As I promised in my previous article, I will continue the story with some technical highlights! Because the TRUE specialist had some unique and interesting secrets! This great Salmsonist is capable to restore everything himself and for that he obviously needs good tooling and machines…

Let’s get to the point, the journey of the Salmson D-GSS-GS with twin overhead camshafts (2act) to a state of absolute perfection!

In fact his garage is not large… but everything just fits in there perfectly! He owns vintage machines to restore everything in style! Such as the 1942 TOBIN ART vintage align-drilling machine for the crankshaft bearings, after having poured the babbit … of course also by himself. And there are several more such interesting vintage machines.

Last but not least the very special machine of which only one exists in the world and it is in his garage! The waffle machine, an extremely useful tool for every piston! The waffle feature was once a patent of two Dutch/Belgian engineers, who built only one machine to apply this technique to pistons. It has been used on quite a number of pistons, as well as already in use or new, but today the technique has almost been forgotten, except by our TRUE specialist! You may now wonder what is the benefit of this waffle pattern? 

Well, it gives higher compression, better oil distribution and better lubrication for the piston. It will also raise the compression because the waffle grooves fill with oil, resulting simultaneously in less wear and less resistance. There will be no more ‘blow by’ thanks to the labyrinth of waffle grooves. Another benefit is that piston clearance can be reduced by 10-15%, giving better sealing, better cooling and no ’tilting’ of the piston in the cylinder. No piston jamming anymore!

A formula for higher revs and most of all less risk for piston damage and seizure, isn’t that what we all want? The bottom scraper ring can often also be left off. So, this truly is a must for every technical petrol head who wants a smooth running and fast engine!

Another Amilcarist, who has applied the waffle pattern, immediately noticed that while starting the engine with the crankhandle the compression was higher than before.

The unique tool to apply the waffle pattern to a piston consists of two toolbits, positioned at an angle, a chuck hiding the piston and a hand operated mechanism to turn the piston in two directions without having to remove it from the chuck – very ingenious!

To come back to those wooden door cappings of the Salmson… very creative craftsmanship. He steamed the wood in molds to carefully and slowly bend the wood into the right shape! 

The point where the wood is connected looks really wonderful at the steering wheel, which can be swung upward for easier access. It gives a great finishing touch!

Click here for a great and extended vid of the Salmson VAL3 engine… recommended! While watching the vid, you will see yourself that this Salmson engine is perfect to the finest detail! This is what you call CRAFTSMANSHIP and listen to that lovely sound! : )

Soon about THE Amillioncar and my mechanical learning process! : )

Written by Rosemarijn Atalante Veenenbos