Wheels Galleries

A 1911 Sears automobile that languished most of its life in a Stafford county barn. The car has been Don Heyen's family since new. Heyen, who now lives in Texas recovered the car last year and took it to Tom Ruggles in Valley Center for restoration.

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Don Heyen / Courtesy

The 1911 Sears as it appears today. The only items left to install are the brass headlights.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

The wooden wheels on the 1911 Sears were in excellent shape and easy to restore to their original luster. Ruggles bought the white rubber from an Amish buggy maker and had them fitted in Yoder. Ruggles covered the white rubber tape to protect them until delivery.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

The wooden wheels on the 1911 Sears were in excellent shape and easy to restore to their original luster. Ruggles bought the white rubber from an Amish buggy maker and had them fitted in Yoder. Ruggles covered the white rubber tape to protect them until delivery.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

The one missing part on the 1911 Sears was the ignition switch. Tom Ruggles manufactured a replacement.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

Tom Ruggles closes in the engine compartment of the 1911 Sears. Ruggles said he had to replace very little of wood on the chasis. The floor boards were warped requiring replacement.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

The 1911 Sears uses chain drive to both wheels .

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

The 2 cylinder motor of the 1911 Sears.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

Car restorer Tom Ruggles roles a 1911 Sears out of his Valley Center garage. Ruggles has been working for the past year to restore the car back to its orginal condition.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

Tom Ruggles in the 1911 Sears.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

The 1911 Sears as it appears today. The only items left to install are the brass headlights.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle