Work Party at the Azevedo's Garage

At the last club meeting, Larry announced a work party for Saturday, February 26th, to install Ken Carpenter's newly rebuilt engine into his 1916 speedster.  The engine had been removed in November of 2010 to replace a broken rod.  Once the engine was accessible, it was discovered that the main and rod bearings needed to be replaced due, in part, to a malfuntioninig interior oil line.   With the engine showing signs of significant wear, a full restoration was in order.  The engine block was surfaced and bored to accept 0.020" oversized aluminum pistons by Empire Engines.   New parts included valves, dippers, lifters, babbitt for the mains and rods, and interior and exterior oil lines.  Repairs to the magneto and relining the bands was also necessary.

On hand for the work party were Larry and Lorna Azevedo, Ken Carpenter, Russell Dilts, Don Souther, Vaughn Rockafellow, Dean Van Doren, Linda Riel, Bobby Kossey, Vernon Armstrong, Mark Wing, and Paul and Marilyn Duncan.

Ken trailered the speedster body to Larry's garage that day.

Pushing Ken's speedster body into Larry's garage for the engine installation.

Dean, Russell, Ken and Vaughn moving the 1916 speedster body.

The newly rebuilt 1916 engine ready for final assembly and installation.

Larry discovered that repairs were needed before the oil pan can be reinstalled.

Larry repairing the oil pan.

Russell and Ken reattaching Kevlar linings to the metal bands. As these bands were not quick release, it was much easier to install them while the engine was still on the stand.

Dean cleaning out the sheared threads from one of the brass oil level check valves.

Larry drilling out the remainder of the brass threads with a "left-hand" drill bit.

Larry cleaning out the head bolt threads before head installation.

Ken wire brushing the head bolts.

Larry repairing a leak in the front part of the oil pan while Bobby and Don observe.

Paul and Marilyn observing as Don helps with the reattachment of the cover to the oil pan.

Choose an image to begin

At 1:30, the Tin Lizzies took a lunch break of ham sandwiches, cookies, lemonade, and chips.  The focus after lunch were addtional repairs and assembly including a badly worn radiator fan pulley that had to be drilled, welded, and shimmed. In the early evening, the engine was finally installed!

Thank you to Larry for generously sharing his garage and expertise as well as to the Club members who volunteered to assist on the project.  Ken's speedster is on the road again after a three month hiatus!

Enjoying lunch in Larry and Lorna's spacious barn full of vintage cars!

Linda, Mark, and Larry.

Paul, Larry, and Dean working on shimming a worn radiator fan pulley.

While some members were focusing on the engine, Ken, Don, and Vernon turned their attention to replacing the last old Wards tire on the speedster with a new Firestone.

Paul cutting a new pin for the radiator fan pulley out of rod stock.

Larry drilling out the fan pulley pin to accept a cotter pin.

The engine tipped on end during assembly.

Vernon and Don with the engine prior to installation of the intake and exhaust manifolds.

Larry removing the bolts holding the engine to the engine stand.

Dean and Larry manuvering the engine into place.

Ken volunteered to make the connection at the fourth main bearing.

The engine making its way back into the chassis.

Lorna and Don sharing a laugh at the work party.

Choose an image to begin