RoadsterRich Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 In the continuing saga of the 1930 Chrysler 77 Roadster several DFers have expressed an interest in an updated status.Unfortunately life and work have been conspiring to reduce my spare time in to non existence. I have been slowly working on the frame of the Roadster.I have had several suggestions on how to remove the patch plates that someone attached to the frame to apparently support modern style shock absorbers. Unfortunately I don't have the equipment or the skills for some of them, such as using a plasma cutter.I've been reduced to using the high speed cutter where it will fit, and a micro die grinder with dremel style cutting blades where it won't. This makes for a slow and tedious job of removing the plates. I figure I am just over half way there, with a good 10 to 20 hours of work time left to finish the cutting out and grinding down any remaining bits.Once these have been removed I need to do a final cleaning on the frame, then it is prime and paint time! I have ALL of the parts I need for the braking system, and all are 100% ready to go on. I also will be pulling the engine one more time, this time I will break it down, paint it properly and be (hopefully) reassembling it for the final time. On the note of the engine, this still leaves me with the question. On a 1930 Chrysler 77, just how glossy should the engine enamel be (or not glossy)?In the mean time the Windshield frame from N/C Industries arrived, and it is awesome. I am still trying to locate pictures of (or the parts themselves) to go in the windshield frame uprights so I can mount the windshield. The stanchions (windshield posts) have been removed and the majority of the dead chrome stripped off. Next I need to learn what to use and how to fill some pitting on these so I can get them ready for plating.The four Delco-Loveyjoy Duodraulic shocks are being cleaned up and sent out to be rebuilt.The four wheel drums will be taken over and turned in a few weeks, waiting until I'm closer to putting them back on.I picked up a set of castings for the top rests, they need to be finished, another project in the works. I'm hoping to talk my father in to handling the bulk of this one for me. I have two of the top rest bars, looking for the second two (I need the two with the holes in them for the top rests to lock in to).The top frame for the convertible top has been removed and the black paint is being stripped off in preperation for rechroming. I need to find someone to make the top bows for me.I have the leather for the seats in hand and hope to get with a local retired auto upholstery gentleman to get that work started shortly.Well thats a general overview of what is in progress at the moment... now if I can just find more free time to get out there and work on it...Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 I envy you, Rich. I can see the work you are doing in my imagination as you describe it but have not a clue as to how to do it in reality. Being a dysfunctional mechanic, I have to leave it up to my son or the few good mechanics I have found around the Front Range. Maybe I will learn how to do this kind of thing someday...thank you for posting this. It is very interesting for those of us who dream of restoring our cars but dare not for fear of ruining them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadsterRich Posted October 21, 2003 Author Share Posted October 21, 2003 Randall,I've always been 'lucky' with engines, never had a problem making darn near anything run. I've only tinkered with transmissions in the last year, I've never done body work, and all this frame work is totally new to me. I may not do the best job, and I may make a few (okay lots) of mistakes on the way, but I believe there is nothing I can't do... just a question of how well I can do it <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Colleen is very supportive, her faith in me makes all the more possible...So c'mon down to Florida Randall, you're welcome to help me make mistakes any day! I have faith in you! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 Thank you for the invitation, Rich! I may do just that. I am still working on the '47 but my son threatens to beat me if I screw anything else up! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />My one dream is to get the Dutchman in shape to tour. He still needs a new fuel pump, carburetor, and Voltage Regulator...and to have the engine pulled for a valve and ring job at the least. I also know he needs new seals front and rear. He leaks but not too badly.I would love to have access to a garage and someone who could help me to do it all...that would be a lot of fun. I hope the project on the '30 keeps going well for you. I know just how much my '47 means to me. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
48LCCOUPE Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 The neat thing or one of them in my estimation about working on older vehicles is that with very few tools, you have everthing the original builders and mechanics had. I'm not saying you will have the same craftsmanship or skills, but they didn't use robots, lazer cutters, and invent ways NOT to be able to get your hand in somewhere. With good instuctions, some patience and begging for help you can do most anything that needs to be done on older cars. Except hook up the laptop to the diagnostic plug under the dash on the drivers side. Dave Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTW Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 Rich - thanks for the update - made for interesting reading. regarding the engine enamel. I'm sure someone here can answer the question - However, perhaps you can find an older original photo of the car with the hood open to compare?Dave - maybe I shouldn't be looking for the computer plug under the seat of the 1904 olds? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Altho I do agree - it is nice that I don't have to invest big for tools to do work on the older cars and I can fit my hand inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadsterRich Posted October 21, 2003 Author Share Posted October 21, 2003 Interestingly enough I have a copy of the 'Special Service Tools - Designed and Recommended for Servicing - Chrysler Products', same vintage as the 1930 Roadster. It contains seventy some odd pages of pictures and descriptions of speciality tools, hundreds of them. Some of them very ingenious and virtually all very specific to a given task. So while we may not need the modern gizmo's, even back in the day the speciality tool market had a nice niche.Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTW Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 Rich - I looked in the 1930 Cadillac operators manual not too long ago - it lists the standard tool equipment to service the car. First tool listed is a hammer! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I have that next to the duct tape in my toolbox. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />However, the hub cap wrench & rim tool does seem somewhat specialized for that style car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
48LCCOUPE Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 CTW. not under the seat! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Everyone knows the diagnostic plug for olds from 1904 all the way up to 1908 was next to the steering column (shaft as the oldtimers called it). Special tool laptop with .25 C required. To this day, there are special tools being sold to dealers when in fact the same tool is in most technicians tool boxes. i.e. caliper, special inspection mirror (available at any dentist office when they leave you alone for 1/2 hour), and "special" low impact hammer. Kinda like jumbo shrimp, or small huricane. Dave Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadsterRich Posted October 22, 2003 Author Share Posted October 22, 2003 Randall, only problem with a garage is that the collection of useless but seemingly invaluable items is equal to the sum of the square of the size of the garage multiplied times the level of packratedness to the power of the obsession. Or in lay terms... there simply ain't never enough room.By god if there is a space I'll find at least twice as much stuff as will fit in it that I must, yes I say must have...RichPS: God I feel bad for my kids when my day comes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Indiana_Truck Posted October 23, 2003 Share Posted October 23, 2003 Rich,You said a mouth full of truth that time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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