Friday, December 21, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Swapped
Today's 'American Heritage' look
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Old vs. New
We’ve all heard the old saying, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to”. Ray Ban Wayfarers have been around since before I was born, which gives us a good opportunity to test that old saying. I cannot think of another style of sunglasses that’s been in production for, literally, decades. That’s quite an accomplishment considering the fickle & disposable American fashion sense. How did it happen?
From Wikipedia: “Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses have been manufactured by Ray-Ban since 1956, when their design was a revolutionary break from the metal eyewear of the past. Wayfarers enjoyed early popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. Though the sunglasses had faded from the limelight by the 1970s, a lucrative 1982 product placement deal brought Wayfarers to their height of popularity. Since the mid-2000s, the sunglasses have been enjoying a revival.”
An American company gets bought out, tastes and times change, and products evolve. To stay current, a product HAS to evolve, right? Here – we examine exactly what those changes amount to.
The two tone Wayfarers are a current model, the black ones are at least as old as I am.
In the top left – notice the branding on the temple. Apparently, we didn’t always have to have labels! Also note the change in the joint geometry – the new pair has much more material on the main frame’s corner with a square joint to the temple arm. The older pair has much less frame material and a 45 degree mitre cut.
Next row down – the printing on the inside of the temple arm not only discloses the country of manufacture, but the new pair has printing so smooth you can’t feel it, while the old pair has printing that’s stamped into the plastic.
Bottom row – perhaps the most telling difference is the quality of the hinge. Look at the old pair, how many fingers overlap in that hinge! That’s a seven finger hinge – compared to the new pair having just a three finger hinge.
Now note the two pictures with the side by side comparisons on the right hand side. The top picture shows how the shape has evolved, and the bottom picture shows us more branding. Again, part of the difference is how the marking is applied – the newer pair has the Ray Ban script printed on the (plastic?) lens, and the older pair has the Bausch & Lomb logo etched in the glass.
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
A healthier alternative
I'm thinking it's a win/win...
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
End of the season
Thursday, September 20, 2012
I should have gone to Stanford...
The Revs Program at Stanford is pleased to announce a Stanford Continuing Studies course taught by Professor Michael Shanks, automotive archeologist and faculty at the Revs Program at Stanford.
This class is open to the public. Course and registration information can be found at https://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/course.php?cid=20121_DSN+203.
Churchill's Landy
One of my favorite blogs posted this today:
http://www.thewilliambrownproject.com/2012/09/churchills-landy.html
Look what I posted back on August 29th (three weeks ago!):
It’s good to know I was on the right track…
Friday, September 14, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
1976 Polski Fiat Pick Up Truck
From the seller:
In 1975, aiming to extend their sales network beyond Europe, FSO (Fabryka Samochodów Osobowych) officially exported three Polski Fiat 125P vehicles to the USA: a sedan, a station wagon, and this pick-up. These three vehicles were sent over to be modified to conform to American DOT and EPA standards, so that type approval could be granted and durability testing done in American conditions. Any modifications were done primarily in the USA, by Olson Engineering in Fullerton, California. San Francisco super-dealer (and super-enthusiast!) Martin Swig was the primary mover and shaker of the project on this side of the Atlantic, but in the end he and FSO were incompatible partners and the deal fell apart. This unique American-spec 125P Pick-Up that you see here is the sole survivor of the three, having full DOT and EPA approval.
At one time, as many as a dozen 125p sedans or wagons were in the US, used by Polish diplomats at embassies or the UN; all long gone. Of the three cars officially exported by the factory to the US, one was reputedly crash-tested into a barrier. The other did not end up fully conforming to US safety and pollution codes before its 90-day federal waiver was up, and it was subsequently scrapped (as required by law at the time), making this pick-up absolutely unique.
This Polski Fiat is a genuine low-mileage collectible, with almost entirely original parts and trim. The odo stopped rolling at 20,029, but the owner is confident that the actual mileage is not much more than this (and going by the overall condition, and the fact that the original tires were replaced because of weather checking, rather than tread wear, this seems very realistic). The body was repainted in a slightly brighter hue than the original green. The owner has done fluid changes, cleaned the fuel tank, and added an electric fuel pump. Rear brakes were rebuilt too. The interior is 100% original. The seat covers are torn, and need to be replaced, but there are decent looking slip covers in place. The interior is otherwise in good shape for its age. The owner even has one of the original Polish “Stomil” tires as a spare, and original Polish filters in boxes.
The body and frame are clean and solid, except for the floors, which have perforations and could use new panels welded in. Otherwise, the wheel arches, fender wells, valance panels, outer sills, sub-floor below the pick-up bed, and corners and crevices underneath are impressively clean and solid. Even behind the bumpers is clean and nice. Body is straight, with a few minor dings and small dents. Panel fit is decent, although the passenger side door needs adjustment at the hinges to fit better. This door also has a cracked window, which is still solid and rolls up and down without issues. Chrome bits show some light pitting on a few pieces. One tail-light is cracked. The bumpers are undented, although the he front one is slightly askew. No major defects or accident damage are evident. Amazingly, the cargo bed remains un-dented, and the tailgate nearly so, showing no signs of hard use. Under the hood, most everything is in its place and tidy looking.
At the curb, the overall impression is quite good, being that of a nicely preserved original rather than a sterile museum piece. It can be presented anywhere with pride.
What is a POLSKI Fiat, anyway?
FSO built Fiats under license in Poland for many decades, crafting over a million Polski Fiats of various models, and many more Fiat-based Polonez cars. In Europe, Fiat sold a “de-luxe” version of the basic 124 sedan, called the Fiat 125. FSO tended to tailor their Fiats for Polish conditions, and their version, the 125p (“p” for “Polish”!), used the push-rod engine from the old 1500 and four-speed transmission, instead of the twin-cam and five-speed of the Italian home-market 125 (and most US 124s). Confused? It’s pretty simple, really: This is a Fiat 125 sedan, factory redesigned into a pick-up truck, using the engine and transmission from the old 1500 Spider sold in the US in the 1960s, and built entirely in Poland with love!
This Vehicle and its History were featured last year in a cover-story by the excellent Polish magazine Classicauto (Issue #58, Lipiec 2012)
All Polski Fiats are becoming rarer. The pick-up trucks in particular: There were fewer of them built, and they tended to get bashed to death as beasts of burden, making them quite scarce today. Finding one in this condition is nearly impossible, which is one reason that news of this little pick-up created enough of a stir in Poland to merit a six-page magazine feature.
I’m happy to send an English translation of the original magazine story to anyone interested enough to ask (leave a note with your email address). It tells a more complete story of this individual machine and also the adventures of trying to sell Polski Fiats in America back in the 70s.
Tune-ups and maintenance can use standard, inexpensive Fiat parts. Major components are all related to Italian Fiat, but built in Poland. Example: The “Polmo” dual-throat carburetor looks like a Weber built under license (34DCMP). Body panels and glass from the doors forward are standard Fiat pressings, etc.
One idea bounced around for this machine is to transplant the 1500 pushrod drivetrain to a deserving Fiat 1200/1500 Spider (or 1500 Ghia coupe!), and to drop-in a “regular” Fiat twin-cam engine, five-speed trans, and rear axle with disc brakes and Cromodora wheels for a really super-sporty sleeper. We’re told these are common hot-rod mods in Poland, and very straightforward changes. In fact Polski Fiat 125p sedans were rallied extensively in Europe with these features. Of course, this would forever alter this little truck’s originality and its unique place in history...But it’s a free country: The new owner will have these options to mull over.
This vehicle will be sold with a very rare English language, hardcover, official factory workshop manual. It covers every facet of the vehicle, and is in clean and perfect condition. Also included will be several plastic bins of extra parts (detailed below).
It runs and drives, but it hasn’t been driven much in decades. The furthest the owner has driven it in recent years is a 30 mile round-trip to a car show in 2010. The motor starts quickly and idles without stalling. We were unable to find first or second gear without first shutting off the motor and then using a concerted effort to slot it in…Third, fourth and reverse presented no problems. Our opinion is that this could mean the clutch slave needs bleeding or fine adjustment, or the shift forks could be bent or need fiddling with. Otherwise, the truck ran nicely for us, before becoming progressively rougher due to a clogging fuel filter. With a fresh fuel filter, the little Polski felt eager and fun, with nice steering and firm secure brakes.
So…Can you drive it home? As it sits today, we wouldn't try. Long-term storage hasn't done the little truck any favors, and although we believe it is essentially mechanically sound, right now it is better suited for a trip around the block than a trip across town. Bring a trailer. In all honesty, the next owner will have to be ready to sweat the details to get this little truck whipped into shape to be a daily driver. There shouldn't be any major hurdles: Lining the gas tank and getting the shifter sorted will work wonders.
We are acting as the selling agents for the Polski Fiat’s owner, who is the third registered owner since 1976. Clear, clean Minnesota State Title will be transferred to the Buyer, and is suitable for importation and registration in any other country. We have known and tracked the whereabouts and condition of this vehicle since 1998. It has driven fewer than 50 miles in that time.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Being fat: This is why we can't have nice things
When sitting, the bending movement causes the pocket to 'pooch' outward, and then it catches on the armrest of the office chair, tearing the pant as my ass hits the seat.
A western style pocket, of course, doesn't have this problem. The diagonal line of the pocket makes it impossible to catch in this manner. Of course, pants with that style pocket are typically built more ruggedly to begin with, certainly more so than these delicate dress trousers.
And I can feel free to beat myself up, because if I wasn't this fat, I'd not be rubbing my outer thighs against my office chair each time I sit down.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Wanted
1. 1 & ¼ Shotgun Shell Belt in Big & Tall sizes from yourtack.com
http://www.yourtack.com/shotgun-shell-belt.html
2. Satin lined duffle coat in classic Chestnut Big & Tall from Schott, NYC
http://www.schottnyc.com/products/lifestyle/military/satin-lined-duffle-coat.htm
3. “Gentlemen’s” front pocket wallet form Over Under
http://overunderclothing.com/Product_9.html
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Every Italian car I've ever owned...
A neat little collage I made...this is every Italian car I ever owned!
1. Orange 1972 Fiat 124 Sport - "Orangina" (Still miss this one)
2. Red 1979 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce - "El Bitcho" (Still have the steering wheel)
3. Blue 1979 Fiat Spider 2000 "The Benzina-mobile" (Gas leak!)
4. Burgundy 1974 Fiat 124 Sport - "Bella" (The one my Dad helped get running)
5. Blue 1983 Pininfarina Spider - "Azzie" (Good riddance)
6. Red 1969 Fiat 124 Sport - "The Red Baroness" (The one that got away)
7. Burgundy 1974 Fiat 124 Sport - "The Beast" (Current)
8. White 1978.5 Fiat 131 Wagon - "The Great White Wagon" (Currently non-functional)
Thursday, August 23, 2012
I don't often pitch other's websites...
This Dude is in Australia. Definite hipster with the Buddy Holly Glasses & double flap wool hat. However, much more than most, he actually walks the walk.
He hunts, fishes, and grows most of his own food. Lives in an reclaimed schoolhouse. Drives a 20 year old Jeep, and listens to his music on vinyl.
A lot of what he writes is almost instructional, makes me think I could actually grow an edible thing or two.
Maybe...
Friday, August 17, 2012
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
EDC
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The next modification
Currently, my Spider has the style of sidemarkers shown on the red car. In order to make it look like the green car, I’ll have to remove the old lights, blank out the rectangular hole, smooth it out (bondo), prime & paint it, then drill holes for the new lights.
This will be done, along with all the other body work, when I take the car in for a full paint job.
I’ve been searching for a ‘decent’ set of these early-style side markers for … years …
This week I got lucky, and when a set popped up on one of the Fiat message boards, I jumped quickly; they should arrive next week.
Look Closer
"1971 Fiat spyder, has been in storage for 30 years, all original paint, interior, new roof, 6 speed transmission conversion, new exhaust, fresh engine rebuild, new brakes and lines, gas line, filters. Selling it for my grandfather which is the second owner. Cool little car, can drive it the way it is, or paint it and have interior cleaned up and have a extremly nice little car. Have new tail lights and rear bumpers, dont have time to put them on, they are in the truck 4000 OBO possible delivery can be arranged at buyers expense"
At first, this Fiat doesn't seem too bad, does it? All original paint, been in storage for 30 years...sounds like a dream!
Cool color, too.
...but what does "6 speed transmission conversion mean"? I have never, ever heard of another type of transmission fitting a Fiat Spider, other than odd conversions from 131's or even a Lada - but all those are 5 speed, and 'in the family', so to speak. a 6 speed conversion is either a god-awful hack job, or an outright lie.
Now, let's address the 'original paint' claim. Look at the engine bay picture. Above the passenger side shock mount. The paint doesn't match, and it looks to have overspray on the wires. Trying to hide rust coming through from the shock tower on the underside, I'll bet!
While we're in the engine bay...no heat shield for the battery compartment, and no charcoal canister. The engine seems to have a great deal of 1800-style smog equipment. Incomplete air cleaner tube to the exhaust side (didn't '71 only have a single tube snorkel?), there is no evidence of the engine bay lights, and the oil dipstick is available up by the top of the timing belt cover? Wrong, wrong, wrong, and WRONG!
Looks to me like the 'fresh engine rebuild' they claim in the ad is nothing more than an 1800 swapped for the original, and very desirable 1608 engine. Without receipts, we don't know if the engine was truly rebuilt, or did they just paint it & replace gaskets?
Looking at the dash picture, the fasten seatbelts light is incorrect for a '71. This is a later style, in '71 that should be a round yellow warning light when the key is left in the ignition.
Looking at the exterior pictures, all taken from a distance far away enough that you can't spot any dings or rust bubbles, a few things jump out at me. First - why are the rocker panels underneath the doors painted rustoleum rattle-can black? To me, this screams out the need to check for rust. Other notes, the correct front license plate holder is long gone, the hubcaps are not anything Fiat, and the passenger side tail light seems to be crunched. They claim that new ones are included with the sale, but as the '71/'72 style tail lights are more rare than hen's teeth, I'll guess they were never installed as they are the incorrect style tail lights.
Supposedly there is a new top, exhaust, brakes, and fuel lines. We don't know how extensive or nice any of these things are. For instance, is the new top vinyl or canvass? Professionally installed? Did the brake job include new calipers & rotors, or just pads? New flexible brake lines? New MC? Was the exhaust just a new rear section, or was it replaced all the way back from the downpipe? New fuel lines? Which ones? Just the rubber ones in the engine bay? What about the steel ones that sat for 30 years? What about the numerous original rubber hoses in the trunk that everyone forgets?
Oh, so many things to wonder about!
Now - perhaps this is a fairly solid car that someone has done a decent mechanical refresh in order to return it to service. I can respect that. However, the ad states that it's all original, and was stored for 30 years - and what we can see from these pictures paints a very different picture. It's too bad, it could be a really neat car, but $4,000 just seems WAY too much for a car with this many questions around it.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
At The Vet
I'd boarded him while I went down to Charlotte for my Grandfather's 90th birthday. Clyde got the treat of a half-day at Puppy Camp while in the boarder's care, and he tussled with another dog. This resulted in a deep scratch on his cheek, which got infected badly enough that we had to have it looked at by The Vet. A week's worth of antibiotics fixed him up - thank goodness!
I'm just glad the little Blockhead was ok...
Monday, July 16, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
First run in awhile
Saturday, July 07, 2012
An old favorite
This might be the second, or third time I've taken it to the shoe shop to be patched up. I've added holes, had it stitched up, and most recently I had the buckle re-attached. I like that he used big brass rivets, rather than stitching it again. The last time the buckle had been stitched, the holes acted as a perforation guide for the whole thing to tear.
This belt bears all the wear marks from several years of weight loss success, and failure. I don't remember who made it, or when I got it, but it has been changed & repaired just like me.
Classic brown & brass, made from dual layers of leather glued, and later stitched together. The contrast stitching & slightly haphazard holes give it great character, and I like that it's stiff enough to maintain it's shape & hold up to being shoved through banded belt loops.
I'm hoping this latest fix keeps it in service a few more years, or at least long enough to see me back into the 'skinny holes'...
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Totally not worth the effort
Firestone got the Spider’s alignment MUCH better, if not quite perfect. In order to correctly set the caster & camber, we need new control arms & ball joints, and there is no need to perform that labor twice.
Since the previous front tires were showing dangerous wear (steel belts were showing!), I decided to swap the Wagon’s Panasports onto the Spider.
That was a CRAP LOAD of work, and while the Panasports don’t look ‘bad’ on the Spider, the BiTurbos look dorky on The Wagon.
Oh well, at least I didn’t have to buy two new tires yesterday…
Monday, June 25, 2012
Whacked alignment
When I bought my Spider in 2008, part of the reason it'd been off the road since
1977 was due to an off-road excursion while verifying a rally course. The car
took damage to the passenger side driving light, headlight bucket, hood hinge,
and the oil pan. Limping it home, it blew a head gasket, which was what
ultimately sidelined the car for 31 years.
It also partially collapsed the right front shock tower.
In 2009 & 2010, I rebuilt (almost) everything, and got the car back on the road.
That was when we discovered the shock tower damage. It wasn't 'too bad', but
the alignment couldn't quite be brought back into spec - the tire still leaned a
bit. I was told I needed to have it fixed (pushed back out) while the engine
was removed.
To tide me over, Giovanni at Autosprint had 'compensated' as best he could, but I still ground off the previous set of 13" tires.
Then, last spring I blew out the used engine I'd installed, so I had the
all-too-rare opportunity to have the shock tower properly fixed. Last fall I
got my engine back & installed, and foolishly, I did not run straight to an
alignment shop when I put on my brand new set of 14" rubber.
6,000 miles later, both front tires are wearing horrifically on the inside
edges. The passenger side is already down to the belts!
However, the local Streamwood Firestone shop says they can do a correct
alignment on my Spider.
Do I trust them? Why have I always heard it's so hard to do on these old cars
'with shims'? What does that mean?
I truly hope they can bring it into spec, but I'm a little skeptical.
Do I trust them? Or do I take it back to Autosprint for Giovanni to fix?
Friday, June 22, 2012
The Driving Outfit
Checkerboard Vans, Baby!
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