Work Day at Larry’s Garage (July 27, 2019)

Story and photos by Mark Wing

On this warm summer’s day, Larry’s garage saw progress on several projects including a touring car differential, assembly of a speedster engine, coil testing, disassembly of a driveshaft, and other projects related to wheels and windshields. Joining us for his first work day at Larry’s garage was Chris Otto, who with his girlfriend Gwenevere, recently moved to New Mexico from Virginia. Chris has a Model T stored in Demming, NM (approx. 3.5 hrs. south of Albuquerque) and they are our newest club members. Welcome Chris and Gwenevere!

The Duncans 1920 touring car’s rear differential was beginning to make noises and it’s thought to have last been rebuilt in the 1930’s. In addition to a new ring and pinion gears, the driveshaft was found to be worn and needed replacement. After several visits to Larry’s garage, the rear differential was ready for final assembly including reinstallation of the Rocky Mountain brakes.

Dave Ferro has been working on a 1927 speedster engine for several months. He was at the stage where final bending of the 4 dip pan was complete and it was now time to attach it and the “hogs head” to the engine. Previously, the hogs head pedal bearings had been machined to accept modern o-rings to reduce oil leakage. At this work day, Dave was cleaning up the pedals and installing them into his hogs head.

Don Neidigk had a set of coils to be tested for his 1926 coupe. His coupe is now running for the first time since he’s owned it, but it is running with little power. A newly rebuilt set of coils could be part of the solution to improving the coupe’s performance. Don had replaced the capacitors, but now they needed testing and adjustment on Larry’s ECCT tester. Once they were deemed good, Don potted the coils with tar.