Messages

31

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

« on: June 25, 2023, 05:51:52 AM »

Post a picture of how yours is installed and I will compare to mine. If the kickdown rod is not adjusted correctly, it will impact upshifts (too soon or too late based on throttle pressure) as well as downshifting.

The K-54 transmission adjustments are essentially the same as the K-52 unit.

32

Kaiser Forum / Re: COOLANT RESERVOIR

« on: May 21, 2023, 05:59:03 AM »

KF did not use a coolant reservoir on their cars. The overflow line from the filler neck at the upper tank ran down the side of the radiator and drained to the ground. So, if you have any sort of overflow tank, it's an aftermarket add on.

33

Parts For Sale & Wanted / Re: Wanted: Henry J weatherstrip

« on: May 18, 2023, 06:26:33 AM »

Restoration Specialties in Windber PA sells weatherstrip - better known as cat's whiskers. They have an online catalog.

https://www.restorationspecialties.com/

34

Cars For Sale & Wanted / Re: Found on Facebook Marketplace - 1954 Kaiser Special 2-door

« on: May 03, 2023, 07:54:21 AM »

This car is near me and I had a look at it a few years ago. While the body is surprisingly solid, the interior needs a lot of help. At the time, the seller said they had the engine turning over on a battery.

Get it running and driving and live with the ratty interior for now. It's a rare two door early Special and worth that much effort.

35

Manufacturing Fund Forum / Re: 1951 Dleuxe remove headlight switch

« on: April 18, 2023, 06:47:02 AM »

Look closely at the knob and you should see a small hole. Insert a straightened paper clip into the hole and feel around for what's called the clamp spring. It's actually a tab that rests against the switch shaft. While gently tugging on the knob, try to work the paper clip against the back of the tab. You'll need to be pushing your hand toward the dash which will be pulling the end of the paper clip forward which will, in turn, pull the tab away from the shaft enough to allow you to pull the knob off the shaft. To reinstall, simply push the knob on to the shaft.

It's not easy to do and patience is key!

36

Henry J & Allstate Forum / Re: 161 L Engine Paint Color

« on: April 09, 2023, 06:44:00 AM »

In 1951 KF began using Garden Green metallic as their engine color. That same color became Olive Green metallic and was used by Chrysler Corp on their interior painted surfaces in the late 1960s. I own a 1970 Dodge Coronet and its interior painted surfaces are a match for the KF engine color. A formula is available from Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes in the Dimension product line. I had a pint mixed and used it to paint the block on my Darrin. It has held up with no fading or peeling.

37

Kaiser Forum / Re: Model and year

« on: March 22, 2023, 07:00:08 AM »

You have a 1949 Frazer Manhattan. Production of 1949 models amounted to roughly 9200 units.

38

Parts For Sale & Wanted / Re: Wanted: exhaust down pipe

« on: February 07, 2023, 07:23:22 AM »

No, because the exhaust pipe has a couple of unique bends to clear the frame cross member. You might be able to piece together the front half of a new Jeep pipe with the back half of your existing - but only if the new pipe has the same bend off the manifold as the old. There's isn't much room for the pipe so whatever you use, it has to be a very close match.

Waldron Exhaust - waldronexhaust.com - carries systems for KF. Check with them, they may have what you need.

39

Henry J & Allstate Forum / Re: HJ motor mounts removal?

« on: January 23, 2023, 07:20:37 AM »

Remove the large nuts that secure the mounts to the engine as well as the two (on each mount) that secure the mount to the frame post. Then, lift the engine just enough to slide the old mounts out. When you install the new mounts, loosely install the top nut while the engine is still lifted and then slowly set the engine back in place. Make sure the lower mount and frame holes line up and drop the bolts in before completely setting the engine back in place. Tighten all nuts and bolts.

You can lift the engine using a floor jack and block of wood. Place the block of wood at the front of the engine, either under the harmonic balancer or at where the front of the oil pan is bolted to the engine. It might be necessary to remove the lower radiator hose to get the engine to lift high enough.

40

Kaiser Forum / Re: hydramatic trans drops from neutral to drive

« on: January 10, 2023, 06:57:05 AM »

When the transmission is manually shifted from gear to gear, there should be a solid, positive feel of engagement as the shift arm is moved thru the gears.
If it feels sloppy then check to be sure the external linkage isn't loose at any connection. If the linkage does not seem to be the problem, then the issue would be in the valve body. The valve body is located under a cover on the driver's side of the transmission. The shift linkage is attached to it and the linkage uses what's called a detent lever to physically engage each gear when manually selected. If that detent lever is misadjusted or worn then it will allow the transmission to slip into another gear.

Start first with checking to be sure the linkage from the column to the transmission is properly adjusted. The linkage at the column on the 54s is all base (pot) metal and is known to wear on higher mileage cars.

41

Darrin Forum / Re: 1003 Darrin history

« on: January 09, 2023, 07:44:17 AM »

Another photo of the same car. They were taken at the small lake created when Willow Run creek was dammed.

42

Darrin Forum / Re: 1003 Darrin history

« on: January 07, 2023, 07:56:12 AM »

Here's a photo from 1953 with the plate on one of the early prototype Darrins...

43

Darrin Forum / Re: 1003 Darrin history

« on: January 06, 2023, 07:48:43 AM »

According to the documentation I have, the whereabouts and owners of cars one and two have been known for some time.

The plexiglass plates are indeed rare and in the 50+ years of playing with Kaisers I've only ever seen one in person.

44

Henry J & Allstate Forum / Re: Spare tire mount in Allstate / HJ(?) trunk

« on: December 23, 2022, 07:16:40 AM »

Several years ago I attended and auction where a couple of Allstate cars were sold. I took pictures of the cars and the unique parts on them - vs the Henry J - and have none with the bracket shown in your pictures. Just a SWAG but I'm wondering if the early 52s used a different jack setup and the bracket was there to hold it in place. Sure looks factory to me!

I'd post this on the Henry J FB pages - maybe more cars have it as well.

45

General Discussion / Re: KF Parts Identification

« on: November 06, 2022, 08:30:38 AM »

First image, the steering knuckle and spindle to the right of it are KF, 47-55 all full size. I'd need a better pic of the spindle to the left to ID it. Second and third image, not KF. I don't know what it fits but I can tell you that it doesn't fit a Kaiser or Frazer. The wiring harness is KF, given the small light socket I'd say it fits somewhere on the dash. Not certain of the year but the 717XXX part number would be around 1950-51.