Hey! Ive been lurking on here for some time. I have reasently bought a speedster project. I Havent gotten it yet tho. I have a few questions for the experts on here. I though it was a 490 frame and engine. Now looking at the pics. The generator is round, like a superior, not square like a 490. And appears to have a oil pump on the rear of the generator. But still a exposed cone clutch. Did any 490s have that? Or is it a 23, 24 superior? More questions to come! Thanks in advance! Rooster
Welcome to the VCCA's website! It sounds like a cool project.
If you post some photos, it will be easier to answer your question. Click on the 'Use Full Editor' button below and then use the Attachment Manager to select (or drag and drop) your photos into the window so they will appear with your post.
One thing to check is the casting date on the engine. On the four cylinder engines that I've seen, the casting date is located on the right side of the block and between cylinders two and three.
It is a three-part code. The first character is a letter that designates the month (A-Jan, B=Feb, etc.). The second part is the day of the month (1-31) and the third part is a single number that designates the year (6=1926, 7=1927, etc.).
Thanks Dean! I looked through the info in the 23-24 differences and think its a 1923. I dont have the car yet, just looking at pictures the owner sent me. Ill post pic's when i get it! So i do know its missing the starter. Looks like in 23 they had a round and prior the 490s had a square. Are they interchangeable? Any body have a extra? Also the oil pump for the 490 looks to be avabile what about the superior pump on the generator? Thanks Rooster
The 23 has a front axle that has a curve downward between the frame rails and the 24 is straight. Engine or body numbers would also be helpful once you get it. On my 24 the engine number is stamped into the flywheel.
Thanks Dave, I have been meaning to call Gary Wallace for some time, as I have a 1928 Touring in pieces also. Im still thinking its a 1923 so far. Ill let everyone know numbers when it arrives! Rooster
The late 490 and '23 used the same engine parts but most other parts are different between the 490 and '23. The 490 and Superior frames are also very different.
Dad and I are making plans to start our next speedster using a combination of 490, '23 and '24 parts. I suggest you consider joining the 4-cylinder speedster chapter.
Good luck identifying your parts. Let me know if you want help.
A little update! It finally arrived! Ill have some pics soon. So I will try to get engine and flywheel and other numbers. Thanks Chris i will definately have more questions! Rooster
Ok. Heres the block number. 1923? And heres the Remy generator distributor and oil pump combo. Theres another pot metal generator rear cracked as well as a cracked oil pumo. The rear on the generator looks to be brass. Are there any break downs on how the generator dist and oil pump go together? Rooster