smart142

SALE, Ronald Norman July 30, 1941 - January 23, 2024 Sale, Ron passed away after a short battle with cancer. He passed away at St Thomas General Hospital, January 23, in his 83rd year. Ron is survived by his spouse Dot Sale, his children Roni (Gary), Randy (Barb) and sisters Lynne and Janet (Don), niece Deena (Pete) and nephews Drew (Cary) and Scott. Ron grew up in Toronto, and met Dot in high school. They chummed around with a tight group of friends, and began their life together during that time. Motorcycles were always in the equation as Dot soon found out. Ron's passion for racing (in his bright yellow "banana suit"), and officiating events lasted well into his 40's. He was a Canadian Motorcycle champion, and displayed these and many other awards proudly. He also enjoyed boating, and could be seen towing boats with his 1975 Goldwing to one of his favourite locations. In his later years, SMART cars and the SMART car club became a source of enjoyment with many tours and lunches shared with the club. He always had a sense of humour which he shared regularly with those around him, and never failed to order a free smile off the menu. I would like to thank Ron's neighbours who have helped him out the last couple of years with yard work, snow removal, stopping by with dogs for nice little visits and also bringing over food. Special thanks to Debbie, an absolute rock star of a neighbour (30 years). Helping Ron out when he needed it, taking him to and from medical appointments at all hours of the day. We can't thank her enough. A memorial Service will be held at Needham Funeral Service on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held an hour prior. Fond memories can be left at www.needhamfuneralhome.com. https://lfpress.remembering.ca/obituary/ronald-sale-1089320083

It is with great sadness to learn that Ron was recently admitted to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital with a terminal illness. Better known here as Leadwing, the current President, Ron is a long time smart car enthusiast who likes the smart car so much that he owns two - a cabrio for summer and a coupe for the winter. His enthusiasm has been unwavering! Thoughts and prayers to a kind and gentle man.

WOW!!! Another year flies by and a smart car is still my daily diver after 19 years! My current smart was owned and modified by Rod from nearby Dorchester. Unfortunately health issues forced him to sell and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy this liitle gem. With only 53,000 kms I'm hoping to get at least another decade out of her! My shop is still open and I try to help the smart car people out there. However my availability is limited due to family and health concerns. And I have a growing passion for my model T. Enjoy the upcoming holidays with family and friends!!! Cheers!

Good for you!!! I've had the sensor stick in the shaft and unable to remove!

Today in London the temp was 8 celcius with no rain so I took the T out for a good run!! We had a good season. On the May 24 weekend we drove to Sarnia, crossed the border and went to Lexington where we met up with 43 other model T's. The normal drive to Sarnia is an hour - double that with the T. We enjoyed the CanAm meet but did have some mechanical issues. The wheel hub bolts had worked loose and I was missing one. That was easily replaced by a T owner who had lots of spares. Lizzy was also running rough but was able to get us home with no issues My roll timer had become worn and caused the roughness. A new timer (us70)_ solved that problem. In June my friend asked if I could bring the T to his grandsons wedding for the pictures. It was my pleasure as he had helped with the mechanical work 3 years ago! On Fathers day I went to the local retirement home and took 18 seniors out for drives!! The Bothwell auto show is a 3 day event that is held in July. I drove there and stayed with my friend who had just bought a model T. We were in the parade, checked out the swap meet, and showed off our cars. We were interviewed by a guy doing a documentary. Met so many people - a very positive experience! Every Thursday evening during the good weather a car show is held on the Plunkett estate in London. I was chosen to be the ''featured car'' one evening even though I was the oldest, slowest, and probably the dirtiest haha!! In September the model T club met at a campsite just outside London and the first day we toured Mennonite country and an air/car show in Tillsonburg. The next day we drove to St.Marys, had a picnic in the park and went to the Canadian baseball hall of fame. We were also in the local Lambeth harvestfest parade and car show! Recently I was asked by a friend to help celebrate his wife's birthday by driving her to the party - it was awesome. And then it was the highlight of the season - I was asked to bring the model T to the veterans car show at Parkwood Hospital. There was a handful of WW2 vets that were over a 100 years old and were still able to get around and enjoy looking at the cars. One of them shared a story with me. He told me that his father owned a 1927 T and was having a hard time starting it He tried the crank but it backfired and broke his wrist. Just incredible that he remember that after all these years. It was amazing, and an honour, to see these cheerful gentleman who had seen and given so much in their lifetimes!!!!!

Sounds like a crankshaft position sensor to me. Not a fun job to replace.

There was a recall on the door latches. Call your dealer and ask if the recall was done on your smart. They will need to have your vin #. In the meantime it would be wise to spray the latches with WD40.

Welcome to the club!

Last week I had requests for some parts. One of the smarts had 210,000kms and the other one had over 400,000kms. I'm hoping mine will last as long!!!

Like Mike T i put a down payment on a smart back in 2002. When I finally received mine back in Dec 2004 it became my daily driver. and remains so to this day. I have driven smart cars to BC, Florida, and Newfoundland in Feb. I still love driving them. Last August I was able to buy a highly modified smart with only 38,000 kms. It should be remembered that I have parted out half a dozen smarts so I should be able to keep my smart on the road for many years to come. I'm in it for the long haul

Brand new in the box. Sachs. Shipping is extra

I recently visited the local dealer to get some clips for my smart car. The yellow clip that is used to hold up the belly pan - $6.96 The screw that goes into that clip - $4.92 The clip that holds the rear dog leg panel to the body - $5.52 Am i wrong in thinking those prices are outrageous!!!!

If it was me I would start by checking the clutch actuator. Best would be to back it onto ramps for easier access. See if the rod is tight against the clutch release bearing. I'm betting its loose. If so it can be adjusted. The actuator is on a slide. Three T10 bolts will need to be loosened. I would suggest using penetrating oil and heat. Then you snug up the rod to the bearing and tighten the bolts. See if that helps.

If the air bag light is on it can only be cleared by the dealer or someone with a star computer system. If the light can't be cleared by a star the connector under the seat needs to be removed and the wires soldered together (that's the Mercedes approved method of repair) That's how they cleared the code for me over a decade ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiTTPqJZS94

Welcome to the club!! My wife drives a 2012 and I have a 2006. Still love them!

Well another smart car owner has been bitten by the model T bug! Last fall I gave James A from Bayfield a ride in my T. Over the winter he started looking and yesterday he bought a 1923 Model T. The only catch was that it was in New Hampshire. So on Friday he picked me up with a big truck and trailer and we drove the 1000 kms to get his T. It is in great original condition and I'm sure it will bring him much pleasure.. Pics to follow.

Behind the rear panels are 2 large plastic plugs in the body below the tailgate. They often weather and disintegrate, The opening would allow exhaust fumes to enter the car.

Are those the readings from the stars engine compression test?

I would check the clutch actuator. The rod could be too loose or it could have punched through the clutch release bearing..

Welcome to the club

Welcome!! Sweet looking ride!!!!

Merry Christmas!!! Enjoy your smarts!

That made my day!!!! Too bad you're in BC as I would gladly have lent out the Mercedes clamp that makes that job a whole lot easier!

Just completed the first full season with the model T on the road. Today it was sunny and warm so I drove to the warehouse where she will be parked for the winter. Drove a lot this year and she never left me stranded!!! Started the season with a drive around Elgin county at the end of May with the model T club. Also joined them for a 2 day drive around Lake Simcoe at the end of September. We did go to a few car shows but I find it more enjoyable to just drive around and see smiling faces! The one show that was very special was the one at Parkwood hospital for the veterans.One of the veterans was actually older than my T - 102 years old who was still walking and told me stories about his time with a T. What an experience!!!! The other highlight in the summer was when we were asked to help celebrate the 100th birthday of one of our neighbours. The T was decorated, we took her for a good drive and when we returned we were greeted by her friends and a kilted piper. It was AWESOME!!! This lady was so sweet and then she told me that one of the things to do on her bucket list was to have a ride in a smart car! Of course I was able to help her with that!!! And a week later I received a handwritten thank you note - the penmanship was exquisite! We can only hope that we are in as good shape if we reach a 100 years old!!! Coast to coast in a model T