Completing the restoation on a Duesenberg Dual Cowl Pheaton

1. The Restoration of Duesenberg J-276 One mans dream fulfilled!!

2. In the beginning This 1930 Duesenberg Model J was acquired from the estate of George Walther of Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Walther had begun restoring the car after his retirement, but unfortunately passed away before its completion.

3. An unfulfilled Dream The car was acquired by Richard Losee, a businessman from Provo, Utah, who commissioned the completion of the restoration.

4. Sludge in the crankshaft Because of the extended storage of the car while awaiting the settlement of the Estate, all the components required complete disassembly, inspection and repairs as necessary.

5. The Heart of the beast The engine was completely reconditioned using much stronger than original Carrillo connecting rods, and Arias Pistons.

6. Dual Overhead Cams The camshafts were reground and new valves installed. All external aluminum parts were thoroughly polished as original.

7. 420 Cubic Inches, 270 hp The Duesenberg engine is truly a work of art, and well ahead of it’s time. Dual overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder, hemispherical combustion chamber. 4-3/4 bore 5-3/4 stroke for 420 cubic inches and 265 hp

8. The painted differential assembly The chassis and related components were repaired as necessary, painted and assembled to show quality standards.

9. The foundation of any great car is a strong chassis Front axle installed on frame, the assembly begins. Duesenberg offered two chassis, one at142 -1/2” and the second at 153-1/2”. This is the long wheel base chassis.

10. Fenders….on a Duesenberg they go on forever Left front fender, after hammer and dolly work

11. Fenders….on a Duesenberg they go on forever Rough out completed….

12. Fenders….on a Duesenberg they go on forever Painted and final polish

13. The foundation of any great car is a strong chassis Every great car deserves a great engine….

14. The foundation of any great car is a strong chassis Running gear and fenders just add to the package…

15. La Grande Dual Cowl Phaeton Repairs were made to the exterior sheet metal.

16. One piece at a time All panels refinished in Red and Black urethane enamel.

17. Beginning to look like a car again The painted body fit onto the complete chassis.

18. Beginning to look like a car again Little by little it comes together….

19. Beginning to look like a car again Ready for a test drive?!

20. Building a top from scratch Because so many parts were missing, a substantial amount of fabrication was required to complete the restoration. Top bows and top irons were fabricated. How do you build a folding top you ask?

21. Building a top from scratch You begin with the curtain bow, and rear irons, and lots of masking tape to ,mock up the general shape.

22. Building a top from scratch Then you use cold rolled steel strapping and heat and bend to get the correct angles, making sure to get the pivot points just right.

23. Building a top from scratch Then you add additional wood bows in just the right position.

24. Building a top from scratch Be sure to add just the right size spacers at the pivot points.

25. Building a top from scratch And remember it has to fold over on itself.

26. Building a top from scratch And that’s how you build a folding top.

27. Building a top from scratch This is how it looks with the upholstery installed.

28. The Gas tank cover We also had to fabricate the cover for the gas tank. The side panels were formed over wooden bucks, than welded to the upper panel.

29. The Gas tank cover A bead roller is used to form the patterns in the side and top covers, here you see the tack welds holding the pieces together. Notches in the lower left are where the frame horns extend.

30. The Gas tank cover Final welding.

31. The Gas tank cover The finished gas tank cover with the Duesenberg emblem installed

32. Building a Trunk All good trunks start as a wooden box, then aluminum is formed over the wood

33. Building a Trunk The La Grande trunks have a recess to allow the top to fully fold down, here the sides covers are being fit and formed.

34. Building a Trunk Completed and covered trunk assembly, with the trim formed in brass prior to chrome plating.

35. Building a Trunk Completed trunk with trim, the three upper panels hinge accordion style to allow for the pocket the top folds into.

36. Then comes upholstery Front Seat

37. Then comes upholstery Upper dash trim

38. Then comes upholstery Rear door panel with pocket, and recess for dual cowl release.

39. Then comes upholstery Back of the front seat panel, the hinges for the dual cowl fit into those recesses.

40. Then comes upholstery The dual cowl from underneath

41. Then comes upholstery A little dusty, but you get the idea…..

42. Then comes upholstery A view at the amazing dashboard!!

43. Final Assembly, when it all comes together Template for the glass for the dual cowl windshield.

44. Final Assembly, when it all comes together Gauges, lights and vent controls installed in the dash panel

45. Final Assembly, when it all comes together The lid for the dual cowl installed with latches and release handles, then there are recessed trays the received hinged mirror panels.

46. Final Assembly, when it all comes together The La Grande body Tag…..

47. Final Assembly, when it all comes together The taillight works!! Assembly of the rear of the car complete.

48. Final Assembly, when it all comes together We are almost there…..

49. Final Assembly, when it all comes together Long and lean….with dual horns, dual pilot rays, and those amazing headlights!!

50. Final Assembly, when it all comes together Once around the block…..

51. Completed!! Style….

52. Completed!! Elegance….

53. Completed!! Sophistication….

54. Completed!! Three of the men who made the dream come true….

55. It’s a duesy!! Finished!!

56. Some admirers Whether your restoration project is destined for Pebble Beach or the local cruise night, we are capable of providing one on one service to make your automotive dreams come true. Contact: Kevin Marsh 801-856-6575