VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION What did you do with your vehicle today? Lurch is cooler than he was!

I recently got a new radiator core put into Lurch. The old honeycomb core was VERY cool to look at, but not so good at keeping Lurch's engine cool. If I drove him over 25 mph the temperature would go up. He would also get hot in a lot of traffic.

I figured after 94 years, he deserved better. ;-)

So I searched around, got prices, and settled on a three row copper regular core. If I went the honeycomb route, just the core would've cost $3000 plus shipping from the UK. Not happening!

Yesterday, I took him out for the first long ride with the new radiator. What a difference! I was able to cruise 30-35 mph without the temperature going up as indicated by the Motometer. I was actually able to keep up with city traffic instead of being an obstacle.

The sun was shining, the air was in the low 70's: the day was gorgeous. We went around 40 miles (from San Leandro, CA to south Fremont and back) without a hitch.

I think Lurch is in the best mechanical shape he's ever been in. ;-)

Very happy in CA, Dean

That's great news Dean! It must be quite the sight when your out and about like that with him.
David

Good job Dean.

Thanks for the kinds words, guys.

Yes, he and I definitely turn heads and get many smiles per mile.

Below are a few pics from the day. For driving around and when Lurch sits in my driveway under his blankie (tarp), the cattle cage is not set up and sits flat on the bed.

Notice that I'm still running my 80+ year old tires on the front. I have a line on a set of 'newer' used tires for him. Soon we'll both be a hair safer. ;-)

Ever onward! Dean

I can't believe your running those tires. The rubber is literately falling off. And what I wouldn't give for those front fenders for my project. They look near perfect!
Where did you get your radiator core btw?
David

I had B&M Radiator in Fremont, CA procure the core and put my old tanks on it. It's a one man, old school shop that does great work at a reasonable price.

Cheers, Dean

Very cool but change those tires!!! LOL You wanna' swap? Have a 28 truck on a V12 Benz. Google Lemons 24, scroll down to youtube vids. Pick NCM race and check out Cleverly at the 12:50 mark. We be famous. I need to get back on my trucks as high dollar J&M engines ready to be put in. Phish

If they have a race near you, drive Lurch over. Make their show for sure.

As I mentioned above, I am getting 'newer' (aka good used) shoes for my baby.

Yesterday I started the process by starting to pull the old petrified rubber off the rims. I'm going to pick up the 'new' tires next Monday from Ray Morey. He bought brand new tires for his '28 LP and I bought his old tires. ;-)

It would be blasphemous to put new rubber on Lurch!! For safety purposes, I am using new inner tubes.

Both Ray and I plan to drive our trucks in the VCCA Four Cylinder Tour next May in Porterville, CA. This will be Lurch's first official VCCA event! It's Ray's first event too.

BTW, there is a great article about how to change these tires in the list of Technical Articles in the Members Only area of the main VCCA web page (vcca.org).

Ever onward, Dean