Just got to doing all the things needed to make the first start of the Autowa today. Added water to the rad, no leaks,...then added gas to the tank, no leaks, ...then off to Tractor Supply for a new 6v battery.
So, jacked up a rear wheel and turned the the carb ( a straight-thru NH that was Potterized) to 1 turn out. Primed once. Then placed the digital camera to video, and climbed in, turned the key to BAT and pressed the starter button.....Yeppppp! She runs
You Tube first start:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T17tmOzjgBI
So low pedaled her out of the garage and took off for the Maiden run! Ah...she runs just fine!
You Tube first drive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t084zFYrQiA
Boy, I like that. It is a beauty.
Thanks Ed
Here is another video on You Tube of the engine running for the first time while still in the garage on the jack, with one wheel turning. Shows the chassis details.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuuiTDqVfik
After a few tunings, will begin the finish by mounting the fenders and finally adding the top cover. Of course the front doors need to go on too, wait til last on that as I have to fit the floor boards, and make the hole in the main board for the Ruckstell shift lever.
Dan,
Looks and sounds great. Good way to start out with a restoration. Enjoy and keep us updated.
Rob
Dan, It's a real beauty!
That is a beautiful car Dan. I've been following your progress from the beginning. Thanks for keeping us updated.
John
That car looks so beautiful!
Beautiful.
Dan, how wide is the windshield? And how deep is the lower section in the middle.
I am playing with shapes for a new windshield for my speedster and picked up a lower section that looks much like yours at a swap meet. Exact same tube and channel section and exact same width as early model T. Holes in middle for handle? too.
Gavin
Dan,
Great job! Thanks for sharing the encouraging "along the way" postings.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Beautiful looking car,
but I have to ask, what is a "potterized" NH??
cheers
A
Anthony, my guess: an NH that has been rebuilt by Russ Potter, carb wizard extraordinaire.
Dan: It is great watching the progress on the Autowa bodied Ford. Keep the progress pictures coming. Engine sounds great!! JP
Dan,
Looks like you've done a great job with both of your hands . It look great.
Be_Zero_Be
Thatsa-nice !~~~
Paint looks wonderful...
I'm jealous.
Fantastic! I said a couple years ago that I knew I was going to like that car. But it is turning out to be more gorgeous than I would have hoped. Really nice, congratulations.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Nice job! Being from Ottawa it does my heart good to see her brought back, your work looks to be top shelf. Congrats so far and please keep us all posted.
Fine car Dan. Judging by the size of the steering wheel, I'd guess a '25?
Absolutely gorgeous.
Dan strikes again....A+++
Always love his work!
Here's what Dan started with: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/97043.html?1258325911
Pretty shiny. Pretty pretty. Like jewelry. Almost too pretty to drive, really. Imagine a black era Model T had looked like this when new. Ford could have charged extra for the "show package" that some well-heeled customers, no doubt, would have opted for.
Will look stunning on the lawn though. Wonder if the judges dare to touch it with white gloves. Polishing the swirl marks out of it will be a challenge. But there is now the Zymol Titanium Estate Glaze Wax which certainly would work. Better yet, choose Brough and Howarth's Definite Wax Marble. At $37K per can it's not cheap but perhaps perfectly suited for a Model T that truly stands out among its peers.
http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-most-expensive-car-wax/16320/
Thanks all for the encouragement, working on this car is fun, and getting roadworthy is the plan.
Bernard, thanks for the comment, will be more than lawn art, the Autowa T will be a tour car, driver. They always look good when you restore a T, then after a few years will look like the crowd.
Wax? Oh yes, wax is a good idea on enamel finish, so I have rubbed on one coat, pure Carnauba wax, nothing more on a T! Swirl marks will be there along with insect smacks, road tar, and dirt. The wax will help to remove dust from time to time.
This Autowa bodied T will be road driven, I promise...
Here is what she looked like in 1985 on tour in CA,
and now with a bit of loving care and caress
taking her back to what was the original...
Bernard, They had a pretty nice shine when new.
Dan -- You're going to have trouble convincing folks that that's a Model T!
Mike----that is what the Autowa sales adv mentions, its a camo-Ford
Certainly one of the most desirable Tourings to own. I wouldn't mind having it in my garage. Colorsand with 3000 grit, polish with Mother's wheel polish, then a session on the El Mirage dry lake and it would be just perfect :-)