Model
D Engine Serial Number FS258 Found?
Hi Ralph, Thanks for sending me the
close up images of your Model D engine serial number.
Your email contained two image files but no message. It
appears the serial number is FS258, but the last two
numbers are badly rusted away by corrosion. What did you
make of it?
I loss all our pass correspondence
and the photos you emailed me when my old computer had a
hard drive failure about two weeks ago, and I would
appreciate if you could resend it to me.
I think you are the guy that had an
S-B V8 engine in your mom's storage locker and was
trying to identify it? Regards, Ken
Ken, I wasn’t too sure if the text of
the previous email made it to you or not. We did find
some numbers near the flywheel. That is what the picture
is on the previous email.
I also wanted to know if this engine
is worth anything to anybody. Would it be worth donating
to a museum or something like that? I appreciate your
help, Ralph
rf3711@sbc.com
Hi Ralph, Please email the photos you
have of this engine [again?] since my old computer lost
all my emails for the past 3 years, last month. What was
the story on this engine and what do you think is
missing or not re-buildable? Does it have the generator,
starter, carburetor, distributor, clutch, transmission,
or any other non-basic engine parts? Where are you
located - I live in So Calif.
I can't think of anyone who has been
looking for a spare S-B Model D engine, and I know of 4
other spare FERRO V8 engines that S-B Register car
owners have.
However, I might be interested in your V-8 engine
whether or not it is re-buildable or only suited as a
non-running display engine. It might be a good engine
for the basis of a period area speedster, if a suitable
chassis could be located? Regards, Ken
Obituary From The
Detroit News
BLOOMFIELD HILLS- Ellen Catherine
Norlen Booth, a gourmet cook whose husband was the
grandson of The Detroit News' founder, died in her sleep
on Friday, July 13, 2001, at her home in Brewster, N.Y.
She was 91.
The longtime Bloomfield Hills resident had lived in
Florida and Connecticut before settling in Brewster. She
was born in Anaconda, Montana and attended business
college. She was the second wife of car designer James
Scripps Booth. His father was former News Publisher
George Booth, a founder of Cranbrook. His grandfather
was James Edmund Scripps.
Ellen Catherine Norlen Booth was a
cat lover and vegetable gardener whose pastimes included
growing orchids and reading biographies of world
leaders. She also admired Winston Churchill.
"She was a quiet person and did all
the very nice things grandmothers do," Carol Booth of
Birmingham said of her stepmother-in-law. Mrs. Booth at
different times attended Presbyterian and Methodist
churches, her family said, but in her latter years she
called herself a born-again Christian.
Lois Booth of Birmingham, Mrs. Booth's granddaughter by
marriage, said she will always remember her "as a very
nice, sweet lady."
James Scripps Booth married the
former Ellen Catherine Norlen in Detroit in February
1943. He died in 1954.
Survivors include seven grandchildren, Thomas L. Booth,
David Marentette, Daniel Marentette, Carol Virginia
Beesley, Nancy Booth Hanscom, Brooke Van Gerbig and
Ellen Skinner; seven great-grandchildren; and four
great-great grandchildren. Services were Tuesday at the
Beecher Funeral Home in Brewster, N.Y.
My Grandfather owned a
Scripps-Booth Model?
Dear Mr. Kaufmann: My name is Joe
Hodkin. I'm looking for information on the first
Scripps-Booth 4-door touring. This is a long story. My
Grandfather, Joe Hodkin, had only one auto in his life
and that was a Scripps-Booth. I don't know what year it
was. There is only one relative (80) alive who seen the
auto (Norm Herington). He said it was a rag top and it
was a long auto. He also said that my Grandfather drove
it from California, where he worked in the oil fields,
to where we live in Western N.Y. It's like looking for
the Holly Grail. I do know that my Uncle Fred was born
in California in 1916, and Uncle Phil who was born next
was born here in N.Y. in 1918. My Grandmother was from
here, and my Grandfather drove it back here. He ran a
small grape farm. Some time before 1921, he lost his
left eye pulling brush. So in 1921, the first year you
had to get a drivers license, he didn't think he could
pass the drivers test, so he never took it. He stored
the auto until 1934, when they moved 50 north to
Tonawanda, N.Y., where he worked in a gas refinery.
Before he moved he gave the car to a good friend, who
made a tractor out of it.
I'm 55 now, but when I was 14 and was
just starting to hunt, I thought I seen the fenders on
his friends dump. I just found out that this tractor is
still in the woods of this guy’s brother. Got to wait
till the snow melts now. I'm looking any information,
pictures, spec's, anything. If it is there, I would like
to rebuild it. I just finished building from scratch an
1886 Benz Auto Wagon and the engine runs. I even had a
26-in. flywheel pored in cast-iron. I'm a Machinist. All
I had were pictures from the internet. I've chewed your
ear enough. Hope you get this and I here from you soon.
Regards, Joe
Hi Joe, thanks for your interesting
message. I am not sure what model Scripps Booth this
might be that your grandfather had?
The first S-B 4 door Touring was the
1918 Model H that had a V-8 engine, but it was shortly
discontinued in mid year when S-B was transferred from
Chevrolet to General Motors in mid 1918. This Model H
V-8 touring was phased out and replaced with the 1918-9
S-B Six-39 Touring that was based on the Oakland chassis
with the earlier 1916-18 S-B styling and the traditional
S-B Vee shape radiator. The engine was the same Northway
built OHV engine as used in the Oakland and Olds six.
The 1920-21 S-B was called the model B with the car
looking more like an Oakland with its new flat style
radiator.
The next step is to find out exactly
what model your grandfather had - for 1918 it would be
ether the Model H with the FERRO built OHV V8 or the Six
cylinder GM built Northway engine? S-B had a Model D
V-8, 4 pass roadster, that had both a front and rear
seats that was built between 1916-17 on the same V8
engine chassis as the 1918 Model H - but the Model D had
only 2 front doors. Let me know what you find out,
Regards, Ken
Hi Ken, the chassis was a ’28 Chev
truck! Regards, Joe
Photo of a Model C with
London Rego LO 5712
W. Stewart Wilson is updating his
book of postcards of Old Banchory in Kincardineshire and
sought to identify this car run by a family in the
neighbourhood. ‘LO 5712' was a London registration,
records of which have been destroyed. But 18 year old
Raul Valkila, came to the rescue with the information,
that it is a Scripps-Booth Model C Roadster built from
1915 to 1917 with a 25 HP, over-head-valve, engine from
the Sterling Motor Company. Scripps-Booth was founded in
1913, and its slogan was “Luxurious Light Car
Manufacturer.” Chevrolet took over in 1917, then GM took
over and turned it into a car division in 1918. The last
Scripps Booths were made in 1922, but there remains a
lively Scripps-Booth Register.
Did You Know Gary
Leuthauser?
Hi Ken, You have a great web page.
Had a question for you? Did you know Gary Leuthauser? He
was the owner of the 1917 D model Scripps Booth. I knew
him. He was a good friend of mine. He died back in the
early 80's.
I know after he died, his parents had a disassembled
Scripps-Booth in their basement. They sold it to
someone? I saw it once It was a BIG pile of PARTS,
but as far as I know the whole car was there. I don't
think this was the same car that was in Automobile
Quarterly in 1975,
but another unrestored one? Unfortunately, I don't know
what model or who bought it? Do you have any pictures of
Gary's car? Could you send me a copy if possible? Gary
was a great guy, a very interesting fellow. He had a lot
of quirks about him. I worked for him actually. He was
an absolutely brilliant architect and did general
contractor work for a few years. I was a laborer for him
for a few summers. I used to live next door to him in
Paulinskill Lake, NJ. Thanks, Chris Nagy
Chris_Nagy@earthlink.net
Hi Chris, No I never meet Gary so
only know what I have heard from others. The car in his
basement was a 1915 Model C that was sold before he died
to Alan Schier in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. We don’t
knows who owns his Model D today? There is a photo of
Gary’s Model D in my newsletter about two years ago,
that I found on the Passport car transport web site.
Regards, Ken
Grandmother’s
Scripps-Booth Was Stolen In The 70’s
Hi, my grandmother owned a
Scripps-Booth here in Australia during the first World
War years. I was given the enameled radiator emblem when
she died . I know the car has survived but do not know
the current owners? It was actually stolen in the early
Seventies. My grandmother used to describe the rounded
radiator and that it was like a large limo. I would
appreciate any information you could give me on the
cars. Regards, Greg Williams
Hi Greg, Thanks for getting in touch
with me on your S-B emblem and your grandmother's car.
What State did your grandmother live in? We know that
Roy Standford Ltd. in Sydney was the agent for
Scripps-Booth - starting in 1916. He sold a few Model C
roadsters and then in 1917 imported the much larger
Model D V-8 powered 4 passenger roadster in the 1917-18
period. When General Motors took over the company from
Chevrolet in mid 1918, the S-B started using the 6
cylinder Oakland chassis, and then built a 5 passenger
Tourer with 4 doors. In 1919, the Sydney Cadillac agent,
John McGrath was appointed the Sole Agent for the
Scripps-Booth for NSW by the GM Export Co. In 1920
S-B came out with its Model B that had a flat radiator
style and basically now looked just like an Oakland or
Olds Six. GM discontinued the car in mid 1922.
Durance-Mayston Motors in Melbourne were the Sole Agent
in VIC from at least 1918 to the end in 1922.
I am not sure what model you
grandmother could of had - if it was like a limo? Most
likely it would have been a 1918-19 Six Tourer since
this was the last model to have the traditional style
‘Vee’ type radiator. Do you remember if the car only had
2 doors or 4 doors? Do you remember if the car had the
wooden or wire wheels?
I suspect most of the Scripps-Booths
were imported into Australia between 1919 and 1922, with
the 5 or 6 cars known there today, all are 1919-20
models. If she owned a S-B limo type during 1917-8 World
War period, it must had been the Model D 4 -passenger
job with wire wheels?
You should be able to learn more
about S-B by visiting my web site. I am coming to NSW in
two weeks for a Vintage Chevrolet Rally in Goulburn -
then flying to Adelaide for a few days to visit a few
car collections. Regards, Ken
Inspected Early Six
Chassis In NSW
The early Scripps-Booth Six chassis
we inspected in NSW. What was there was in excellent
condition; radiator was 100%, nice wire wheels, and SB
hub caps all mint. The oval ID plate at right rear of
chassis was missing, but you could see the outline of
where it was. (oval shape about 4" long). The body
builders ID from firewall wasn't there and didn't look
like it ever was as there were no holes evident. There
was no front seat frame. Engine number is XC5750[?].
Generator serial number is 91550. Model number is
234D 6. I guess the 6 means that the generator was
for a 6 cylinder. Casting on head is 60159 W-8. It
also had a spare head that had been fully reconditioned,
and it's casting was 20201 HI. I think it is the one you
had mentioned the price of $8000, as the guy reckoned he
had sold it to a large old car collector in Western
Australia for $7000, but yet to be shipped.
The 1918-22 Car Number
Nameplates
Hi Peter, Thanks for getting in
contact with me. What does the word "Simonsau" stand
for? Sounds French? Did you notice in the S-B newsletter
No. 11 that a 1918 Chassis was For Sale in NSW for
AUD$8,500? This must be the same car as the one you
mentioned from Mogo?
I have never seen the CAR NUMBER
NAMEPLATE used in the 1917-19 period, but think the one
on Ebay might be the correct one for my Model G
roadster. I have seen the CAR NUMBER NAMEPLATE used in
1920-21 for the B models that is slightly different and
says:
IN CORRESPONDENCE
RELATIVE TO THIS CAR REFER
TO CAR NUMBER
[blank]
SCRIPPS-BOOTH CORP.
DETROIT, MICH.
The reproduction plate I got on Ebay
[I was pre25vintage and Tom Booth was the second bidder]
says:
IN CORRESPONDENCE WITH
FACTORY RELATIVE TO THIS
CAR REFER TO CAR
NUMBER
[blank]
SCRIPPS BOOTH CORP.
Notice this repro plate left out the
hyphen in S-B.
Your Dad in the Newsletter No. 13
mentioned you had also purchased a Model B chassis with
engine #BD5027-2X [that he wasn't too sure about] and
said you would confirm this engine number and any other
numbers found? Is this chassis also Right Hand Drive
with magneto ignition? Did you ever find a CAR Number
[or is your plate missing like mine is?] and engine
number for your 6-39 Tourer? Does this engine have the
magneto ignition? I have added your name to receive the
newsletters by email in the future. Regards, Ken
Another Six Cylinder
Chassis in South Australia
Dear Ken, Thanks for your note from
the other day. Simonsau is nothing more serious than the
consequence of a nick-name – I have frequently been
known (especially at work) as Simon, and the sau equals
South Australia, my former home state.
Yes the chassis in S-B Newsletter No.
11 was the one I was referring to. It seems to have gone
to ground, but would appear to be the same as my 6–39
Tourer.
The second chassis is also right hand
drive, and magneto ignition; the engine number is not
easy to determine (a lot of embedded rust) but looks
like as quoted (the "X" is a bit of a puzzle though).
This chassis was acquired from a farm only about 45
miles out of Adelaide where Dad lives- I live in
Canberra which is about 750 miles away. It was described
by the old fellow who sold it as a 1921. He did describe
it as having the (later) squared off radiator (sadly not
with the car). The engine bore appears to be 2 13/16.
The 6-39 Tourer Car Number Nameplate (like yours) is
missing, and its engine does have magneto
ignition. Thanks for including me on your email
distribution. Regards, Peter
Found Model G Chev 4
Engine In New Zealand?
Dear Ken, I was hoping that you would
be able to assist me in identifying an engine I saw at a
swapmeet recently. The engine was touted to be a Chev 4
engine of about the 1925 vintage. Except that it did not
look like the Chev 4's I have in my 1927 truck. Also
there was a very old label on the engine noting that it
was a Scripps-Booth engine. If it is a Scripps-Booth
engine, I will pick it up as a special buy, and to
preserve it for the future, rather than see it disappear
into a dump somewhere in a few years time. The engine
looked very Chev 4 like, with a single exhaust port,
twin inlet ports, etc. There were two small rocker
covers (tappet covers) each covering the rockers for two
cylinders. The pushrods were exposed. The distributor
(missing) was driven off the back of the generator, as
was an external oil pump. Alas the drive plate on the
back of the distributor had been smashed at some stage
in its life. I did not have the foresight to take down
the engine number, in fact not even knowing where to
look. There was nothing really distinctive about the
engine, which was still attached to the front part of
the chassis. I can not remember if the clutch was on the
engine, or if it was simply covered by bell-housings
etc.
Scripps Booth is an uncommon name, in
fact I had only heard of it through your articles in the
G&D and VVCA Australia magazines. If the
engine is in fact a Scripps-Booth engine, I will get it
and put it aside. The engine still turned over, after
many years in a shed.
Can you help me in identifying this
engine, with sample engine numbers, or where to look on
the engine for identifying marks. We met a few years ago
at the VVCAA anniversary in Forbes, NSW, Australia. At
that stage I was going to send you a photograph of my
1952 Bedford Bus - which I never actually did by the
way. I hope to be at the next anniversary rally in
Goulburn next year. Best regards Michael Dorbeck
Hi Mike, Yes I remember talking to
you at Forbes and will see you next year at Goulburn. If
you have found a 1917-19 Model G engine, that was built
by the Mason Motor Company in Flint, the engine serial
number is stamped on the outer surface of the
flywheel and has a “SB” prefix. It can also be seen on
the cylinder head exhaust port, top, flange area.
However, this could be a 1925 Chev 4 since it has the
twin metal valve covers, while the Model G engine would
have a cast-iron one piece with external oilers that
lube up a felt strip inside. The 1925 Chev 4 generator
has both the distributor drive and the oil pump mounted
on the rear, while the Model G the oil pump is driven
off the generator front with the distributor driven of
the back. The ’25 block has a pad on the left side where
the serial # is stamped. Good luck, Ken
Found a 1919 Six
Chassis in New Zealand
Hi Ken, Your newsletters are very
interesting, and it helps us to understand the car.
Today we went to Te Aroha to visit Bryce Johnston and
his Scripps Booth Chassis. A very interesting man who
loves old Austins, as he has restored two. He brought
his chassis and running gear for 2 pound ($4.00) 40
years ago. It had a home made cab on it. The body was
rubbish. The chassis, steering, running gear all
complete. The wheels had no tyres, but are wire spoked.
The hubcaps are all Scripps Booth. The engine is a
Northway 6 cylinder - Casting No. 24538-4-W. This is on
the left hand side of the motor at the rear, while
sitting in the drivers seat. Engine number MC 49955
stamped just below head on right hand side. Do you know
what model this could be? No floor pan or seats so no
identification plates. We couldn't find one by the right
rear wheel.
We have videoed it and taken some
photo's. But the chassis was in a dark place in his
garage and when he takes it outside to move, he will
call us and we can get better photo's and on video.
Graham Power in Auckland is going to
video his car, and we are trying to get in touch with
Bendon Fox from Levin to do the same thing. When we have
these done, hopefully you will get a copy from us.
If you hear of any more in NZ, can
you please let us know? We have got in touch with the
archives in Wellington to find out more information on
imported cars. Bryce told us that a company in Auckland
imported cars back in the prime time of the Scripps Era.
McDonald Helligan Motors, so now we are going to trace
them.
A wee small favor. If you can
identify the model of this vehicle, do you have the body
plans or spec’s of this car. We are considering possible
purchase of this chassis. Thanks, Dave &
Sandie, dovevalley@xtra.co.nz
Hi Dave and Sandie. Thanks so much
for tracking down Bryce Johnson in Te Aroha and your
report on his 1919 S-B Six-39 (most likely) Tourer
chassis. Thanks for confirming that the #24538-4-W is
indeed the block casting number and where you found the
Engine No. MC49955 stamped on the block right side. The
M prefix refers to the magneto ignition this engine was
equipped with. Sorry, I don't have any body plans or
specifications and would suggest you take measurement
off of an existing car and take plenty of photos.
While searching the Internet for
"Scripps-Booth" info, I found that the Yaldhurst Museum
[which is being sold] near Christchurch list a
unrestored 1917 Scripps-Booth Tourer [item # 622] in its
collection in storage. There is no picture or serial #
listed like most of the other cars. Below is the link to
its cars data base - just go down to # 622. This might
be a Model D V-8, since some of the time the 4 pass
roadster is called a Tourer, or could be a 1918 Model H
which was a 4 door Tourer? This might be an easy one for
you guys to check out and might be a match for your
radiator?
http://yaldhurstmuseum.co.nz/database/car.htm
I am glad you guys are now getting
interested in restoring a veteran Scripps-Booth, but I
would always suggest you have a good look around and do
lots of research first. Good hunting, Ken
Ride in a 1918 6-40
Roadster in Auckland
Hello Ken Thank you for your
info. It's a great read, we enjoy what you send
us. I am looking for some information. I am going
to Warkworth near Auckland to visit Graham Power.
He has a 1918 6-40 Roadster. It won’t go properly,
and we are going to try and rectify this problem.
We need the tune up information. Do you have this
information. If we get the car working right, I
will have my first ride in it. Thanks, Dave & Sandie
Hi Dave, Plug gap: 0.028"; Points
gap: 0.022"; Initial timing [distributor ignition]: 20
deg., with the breaker contacts just opening when No. 1
piston is on TDC, compression stroke, spark control and
breaker assembly fully retarded; Firing order:
1-5-3-6-2-4; and Tappets: 0.004 (stop - cold). Hopes
this helps - have a fun ride – Ken
Model C Close Valve
Engine in New Zealand
Ken, I have been relocating some of
my car parts recently and have managed to get the engine
number from one of my Scripps Booth engines. The engine
number is 2977 and casting number is 1648F. Also have
another engine of the same type. I also found that
amongst my spares, I have an under slung front axle for
my car. Hope you are having fun with your car.
Pictured is the engine which numbers
are listed above, and also a diff. Could you identify
which models had this type of diff? Does it suit the 490
Chev powered model? Could you tell me if Scripps-Booth
used the Chev gearbox as well. Regards, Brendon
Fox bdfox@paradise.net.nz
Hi Brendon, the block cast #1648F
indicates the later, above #10,000 serial number engine,
so you # must be #12977 and not #2977? The block casting
#525F is used below #3000 engine serial number and is
the first type engine with 2 7/8" bore and no valve
cover.
Yes - looks like the one on my Model
G, but the sure way to tell is - the torque bar is [34
inches] much longer on the Model G because of its longer
rear springs, while the Model C with only 1/4 elliptical
rear springs is much shorter, and it would be the same
length as the spring.
Yes, my Model G uses the Chev 490
clutch and gearbox - except it has a parking brake
handle and different rear housing, since the Model G has
an open driveshaft, while the Chev 4 used a torque-tube
type driveshaft.
Thanks for your new email address.
Regards, Ken
1919 Six-39 Tourer In
UK Auction
1919 Scripps-Booth Model Six-39 Tourer
Registration Number: Not UK registered
Chassis Number ?
Engine Number: ?
Discovered at a horse-drawn carriage
sale in Pennsylvania, USA last year, this remarkably
original tourer has seemingly covered less than 8,000
miles from new. Its registration plates date its last
apparent public road use to 1926 and the lack of wear in
the steering mechanism and controls goes some way to
substantiating this. In generally sound condition, the
car even retains its tool kit nestled in the driver's
door pocket. The engine turns freely and the car retains
its rocker cover and starting handle.
General Motors assumed control of
James Scripps-Booth's company in 1918. From then on
Scripps-Booths became ever more mechanically similar to
their GM brethren although they commanded a healthy
price premium. The marquee’s distinctive V-shaped
radiator was dropped in 1920 and production ceased a
scant two years later. Estimate: £4,500 - £5,500.
Reported sold for £5,082.
Parts For Sale
Hi, I have some 1917 Scripps
parts that I am seriously thinking about scrapping. I
have adv. these in Hemmings with no results. They are as
follows: frame rails, front springs, door or trunk lid?
windshield lower section, 2 wheels wooden, 2 hub caps,
speedometer, steering wheel center, transmission. If you
would know any one that would be interested in this
stuff they can have it for whatever they would offer for
it, I really hate to scrap these parts. thanks Marshall
Kephart, 205 1st Ave. Lakmt. Altoona, Penna. 16602
Hi Marshall, Yes I remember seeing
your ad for 1918 S-B parts in HMN back about 6 years ago
with the phone #814-942-8769. This information was
printed in our annual newsletter. I have a 1918 S-B
Model G roadster [the Model G roadster was built in
1917-19 with the Chevrolet 4 cal engine/clutch/gear box.
Do you know what Model these parts are from? The S-B Six
cal model came out late in 1918 as a touring and
roadster and believe these would have been the first
model to use wooden wheels. Does the transmission look
like it bolts up to a clutch housing or has a 4 hole
flange mount to a frame and is remote from the clutch
with no clutch housing? My transmission has a cast # of
14181 on the right side gear case near the top and has a
1 1/8 inch square input shaft.
What does your lower windshield frame
measure out to? Mine is 36 1/2" wide and 8 3/4" high
measured at the corner edge and is 4 3/4" in the middle.
The bottom corner is a 90 deg angle - not rounded like
the 1918-9 Six model which is also about 3 inches wider.
Perhaps if we could identify these parts better, we
could find a home for them? Regards, Ken
Hi Ken, Thanks for reply. The
transmission cast no. is 14751, input shaft is round
& splined 1 5/8" dia. It also has a ratchet gear on
side, I guess for a hand brake, 6 bolt mt. flange. Wind
shield bottom is 38" across top 7 1/2" in center, 11" on
outside edges with rounded bottom corners. The door is
21 3/8" by 29 3/4", I would say pass. side. It is made
from sheet metal with a wooden frame work inside. There
is a small cast piece at the top rear corner and also
one where door handle shaft would have went through,
door is decent for its age. I also might have a
distributor. I got several of them at the same
place-they are definitely old. I don’t know the model
& the owner passed away years ago.
I used to play in this car when I
was a very young child- it was a neighbor’s car. This
man was a tinker, and he completely dismantled the car
even down to taking the frame apart-most of it I guess
got scrapped. What I have is from scrounging around the
property when the family sold the estate. Well that’s
the story. I dabble a little in Ford parts. I set up at
Ford Carlisle once a year, so if some one could use this
Scripps stuff, I would trade for a little Ford stuff.
Any way thank you for your time, Marshall
Hi Marshall, Thanks for your reply.
Yes, these parts are from a 1918-19 Model Six-39 Touring
car from the identification of the transmission and
windshield frame. This Six-39 model also came standard
with the wooden spoke wheels. I will print your email in
my yearly newsletter that comes out around Christmas
time. The transmission is manufactured by Warner Gear
and might be used on other GM cars like the Oakland and
Oldsmobile six. Sorry can't used any of your parts
myself. Regards, Ken
Sterling Engine No.
4717 in a 1918 Birch
Hi, Saw your website and enjoyed
reading it. I picked up
some info from it but would like to know where I can get
more info on the Sterling engine. I have a 1918 Birch
auto that has one. It is a 4 cyl. valve o/h. The block
casting # is 645F, the head casting # is 398F and all
parts are stamped with #4717. It has a Remy Dist., Model
207D, ser. #6594. A Allis Chalmers start./gen. (chain-
drive off the flywheel).
I am in the process of rebuilding the
engine and would like to find out the specs. on it
(bearing clearances, torques of heads and rods/mains. I
also would like to possibly get a picture of the
complete engine. Mine was set up from not being run.
After disassembly, I found a cracked piston, bad
bearings (main and rod) a bad crankshaft, and thin
valves. Now all repairs have been made and it is ready
for reassembly. The reason I would like a picture is I
don't believe it has the correct coil and am wondering
if there are oilcups on the rocker arm assem.
I also would like to find out about
the Sterling Motor Co. Part of the enjoyment I get out
of the antique auto hobby is
researching my vehicles. I am willing to pay for any
info that you can help me with. Thank you for all your
help-Buck Hughes Stephany.k.hughes@att.net
Hi Buck, Sorry I have never seen any
repair info for the Sterling engine, and the only man
living who has had recent experience is also a HCCA
member in Kalamazoo who last year finished the
restoration of the Cornelian Race Car that Louis
Chevrolet modified and drove in the 1915 Indy 500 Race.
The Cornelian used the Sterling open valve engine.
Contact Al Rohrstaff at phone 616-344-4571. Al email is:
alrohr616@aol.com
Attached are two image files with the
first one of a photo of a left side of the 3" bore that
been modified with a water pump but looks like it has
the REMY distributor [except the Scripps-Booth version
used a automatic advance type distributor]. This engine
is for sale in NYC. For better detail of the rocker arms
the second file shows the parts illustration for the S-B
version of the Sterling engine up to serial #5000. The
manual adds: points where oil should be applied - to the
overhead valve mechanism, on top of the valve steam, to
the wick in the rocker arm shaft, and to the oil at the
top of the push rod. These points should be kept well
oiled to prevent any squeaks."
As for the coil, my REMY catalog
printed in 1922 goes back only to the 1916 S-B Model C
that started at Sterling engine #10,000 up, which used
the same REMY 1922 replacement coil as used on my 1918
S-B Model G and 1918 Chevrolet D5 V8 Touring, which is
the 284K coil that has the built in condenser and an
external resistance unit that mounts on this coil top. I
know the early 1915 S-B Models with the Sterling engine
[below #3000 with 2 7/8" bore] used the Atwater-Kent
automatic advance distributor, and always presumed so
did the later 3.0 bore Sterling engine with serial #
from 3001 up to 9999 when switch was made to the closed
valve engines [and 12 volt to 6 volt] for the 1916
Models. So perhaps REMY distributors and coils were used
before the end of the 1915 model year, or they were
supplied as replacement for the A-K models? Is your set
up then for 12 VDC? Any date codes found on the block or
head yet? Regards, Ken
Writing a Car Magazine
Story on Scripps-Booth
Hi Ken, We talked earlier in the week
about Scripps-Booth cars. I am writing a short story for
Car Collector magazine about them and am looking for
some illustrations for it. I have found a number of
advertisements but no photos and wondered if the
Register has one or two that I could use. It could be a
period image or a contemporary one. It takes some six
months before they would be used and returned from the
magazine.
I would be happy to mention the
Register in the story. I usually include both the snail
mail and email addresses, and a telephone contact. If
there is some special point (s) you would like
mentioned, please let me know.
I looked up the Register website and
found it’s very interesting. I did not know a DaVinci
survives. Some time ago, I found a number of period
photos of James Scripps-Booth with the sedan in the
Detroit Public Library. It did not seem as unusual as
his earlier cars. Brooks Brierley
Hi Brooks, I have attached my write
up story for the VCCA Club magazine on my adventures
with my 1918 Model G Roadster on the Canmore Chev 4 Tour
this last July. During this cars ‘50’s restoration the
whole car was painted red-the fenders and splash aprons
should be black. This I am currently doing with all the
fenders, hood, and splash aprons presently removed to be
painted black.
I checked my files and found several
photos of the ex-Harrah’s 1916 Model C that is now owned
by George Pope in Fresno, California. They were taken at
a car show, so there are some people and other cars in
the background. If still interested, I could scan them
for you to preview to check suitability?
From my website, you might of read
that James S Booth's grandson recently bought a 1916
Model C red roadster too. I am sure Tom would be glad to
mail you some photos of his pride and joy. You can
contact Thomas Booth in the Detroit area at:
tlb999@comcast.net
I would be happy to look over your
proof story and make any correction and comments. Keep
in touch, Ken
Scripps-Booth Wanted In
The UK
I would be extremely interested to
know if any Scripps Booth cars are for sale?
I am a member of the Scripps family
and live in England where I have a collection of classic
cars as well as an archive of car photographs dating
from the early 1900's to 1960, mainly of European cars.
I have always wanted to find a
Scripps-Booth and your website would seem a good place
to locate one!
Sincerely, Matt Spitzley
Hi Matt, Good to hear from you. Yes,
there are a few Scripps-Booth cars that should be
available that I know about. What condition and what
models are you mostly interested in? In fact, a 1919
Six-39 Touring car with about 8000 miles [unrestored]
showed up in Great Britain at the Cheffins Auto Auction
there this last April 6th. It sold for £5,082.
Do you have any photographs of
Scripps-Booth taken in England? I would also interested
in seeing old photos of pre-1920 Chevrolets, 1912-14
Little Fours, and 1910-12 Whitings. We know the Whiting
and Little runabouts were sold in England from reports
in the MOTOR and other auto trade publications. I am
still looking for English newspaper or magazine adverts
for the Little and Whiting runabouts and the
Scripps-Booth cars.
The 3 Veteran restored cars I have
are a 1912 Little 4 runabout, a 1918 Chevrolet Eight
Model D5 Touring, and a 1918 Scripps-Booth Model G
roadster that has the Chev 4 engine, clutch, and
transmission.
Let me know your interest since I
know about several stateside cars that should be
available.
Are you interested in a copy of the
S-B Owners Roster that would give you addresses and
phone numbers. Ken
Royal Danish Family
Owned Some Model C’s
Hello Scripps-Booth owners, I am
currently doing some research on the cars of the Royal
Danish Family for National Danish Television. They had
several American produced cars, among them, a 1916 model
C that belonged to the Queen Alexandrine and later to
her son Crown Prince Frederik (later King Frederik IX of
Denmark). I have a nice photo of him in the car.
Unfortunately I don't know anything about the car, but
what is apparent on this photo. It is a black and white
photo, but it seems that it is white, or some light
color. It had registration number K461. Do you have any
information about this car? Hope to hear from you soon.
Martin Lund, Journalist/TV producer nitram@lund.mail.dk
“Appeals Strongly To People Of This Sort”
Hi Martin, I have attached 2 files
that are scans of the 1916 S-B Model C newspaper
advertisements where it states Queen Alexandrine,
Princess Margrethe, and Prince Aage all were
Scripps-Booth owners. Notice S-B was proud that "It
happens to be the one American car which appeals
strongly to people of this sort the world over." It
overseas dealers mainly handled such fine cars as
Peugeot, Mercedes, R-R, and Isotta-Fraschini.
I would be interested is seeing the
photo of the Model C with registration K461. I have
never heard from anybody before from Denmark, but there
is a Model C owner in Norway that has told me about his
research of S-B sales in that country. The standard
color of the Model C was a very dark blue which we call
blue/black and later a gray color was also used to paint
the body - both had black fenders and chassis with white
painted Houk Wire Wheels. However it was known that
special lighter colors were available on special order.
Are you interested in more technical
features of the Model C or of the company itself?
Myself, I own a 1918 Model G, which looks just like the
Model C except the fuel tank is relocated to the rear of
the car under the frame, from the dash/cowl area.
The Chevrolet company took over the
control of the S-B company by 1917, and for the Model G
replaced the smaller Sterling engine and transmission,
with its own "Four-Ninety" engine with a few
improvement. When Chevrolet was merged into General
Motors Corp in 1918, S-B became the seventh GM car
division. The S-B was then upgraded from a "Luxurious
Light Car" to a new position in the GM lineup between
the Oldsmobile and the Buick - but didn't sell too well,
and was discontinued in April of 1922.
Most S-B dealers did a lot of local
advertising in the big city newspaper in 1916. I bet if
you were to look in the Kopenhaven major newspaper in
1916 [spring to fall is most likely] you will find some
great S-B ads? Ken
Hi Ken, I just checked the biggest
newspaper in Denmark for spring 1917 S-B adds with no
luck. However I did find some in another trendy magazine
from that year, and the search goes on. I would very
much like to have the American adverts in the book. I
think it's very interesting that S-B used Danish Royals
to promote their car!
Does the term “Cloverleaf” speaking
of the 1917 C model has any meaning to you? Have you by
the way any information as to the history of the SB
manufacturers? Regards, Martin
Hi Martin, by 1917, because of a
number of factors, but mainly from the US starting to be
involvement in the War with material shortages, the
Model C was gaining a poor name and sales were greatly
reduced. The improved Model G was first displayed in
January 1917 at the NYC Automobile Show but was not
ready for delivery until the summer of 1917 as a 1918
model. The Spring of 1916 when the Model C was
introduced to Denmark would have been a more likely
period for car newspaper adverts. Also, sometimes it was
not the biggest newspaper in town where the ads where
placed, but the newspaper that appeal to the sporting
motorist was the one that had the best automobile
editors, and therefore the better auto section with
adverts.
The copies I have of these Royalty
adverts where copied off of old, scratch microfilm from
the Kansas City Star at the Kansas City Public
Library-but perhaps the images could be enhanced? I will
rescan them at a higher 300 dpi resolution and send each
file as a separate email over a several days period. Let
me know how they come out on your end.
The term “cloverleaf” applies to a
body design that was popular in 1915-18 period of a 3
passenger roadster, where there were 2 seats in the
front with a single seat in the middle back that you got
to by walking between the split front seats.
Scripps-Booth never built a 3-passenger cloverleaf
roadster. The Model C was a 3-pasenger roadster but the
third child seat was moved out from under the dash at
the feet of the passenger. The Model D was a 4-pass
roadster with 2 seats in back that you got to by walking
between the 2 front seats- so seats layout would look
like a 4 leaf clover - but the 4-leaf clover term was
never used like the “Cloverleaf” term for a 3-leaf
clover layout. Regards, Ken
Hi Martin, I found this
newspaper report from the Indianapolis Star for 9 May
1915 concerning the Scripps-Booth dealer in Copenhagen,
Messes. Block and Landrup who also handled the R-R,
Berliet, and Sunbeam.
20 Scripps-Booth Will Be Shipped Across the Atlantic
Most significant of the high rank of
the aristocracy attained by the Scripps-Booth car is the
connections which this car has formed abroad.
When men like Messrs. Block and
Landrup, at Copenhagen, handling only such cars as the
Rolls-Royce, Berilet, and Sunbeam, add the
Scripps-Booth to so illustrious a line. It means nothing
less than that the Scripps-Booth qualifies
mightily in the necessary points of distinction. The
three cars just mentioned possess the acme of grace,
luxury, and speed and have come to be so regarded in the
old world, a reputation which is valued most highly by
their manufacturers and dealers.
The Scripps-Booth has been selected, and Messrs. Block
and Landrup have requested that twenty Scripps-Booth
cars be transported across as their opening order for
the 1915 season.
Here is my short version of the:
"History of the
Scripps-Booth Company, 1913-1922"
James Scripps Booth, a talent artist
and car designer, was born in 1888. His father George
Gough Booth married in 1887 Ellen Warren Scripps, one of
the daughters of the legendary James Edmund Scripps,
founder of the Detroit News in 1873. James E. appointed
his new son-in-law to run this newspaper while JSB was a
baby. James E only son, William Edmunds Scripps, born
1882, demonstrated an early interest in things
mechanical and founded the Scripps Motor Company in
Detroit in 1906 to manufacture marine engines. It was in
business up till 1956.
JSB in 1911-12 design and built a
large, 3200 pound, 2-wheel vehicle powered by the first
V-8 engine built in Detroit named the Bi-Autogo. It
proved after a short road test, impractical to drive on
the street, and the experimental work was stop after
spending a family investment of $25,000.
JSB next design a tandem seater
cyclecar that was basically a 4-wheel, 36” track, 10 hp,
750 pounds motorcycle, that used leather belts to turn
the rear wheel. JSB convinced his Dad and his Uncle Will
of the Scripps Motor Co. to invest in this new business.
The Scripps-Booth Cyclecar Company was incorporated for
$50,000 on November 1, 1913 to manufacture this cyclecar
for 1914. With only $5,000 worth of stock paid in by the
end of the year, the new company had a slow start. This
little cyclecar fad lasted in the United States for only
a short few months, so after building about 400 units,
production was stop in mid year.
The next step was to change the
course and name of the company, by dropping off the
Cyclecar name, and increasing its capital stock to
$150,000. JSB created a new market spot in the U.S. by
designing and building the "Luxurious Light Cars," with
the first production Model C introduced as a 3 passenger
staggered seat roadster in February 1914. This stylish
roadster that came standard with premium
“quick-detachable” Houk Wire Wheels, featured a Vee
shape radiator in front, and a torpedo stern at the rear
that mounted the spare wheel and tire.
The small 20-hp engine was sourced from the Sterling
Motor Co. in Detroit, the same company that built all
the big Chevrolet Six Cylinder engines for all of its
larger 1913 and 1914 models. This Sterling company, that
was started by WC Durant in 1912, was spun off from
Chevrolet in mid 1913 to Durant’s next in command,
William H Little. Little, who had been second to Durant
since 1906, when he was made the Buick Plant manager,
re-joining Durant in the end of May 1911, where he was
directly responsible for organizing both the Chevrolet
Motor Company in Detroit and the Little Motor Car
Company in Flint. The Sterling company took over from
Chevrolet its fine new plant on West Grand Blvd, when
the Chevrolet company was moved to Flint in July 1913,
after it was merged together with the Little company.
The roadster was joined by a bigger
4-passenger roadster for 1916 that was called a "Light
Eight." This Model D featured a small FERRO built V-8
engine, that was the first company to cast a one-piece
V-8 block.
However, the Scripps-Booth Company
now assembling two types of cars [shipped about 6,000
cars with about 2000 cars being shipped into high class
foreign markets], found itself in a cash flow problem,
with the Sterling company holding its overdue notes for
engines delivered but not paid for. This also cause a
serious cash problem for Bill Little and his Sterling
company since Scripps-Booth was Sterling’s biggest
customer by far. In step, W.C.Durant who, with himself
along with the Chevrolet Motor Company of Michigan,
still held a large block of Sterling stock, solved the
cash problem and merged the two companies together in
July 28, 1916 and incorporated in New York as the
Scripps-Booth Corporation. Durant by now was also the
President of both General Motors and Chevrolet, and he
got his relatives and friends to invest in this new
corporation. Within a few months, JSB resigned October
3, 1916, as Durant and his Chevrolet company took over
control of Scripps-Booth.
The improved 1917 Model G roadster
was announced in January. The weak Sterling engine was
replaced by the proven Chev 4 engine and transmission
with production starting in late Spring. But now
production shortages caused by the War effort and rising
material cost had a big impact on production that was
greatly decreased. When Chevrolet was merged into
General Motors in May 1918, control of Scripps-Booth
went with it.
Then in July General Motors made it
official by making Scripps-Booth its 7th Car
Division. The Scripps-Booth Six was by now a bigger car
using the chassis and engine that were shared with the
Oakland and Oldsmobile Six. With disappointing sales
General Motors announced plans to liquidate the
Scripps-Booth Division with the last car shipped April
1922. Regards, Ken
My Model G Story
Continues
So Sunday morning Pat and I arrived
at the designated Bakersfield parking lot and parked
next to this Scripps-Booth that was still up on an open
trailer from getting inspected by the CHP and DMV. We
met Frank, who turned out to be an old car guy
[grandfather gave him a Model A], but is now more into
hotrods and fast boats. This past few weeks he has been
trying to get his 1918 Scripps-Booth Model G roadster
titled in California, so he could sell it. He had it
inspected both by the California Hwy. Patrol and the
Dept. of Motor Vehicles who gave up and assigned it a
California ID number that is now attached to the
firewall. I told Frank to look on the flywheel outer
circle, which he said he did. He did remove the cast
iron S-B valve cover and found the name "MASON" and the
DFCO foundry code [Detroit Foundry Company] and 407 D #,
but the head has no date code cast into the head that
can be seen. On the block, which is a #967 cylinder
block, but the # not cast into this block, is the block
casting date of 6-29-18. The foundry code is H 3 that
stands for the Romeo Foundry.
I spent a good hour cleaning off 83
years of hard grime off that outer flywheel surface and
finally it all paid off as the serial # SB1822 showed
up. There were a reported 800 Model G's made in 1917 [up
to 12-31-17], 1100 up to 12-31-18. with the last 1100
built in 1919 for a total of 3000. So these numbers make
sense with this car being built about 3-4 months after
the block date code about November 1918 - since # SB1900
would of been built before the end of December that
year. I had never seen how the Mason company stamp the
serial # for S-B [the other 4 Model G’s can't find the
Flywheel # and the 5th one has a 28 Chev 4 engine/trans
in it], but Mason simply added the “SB” prefix. I have
seen two Samson 3/4 ton trucks that use about the same
Mason engine, and they used the "SF" prefix like: SF1017
and SF5919.
I have been looking for 30 years for
an S-B with the Mason built 171 CID engine and
transmission in it, so naturally I was interested in
buying this car. I made a good fair offer to Frank for
this 50's amateur restoration Model G that been in
questionable storage the last 15 years. Frank said he
would let me know in a few days, if he would accept it
or not? This low slung roadster with its 5 Houk Wire
Wheels, would sure make the ideal Chev 4 Tour car
Well Frank called that following
Wednesday night and said he accepted my offer and will
deliver the car down to my house that coming Sunday
between 9-9:30 AM. Frank showed up at 10 AM. I pumped up
the air in the right rear flat tire, and we pushed the
S-B off the trailer in my driveway. We were surprised
the hand brake worked good, stopping it half way down
the trailer ramps.
I spent most of day just cleaning the
car up. I put the vinyl fabric top up and found the
front two bows are cracked in two. I discovered the
driver’s door was removable - but took about an hour
trying to mate the hinges back together. I removed the
right rear Houk wheel lock ring, and then the tire and
tube, and found the leak at the stem. I put in a new
tube, and re-installed the tire, slip the lock ring back
on, pump up tire-and it was all fixed. These new type
quick demountable rims are sure easier to change then
clinchers any day-I love them! So now I have an easy
rolling car, with air in all 4 tires, that can be push
around the driveway and garage.
I still could not find any serial #
on transmission case or Car No. plate, that is surposed
to be nailed on the right seat heal board. l will look
closer for the numbers on the transmission, since I will
have to pull it to replace the clutch leather, which is
hanging out from the cone clutch.
I removed the exhaust manifold and
gasket, and this head is stamped on the exhaust port top
flange clearly "SB1722"! What are the chances that some
owner 70 years ago, went down to his local junk yard and
found a good cylinder head off another S-B, that the
engine was built exactly 100 units before it? Close -
but I have an engine where the numbers don't match!
At least this head is from another
S-B donor engine or did the inspector just stamp the
wrong #7? and not that of a 1918 Chev 4 which would have
had the 'B' prefix. The S-B #407 head is different than
the Chev 4, since it has a drilled port to feed water
from the heated manifold back to the head. The S-B #967
block also has a raised port that is drilled to supply
the hot water to the intake manifold.
The S-B engine Mason built also
featured two half-length push rod covers fastened by 2
thumbscrews. It uses a cork gasket to try and seal up
this lifter area. This dressed up engine has a 10-12
pound cast iron valve cover with 4 external oilers that
direct lubrication oil to a strip of felt, wedged into
the underside of this cover. This good looking valve
cover has the letters SB cast into the top, and also has
a passageway to route the spark plug wires through it.
A few days later I was able to move
back the stuck right side door latch with a screwdriver
and open that door. I then removed the interior panel to
lube the lock–with all the interior door wood being in
great shape.
I figured the front Houk hubs and hub
nuts are correct for Left & Right, but the rear hubs
were install on opposite sides and should be swapped
back. I have an extra right side hub nut but need a left
side for the spare. I cleaned up the spare 24" Houk Wire
Wheel All the #4 Houk Wire Wheels have 60 spokes, #5
have 66, and #6 have 72 spokes, according to the 1917
Houk sales literature I have. However the five wheels I
have are Houk #4 hub nuts, but these 24” wheels have 66
spokes. They do have the metal detent inserts inside the
#4 wheel hubs that the locking tab on the hubcaps drops
into. Likely these 66 spoke wheels are a later 1918 type
that were manufactured after the Wire Wheel Corp. took
over from the Houk company?
I took my #5 hub wrench to work
thinking our welder could modify my wrench to fit the #4
hub nut, he took it up to our machine shop and had the
plasma cutter cut a new wrench out of a 3/8" plate,
using the old wrench as a pattern. Then with a little
grinding-I had a new #4 clone wrench. I had to still use
a 3-ft pipe cheater bar, but got the nuts off in a few
seconds.
I removed the round REMY starter and
cleaned up the bendix drive. It works a little slow but
need to be check for voltage drops especially on the
ground return path to the battery. I think I will add a
ground strap from starter to side frame rails.
Also removed intake manifold and the
Carter BB #245S which is a Universal carb that has an
accelerator pump and adjustable main jet. It was very
hard to take apart because the pump piston was rusted
and stuck. I found it was a 1 1/2" carb bolted right up
to the stock S-B 1" intake flange. I messed up the carb
gasket or float because now it starts but only wants to
run for 30 sec and dies like it ran out of fuel.
I checked with the West Coast Houk
wheel expert, and he says his Houk catalog list the #4
hubs, 66 spokes, SS straight side tires with lock rings,
with 32x4" tires were used on the 1918 S-B Model H V8
Touring while the 16-17 S-B Model D V8 4 pass roadster
used #4 hubs, 60 spokes, plain Clincher 32x4 tires. He
joked I just have the wrong engine in my S-B?
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Remember, the Scripps-Booth Website is access at:
scrippsboothregister.com
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