This Kids Work Day was the fourth one held by Larry since the first one in December 2013.  The young Model T enthusiasts today included Lee and Trey Sturdevant, Tommy and Charlie (sons of Daniel Epp, one of Stan Gauna’s former co-workers), Zack Lance (who works with Ethan Ortega at the Coronado State Monument), and Kassy Carpenter (a club member since she was a baby and daughter of Ken Carpenter).

At the previous Kids Work Day (June 28th), the second rod was removed from the Dilts’ 1926 touring car when it was discovered that the babbitt had failed and the rod was knocking while on tour in Tucumcari, NM.  Luckily, Russell had turned off the engine soon after the engine started to knock, minimizing the damage.  Outside of the damaged babbitt on number 2 piston, the other rods and their babbitt were in good condition, as was the crankshaft.  Ethan Ortega had rebabbitted and machined the second rod and it was ready for reinstallation.  After the new rod was installed, the engine ran perfectly!

Trey, Dave, Kari, Lee, and Larry Trey and Lee holding the rod in place while Larry prepares Plastigage. Plastigage shows a perfect 0.0015″ clearance! Larry showing how the rod is oriented Trey using a torque wrench on the rod bolts Daniel with sons Tommy and Charlie Tommy at the wheel of the Gauna’s 1917 depot hack Daniel, Charlie, and Tommy Larry showing Charlie how to contract the rings Larry demonstrating how the piston slot aids lubrication to Trey, Lee, and Julie Charlie installing the piston with Lee’s assistance The piston in place Trey installing a cotter key Charlie, Tommy, and Dave Ken and Zack Charlie, Tommy, and Stan sealing the other side of the paper gasket Larry describing the engine he’s building with his grandson Cole. Tommy and Charlie installing the inspection plate The team in action reinstalling the head and hoses. Kassy Carpenter – a long-time Tin Lizzie member!

The second project on this work day was replacing the bolts in the passenger rear wheel of Stan and Janice Gauna’s 1917 depot hack.  The wheel had been making a disturbing noise after some carriage bolts failed.  Stan, Dave Ferro, and Charlie focused on grinding off the old bolts and replacing them with more authentic hardened high-domed versions.

Stan grinding the nuts free from the bolts Tommy removing the nuts Daniel and Kassy adding coolant to the 1926 touring car Larry peening over the new bolts Left to right – Trey, Charlie, Kassy, Tommy, Lee, and Zack Daniel at the wheel of the 1912 Model T touring car Tommy and Charlie Tommy was having a great time! Lee at the wheel with her father Dave Dave takes a turn at the wheel of the 1912 touring car Trey – anxious to try his hand at the wheel! It’s Trey’s turn to drive Vaughn and Stan

After a lunch break, it was time for a Model T driving lesson!  Lee and Trey had driven a Model T previously.  In fact, Lee had driven the Azevedo’s 1912 touring car in last year’s 4th of July parade.  Driving a Model T was a new experience for Tommy, Charlie, and their father Daniel!

The Dilts’ 1926 touring car is on the road again with some work but at minimal cost.  We hope to see all of our young Model T enthusiasts at future work days and other Tin Lizzies events.

Thank you to Larry and Lorna for hosting this enjoyable and educational event!