Restoration Blog: December 2021

Summary

In this episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Jay gives an update on various restoration projects at the garage, showcasing both challenges and successes. He discusses the repair of a sidecar that was initially poorly restored, the fabrication of a new boiler for a White steam car, and the progress on several classic car restorations, including a 1957 Cadillac and a 1910 White steam car. Jay emphasizes the importance of quality restoration work and shares his enthusiasm for working on vintage vehicles, revealing the intricate details and craftsmanship involved in each project.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jay Leno discusses restoration work at his garage, highlighting recent projects and challenges with classic vehicles.
• 😀 The importance of proper restoration is emphasized, using an example of a sidecar that was poorly repaired with epoxy glue, leading to structural failure.
• 😀 Jimmy, the metal specialist, is showcased for his craftsmanship in fixing broken parts, including a steam car boiler and motorcycle sidecar.
• 😀 A 1910 White Steam Car restoration project is featured, with a brand-new steam engine being installed, created by machinist Chris Wedgwood.
• 😀 The value of old car parts is rising, with an example of a 1957 Cadillac trim that now costs significantly more than it used to.
• 😀 The restoration process is demonstrated through various car projects, including a 1959 Austin Healey Sprite, 1957 Cadillac, and a Detroit Electric car from 1914.
• 😀 Leno explains the challenges of restoring rare parts, such as custom-casting new brake drums for a 1908 White car when the originals were unusable.
• 😀 Restoration work on the 1957 Cadillac includes re-chroming the trim and returning the car to stock condition after receiving it in poor shape.
• 😀 Leno also highlights a new side stand installed on his 1924 Ace motorcycle to improve convenience, allowing it to park without additional assistance.
• 😀 A recurring theme in Leno’s restoration process is the struggle to find skilled craftsmen and the increasing difficulty of sourcing original parts for vintage cars.

Q & A

What issue did Jay Leno encounter with the 1915 BMW sidecar?

The sidecar was poorly restored by someone using JB Weld epoxy glue, which was not structurally sound. As a result, the sidecar broke apart when Jay was riding it.

Why is proper restoration important, according to Jay Leno?

Proper restoration is crucial to ensure the vehicle is safe and functional. Even a vehicle that looks fully restored can have hidden structural issues that could be dangerous if not addressed correctly.

What did Jimmy do to fix the BMW sidecar?

Jimmy replaced the damaged section of the frame with a new piece of steel, using flame bending to restore it structurally. This repair ensures the sidecar is safe to use.

What restoration project is Jay particularly excited about?

Jay is excited about the restoration of a 1910 White Steam Car, where a brand-new steam engine, built by Chris Wedgwood, is being installed.

How does Jay feel about modern restoration costs for classic vehicle parts?

Jay highlights that some classic car parts, like chrome trim for a 1957 Cadillac, can now cost a thousand dollars each, compared to just five dollars at a junkyard in the past.

What modification did Jay make to his 1924 Ace motorcycle?

Jay installed an Indian side stand on his 1924 Ace motorcycle, making it easier to park without needing assistance.

What challenges did Jay face when restoring the 1914 Detroit Electric car?

Restoring the 1914 Detroit Electric car involved complex wiring and sourcing period-correct parts, such as lights that Jay plans to have re-chromed.

What vehicle parts did Jimmy create from scratch for the White Steam Car?

Jimmy handcrafted a copper water tank and various other components for the White Steam Car, replicating the original designs exactly as they were made in the early 1900s.

What was the issue with the brake drum on the 30-horsepower White Steam Car?

The original brake drum on the 30-horsepower White Steam Car was out of round and could not be fixed, so Jay decided to cast brand new, perfectly round brake drums.

What was the story behind the 1959 Austin Healey Sprite that Jay worked on?

The 1959 Austin Healey Sprite had been sitting in a garage for 50 years. The original owner's son reached out to Jay, who decided to restore the car's engine and brakes while leaving the rest of the car in its original, worn state.