiles that are missing many parts, (I am probably the exception). That said, when opportunity knocked, I needed to be ready to jump and did. I am looking for shared information on the best procedure for polishing this German Silver radiator. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George K Posted March 18, 2023 Share Posted March 18, 2023 Here’s a few of many pictures of that stuff. Some load of Shxx! Glad I dodged that pile. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 19, 2023 Author Share Posted March 19, 2023 Yes lots of parts that may not find homes. However, if you need one of those items, which I did, it was a rare opportunity. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George K Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 Not when the prices are beyond belief. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 19, 2023 Author Share Posted March 19, 2023 The pieces I got were priced mostly equivalent with similar parts from other makes. Yes, this hobby we participate in is sure a treat. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George K Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 11 hours ago, alsfarms said: The pieces I got were priced mostly equivalent with similar parts from other makes. Yes, this hobby we participate in is sure a treat. Al I asked about two grease cups and one half of a electrical connector and was told $500. Plus shipping. Al if that’s a treat then you will finish your cars. Not likely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 Parts can be an interesting challenge. While I often sold parts to help pay for my hobby, and did it as a business.........among hobbyists I always tried to trade when possible. Eventually, it comes down to the finish line.......and sometimes only money will get you across to the finish. I have been fairly fortunate recently that the few big dollar items I needed were sold to me at a very fair middle of the road price........... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHa Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 Sometimes good will is generated a long the way and reciprocated in like kind. Of course, the opposite is also true. This is not a reflection on George, who, I'm sure, is a super nice guy. After all, Locomobiles were one of the most expensive makes when new. It only stands to reason any small part would be worth its value in gold. It is a sad state of affairs that so many people undertake a full restoration without realizing the time and cost involved and end up with a pile of parts, of which, only a few are actually saleable. Sometimes a full restoration can be accomplished in two years but 12 to 14 is more normal and some, if finished, are closer to 25. As we age, we run the risk of not being able to finish our projects for myriads of reasons. Many men have set out to play a round of golf only to never finish and a round of golf takes 2 hours or less. "Best made plans of mice and men." 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt G Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 (edited) Polishing nickel - I have a Locomobile radiator of similar size to the one pictured I bought from Austin Clark decades ago at his L.I. Auto Museum on an "Iron Range Day" ( when you were invited to go out and look through the buildings and make a pile of stuff to buy) just last Autumn I started to clean /polish my radiator. Nickel plating was well worn in spots down to the brass base metal . I used Never Dull. it takes some time but isn't harsh. Didn't get the job finished before winter set in even though I am working on it in a heated garage 20 feet from where I am typing this. I will get back to it in May probably but got side tracked in research and writing plus Dr. visits to keep me vertical. Let some of the people who collect period lamps tell us what they polish nickel plating with . Moving a Locomobile radiator/shell about by ones self isn't the smartest thing in the world to do - has to be 70+ lbs or more Edited March 20, 2023 by Walt G (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prewarnut Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 (edited) Alan, We have a copper sink, which while, looking great, is a pain in the rear to keep polished. Remind me to avoid such in our next house....One way to polish copper, and German silver (if this is german silver), is to use warm white vinegar and salt. I do this on occasion when I don't want to be scrubbing. In your case avoiding rubbing so as to not cause scratching or a change to the surface patina would be ideal. For German silver the only twist is to line the vessel the item is submerged or bathed in with aluminum foil. Being a large radiator shell this may not be too practical but food for thought about doing this chemically without mechanically altering the suface - at least to get started. Maybe you could make a wood-framed box water-tight and with some aluminum foil lining it (doesn't have to be contiguous over the whole box's surface). I would say with our copper sink this gets it 90%. If I really want a shine and some reflection I follow it up with an ammonia solution (or just start that way). If the radiator shell is nickel I'm not sure the above applies... Edited March 20, 2023 by prewarnut (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 20, 2023 Author Share Posted March 20, 2023 Hello Dan, Thanks for your advice regarding polishing of copper and German Silver. Now I am thinking....maybe folks use the term German Silver when describing the composition of the Locomobile radiators. I think I will start a separate chat that will discuss Locomobile radiators and not get lost in this Locomobile 38 and 48 group chat. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted March 24, 2023 Author Share Posted March 24, 2023 I haven't checked in any upcoming auctions. If you are one who stay more informed on upcoming auctions, please share references to Locomobiles for sale. It appears that there is more activity involving Locomobile sales over the near past. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted April 4, 2023 Author Share Posted April 4, 2023 Here, I have located and procured a full set of 6 "Dill" NOS nickel valve stem covers. The plan is to use them on the 1925 Demarest Locomobile spoken of before and certainly a Nickel era automobile. I will attach a few pictures that will show the original box they came in and the stem covers. I looked but could see no patent date on the box. Is anyone familiar with this brand of stem covers? The box suggests that they were manufactured in Cleveland Ohio. Any input is well received. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted April 4, 2023 Author Share Posted April 4, 2023 It is nice, for once, to use something that is not beat up and fully unrestored as I work on the Locomobile. Just a good buffing and they will look like new. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted April 4, 2023 Author Share Posted April 4, 2023 Here is the box they came in. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted April 15, 2023 Share Posted April 15, 2023 (edited) If you happen to be the guy that bought the model 48 at the Mark Smith auction, could you drop me private message ? Edited April 15, 2023 by alsancle (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted April 15, 2023 Author Share Posted April 15, 2023 I am also curious where this Locomobile will now be living. Does anyone know what the hammer price was for this automobile? Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted April 15, 2023 Share Posted April 15, 2023 13 minutes ago, alsfarms said: I am also curious where this Locomobile will now be living. Does anyone know what the hammer price was for this automobile? Al 50k plus commission 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted April 15, 2023 Author Share Posted April 15, 2023 What was the Gooding commission rate for under 100k? I hope the new owner chooses to speak up here and let us know more about his "new" Locomobile purchase. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 From yesterday's Wilburham Hill Climb event. I posted them in that thread but will put them here also. Fantastic car painted in its original color combination. 5 years ago I met the last owner who did the restoration in a barn at his house over 35 years. Spent 30 minutes talking to him because I knew nothing about Locomobile but was smart enough to know this was cool. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted May 14, 2023 Author Share Posted May 14, 2023 Here is an interesting follow-up to the pictures posted by AJ of the sporty Locomobile. This is of this Locomobile taken at the same Hill Climb in the 1950's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted May 14, 2023 Author Share Posted May 14, 2023 Here is another picture of the same Locomobile in the early 1950's. These images were shared by Bill Boudway from an AACA Hill Climb chat. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted May 18, 2023 Author Share Posted May 18, 2023 Hello Locomobile 38 and 48 owners. Summer and good driving weather is fast approaching. How many have committed to taking their Locomobile out on tours this summer touring season, or for that matter, to a car show or two? Please share what is going on that involves your Locomobile. I am planning on the Nickel Era tour planned for Southern Utah in September. Sadly, my 48 Locomobile is not yet ready to take. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thlee Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 1 hour ago, alsfarms said: Hello Locomobile 38 and 48 owners. Summer and good driving weather is fast approaching. How many have committed to taking their Locomobile out on tours this summer touring season, or for that matter, to a car show or two? Please share what is going on that involves your Locomobile. I am planning on the Nickel Era tour planned for Southern Utah in September. Sadly, my 48 Locomobile is not yet ready to take. Al we will be taking our 1913 Model 38 on the HCCA Burketsville MD tour in July should be fun. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George K Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 Yikes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 Just now, George K said: Yikes Dark Blue wheels and blackwalls will tone that down quite a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George K Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 1 minute ago, alsancle said: Dark Blue wheels and blackwalls will tone that down quite a bit. Don’t think a guy could drink that pretty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George K Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 Looks like a a good old car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George K Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 (edited) Some people just need a slap upside of the head……..and in this case……….with a brick in the hand. Never thought I would see a Loco that I wouldn’t take for free, till now. Notice the Phillips screws used in the restoration…….excuse me, the ruination of the car. Edited May 21, 2023 by edinmass (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsfarms Posted May 21, 2023 Author Share Posted May 21, 2023 I know I should know better.....but I don't. What is the green wiring as showed on the inside of the right front door? Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozierman Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 I think the green wire is for the horn switch to the horn. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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