The Restoration Of Duesenberg J 276 3

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.

The car was acquired by Richard Losee, a businessman from

Provo, Utah, who commissioned the completion of the restoration.

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.

The engine was completely reconditioned using much stronger than

original Carrillo connecting rods, and Arias Pistons.

The camshafts were reground and new valves installed. All external

aluminum parts were thoroughly polished as original.

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

The chassis and related components were repaired as necessary, painted

and assembled to show quality standards.

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.

Left front fender, after hammer and dolly work

Rough out completed….

Painted and final polish

Every great car deserves a great engine….

Running gear and fenders just add to the package…

Repairs were made to the exterior sheet metal.

All panels refinished in Red and Black urethane enamel.

The painted body fit onto the complete chassis.

Little by little it comes together….

Ready for a test drive?!

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?

You begin with the curtain bow, and rear irons, and lots of masking tape

to ,mock up the general shape.

Then you add additional wood bows in just the right position.

Be sure to add just the right size spacers at the pivot points.

And remember it has to fold over on itself.

And that’s how you build a folding top.

This is how it looks with the upholstery installed.

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.

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.

Final welding.

The finished gas tank cover with the Duesenberg emblem installed

All good trunks start as a wooden box, then aluminum is formed over the

wood

The La Grande trunks have a recess to allow the top to fully fold

down, here the sides covers are being fit and formed.

Completed and covered trunk assembly, with the trim formed in brass

prior to chrome plating.

Completed trunk with trim, the three upper panels hinge accordion style

to allow for the pocket the top folds into.

Front Seat

Upper dash trim

Rear door panel with pocket, and recess for dual cowl release.

The dual cowl from underneath

A little dusty, but you get the idea…..

A view at the amazing dashboard!!

Template for the glass for the dual cowl windshield.

Gauges, lights and vent controls installed in the dash panel

The lid for the dual cowl installed with latches and release handles, then

there are recessed trays the received hinged mirror panels.

The La Grande body Tag…..

The taillight works!! Assembly of the rear of the car complete.

We are almost there…..

Long and lean….with dual horns, dual pilot rays, and those amazing

headlights!!

Once around the block…..

Style….

Elegance….

Sophistication….

Finished!!

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