Web Forum for Singer Cars

Just pulled this 52 4AD out of my Dad's barn, I got it from his estate. Besides some cosmetic pieces that are missing, the main things are all there. Now for my questions, any help would be great. I think the name plate on the rear is a car dealer name "Vaughan Singer" And the real Singer decal is missing? I'm also missing the ignition key, it looks like the ignition switch says "FA-537" Can this key be found or made ? I haven't checked if the chassis serial number matches the number place yet, but plan to soon. Or even know if the motor is working or seized, only know it's been in this barn for 30 years. So the big question, do you guys or gals think it's worth restoring ?

Great find William and worth restoring without a shadow of a doubt. I like the 'oily rag' look she has so you could do a mechanical restoration/recommission and get her on the road showing her age.
You can find keys on line if the number is correct but first of all I would remove the plugs, squirt a bit of WD 40 down the bores and see if the engine will turn. The starting handle is the best tool but if you haven't got one then pop her into gear and rock her while watching the front pulleys (or take off the rocker cover and check for movement).
Untouched and complete barn finds are the holy grail for restorers!

Great candidate for a restoration William. The dealer script on the back is fairly rare. Bill Vaughan was the North American importer for Singer cars back in the Fifties and had a showroom in New York city. This is a pic of him with comedienne Lucille Ball.

ColinB wrote:Great find William and worth restoring without a shadow of a doubt. I like the 'oily rag' look she has so you could do a mechanical restoration/recommission and get her on the road showing her age.
You can find keys on line if the number is correct but first of all I would remove the plugs, squirt a bit of WD 40 down the bores and see if the engine will turn. The starting handle is the best tool but if you haven't got one then pop her into gear and rock her while watching the front pulleys (or take off the rocker cover and check for movement).
Untouched and complete barn finds are the holy grail for restorers!

Thanks so much for the key info, I just ordered a set of two. I'll try the WD40 and let it sit for a few days. But didn't come across the starting handle yet, so I'll try to get it in gear and try that. The only parts that are missing are the two front lens covers on the front fenders and the bonnet vent louvers on both sides. And the Singer decal on the rear.

Peter McKercher wrote:Great candidate for a restoration William. The dealer script on the back is fairly rare. Bill Vaughan was the North American importer for Singer cars back in the Fifties and had a showroom in New York city. This is a pic of him with comedienne Lucille Ball.

lucille_1000.jpg

Thanks for the reply and pic. I did a Google search after and figured out part of that myself. Some great history of this man and his partner for getting these cars to the USA. Since the real Singer decal in the rear is the thing that's missing, figured that was sold off or someone keep it for a souvenir. Making that a hard item to find ? Not sure if I should bother even looking for it, or just be happy the the Vaughan Singer script and cover over the small holes.

If she does turn over then I would change the oil, take the plugs out and attach a battery direct to the starter to turn her over with no load. Ideally you should see oil pressure registering on the gauge after several revolutions, although I'm not sure whether you need to prime the oil pump first on these engines.

Wouldn't hurt to put the word out for the script.

ColinB wrote: ↑Fri Feb 19, 2021 7:43 am https://www.replacementkeys.co.uk/union ... -code.html

Thanks so much for this link, they worked like a charm. Two keys shipped from the UK to the USA and under $20. with upgraded shipping. Can't beat that.

Glad it was useful William. You could put a battery on the car and check the wiring works now you have a key. I wouldn't try the starter though until you have ascertained whether the engine is free or not

FYI Klaas Hoogenberg has a script for sale on the Singer Owners club facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=536 ... 3973243802 . Also the bonnet side grills you are missing.

ColinB wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 7:25 am Glad it was useful William. You could put a battery on the car and check the wiring works now you have a key. I wouldn't try the starter though until you have ascertained whether the engine is free or not

That's my next thing I need to do. Pull the plugs, add some WD40, let it sit for a few days and see if I can rock it in gear and see movement. Someone else said maybe put power to the starter directly via jumper cables, bypassing the electrical system with the plugs pulled. She is 12volt, right ?

Peter McKercher wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 12:15 pm FYI Klaas Hoogenberg has a script for sale on the Singer Owners club facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=536 ... 3973243802 . Also the bonnet side grills you are missing.

Thanks, but I'm having trouble getting the link to work. Is that Singer Owners Club the UK, North American or Canadian one ?

12 Volt POSITIVE ground !!!

It is the UK Singer owners facebook group.