New member, first post
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 11:01 am
Hello all.
This is my first post, and marks a return to the hobby after 50 years. Looking for a small, relatively straightforward restoration project, I bought Model S #1454 from Kim Dobbins. The car appears entirely original, very complete, and free of rust or rot, kept safe, dry, and unbutchered for 117 years! It is exactly as represented. Thank you, Kim.
The engine turns over easily, has good valve action and compression on all cylinders. The ignition system needs a rebuild, but I have the components. Ditto the water pump, carb, and oiler. After those fixes, and inspecting the bottom end, should I try running it before removal and disassembly of the chassis? I’d appreciate any input.
I built a small early car collection in the 70’s before selling it all for the lure of the sky — restoring a 1927 Stearman which had flown the mail. It was powered by a 200hp Wright J-5, the same engine Lindbergh used. Totally different, rare, lighter and cruder than the 10,000+ Stearman trainers used in WWII. Much the same relationship as NRS to Model T.
The cars I had back then included an 1899 Knox porcupine, a 1902 Packard, a 1903 Cadillac which I ran London to Brighton, a 1904 chain drive Mercedes, a 1914 Buick, and a 1931 Model A roadster which I bought at Hershey and drove to California with my seven-year-old son who’s now 58. All gone dreaming of the blue! A few years ago, the Mercedes sold for $2M. I bought and sold it for under $50K.
Anyway, back to reliable basic transportation. I live in Anacortes, WA and look forward to meeting other members, hopefully some in the Northwest.
This is my first post, and marks a return to the hobby after 50 years. Looking for a small, relatively straightforward restoration project, I bought Model S #1454 from Kim Dobbins. The car appears entirely original, very complete, and free of rust or rot, kept safe, dry, and unbutchered for 117 years! It is exactly as represented. Thank you, Kim.
The engine turns over easily, has good valve action and compression on all cylinders. The ignition system needs a rebuild, but I have the components. Ditto the water pump, carb, and oiler. After those fixes, and inspecting the bottom end, should I try running it before removal and disassembly of the chassis? I’d appreciate any input.
I built a small early car collection in the 70’s before selling it all for the lure of the sky — restoring a 1927 Stearman which had flown the mail. It was powered by a 200hp Wright J-5, the same engine Lindbergh used. Totally different, rare, lighter and cruder than the 10,000+ Stearman trainers used in WWII. Much the same relationship as NRS to Model T.
The cars I had back then included an 1899 Knox porcupine, a 1902 Packard, a 1903 Cadillac which I ran London to Brighton, a 1904 chain drive Mercedes, a 1914 Buick, and a 1931 Model A roadster which I bought at Hershey and drove to California with my seven-year-old son who’s now 58. All gone dreaming of the blue! A few years ago, the Mercedes sold for $2M. I bought and sold it for under $50K.
Anyway, back to reliable basic transportation. I live in Anacortes, WA and look forward to meeting other members, hopefully some in the Northwest.