Things found at a long closed Ford dealership

Tom Wesenberg

Tom Wesenberg

Well-known member
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Last week I went to a small town in southwestern Minnesota to buy some Model A parts stored in an old Ford dealership. The building's present owner told me that he had his Model A worked on when the Ford garage was open. It looks to me like the dealership has been closed since the 40's or maybe 50's at the latest.The building still has the electric motor and line shaft mounted to the ceiling. This building would have been a good place to visit for the pickers from that TV show. Tucked away in the corner under boxes, parts, and decades of dust I found this 1960 Crestliner Commander 510, a 12 foot aluminum runabout. It also had a 1969 Mercury 4 H.P. motor. Both the mtor and boat don't look like they have more than a few hours use. Unfortunately someone remove the steering wheel and windshield from the boat, and I'm sure they won't be easy to find. The trailer is homemade and appears to have a torque tube rearend out of an old Chevy.

Now I can install a hitch on my Model A and combine two hobbies during the same drive. I spent 4 hours on the lake yesterday, and the boat and motor work great. I though the 4 H.P. motor might be too small, but it pushes the boat just fine.:)
 
Hehehe, I think that trailer should handle that thing sitting on it.. That motor looks like you just uncrated it, it sure looks new.. Nice..
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
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f1d84ee1.jpg


a15e6ed1.jpg


Last week I went to a small town in southwestern Minnesota to buy some Model A parts stored in an old Ford dealership. The building's present owner told me that he had his Model A worked on when the Ford garage was open. It looks to me like the dealership has been closed since the 40's or maybe 50's at the latest.The building still has the electric motor and line shaft mounted to the ceiling. This building would have been a good place to visit for the pickers from that TV show. Tucked away in the corner under boxes, parts, and decades of dust I found this 1960 Crestliner Commander 510, a 12 foot aluminum runabout. It also had a 1969 Mercury 4 H.P. motor. Both the mtor and boat don't look like they have more than a few hours use. Unfortunately someone remove the steering wheel and windshield from the boat, and I'm sure they won't be easy to find. The trailer is homemade and appears to have a torque tube rearend out of an old Chevy.

Now I can install a hitch on my Model A and combine two hobbies during the same drive. I spent 4 hours on the lake yesterday, and the boat and motor work great. I though the 4 H.P. motor might be too small, but it pushes the boat just fine.:)
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Ok Tom, but what about the parts. Herm
 
Tom I was a service manager for a while at a small chevy dealership in a small town here in ky that has been in buss. for many years but closed now. and in the attic what treasures to be found points, plugs starters , fenders ect and dont know what went with them. they may still be there dont know......but saddly no A parts some nos volkswagon front fenders and hood for a 57 bug . .........Dave
 
As far as parts, I got a complete engine and ****** that looks oilly, like it was just pulled from a running car. I think it came from an A that got rodded. I also bought some 21" wheels, new pistons and rods, a good pair of axle tubes, a nice original 28-9 popout and more that I can't think of right now. Also got an antique bicycle.

RockHillWill, unfortunately we don't have enough good months for outdoor work and activities, so usually there are 3 things going on at the same time each weekend. I just got home from a run to Hudson, Wisconsin to pick up a couple old outboards. The guy has a 1955 Crestliner 16 foot aluminum and just a month ago he sold the original steering wheel from it, which is exactly what I need. Not all search's have a happy ending, but at least I got a couple old Johnsons and controls cheap.
 
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