Thread: Crosleys?
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Old 07-20-2005, 08:19 PM
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Re: Crosleys?

The older Crosleys had an unusual OHC 4 cyl engine that was made using sheet metal stampings, which were brazed together with copper. They were called the COBRA engine (COpper BRAzed, get it?)

These engines were unreliable and were replaced with a cast iron 4 cyl engine. If you car has the cast engine, it has been retro-fitted. If the cobra engine is there, hang on to it, there are almost none left.
BTW that cast iron 4 cyl engine was used on fruit orchard spraying equipment for many years after Crosleys went out of production, so parts are likely still available.
Early Crosleys also had no universal joints in the driveshaft. The engine was designed to pivot as the rear suspension moved. This was also unreliable so U-joints were installed in later years.
Crosleys had about the first use of disc brakes in an American car.
They were raced with some success back intheir day. At the time, sports cars were small and open. Cars like the MG T series and Triumphs were small and slow, by our standards, so Crosleys did quite well.
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