July 13, 2014 South County Museum

Several of the club members went to the South County Museum Antique Auto Show on the 13th of July. Al Silvia came away with a prize for his Woody - instead of a trophy, he won a signed cartoon by Don Bosquet (the MC for the day at the Museum) which depicts a Woody!

Archie Project- Update Week 7 - 7/9/14

Week 7 and it did not rain, again - but hot, steamy and the mosquitoes were buzzin'.  This was a pivotal week on Archie!  Everything was coming together and hopes were high to get the engine started tonight!  Al Silvia brought back the oil pan - painted ORANGE - surprised everybody, especially Bob O,   that he really did it!  But then he brought out the REAL oil pan, painted gloss black.  The  oil pan was fitted with gaskets including the oil soaked ones for the ends of the pan.  Sue got to work on putting on the gasket cement.  With a lot of effort, John M and Al S went under the car again to get the cork gasket out of the way to receive the new one  on the assembled oil pan.  The side panel on the engine was put back.  The radiator and connections went on, the ignition was set up, the water pump was replaced,  oil was poured into the engine, water filled the radiator, gas was put into the tank.  The muffler was placed so as not to startle the neighbors when the engine sprang  to life....   Everybody was tuned into the group members turning on the ignition!  Not even a sputter, it did not start.  Troubleshooting began from different directions... group members took turns trying one thing and another, it was getting dark.  So, they cleaned up and went to eat.  Another great dinner!  sloppy joes, potato salad,  a broccoli crescent wreath, pickles and chips, yum!  Then desserts galore - Ray P's apple pie, a pineapple & cream cake, and homemade whoopie pies...and OMG, ice cream!  After dinner, it was back into the darkness to give Archie one more try...but alas, it was a no-go.  So next week, more troubleshooting and no doubt it will be lift off (so to speak...).

Archie Project - Week 7- 7/9/14- Pictures

July 2, 2014 Update Archie Project - week 6

Time flies! This is week 6 with Archie! As planned, the first thing to do is check the compression - There were a few tense moments as each cylinder was checked. John Mennucci was "shocked" literally as the third cylinder was checked. Ray Pagliarini retrieved the oil pan from the trailer, and the group pondered who should get the job of final clean up - Sue took it on and did a great job. The old paint and grease were removed on the pan. Almost everybody was involved in scraping the exterior!


The water pump was re-inspected, parts checked for functionality, and a list of new parts that are needed was made. John Mennucci was again under the car for placing the cotter pins to finalize the cylinders from the outside of the engine. Richard Preliasco and Al Bowder tackled cleaning and inspecting the valves after the side panel was removed. Charlie Howard used the crank to help with inspection of the function of each cylinder/valve. the clutch was re-inspected for torque on the nuts. It seems we are almost at the point where reassembly can begin!

Dennis Allsop was unable to come this evening, and was sorely missed. Sandy Bowder was there! The food was amazing and as Charlie Howard declared, those Model A ladies can really cook! Rosalie P. made Chicken with peppers and mushrooms, Pat H. had American Chop Suey, marinated mushrooms and plain bread plus halved loaves of bread topped with a special mixture of cheese sauce. Dale Silvia brought a three bean salad, and there were several desserts including a strawberry gelatin masterpiece, apple pie, fruit squares, and a lady finger dessert.

See the pictures below.... Enjoy!

Archie Project - week 6 July 2, 2014- Pictures

Archie Project - Session 5 - June 26, 2014- Update

This is Week five with Archie!  Allan Bowder's son, David, assisted in the project by welding the cross member that had been removed from the chassis.  This was checked for centering with the clutch.  Great job, David!  John Mennucci and Al Silvia continued for a time with the rod bearing caps and finished them up this week.  Ray Pagliarini and Bob worked on cleaning up the "second transmission"  - that was a big job!  Dennis was busy with re-building the carburetor in the garage.  He also demonstrated to the whole group how to calculate the flow through the carburetor jets with a miracle contraption that was hung on a tree and used water flow from the garden hose to measure the flow.   Sue Dunn said her head was spinning because she was able to work with several of the guys on the starter, the generator, and so many other things!  A shopping list was compiled for next week's session.  The bug spray came out as the mosquitoes got active.  Making great progress!  The group expressed concern about the designation of the food as "just hors d'oeuvres" - until they got inside and were met with a feast!  There were nachos with a great cheese dip, pesto with shrimp pitas, a Geek shrimp salad, a great rye bread bowl with corned beef dipping sauce, cheese wrapped in pepperoni, and fruit salad !     A chocolate cream pie, an apple pie and a phenomenal pistachio dream dessert  were there to complete the meal. Again, thanks to the Howards for hosting - especially since their furniture delivery for the living room got delayed .  The Model A group can accommodate to anything!

SEE THE PICTURES BELOW... ENJOY!!

Archie Project Pictures - June 26th Session