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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Triple Reserve Gas, oil & water tanks

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Expert: - 7/14/2009


Question

Triple reserve tanks
Hi,
I came across these and was wondering if you might know what they are and if they were ever used on an old car?  (Someone told me they were mounted on the running bards of a model T). A makers mark says "The Monarch Co." Triple reserve- Oil- water- gas tanks Webster City, Iowa.
Thanks
Jann

Answer
You have a great find. What you were told is correct except the charactization of used on model T. Up until 70 years ago all cars had running boards. The running board had many uses like as a step getting into and out of the high bodied old cars, attaching accessories to like your three cans or a luggage rack, or as a convinient seat at an ice cream stand on a summers day. The old cars burned oil, leaked water, and needed gas to run. Service stations in the country could be few and far between so the savey traveler when driving long distances would have one of your finds on the running board. Hummmm, ice creams sounds good.
Brad

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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