OT - The "Real Thread" about Rob's new car

Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration
Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: OT - The "Real Thread" about Rob's new car
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 09:50 pm:

Well, our K is packed up ready for the trip to Michigan. One of the reasons I went this route is because the new owner will tour with our K (OK, his K now). Dan and Sue plan on being at the Early Ford Registry Tour in Paynsville MN prior to New London to New Brighton, then NLtoNB, followed by the Old Car Festival and Hershey. In other words, that K will be out just as much as when Dean and I toured with it.

Now, our new car. It is newer, and faster than our old Model K, because it was made a few months later, and lighter. The top speed is listed at 70mph. On the other thread speculation ranged from an Edsel to Model Ts with bling. Actually, Eric Hylen hit the nail on the head. The only two cars that would get my attention were a Model B and Model K Roadster. And I wouldn't have sold our K touring for a Model B.

Our new Car:


This car has a known history, all the way back to the first owner. The original owners were the Knight family, one of the most prominent families in Rhode Island at the turn of the century.



This Model,K Roadster has resided in museums for a good portion of the second half of it's life, including the Larz and Imperial Palace collections:



Photographed beside Dan's new Model K, the wheelbase of the two cars are the same. The front seat sits back further, and the steering column is set at a more severe angle. With the cowl and low seating, the hood looks even longer and more imposing than on the touring car.



I look forward to experiencing, and sharing, this interesting Ford with other old car enthusiasts. I'm very fortunate. Not because I have a new toy, but because I have so many good friends, on this forum and throughout the "old car world" to share my good fortune with. Thanks for riding along,

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Richard Eagle Ida Fls on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 09:54 pm:

Nice acquisition.
Rich


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Hanson on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 09:56 pm:

Congratulations Rob. Great looking car.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gilbert V. I. Fitzhugh on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 09:59 pm:

Congratulations, Rob. She's a beauty! I wish you many delightful miles with her.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Cole ---- Earth on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:02 pm:

Well Steve, I guess this answers your question in the other thread! :-), No changes necessary!
Well I was confused about the sell of such a nice car, but you got 1 of similar type.
What are the plans for this 1? New paint or?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Redelman on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:03 pm:

Fantastic auto, Great History, Priceless!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Ryan on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:08 pm:

Good for you Rob,looking forward too learning more about it serial number and etc.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:11 pm:

Thank you guys. I was up at 3, so time for bed. I'll post more tomorrow about the car (of course),
Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed Baudoux on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:15 pm:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed Baudoux on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:16 pm:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric Hylen- Central Minnesota on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:28 pm:

That's beautiful. Congrats on the trade.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Noel D. Chicoine, MD, Pierre, SD on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:36 pm:

Beautiful car, Rob. Congratulations on the new purchase, and getting the older one in such great shape that it can be enjoyed by even more people. I'm looking forward to more information on the Model K and this car in particular. I wish you many happy (s)miles!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Mazza on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:43 pm:

Congrats, and please post like you have in the past! I look forward to seeing the only model k that is tour worthy! Im exicted for you and hope to see it in person some day.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:48 pm:

Congrats Rob. Neat to see a sporty Model K. Now you can travel beyond neckbreak speed.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Vaughn on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 11:04 pm:

Congrats Rob, nice find! I'm ready for a ride!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Owens on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 11:29 pm:

Rob, WOW WOW WOW. How cool to have been able to bring one K back and now the second. The right guy to own and bring back to life cars this nice. Not many can care and repair on your level. Thank you for doing such a nice job to cars we all love. So are the wheels taller on the roadster? Is your mother in law going to ride in the back basket? Scott


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 11:37 pm:

Rob

If I remember right you also have a spare Model K engine. Are you trying to breed your Model K's? Do you need one for each of your daughters?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 11:52 pm:

As a kid, I read with much interest a column in Old Car Weekly about a guy who chased down early cars. Can't remember the
writer's name at the moment, but I was fascinated with his barn and ravine finds of cars like this. Crazy cool early cars just left
to rot somewhere and saved by crazies who were big on the tour scene. Being out west, this was really foreign (the tour scene),
but the finding of such ancient relics was so fun to read along with.

What is this car's history, or your old one ? Were either ever derelict and later restored ? Photos of their pre-restoration state ?

Thanks in advance.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Doug Partington on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 01:14 am:

Bloody hell Rob,now I have to come back over the big river to see your new Model K, WOW bigtime Rob as we would say you lucky bugger, we hate your guts. That means I am as jealous as hell but so pleased for you my good friend. Regards Doug


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Coiro on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 02:27 am:

Congratulations, Rob! -The stars have kissed you on the forehead once again. -Enjoy (and post lots and lots of photos)!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska, Denver CO on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 02:37 am:

Rob,

I don't know what to say other than WOW. You are a lucky and blessed man.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Watson -Florence,Colorado on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 03:05 am:

Looks like Serial #822

-Don


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Chantrell - Adelaide, Australia on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 04:03 am:

Likewise, wow...coowie cobber!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 04:14 am:

Oh, yeah! That is nice! And worth it. I guess this means that there will be three model Ks touring in this country on a regular basis, plus one in Australia.
Definitely, more photos and videos as time goes on!
Drive carefully, and do enjoy that beast! W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dane Hawley Near Melbourne Australia on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 05:38 am:

Congratulations Rob! You have so much knowledge from your first K that you should be able to sort any problems and really enjoy your new one. I'm really happy for you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan B on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 06:26 am:

Congrats, Rob. I'm glad everything worked out. Although I sure am going to miss seeing that thing in the window. Will you bring it to Hershey next year?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Seth - Ohio on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 06:45 am:

Fantastic!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Greenlees on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 06:51 am:

Rob, That's a wonderful car with a very interesting history, it used to be right here in our town in Vermont while Elmer Bemis owned it. Congrats.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 06:55 am:

Sweet! I want one!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Bohlen, Severn MD on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 06:59 am:

Great twist to the story.
Super sporty car.
Can't wait to see some new u tubes next spring of it on the road.
Congrats.
And good luck with it.
Larry


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Warwick Landy on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 07:19 am:

Rob you must be so pleased. The happy owner of a lovely roadster and even better, Royce says he wants one. Congratulations. Am I right in assuming that your new roadster will be the only one in the world to escape museum display and be regularly driven? Now the opportunity will arise for 3 K's to be on tour together. I want to be there.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 07:24 am:

Nice. Looks like a lot of fun.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker in Sumter SC on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 07:32 am:

Rob,

Congratulations! I’m so glad to see your passion for the Model K Ford is still burning brightly! I think that will help all us learn even more about those early cars. You are very blessed to have the history of the car going all the way back to when it was new. For so many of our cars we can only go back one or two recent owners and then the trail goes cold.

Below is from a 1907 Model K sales brochure for those not familiar with the Model K “Six Forty” Runabout (a.k.a. (also known as) six-cylinder roadster, Gentleman’s Runabout; -- all three terms were used in the first 4 lines):



In Trent’s 1903-very early 1909 database the earliest Model K 640 Roadster he has listed is # 650 shipped May 20, 1907. [That data base has approximately 20-22% of the cars shipped and is based on the accounts receivable ledgers. The majority of the ledgers are still missing – but the ones that are available give a good estimate of when cars were shipped and give the actual date when the listed serial numbers were shipped and where they went. It is available on Bruce McCalley’s “Model T Comprehensive Encyclopedia available from: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/333725.html?1357665853 It is also available on the DVD that comes with Carl’s book “Pate’s Early Ford Automobile Encyclopedia” available from the club at: http://modeltstore.myshopify.com/products/pates-early-ford-automotive-encyclopedia-1903-1909 ; or direct from the author at: http://www.earlyfordcars.info/ as well as some vendors.]

Again, congratulations on your new Ford! We look forward to learning more about it and the Model Ks in the future.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gilbert V. I. Fitzhugh on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 07:40 am:

Maybe the three Ks will be repainted dark gray and prowl the next NL-NB like a wolf pack of U-boats. When they see a one-lung Oldsmobile or Cadillac driving alone, they'll hunt it down and eat it. The little cars will have to travel together in tight bunches for protection!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed in California on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 07:56 am:

Very nice. Is it going to get a full restoration treatment like the other K? I was very impressed at the speed the other one was restored.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 09:01 am:

Good morning men. Thank you again for all the well wishes and questions regarding our Ford 6-40.

A few tidbits:

Scott, yes, the K roadster had 28 inch wheels (36x4 tires) while the touring had 26 inch (34x4).

Badger Dave, our "extra" engine was a victim of the deal, so it's gone now.

Burger, I have some specific history on this car, I'll post it later.

Doug and John P. down under, sounds if I may see you at the Old Car Festival next year. Maybe in Lincoln NE visiting the Museum of Speed too?

Don W., #823

Wayne, yes, three Ks now routinely touring in the U.S. (when ours it up and running). Bob T. who posts regularly on this forum tours with his K in Australia. There is another K running downunder however I don't know if the owner takes it out any longer.

If the stars align correctly, we may have all three plus as least one other at the Old Car Festival. I'm hoping we are able to convince THF to bring out their K and even the six cylinder racer. That would be quite a group of Ford six cylinder vehicles.

Dan B., I hope we are able to be back at Hershey next fall with our "new" K. We are also working with the AACA museum to have their K, along with the three touring Ks all at Hershey. We have the potential of two more Ks being there, possibly giving us six in one place at one time.

David G., the late Elmer Bemis K roadster is at a museum now. It's the same roadster that participated in the Anglo-English tour in the mid 50s. It is a few serial numbers older than our K.

Warwick, yes, as far as I know, our new K will be the only touring roadster. However, I know the roadsters in Alaska and at the AACA museum do run (or have been driven over the last several years).

Hap, as always, your research is unparalleled (I hope to be like you when I grow up :-) ). The article mentions Ford will build 50 roadsters. The highest number of roadsters built by Ford (that I've found so far) is 200. Ford articles and ads began saying only 25 would be built, then 50, then 100, and finally 200. I've also found articles saying by the summer of 1908 only Model S and Model K roadsters were being built at Ford was gearing and tooling up for Model T.

Gil, you better attend New London to New Brighton again next year to check on the Ks. And yes, they hunt in packs, and bring their young along too:


Photo courtesy THF, all rights apply

Last tidbit, yesterday was a fun gathering at Dean Yoder's farm. My question, in the picture below, which guy is from Canada?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 09:04 am:

Ed, sorry, missed your post. I hope we don't need too much to put the "new" K on the road. The compression seemed good. With Dean's help, we'll soon know how the drive train is, and go from there. I believe I'll be able to "spiff" up the exterior to be presentable. In a few years a paint job may be necessary, but not now.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 09:09 am:

Wait,Royce want's one! I wonder if he knows of all the transmission trouble?? With a grin-Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Seth - Ohio on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 09:28 am:

Rob,

When I read the article that Hap posted it states it's a "Gentleman's" Runabout. I think you know where I'm going with this....

:-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 10:02 am:

Congratulations again, Rob. You now have the opportunity to bring another one back to life. What a thrill!

And the best thing about it is that it's Razorback Red! :-) :-) :-) (The picture of it in profile even looks a little like a Razorback. :-) )


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 10:50 am:

Sorry Mike

That is Nebraska Cornhusker Red.

Almost on par with Wisconsin Badger Red, but one step below in quality. At least it was last year. Later this year we will see if Nebraska is better than Wisconsin.

My son lives here in Wisconsin and he would be right at home with that Canadian. Shorts, T-shirt, and a bottle of beer when it is 40 degrees out.

I wonder if Rob is going to relegate that old Model N to the back of the barn. Upstaged by his big brother, the 'K'.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 10:57 am:

36 inch tires. 6-40 engine.

Faster than a red corvette (driven by Holly).
More powerful than a Thomas Flyer.
Able to leap small rivers in a single bound.

And who disguised as Rob Heyen........


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Trent Boggess on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 01:19 pm:

Rob,

I look forward to learning about the provenance on your new K.

Congratulations,

Trent


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stan Howe Helena, Montana on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 02:32 pm:

Did the Buffalo stay on the touring? Or did it get held back for the roadster? If it went on the touring, what is on the roadster?

I've seen that car years ago when it was in the Imperial Palace?? collection.

I've been trying to work out a trade to get one of those for my girlfriend. Been close a few times but once they see her..............


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 03:11 pm:

Congratulations, Rob! I look forward to seeing more pictures of it and someday seeing it in person.

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Greg Whaley, Georgetown Ontario Canada on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 03:12 pm:

Great looking car Rob!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bruce Balough on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 04:15 pm:

Congratulations Rob !!!
I can’t wait to see her in person! I also need a picture of my S Roadster beside her to show the difference in size!
Bruce


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dean Yoder on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 04:54 pm:

skkr
This photo does not show the size difference.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dean Yoder on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 04:58 pm:

ks
side view S & K


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 06:04 pm:

Great photos, Dean!
The colors, the handles. The cars look so much alike. And yet? So different. The side view does give an idea of the difference!
I keep looking in here hoping for more wonderful comments, and great photos. Nice model S! Being worked on? Restored?
Thanks all.
To sleep. Perchance to dream.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 06:27 pm:

Thanks again guys. Wayne, Dean may tell a bit more on the S, but it's true, the world (North American Continent anyway) Model T traveler is working on another pre-T.

Trent, I'll have a little history about this K on another thread,
Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Darel J. Leipold on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 06:48 pm:

Here is Wills in his K in 1906
K


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 07:29 pm:

Darel, and I would guess these are his, or her parents (or else this car is really slow.........):


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 07:56 pm:

Rob - Kind of interesting (& confusing) about wheel/tire sizes:

The head-to-head photo of your old and new K's at Dean Yoder's farm make the wheel/tire size difference obvious. The confusing thing to me is that while your old car has the 34x4 tires, and the newer car has the 36x4 tires, however, unless the picture is deceiving, that picture of C. Harold Wills in his 1906 Model K appears to have the bigger 36x4 tires.

Also, that old photo of the two K's leading the Ford "parade" in the snow appears to have the same wheel/tire size difference as your old and newer Model K's.

Not that any of this wheel/tire size thing really makes any difference, but it is interesting,.......harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 08:12 pm:

Harold, it's a 1907/08 K "6-40" (roadster). Also, the rumble seat is removed, leaving a flat deck. Our new car actually had 37x4.5 tires, so they are even a little higher profile than a 36 inch tire.

(Tourings came with 26 inch wheels, while Roadsters had a 28 inch wheel)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 08:20 pm:

Rob - One other meaningless (but interesting) observation in having fun comparing photos in this thread:

The indoor color photo of your new Model K and the two photos of the 1906 K, one with C. Harold Wills aboard, and the second with the older couple aboard,.....obviously, the two old photos are identical as the camera was probably was setting on a tripod which wasn't moved for both photos, however, the color photo of your new car was taken at exactly,....and I mean "EXACTLY" the same distance and camera angle, both vertically and horizontally! Those photos were taken approx. 100 years apart, and as far as distance and "camera angle" they are about as identical as is humanly possible! What are the chances of that, huh? Again, meaningless, but interesting,....FWIW,....harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 08:33 pm:

Sweet! I want one too.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 09:08 pm:

Should I???? Or shouldn't I???
Probably not.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 09:09 pm:

But I did.



Sorry Royce! I just had to poke a little fun at you!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric Hylen- Central Minnesota on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 11:00 pm:

I'm looking forward to parking my little Maxwell next to it. Your wheelbase is 114" and mine is '72, a full foot shorter than Dean's Model S. Please don't squish me. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 11:43 pm:

Eric,
I hate to say it, but actually 120" wheelbase. The 1906 K had 114 inches and it was increased to 120 for the 07/08 version.

I'll be careful......

:-)


Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.
Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration