Ahrens-Fox Information
from Alex Black's "Tool Box" Column
in Enjine!Enjine!

Reprinted with permission of Alexander C. Black, the author.

August 25, 1970:

Q: Are there any sources for fabric-covered wire, commonly used on vintage rigs?

A: We know of two off-hand. They cater mostly to antique car buffs, and have in stock ready-made wiring harnesses. If you write them, describe what you're looking for and they should be able to help.

Q: My headlight reflectors are getting very dull and can't be polished any more. How should they be restored?

A: I've seen several different types of re-plating tried. including chrome and nickel. But the besyt way is to have them silver-plated. It not only looks better and lasts longer, but silver is original.

January 31, 1971:

About replating: "First, the metal should be cleaned and buffed down to s mooth polished surface. Next, a layer of copper is put on. This material can be used to smooth-out imperfections in the original metal. After the copper is built-up to a proper siurface, it is buffed to a mirror shine. Then, nickel is applied and can be finish-buffed to a beautiful gloss. If the article is to be chromed [on later model rigs], the chrome is then applied to the buffed nickel surface. A final buffing completes the job.

Summer 1971:

Reproductions of old 1920s-style tires are available from Lester Tire Company, 26881 Cannon Rd., Bedford Heights, OH 44146. Flat hood lacing is available from Pioneer Distributing Company, Marietta, OH 45470.

Fall 1971:

Q: Should the oil gauge on the front of an Ahrens-Fox piston pump show pressure whenever the engine is running, or just when the pump is engaged?

A: The gauge should show pressure whenever the engine is running, because the fire pump's oil pump and other internal parts are moving, even though the pump lever is not engaged. Be certain the pump crankcase does not contain water instead of oil. Water will freeze and crank the pump crankcase if the apparatus is stored in a cold place. Even a small amount of water will cause trouble. (folow-up in Summer 1973, pump oil-pressure gauge should shown 15 psi when pumping at capacity).

Q: What steps should I take to make certain my apparatus will not suffer any ill effects from winter storage in an unheated garage?

1. Add several cans of dry gas to a nearly-full fuiel tank, be sure it is mixed in well, then run the engine for several moments. This will help avoid moisture troubles in the tank or fuel lines, and assist in keeping the carburetor from gumming-up.
2. Shut the engine down, and completely darin the cooling system. Each type of pumper has its own drain points, so make certain you find them ALL. This includes the drains for pump, booster tank, and any auxiliary cooling system if your rig is so equipped.
3. When you are sure all water is put of the system(s), remove one spark plug from each cylinder, pour a half pint of light oil into each hole, and replace the plugs.
4. Make sure your igintion is off, and crank the engine over by hand for two or three revolutions, to distribute oil inside the combustion chamber and on the walls of the cylinders. This helps keep the engine free, ands will aid in keeping valves from hanging-up next spring.
5. Remove the battery to a warm spot, perhaps the cellar, where its gravity can be checked and kept up with an occasional charge during the "off season."

Article on Ahrens-Fopx brake repairs by Tim Elder

Winter 1971:

Q: How do you preserve the appearnce of nickel plating without continual polishing?

1. Starting with fresh, new nickel plate, polish to a bright, smooth finish.
2. Wash carefully with wood alcohol and rub clean with a clean, dry rag, being very careful not to touch or handle anywhere with bare hands.
3. Spray with a clear Urethane lacquer, and allow sufficient time to dry hard--usually a few hours.

The part should now remain bright indefinitely, provided it is used carefullly and care is taken not to damage the lacquer covering.

I am not sure whether thios method would work successfully on a part subject to heat, such as a radiator shell.

Spring 1972:

In 1966, Scott Warthman of Brockport, NY, had the air chamber on his 1916 Ahrens-Fox replated by General Plating Company, Hudson Ave., Rochester, NY. Cost at that time was $200.

Article on how to rebuild a piston pump, by Lynn Fledderjohn.

Summer 1972

Spring 1973

Q: How much oil does an Ahrens-Fox crankcase hold?

A: six-cylinder motors: Model J 14 quarts; Models N and P 16 quarts.
four-cylinder motors, Models R-K and K, 14 quarts.
four-cylinder piston pump: 14 quarts.
six-cylinder piston pump: 18 quarts.

Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, has some great photos of how their 1937 Ahrens-Fox quad got repainted.