1940s Teardrop

[angi]

Thanks Koala, I'm not sure actually. The hub caps were Morris Cowley, and one wheel was Dunlop and one was Goodyear. (The two spare I got from Queensland were both Dunlops). I still hope that they are salvageable. I probably won't know until the weekend though. Cheers, Angie

[brucenan]

They look like 1929 Morris Cowley Wheels

[angi]

Hi All,

Thanks Brucenan for the info on the wheels.

I am about to nervously attempt powder-coating for the second time but with a new Company, as I have just received my wheels back from the TIG Welder.

Unfortunately I had to sacrifice one of my spare wheels, as a piece was cut from it and then welded on to another damaged wheel. The welder fixed the damaged and dimpled areas on the rim, and the center studs. Fortunately, the center will be concealed by the Morris hubcaps. Certain areas, like the center rim could not be welded due to the oil that remained inside.

I have had the wheels checked by two independent people. They have struggled to determine how that large area of damage occurred on the inside of the curved rim. Theories were floated about whether the area could have been blocked by rust on both sides while air escaped through a pin hole. However, the consensus is that the damage did not occur due to the heat of the oven. The cut area shows that the metal is quite thick around the rim too.

The new powder-coater follows a different process and appears confident. I have consider a wet-spray, but I think I will give it one last go?!

I just hope I don't end up back at the Welders! The whole process has been expensive and I have not much to show for it as yet! Still I guess I am learning all the time.

Angi
s53.photobucket.com/user/smcintosh79/library/TIG%20Welding

[Mustang]

HATS OFF!!!! to you Angie for hanging in there, well done you deserve every success.
Interesting about the oil saturating the center of the rim??
Good Luck on the final finish.
Cheers
Brent

[angi]

Hi All,

Thanks so much for your kind words Brent. I can happily report I collected 2 out of my 3 wheels from the second powder-coater today. I had some difficulty finding someone who would take the job. I ended up speaking to panel beaters, wheel specialists, spray painters and was even encouraged by the final powder-coater to try elsewhere, but persistence did pay off. I am fairly happy with the result considering they had to be welded prior. The third wheel kept leaking grease and oil on this attempt. The powder-coater is going to make a final attempt on it. Now just to get the tyres on and the hubs chromed. I am saving my pennies to get a nice vintage motorcycle tyre. 

[Koala]

I was only thinking last night that i should give you a ring to check on your progress. It seems that you have achieved another milestone, well done.
Your teardrop should soon be mobile and ready for a little trip
Despite assurances my wheel contact has not produced any wheels for you but i have not given up on him.
Koala

[angi]

Thanks Koala! I have actually managed to paint underneath the van,and freshen up the original burgandy on the timber. I am hopeful it will contrast nicely with the drawbar and axel/wheels. I'll post some pics soon. Tell you what though I can think of more enjoyable things than lying on my concrete garage floor in the middle of winter! Boy it's cold!

Really appreciate you looking into the wheels for me. I just love those wheels. (It surprises me though how some people just don't understand the charm of the old. A few people now have got the giggles and can't believe I am putting them 'back on'. One told my children to film me on the first tow, and that I would be swaying all over the place!)

Cheers,
Angi