Messages

16

Kaiser Forum / Re: MOTOROLA RADIO

« on: October 29, 2023, 06:01:07 AM »

Your radio is an aftermarket Motorola. The buttons and knobs from the GE unit will more than likely not fit. It might be easier to switch to a GE unit than find parts for yours.

17

Kaiser Forum / Re: MOTOROLA RADIO

« on: October 26, 2023, 06:33:28 AM »

When the supply of GE radios was exhausted, KF switched to a Delco unit which is the one in the latest photo. This same radio was used thru the end of production in 1955, but in 1954, the push buttons were changed to black and the knobs went to black plastic with chromes inserts.

1951 Kaisers with the GE radio have a bump out in the firewall to accommodate the longer chassis, once the Delco radio was used, the bump out was removed.

18

Kaiser Forum / Re: MOTOROLA RADIO

« on: October 25, 2023, 06:24:48 AM »

Here's the GE unit that KF used in the early production 51s. The GE unit would have been original equipment with the Motorola being an aftermarket unit.

19

Henry J & Allstate Forum / Re: Choke cable

« on: October 18, 2023, 06:22:41 AM »

Can't help with the part but I do have a plater story. With my previous Darrin, the shop lost a door latch, the grille, both tail light bezels and a door handle. One would think as unique as they look, losing any of them would be hard to do, but he did. I suspect they went out with another job and the new owner realized what they were and sold them. It took me quite a while to find even mediocre replacements.

20

Henry J & Allstate Forum / Re: 51 HJ Wiring Harness

« on: October 18, 2023, 06:16:55 AM »

Rhode Island Wiring carries partial wiring assemblies for various KF models. Not inexpensive, but when if you're not comfortable doing it yourself they can help. They also supply wiring and connectors for those willing to tackle the job.

https://www.riwire.com/

21

Parts For Sale & Wanted / Re: Wanted Blower Dash Knob for a 53 Kaiser

« on: October 11, 2023, 05:50:27 AM »

Inside the knob is a small spring steel tab. It presses against the switch shaft and that is what holds the knob in place. To remove the knob, a thin piece of very stiff wire needs inserted into the hole in the knob and while gently pulling on the knob, you have to push the wire towards the dash which will, in effect, pull the tab away from the switch shaft allowing the knob to come off.

It is not easy and it takes a lot of patience. I've ruined a few knobs over the years...

22

Kaiser Forum / Re: Solved the vapor lock issue, '51 KD

« on: August 30, 2023, 07:55:54 AM »

The fuel line should not pass thru the manifold. It should route between the manifold and the radiator. If yours ran thru the manifold then someone changed the line. Running thru the manifold guarantees vapor lock!

23

General Discussion / Re: Last Kaiser Search

« on: August 28, 2023, 11:03:04 AM »

The car still exists and I had the chance to look it over not too long ago. It's in a collection as part of an estate and I have been communicating with the executors. Movement has been glacial...

24

Modified Kaiser-Frazer & Willys Cars / Re: John Parker Motor

« on: August 20, 2023, 07:20:08 AM »

I believe Blast Away, John's 48 Kaiser equipped with his updates, is in southern California.

25

Modified Kaiser-Frazer & Willys Cars / Re: John Parker Motor

« on: August 19, 2023, 09:12:22 AM »

The serial number on the registration was either the engine number or a state assigned number as it doesn't correspond with the known manufacture number sequence.

26

Kaiser Forum / Re: Engine Number Mystery

« on: August 14, 2023, 07:38:07 AM »

Sears used dark blue for their rebuilt engines. I would agree, probably not a KF factory rebuilt - more than likely another rebuilder obtained a bare replacement block and built an engine from there. I've had a couple over the years.

27

Kaiser Forum / Re: Crankcase Filler Tube / Oil Filler Tube

« on: August 13, 2023, 07:28:08 AM »

The tubes were probably staked or pinned to help hold them in place.

28

Kaiser Forum / Re: Engine Number Mystery

« on: August 13, 2023, 07:26:30 AM »

It's a replacement block. The numbers stamped on the boss are more than likely from a rebuilder. My guess is that the original block was too damaged to reuse so the rebuilder found a replacement block. This had to have been done many years ago as replacement blocks haven't been available for some time.

29

Kaiser Forum / Re: Crankcase Filler Tube / Oil Filler Tube

« on: August 12, 2023, 07:43:30 AM »

That's the correct tube, it's just bent at the lower end. They're an interference fit...jammed in place at the factory with light pressure. There are plenty of parts engines out there, someone should have a filler neck that's not bent.

30

Kaiser Forum / Re: Trans throttle lever, trans throttle rod adjustment

« on: June 27, 2023, 07:38:02 AM »

Yes, updates to the transmission were made throughout the run. The most notable was the switch from mechanical to hydraulically driven reverse with the K52 unit. In addition, some changes were also made to the valve body which could have included shift gate points. It could be that an earlier valve body was installed at some point. They're essentially interchangeable.

I did see the pics on FB and I don't see any issues with the rod setup. You mention making some trunion adjustments...it usually takes a few tries to dial things in. Years of use and wear will affect the shift points for sure.

I just checked my 53 and 54 cars and found the same shift patterns as you describe.

And, the needle on both of my cars usually point to the wrong gear...I just move it over with my finger.