After months in her sick bed, the Coronado Historical Association’s Model T Laundry truck is, once again, all dressed up and ready to party around Coronado. Because of her couch potato years interrupted by an occasional long, hot parade, her little four banger motor simply seized up. The T is designed to share an oil pan between the motor and transmission. What hurts one affects the other. When both the units were opened for inspection we found internal cracks, high heat damage and scuff marks that signaled her demise. But thanks to the relentless interest of Volunteer Crew Chief, Jeff Tyler, T Expert, Art Wilson and On-The-Job Trainee, Tim Shortt, the motor , transmission, cooling and electrical systems are now completely rebuilt and reinstalled. Also thanks to Ace Radiator, Chaffin’s Garage and Bill Hunter at Mesa Machine in Escondido that donated time and offered significant discounts, she’s back on her game, with all the bells and whistles operational. Of course, the donation of funds by Colonel Richard Kenney for the original purchase of CHA’s Model T is greatly appreciated. This last weekend, Jeff’s wife, Candy, was away and, Jeff had the old girl all to himself. They must have had a great time together because, as you can see, she’s looking younger and more beautiful than ever. Our 1923 Laundry Truck used at the Hotel Del will be riding in the Holiday Parade in style and then on display at El Cordova Garage until the end of December. Keep an eye out for her. –Tim Shortt
Photos and article courtesy of Tim Shortt
