'59 A in the Swiss Alps

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George Krompecher
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Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2012 2:27 am
Location: Switzerland

Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#46 Post by George Krompecher »

Is there an article somewhere detailing how the fresh air vents work? The right side one is non-locking, likely worn, whereas the left side one is functional. I have priced parts for these....
I figure I can make a new axle/through nut for it, provided I have the plans

In the same chapter, I have dropped a socket in the hollow body of the door pillar by the vent. Any idea how to fish it out? A magnet has not worked so far.
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Dave Erickson
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#47 Post by Dave Erickson »

I'd try a hook made from some stiff wire. Pull, don't push. Until you get it to move then use the magnet. Maybe a borescope/endoscope would help.

George Krompecher
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Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2012 2:27 am
Location: Switzerland

Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#48 Post by George Krompecher »

I managed to locate the lost socket with a camera and push it backwards to retrieve it with a magnet from the footwell slide.

I have another issue that needs help: The alternator is charging (12V conversion), but the red light does not go off on the dash cluster. Where do I start?

George Krompecher
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Posts: 217
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2012 2:27 am
Location: Switzerland

Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#49 Post by George Krompecher »

The car is going for official inspection and licensing next week, should be OK.
It is missing its safety catch on the front hood latch. Thanks to Justin Rio on here, I know what I am missing. I did not feel like welding so close to the paint on such thin sheeltmetal, so I made a reinforced catch plate bolted to the lower latch, and it works a treat.

While the car does not look pristine and has its share of areas to rework/improve, it is functional, driving, steering and braking.
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Spencer Harris
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#50 Post by Spencer Harris »

George Krompecher wrote: Sun Feb 20, 2022 12:12 pm Is there an article somewhere detailing how the fresh air vents work? The right side one is non-locking, likely worn, whereas the left side one is functional.
Hi George,

I just today spotted your post from February about FAV function & parts. If you haven't already figured it out, Rick Albro in CA is the go to guy for fresh air vents. There are some photos and descriptions in this thread, but they are mostly on the eccentric cam style. Yours appear to be the later locking nut style with the humped bezel. There are also pics of the three sets of FAVs that Rick repaired and restored for me for '53, '55 and '58 cars.

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=53545&p=400046&hil ... nt#p400046

This is another thread also primarily on earlier style FAV, but with some good installation tips (like stuffing a rag or towel in the door pillar space below the vent that would have saved me a day of labor).

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=47851&p=327771

I believe Rick makes these components for the later style FAV like yours. I'm sure he would send them to you, or you could send him your valves to refurbish.
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Spencer Harris
San Joaquin Valley, CA.

George Krompecher
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#51 Post by George Krompecher »

Spencer many thanks. My prior searches did not turn up all this info. Now I know how to remake the D cam.

George Krompecher
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Location: Switzerland

Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#52 Post by George Krompecher »

The car passed swiss inspection yesterday, first time since 2006. It has a historic registration, hard to get here, and only for cars that are in "original configuration and excellent condition". I get the license plates on monday, number 1 59 356.

Dave Erickson
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#53 Post by Dave Erickson »

A good result from all your painstaking work, George. What a cool license plate number. Please post a photo of the car wearing it.

George Krompecher
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#54 Post by George Krompecher »

Got the plates, took a drive.
Spits back when cold, stalls when warm, doesn't pull uphill. I love every minute of it!
Lots of adjusting to be done, and lots of driving planned.
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George Krompecher
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#55 Post by George Krompecher »

Today. Driving better with the miles piled on.
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George Krompecher
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#56 Post by George Krompecher »

Carb cleaning stuff in the fuel works, but I will not escape a carb rebuild. They are Weber 40 IDF.
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George Krompecher
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#57 Post by George Krompecher »

Short drive from my place:
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Justin Rio
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#58 Post by Justin Rio »

Great Photos George. Reminds me a lot of the pics I used to see in my Dad's old Christopherus Magazines of the enthusiasts enjoying their 356's back in the day. Nice to see you keeping that tradition going.

George Krompecher
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#59 Post by George Krompecher »

Higher up in the mountains. Bottomed it out once, no ill effects.
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Puygranier Antoine
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Re: '59 A in the Swiss Alps

#60 Post by Puygranier Antoine »

What beautiful pictures 8)

Antoine

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