This very warm Saturday, June 28th, was the third Kids Work Day at Larry’s garage this year.  Our young Model T enthusiasts included:

• Derek (Larry and Lorna’s grandson, visiting from Arizona)
• Max Jr. and Elijah (Tom and Cathy Miles grandkids and sons of Max Sr. and Kathy)
• Nicole (Max and Elijah’s cousin)
• Sydney (Max Jr.’s girlfriend)
• Skylar and Len (Skylar’s mentor, both visiting from Santa Fe)

The focus of this Kids Work Day was to dismantle Russell and Julie Dilt’s 1926 touring car to diagnose the source of an engine knock.  Larry guessed that the problem was a damaged rod, but the extent of the damage, and which rod it was, couldn’t be confirmed until the inspection plate was dropped and the components visually inspected.  This would be a great introduction for the kids to see how a Model T is put together and the roll each component plays in making the engine function.

Larry paired the kids with experienced Tin Lizzie members on tasks such as draining the coolant and oil, removing the head and spark plugs, and removing the 4-dip inspection pan.  When these tasks were completed, it was the best possible news for the Dilts’!  Only the second rod had broken its babbitt and the crankshaft journal was still in good condition.  Luckily, repairing the single rod doesn’t require engine removal so this Model T will be on the road again soon once the rod is rebabbitted, bored, fitted, and installed.

Larry discussing Model T tasks with Derek, Elijah, and Nicole Elijah and senior Tin Lizzie member Don Souther Derek disconnecting the battery Max Jr. and Sydney removing the Model T head Roger assisting Max and Sydney Derek Max Sr., his son Elijah, and Don Derek draining the coolant from the 1926 touring car Derek and Kirk draining the radiator Bob Ross cleaning the hubs on his TT truck Roger, Nicole, Elijah, Sydney and Max Work party Don, Elijah, and Max Sr. draining the oil Nicole removing inspection plate bolts Larry showing Sklyer and Len (Skyler’s mentor) a Model T bearing Vernon and Nicole Eureka! A chunk of broken babbitt! Max Sr. and Nicole inspecting the rods Skyler and Larry measured the crank journal diameter

After working on the Dilts’ car, the kids got a Model T driving lesson in Larry and Lorna’s 1912 touring car on the soccer field.  Everyone got a chance the behind the wheel of this rare early Model T and we’re sure that it’s an experience they won’t soon forget!

After the driving lessons it was time for lunch. Tom Miles, his daughter Kathy, and son-in-law Max provided and grilled a delicious lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs that were eaten under the welcome shade of the Azevedo’s portal.

Nicole at the wheel of the 1912 Model T touring car Skyler and Len Derek at the wheel of the 1912 Model T Derek taking a spin Skyler at the wheel! Larry starting the 1912 after the engine stalled Sydney and Max Jr. Len tries his hand with a Model T Larry showing Skyler and Len his model trains Tom, Lorna, and Don at lunch Lunchtime under the portal Cole’s 1927 engine prepared for a new SCAT crankshaft Bruce Daniel’s 1925 engine ready for installation Larry explaining the oil filtration system for Cole’s engine to Bob and Don Larry and Don discussing wire wheel adaptors

Other projects on this day included Bob Ross cleaning the front wheel hubs for his TT truck. Larry had been working on Cole’s 1927 engine – boring the block to accommodate a drilled SCAT stroker crank and babbitting the main bearings.  Larry had also been planning on an oil pump and filter for this powerful (by Model T standards) engine.

It was a great kids work day and we hope that these new Model T enthusiasts join us a Larry’s garage for future work parties!