Jump to content

What are you working on right now?


Recommended Posts

Well, this is what I worked on Saturday.  After selling my house I kept my shop for a month and am trying to move out by the end of the month.  Had the family helping to move 3 of the 4 cars into storage.  While they did most of the work I was very tired after a full day of pushing, pulling and lifting.  Got a 36 Fordor Deluxe to go.  Fortunately, all the kids love/want the cars so I usually can get help when needed.

 

If the land that we want to buy will perk we should have a new shop built by the end of summer which will be a real blessing.  My wife says I have to get them all restored and running for the kids so I have my work cut out.

image_50403585.JPG

image_50741249.JPG

image_50773249.JPG

  • Like 13
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mrs. Mack found a perfect size curio cabinet that is no too ornate to house automobilia on a town "buy nothing" site so we picked it up yesterday despite the rain.  Rained most of the day so a good day to spend in the garage.  Cleaned it up and fixed the glass shelving supports.  Awaiting my son's arrival Sunday to help me move it in and remove the hardtop from the SL Sunday. 😊

13605.jpeg

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

49 minutes ago, Steve_Mack_CT said:

Mrs. Mack found a perfect size curio cabinet that is no too ornate to house automobilia on a town "buy nothing" site so we picked it up yesterday despite the rain.  Rained most of the day so a good day to spend in the garage.  Cleaned it up and fixed the glass shelving supports.  Awaiting my son's arrival Sunday to help me move it in and remove the hardtop from the SL Sunday. 😊

13605.jpeg

I love a good repurposed display case.  And of course, there is your good excuse to fill it up.

  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

XW2500 Dixie Chopper repairs, 4 wheeler maintenance and repair along with all types of outdoor power equipment tune ups. Of course there was tractor activity! Box blading a drainage swale for Dad off his new garage. The view from the garage overlooks Cumberland Gap Mt. 30 miles away. Beautiful part of the world 

 

@edinmass I did respectable tractor mechanic things!!! 😂👍🏻

IMG_0920.jpeg

IMG_0921.jpeg

IMG_0941.jpeg

IMG_0932.jpeg

IMG_0928.jpeg

IMG_0923.jpeg

Edited by BobinVirginia (see edit history)
  • Like 12
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/12/2024 at 12:11 PM, BobinVirginia said:

XW2500 Dixie Chopper repairs, 4 wheeler maintenance and repair along with all types of outdoor power equipment tune ups. Of course there was tractor activity! Box blading a drainage swale for Dad off his new garage. The view from the garage overlooks Cumberland Gap Mt. 30 miles away. Beautiful part of the world 

 

@edinmass I did respectable tractor mechanic things!!! 😂👍🏻

IMG_0920.jpeg

IMG_0921.jpeg

IMG_0941.jpeg

IMG_0932.jpeg

IMG_0928.jpeg

IMG_0923.jpeg

Have you ever stopped to count each and every piston that you nurse ‘till end if life. Every piston in every engine you maintain? Lawn mower, weed whacker, pressure washer, leaf blower, 2 portable generators, ATV’s, dirt bikes, motorcycles, boat, a couple vintage cars, my wife’s and my daily driver. Then there’s the diesel truck. I think I’m currently at 37 pistons in internal combustion engines. I’m sure I missed a few.  Ridiculous but I’m addicted, I will admit. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, keithb7 said:

Have you ever stopped to count each and every piston that you nurse ‘till end if life. Every piston in every engine you maintain? Lawn mower, weed whacker, pressure washer, leaf blower, 2 portable generators, ATV’s, dirt bikes, motorcycles, boat, a couple vintage cars, my wife’s and my daily driver. Then there’s the diesel truck. I think I’m currently at 37 pistons in internal combustion engines. I’m sure I missed a few.  Ridiculous but I’m addicted, I will admit. 

Hey Keith, the number of cylinders you own should always exceed your age. In Minnesota this is known as your “cylinder index”. This phrase was coined by Joe Soucheray of the St. Paul Pioneer Press a number of years ago. Joe is also the “mayor” of “Garage Logic”, a mythical town he created while having a radio show. Google it for good laughs. At any rate my cylinder index is 35, pathetically low since there are six cars in our household……

  • Like 2
  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Right now I'm cleaning out some space in my barn for another Packard project which should be here in a couple of days.... finishing up the punch list on the '28 Pontiac and then I may list it for sale to generate some cash for the new Packard... this one is a dream car of mine that I never thought I'd be able to obtain!

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Remley (1925 Master) is learning from Beulah (1925 Standard)
 As I have stated frequently what ever I have done to repair or enhance the appearance of the car there is an immediate downgrade in performance.
 2 weeks ago, I did the long overdue ball stud replacement on Beulah. 
image.png.437f3a2f32b4ac48df72abce2bb3ab0a.png
Now, poor running and fighting electrical/ lighting issues.
image.png.2e6feb97a0301bf2d71678d0b6c07e8f.png
 I had the black painted WEED front bumper on Remley powder coated in a chrome like silver. Front bars were originally nickel plated. From a distance it does give a nickel impression. My daughter Bethany was home to visit for Father's Day. Great father daughter project!  She helped me reinstall the bumper. When I brought the car over from the storage garage, he started up immediately after sitting for 3 weeks. I drove him around the block and seemed to settle out and was running a bit smoother. I backed him into the garage, and we set out to installing the bumper.
image.png.d842f71fec1478bb251b69f108190bcd.png After we were done, we were prepared to go and drive him to a local Cruise-In. Joan, Bethany, grandson Crosby and I go to get in Remley...... He would not start! Just cranked and was flooding! How embarrassing! Later that evening I tried to start again. He started quickly and ran well. I feel these cars are mocking me.....
 
  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, dibarlaw said:

I feel these cars are mocking me....

No, I think each is jealous of the time you spend with the other.  They are constantly looking for your attention.  The trick is to convince them that if they behave themselves you'll spend more quality time with them on the road!  ;)

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

And... we now have a complete oil pump drive for the big Wisconsin PT.

 

Way back in 2009, this is what I had to start with. The gear, shaft, and a broken smashed housing. This pattern and core box were the first of many that would follow. I was pretty pleased with my first attempt at foundry patterns. However, it wasn't quite right so I eventually developed another set.

 

Pump.jpg.c99a5a547ff277dcd0dcf0a7cf530983.jpg

 

The new set I 3D printed. These worked fantastic!

IMG_4133.JPG.10c0cd958b1d1b50de81e7de261ddbbd.JPG

 

Here is the complete assembly. The housing is 660 bronze The shaft is the original. I have a new shaft 90% complete. I need to add the spiral oil groove, keyway, and part to length.

I had already re-built the oil pump itself so that is ready to go.

IMG_1010.jpg.ca291fb10cd96834f94860bf0998e4da.jpg

 

IMG_1012.jpg.3d2a0912ad64565442d9e1140f71657f.jpg

  • Like 16
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 hours ago, Terry Harper said:

And... we now have a complete oil pump drive for the big Wisconsin PT.

 

Way back in 2009, this is what I had to start with. The gear, shaft, and a broken smashed housing. This pattern and core box were the first of many that would follow. I was pretty pleased with my first attempt at foundry patterns. However, it wasn't quite right so I eventually developed another set.

 

Pump.jpg.c99a5a547ff277dcd0dcf0a7cf530983.jpg

 

The new set I 3D printed. These worked fantastic!

IMG_4133.JPG.10c0cd958b1d1b50de81e7de261ddbbd.JPG

 

Here is the complete assembly. The housing is 660 bronze The shaft is the original. I have a new shaft 90% complete. I need to add the spiral oil groove, keyway, and part to length.

I had already re-built the oil pump itself so that is ready to go.

IMG_1010.jpg.ca291fb10cd96834f94860bf0998e4da.jpg

 

IMG_1012.jpg.3d2a0912ad64565442d9e1140f71657f.jpg

Nice Work 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oof, I'm now sore all over from the contortions - 4hrs to get the clutch out, 8hrs to reassemble, the wizard hardware and brass piping can be especially putzy.

Good news is that everything is back together, and no busted knuckles.

I think I finally determined the two smoking-gun issues, now permanently resolved and ready to finish out driving season.

 

After everything was reinstalled, I performed a brief driveway test in both conventional clutch mode and wizard vacuum clutch mode and so far both were good, smooth and steady.

I plan to go for a good run tomorrow if the weather is decent to climb through the gears and test the clutch on a hill.

Not sure, but it appears Buick stamped a "B" on the pressure plate housing, kinda interesting.

 

image.png.9810eb7a376d5c22d1cea6a5dfa27dde.png

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Working on proper setup for the Detroit Lubricator Stewart on my 1920 Dodge. Stewart warns you not to adjust this but somebody did and it needs to be adjusted back, lol. Set the dashpot/vaporizer assembly touching the mouth of the carb body, adjust the arm at the bottom so it just touches the dashpot/vaporizer without lifting it, and set the thumb screw to just touch the arm stop...

IMG_20240622_123051284_HDR.jpg.2fcb8e51ef5ab07eed768448c1a62126.jpg

 

IMG_20240622_123101938.jpg.aae38486f8b74bcb70e3709013f0ab58.jpg

 

  • Like 9
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was working on changing out my torque converter on my dd 2007 hd silverado. Used my neighbors lift and tools. Took a while, but no issues and it works well. I was chasing a bad hop in the rear at 52 mph and after new tires, rear shocks, and a center driveshaft bearing the torque converter fixed it. 

IMG_8029.JPG.3312f11d83e4496fa4be50a739770484.JPGIMG_8030.png.879a42fa6538ce9aff99cc5a9312e708.png

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just got glass in doors and exhaust competed. IMG_0002.jpeg.4e89edfc5659d10194e29bc9e5e6cd77.jpegstarted two years agoIMG_1214.jpeg.2a748ec350ce92759bd492118eae0b19.jpegnow it can do the road. Lots of bugs to work out but that’s what it’s all about 

  • Like 12
Link to comment
Share on other sites

35 minutes ago, dibarlaw said:

Just finished a batch of aluminum Oil filler caps for 1911 to 1915 Buick applications. Made up 15 so far. Now I have a bale of scrap alluminum to dispose of.

DSC01394.JPG.11ee8cdbe374f764181e5da2b4202141.JPG

DSC01393.JPG.6ad3e26aab1ee4da0ac2cf47fe5b2b34.JPG

Nice Work

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Can't believe I was able to get into this...speedometer stopped working this week...

The spring retaining pin fell out of the mounting hole.

The original AC design is an interference tapered brass pin fit, where the pin holds the spring end in the arm to provide slight spring tension.

 

The 'easy' part was the speedometer teardown and rebuild.

The hard part was removing and reinstalling the speedometer from the dash...oof, contortion, hurt...

 

The 'easy' part...well, no, not so easy, humbled...I cannot imagine who and how these watch-like mechanisms were assembled and calibrated in the factory!

 

Tomorrow we ride, hope its calibrated close enough...

 

20240711_181519.jpg

20240711_182752.jpg

20240712_184523.jpg

  • Like 10
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Copied from my post on Buick Pre-War.

I made up some 1923 Buick 4 cylinder water pump packing nuts. These are what I was given to replicate.

DSC01396.JPG.f1ead08a95a80b7e9579f9d4e785c0bb.JPG                                       Lou: My initial problem was how to do the 1 1/8" hex. I do not have a Bridgeport with an indexing head. To do the hex on my shaper would involve multiple set ups, angle settings and delecate work. Looking through some brass plumbing fittings I found some with an 1/1/8" hex close to the height (as close as I could determine from the mangled samples you sent.) The ones I used were reducers for 1" to 3/4" and 1" to 1/2" pipe.

 

DSC01480.JPG.9d1783cd36e255ed119d7d5bfa9ee0fc.JPG The threaded area was done by machining a solid brass 1 3/8" diameter round to .903 and square the shoulder to be able to press on the adapted fitting.

 I bored out the fittings to .900 to give enough to press on to the solid round diameter of .903. I thank my son Mark for the 12 ton press he gave me!

DSC01479.JPG.76a0557e6647e282bcbd6d654cbca0a2.JPG

You can see where I turned off a 1/4" long surface I left so I could flip the piece, chuck up the piece true to do the inside 30 degree angle that presses against the packing.

DSC01478.JPG.0808bcc9a5c6e9c1840d76d4789a2e0d.JPG

 Using the female packing nuts from my 1925 Master pump to use as a thread gage as Leif Holmberg recomended. 1 3/8"X 16 tpi. Left and Right hand.

DSC01477.JPG.adeaac5296a2a8fdfd2ead97843e9db4.JPG They both thread very nicely to the bottom of the 1925 nuts.

 

  • Like 13
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is very enjoyable for me (as an unskilled person) to see a project like this develop into a needed part for our beloved cars. My hats off to you guys with the machining skills to do these projects and for taking the time to photograph and explain. 

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/21/2024 at 10:15 AM, Terry Harper said:

And... we now have a complete oil pump drive for the big Wisconsin PT.

 

Way back in 2009, this is what I had to start with. The gear, shaft, and a broken smashed housing. This pattern and core box were the first of many that would follow. I was pretty pleased with my first attempt at foundry patterns. However, it wasn't quite right so I eventually developed another set.

 

Pump.jpg.c99a5a547ff277dcd0dcf0a7cf530983.jpg

 

The new set I 3D printed. These worked fantastic!

IMG_4133.JPG.10c0cd958b1d1b50de81e7de261ddbbd.JPG

 

Here is the complete assembly. The housing is 660 bronze The shaft is the original. I have a new shaft 90% complete. I need to add the spiral oil groove, keyway, and part to length.

I had already re-built the oil pump itself so that is ready to go.

IMG_1010.jpg.ca291fb10cd96834f94860bf0998e4da.jpg

 

IMG_1012.jpg.3d2a0912ad64565442d9e1140f71657f.jpg

There are filaments now for FDM printers where you can print in copper, bronze, and other metals.  You send the “green” part in to be sintered like a ceramic.  It comes back as a “solid” piece of metal.  You may want to look into that. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

My 1965 Studebaker Wagonaire started to make funny noises from the rear brakes, so I took everything apart.  Since the wheel well openings are smallish, I had to put two axle stands under the axle, then use a jack on the rear bumper to lift the body enough to get the wheels off.  The rear hubs go on tapered axle shafts, so I used a 3-legged puller which attaches to the studs.  My 27-year old nephew and I took turns banging on the puller arm with a "BFH" until the hubs popped loose.  I always leave the axle nut screwed on enough to keep the drum from flying across the room when it finally comes loose with a big "bang".  There was enough grease on things to indicate the axle seals are leaking.  The linings were worn but not completely, mostly greasy.  Fortunately, all the parts to fix the brakes are easily available, ordered them today - shoes, new springs, wheel cylinder kits, axle seals, gaskets.  I think I'll replace the pads on the front discs while I'm at it.  I think the last time I had the rear wheels off was 15 years ago or more.   

 

Stude65top.jpg.beb81bd009deb9ea9427b11e1bda9c56.jpg

My Wagonaire from a fashion photo shoot some years ago.  The model is Jade.

 

brakes-rear-1965Wagonaire.JPG.3fc86180a82001520f9827cfb468f867.JPG

Rear brakes on 1965 Wagonaire.  The brakes adjust by turning an eccentric bolt against each shoe.

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good grief!  That’s some damage!  Glad all the humans and cars made it out fine!

 

I needed to modify the turn signal cam for my 57 Chevy to allow the 64 Bel Air steering wheel to fit.  Horn spring hole in a different location so I needed to either drill out the cam or steering wheel.  Didn’t like either plan so the next step was to design a hybrid that I could get laser cut.   I do need to rotate the horn button hole about 5 degrees CCW and enlarge the center hole about 0.040”, but it will work fine.  The prongs are spot on where I need them. 
 

IMG_3785.jpeg.b46ad9c7aa354994e46280b87a1da1a4.jpeg

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wish I could get back to my car but the house is taking up about 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. I'm about 75% done with this  paneled staircase.

 

staircase1.jpg.db765598dd1171b98b01c7f2607a7b12.jpg

 

staricase2.jpg.7856d3c34adffda89c6d389d7c4a2e9a.jpg

  • Like 11
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll add that it is really difficult to photograph but I think, in all, it really fits with the age of the house. It's roughly based on the paneling in this place... The Three Tuns, a coaching tavern on the Great North Road in Thirsk, Yorkshire. I stayed there about 25 years ago and really liked the paneling. It was built about 1690. Needless to say, mine is a simplified version but I think that is appropriate to a house in the colonies.

 

Thethreetunscopy.jpg.bf7d8188f993303ae06430391b8f2237.jpg

 

A tun is a very large barrel, usually used to ship wine. When 16th and 17th century ships are described as being "300 tons" or the like it's a reference to how many of these barrels they could hold, not weight. Eventually the word remained in use, albeit as "ton" but the meaning changed altogether.

Edited by JV Puleo (see edit history)
  • Like 10
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Working on upholstery for my ‘22 Marmon project this week.  Done sewing and will nail in the rear seat cover tomorrow.   Going all ‘old school’ horsehair, cotton, and tacks; no staples or foam.

IMG_0767.jpeg.a5cee8c5336f2662286f656320376be6.jpegIMG_0753.jpeg.5e091b50f82bfa1463ee674b50ceb4b7.jpeg

  • Like 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Jeff Perkins / Mn said:

Using my Model T to teach. My  Granddaughter has wanted to learn how to drive one…..soooo…..

here we go! She is two years from obtaining her drivers license but wants to be able to go on tour with us and DRIVE!

IMG_3649.jpeg

Enjoy your time with the kids.. Here is Jake.. He did a photo bomb he was thinking it was funny. Here is  the first time he got to see a cow up close.. Yes it was a spotted cow. so we must of been in WI.

jake549.JPG.50997263e3770f5cae4bd872abac1f35.JPG

IMG_0297.JPG

Edited by nick8086 (see edit history)
  • Like 2
  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

After reading all the articles on this topic I could not help but  notice the time and effort taken by all the dedicated people trying to preserve antiquities with love . 

My reason for getting involved in restoring an old car is different.

I worked for a transport company as a mechanic. Some fellow workers stated " I cannot wait for the day to retire". After a few months of retirement they were  back at the garage visiting. They were actually bored not having anything to do. 

I decided to keep myself busy after retirement  by doing what I love to do so I bought a 1928 Dodge Senior by chance. I  had no idea what the mechanics involved. Wooden spokes wheels has always fascinated me. As luck would have it I ended up with a car with hydraulic brakes and a rebuilt engine with zero miles. I was about to do some cosmetic repairs when one morning , as I opened the driver door, it dropped, Bugs had chewed the wood sill at the A pillar. It was a blessing in disguise. The inside of the body sheet metal was unpainted and full of surface rust. The long road to restoration had started. It is 20 years since and thousands of dollars spent , ready for a paint job.

Sometimes visitors will ask me" When is it  going to be finished ?"  My answer is always Who cares? 

I love what I do and I do what I love, it keeps me mentally and physically fit. At 88 going on to 89 I drive safely. I still do my backyard gardening  

The secret is to keep the mind and body active.

Harry in Thornhill, Canada.

Cheers.

    

  • Like 8
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

After going through the 31 Pierce I was starting to get the itch again… So after I was talked into joining the HCCA at Luray I went looking for a brass era car that was NOT another T Ford (been there a couple times and wanted something different) so I go out and find this car. A 1913 Buick that was last on the road before Watergate! When it was put on jack stands the DU4 mag had been unbolted and a second one was being Mickey-moused in place so that’s a good sign of where to start. I have a lot more fun to come as the engine comes apart right after I get the title hashed out.

IMG_2055.jpeg

IMG_2045.jpeg

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Mark Wetherbee said:

After going through the 31 Pierce I was starting to get the itch again… So after I was talked into joining the HCCA at Luray I went looking for a brass era car that was NOT another T Ford (been there a couple times and wanted something different) so I go out and find this car. A 1913 Buick that was last on the road before Watergate! When it was put on jack stands the DU4 mag had been unbolted and a second one was being Mickey-moused in place so that’s a good sign of where to start. I have a lot more fun to come as the engine comes apart right after I get the title hashed out.

IMG_2055.jpeg

IMG_2045.jpeg

Sweet car! Hope to see more! 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...