250,000 visits to my Blog, since this first posting back in 2010 (Thanks)

Introduction

The purpose of this blog is to record and document the 38 year history of my 1928 Chevrolet. I will try to cover all areas including the acquisition, the restoration, driving it over the years, and where it is mechanically and body wise in 2011. I would like to thank my wife Jan for not only tolerating the whole process, the late nights, the unusual jobs that were done inside our new house, some with, some without her knowledge, but more importantly agreeing to keep working for at least another 2 years longer than originally planned to finance the final stages of the restoration. And to my children Ross and Melanie, who grew up with a father with this strange obsession and hobby that kept him in the garage for many hours on numerous nights. I am sure they were known as the kids of that guy in the street with the old car. I am pleased to say the obsession is just as strong as back in 1973, but the enjoyment is more in the pleasure from driving and maintaining, as opposed to the original restoration process. One of the biggest thrills was my daughter Melanie asking if the Chev could be the wedding car for her upcoming marriage to her fiance Justin. I will cover this in more detail later, but the car was transferred from being up on blocks not running for about 8 years, to undergoing a mini restoration in just 9 months, finished at 4 am the morning of the wedding.

I must also thank the person who inspired me to begin this task, Grant Fowler, from down Gippsland way. Grant had started a blog for his Chev "Monty", in memory of his late father. You can view Grant's Blog at  http://montythe1928chevrolet.blogspot.com/
This prompted me to document as much detail as I can while I can still remember.

Let's get on with the story

Regards

Ray

 

Latest Pictures of Matilda the 1928 Chev

Out cruising today, with a pizza stop on the return trip, Matilda was running very smooth having recently had a new center mains fitted and the rear mains nipped up.

Matilda the 28 Chev - When its not the bleeding obvious, then just check the obvious

Did a bit of work on Matilda today with Terry today trying stop a very minor leak / weep in the Honey Comb radiator.

Added a couple of bottles of a metal particle compound, similar to what I had success with the Red Chev back in 2009, and still holding strong.

Added the treatment, hosed down the radiator to remove any residue, Terry fired it up, PROBLEM.
Running as rough as guts, and would not rev.

Thinking it was a "water in somewhere" problem, checked and dried all the relevant electrics, that were not really wet.

Still no luck, would not even fire up. Had to be a simple problem as Terry backed Matilda out into the street earlier in the day.

Pulling the dizzy cap off for the 3rd time, BINGO, the spring steel strip on the rotor button that contacts the center  of the dizzy cap had broken off.

See below, good rotor on the left, broken rotor on the right

The moral of the story is never assume anything with these old cars.

I Think I can, I think I can.... Let me get back to you on that!

1915 Baby Grand Chev (Original & Running)

Found this little gem on ebay

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1915-Chevrolet-Baby-Grand-Touring-/281432279902?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item4186abcb5e

One of the most original 1915 Chev's left in the world, this Baby Grand tourer is in original unrestored condition and gets more attention at a rally than any other car I own! It has been gone through mechanically including new brakes, ignition & carbie work, king pins, radiator clean, new 34 x 4 1/2 tyres, tubes & rust bands, runs and drives.

The motor is a little rattly (#3 big end will need some work). some spares including an additional Connecticut ignition switch, and spare guards and valances. Currently on Club registration (not transferable).

I have heaps of photos of the car which we can send upon request, you only get to upload several photos on EBay so please ask if you want to see more, thanks. Car is located in Mudgee, NSW, Australia.

Follow this link to access video of the car running & driving on Youtube  http://youtu.be/C-68yMK7CLQ

 

 

 

Reconditioned 1928 Chev 4 Oil Pumps locked away for future use.

 A good mate of mine, Kevin from Dapto NSW, recently reconditioned four 1928 Chev oil pumps that I have had in my spares cupboard for over 30 years. No good to me unrestored I asked Kevin if he would like to do them all up and keep one for himself. So 6 went up to Dapto, 1 went in the bin, 1 went into Kevin's spares, and 4 came back to me.

Good each way transaction in my book.

Now safely tucked away in the spares cupboard, this was the parcels contents on arrival.

Gotta keep em locked up, the little devils can escape!!