1925 FRANKLIN SPORT RUNABOUT AND 1910 SEARS SURREY AUTO REACTIVATION

One of the unique challenges that comes with curating a collection of antique automobiles is the question of driving the cars. Do you or don’t you? Heritage believes that occasional and light operation of our cars does not represent an unreasonable risk. Regular operation of the cars also maintains them mechanically for the future. There is no doubt that a running vehicle speaks to visitors like nothing else can.

Of the 41 cars in the collection, currently 21 of them run. Our auto reactivation program has been in force since 2005, with the goal of adding one additional vehicle to the “running” list each year. A select group of members of the Auto Committee are in charge of this effort. They are affectionately known around the museum as “The Car Guys.”

Each year I work with the guys to choose which vehicle to reactivate next. Discussions usually center around known problems with each individual car, and the expected difficulty of getting the car running again. If there is one thing we have learned after sixteen years of this exercise – it’s always interesting, but things rarely go as planned!

A topic of discussion each time we undertake an auto reactivation is finding the right experts for each car in the collection. For autos with high production numbers – like Fords – there are many folks who know how to repair these engines, and replacement parts are widely available. But for the rarer makes, it can often take quite a bit of internet searching and many phone calls to find just the right people to undertake the repair. Some specialties, like early auto speedometer cable repair, have few people left who know how to properly make the fix.

For 2021, we chose the 1925 Franklin Sport Runabout as the car to reactivate next. The Franklin is a fairly rare automobile, so it will be an unusual one for visitors to see running. This car is unique in the collection because it is air cooled – no pesky radiator or water pump to worry about. Reactivation should be easy, right?

The first step in investigating the Franklin was to check the ignition, engine controls, and functionality of the starter. All those checks went well. Step two was dropping the oil pan to check the main bearings and rod bearings, and inspecting and cleaning the inside of the engine. The bearings were found to be in good shape, so the next job was a compression test. Here is where we had the first indication of trouble. The test showed that one cylinder was not achieving enough compression. That cylinder was removed which led us to find that sometime in the past, the piston had been modified incorrectly. All of the other cylinders also showed the same incorrect modification.

Now we really started talking. Different possible solutions were tossed about, but in the end we decided that the solution which would provide the best long-term fix was to replace the pistons. Of course, we can’t go to an auto parts store and buy pistons for a 1925 Franklin, so the search began for a machine shop that could help. The guys discovered that Odyssey Restorations in Minnesota is THE shop in the country to work on Franklins. We worked through them to place an order for the pistons and we are eagerly awaiting their arrival.

In the meantime, the “Car Guys” have completed a number of other items on the Franklin including mounting six new tires (including two spares), lubing front and rear wheel bearings, changing the differential and transmission fluids, cleaning and regreasing all fittings, and extensive cleaning and repainting the engine bay. Once the new pistons arrive, local specialists will machine the jugs to accept them and complete a valve job. Then all parts will be returned to the museum for the engine to be reassembled.

With the down-time created by waiting for the Franklin pistons, the team decided to tackle another “simple” reactivation, the 1910 Sears Surrey. We knew going into the project that the right front wheel spokes were loose, creating a dangerous situation every time the car was moved. After considering several alternatives for a fix, the guys decided to remove the rivets, machine new bolts to look like rivets, install the new bolts, and repaint the wheel.

Another known issue with the Sears was two stuck valves. The guys pulled the engine out of the car to gain access to them. When they opened the engine, they found the problem was two bent valves and a broken timing gear. The fix involved replacing and regrinding the valves, and the timing gear was remachined. Further inspection of the engine showed – surprise! – that one main bearing had dislodged and also needed to be remachined. In addition, new coil boxes and wiring were installed and the oil distribution pump box was cleaned. At this time, the engine is almost ready for reassembly.

We are looking forward to completing the work on the Sears in the next few weeks, and the work on the Franklin in the fall. Collective breaths will be held as the guys attempt to start each car for the first time! You can talk to the car guys about both of these reactivations and more, during the upcoming Gearhead Garage programs. And if you would like to support our auto reactivation efforts, either as an individual or in honor of someone special, please consider making a donation to the Adopt-A-Car fund.