I've been on the "Pre-War (1899-1942)" portion of the Forum seeking answers to assist in installing the brake and clutch pedals, parking brake, fenders, and splash aprons. Fitted with the information, I see that I'm missing or can't find some of the parts required to install the pedals and parking brake.

In the interim, I installed a new gas line from the tank to the carburetor. Used 5/16" Ezibend. The tubing that is visible in the engine compartment was sanded with Wet-Or-Dry paper going from 320 to 2000 grit. It was buffed to give that nickel plated look while the fittings were chrome plated using Caswell's Nickel Plug N' Plate (but using the dip process which is much faster).

The radiator shell along with the headlight bar was sent out for chrome plating. The radiator was installed along with the Sylphon thermostat. I got an assist on the install of the thermostat from good members on the Forum. The radiator shutter and shell were installed. It should be noted that while the holes on any two individual pieces lined up good, when the three were all put together it was a big no-go. After reworking 8 holes and elongating 6 additional holes the trio is now installed on the frame.

On installing the parking brake, I needed to make a bronze shim for the parking brake handle as the hole on the handle was 1.05" ID and the shaft is going to be mounted on was 0.75" OD. After digging through my various parts bins I found the sprocket bar (or whatever the thing is called) that the tooth on the handle engages to keep the lever locked. But at last the parking brake is installed.

On Sunday I started installing the hood panels, working on the top two (left & right). It appears the radiator shell and probably the radiator/shutter too will required some more adjusting in order to get the hood pieces to line up better. Since it was getting late in the day I decided that a fresh look at things might be the best approach at solving my hood misfit challenge. So I opened my first beer of the day at 5:00 pm, sat in a chair to relax and watched the sun as it headed towards the western horizon.

I found all the parts that were needed to connect the parking brake and finished installing it this past weekend. Completed most of the work on the clutch and brake pedal installation.

I do seem to have one major problem in that I cannot find the fitting that hold the brake and clutch pedals on. I have the brake switch and need to check it out as it appears to be in need of some TLC.

Does anyone out there have an extra fitting or know where one may be purchased.

Thanks to all for your assistance.

Ray,

Thanks for your service and keep safe. Yes, 4 years makes a world of difference.

I found this little bit of info on the web about ash versus oak in car construction;

"Unlike the oaks, however. Ash lumber has no tannic acid. This means that when it contacts metals, it will not cause corrosion. This made it the wood of choice for car companies when wooden frames were the standard. The lack of tannins makes it unsuitable for exterior use, though. It has no built-in rot resistance. This was the trade off for the makers of the model T. Wood was actually fairly common in cars until the 1970's. The "Woodie" station wagons exposed their members. Volkswagen beetles and Mercedes continued to use wooden ribs in their convertibles (usually maple) until fairly late. The Morgan company of England
( www.morgan-motor.co.uk ) still uses ash frames to this day. "

athttp://www.alamohardwoods.com/ash-lumber-alamo

Here are the followup photos that I promised. They show how the bows look and how they are fitted to the top of the car.

While you can't see it, there is a wood screw that comes down from the top to hold the tenon that is a part of the bow on the right side of the car. On the left side there is a spline that goes into the wood on the main part of the roof. The spline sticks out and the grove in the bow allows the bow to be slipped on to the spline. There is a wood screw that holds the spline to the main part of the roof with no screw being used in the bow through the tenon.

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The opening on my '32 901 is ~40 ?" by 81". It has 7 bows the 1st one (from the front is 1 ?" wide and 1 ?" high. The remaining bows are ?" wide and 1" high. They are made of a hardwood probably oak, but could be ask or hickory. Between bows 4 and 5 there is a support for the dome light (see photos).

The main criteria is that the roof line must flow in a nice curve going from front to back and from left to right. The bow serve as the platform on to which 1" chicken wire is nailed. Cotton goes over the wire, then cotton muslin, and finally the top material. The goal is to have it all flow in a very naturally flow across the top with no lumps.

Let me know if the size of your opening is close to mine. If it is I'll trace the profiles of my 7 bows and mail them to you. I'll also try to get pictures of them this weekend. Also, I'd use a water proof glue like Tite Bond III for gluing the new ones in.

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My '32 901 is under construction and I have yet to cover the top so the wood bows are exposed. The bows on the car and been replaced as some kids decided to jump through it before I bought the car. I would guess that your '28 would have the same type of construction.

I'll need to take it out of the garage in order to take some picture, which I'll try to post in the next week or so. It is not too difficult to replace them - just a pain in the ass.

I agree with Tim. They are a great bunch of pictures. I got a little side tracked with the radiator and Sylphon today and haven't been able to start this part of the project. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I can get there as progress is sometimes painful.

I see that the running board to fenders and splash apron has welting. I've also noted that around the fenders and splash apron there is a metal piece between the welt and the running board. Is it correct to assume that this a peice of chrome plated steel or brass that is in the shape of an upside down "J"?

I can't begin to thank you enough for the various responses and picture that you have provided me over the months as I restore my '32 Packard.

32model901

Thanks for the assist. The pictures were a great help.

I got everything painted and installed the Sylphon . Mounted the shutters on the radiator and thought things are going too good. Then I place the radiator shroud (which I had previously checked to make sure it would fit on the radiator correctly) over the radiator/shutters only to discover that the shutters were sitting 3/8" too high for the three pieces to all be screwed together. I think if I elongate the 6 holes in the radiator's side mounting brackets I can bolt the three together.

Thanks again for your help.

Tim,

Thanks for the info on the welt. I looked in the parts book for the mat but did not see it. Know that I know it is there I'll give it some time.

Now days, instead of gas I prefer using odorless paint thinner for cleaning. As I tend to come away from the situation with a little smell. It is also a little safer than gas.