The Surfites!

Heres another great video of some cool vintage drag racing; There's even a quick shot of Tommy Ivo watching the races.

36' Ford "Westergard" Custom

This is one of my favorite customs of all time. A chopped 1935 - 1936 3-window Ford.

This has beautiful color, beautiful lines and the "Perfect" stance.

Check it out!

A SDB Douglas Dauntless Dive Bomber recovered from Lake Michigan!

Isnt this great! I have always had and still posess a huge interest in WW2. In fact, its one of my favorite periods of the 20th Century. Its a time that truly express our American Values at its finest.

The Dauntless Dive Bomber is one of my favorite planes, next to the Mighty B-17. It excites me to read of this great news; another piece of history that will be restored for everyone to see and be reminded the sacrifices that this Generation made for our country and many others to have the freedom's they live in today. I salute ALL Allied Forces (American, British and Canadian) serviceman and women of World War 2 that made it happen.

Lets read on!

Chicago Breaking News Center:
__________________________________________________
A World War II naval dive bomber was recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan today, 65 years after it crashed on a training mission off Waukegan.
It's known that the pilot survived, but it's not clear which aircraft this is, because definitive identification numbers can't be found on the plane.

Nevertheless a marine salvage company in Illinios, A&T, working with a naval aviation museum, found the aircraft using sidescan sonar in 315 feet of water, 27 miles out from Waukegan.

The plane was lifted from the bottom Thursday using an airbag and towed underwater into Waukegan Harbor this morning, where the j ob was completed.

At 10:15 a.m. a Larsen marine crane began lifting the aircraft from the water and for the next half hour slowly raised it as brown water and black mud poured out of it. At 10:46 a.m., the crane operator and handlers with ropes set the plane down on a blue tarpaulin.

The aircraft was lost during training operations during World War II when naval pilots were being trained out of Chicago's Navy Pier for takeoffs and landings on aircraft carriers.

This plane was one of nearly 100 that were lost during those exercises. About 40 of them have been recovered.

This morning, as the plane was lifted out of the water and gently angled toward touchdown on dry land, A&T diving engineer Keith Pearson looked at the plane with satisfaction. "This thing crashed and has been under water [a long time]. I think it looks pretty darn good, doesn't it?"

~James Janega

Packards - At the Proving Grounds

Ever wonder what the car manufactures do? Check this cool video on the vintage Packards in 1954.

These Packards make great customs. Thier lines are absolutely beautiful.

Get out the popcorn and rasinette's.

1956 Packard - Lets go Buy One!

What if we could go back in time to buy one of these beauties! A 1956 Packard!

For Sale - 1928-29 Ford Sedan Hot Rod!

Every now and again, I like to post cool cars for sale, even on Ebay. This one struck me pretty hard since the owner is selling because of his recent unemployment. I hope this 'plug' will help him out with more exposure to the auction.

This car looks mean as heck and spot on in the traditional lines.

Sedan's description:
This is a 29 ford sedan built about ten years ago and sitting in storage. It's a driver and I've put about 200 miles on it. It rides fair but since there are so few miles on it there are some bugs that need to be worked out. The steering is somewhat loose and and the rear suspension needs stiffer springs. I have not attempted to adjust the springs that are on it but they are adjustable. The body is steel and and the metal is very sound. The fenders are fiberglass. There is minor surface rust in some areas such as the floor boards but it really is a solid car. It has no roof filler or windows. The lights are installed but I have not wired them, nor have I wired the guages. I have been driving it without plates though I do have a clear title. Here is what the car has: Glide seat upholstered in grey twead, A 327 chevy motor( runs good doesn't smoke) a 350 tranny (it's a little spongy but works fine), good tires all the way around with very little wear. A Bell straight axle, 9" ford rear. Four bar suspension front and back. Discs up front, drums in back. limewords stearing column and wheel. It has a hood and hood sides not shown in the pictures.

This has been a pleasant car to play with. I did not build it originally (it was build by a shop in Washington) but I made it streetable. I would not sell this car if Oregon was not number one in the nation for unemployment (you voted for Obama not me). Shipping is a negotiable option. If you have questions please feel free to call me at any time. I'll answer any questions you may have.

Call Steve 503-267-0232 if your interested in this car. I know if I had the $$$ I would be all over it.

220399457180

Good luck Steve. May God bless you and your family.

What a Wild Ride!

I found this on YouTube.com and I just had to post this. Its simple and 'could be' boring. A couple of guys heading out into town probably for lunch. Just watching it made me crack up! So Cool!

The Aussies having fun - Jalopy Racing!

Another burst of video showing Jalopies running a 'roundy round' track. Dang this is cool!

The Aussies have a bit of fun! Nastalgic Drags!

I love nastalgic cars especially at the drags. Heres a great clip of a few laying down rubber!

Bomber Seat Craftsmanship

I found this seat on the internet and I had to show its craftsmanship. Simply Amazing!

This seat was made by Frank Wallic of Ohio. He is exceptionaly talented. Check out the details, the rivets and the neat Hughes Aircraft nameplate.

A talented Amish couple in Ohio made the cushions for the seat for driving. The back cover has a pocket sewn on the back so it can easily slide it off when showing the car. Olive drab canvas material was used for a covering.

Quick Tips - Testing your Generator

Generator Testing
If the brushes check OK, do this test:
Disconnect the generator from the regulator (probably easiest to simply take the wires off the generator).
Connect a jumper from DF on the generator to the generator frame. Now run the engine and measure the voltage from ground to D+ on the generator.

NOTE: Some generators have different types of terminals;
verify which is DF and which is D+.



As you increase the engine speed, the voltage should jump up to +35 volts or so (@3000 RPM).
If it passes this test, the generator is good.
(Don't run this test longer than necessary as it will overheat the generator.)
Polarizing
If it fails that test, the generator may need to be polarized.
Leave the jumper wire connected from DF to ground.
Remove the fan belt.
Connect a wire from the battery + terminal to D+ on the generator.



The generator shaft should start to spin.
Don't run this way for more than a few seconds to avoid overheating.
The generator will now be properly polarized.
If the generator did not spin during this motoring test, the generator is likely defective.
Put the belt back on and re-test for generator voltage with DF grounded. If the output voltage is still low, the generator is defective.
About polarizing
Why do generators need to be "polarized". Auto generators need some magnetism to get started. This "residual" magnetism remains in the Field pole pieces even after the engine has stopped.
The next time the generator starts up, the residual magnetism creates a small voltage in the Armature windings. Not enough to charge the battery, but enough to allow the Field windings to draw current. As the Field current increases, the pole pieces create even more magnetism. That makes even more voltage in the Armature, and the cycle continues until the
generator is capable of producing maximum output.
What happens though to a generator which has been stored a long time or is freshly built? The residual magnetism may have decreased to the point where it can no longer get the generator started producing voltage. In the case of a new generator or one which has been mis-treated, the residual may even be of the wrong direction (North and South poles reversed).
Polarization is a simple process used to restore the Field pole residual magnetism and ensure the magnetic direction is correct.
Do regulators need to be polarized?
No, regulators are not polarity-sensitive.
But my regulator came with instructions to polarize it...
These instructions actually polarize the generator, not the regulator. The regulator mfr simply wants to ensure that your generator will work properly so you don't blame the regulator.

Vintage Metal spotted!

This was spotted on the 91 Freeway, Going West about 7:45 am on 4-15-09

1954 1955 Desoto Advertisements

Lets take a detour away from the Edsel and lets look at the Desoto.

Formerly with the Plymouth, Dodge and Chrysler Family. The DeSoto make was founded by Walter P. Chrysler on August 4, 1928, and introduced for the 1929 model year. Chrysler wanted to enter the brand in competition with its arch-rivals General Motors, Studebaker, and Willys-Knight, in the mid-price class. The Desoto was manufactured until 1961 it met its demise. The iconic symbol that represented the company was the logo which featured a stylized image of Hernando de Soto.

Shortly after DeSoto was introduced, however, Chrysler finalized its purchase of the Dodge Brothers, giving the company two mid-priced makes. The irony is, had the transaction been completed sooner, DeSoto never would have been introduced.

Initially, the two-make strategy was relatively successful, with DeSoto priced below Dodge models. Despite the economic times, DeSoto sales were relatively healthy, pacing Dodge at around 25,000 units in 1932. However, in 1933, Chrysler reversed the market positions of the two marques in hopes of boosting Dodge sales. By elevating DeSoto, it received Chrysler's streamlined 1934 Airflow bodies. But, on the shorter DeSoto wheelbase, the design was a disaster and was unpopular with consumers. Unlike Chrysler, which still had more traditional models to fall back on, DeSoto was hobbled by the Airflow design until the 1935 Airstream arrived.

Aside from its Airflow models, DeSoto's 1942 model is probably its second most memorable model from the pre-war years, when the cars were fitted with powered pop-up headlights, a first for a North American mass-production vehicle. DeSoto marketed the feature as "Air-Foil" lights "Out of Sight Except at Night".

Moving forward, Desoto boosted in the early 50's with great lines and the heavy hitting Hemi Engine which would later be the number 1 choice for all racers on the drag strip.

Lets watch this great advertisement for the 1954 1955 Desoto.

Vintage Metal spotted!

A 53-54 Chevy sedan spotted on 210 freeway east. Easter Sunday.
C50F

1958 Edsel TV Show "Live Ad"

Okay, Okay, I know im beating this stuff hard but I figure I hit on something different. Another 1958 Edsel advertisement. Watch and Enjoy.

1958 Edsel Commercial - A Layout of all the Options

The first year for Edsel, and from what I can see a huge effort to get one of the most economical, choice ridden, luxury vehicles on the road.

Most people call them ugly, but after watching this; it may curve your opinion. Lots of flash and pizzaz.

18 Different Models; Ranger, Pacer, Corsair, Citation, Bremuda
90 Color Combinations

Over the past few days, I have been talking with several friends of mine about the "Edsel" to get thier opinion on the cars and suprisingly, I found that it was a largely liked vehicle because of its flash and speed. "They were great cars and motored fast when the pedal was mashed!".

Did it fail because of its looks; or was it because of bad managment? I read that a large part of its demise came from the low economy period during that time. Ford/Mercury looked for ways to cut back to keep thier company moving forward.

I dont know about you, but after watching this; how could you NOT like them anymore and want to run out to buy one!.

1959 Edsel Promotional Film Number 2

Another vintage promotional film for the 1959 Edsel 4-door Hard Top.

1959 Edsel Promotional Film

I love old advertisements. Check out this old film for the 1959 Edsel.

1958 Edsel Assembly Picture

A 1958 Edsel Citation 2-door hardtop body is lowered onto the chassis in this photo from late 1957. Taken at the Somerville, Massachusetts Ford Assembly Plant, the Edsel is tri-tone with whitewall tires and the standard E-475 engine and Teletouch transmission visible.

The photo reveals part of the assembly sequence. The body shell is complete from the firewall back, including doors, trim, trunk and taillight assemblies. The bumper is already mounted to the frame. The fuel tank is attached to the body. And holes for the rocker panel moldings are already drilled, in anticipation of the next steps in the assembly process.

Ref: Edsel.com

Quick Tips: 1959 Edsel/Ford Dual Master Cylinder Swap

Quick tip of the day: If you have a 1959 Edsel or Ford and want to put the bigger dual output master cylinder, use a 1967 Mustang unit. It will be a direct bolt in except for having to change the brake lines.

Note: Ensure you are getting a Drum (F)/Drum (R) master cylinder for your 1959.

Packards! A little History.

The Packard began it's life in the early 1890's when Ward Packard first got the idea to build a motor car. In 1903 the Packard Motor Car Company was formed.
By 1909 packard was one of the major automobile manufactures in America.
Also by 1909 James Ward Packard was ready to retire and turn the presidency over to Henry Joy who had joined Packard in 1901 Under his direction the Packard company had grown to 6000 employees and their factory covered 33 acres of floor space. They continued to build high quality expensive cars.
By 1925 packard was the indisputable leader in the field of prestige automobiles.
The depression of the 1930's hurt Packard. By 1934 their production had dropped to below 7000 units per year from a high of more then 50,000 in 1928. Big multi cylinder cars were just not selling.
It was during this period that Packard decided to build a lower priced automobile and the 120 series was brought out. This move saved Packard for another 20 years.
The Packard 120, named for it's 120 inch wheel base was announced in 1935.
In 1939 Packard stopped production of it's V 12 engine and would never again regain the prestige it once had.
In 1941 the new Clipper styling appeared in some Packard sedans and by 1942 the traditional Packard lines were almost completely gone.
In 1954 Packard bought Studebaker but it was too late to save Packard.
It remained in production until August 15'th 1956.
A 56 year history came to an end.
In 1957 the company tried to save the Packard name by introducing a dressed up
Studebaker with the Packard name on it.
This didn't fool the buying public. This was tried again in 1958 but only 1745 were sold.
That move ended the packard forever.

Great story: 1948 Packard




1948 Packard Victoria Convertible Coupe

This car is owned by Robert Dowling. He bought it from a friend named Dean Anthony
who had the car from about 1955 to 1994. The only thing he did to it was paint it red
when he got it (he loved red) and replaced the fog and spot lights. Other than that he had
some Kelsy Hayes wheels redone and put them on (I have the original wheels and caps).
He told me except for the paint it was exactly as he got it. The car was driven almost
every day. He used to drive it to his mothers house in the San Fernando valley.
It has a little more than 65000 miles on it. He owned a moving and storage business
close to his house. At Christmas time he would put all his cars on display at a
Christmas Tree lot he ran every year. Before that, it was owned by someone famous
but I'm not sure who. He did a lot of business with Hollywood people. His wife was
close friends with Jack Bennys wife Mary Livingstone. (So I know Jack Benny rode in it!)
He knew Jack Lemon and lots of other celebrities too. He had a lot of great stories.
(he came really close to punching Frank Sinatra out once.)
Anyway, I really didn't want the car (I was more interested in a perfect
1927 Chevy coupe he had). One day he asked me to fix a head light in the Chevy,
this guy walks up to it and sits down in it. I went in the office and told him about it,
he said "it's his car now", "What!! I've been saving for it for two years!"
He asked why I didn't say anything before, I told him he was the kind of guy that if
he wanted a certain price for something that was what he wanted and that was it!
I told him if he was ever going to sell the Packard I wanted first crack at it!
He had been sick and his medical bills were mounting up. About a year later
he says I'm going to sell the Packard, how much will you give me for it? I figured
out my savings and told him. He said ok. When I gave him the money I told him it
was a loan and the car was collateral. After he passed away, his wife called me
and asked me when was I was going to get the car out of the garage, she wanted
the space. She told me she hated them all because they hardly ever went anywhere,
all they ever did was polish them!
The car has power windows, a power seat, there is a heater under the front seat
for the people in the back. It has an Ultramatic shift, basically if you go under 40
the shift lever is in second, over 40, third, you don't touch the clutch, except to back up.
The overdrive switches on and off depending on the load. I came back from a drive,
white as a sheet once, Dean looked at me and asked me what happened. I told him
I thought I broke the clutch or the transmission. I was going up a steep hill and it started
slipping very bad. He asked "Did the car slow down or speed up?" I said it sped up.
He started laughing, I was mad, "I just broke a $5000 transmission and you're laughing?"
"No you didn't. it went into passing gear." "How could it have a passing gear, it's a
manual transmission?" He told me all about how the thing works. It has a free wheel
mechanism and an overdrive on top of the self shift mechanism. It works almost like
an automatic. Neat set up but was replaced the next year with a real automatic
. The car is a dream to drive, very comfortable. I have a 48 Willys CJ2A that will wear
you out in about an hour and a half. Handles well for a car it's age and gets decent gas
mileage, about 20 MPG.
A friend of mine was getting married about 6 years ago and they asked me to use
it in the wedding. It had a few things I wanted to take care of so my son and I pulled
the engine and basically just cleaned it up. the crank is still standard . I had a set of
new pistons on the shelf so in those went along with a valve job and a new timing chain,
seal gaskets, clutch.
Now his daughters getting married and wants it in the wedding too, so I have to
fix the leaky water pump (the ceramic seal has a crack in it) It's weird, the thing
doesn't leak when it's running, but piddles all the anti freeze when its stopped!
I'm peeved because I had the water pump rebuilt when we freshened up the motor!
Oh well! I ordered some exact reproduction mirrors for it but took about a
year to get them. (to late for the wedding) When I went to put them on, the holes lined up perfectly!


Ref: Old Car and Truck Pictures