Unique Zenith Carburetors

[CA Victoria]

Every once in awhile a unique Zenith comes along to add to my showroom of Zenith’s.
This one is a 1929 mid-year Zenith-Holley with raised letters and a backward 2.
T.

 

[CA Victoria]

Here is another: One of our FordBarn friends helped to find the correct Venturi for this later Zenith carburetor:
It was supplied by Zenith sold independently from Ford. Not sure of its correct date of production but the casting is late 1934 and beyond.

 

[Joe K]

I won't say the Zenith 2415 is among my prizes, but it came with a bunch of other parts from a clean out - and while documented, it's the only one I've held in my hands.

https://modela.org/zenith_models.html

My previous entry (2015 - 10 years - how time flies) describing both the hybrid version and all pot metal version.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1047530&postcount=2

Purdy Swoft still around?

Joe K

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Purdy Swoft still around?

Joe K

I think Purdy Swoft passed away about a year ago. I miss Purdy’s wisdom and wilingness to share.

 

[jb-ob]

I found a unique Zenith for my '28. While it was unmolested & complete, the casting was poor only having a 'Zen' on the bowl. Works wonderfully.

 

[Benson]

To Joe K:

Tim Stephens passed in July 2021.

Post from Ford Barn:
03-10-2022, 08:42 PM #41

McMimmcs
Senior Member

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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan
Posts: 2,296
Default Update: Has anyone heard from Purdy Swoft update
I received an email from Purdy’s wife Deb this evening. Purdy ( Tim ) passed away on July 17, 2021 from complications from a heart condition. She says he loved the FordBarn and his FordBarn friends. May his soul Rest In Peace and our sincere condolences to his family. God bless him, Wayne

 

[Joe K]

Thank you all for the update on Purdy.

We had MANY enlightening discussions, both on board and frequently in the background.

He helped me pass MANY otherwise non-productive hours in the Motel Room while on field assignment as an "engineer."

When I was in active pursuit of different Model A carburetors, I would pass him the ebay pix and ask for "what do you know about this?" He ALWAYS had a reply.

And - that's what a true hobbyist does for others of similar interest.

And, one is reminded "When someone dies, a library closes."

Joe K

 

[Y-Blockhead]

To Joe K:

Tim Stephens passed in July 2021.

Post from Ford Barn:
03-10-2022, 08:42 PM #41

I didn't realize it was that long ago.

Speaking of, McMimmcs has not been on Ford Barn since 5/23 either?

 

[rackops]

Here is another: One of our FordBarn friends helped to find the correct Venturi for this later Zenith carburetor:
It was supplied by Zenith sold independently from Ford. Not sure of its correct date of production but the casting is late 1934 and beyond.

Oooo! Very cool! Glad I could help!!

 

[RENNERS CORNER]

Here is another: One of our FordBarn friends helped to find the correct Venturi for this later Zenith carburetor:
It was supplied by Zenith sold independently from Ford. Not sure of its correct date of production but the casting is late 1934 and beyond.

I wonder how someone knew what the "correct" Venturi is unless you look up that aluminum build tag information there could've been one of at least 8 different venturi's in that carburetor. Those B-2 carburetors were produced from 1934 to 1948 and used on loads of different pieces of equipment. The aluminum tag indicates that it was sold by Zenith. No Ford carburetor ever had a tag on it. Nice looking carburetor, is the float drum shaped or rectangular shaped?

 

[ursus]

I wonder how someone knew what the "correct" Venturi is unless you look up that aluminum build tag information there could've been one of at least 8 different venturi's in that carburetor. Those B-2 carburetors were produced from 1934 to 1948 and used on loads of different pieces of equipment. The aluminum tag indicates that it was sold by Zenith. No Ford carburetor ever had a tag on it. Nice looking carburetor, is the float drum shaped or rectangular shaped?

Zenith made a variety of sizes of venturis to fit the Model B type carburetors, from 17mm to 26mm, if I recall it correctly. I have one that is marked 19mm but not sure if I would use it on a car.

 

[CA Victoria]

Dave,
Vince Falter has a page on his website dedicated to these carbs. Except for the inserted parts the only change (later castings) in the body is the fuel inlet with straight threads. The helper spring on the float is omitted.

Love the historical component of our hobby, always a new wrinkle……...

https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/nosbzenithcarb.htm