From: Bob Muir ------------ (Info received 2/25/04)
134 Campbell Drive
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
(828)884-3512

e-mail: clmuir@citcom.net

The following is information on the on-going restoration of car #1256 a four seater Phaeton.

I bought the car in October 2003 in Dallas, Texas, in running condition. I knew it needed a lot of work which I enjoy doing myself whenever possible. I have also owned several Shay’s. Overall I believe the Glassic is a better built car than the Shay’s. Fit, power and handling are much better. My car had 9000 original miles when I picked it up and trailered it back to North Carolina. It had been sitting a lot.

Problems with the car (better check yours)

• Many hoses under the hood badly worn from rubbing fiberglass and other parts.
• Power steering hose worn and leaking.
• Air conditioning hoses worn half way through. I removed the air conditioning (not needed in the mountains)
• I cleaned up the engine compartment, by removing air pump and pollution controls (not required in a 25 year old car) Removed the air intake on top of radiator, the air cleaner and the 8" fiberglass riser on top the carburetor, this make it possible to put on a new 14" chrome air cleaner.
• Carburetor was out of adjustment, and choke was not opening all the way when the engine warmed up, causing car to smoke
• Replaced heater control valve, hoses and belts.
• Fixed some worn wiring.

Brake Problems

The most help I got with parts was at NAPA Auto Parts and it really helps if a street rod builder works there.

• Rear brake pads and cylinders easy to get (70’s Ford) also master cylinder
• Brake Boosters (big problem) after ordering 3 different ones we gave up and NAPA sent mine to the factory to be rebuilt. The last one we ordered was the same but the 4 mounting bolts did not match the holes in the firewall that the steering column mounts to. Parking brake was disconnected, I fixed.
• Another Brake Problem (check your car) The factory put a too short brake line on the drivers side rear. From the wheel cylinder it runs on top of the rear axel to a tee with no extra play. The rubber block on the frame (for bottoming out) smashed it, closing it, equaling ¼ less brakes. Mine had an odd fitting on one end, could not find one, had to make a longer one. Brakes work great now.

Check you gas tank, mine was loose.

Wheel Problems

My car has 14 inch, 4 lug Ford wheels. If you turn the front wheels all the way in either direction, the top inside of its rim rubs the upper control arm. The arm was very sharp on both sides, close to cutting into the front tires (better check yours). It looks like it might only be a problem on cars with 14 inch wheels.

I had a worn connecting rod on the front end, with only 9000 miles, they must have put on a used one, (front end is Ford)

I moved the battery from under the car to inside the trunk. Easy to get to now. Still plenty of room for the side curtains, the top, and tools.

Put duel exhaust on car. Also made many other changes.

The car runs and handles good now, and stops too! Paint is next.

Parts List (so far) for 1978 - 302 V8 Phaeton

Get a Snyder’s or other Antique Model A parts book, 1-800-262-5712 many model A parts will fit, like trunk straps and handles, lights, bumpers, chrome and trim parts, horns, etc.

Get a Bob Drake Hot Rod Catalogue for head and tail lights even halogens, swan neck mirrors (right &left) they fit and look great. Bob Drake Reproductions (Oregon) 1-800-221-3673

I used VW low back sheepskin seat covers on the front seats. They come in any color, are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They make the car more comfortable. They must be taken in on the back to fit good.

I changed the radio, speakers, and speaker wire. My speaker wire was broken inside the coating from opening and closing the doors. You couldn’t see it from the outside. I changed the way it was run to the doors.

Put felt stick pads on the convertible top frame where the side curtain snap hit it. It stops the tapping noise when you drive with no side curtains.

Good Luck with your car, I love mine.

Any questions or tips on the car, please let me know.

Bob Muir