With the "rush" of Stowe still riding high, we were invited for a visit to see the progress of NASOC Member Lori Seller's 4AD restoration. Not ones to refuse to go see a Singer, a few of "Les Boys", Robert Moreau, Phillip Avis and Paul Bouchard, made the trek to picturesque Hemminford Quebec. Robert was to meet us part way so that we could car pool and we were surprised to see him in his 1948 A Series Roadster parked in the meeting place! Robert had just finished the car a week or so before taking it to Stowe for the first time as a complete car. He knocked the socks off everyone there and won the hearts of the Concourse judges!
With none of us wanting to leave the Roadster in a mall parking lot and room for only 2 "full sized" adults, Phillip and I drew straws to see who would ride shotgun with Robert. Phil won and we were on our way. I will confirm that the "Moreaudster" motors! This slammed-hotrod- Roadster looks low and lean as it zips down the road.
We arrived just in time for lunch. Lori, with Ivan and Shirley (Lori's parents) put on a lovely meal and that gave us a chance to get to know each other as well as more of the history of the car and a run down of what had been done. After lunch we took a stroll through the forest behind the house. Ivan is a remarkable fellow as was evident in the pathway that he made through the trees using gravel that he made in his rock crusher! As we wound our way back we passed through a few outbuildings filled with parts and equipment that Ivan had gathered together through the years. From trucks to tractors to stationary engines all neatly tucked away and preserved.
The tour ended with Ivan's garage. As the local mechanic for over 50 years, the Seller's Texaco Garage was where you could get your car looked after, and from what we were told, the men would gather to gossip. The garage has closed for regular service, but the work inside continues. A few gems are also stored there including this MG last driven in 1964! Seems like Lori's brother has dibs on this one but then again, she did get the Singer.
We made our way to a where Lori has her 4AD. Able to work on it only a day or two a week when not working or going to school, she has made terrific progress and the results show! Lori's car was given to her by a family friend who had left it in a field after getting a more "modern" replacement. While it was on the road, it was used as a daily driver going to and from Montreal where one day our Editor saw it parked on the side of the street. Although many years ago, he was already a keen Singer enthusiast and left a note for the owner. They were in touch for a while until the car disappeared.
But that's not for now...
The 4AD is undergoing a full frame-up restoration. The engine had been replaced with a Volvo transplant at some time in its life so Lori was able to locate and original 1500 to set things straight. Mechanics was but one aspect of the work that needed to be done. Lori has also replaced just about all of the ash framing - a feat not to be taken lightly. Her father Ivan is close by, no doubt with the advice gained from 50 years as a mechanic, but Lori gets right in there and has done the lion(esse's) share of the work.
Not satisfied with the body and mechanical work, Lori is also taking care of the interior as well. In the end, she plans to have the car painted similar to the original gunmetal which should make for a very striking car.
Lori too gets a ride in Robert's 1948 A Series Roadster - ( "A" for A bit modified).
With none of us wanting to leave the Roadster in a mall parking lot and room for only 2 "full sized" adults, Phillip and I drew straws to see who would ride shotgun with Robert. Phil won and we were on our way. I will confirm that the "Moreaudster" motors! This slammed-hotrod- Roadster looks low and lean as it zips down the road.
We arrived just in time for lunch. Lori, with Ivan and Shirley (Lori's parents) put on a lovely meal and that gave us a chance to get to know each other as well as more of the history of the car and a run down of what had been done. After lunch we took a stroll through the forest behind the house. Ivan is a remarkable fellow as was evident in the pathway that he made through the trees using gravel that he made in his rock crusher! As we wound our way back we passed through a few outbuildings filled with parts and equipment that Ivan had gathered together through the years. From trucks to tractors to stationary engines all neatly tucked away and preserved.
The tour ended with Ivan's garage. As the local mechanic for over 50 years, the Seller's Texaco Garage was where you could get your car looked after, and from what we were told, the men would gather to gossip. The garage has closed for regular service, but the work inside continues. A few gems are also stored there including this MG last driven in 1964! Seems like Lori's brother has dibs on this one but then again, she did get the Singer.
We made our way to a where Lori has her 4AD. Able to work on it only a day or two a week when not working or going to school, she has made terrific progress and the results show! Lori's car was given to her by a family friend who had left it in a field after getting a more "modern" replacement. While it was on the road, it was used as a daily driver going to and from Montreal where one day our Editor saw it parked on the side of the street. Although many years ago, he was already a keen Singer enthusiast and left a note for the owner. They were in touch for a while until the car disappeared.
But that's not for now...
The 4AD is undergoing a full frame-up restoration. The engine had been replaced with a Volvo transplant at some time in its life so Lori was able to locate and original 1500 to set things straight. Mechanics was but one aspect of the work that needed to be done. Lori has also replaced just about all of the ash framing - a feat not to be taken lightly. Her father Ivan is close by, no doubt with the advice gained from 50 years as a mechanic, but Lori gets right in there and has done the lion(esse's) share of the work.
Not satisfied with the body and mechanical work, Lori is also taking care of the interior as well. In the end, she plans to have the car painted similar to the original gunmetal which should make for a very striking car.
Lori too gets a ride in Robert's 1948 A Series Roadster - ( "A" for A bit modified).
Thank you to Lori and her family for a truly memorable day.