VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 What can you tell me about the Superior K

Newbie here. I have an opportunity to purchase a '25 4 door sedan. It's been my uncles for the last 55 years and has been in storage almost this whole time. He says it's solid and my memories of it would agree with that. My question is what sort of things should I look for before purchasing? Are there show stoppers that I should be aware of? Any help is appreciated.

Jeff: I guess the first thing that I have had trouble with on my '25 is the "potmetal" castings; rear brush plate on the generator, including the distributor housing and oil pump.
These things swell up with age and self-destruct; so be very careful in handling them. I was able to acquire repro brush plate and oil pumps over the years, but had to fabricate a distributor housing. Wishing you the best with your '25.
George

These cars have a wood frame under the body. Check for saggy doors or wood rot were you can.

Drive the car for about 10 miles to make sure it doesn't overheat. Cracked heads are common as well as plugged radiators. My radiator replacement was $1,000. Also a bad head gasket. Replaced bad generator end cover, oil pump and rebuilt distributor cost $900. That was 12 years ago. Prices are much more now. If you have a pot metal gen, dist, and oil pump; be ready to spend big bucks very soon because they will fail.Other than that, they are a fun car. Remember, replacement parts are not cheap; and if someone else has to do the work for you it can get to be more than the car is worth.Good luck.

I should have added this; when looking at anything that is old pot metal, look for what looks like surface cracks or spider webbing. With a little bit of force on them they will crumble in your hands.They aren't just surface cracks. They are trouble waiting to happen.

Well, that's a pretty grim picture you paint. Thanks for all the feedback. I'm guessing that any problems with the wood frame would be monumental. Second guessing this decision right away. I haven't seen the car for probably 7 or so years, and even then I wasn't looking at it in order to buy it, I was only dreaming about it. He's offered it to me for 5K, but now I'm thinking what sounded like a good deal may be a mistake waiting to happen. Any more feedback is certainly appreciated.

It may seem that too many of what you see as negative vibes are coming your way which can overwhelm your initial enthusiasm, but does the thought of owning that car get under your skin?

Do you want an all absorbing hobby that will keep you busy learning new skills, meeting other like minded folk and having the satisfaction of saying 'I did it all myself'?

Contrary to popular belief, an old car does not have to be in showroom condition before it hits the show scene or drive around the neighbourhood, folk like to see 'work in progress' cars and will often offer to help with parts they have hidden away and expertise, it can be an interesting journey.

Don't get too wrapped up in worrying about spending more than the current value of the car, that doesn't matter unless you are on a very tight budget, time and scarcity will take care of all that stuff, just enjoy the journey.

Maybe you just want to own an old car and pay someone else to do all the work and then sell it for a profit, in which case you would most likely come unstuck.

Hope this helps

Bernard

There are plenty of potential problems with any vehicle purchase. Today's used vehicles are NOT repairable by most of us. Yes we might change the oil, filters, put air in the tires but not much else. An older Chevy gives us the opportunity to not only repair it but enjoy the process and take pride in our efforts. Besides we all preserve a bit of automotive history. And there are plenty of people on Chat that have done what ever you will need to get done. Doesn't take a fortune, computer program or Ouija board.

I'd much rather take my chances with an old Chevy then a modern anything.

Jtroberts64, I didn't want to discourage you; just wanted to let you know what you might encounter. I could never get the money back that I've put into my car; and I don't expect to either. I also can't replace the joy and accomplishment of keeping it on the road. It's ready for an engine rebuild now. More money and more fun. If you like it and want it, buy it and have fun. It's a piece of Americana.

Thanks Steve,
I didn't take it as you trying to discourage me at all. I appreciate your honest input. I'm just really green to all of this. I have no idea what all it takes to rewire or rebuild; but I'm willing to learn and I know I have friends both locally and now new friends possibly on the horizon through the VCCA that are willing to help, and that might actually enjoy helping. Although I feel like I might be getting in over my head, it's sort of a good feeling. I would like to try this and give myself, my son and son-in-law a chance to bond, do something together.

Jeff,

If you get the car and the body isn't falling apart, I suggest going through all the mechanical stuff and drive it as is, a survivor.

You'll be surprised how many folks appreciate seeing your car as found. I've had my trucks at high-end car shows and invariably draw a larger crowd than a lot of the more expensive restorations or hot rods.

Like Chipper said, enjoy the journey! Every little problem solved is worth celebrating.

All by best, Dean

Dean,
So glad you responded. I've read several of your entries and have now spent time learning about Lurch from his page. The car as I remember it isn't bad at all really it's pretty solid. Just need to get it road worthy I believe, but I'll check it for wood rot and stuff as others have suggested. Your suggestion of leaving the car as a survivor is exactly what I had in mind. We recently got my daughter married off and I had a '29 Model T deliver her to the aisle runner at an outside wedding. The car was simply that, a survivor, all original in every respect and I loved it, his name was Calvin. I appreciate your input and have enjoyed following along with you and Lurch. Happy Trails

Hi Jeff. I recently restored a '25 Superior K Pickup that was sitting in a barn since 1956. In restoring this truck I encountered all the problems mentioned previously. Cracked head, cracked pot metal, bad radiator. I also encountered a worn cam, bent valves and worn guides. The good news is that everything you need is out there and can be found. If the head is cracked it can be fixed by stitch welding. good luck.

Thanks for the input Rich. I'm certainly not looking forward to having to change all of that, hopefully I won't, but it is good news to hear that someone recently did it and was able to find everything they needed. Do you have pics posted somewhere? Thanks

My avatar was taken the day when I brought it home. I have an album on Facebook. I also have some photos on the Martin Parry website. For some reason I find it hard to post pics here. I'll try to post some on the VCCA Facebook page.