748 replies to this topic

[Magoo]

Here's one more show from the weekend: The world-famed EyesOn Design Automotive Design Exhibition held at the former Edsel Ford Estate in posh Grosse Pointe Shores. It's a Father's Day tradition here in Motown. This is one of the top shows around and interesting in that the exhibition is skewed toward design, all the judges are car designers, etc. So if you want to know what professional auto stylists like to eyeball in their spare time, here it is.


EyesOn Design 2013 | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

[Lee Nicolle]

Full coverage of this weekend's 2013 Motor Muster at Greenfield Village -- Huge photo gallery...LINK:


Greenfield Village Motor Muster 2013 | Mac's Motor City Garage

Some lovely cars in a very nice venue. What was not 'glam' was interesting. As were a lot of the cars in the backgrounds.

[Magoo]

More crazy American material...thrill show drivers choose Chevrolet over all other brands! See Joie Chitwood pitching the 1956 models with rugged "outrigger suspension."



Video: Joie Chitwood's Thrill Show featuring the 1956 Chevrolets | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

Edited by Magoo, 25 June 2013 - 10:30.

[Magoo]

See this when you are in Detroit: National historical landmark and top Motor City gearhead destination, the Ford Piquette Avenue plant. Birthplace of the Model T Ford, among other things -- there's a ton of history packed into this little factory...



A Visit to the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

[Magoo]

Here's the latest in the Dreams and Nightmares series: a special exclusively on American Motors, including Nash and Hudson. Putting this feature together was fun and surprising: for such a small company with limited resources, AMC produced a large number of dream cars and prototypes. Good ones, too. Big photo gallery, check it out:


Dreams and Nightmares -- The American Motors Edition | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

[onelung]

The Piquette plant: a 1925 4WD Ford T ... amazing! Any more information on it?

[Magoo]

The Piquette plant: a 1925 4WD Ford T ... amazing! Any more information on it?

These were known as Livingood 4WD conversions, after the guy who developed the setup -- a blacksmith sort of conversion using as many Ford T parts as possible. Note the Model T rear axle modified for front axle duty. There's also a homemade transfer case that bolts up behind the stock Model T planetary transmission and a driveshaft running forward to the front axle, in the typical 4WD truck/Jeep sort of layout. This one is a 1980s recreation, I believe -- I recall reading or hearing that the son or grandson of Livingood is still make this stuff from the original drawings and patterns. Have more pics of this vehicle if you want to see them.

[Magoo]

This just in! Bringing you the very latest news of the auto industry, Mac’s Motor City Garage presents this late-breaking newsreel footage from the 1957 New York Auto Show.

Swimsuit models! Tailfins! Um, swimsuit models! Less than two minutes long, good fun, check it out:


Video: 1957 New York Auto Show | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

[Magoo]

One of the great gearhead destinations, the Gilmore is not one museum but eight museums on one beautiful campus. You pretty much have to put it on the car guy bucket list -- over 400 cars and lots more neat stuff.


A visit to the Gilmore Car Museum | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

[Grumbles]

This has nothing whatsoever to do with anything automotive, but I love old, odd technology and I bet some of you do too. It's the euphonia, a "marvellous talking machine" from the mid 1800s. The inventor committed suicide - surprisingly there wasn't all that much demand for an artificial woman who could do nothing but talk in an oddly monotonous voice.

[Magoo]

This has nothing whatsoever to do with anything automotive, but I love old, odd technology and I bet some of you do too. It's the euphonia, a "marvellous talking machine" from the mid 1800s. The inventor committed suicide - surprisingly there wasn't all that much demand for an artificial woman who could do nothing but talk in an oddly monotonous voice.

That is the most awesome thing ever. Cool website too.

[275 GTB-4]

So sad to read this about D-troit...

http://www.abc.net.a...kruptcy/4829984

Not good for the folk on the whole planet really...maybe its really Agenda 21 biting hard (cue Twilight Zone theme)

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 19 July 2013 - 11:09.

[Magoo]

It's coming this weekend! The 2013 St John's Concours in Plymouth, MI -- one of the top shows in America and a prime Detroit car guy happening. Looks like another great event. Here's a preview with times and info and a big photo gallery:



Preview: 2013 St. John’s Concours | Mac's Motor City Garage

[Tony Matthews]

I thought you might like an update on Cardington Airship Sheds. I had to visit Bedford again yesterday morning to adjust door closers and fiddle with Ethernet modules - I lead and interesting and varied life. Unfortunately I forgot my camera bag again so the trusty Sony Ericsson XPERIA was pressed into service. The roof of the LH shed is finished - as far as I can see - and the doors have been removed, I assume for repair/service/remake, I don't know if they have doors at both ends, I suspect it is doors at this (the front) end, and a wall at the other. It is astonishing how fragile they look open at both ends, the small white square at the front of the shed in picture #1 is a large panel van. Now for the hassle of Imageshack - why this can't be as easy as Facebook I do not know...

Edited by Tony Matthews, 25 July 2013 - 18:58.

[desmo]

Those hangers indeed look flimsy but are obviously not as I'm sure they've seen some howling winds, heavy ice coating and deep snow, maybe all at the same time. When I was young I was fascinated driving by the airship hangers at Moffett Field.

http://vp-40.com/Mof...es/hangar 1.htm

They are all steel I think and look more substantial to my eye but probably really aren't much as it would I assume be unnecessary. The doors on the Moffett hangers are cool though I think.

[BRG]

Those hangers indeed look flimsy but are obviously not as I'm sure they've seen some howling winds, heavy ice coating and deep snow.

Not in Bedfordshire! Winds, yes, definitely, but only a bit of frost each winter, and the dusting of snow - maybe 2 or 3 inches - that is generally enough to paralyse the whole of the UK for days.

But you are right that these must be a lot more robust than they look to survive 80 or so years, with little TLC for most of that time. Maybe they built things better before WW2.

[Tony Matthews]

The Moffett Field hanger is absolutely beautiful - by contrast the Cardington sheds are utilitarian, but still impressive, dominating the area for some miles.

[Catalina Park]

All three hangers at Moffatt Field are impressive, I drove past the field on the 101 freeway and wasn't expecting to see three huge airship sheds.
I will have to visit Cardington one day.

The best we could manage in Australia was this at Schofields...

[Magoo]

Here's the first installment of this year's St. John's Concours coverage. Big photo galllery, please check it out. And there's lots more to come throughout the week, so please stay tuned.


First look: St. John’s Concours 2013 | Mac's Motor City Garage

[gruntguru]

I love the look of the 1911 Baker electric special. Truly a horseless carriage.

[Magoo]

Here's a second big photo gallery from the St. John's Concours, this one with the spotlight on the 1893 to 1943 vehicles...more to come...


http://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/2013/07/30/more-from-the-2013-st-johns-concours-cars-1893-to-1942/

[Magoo]

The postwar cars at St. John's 2013:


More from the 2013 St. John’s Concours: cars 1946 to 1996 | Mac's Motor City Garage

[Magoo]

A final installment in the St. John's Concours coverage, the race cars:


St. John's Concours 2013: The Racers | Mac's Motor Garage.com

[Magoo]

Latest in the Spotter's Guide Series, the much-mailgned Edsels of 1968 to 1960. They were interesting cars with a look all their own.


MCG Spotter's Guide to the 1958 to 1960 Edsel | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

[Canuck]

The Dino 206 and Porsche 906 remind me of the scalectrix (or whatever) cars I had as a boy. One of my favourite styles to this day. Remarkably how much the Porsche 904 looks like an Italian marque. Hadn't seen one of those before.

[Magoo]

Event Coverage of the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival in Auburn, Indiana...some of America's greatest vintage cars...

 

 

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

 

 

 

 

 

[Lee Nicolle]

I thought you might like an update on Cardington Airship Sheds. I had to visit Bedford again yesterday morning to adjust door closers and fiddle with Ethernet modules - I lead and interesting and varied life. Unfortunately I forgot my camera bag again so the trusty Sony Ericsson XPERIA was pressed into service. The roof of the LH shed is finished - as far as I can see - and the doors have been removed, I assume for repair/service/remake, I don't know if they have doors at both ends, I suspect it is doors at this (the front) end, and a wall at the other. It is astonishing how fragile they look open at both ends, the small white square at the front of the shed in picture #1 is a large panel van. Now for the hassle of Imageshack - why this can't be as easy as Facebook I do not know...


Along time ago I read the Neville Shute book about the Airships. From what I gather everything was built quickly and fairly cheaply. So at the best part of 80 years they have done well.

[Magoo]

Thanks again to Tony for the wonderful photographs. 

[Magoo]

Here's more of the Yank Tank material you love tolerate so much, and also the latest in the Car Spotter's Series, the 1953 to 1957 Corvettes. Good stuff all things considered, check it out. 

 

 

MCG Car Spotter's Guide to the 1953 to 1957 Corvette | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

 

 

[Magoo]

If you enjoy the odd and unusual in automobiles, this is the vintage car event for you: The Jack Miller Orphan Car Show in Ypsilanti, Michigan. If it's weird, it generally finds its way here. Big photo gallery,etc. 

 

 

The 2013 Jack Miller Orphan Car Show | Mac's Motor CIty Garage 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Magoo]

 

If you enjoy the odd and unusual in automobiles, this is the vintage car event for you: The Jack Miller Orphan Car Show in Ypsilanti, Michigan. If it's weird, it generally finds its way here. Big photo gallery,etc. 

 

 

The 2013 Jack Miller Orphan Car Show | Mac's Motor CIty Garage 

 

 

 

 

 

One thing I enjoy about the Orphan Show: the engineering solutions on display. This is how they made the four-door hardtop work on the 1956 DeSoto:

 

[Magoo]

 

Back in the day, it was a special moment at the dealership when the carrier pulled up to deliver a fresh load of shiny new cars. This photo essay features the special trucks and trailers that brought new cars from factory to market -- including the odd and unusual... 

 

 

Car Carriers of Yesteryear | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

 

 

 

[Lee Nicolle]

Back in the day, it was a special moment at the dealership when the carrier pulled up to deliver a fresh load of shiny new cars. This photo essay features the special trucks and trailers that brought new cars from factory to market -- including the odd and unusual... 
 
 
Car Carriers of Yesteryear | Mac's Motor City Garage.com
 
 
 

Defenitly some weird trucks there. Some would be dogs to drive too I am sure. Those lazy axle 2 story things would be hopeless even in some innercity areas. At a guess the laws and regulations must have changed by the 60s as the 'modern' style carriers are far more effective and simple and quick to load/unload. Depending on the length of the trip some would be a waste of time.

[Magoo]

 

 

extremely long shift lever. 

[Catalina Park]

In Australia a bloke decided to lower the cabin...



And a New Zealand company did something similar...

Edited by Catalina Park, 10 October 2013 - 06:53.

[Lee Nicolle]

By the look of the cars the Kiwis did that first. About 1970
The 'TOYOTA" UFO of the mid 80s is only ok on dry days, it only has one wiper.
How are you truckies in NSW going at the moment with current hysteria about trucks, again.

[Lee Nicolle]

By the look of the cars the Kiwis did that first. About 1970
The 'TOYOTA" UFO of the mid 80s is only ok on dry days, it only has one wiper.
How are you truckies in NSW going at the moment with current hysteria about trucks, again.

[Catalina Park]

I remember seeing the UFO quite a bit in Sydney from the early 70's till the early 90's. It was funny to pull up alongside of it when I was driving my Mini and looking across at the driver. UFO stood for Under Floor Operator and it was built on a Leyland bus chassis. (just like the NZ ones of the mid 60's.) it was a home made unit and it was the last in a long line of car carriers built by the owner/driver.

Things are not too crazy here. It is just the fuel tankers that are getting hounded by the inspectors. I have crossed through the weighbridge/pits about 10 times this week without a second glance.

[Catalina Park]

Another view of a NZ one...

[Magoo]

In Australia a bloke decided to lower the cabin...



And a New Zealand company did something similar...

 

 

That's pretty neat and/or weird. Thanks.

 

In the USA they moved the cabs forward and down, but nothing as extreme as this. Wow. It's funny how many of these stories generate enough material for a part 2. I really, really appreciate the input. 

[Greg Locock]

Bit of a war story - in order to get the tie downs to work securely and/or increase the ride height so they could load them on the transporters the guys insert spring blockers to lock out the suspension. In order to prevent flatspotting the tires are pumped up to 50 psi. So the car sits on a rock hard suspension. The net result is that the wheel bearings false Brinell (wear out) if the car is transported too far in that state. I can't remember what the solution is, I think it is that they stopped using rail or road for long distance deliveries (one was worse than the other).

 

Also notice the total absence of paintwork protection on those transporters, you can imagine how much rectification was needed at the dealers after a trip across a dirt road.

Edited by Greg Locock, 10 October 2013 - 22:24.

[Lee Nicolle]

Bit of a war story - in order to get the tie downs to work securely and/or increase the ride height so they could load them on the transporters the guys insert spring blockers to lock out the suspension. In order to prevent flatspotting the tires are pumped up to 50 psi. So the car sits on a rock hard suspension. The net result is that the wheel bearings false Brinell (wear out) if the car is transported too far in that state. I can't remember what the solution is, I think it is that they stopped using rail or road for long distance deliveries (one was worse than the other).
 
Also notice the total absence of paintwork protection on those transporters, you can imagine how much rectification was needed at the dealers after a trip across a dirt road.

I am surprised how often no one uses any protection. Some lead car are put on backwards,, you get bugs and stones on the back then!. Sometimes they do use stick on plastic though I have seen that flapping in the wind too.
Rail supposedly is harder on the cars than trucks, though many go on rail still. Which should be easier on the paint as they are not headbutting the wind on a train. Trucks are generally air bag suspension these days on the trailers. Though more trucks spread their loads on the road than trains!! A Ford dealer I deal with lost a load of mostly 'sold' cars which took several weeks to replace and caused cancelled orders.

Having carried racecars all over the country I pull them down on the suspension and pump the tyres up a bit too. Nothing though is ideal. I do know a trailer seems easier on the cars than a truck, though my little 510 Acco was pretty easy on the cars too.

The Sprintcar guys actually block the cars under the chassis, though to me that is hard on those frames.
Supercars are usually restrained with tie down on the wheel hub nuts and the suspension just bounces. I believe though many use old shocks to do so as the jouncing must eat up the shocks
.
A country speedway trip away a friend took a single deck car carrier [local delivery] he was driving for a living. We had 3 cars and all suffered when we got there so that never happened again!

Edited by Lee Nicolle, 10 October 2013 - 23:15.

[Magoo]

The year 1929 was notable from a number of angles. Mac’s Motor City Garage explores another pivotal year for the American auto industry -- facts, production figures, and plenty of neat, oddball photos. 

 

 

 

 

The Year in Cars: 1929 | Mac's Motor City Garage.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Magoo]

Paul Deesen, a highly accomplished General Motors designer from 1954 to 1996, has an extensive list of design credits from the Pontiac Strato Star show car to the Chevy Blazer. Here's a small, partial portfolio of his work. Many rare, never seen images here...

 

 

 

The Automotive Design Art of Paul Deesen |  Mac's Motor City Garage.com

 

 

 

 

[Magoo]

We've covered the Detroit Packard plant before, but you guys don't want to miss this, it's pretty amazing.

 

 This four-minute video by Harry Arnold catches the current state of the plant better than anything I've seen -- and it's a work of art in its own right. He uses a tiny four-engine, remote control helicopter drone. An impressive piece of kit and an impressive piece of work. 

 

 

 

Video: The Packard Plant by Drone Cam | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

 

 

[Magoo]

 

We've covered the Detroit Packard plant before, but you guys don't want to miss this, it's pretty amazing.

 

 This four-minute video by Harry Arnold catches the current state of the plant better than anything I've seen -- and it's a work of art in its own right. He uses a tiny four-engine, remote control helicopter drone. An impressive piece of kit and an impressive piece of work. 

 

 

 

Video: The Packard Plant by Drone Cam | Mac's Motor City Garage.com

 

 

 

 

Bump. Just wanted to make sure you guys saw this. The camera drone is fairly amazing -- flies through doorways, etc. 

[Lee Nicolle]

We've covered the Detroit Packard plant before, but you guys don't want to miss this, it's pretty amazing.
 
 This four-minute video by Harry Arnold catches the current state of the plant better than anything I've seen -- and it's a work of art in its own right. He uses a tiny four-engine, remote control helicopter drone. An impressive piece of kit and an impressive piece of work. 
 
 
 
Video: The Packard Plant by Drone Cam | Mac's Motor City Garage.com
The place does seem far more 'trashed' than it did when you first ran the story on this place. I think I did see one intact piece of glass. Someone please go break it!! It defenitly seem way beyond redemption now.
 
 

[Canuck]

I watched the linked video about the guy who lives there afterwards.  Amazing. 

 

I am surprised that it was allowed to become such a hazard, so unbelievably run down.  We tear down old buildings on a pretty regular basis already, but I suppose only in the name of profit.  Nobody to foot the bill, there it sits.

[Magoo]

I watched the linked video about the guy who lives there afterwards.  Amazing. 

 

I am surprised that it was allowed to become such a hazard, so unbelievably run down.  We tear down old buildings on a pretty regular basis already, but I suppose only in the name of profit.  Nobody to foot the bill, there it sits.

 

The owners were very adept at hiding from and dodging the authorities. Also, for a time the paperwork was so tangled that it was difficult to determine who rightly owned the property.

 

 

And we've had this prevailing attitude lately, especially at the state level, that what the government needs to do is "get out of the way" of "risk-taking entrepreneurs" and let them do their thing unencumbered by regulations, building codes, ethics etc. This, coupled with the city's extremely strained enforcement resources, and you have something of an Old West or post-Soviet Russia business climate.