How time flies. I restored my 13 back in the late 70s and that's when the Scandinavian cotton bands went in. Some years it got driven more than others, and I live in a relatively flat area in Illinois.The bands still work fine, but now I realize that they are probably as old as the ones I replaced when I put the engine together way back then. Hell, they're older than I was when I put them in. Has anybody here had experience with the Scandinavian bands dying of old age? I'd hate to "fix" something that ain't broke.
If it is setting very long,they can rot. Suggest you pull one and inspect it first.Low and brake usually wear out at the bottom.
When I saw the thread topic, I thought it was going to be a medical discussion about Roger Karlsson, Michael Deichmann, Roar Sand and the other Danes, Swedes and Norwegians who post here....
Dick,
And Lutefisk!
Ya hey I tought dats wat yew guys would tink! Uff Da!
The big killer of those bands would be dirty oil allowed to sit. The by products of combustion is corrosive as it is acidic. If you change your oil at least once a year and exercise your T for more than just around the block I would suspect they are still fine.
I have had two T's that sat unused for 40 years each and the bands came apart within less than 100 miles. They both had black oil in them that needed changed 40 years sooner.
By the way. In wished you sold plans for some of those great bodies you used to build. Those were always pleasing to the eye.
Thanks Gary. My 13 is a Depot Hack. I do change the oil every year and drive the car every summer. Jack, I will be taking a closer look at them soon. Thanks for your suggestion.
Well, I'm hoping for some thirty-odd more years, but you know about the best laid plans of mice and men ;)
..and the bands.. Were the scandinavians you put in the trans the good old light brown with yellow text style, or current production darker brown tar filled coarse weaved ones?
If they're old style they hold up better for wear but may rot faster - and if they're current production tar babies the tar would probably save them from rot, but you would expect them to be worn out if you've used the T at least a few miles every year? Maybe you've got accessory brakes that saves wear on the brake band?
If they've been inside the engine all this time they won't likely rot. I've got some of those old Scandinavia bands from the 1950's that are in their boxes in great shape. I think it depends on where they were stored. If they were stored in a damp garage they probably rot quicker.
I'll be 75 in a couple of weeks, and some people claim I'm already rotten!
I will chime in here, if it "ain't broken, don't fix it!" They are sealed, bathed in oil, giving no trouble, leave them alone. You will know when to change the bands, there will be no adjustment left.
Hey Roar, Me too (Nov 8). Happy Birthday.
Gary
I understand that the Swedes live longer than the Finns. It has to do with the fish they eat. Finns like lard sandwiches.
Norm
Thanks Gary!
And happy birthday back to you, - or like we say in Norway; Grtulerer med dagen!