Messages

1

Kaiser Forum / Re: Piston ring replacement

« on: April 12, 2018, 07:00:54 PM »

This is an easy project if you simply do it the right way.  That is, take out the engine and give it to a competent engine rebuilder.  So you spend a few bucks but you have the confidence of sitting behind a reliable rebuild which would never need to be done again.  Pulling the engine is a simple process needing only the removal of the hood, radiator, exhaust system and unbolting the transmission.  Putting it all back together again is simple and I did the entire project alone with a borrowed hoist.  Be careful though if you have a GM Hydramatic as I managed to damage the seal in the transmission and it leaked badly afterward.  Easy but expensive fix.

Enjoy the car.  You'll never spend a few bucks on a better project.

2

Kaiser Forum / Re: '53 heater question

« on: April 10, 2018, 08:11:33 PM »

I had the same problem with my '53 Manhattan.  Kaiser used a control which fits on the firewall between the engine and the passenger seat.  That control needs to be fixed or replaced.  Many years ago there was a member who repaired these but I don't know if he's still around.  If not, just bypass that control with some homemade plumbing.

3

Kaiser Forum / AUCTION

« on: January 03, 2012, 06:20:38 PM »

I just got an email from http://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=5542&aid=47584&lid=12219148#
I have no information on the company, the car collection or anything else.  I only offer it to members as a POSSIBLE bargain for a "'51 Kaiser".  The information is so limited as to be nearly non-existent and the car is in Minnesota or South Dakota.  Extremely vague.  The poor photos show a grill which looks more like a '52 or '53.  Damn little else.  Personally, I have no interest as I have zero room available but if it is a real car and all is legitimate. it might be picked up for well under $1K.
Some members who are located in that area might find it worthwhile to check out but why an auction would be held in that part of the country in January is beyond imagining.
Kind Regards,
Jerry Weiland

4

General Discussion / LOCATION OF VIN?

« on: July 23, 2010, 09:49:31 AM »

Hi All,

It's been a long time since I was on this Forum as I sold my '53 Manhattan back in 2004.  Happy to see it's still running.  I'm still a member of the K-F Club and maybe someday I'll get another '53.  I really loved that car and only sold it because I lost my storage spot.

Anyway, the car now resides near Santa Barbara, CA and the buyer enjoys it as much as I did but he called me recently asking about the location of the VIN number on the car.  I can't remember any more but I have a record of it being "V5448881692S663".  I thought it might be on the firewall plaque or the driver's side door frame but he says he can't find it anywhere.  I'd appreciate some help.

Many thanks,
Jerry Weiland

5

General Discussion / '54 on Ebay

« on: March 19, 2010, 09:00:34 PM »

I just found a '54 Manhattan on ebay.  It's in Ohio at a salvage yard.  Item number is 150425301376.
It looks very salvageable and I hope someone saves it.  What really caught my attention though is one of the photos.  It shows the front of the car and the bumper guards are upright!  Every '54 I've ever seen has the guards pointing outwards.  Is this production?
Jerry Weiland

6

General Discussion / Re: '53 Deluxe w/Supercharger on Ebay

« on: January 05, 2010, 06:59:24 PM »

Many thanks to Ben-Tex for the follow up.  A VERY interesting story and history.  I wish I had the space or I would have bought it myself.  In the photos the chrome looked beautiful and would have been worth half the price of the car if you junked the rest.  I hope the new owner realizes what he has and treats it accordingly.  Having just read the latest KF News, apparently the '53 "Luxus" upholstery is now available so that's all it would take to bring it up to super standards.  I don't think anyone would be insulted by the supercharger as long as it was installed tastefully.
Jerry Weiland

7

General Discussion / Re: '53 Deluxe w/Supercharger on Ebay

« on: January 04, 2010, 10:08:39 PM »

The side script is not viewable but the color is definitely green.  Do you know the car?

8

General Discussion / '53 Deluxe w/Supercharger on Ebay

« on: January 04, 2010, 09:25:32 PM »

A very interesting posting on Ebay.  A '53 Deluxe Two Door with a supercharger.  Hard to say from photos but it could be a very nice car.  The chrome looks excellent but it needs paint and a new interior.  Car is in Orangevale, CA.  Item #330392141008

9

Kaiser Forum / Re: WANTED

« on: August 01, 2009, 05:58:13 PM »

I've never met Kaiser Bill but I can certainly attest to his reputation.  One of the good people on the planet and I'm sure he decided not to ship out of the US only because he got cheated.  I don't know his present state of health but he has had a bad time recently and I pray for his recovery.
Jerry Weiland

10

General Discussion / Re: 1954 Kaiser on eBay

« on: June 24, 2009, 05:43:50 PM »

I'm certainly no expert on this but would conclude 100% with your view of the drain down problems.  Some "solutions" create more problems than the original.

As an aside though, it really irks me that our cars are so undervalued compared to other makes of the era.  Hudsons, Studebakers, Packards, De Sotos, etc. of similar condition are much more valuable in auctions and frankly, it makes me angry.  Kaisers were among the most beautiful bodies ever made.  They were built to safety standards which exceeded others of the era.  The interiors were gorgeous, as well.  The Continental 6 was the sole "shortcoming" but only because it was competing with the Olds V-8.  It would easily transport the car in silence and smoothness to 80.  What more could you ask?  What a shame. 

If I won the lottery today, I'd buy every Kaiser from '51 to the end I could find and do nothing but slobber all over them until my days ended.

Jerry Weiland

11

Kaiser Forum / Re: 54 Manhattan Electrical Issues

« on: May 22, 2009, 01:33:34 PM »

Just a note to be sure the coil is connected properly.  I believe all K-F products were positive ground.

Jerry

12

Kaiser Forum / Re: Bleeding Brakes

« on: May 22, 2009, 01:28:30 PM »

Hi if You have an old mastercyl. You should never push the pedal to the floor because You will ruin the seals in it when they travel over the dirt buildup thats been there behind them at normal travel.You can use the trick were you pump it back to the mastercyl if you only push the brakepedal the same distance as normal braking,but you still have old fluid in the system and you can take Your dear wife and lovely son for dinner.

SO TRUE!  DON'T ASK ME HOW I KNOW.

Jerry Weiland

13

General Discussion / Re: 1953 Willys Aero WAGON RUINED, A SAD DAY FOR KAISER/WILLYS.. April 16/2009

« on: April 25, 2009, 10:09:55 AM »

I also think it can be repaired.  I sure hope it was insured for more than their basic $100.  I think the biggest reason FedEx has become more successful is UPS package handling.

I share in the pain you and the rest of us feel.

Jerry Weiland

14

General Discussion / Re: 1953 Willys Aero Wagon Studio Concept ...

« on: April 15, 2009, 09:45:09 AM »

Fascinating photos.  Can anyone translate the script on the side of the wagon?
Jerry Weiland

15

Kaiser Forum / Re: 53 kaiser brakes

« on: April 06, 2009, 05:01:16 PM »

I had to replace the flex lines on my '65 Porsche 911 because one of them actually starting dragging a wheel.  As it turned out, a hose had deteriorated in the interior so much that it wouldn't allow the fluid to return after the pedal was applied.  It struck me as very weird as I would have thought just the reverse might have happened if it was badly deteriorated.
Jerry Weiland