History of Franklin Air Cooled Motors

[@andreamills5852]

Dire Straits --Sultans of Swing--It ain't what they call rock n roll ?

[@P_RO_]

Drats! You beat me to it. Congrats!

[@What.its.like.]

Hell yeah you got it One of the best rock songs of all time in my opinion

[@What.its.like.]

I was waiting for you to get it ps lol

[@P_RO_]

WYR has to be the Franklin both for style, oddity, and obscurity. I actually saw a large and long Franklin from about 20 ft away in a dark warehouse. A friend was working there helping the owner clean it out and I expected to be able to visit again and have a closer look at the car but someone bought it that night so my chance was lost. "Almost" is the story of my life in one word. NTT: Dire Straits- Sultans of Swing. "If it ain't what they call rock and roll".

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah buddy that's it Andrea beat you for title

[@asteverino8569]

Thanks for the twist and turn trip of the Franklin air cooled engine.

[@What.its.like.]

Happy you dig this one =)

[@Donald_Shaw]

I'd take a Tucker. Great job as always Jay.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice Happy you enjoyed this episode

[@geebs76]

Very interesting and well done episode. I'd choose the 1932 Franklin Supercharged 12.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet happy you enjoyed this one =) Great choice

[@bferguson9277]

Your videos are really well researched. Fascinating!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you I really try I wanted this to come out Thursday but still had to find a few things it took forever to find all the right pictures and ads that I wanted to show Happy you dig this one 1941 Cadillac series 62 tomorrow =)

[@brianhayes7618]

You should have a channel doing vintage aircraft of the past. I find that information very interesting and I think alot of others would also especially the way you do it. You have that gift.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much it really means the world. I was doing a bunch of hate mail last week which is discouraging but I'm not gonna give this up I love doing it We might one day in airplane tractors, locomotive on this channel just there, something different to do .. There's so many cars in the pipeline I got a 32 blue streak graham today which is an epic car looks sort of like a 32 imperial

[@paulomiranda1717]

The Brazilian dictator Vargas had at his service a Franklin that broke down on a parade ,this car is in a museum in Brazil,Tucker tried to start over in Brazil but no luck ...

[@billbannister9411]

I rebuilt a 4 cylinder Franklin engine in 2022 a very interesting unit and a joy to work on thanks for the video

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome =)

[@Orygungearjammer]

The Tucker is like a million dollar car. No question what I'd take hands down!

[@61rampy65]

As a guy who really likes air-cooled engines (Corvair, Tatra, VW, Porsche), this episode was very interesting! I love that transverse, 4 cyl Franklin engine (at the 2:00 mark). The exhaust looks like a modern day header! I don't see any kind of cooling fan- did it rely on just the airflow thru the grille? With proper air ducting and an adequate fan, air-cooling works just fine even on these 118 degree days we have been having. WYR= Tucker (it's not air-cooled, but it does have a rear mounted flat six!) or the V12 Franklin. If I had the airplane, I'd crash it since I don't know how to fly a plane! Yet another great episode, Jay!

[@What.its.like.]

That's a great question about who the early engines I'm not 100% sure I know the leader engine had a cool induction system that would blow air onto the cylinders themselves. I'm hoping to come back and cover the engines. I might have to get in touch with people from the Franklin Club because there isn't that much information on the engine themselves on the Internet. I'm gonna need a book... There's a lot of engines that I would love to do episodes on Hupmoblie hudson Nash but it gets confusing on the lineage of the block. Did they make a new block that they use the same block it gets confusing

[@danielgrove7782]

Dutez german diesel farm equipment

[@bparksiii6171]

Did a good job Jay on the Franklin engines, amazing they had a transverse 4 cylinder engine at the beginning. New stamping dies was a huge cost for the big car companies plus switching from military production and starting from scratch all the new car designs in 1945 . That's why the delay for the new 49 cars coming out and the 42 designed cars carrying over through 1948 and shortages of some raw materials. Take the 48 Tucker the rarity and they will not go down in value.worth 2- 3 million now.

[@What.its.like.]

Great insight and information Studebaker was the first with a all new postwar car that existed before the war 1947 48 for Hudson, Packard I'm sure there is more and everyone by 49

[@jamesjustin-n6m]

Jay! Another great video full of knowledge I didn't know of. Thanks!

[@What.its.like.]

Happy you dig this episode =) Going to come back and do the engines eventually but figured doing the history of the company would be good as well

[@dmandman9]

Great historical background. I love these videos

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you =) I was about halfway through researching this episode, and I did kind of second-guess a lot with the episode. This one was more or less the history of Franklin definitely going to come back and cover the engines themselves especially the v12 one day I'll need a book for that

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

GREAT Video, Jay! Good thing to know that Franklin is still in business, evern though it's in Poland now! WYR ALL of them! Not a pilot, but have been interested in planes for as long as I have been in cars! Used to crash, er I mean fly R/C planes 'till it got too expensive! In any event thanks for the coverage on Franklin, an esteemed name in both the Auto and Aircraft industries!

[@What.its.like.]

That's awesome not the crashing expensive part I . I just didn't have time to sit down and learn something new with a lot going on lol Great choices

[@DSP1968]

A great episode, Jay. I really enjoyed it.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome happy you enjoyed this one =)

[@Albert-y7e]

I know a local guy with a '31 Franklin, beautiful car, he also has a 1904 Franklin Runabout with detachable rear-entry tonneau which I seem to remember was once in James Melton's collection; it might be the only remaining '04 Franklin in existence. Unfortunately we haven't seen him or his wife in sometime, thinking they may have sold the house and retired to the family farm upstate. He also had an award-winning '31 Cadillac V16 Touring Sedan , a '55 Packard Caribbean Convertible, and a '31 Ford Five-Window Coupe with rumble seat that he allowed me to drive through the streets of Wildwood; that Model A is the oldest car I've ever driven. I have to drive by the house, see if they're still in town.

[@What.its.like.]

That's awesome he sounds like an awesome guy with great taste I would love to do a Packard Caribbean before this year is over

[@bullettube9863]

For a car built in Syracuse the lack of a heater was never an issue until until full body cars with heaters were introduced. Then, like Volkswagen, Franklin tried a heater using hot engine oil but it's output was low, not as low as the Beetle, but much lower than a water based heater. Like a lot of innovations, air cooled engines always had problems and in the end no one built another car with them.

[@What.its.like.]

Until Chevy Corvair but yeah manufacturers don't do aircooled now unless it's a motorcycle

[@plhebel1]

I would like the 43 Franklin automobile. I must say this wasn't an easy choice and it isn't based on what the worth in dollars of the choices but style, practicality, and history behind the item. Thanks for the video and this is only second time watching a video from your channel.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome welcome back happy you dig this episode sweet choice

[@cdstoc]

Wow, I had no idea that any part of Franklin still existed!

[@michaelsamson3276]

I flew a 1946 Bellanca Cruisair with a a 6 cylinder150 Franklin for almost 30 years. It was very smooth, but needed overhaul more often than more modern engines. I also had a homebuilt airplane with Franklin 4 cylinder 90hp engine that was also very smooth. Some of the parts for those engines are getting hard to find. Crankshafts especially.

[@hcombs0104]

I’ll take the Tucker. It’s a unique car. Thanks for the Franklin history.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice happy you dig this episode

[@dmandman9]

Darn physics! Air cooled engines have advantages as far as complexity and simplicity goes. It would be a great thing if they could find a way to adequately cool an engine that could also meet modern emissions , and fuel efficiency standards while producing the power we’ve become accustomed to today.

[@What.its.like.]

I honestly believe gas mileage could be a whole lot better now than it is direct injection computer timing, better fuels and they can't get any better than 32 mpg ( without hybrid ) Studebaker have a flathead engine in the early 50s that would get 32 mpg

[@MrLeslloyd]

Deutz made tractors and trucks with aircooled motors and diesels as well, and no problems in the hot Australian climate.

[@dmandman9]

@@MrLeslloyd it seems as if the challenge with air cooled engines wasn’t keeping them from overheating. They seemed to actually excel in hot conditions. The problem seemed to be in getting them to do so while meeting ever more strict emissions standards. I think that’s what made Porsche ultimately switch to water cooled engines in their 911.

[@ronnieroberts9478]

Thank you good video

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for watching. I'm happy you dig this video =)

[@warrenjr527]

Jay , Thank you for another well researched and informative episode. I thought Franklin expired back in the 1930s because of the depression. I had no idea the name was still used to build aircraft engines. I also didn't know Franklin was responsible for several innovations. Way before my time but my mother told me her dad had an 1932 (?) Franklin that he bought used. Unfortunately it was destroyed in a crash WYR THE 48 Tucker. I have always been integrated by him and how the big 3 sought to crush him. I saw one in the flesh in a museum in PA. One side question. You said antifreeze was not available commercially until 1920. So what did non Franklin owners do to keep their engine from freezing.

[@What.its.like.]

I have no idea I have no idea if they just put straight water in it and risked it or ran alcohol in the cooling system because alcohol has higher freezing point.. I'm not a big drinker anymore but I used to buy Captain Morgan and I used to keep it in the freezer because it would not freeze.

[@zendonreyland1298]

It would've been interesting if Franklin had gotten into designing and building radial engines beginning in the 1930s.

[@Frank-sf1wh]

I always wondered about the history of the Franklin motors thanks Jay. I would rather the Tucker.

[@What.its.like.]

It's a very interesting convoluted history

[@jamesmayer6370]

I believe the 32 Franklin used a budd body from the REO

[@dpeter6396]

I'll take the 1948 Tucker. We came to this earth at the same time.... Grandad had a Franklin....

[@paul-er7ho]

No discussion, 48 Tucker.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Tucker-everytime!

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice

[@craigtate5930]

Tucker ...hands down

[@pokerinthefrontliqueurinth4971]

48 tucker. Dire stairs. "It's not What they call rock and roll".

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah buddy =)

[@RoyCanfield]

Well done overall. Please note the Doman family pronounces their name like Doe-man, not Duman.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

Can I pick All 3?!?🤔😊

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah all three is still a choice =)

[@PaulSteinmayer]

I'd take the Tucker!!! Sultans of Swing.... It ain't what they call rock and roll!

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choice =) love that song

[@ronjones1077]

I was offered a Sea Bea airplane with the Franklin engine in exchange for my 1965 Ferrari 330GT.

[@What.its.like.]

@@ronjones1077 wow just curious what happened? Did you take it? What year was this?

[@ronjones1077]

@@What.its.like. this was about ten years ago. I sold the Ferrari to Dennis Collins in Texas who does Collins Jeeps and the Gas monkey Garage that was on tv. He flew up here to Alaska to buy it. The plane was owned by Jack Smith up here who offered several different swaps for my car, but cash sale helped pay doctor bills for my wife. Also allowed my to retire

[@What.its.like.]

@@ronjones1077 awe man that's awesome, thank you so much for getting back to me, did Richard come with Dennis? That would've been absolutely awesome. I want to do a segment called part of the conversation where it's sort of like a podcast, but anybody that comments in the comment section can be part of the conversation. I haven't pursued it like I wanted to pursue it this year but I'm going to try to start getting back to that concept we only did one and it was with Wild Bill from vintage car.history. I would love to do one with Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins. They're both really cool people in the automotive world. Also wondered what they are like off camera

[@danam0228]

It is a toss up for me between '32 Franklin 12 and the Tucker

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choices =)

[@maszkalman3676]

Yeah the 1932 Franklin Supercharged 12 vould be nice....

[@What.its.like.]

They are so cool and understated

[@kurtansley6602]

Thanks!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for this =) happy you dig this episode

[@marshalllarson8970]

The Franklin first, then the Tucker.

[@keithstudly6071]

The Tucker engine started out as an engine for helicopter use and needed to produce full power at zero airspeed, that was why they went with a liquid cooled design. When Franklin went Polish the communist were in control of everything therefor Poland did buy it. At the time Franklin was making opposed engines and radial engines. The Poles only produced the radial engines unless they have revived the opposed engine designs, which I have not heard about. Another thing, did Cannonball Baker really set more cross country records than Ab Jenkins? I wonder.

[@What.its.like.]

That's a great point we'll have to do an episode on cannonball baker

[@tedhewitson823]

In 34 franklins were reo bodys with aircooled engines very rare

[@What.its.like.]

Great information

[@tedhewitson823]

@@What.its.like. they also had a pulsing type oil preasure system. Airplane techknology . They got oil even if ran upside down

[@donaldwiller9238]

Have you ever heard about the republic motor car company of Hamilton ohio. I think the car race the wright brothers plane. You should do a video on that. the family that built the cars son is one of the founder's pratt & Whitney. Great video thanks. Tucker Torpedo

[@What.its.like.]

The name sounds familiar, but I'm not well versed in it I will totally do one as soon as I find one Happy you dig this episode =)

[@chrisjarvis4449]

about the 42 / 46 ford ! a pal of my dad's farther had a gm garage and after the war one of his customers ask him what he thinks about the new 46 ford ? his reply ! new suit same ol dirty underwear !

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha so true tho I brought that up in an early video without putting them together and I got ripped apart for my comment, so now I show pictures and I get it they didn't have time to make new designs

[@winstonelston5743]

WYR: No, thanks. From some years later, the Tatra 603 (air cooled V8) would be a pretty cool ride. Check out the _Tatra Happy Journey_ promotional film. Remember, also, that pre-war Tatras were so unstable at speed that Nazi officers were forbidden to ride in them.

[@wenull3]

48 Tucker hands down

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice

[@jimrankin2583]

Dude you completely missed the history of Republic Aircraft production of warplanes during WW2. Granted they just owned the Aircooled Engines Co that was building Franklins during that time but you missed the whole war production timeframe.

[@MrLeslloyd]

yes i noticed that too,he could do a better job.

[@kellybreen5526]

Most of those Republic amphibians are still airworthy and flying.

[@What.its.like.]

Great insight =)

[@kevingarner6523]

I'll take the air cooled Franklin

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@carolynbatta9525]

Tucker…please!

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choice

[@chrisjarvis4449]

tucker's biggest problem was tucker !

[@vladsav8092]

Plane is best! For earth and water.

[@jamesjordan4737]

And the sultans and the sultan's played creole, creole

[@What.its.like.]

Such a great song

[@ryanthompsonthompson820]

Plane 🛩

[@Flashman36175]

The plane.

[@andreamills5852]

Franklin

[@Friedbrain11]

'32 Franklin

[@What.its.like.]

Great choice

[@Rob-t2n]

Sea bee all day long

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@randyrobey5643]

A print and radio personality named Drew Pearson was one of the chief actors in the Tucker drama. Pearson was a political muckraker who always looked for a story to exploit. He was the one who asserted in print that Tucker had no running cars. Tucker was charged with fraud. Tucker and his company were acquitted in court, but the damage was done. Pearson is still listed in Wikipedia if you are interested in him, but he is one of those people whose considerable fame didn't really outlive him. He is not remembered with any great fondness by the the few who know who he was.

[@What.its.like.]

Yes I left out that thank you so much for sharing that insight and information

[@randyrobey5643]

@@What.its.like. You can't cover in everything.

[@What.its.like.]

I did cover Tucker pretty extensively when I did a review on Tucker, but that was a couple years ago. I would love to cover another Tucker give the full story again…

[@markchandler1130]

1932 Franklin

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choice

[@Motomack1042]

Tucker

[@bowler3329]

Tucker.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice

[@donaldlankford7260]

48 Tucker

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet choice =)

[@deanstevenson6527]

🥝✔️

[@JamesAllmond]

In 1975, Poland was communist, so all the indutries were government owned, so it was sold to the Polish Government, 1 way or another....but still around. 32 Franklin 12

[@What.its.like.]

Great information =) sweet choice

[@winstonelston5743]

8:40 Tucker was not the brilliant businessman he claimed to be.

[@What.its.like.]

I think he was good at selling but cancelling already made money was a blind decision..

[@loginregional]

Critique: Voice over is _barely_ acceptable. Slow down, say it like you're _telling_ us. You'll get it with practice. General impression: too earnest. Story: kewl.

[@What.its.like.]

.

[@loginregional]

@@What.its.like. You put a lot of effort into your work, it's going to get better! Best of luck.

[@bobmccurdy8881]

Tucker

[@brianhayes7618]

49 Tucker