What's Cookin' Doc?!...

For some time an open invitation has been offered to the “Les Boys” Robert Moreau, Phillip Avis and myself, to head to Trois Rivieresto visit Larry Doyon and this was the best time to take up his offer.

Larry recently obtained a 1946 A Series Roadster and was in the process of restoring it. We were able to share information on the car but as we all know, there are always things that you forget to ask. We sent Larry information on the Roadster as well as photos of my A series to assist him in his task. Of main interest was my conversion made to my 1948 A Seriesto a 4-speed gearbox. Like my car, Larry’s had received a 4 speed gearbox transplant at one time in its life and the installation was, well, questionable. Three Rivers is only a couple of hours from Montreal and we did want to get an early start so as to have the maximum amount of time to visit Larry and see the car. As luck would have it the weather cooperated nicely. Clear skies, the hint of spring and a definite lack of singing from the back seat made the hour and a half ride a pleasant one.

We were greeted by Larry and his wife at their farmette just outside Trois-Rivieres. Larry, who runs a machine shop, is nicely equipped to do just about everything. The first stop a tour of his plating setup. Plating has always intrigued me and this was an opportunity to see the process in action. Preparation is definitely the name of the game. As Larry explained, to achieve a clean and shiny surface after plating you need a clean and shiny surface before plating. As a demonstration, Larry nickel plated a pair of dash lamp holders for Phillip as we enjoyed our lunch.

The plating was a success and a tour of the barn was next.

I was fascinated with the baler since part of my growing up was on a farm and baling hay was part of that. With winter upon us, riding trails were cleared with an authentic Bombardier snow clearing vehicle. These little “tanks” are famous here in Montreal, clearing our sidewalks and intriguing boys of all ages who all want to drive one!

While a half-dozen horses and a dog seem normal enough, we were surprised by a goat blocking the way up the stairs to the barn’s loft! More of a pet than farm animal, the friendly goat followed us wherever we went. I suspect that he especially liked Robert the most, but it was only as a friend since he was, well, castrated. The goat I mean. More on this at a much later time.

We could have easily spent the day touring the barn and basement workshop, but there was one other thing to check out before the day was out: Larry’s Roadster. The shop is a quick 20 minute drive into the heart of Trois Rivieres. We worked our way through the machinery to a corner of the shop where we found Roadster. Larry had done a great deal of work as part of his frame-up restoration of the A. With the car up on the lift, we were able to admire all the work that had been put into the car.We were even treated to the sound of the A’s engine as Larry started her up to show us. We could have stayed longer; however some of us had to get back to work the next day.

Thanks again to Larry, and his goat, for a great day out.

"Les Boys"