Author Topic: Wanted - Darrin Bits  (Read 1827 times)

joefrazer

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Wanted - Darrin Bits
« on: December 11, 2015, 08:05:24 AM »
Looking for the following for my Darrin:

- Good source for hood, door and top cover gaskets.
- Hood release cable assembly. It is the same as what was used on the 1951 thru 53 Kaiser.
- Source for the oil pressure hose that connects the dash unit to the engine.

Any help would be appreciated!


pjkaiser

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Re: Wanted - Darrin Bits
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2015, 08:45:58 PM »
I found a very nice Hood cable at the Nationals in Gettysburg, don't know who from  though.   

The oil pressure hose for the dash unit is a steel line similar to a brake line, at least that is what my Darrin has.

As far as the gaskets are concerned, I bought mine from Rudy but have not installed them and probably won't for another year or so.
54 Darrin # 81
53 Kaiser Traveler Deluxe
51 Custom Henry J (Concept Car?)

MarkH

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Re: Wanted - Darrin Bits
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2015, 09:55:50 AM »
I'm not familiar with your gaskets but you might find something from these places. They all have pretty good catalogs and Restoration Specialties has some stuff not listed so a call might help there:

http://www.restorationspecialties.com/
http://www.steelerubber.com/
http://soffseal.com/store/main.aspx
Fully restored '54 Aero Lark
Rusty '58 Austin Healey 100-Six
Barely running'74 Chevelle Malibu

joefrazer

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Re: Wanted - Darrin Bits
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2015, 05:22:54 PM »
Thanks for the links... I've purchased from all three vendors in the past. My problem is that the gaskets on the car now are so badly worn that I can't use them as a pattern to purchase generic material. I don't know what the height and width should be for any of the three gaskets I'm looking for. Can anyone help with that much?

Also, attached is the oil line I'm referring to. On all cars with a "wet" link between the dash gauge and the engine, a hose is used for at least part of the run. It appears the hose is unique to the Darrin and is not the same as those used on the early Kaisers and Frazers - the Darrin hose is much longer. I remember replacing the hose on my other Darrin but, of course, I cannot find the paperwork with the modern replacement part number. I've included pictures of the hose.

pjkaiser

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Re: Wanted - Darrin Bits
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2015, 08:13:41 PM »
Ok, with the body removed from my Darrin, here is the picture.    WOuld you like me to take some measurements???
54 Darrin # 81
53 Kaiser Traveler Deluxe
51 Custom Henry J (Concept Car?)

joefrazer

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Re: Wanted - Darrin Bits
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2015, 10:21:23 PM »
Nope, no need for measurements on the hose. The hose is intact on my car, it's just old. I thought perhaps someone else has replaced theirs and knew of a current equivalent.
« Last Edit: December 15, 2015, 07:46:25 PM by joefrazer »

pjkaiser

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Re: Wanted - Darrin Bits
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2015, 11:47:01 PM »
I will need one as well, if you find one, please let me know.
54 Darrin # 81
53 Kaiser Traveler Deluxe
51 Custom Henry J (Concept Car?)

Aeroman

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Re: Wanted - Darrin Bits
« Reply #7 on: December 30, 2015, 02:44:05 PM »
I bought an aftermarket oil pressure gauge for Old Toby (same engine as your Darrin) years ago. It used a brass fitting between the engine block and the electric sending unit, then a soft brass tube that ran all the way to the gauge under the dash. You could bend the tube to any angle needed. It would not be as stock, but works well for me.
Rick Kamen
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1954 Willys Aero Eagle "Old Toby"
1964 Ford Econoline panel van
Once owned 11 other Willys Aeros and a Willys wagon, 2 Kaisers, 1 Henry J, plus Studebakers, Hudsons, a Nash and others.