A quick check of the parts books for the 400 to 405 confirmed that Bristol used the Lucas 031046 indicator switch shown on the bottom of the last page this is a mechanical electrical switch as opposed to the Lucas 31250 on offer through a few suppliers who say its interchangeable with the original unit, this could well be the case BUT its a vacuum operated unit so not a straight forward alternative fit, this unit is also shown in beölow.
In order to improve accessibility we have now put all the manuals (Instruction Manuals, Spares Handbooks and Workshop Manuals) into a password-protected dedicated area in the Archive under Bristol Manuals.
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Glove box locks can be obtained from AH Spares for £88 each but reported to be very good quality
Click Lock to order
Your first port of call for these is of course Pegasus Parts
Other suppliers are:
There are some wonderfully glossy dashboards around on some early Bristol’s but probably few if any came out of the factory like that, the same being true for a lot on other quality cars of that period but they do look rather nice so if that is what you fancy go for it.
If you want a more toned down finish however Antique Oil produces very good results especially if you give it five or six coats applied with a soft cloth, it gives more of a satin finish and is very easy to refresh every few years.
If you want to go the gloss route some of the finishes designed for boats are very durable and easy to apply.
(Adapted from a post in the Old Forum)
If you wish to improve the brakes on your 400, 401 or 403 by fitting Alfin drums then this company can supply
Typecast Engineering Ltd
Unit 9 Leeside
Merrylees Industrial Estate
Merrylees
Leicestershire
LE9 9FS
T: +44 (0) 1455 822440
F: +44 (0) 1455 822191
E: admin@brakedrum.co.uk
(Adapted from a post in the Old Forum)
The problem with existing systems is often the poor state of the rack and wheel boxes as well as a tired motor. Modern wiper systems for kit cars are readily available and transform the original system on the 2-litre cars. Stick with the existing wipers or, if you are serious, fit a modern system.
Such a system comes from Stafford Vehicle Components. It can be adapted to use modified original wheel boxes so no changes to the holes in the scuttle. A fair amount of fettling required. It’s not a direct swap. Once set up it is superb.
Holden’s and J&L Spares who recondition wiper motors may offer alternative approaches.
On the other hand, just disassembling, degreasing and re-greasing the various parts of the Lucas system will often speed things up and make the mechanism more vigorous. Motors also often need their commutators polished and the grooves between commutator segments deepened so the brushes make good contact with the brass segments. Relubrication of the motor bearings almost always helps speed them up.
Useful information on the Lucas DR1 and DR3 wiper motors as installed on the 2-litre and Jaguar XK 140 cars is contained here.
Steve Hunt often has reconditioned motors and parts for sale. He has a shop on ebay and his contact details are
A company which reconditions these shock absorbers is;
Stevson Motors Ltd (Specialist classic car hydraulic component manufacturers and recoditioners of lever arm and telescopic shock absorbers)
Unit 1, 2a Harrow Road
Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DN
Tel: 0121 472 1702
Email: stevsonmotors1@aol.com
The Bristol Owners & Drivers Association is a Member of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. Bristol Owners & Drivers Association Ltd is a company limited by Guarantee of £1 per member.
Registered Office: Unit27B, Mitton Road Business Park, Mitton Road, Whalley, Clitheroe, BB7 9YE
Company Registration No. 07270546. Data Protection Registration Z2297300
