Nicholas Studer
PCS Elected Director 2022-2025
Hello folks, I've been remiss in posting about this car for almost a year. Previously discussed at http://www.professionalcarsociety.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21083 and http://www.professionalcarsociety.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21053
1. The unit is now re-marked as it was in service, thanks to a local sign company. I had no photos of the back and the few folks here who saw it in service don't recall, so I chose to add some markings there. I figure they can be removed if further evidence appears.
2. 79 participated in the Randolph AFB Car Show last March. I plan to do the same this year. I hope to create a historical display sign for it - as frankly the questions I was asked were rather perplexing. "Is this a real ambulance?"
3. I had to scavenge parts to make the Model 184 work. The original beacon (shown in original thread) had a base that ripped itself apart. A light I had intended for my 1970 C/B-Oldsmobile sufficed, but the motor was bad despite being supplied as refurbished by a now-discredited emergency light/siren "supplier." Two lights made one good one. Now I just need one for the Cotington!
4. After issues with stalling (despite a new gas tank, blown fuel lines, new clean gas, and replacing fuel pump, etc.), I finally chose to replace the supposedly rebuilt carburetor the car came with. In the process, I learned the engine was not rebuilt - but instead replaced with a 1979 model while in service. The carburetor was also incorrect/added on later and corresponded to 1972. I imagine there was a screw-up with oil or whatever, as the 7990 mileage when I purchased the car seems right considering its condition otherwise and where it worked on the flightline. I brought the supposedly rebuilt carburetor back to the local carburetor shop twice (three total visits for it) and they kept trying to insist it was related to "trash" in the filter." While indeed there was some small particulate in the filters they showed me, the condition resolved immediately upon replacement of the carburetor with a 1969 Rochester Quadrajet from Quadrajet Power. They did a lovely job, and being local I was able to pick it up personally. Unfortunately, the float was stuck right out of the box. My mechanic was able to fix it under their guidance without bringing it back, but sadly the Quadrajet Power folks never got back to me on reimbursing the cost to do that.
5. I posted previously about the faded Gilson net at http://www.professionalcarsociety.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21083 I dyed it using Rit for synthetic fibers in a trash can, and it turned out great!
6. I did a deep cleaning of the rear interior, including cleaning/polishing the vinyl floor, vacuuming and cleaning the compartments, and coating everything in 303 Aerospace Protectant. I pulled the jack and tools and cleaned those as well. The spare tire compartment had some minor surface rust in the bottom, which I cleaned and coated with Rustoleum spray. Small scratches and dings in the door jambs etc got coatings of Rustoleum. Not particularly professional appearing, but will hopefully arrest corrosion.
7. I pulled the rear vent fan housing and found it packed with wasp nests. Removed and cleaned them and found that the vent fan worked when not clogged with wasp nests! I cleaned and sprayed the cover with some mild surface rust, it's basically good as new.
1. The unit is now re-marked as it was in service, thanks to a local sign company. I had no photos of the back and the few folks here who saw it in service don't recall, so I chose to add some markings there. I figure they can be removed if further evidence appears.
2. 79 participated in the Randolph AFB Car Show last March. I plan to do the same this year. I hope to create a historical display sign for it - as frankly the questions I was asked were rather perplexing. "Is this a real ambulance?"
3. I had to scavenge parts to make the Model 184 work. The original beacon (shown in original thread) had a base that ripped itself apart. A light I had intended for my 1970 C/B-Oldsmobile sufficed, but the motor was bad despite being supplied as refurbished by a now-discredited emergency light/siren "supplier." Two lights made one good one. Now I just need one for the Cotington!
4. After issues with stalling (despite a new gas tank, blown fuel lines, new clean gas, and replacing fuel pump, etc.), I finally chose to replace the supposedly rebuilt carburetor the car came with. In the process, I learned the engine was not rebuilt - but instead replaced with a 1979 model while in service. The carburetor was also incorrect/added on later and corresponded to 1972. I imagine there was a screw-up with oil or whatever, as the 7990 mileage when I purchased the car seems right considering its condition otherwise and where it worked on the flightline. I brought the supposedly rebuilt carburetor back to the local carburetor shop twice (three total visits for it) and they kept trying to insist it was related to "trash" in the filter." While indeed there was some small particulate in the filters they showed me, the condition resolved immediately upon replacement of the carburetor with a 1969 Rochester Quadrajet from Quadrajet Power. They did a lovely job, and being local I was able to pick it up personally. Unfortunately, the float was stuck right out of the box. My mechanic was able to fix it under their guidance without bringing it back, but sadly the Quadrajet Power folks never got back to me on reimbursing the cost to do that.
5. I posted previously about the faded Gilson net at http://www.professionalcarsociety.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21083 I dyed it using Rit for synthetic fibers in a trash can, and it turned out great!
6. I did a deep cleaning of the rear interior, including cleaning/polishing the vinyl floor, vacuuming and cleaning the compartments, and coating everything in 303 Aerospace Protectant. I pulled the jack and tools and cleaned those as well. The spare tire compartment had some minor surface rust in the bottom, which I cleaned and coated with Rustoleum spray. Small scratches and dings in the door jambs etc got coatings of Rustoleum. Not particularly professional appearing, but will hopefully arrest corrosion.
7. I pulled the rear vent fan housing and found it packed with wasp nests. Removed and cleaned them and found that the vent fan worked when not clogged with wasp nests! I cleaned and sprayed the cover with some mild surface rust, it's basically good as new.
