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AUTOMOBILES
We focused a lot on getting WAAAM’s 3 race/speedster cars ready for the October Second Saturday this past month. The 1927 Model T race car was not running well and after much effort, it now runs smoothly. For the first time, we fielded the 1928 Model A Ford with a custom hand-built torpedo body along with the 1927 Chevy Outlaw racer and ’27 T racer all together. These autos are obnoxiously loud and were a hoot to give rides in. Special shout out to Volunteers Olive S. and Sophia K. who rode the 1928 Maytag powered, high-wheeled trike with smiles all around!
One recently donated item we are all really excited about is a used-but-in-good-condition commutator undercutter machine. Its use is strictly in generator and starter motor repair. It was donated along with a growler. The growler tests the soundness of the armature. These machines cut down the labor time by 90+% as opposed to hand undercutting the commutator. It does a more uniform job too. Volunteer Dale N has already quickly put it to use repairing a 1927 Model T, 3-brush generator.
On the restoration front, Volunteer Cal C. continues making fantastic progress on the 1915 Dodge Brothers panel truck wood body. Jay MB repaired one of the door hinges for us and then Don F. and Chris H. were able to hang the doors and install the lock hardware. Final adjustment showed how well the doors now work. You can see the truck up close in the Museum 3 NE restoration area.
Volunteer Ray P. is almost done repairing the 1928 Dodge Brothers 4-Door Sedan upholstery. He also repaired our 1960 Studebaker Lark 4-Door Station Wagon, drivers’ side, back door panel. (A stainless-steel strip was been damaged.)
Volunteer Melanie S. has studiously continued work on the WWII Harley motorcycle. She has been preparing the frame, tank, fenders for painting.
In case you have not recently been to WAAAM, we moved out 5 Model Ts in from our main display floor to our back hangar to make room for a WWII DUKW project. Volunteer Brian B. was able to tow the DUKW indoors with his 4x4 Toyota truck. The DUKW is an imposing vehicle at 33’ long x 8’ wide x 7’ high and 14,500 pounds. At the moment, it’s undergoing a full brake job by Volunteers Don F., Chris H. and Pete C. We've also got Bruce S. helping as he has real-life semitruck experience. The DUKW is built on a GMC 2.5 ton, 6x6 truck chassis and this one is in surprisingly good condition. The plan is to give rides in it on Second Saturday and 4th of July events.
With the weather rapidly turning to wintertime, our driving events for the year are just about wrapped up. Our favorite driving story of the season? One of our visitors was NBC News reporter Kerry Sanders with his family. Sanders owns a Chey Bolt EV and enjoyed riding in and learning about WAAAM’s 1914 Detroit Electric. It is always great to surprise our visitors with our vintage electric car!
Lastly, a big thank you to the following WAAAM Car Guy volunteers who helped in restoration, repair, Second Saturday car rides, Empress River boat car rides, dusting and cleaning this past month are Don F., Cal C., Chris G., Chris H., Robb H., Bruce B., Don B., Andy A., Tony A., Ray P., Larry H., Melanie & Olive S., Craig K., Judy N., Dennis W., Thomas and Sophie K., Rich & Linda U., Bonnie W., Stephanie H.
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