Auto Factoids for Week of June 3, 2018 Olds, Plymouth

June 3, 1864 – Ransom Olds was born in Genvea, Ohio – Founder of the now defunct Oldsmobile car manufacturer.  Although Henry Ford often get credit for inventing the assembly line production – Ransom was the first to use the assembly line.  (Ford gets credit for improving it and adding universal parts.)

1905 Olds

 

June 7, 1928 – First Plymouth is produced.   Some research suggest that it was actually  built on June 11, 1928.

1928 Q Code Plymouth

 

It had engineering code (or model) Q and had a 4 cylinder engine.

Check out the video on YouTube:


Thanks for reading.
Tim
#Autofactoids
#ProjectSportsRoof
#ProjectBeepBeep

Project SportsRoof Update

Well it has been a while since I’ve updated readers on #ProjectSportsRoof and frankly there hasn’t been a lot going on.

As the regular readers know I do all the work I can on my car, when practical.  This work happens in my driveway, which unfortunately has a rather steep slope.

You’ve seen the videos of my work pulling out the engine and the transmission and putting the engine back in and attempting to put the transmission back in.

I few weeks ago, after suffering from a huge bout of guilt for not working the Mustang, I attempted one more time to get the transmission reattached to the engine.

This endeavor, required me to put the car up a lot higher than normal on the stands, to get enough room to maneuver the trans and the transmission jack around.  this was a huge mistake.  After a few tries I decided to pull the transmission back out for under the car and wait for some help later in the week.

Everything went fine and the transmission was safely strapped to the transmission jack and rolled back into the garage.  Since the car was lifted higher for the failed attempt, I decided to lower it back on to the ground.  As I lifted the car with my floor jack, so I could remove one stand one of the remaining stands slipped from its place and the car dropped about 5″ on to the tires.  This didn’t seem to be to dramatic of a fall until I noticed that the motor mounts had separate (broke to be frank).

That was depressing, to say the least and another set back.  Of course this depression was compounded by the fact that  I had very limited free time coming up to work on the car.  I am a full-time Junior High teacher and I had just signed on to coach our boy’s basketball team which was a lot of fun (we when 10 -2 for the season) and very time-consuming.

I purchased the motor mounts and was attempting to schedule a couple of relatives to help out.  That proved difficult.

So a relative mentioned a successful automotive shop that was opening a new location here in Tucson and I contacted them to see they wanted to tackle the engine and transmission re-install, build a custom drive shaft and add headers and exhaust.  They looked it over and we agreed on the cost estimate.

So off she goes to get the complete drive training straighten out and hopefully back on the road soon.

There is still a lot of work to be done and as I get ready for my summer break from teaching, I should be able to but more time into it!!!

 

I have a lot more coming up on #ProjectBeepBeep as well.

Thanks for reading.

1973 Mustang Project SportsRoof – Exterior Walk-Around

Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof.  I run my car projects much like I run my IT projects.  You always have to know where to start and know the end game.   As with any project that isn’t being built from scratch, in other word, you have to work with what you’ve got, …
1973 Mustang – Engine Bay Work

If you look back at #ProjectSportsRoof post you’ll see the condition engine bay.  During those videos I mentioned that I was going to clean it up and hit it with a rattle can.  Again this isn’t going to be a concours restoration, it’s going to look nice and it’s going …
1973 Mustang – Project Sports Roof

As I posted before, after a vigorous (not read ‘desperate’) I finally found my next personal project.  The 1973 Mustang Sports Roof  Fastback is what I settled on.  Now we start the project that has been dubbed #ProjectSportsRoof (yes I find it necessary to use the ‘hash’). 1973 Mustang Color …
1973 Mustang – Project Sports Roof – Fender Fitment Part I

Ok so these were suppose to kick off while I’m over here in Italy, but they failed to post up, so I’m taking a few minutes to fix that. Oh well as long as I’m typing, here is my favorite Italian road sign: Welcome back to Project Sports Roof (#ProjectSportsRoof).  We stripped …
1973 Mustang – Project Sports Roof – Fender Fitment Part II

In these next two videos, you’ll see just how ‘off’ these fenders are in some areas and surprisingly how well they fit in other areas. If you have an experience or a hit for anyone taking on this part of a restoration – drop a comment here and we’ll share them. https://youtu.be/Ga9EHbDpSfg     https://youtu.be/FBKs7EG4kK0   Thanks …
1973 Mustang – Project Sports Roof – Pertronix Ignitor Update

Well win some and you lose some.  If you’ve seen my other posts related the replacement of the points and condenser for the 351C you’ll notice that I gave conversion high marks.  This was all based on the years of use I got out of the conversion I did on …
1973 Mustang – Project Sports Roof – Vacuum System Part II

Thanks for checking on #ProjectSportsRoof.   So here is the last set of initial questions. Here is an image of the current set up: Any diagram I find has the hose vacuum from the Distr going to the Valve assy. The Valve assy has nothing attached which is located on the front …

Tim

#ProjectSportsRoof

#ProjectBeepBeep

Auto Factoids for 12/17/2017 Datsun 510, Lexus, Ford Probe

#AutoFactoids are back!!!  I will be changing them up a bit but they’ll still be fun.

Factoid – The Datsun 510 in the late 1960s it competed with the likes of BMW on the front lines of the then-new sports sedan category. Paul Newman use to race one.

Factoid – Lexus SC300 shared a lot of important parts with the now-legendary Toyota Supra, including the same straight six engine.

 

Factoid – Ford Probe was basically a Mazda 626, and was originally intended to become the new Mustang. Thankfully, those plans were scrapped because Ford was concerned of the back-lash.

Thanks for following #AutoFactoids.

Tim

Auto Factoid 9/8/2013 – 9/14/2013

Auto Factoids are back!!!!   Lets just get started. Happy Birthday (Sept. 8, 1903) Preston  Tucker – nice cars!!!   On Sept 9th 1935 Studebaker put the first car on a Pennsylvania RR rail car headed to NYC  but the final destination was London.  (Actually there were 163 cars in that shipment.) These are …
Auto Factoids – Chevy’s LS9

Here some interesting facts for the new in 2008 LS9 engine. – It was a combination of upgraded LS3 and LS7 components  and took 3 years to develop – All 2000 units were hand-assembled in GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan -It displaced 6.2 liters – Bore and stroke 4.06×3.62 with a compression ratio of 9.1:1 – …

#Project BeepBeep Gets Hinges – Prt 1

Welcome back to Average Guy’s  Car Restoration.

Bill’s 68 Road Runner get a new lower door hinge. Some great tips here!

 

A close up of the hinges.

The upper hinge.

Door gap.

Part 2 is coming up and check in on the other article on AVG Car Restoration.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#ProjectSportsRoof
#ProjectBeepBeep

 

Introducing #ProjectBeepBeep – Code H 1968 Road Runner

Feb 2, 2017 I’d like you to take a look at one of my constant readers classic muscle car. First let me say that Bill has been an a long quest to find a car to …

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

Bill tries out a custom set of spark plug wires for #ProjectBeepBeep. Bill has more coming up on his 68 Road Runner and I might just have something to post of …

Project BeepBeep – ’68 RoadRunner – Door Panel Tips

Feb 12, 2017 Ready for some more #ProjectBeepBeep? Bill takes you through a few tips for restoring your B-Body door panels. Take a look: Great stuff!!!

Project BeepBeep – A look at the Brakes

Mar 10, 2017 Introducing #ProjectBeepBeep – Code H 1968 Road Runner. I’d like you to take a look at one of my constant readers classic muscle car.

 

Project SportRoof – Transmission Update

It’s been a while but the new career is smoothing out and I’m hell-bent on getting back to my Mustang project.

Here is where we are with the drive train…going backward is necessary sometimes to get moving forward again.

 


 

HEY FOUND THEM:

 

 

More Coming Up on #ProjectSportsRoof.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

projectsportsroof

73 Mustang (Project SportsRoof) Engine Dress Up and Venting …

Mar 15, 2017 Did you think I sold #ProjectSportsRoof? Nope. I’ve been busy and I’ve been serving as editor to another cool project – my constant reader Bill’s …
Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing – Rebuild Them …

#ProjectSportsRoof has been…languishing a bit but I have a new transmission jack and I’ll be back to it in the next week…right now it going to be about 120 …

Neighbor George’s 1979 El Camino

While I’m still adjusting to my new career (putting work on #ProjectSportsRoof on hold) Bill is helping a neighbor with his El Camino.

 

 

Sand is a hazard here the great southwest and your engine isn’t going like that!!!

A good fuel filter can save your engine.

When Bill called me to chat about the sand issue, we discussed where that sand might have originated, after all we do live here in the desert of southern Arizona and sand has a habit of getting in to just about everything.  We thought that a Seafoam treatment might be in order, although I think that might be a long shot.  So Bill and George changed the fuel filter and George is going to add the Seafoam to about a half a tank of gas and drive until almost empty, then pull the filter, check for sand and replace with a new filter.  If the sand is still an issue, I suggest dropping the tank for a good cleaning.  

The 1979 El Camino was the second year for the more compact design, based on the Malibu platform.  The standard engine choices were a six cylinder and the 305 and 350.   They had a cost of around $5000.00.

A HUGE, thanks to Neighbor George for sharing he awesome ride!!

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

#ProjectSportsRoof

#ProjectBeepBeep

 

Restored 1966 Corvair Monza Convertible – For Sale

Beautiful 1966 Corvair Monza Convertible.

Asking Only $8000.

 

 

I know this car, it was restored by a family member has been under his car for years.

Here is the VIN breakdown:

Chevy -1
Monza – 05
Convertible – 67
1966 – 6
Los Angels production – L

Details:

Engine:  Rebuilt – all engine seals (deck and shroud) are new, carbs rebuilt. Runs well.  Engine bay is rest free!

Convertible Top:   Solid – Soft rear window.

All Class is clear.

No rust on frame.  All new floor pans.

Paint is 7 out of 10.

Interior is well restored.

Original hub caps.

Chrome in good shape.

 

 

Here are some pics:

Beautiful Monza Vert!

Beautiful Interior (that’s water on the seat from the bath. (no leaks)

Paint 7 out of 10

Nice and straight body.


Puddle is water from the bath.

Looks like new!!

Engine Rebuilt. All new seals.

Water drips on the seat from putting the top up after a wash.











Radio Works!

Nice gauges!! All functional.


If you have any questions contact me @ timsweet@cox.net or 520-405-5314.

 

Tim

 

 

Where The Heck Have You Been?

That’s a question I’ve gotten on other social media avenues and there is a good answer.

At this age I made a decision to make a career change.  Up at age of 58 and after 20 plus years as information technology guy (last position as Director of IT) I resigned and began the quest to make a move that I’ve always wanted to make.  So, it was back to college for a few courses and heavy-duty studying to pass certification exams – passed on the second attempt.

That’s where I’ve been.  Now I begin my new career as a High School teacher and that kicks off with my first teaching position at a charter school.  Things get rolling mid-July.

Now that will be a busy time but I’m comfortable with having spare time to keep working on my projects.

So, here’s what is coming up:

Bill has finished #ProjectBeepBeep disc brake conversion and we even have a video with it in motion!!!!

#ProjectSportsRoof has been…languishing a bit but I have a new transmission jack and I’ll be back to it in the next week…right now it going to be about 120 degrees, so not idea weather for working on the beast.

More #AutoFactoids coming up and some new stuff I have planned.

Thanks for checking back with us!!!

Tim

 

68 Ply RoadRunner (ProjectBeepBeep) Dash Update – YouTube

May 11, 2017 Bill sent out the circuit board that supplies the power to the all dash components on #ProjectBeepBeep.

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

Bill is getting soooooooooo close to having ProjectBeepBeep on the road again. This update takes a look at the brake actuator rod. The Rod. Bill mentioned 303 …

Auto Factoids for the Week of May 21, 2017 – Goodyear, Sloan and Rose

Light week this week but here are your #AutoFactoids  for the week of May 21, 2017.

May 22, 1929 –  Goodyear Blimp took its maiden flight.   Still provides some of the best auto racing coverage!!!

Goodyear Blimp.

First Goodyear Factory

Mr. Goodyear

 

May 23, 1875  – Alfred P. Sloan Jr. was born in New Heaven Conn.   He headed up GM as President and guided it through some iconic car designs.  He was instrumental in establishing the idea of make styling changes annually and planting the idea of  (something we consumer dislike) planned obsolescence. He also established a pricing structure by sub-brand (Chevy, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Caddy) —referred to as the ladder of success, so that they did not compete with each other, and buyers could be kept in the GM “family” as their buying power and preferences changed as they aged.   

 

Alfred P. Sloan – Time Magazine Dec 1926.

Alfred P. Sloan

 

May 26, 1906 – Mauri Rose born  in Columbus, Ohio.  This Racing Hall of Famer driver, placed second in the 1927 Indy 500. Actually won the Indy in 1941, but that was a tough victory, spanning two Maserati-powered Elgin Piston Pin Specials cars, after the first one had mechanical issues. He tossed a fit and the car owners pulled one of the other drivers from the race and give Rose that car.

 

The Pin

The Elgin Pin

 

What powered that thing? The Elgin’s  “Power Plant”

The Pin’s power plant.

 

Mauri in the Blue Spark car!

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Auto Factoid for Week of Nov. 30, 2014

Hope you all had a great Turkey Day!! Here is the line up of Auto Factoids for the first week in December!!!   Nov 30 1960  De Soto ceases production.  The last De Soto produced were really the Chrysler Windsor, most did not sale, even though dealerships continued to received cars after the …

Auto Factoids – Week of May 31, 2015 – Ford, Olds, Model T

Here are your Auto Factoids #AutoFactoids for the beginning of June, 2015. May 31, 1927 – Ford produced the last Model T.    There is some debate as to actual date and it’s said that the 15th million Model T rolled off the production line on May 26th, 1927 and the Henry …

AUTO FACTOIDS & C.N.N for Week of 7/26/2015 – Studebaker to Viper

Kaiser-Fraser formed July 26, 1945 – The Kaiser-Frazer Corporation was the result of a partnership between automobile executive Joseph W. Frazer and business man Henry  J. Kaiser. In 1947, the company acquired the automotive assets of Graham-Paige.  Interesting enough, Kaiser had no automotive business experience.   In 1953 the company became …

Auto Factoids and C.N.N for week of Sept 6th 2015 – TBird and Studebaker

Here is your #AutoFactoids and Car News Now for this first full week of September 2015. Auto Factoids Sept. 7, 1954 – Production of Ford Thunderbird begins 1955 T-Bird 2002 Thunderbird             Sept. 8, 1903   Preston Tucker was born in Capac, MI. While dubbed “Tucker Torpedo” during production no ‘Torpedoes’ were produced. Beautiful …

Auto Factoids and C.N.N for week of Sept 6th 2015 – TBird and Studebaker

Here is your #AutoFactoids and Car News Now for this first full week of September 2015. Auto Factoids Sept. 7, 1954 – Production of Ford Thunderbird begins 1955 T-Bird 2002 Thunderbird             Sept. 8, 1903   Preston Tucker was born in Capac, MI. While dubbed “Tucker Torpedo” during production no ‘Torpedoes’ were produced. Beautiful …

 

Auto Factoids for Week of April 30th, 2017 – AMC, GM, Packard, Le Mans

Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for Week of April 30th 2017

 

May 1, 1954 – American Motors Corp Formed

Formed  from Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson merger.  It was still referred to as Nash-Ramber and then AMC Ramber though the 1950’s.  Styling didn’t change in the next few years and 1955-1956 Ramblers were badged as both Nashes and Hudsons, with no visible difference between the two. Rambler became a marque in its own right for the 1957 model year. The Nash and Hudson makes were continued as senior model only through 1957, after which all of AMC’s offerings were marketed as Ramblers.

1958 4 Door Rambler Ad

1958 Rambler Statesman – 2Dr.

 

May 2, 1918 – Chevrolet becomes part of GM.

GM was started Billy Durant by using the financing from his Durant-Dort Carriage Company to take over Buick Motor Company. He changed the name to General Motors (with Buick eventually becoming a separate brand later on).  He soon brought in Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Oakland company.  He started Chevrolet (in partnership with famous Swiss race car driver Louis Chevrolet) to help off set the financial issues as a separate company.  Durant eventually started purchasing more Chevy stock and eventually took control and folded Chevy into GM.

May 3, 1948 – Willys Jeepster Phaeton debuts. 

These were mostly powered by the Inline 4 Cylinder, L-head engine. (134.2 cid, bore 3.13, stroke 4.38, compression 6.48:1 for about 63hp). Power got to the wheels via a 3 speed transmission.  All the Willys had the same wheelbase length of 104″ with the total length of the Phaeton being 174.8″.   Production was not well-defined through out all the models offered but approximately, 10,326 Phaeton were build.

1948 Jeepster Phaeton

May 3, 1949 – Packard’s 50th Anniversary 2000 Gold Packards. 

These were  Dealer Driveway.  These weren’t “gold” cars but they were painted in a special paint code of Gold.  Each were powered with 327 c.i.d., 150 hp engine. The number of ’49 2000 Gold Packards produced was about 600 (some say 1500) . The event was held at was the Utica Proving Grounds.  Currently none are known to exists although you can see a few “gold painted” 49 Packards pop up from time to time.

Here is a 49 Packard – painted gold.  Is it one of the Drive-Aways?  Slight chance.

Packard’s Utica Proving Grounds.

 

May 4, 1923 First Le Mans 24 hour race.

The first Le Mans 24 Hour race was held just outside Le Mans, France.  Initial the race was limited to ‘production’ cars  and  two drivers, now they require 3 drivers per car and the of course these cars aren’t in your dealers show rooms.  The race was won by one of the French teams  – André Lagache and Léonard driving a Chenard et Walcker  with  3.0L I4 engine.

This is an awesome looking car!!!

May 6, 1928 Chrysler debuts the De Soto.  The De Soto wasn’t available to the public until 1929.  It sported an L-head six cylinder engine, displacing 174.9 CID and producing about 55hp.

First De Soto

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#AutoFactoids

Here are your Auto Factoids #AutoFactoids for the beginning of June, 2015. May 31, 1927 – Ford produced the last Model T. There is some debate as to actual …

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

(via Auto Factoids for the Week of April 23, 2017 Mazda, Ford, Lamborghini). Tagged: autofactoids. Source: average-guys-car-restoration-mods-racing.com.

#AutoFactoids – Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing

AutoFactoids | Auto Factoids for the Week of April 23, 2017 April 25, 1970 – First Mazda in the US I remember seeing the first Mazda cars in the U.S. I was 12 or …

Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/22/2015 – Firebird, Thunderbird, AMX

Feb 25, 2015 Got a few huge debuts this week’s Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids), so lets get started. Feb 23, 1954 – Ford shows off the Thunderbird for the first.