Circa 1925 1-1/4 HP Monitor
Manufacturer: Baker Mfg. Co., Evansville, Wisconsin
Model: Monitor VJ
Year: Circa 1925
Serial number: B 33170
HP: 1-1/4
Flywheel diameter: 18 inches
Height: 30 inches
Ignition: Battery, coil and spark plug
Governing: Hit-and-miss
Our story begins July 26, 2012, when a friend suggested we go to an antique engine show in Boone, North Carolina. We were fascinated by all the engines and how they had stood the test of time. We were surprised they still had the capability to capture so many people’s interest in their puffs of smoke and the clicks of the hit-and-miss.
Since that time our fascination has taken us to many more shows and many places that we had never been before. In July 2013 we left our home in North Carolina to purchase a 1925 1-1/4 HP Baker Monitor VJ engine from Warren Eastham in Maryland. The engine was in good condition, but we had dreams of what it could become. So as soon as we got home Robert began working. He adjusted the timing, and added new valves and new rings, which made the engine run like a top.
So then the disassembling begin. Robert stripped the paint down to the cast iron. Then he sandblasted and glass-beaded all the other parts. There was lots of grinding to make the cast iron smooth, then it was time to begin painting. We used PPG Automotive red paint and powder-coated the gold and black parts for durability. We made the cart out of white cedar with cast iron wheels.
The transformation was a slow process but was well worth the time. It has been a nice addition to our family of engines.
Our hobby has connected us with a lot of new friends and we are always eager to see what the next show has to offer.
Contact Robert and Terrie Pearson at 599 S. Marley Ford Road, Boomer, NC 28606 • (336) 921-3218 • tsp0608@wilkes.net
