February 2015 The Brass Lamp

1922 Mercer Series 5 by Al and Sharon Mercer

Since my father, a diesel me- completely inadequate and most chanic in Norfolk Va. showed of the other engine components me a picture of a Mercer out of (rods, crosshaft, oil pump, water a Look Magazine (for my scrap- pump, water manifold and mag- book) when I was about 7 or 8 neto) could not be used in their years old I have wanted a Mer- current condition. Ivan had the cer. My first antique was a crank bearings and rod bearings 1935 Chevy 3W. My first wife re-babbited in Richmond but and children, Ray and Lisa, and before he could complete the I joined the Tidewater Region engine, Ford Motor Company AACA in 1970 and we were transferred me to St. Louis as a hooked on clubs and the friendly people. Other fol- senior welding / production engi- lowed: a 1939 Ford Tudor, 1940 neer. Ford shipped the car and Also, while in Detroit a wealthy gen- Mercury 4Dr, 1928 Essex 4Dr many boxes of parts to St. Louis. tleman with a Mercer had several sets and a very weathered Series 5 of valves made and he gave me a set. Mercer chassis. Finally in Soon my wife left me and I met Ford transferred me back to St. Louis 1980 we purchased a basically the love of my life, Sharon. in 1992. We continued to work on complete but not running 1922 Mercer work began and stopped the car having other mechanical parts Series 5 Mercer Runabout (long again in St. Louis because of fabricated. When I retired from Ford wheelbase rumble seat ) another transfer, this time to De- in 2001 I got more serious about com- from a lead through Hemmings. troit as a project engineer. The pleting the car while Sharon and I (We had to sell all the other cars were young enough to enjoy it. I except the Mercer chassis). Mercer was shipped in pieces to continued to work for various Ford Most of the Mercer components Detroit (where rod small end contracts until March of 2006 when were complete enough for pat- bushings and new cam follower the plant closed. It still hurts to pass terns and some missing parts roller pins were fabricated). the plant site. Continued on page 6 >>> were salvaged from the Mercer chassis.

The heavy work of restoration started when AACA Tidewater Region (Virginia) member Ivan Joslin at IRS (Ivan’s Restoration Service) and I pulled the engine down and found that the ‘advertised new babbit’ was

Mercer first running test. In the snow, November 2006

The President’s Column… Martin L. Hassel (314) 232-5934 Kickoff to 2015 . . . St. Louis Auto Show. . . and “Easter President Truck and Tractor Pull” (Tongue in Cheek Humor, see below)

Peter Bitzer By Larry Hassel (636) 256-7511 1st Vice President/Programs Brisk temperatures—and the cold whimsical detail and color were Sharon Mercer the stylist’s artistic palette in auto- (636) 928-8672 chill of the evening air hitting our 2nd Vice President/Membership faces—greeted Hassel and Bitzer motive design. We were there to as we huddled under the radiant see what wonderful history would Louis Allen heaters. We were waiting for the unfold for us at the Horseless Car- (314) 741-4158 St. Louis Metrolink train to ar- riage Club of Missouri’s display. Treasurer rive (sorry, no Presidential Limo) The “kickoff” to each new year for Joe Yochim that would eventually take us us auto fanatics is clearly the St. (636) 947-1157 downtown to the Convention Louis Auto Show. We seem to Recording Secretary Plaza stop. There we would sur- “hibernate” a bit through the holi- face and walk a few blocks days and then a level of compla- Dr. Gerald Perschbacher through a series of doors that cency sets in as the temperatures (314) 849-5249 opened to reveal an innumerable turn colder and it becomes more Corresponding Secretary challenging to leave the warm and number of shiny new and robot Directors perfect “cookie-cutter” automo- cozy confines of home. However, Ted Hamburg(2015) biles. But that isn’t why we were the “bear” suddenly awakens as Ted Baker(2015) there at the St. Louis Convention opportunity calls in the form of a great auto show that has taken Bill Albertin(2016) Center. Sure, it is great to look Al Mercer(2016) place since the inception of the John Clark (2017) and dream of our next ”new” automobile. The St. Louis Auto Ron Nelson(2017) ride, but those types of cars are Show presents that opportunity to reserved for utilitarian transpor- Ron Nelson begin thinking about springtime 9826 Affton View Ct. tation and mostly practical things and “our” car shows once again. St. Louis, MO 63123 like trips to the grocery store, We’ve been lucky and it seems like (314) 638-7131 work or Starbuck’s for coffee. every year, we’re provided a prime Brass Lamp Editor We were really there to travel location to create a display and it is Don Hoelscher “back in time,” essentially a trip up to us to shine as the Horseless (636) 939-9667 back to simpler times where Club of Missouri, Inc. Webmaster

www.hccmo.com (314) 991-HONK

Celebrating 71 Years In St. Louis!

2 Ford Company and roots to Ford Motor Company. Early successes on the race track sold cars and it is interesting to note that Ford had collaborated with bicycle racer Tom Cooper to build the 999 series of race cars. The advent of the “true” sports car era in America can be traced to the 1950s when we see cer- Left: Bill Albertin’s 1957 Imperial hardtop. Right: Crowds admire John and tain elements of styling emerge Mary Porbeck’s 1951 Hudson . Lower right: Ben and June Hilliker’s from jet age designs…flared and 1956 Jaguar X-140 Roadster. Bottom right: 1977 Grand Prix, Ted and Jennifer integrated bumper exhausts and Baker. The 2015 theme for Horseless and performance. According to Carriage’s exhibit was “Notable Perschbacher, “We might be Sportables.” We also focused on able to apply the attributes of a seven fine cars that were either sports car to the German built red or white to further project the 1910 Prinz Heinrich Vauxhaul theme of sporty styling. That automobile or Ferdinand Por- alone, created a striking presen- sche’s Austro-Daimler model tation with that element of drama 27/80PS.” and shock value. Seemed like others displaying cars at the Writer’s note… I have a very fine racing Austro-Daimler bi- show took their styling cues cycle and that is another inter- sleek long tail fins, torpedo from us. Our cars ranged from esting sidebar to note…many shaped bodies with hood scoops the rare 1922 rakish Mercer carriage builders that evolved to framed by distinctive chrome roadster owned by Al and Sha- automotive manufacturers also Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and ron Mercer to the 1970s era Pon- built bicycles and motorcycles. round-sloped windshields made tiac Grand Prix owned by Ted It was about fast transportation to look similar to aircraft cano- Baker. In between, there was a and getting to your destination pies. Perschbacher further elab- 1953 Hudson convertible, a “faster than the horse.” orated…“Visitors to the display will notice particular color fea- breathtakingly long and red— Speed and performance were tures that drive the concept of very red 1954 Cadillac converti- ‘sporty’—the cars are red or ble, a chrome-gilded 1955 Pack- truly the defining elements that white. This was often indicative ard Caribbean convertible, a encapsulated the term “sporty.” of sporty cars…red is the hot classically British 1956 Jaguar Ford Motor Company might color that attracts attention from XK140 roadster and a rather for- have never existed if it weren’t far away and white is the pure mal 1957 com- for the famous 999 racers, built reflection of power and visibil- plete with tail fins and a faux by Ford in 1901 to race against ity.” >>> “continental kit” built into the Alexander Winton and other deck lid. challengers. It was from the winning proceeds of the race, In the words of Gerry Persch- and the success of the first 999 bacher, “the sports cars of today (named after Empire State Ex- can attribute their success to the press No. 999…a 4-4-0 Ameri- rise of sporty cars nearly 60 can steam locomotive which had years ago, but if truth be told, ‘sportiness’ in automobiles be- famously set a world speed rec- gan much earlier.” As we ord of 112.5 mph…the first man evolved from the horse and bug- -made vehicle to exceed 100 gy, some historians defined mph under its own propulsion) sportiness by swiftness of speed that Ford created the Henry

3 Thanks must go to our large staff of volunteers and providers of fine pristine automobiles…last names that include Albertin, Por- beck, Allen, Mercer, Persch- bacher, Goldfeder, Korb, Rot- nek, Riesinger, Kirberg, Cytron, Hassel, Birk, Bitzer, Ebert, Wat- kins and others. At the last meeting, someone suggested the idea of bringing new friends to car events. President Hassel took that to heart and brought along his friend, kayak/canoe paddling and tandem biking part- ner, Yolandea Wood. Yo quick- ly rose to the occasion and be- came “one of us” after a quick Gerry Pershbacher educates the crowd as he describes HCCM and cars. “knowledge share moment” by OK, before you have heart fail- started and the lot should be very Hassel, the Mercers, Cytrons, ure, I’m not serious, nor have I pretty when completed. Howev- Perschbachers and others. No truly lost my mind. Please, let er, we don’t anticipate the con- stranger to history, Yo’s back- me explain. For many years we struction will be completed by ground is “in-the-clouds” being a lamented that the Upper Muny Easter and our intent, in agree- USAF Academy Grad, retired parking lot had seen better days ment with Forest Park staff, is to USAF Major and KC-135 Navi- with many cracks and potholes. hold the Easter Concours d’Ele- gator and now, Exec. Recording Forest Park Forever has now gance on Macklind Ave. and Secretary of the Tuskegee Air- funded replacement, which will perhaps Wells Ave. Putting a men, Inc. – the Legendary “Red- include nice landscaping, plant- positive spin on this, we will Tails” that protected WWII ers, trees, etc. Construction has have a more “visually appealing” Bomber Squadrons. It was also show with diagonal curb park- great to see Bruce Kunz and his ing that will be “linear” in na- ture….We’ll have approximately faithful charge, Lou, one of the the same “parking footprint” as “Take a Kid to a Car Show” the show lot, but we will have young men, out to give us some more access challenges. moral support and help us pro- mote HCCMO. We do have a plan and we are working out infrastructure and Changing subjects and looking logistical details to make this a to the near future, I personally very fine show as always. made a visit to what once was We’ve measured and run calcu- the upper Muny Opera parking lations. Yes, we’re certain it’ll lot, but now more of a scene work and it might be an oppor- from any movie about WWI and tunity to produce a different kind trench warfare. I made a tough of show. The proverbial quote “executive decision” about the “When life gives you lemons, Easter Concours d’Elegance and make lemonade!” might apply. decided “We’re gonna hold a That’s exactly what we plan to vintage truck and tractor pull do. Just remember your sense of along with a Model T Motocross humor as we begin 2015. instead of an antique car show this year! Yep…get’n‘r done!!!” —Larry

4 Easter Concours d’Elegance Planning Updates… By Larry Hassel, Peter Bitzer, and the Easter Show Committee

The year 2015 will present quite a few challenges for HCCM on Easter Left: We are working on it with all Sunday. If you’ve been to Forest the energy we can muster. Park in the last few weeks and looked for the Upper Muny Opera parking lot, you will have found Member Participation… nothing that ever resembled a park- We will need lots of staffing help ing lot. It looks more like a field for this to work. We are going to getting prepared for corn or soy- ask the majority of club member beans planting season. The asphalt volunteers and other volunteers to is gone. While I temporarily enter- arrive at the latest at 7:00 a.m. tained the thought of an antique Parking for workers will be difficult truck and tractor pull, the board too…we feel the best opportunity threatened to put me on a “slow boat will be along Jefferson (on the East to China” with a one-way ticket. side of the park and our allocated We have no direction or guarantee show area). The parks people don’t that we’ll have a lot for the Easter lind at Jefferson, and Wells at the feel like the use of these roadways Concours d’Elegance. Forest Park “Round-a-bout.” We are thinking will hinder traffic through the park Forever has initiated construction of that pre-registered show cars will too much since there are parallel a new landscaped design, a com- enter on Macklind and Union and routes. Congestion, however, could plete replacement of what had been Park along Macklind. We plan to be the real challenge. our mainstay location for years. It have display cars enter at Jefferson should be wonderful when done and and Macklind and Club Cars to en- Security… a great enhancement to our future ter from the “round-a-bout” onto We are going to ask Fred Summers shows. Wells. to bring out the French Foreign Legion and other recruits from our Our “tentative” plans…2015 We have calculated that we’ll have advertisement in “Soldier of For- We have Macklind Ave. from Union 400 to 425 “realistic” parking spac- tune” Magazine! Trust me, there is (at the back of the old Muny Park- es (allowing a space and a half for a story behind this and a particular ing lot) to Jefferson Ave. on the each vehicle). This could fluctuate hat that Fred owns that he was able East. This amounts to about 5/10ths somewhat depending upon vehicle to barter away from a slightly ine- of a mile of roadway with a couple size. Larger trucks and busses will briated legionnaire at some remote of turnouts for parking. Instead, we have to parallel park on the curb. outpost. Seriously, we are going to will arrange cars diagonally on both We are awaiting calls from the parks have to have strong security at our sides of the street. We also have department to ensure we’ll be al- entranceways…and potential at- Wells Ave. Wells runs from Mack- lowed to park on both sides of each tempted “drive-throughs” will great- lind to the “round-a-bout” in front of street. There is still a remote possi- ly endanger participants and the the Jewel Box. This is about 1000 bility the upper Muny lot will be viewing public. We have to be ab- feet of roadway…28 feet wide. completed, but we’re unable to get solutely firm about perimeter securi- Again, we plan to park show vehi- anything but vague feedback and ty. This is something we need to cles diagonally on both sides of cannot depend upon that to happen. address with the parks people and Wells. We currently feel we are going to get real police to assist. have to limit club cars to 10 per We visualize having the club admin club…absolutely no more. There We are optimistic this can work and trailer, food vendors and tables at will be NO Day of Show Registra- the intersection of Macklind and feel the show has potential to be a tion…we just don’t have the space Wells in a central location. P.A. lot more aesthetic than a “Walmart announcements to the whole field or the organizational capability with Parking Lot.” Just remember, will be almost impossible so we are this “linear” plan. We are obtaining “although we might have been given providing everyone with “tin-cans “four-seat” golf carts to aid in shut- a bag of lemons, we are going to and strings” to play that game we tle through the lot during the show. make some mighty fine lemonade did as kids where we started a mes- Parking for show visitors remains a out of this!” sage on one end of a line and just problem yet to be addressed. A sent it along! We have three access shuttle bus concept has been men- points…Macklind at Union, Mack- tioned but not discussed.

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I did some minor machine work, minor body work, and woodwork on the car. I did none of the major body, painting or upholstery work. I did disassemble, catalog and re- search the wiring (with help from the AACA Library) then re-wired and assembled the car making eve- rything as authentic as I could. About 75% of the total time it took to restore the car was spent by Sha- ron and me. There are many HCCM, AACA, Mercer Associates and other car friends who helped a great deal with labor, information and parts to complete the restora- tion. In November 2006, with help, the car ran for the first time as a Mercers were made in Trenton, planned. The two-wheel drum drivable chassis for debugging. The Mercer County, New Jersey by internal expanding rear have day in March of 2007 that we the Roebling family who were the a large area but are connected to the decked the body, 13 people showed industrialists who patented wire hand . The foot brake is an up to help—including Nelson and rope (cable) and built the Brook- internal expanding drum on the Pat Itterly. lyn Bridge in 1886. The best transmission and it slows the car guess is that about 5,500 total slightly. We drive the car often in The car was scheduled to enter the Mercers were produced of all en- and around our neighborhood and September 2008 AACA Southeast- gine types from 4 cylinder T on short trips, (sometimes even at ern Fall Meet in Cleveland, Tennes- heads (Mercer’s own build), 4 night) and try to use both brakes. see. Then our upholsterer, who had cylinder L heads (Mercer’s own Yes, Sharon drives it also. The done such a fine authentic job on build) to Rochester OHV 6 cylin- Mercer is trailered to several the interior and top, suffered a rota- ders. Body styles ranged from AACA shows a year. We cruise or tor cuff injury before he could make Raceabouts to Limousines from drive to distant shows with our our side curtains. Sharon’s sister, the years 1910 to 1925. There 1968 Ford XL convertible (another Donna-Marie, an interior decorator, are about 140 Mercers existing story). (Windows Works by Donna Marie today including unrestored and in Wentzville) came to the rescue parts cars. Our car is one of two Another feature of the Mercer is and made the side curtains. We known restored 4-cylinder long that both doors are fitted with pull- helped install the fasteners. Sharon wheel base (132 inches) runa- down compartments with pockets and I spent the entire weekend prior bouts and one unrestored chassis. for specific Mercer tools. (I’m to leaving for Tennessee making There is one restored and one always looking for Mercer tools new running boards. We cut the unrestored 6-cylinder long wheel made by B&S or Billings & Spen- wood, primed them and painted base runabouts known. The 6- cer of Hartford, Conn.) them. Then we had to cut and fit cylinders cars are very similar in linoleum and aluminum trim (with external appearance to our car. We feel these old cars should be miter joints). With the help and driven to be seen by the younger transport of Mark Linder, the Mer- The Mercer L-head engine is their generations. At shows we invite cer earned its First Junior Award in own 4-cylinder 298.2 cid with a little ones to have their parents take Cleveland. The car was also nomi- 3 ¾ by 6 ¾ bore and stroke. The their picture under the steering nated for a National award. Sharon engine has lightened 14 3/8 inch wheel or in the rumble seat. We and I had a great time at the AACA long rods, a roller cam and lifters, get lots of priceless smiles. annual meeting February 2009 in large 2 ¼ diameter valves, large Philadelphia and we received the diameter exhaust manifold, a fac- We were invited to join the Horse- National Award called the “Mercer tory installed G-Piel exhaust cut- less Carriage Club of Missouri in Cup” or “Plaque.” The glass award out and a 2-stage carburetor for 2012 and enjoy all the events. is beautiful. Was it all worth it? performance. The engine devel- HCCM members: we are only 5 You bet it was! The car has now ops about 70 hp. The clutch is a miles off I-70 at the Missouri Riv- progressed in judging to win a Re- dry multiple-disk type with a four er. You are invited to come by and peat Senior Grand National award. speed transmission that takes get- go for a Mercer ride. We intend “someday” to take the ting use to. The car goes very car on a long tour. well but stopping must be

6 Invitation from Cave State Cruisers

The Cave State Cruisers (CSC) will host our 28th Annual Route-66 Festival and Car Show the weekend after Fathers Day, Saturday June 27 through Sunday June 28, 2015 at the Waynesville, MO City Park (downtown Waynesville, MO on Old Route 66/Business Route 44). We have 21 classes with three Best of Class awards per class, plus special awards. $20 Registration fee co- vers both days. Drive-through judging on a 100 point scale runs 8:00 AM - 4:00PM on Saturday and 8:00 AM - 11:00AM on Sunday. Trailer queens start with a 10 point deduction except for non-street legal racing cars, so unload and drive to the show grounds from nearby hotels or shopping centers. Awards ceremony is at 1:00PM Sunday. Weather permitting, we will cruise 18 miles on old Route 66 (original 1926 and 4-lane 1941 alignments) to Devil’s Elbow, MO at 4:30 PM on 27 June. We will stop at the Elbow Inn, now a very good BBQ restaurant but the original 1929 Munger Moss Truck Stop; and will continue through the Hooker Cut, the deepest road cut in the United States until 1997, before returning to Waynesville. Festival includes an historical virtual tour of the entire Route-66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, 1926 through 1986 with period-correct top hit music and dancing in the streets. Note: We have use of the city splash park on the show grounds, so bring swim suits if you want to stay cool. Contact CSC President Don Doan at (573) 433-5586 or CSC Secretary John Fensterer at (573) 855-0543 for show/vendor registration information.

Like to see what’s for sale? Sign up for Barnfinds.com. Some classic cars were so ahead of their time that when we look at them today it is almost incredible to think a car that’s 50+ years old could have technology that seems cutting edge even today. As I look at this 1960 Chrysler 300F I’m astonished by its style and some of the equipment it came with from the factory, many of the features are common place in modern cars, but just 10 years ago would have been features only found in high end luxury vehicles. It sadly has been parked in a field for the past 6 years and will need a complete restoration. There are only 270 of these known to exist, so hopefully someone will save it. Find it in San Jose, Cal- ifornia with an opening bid of $11,000.

7 More St. Louis Auto Show display photos

Top: Interior shot of Porbeck’s 51 Hudson; the 20-foot long Kirberg 54 Cadillac. Middle: The Hudson from the back; dash- board of the 57 Albertin Imperial. Bottom: the Imperial continental-style back; the 55 Packard Caribbean marque.

8 Gerry Perschbacher was able to gain access to a window above the HCCM display and took this overhead photo (and others that appear in this edi- tion) of our club’s cars from above. Thanks to all the club members who participated and made the display of historic vehicles interesting and in- formative for show visitors. Special thanks to show organ- izers Mark Goldfeder and Gerry Perschbacher.

Right: 1956 Packard owners Elliott and Dolores Cytron check out the 1955 Packard Caribbean. Below: the 54 Cadillac from the front. Note the intense reflection from the con- vention center lights. The 1922 Mercer radia- tor mascot indicating it was built in Trenton (Mercer County) New Jersey.

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CARS FOR SALE

I have been an HCCM member for over 40 years and have collected many cars that I now need to sell. I don't expect Club members to be very excited with what I have but hope they know people that might want to acquire what I have saved over the years. 1953 DODGE CORONET, 6 cylinder, standard transmission, good title, complete 1978 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM, complete, good title 1991 PONTIAC FIREBIRD, 305 V8, tee tops, good title

1964 MGB ROADSTER, a very early one, good title 1969 MGB ROADSTER, wire wheels, good title four MGB ROADSTER PARTS CARS I would prefer to sell the MGB's as a package deal. All are sitting outside and are weathered.

Cars are located in the Ballwin area of West St. Louis County Gary A. Micanek 636-227-7046

Car Show Judges Needed Training Session Scheduled

Sunday, February 22 at 1:00 PM Porbeck’s (across from Fast Lane Cars) 510 Little Hills Road St. Charles MO 63301

Lunch will be served Training by Al Mercer

Recent Barn Finds

Above: 1960 Falcon in Winnetka, IL ($500)

Right: 1974 Lotus Elite in San Francisco CA ($3,000) 10 The Brass Lamp

The Publication of the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri, Inc. FEBRUARY 2015

Activities Calendar

Information in this calendar is summarized. See flyers for events —go to www.midwestswapmeets.com Club Events Calendar SWAP MEETS 2015 CAR SHOWS, ETC. February 20 7:30 General Meeting, Logan March 14 Noon—St. Patrick’s Day Parade February 13-14 Springfield Auto Swap, Ozark Fairgrounds March 20 6:30 St. Patrick’s Feast, Logan March 1 Madison Co (IL) at Highland Speedway April 5 Easter Concours d’Elegance March 22 DuQuoin (IL) Fairgrounds April 17 7:30 General Meeting, Logan March 29 Pinckneyville IL , Perry Co. Fairgrounds May 15 7:30 General Meeting, Logan April 5 Concours d’Elegance, Muny Lot June 19 6:30 Strawberry festival— April 18 Class Pack Swap, Effingham Co. Fairgrnds Intro new members, Logan June 5-6 Kansas City Swap, K.C. Speedway June 21 Father’s Day Car Show June 21 Father’s Day Show, Mus. of Transport July 17 7:30 General meeting, Logan September 13 Wheels In Motion August 16 Picnic—11 AM Schroeder Park September 20 Car Show & Swap Meet, Casino Lot September 18 7:30 General Meeting, Logan September 26 Brass & Nickel Show, Mus. Transport October 16 6:30 White Elephants, Logan September 27 Oktoberfest Show, St. Charles MO November 20 6:30 Chili Cook-off, Logan

Reminder for Volunteers

Volunteering to work at the Easter show and/or the September Swap Meet and Show events held by the club earns credit toward free admission to the annual Christmas dinner and party. Your next opportunity is working at the Easter Con- cours d’Elegance

The Brass Lamp is a monthly publication of The Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri ©2015 All Rights Reserved. Material from this 11 newsletter may be reprinted or shared by our club members with proper citation and written consent from the editor.

Al and Sharon Mercer’s 1922 Series 5 Mercer Runabout long wheelbase rumble seat

roadster. See the cover article detailing restoration.

The Brass The Lamp A Publication of the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri, Inc. Carriage Missouri, of Club Horseless the of Publication A www.hccmo.com (314) 991-HONK