Author Topic: Old Toby is out in the world again!  (Read 762 times)

Aeroman

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Old Toby is out in the world again!
« on: April 02, 2012, 12:30:44 PM »
After 2.5 years off the road, Old Toby, my 1954 Willys Aero, is back on the road. I stopped driving it until I could determine what was putting coolant in the oil pan. Hoping that it would only be a blown head gasket, we pulled the head. The gasket was indeed blown between cylinders 4 & 5. The block was off 5,000ths and the head was off 13,000ths! We shaved the head, left the block alone and reaasembled, keeping our fingers crossed that there was no crack in the block as well.
Saturday was the first test other than a trip down the freeway for an exit or two. I went to the Georgia Tech Auto Show where Frank Pudysz and I parked next to each other as representatives of KFOC (See attached pic). I still need a few more things handled (like new tires) but I plan to take it to Sweetwater this June. See you there!
Rick Kamen LM4314
KFOCI member since 1979
Willys Aero Survival Count
aeroman@aol.com
http://clubs.hemmings.com/willysaero
1954 Willys Aero Eagle "Old Toby"
former owner of at least 11 other Willys Aeros and a Willys wagon, 2 Kaisers and a Henry J. Also Studebakers, Hudsons, a Nash and others.

Fid

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Re: Old Toby is out in the world again!
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2012, 01:37:13 PM »
Congratulations and thanks for the pictures. Glad it's back on the road, it's always good to have another one on the road.
1953 Henry J Corsair Deluxe
1952 Henry J Vagabond
Edgar Kaiser's custom 1951 Henry J

our53henryj

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Re: Old Toby is out in the world again!
« Reply #2 on: April 04, 2012, 07:21:53 AM »
Glad you are driving again, hope the leak is resolved, Henry.
51-53 HenryJ Corsair, 57 wagon 408"BB with 14' Bonair travel trailer,71 Nova 355"SB, 07 2500HD with 26.5 Prowler 5th wheel travel trailer, CDN coordinator for ChevyTalk
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G.B. (All Vinyl Dragon)

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Re: Old Toby is out in the world again!
« Reply #3 on: April 04, 2012, 10:04:20 AM »
Looks Great...
Research on All Vinyl Dragons & Dragon List.
G.B. Bonham LM  K.F.O.C. Club.
Also Vintage Electronics, TV,Stereo,Radio.
Kaye Halbert TV, 27 inch screen mid 50's
made in Culver City, Calif.

joefrazer

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Re: Old Toby is out in the world again!
« Reply #4 on: April 04, 2012, 01:37:58 PM »
Hey Rick...Rudy has NOS hood hinges to fit Old Toby...you could eliminate your official Willys accessory prop rod!
Vice President, KFOCI
1954 Manhattan
1953 Manhattan
1950 Traveler
1951 Jeepster
1947 Kaiser Special
1996 Mercedes Benz SL 500
1981 Cadillac Eldorado
And lots and lots of assorted junque!

Aeroman

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Re: Old Toby is out in the world again!
« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2012, 01:20:47 PM »
That hood prop rod came with the car. I have a sentimental attachment to it now after almost 34 years.
Rick Kamen LM4314
KFOCI member since 1979
Willys Aero Survival Count
aeroman@aol.com
http://clubs.hemmings.com/willysaero
1954 Willys Aero Eagle "Old Toby"
former owner of at least 11 other Willys Aeros and a Willys wagon, 2 Kaisers and a Henry J. Also Studebakers, Hudsons, a Nash and others.

Mechanicgirl

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Re: Old Toby is out in the world again!
« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2012, 06:09:46 PM »
 wow! that's clean I hope I can get mine that clean...