I have a Ruckstell that I want to restore, It has an oval nameplate on it which I haven't seen before, is this unusual, are we able to find out the date of manufacture from the serial number it shows.
I intend fitting it to a small drum 1919 so I will need to change backing plates.
any information appreciated, If The picture does not make it. It is a brass oval nameplate with number CP 54505
Regards Chris
An oval nameplate means that your Ruckstell was made in Canada.
Jim
It says "Montreal, Canada" for the company location, but there's a nice "MADE IN USA" on the bottom edge.
Chris, if you don't get an answer here, ask Glen Chaffin. He's your best bet for Ruckstell info.
Dixie , the '27 touring has a Canadian Ruckstell, works ok, but funny thing is that on tour, the T always wants to head NORTH
Sounds like you have a big drum version....don't change backing plates. Instead trade for a small drum...the big drum are more valuable. If you must change to fit a 1919, then swap the right side and then deal with the left (Ruckstell half). There have been many discussions on this.
Seth,
Perhaps I should have written "assembled in Canada." The fees imposed on a new Ruckstell by just dragging it across the border would have made it way too expensive. By "building" them in Canada from parts made in the US, the company was able to keep the price down and reasonable.
My 27 tudor, assembled in Louisville, KY, has a Canadian Ruckstell. If only that car could talk...
Jim
Ok, gotcha James. That makes sense.
Chris, I have a small drum I need to trade for a large drum. The SN indicates an early 20s manufacture, I think. If interested let me know. PK
I've seen those, but I've seen retangular ones from Canada too, probably from another part of Canada?
Thanks for the help, is it possible just to change the existing small drums on my wheels by buying the larger ones removing an re fitting or will this upset the existing spokes etc.?
Chris
I have the large drum Ruckstell on my late 1919 Touring with modern brake lining for the parking brake. If you are going to drive a lot you might want to keep the larger drum rear end.