Tilley's Maiden Voyage
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 8:48 am
We took our first drive yesterday since bringing Tilley home two and a half years ago. The drive was a short 7 miles and was a combination shakedown cruise and stress test. I was stressed and Tilley was shaking like she was going to fly apart. I enjoyed every short minute.
My wife chose the name Tilley, which I never liked. But she was a birthday gift from my wife so Tilley it is. I've rebuilt or replaced all of the mechanical bits (except the engine and transmission) to make her safe and tight. There are still projects to tackle but none that are keeping her off the road for any length of time. I want to thank all of you who offered advice and supplied parts to get to this day.
Driving through the rolling hills, we hit a top speed of 31 mph according to the school zone's radar sign. I didn't dare go faster since the vibration was too much for my nerves. Once we got on a flat stretch of road it became apparent that I need to take up the rods before driving her again. I had a loud rod knock at cruise speed that was not heard going up and down the hills. I'll check the mains too while I'm in there. Here are a few photos of the day's drive and one of where this car began its life in my family.
My wife chose the name Tilley, which I never liked. But she was a birthday gift from my wife so Tilley it is. I've rebuilt or replaced all of the mechanical bits (except the engine and transmission) to make her safe and tight. There are still projects to tackle but none that are keeping her off the road for any length of time. I want to thank all of you who offered advice and supplied parts to get to this day.
Driving through the rolling hills, we hit a top speed of 31 mph according to the school zone's radar sign. I didn't dare go faster since the vibration was too much for my nerves. Once we got on a flat stretch of road it became apparent that I need to take up the rods before driving her again. I had a loud rod knock at cruise speed that was not heard going up and down the hills. I'll check the mains too while I'm in there. Here are a few photos of the day's drive and one of where this car began its life in my family.
- Tilley, gassed up and ready to rumble!
- Bobbi and I enjoying the breezes with the windshield open.
- I was a little uneasy about the rod knock.
- Great Aunt Katie and Uncle Elmer in 1935, cousins Donald and Relda on the fender.