Jake’s steamcar project, initial survey

Energy & Sustainability
Jake’s steamcar project, initial survey

steamCar1.jpg
As covered here previously, Jake von Slatt is going to make a steam-powered car out of a 1929 Mercedes Gazelle SSK replica made by Tiffany Motor Cars sometime in the ’70s. Here he takes an initial survey of the car and what he’ll need to do to get it in shape for a steamy retro-fit.
steamCar2.jpg

Heres another thing that will need addressing immediately, the steering column. Or perhaps spearing column is a better name as that is exactly what it would do to the driver in an accident. You can also see more of the tangle of wires and a pegboard “firewall” that has to go.

Steampunk Car Project – Link

Related:

  • Herr von Slatt’s car carrier conversion – Link

20 thoughts on “Jake’s steamcar project, initial survey

  1. Jake von Slatt says:

    I just finished the new dash and wiring, I’ll post pics soon.

  2. Jake von Slatt says:

    Oh! I found out that the car is actually a Tiffany Motor Cars Gazelle. CMC bought Tiffany in the late 70’s so that means mine was put together sometime between 1973 and 1976. You’ll note it’s a two seater and has no doors, the CMC Gazelles all have doors and seats for four.

  3. Gareth Branwyn says:

    Cool. I made changes in the post to reflect this new info.

  4. extracrispy says:

    most late model vw carbs are junk.(post 1967)it’s been a some time,but i think you need a 30 pci{30 is the key term people who know will give you the correct letters].i understand you will make a steam car,but if you want the vw motor to run change the carb.i’ll will follow you’re progress.best wishes,bill

  5. extracrispy says:

    most late model vw carbs are junk.(post 1967)it’s been a some time,but i think you need a 30 pci{30 is the key term people who know will give you the correct letters].i understand you will make a steam car,but if you want the vw motor to run change the carb.i’ll will follow you’re progress.best wishes,bill

  6. Timw says:

    Nothing wrong with the 34pict-3 carb. If I’m not mistaken, any 30pict carb is too small for a 1600dp. He’ll be fine with the rebuilt 34. Mine has treated me right for many years..

  7. extracrispy says:

    i respect your opinion,after many years ,and love for real volkswagons,any reference is cool.i wish i still had any i had ever owned.bill

  8. Jake von Slatt says:

    @extracrispy – often what happens is someone installs a Bosch 009 “performance” distributor and then blames the lousy off-the-line performance on the poor 34-PICT3 carb, but the 009 and 34-PICT3 combo is the real issue, they just don’t play well together. Mine had this combo and replacing the distributor made a world of difference.

  9. Volkemon says:

    At the risk of this turning into a vw post…. :)

    @Jake- you seem to have the 009 stumble cured the best way- no 009!

    Cool kit car too. I had a Maxi Taxi,Bradley gt-I and several fiberglass buggies over the years.

    Adjusting the accelerator pump to deliver fuel the instant the throttle is moved wil help any carb with the 009. Enlarging the itty-bitty idle jet (the one hidden under the screwplug) from a .55 to .70 will help a lot without losing mileage.

    Early carbs will work fine on a 1600cc, with some adjustment. The 30-pict(1,2)came with 120 main jets. this should be replaced with a stock 128.5, or a 130 if replacing with weber/holley jets. The NEW rplacement pic-30 carbs come with an adapter to put them on a dual port, but the 120 main jet. The NEW pic-34 comes with the 128.5 .

    Now we turn down the lights, as everyone is asleep……

  10. Jake von Slatt says:

    I just posted a new update here:

    http://steampunkworkshop.com/gaz2.shtml

    With pics of the new dash.

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

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