VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1916-1922 - Model 490 Anyone interested in a 1919 Touring?

I bought this car a few months ago figuring I would trailer it to shows- later realizing that my small SUV can't handle a trailer loaded with a car, even as small as a 490. My small town is too far from anywhere to drive to shows. So I've decided to pass her on to someone with the time to tinker with her who has a trailer or suitable place to drive.

The car has an older restoration. Could be shown with some touchups. Engine runs good, no smoke, cranky when cold, starts right up when warm. Restoration appears mostly correct, with proper flooring and running boards. Tan top has small tear near rear window, which is hazy. Clutch is grabby and could use adjustment (lining looks thick). New muffler and gas tank. Front tires worn, back tires good. Have parts book, service manual reprints. I spent several weeks fixing little issues, such as hot starting and even grabbier clutch. Not too much left to do.

Located near Nashville TN. Price: $9500.

I use a car trailer, single axled, with allowed weight of 1040 kg. behind my Toy**a Verso from 2004, automatic shift and do not have any problems with transporting my 490. A pity if you can not use your present car for the transportation. Hope you find a good solution. This model is a very nice car to drive and you will get a keen attention when showing up.

By the way: You mention the clutch leather as thick. More than 5 mm. is too thick. I had to change an old new one on mine as it was 7 mm. I could not uncouple to neutral and shift gears when the engine got warm.

My 4 cyl Toyota Highlander is basically a Camry at heart and has a towing capacity of only 1500 lbs. Trailer and car = nearly 4000 (if I went with a double axle, recommended in another thread).

The clutch leather might just be too thick- it's very hard to get it to release completely (but fiddling with the six adjusters helps). I'm actually getting the knack of driving it and can now slip it into gear without much drama- was previously revving a bit too much).

A 1919 490 touring only weighs 1980 lbs with gas oil and water, no passengers. When I tow mine, I can't even notice it is on the trailer unless I look back in the mirrors. when my dad bought his 21 490 at an auction back in the 70s, we loaded the whole complete car into the back of his 69 Chevy longhorn truck.Got a few helpers and picked it up and rolled it into the bed! The rear wheels did sit on the tailgate if I remember right.

The solution is obvious! Get rid of that highlander thing (not the 490) - and buy a proper Chevrolet vehicle with which to tow it!

The solution is for me to pass the car on to someone who will really enjoy it. I own the car because (on my daughters unfamiliar laptop) I hovered the mouse over the bid button during a Hershey auction and the computer clicked on it.Her comment: "It does that sometimes". I decided to swallow my pride and pay for the car rather than fight it - and learn to love it. Unfortunately, I find it a chore to drive and for me, not much fun at all. I'll bet someone out there could have a great time in it this summer, and the price is right.

OK. I see your point, so I really hope someone here will buy it and bring the 490 to a new home. Good luck.

Due to your comment I imagine the leather is a bit too thick, and when so you will have the same problem as I had before I changed. I spoiled two pinions before we found the trouble. When I later asked the seller about the leather, he said there was no need to change it as it was fairly new. But it was too thick and swelled when the engine got warm. It also helps to adjust the 6 springs, of cause.

490touring located the following numbers on this car:

- body number from the door sill is 15240
- black metal tag is gone but there is a Briggs Body tag on the firewall with the number 104130.
- couldn't find the flywheel number, but the head is 407-7 with date 2-13.19. The block is HRR6 967 date 12-28-19.

It appears that the engine is 1920, although there is a large spread between block and head date codes. Is this unusual? What do the numbers tell us?

I wasn't aware that Briggs made Chevy bodies. Can anyone tell where this car was built, not having the serial number?

There is a 6 month spread between the dates on the head and block with my 490 too. Are there any other 490s out there with a date spread of at least 3 months or greater? Makes me wonder if there is a pattern to it all? Interesting.

Cheers,
Gary

Still for sale. I've hit the sweet spot in the clutch finger adjustment and she shifts pretty well now. Touched up some chips and got her starting easily hot or cold. Any interest out there?

Normally the ignition lever start in upper position. After starting you move the lever to middle position and then more and more down th faster you drive.

BUT: When you are cruising at very small speeds, and in a combination of stops and goes, setlet the ignition handle (right) stay in highest (i.e. lowest down position). The engine will keep cooler and you will avoid boiling much more easily. Also check that the fan is working with full effect, with no slippery belt. Adjust the belt to tighter, if needed.