I don't know what you consider a motor rebuild, but you didn't need one. You could get a crank kit from most auto parts stores and install it. Your hubby could probably do it. I did one on my son's car years ago by myself in one day's time. Pulled the engine, keeping it as complete as possible, removed the oil pan, undid the rod caps and laid them aside, installed the crank and new main bearings, then replaced the rod bearings one at a time and rebolted them. Then reinstalled the engine. It's a lot cheaper than buying a rebuilt engine.
Just illustrating that ignorance is not always bliss. Had she posted here 1st, she could have gotten free advice. And shame on her mechanic for not suggesting it.
This sentence was a big part of the decision to have a professional take care of our engine. Your son is very fortunate that you were able to take care of his engine. Sometimes some people have to bite the bullet and pay to have things done. 'but you didn't need one.' I find this statement interesting, that you feel so strongly about the situation when you weren't close by. Which is really too bad, perhaps we could have had you help with the problem. But we were left with only the diagnosis of three different mechanics to make our decision.
Wow! Water under the bridge guys. The actual point I was trying to make is that we haven't started to work on our wagon...yet.
The difficult decision has been made. We just don't have the resources to give Fannie what is needed. We have listed her for sale, it's a challenging time. I hope it goes fast, like ripping off that very stuck on bandage.
Oh no! That is sad news for sure. I feel your pain. My wagon is rotting away in the driveway in need of work that I can no longer physically do nor justify the expense of having done. Best wishes to you and hubby.
She sold today. They will be back to pick her up next week. We had a lot of folks inquire, but three stood out to me. First, was the couple (from PEI) who bought her. They plan to restore her and keep her as original as possible. They loved all the photos, keep sakes and the things I had picked up over time. They liked the story about the first owner (Fannie) and want to keep the name for the car. Second was a dad with a 15 year old son who were looking for a project to work on together. Third was a young man (from NB) who has another Beaumont (non wagon) and wanted to restore her, but wanted to add a larger engine, transmission, that sort of idea. I have invited them to join us here (so I could follow their work ) letting them know how great you all are and how helpful you were when I first joined and needed a lot of direction with parts, decoding, all sorts of things. If they do join the Forum I suppose I will have to change my user name, it would just be weird, wouldn't it? I am sad that we couldn't restore her ourselves, but I am excited for these folks who really want to put her back to right and just enjoy driving her.
Looks like she's going to a good home and let's hope the new owners come on to the forum and keep us apprised of their progress with Fannie.
I'm sad to hear that she is gone and that you and your husband weren't able to finish her. But it sounds like she is going to a good home and will be back on the road soon. And I think that the general consensus is that getting a classic back on the road where it can be loved and enjoyed is what we hope for them. Even if it has to be with someone else.
