OT - Six Cylinder Racer pictures

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: OT - Six Cylinder Racer pictures
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 12:18 pm:

Following up on an earlier thread about the size of this engine. If this is the original engine, it has 6 by 6 1/2 bore/stroke. On the other thread the estimate was that it would be almost a 1200 cubic inch motor (does this motor look like it could be that large?).

I was fortunate enough to receive photos of the remaining six cylinder racer in storage at THF. I believe this is the same racer, or very similar, to the one wrecked while Frank Kulick was driving in Oct 1907.

A description of that racer just prior to the wreck. The article mentions the unique Ford three point front suspension. However, with no springs, I can't imagine what the ride was like at high speeds (although I'd volunteer to find out :-) ).









If this is the original racer, it would be great to see it on display at the museum. In all likelihood it is the last racer Henry Ford is documented driving for time, only two weeks before the wreck.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Stokes on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 03:09 pm:

An observation. It is left-hand drive, at a time when cars were right-hand drive.

A possible explanation is that LHD would put the driver closer to the barrier on an anti-closewise track, which most photos show them to be. I wonder if this went on to influence the steering location on production cars?

John Stokes
New Zealand


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 03:32 pm:

John,
That makes as much sense as anything. One could argue it was just to reduce "clutter" on the right side, except the Model K was set up the same (manifolds on the right side) and steering on the right side. It seems the driver would be able to "lean" into the turns, and also be able to judge the inner rail better this way.

Come to think of it, I think it would be easier to hold the steering wheel to the left (counterclockwise) while leaning in and to the left, rather than sitting on the right side holding the wheel to the left (maybe?).

Of all the photos of this racer I've seen, it looks as though there could be a passenger seat added (although I've not found any with the second seat). The steering was always on the left side, from the first six cylinder racer photo taken in late 1904.

Updated link to youtube video showing a brief history of the Ford six cylinder racers.
Rob

http://youtu.be/KltTI2L_MuE


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John W. Oder - Houston, Texas on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 03:53 pm:

1102 CID on this one (6 cyl 6" X 6 1/2" B&S)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 04:20 pm:

Speaking of storage at The Henry Ford, wouldn't it be great to be able to tour the car and truck storage areas? This could be a fund raiser for THF. Imagine small groups paying $25 or $50 for a guided walk through tour of those areas, perhaps just before the Old Car Festival.

Maybe this is just wishful thinking or a fantasy, but it sure would be fun.

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 06:08 pm:

Whether it could be an error in reporting, or a different engine, I cannot say. However, from the photo showing the steering gear box, I do not believe the bore on those cylinders is anywhere near six inches. The angle of the photo is not perfect, but it is close. Allowing for cylinder wall thickness, and probable cooling chamber needs, the cylinder bore cannot be much more than the depth/width of the frame channel. None of these photos show a clear reference for the frame channel size, but I would doubt that it is anywhere near six inches. The one photo (3/4 front view) indicates the frame channel is about (likely slightly larger than) the tire's size. I would guess the frame channel is four inch or slightly more.
What is the frame channel size for the model K?
I would suppose this engine could have a bore of as much as five inches. That car should be thoroughly researched both up close and historically. The results should be appropriately published. I cannot see how doing so could be anything but good for Ford history in general and the museum in particular.

Rob,
Thank you for all your research and postings thus far. I continue to read and enjoy all of them repeatedly.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 08:54 pm:

That's a great idea Kieth!!!!!! Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - 02:23 am:

Keith, I agree with Bud, great idea.

This winter, a few of the Early Ford Registry guys are thinking of a "carless" tour to Dearborn, to spend a few days at libraries and the museum. That would be the perfect time for a tour of the off sites. Now if we could just convince THF....

This is a pic that is supposed to be Frank Kulick on the six cylinder racer. I think it was taken several years after 1907-1909, but I don't have the photo date. It certainly looks like the same racer that is now at THF. Maybe someone has information about the photo?

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - 12:47 pm:

Rob - I sent you a PM on this topic.

Keith


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