We hauled this car from Carmel, California to Arkansas on an open trailer and the only incident was in Oklahoma City where the roads were so rough a front tire strap came loose. We quickly replaced the strap and made it the rest of the way safely. This car is an older restoration with original mechanics. It has a straight 8 Spitfire engine and fluid drive transmission. It's just a matter of time before I am forced to modernize the mechanics because spare parts are fast becoming obsolete. U-Joints are no longer available. The radiator is octagonal shaped and cannot be re-cored. The car has a 6 volt electrical system which requires creative shopping for battery, headlights, generator and so on. I have learned that when you restomod a car to modern mechanics that has limited under dash space consider putting the air conditioner in the trunk and install the vents and return air in the rear deck. If the cowl and front floor are well insulated that should work just fine. Doing that, you will need to preserve the original heater in order to have defrost.
The thing I like most about these 1946 through 1948 New Yorkers is the view from the drivers seat looking at the beautifully styled steering wheel and dash. Looking through the classic split windshield across that long shapely hood and front fenders is an experience with nostalgia I just can't get enough of. I even like the fact that the steering wheel has to turn several revolutions to make a 90 degree turn. That alone makes it impossible to whip that car into any new direction. When it comes time to upgrade the mechanics the original feel of the steering will be preserved. This video was filmed atop Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas during the MOTAA Judging Contest. In this event my New Yorker won third place. The MOTAA event is generally scheduled the third weekend of June every year, however the 2020 show has been cancelled for Covid-19. I have been attending this event as a spectator since 1975 and am never disappointed. It's always a lot of fun and every year there are always some different cars introduced to the show. In fact, this was the first year for my Chrysler and since this show I have purchased other cars to introduce to the event. Cars are always changing hands and participants are regularly bringing something new to the mountain to enjoy. James Marple
28 авг 2024
