Indicator switcch

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.

Lucas-Lighting-Direction-Indicator-Switch

Bristol Handbooks & Manuals

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.

Note: You have be logged in to access this area.

Glove box lock

Glove box locks can be obtained from AH Spares for £88 each but reported to be very good quality
Click Lock to order

Cylinder Head Gaskets for 6 Cylinder Engines

Your first port of call for these is of course Pegasus Parts

Other suppliers are:

  • Johnson Gaskets – contact Robert (Bob ) Johnson – +44 (0)1274 682298

401/403 Wooden support frame for rear window

These are now available made to order from Dave Ralls who is based in West Wales. They are being made on a jig produced from an original frame purchased from Bristol cars many years ago.

The original frames were made oversize on their external and internal faces, more so on the latter where there can be significant variations in not only size but shape of the alloy trim finisher which sits inside this frame. There are also variations between cars in the shape and size of the actual external opening in the roof but not as much as there was on the alloy trim finishers, obviously being hand built it is necessary to hand finish the wood frame to the individual car. To make this task a bit easier the frames will be made with the last internal lamination separate from the rest of the frame to be used or not as the case may be. The price of the frames (12/2017) is £110 each plus post and packing, they will be made to order and if you are interested give Dave a ring on 07786 942106 or drop him an email to rallsdc@gmail.com .
Dave also does leather work  from repairs to partial re-trims.

(Adapted from a post in the Old Forum)

Dashboards

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)

Alfin Brake drums

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)

 

 

Wiper upgrade on 2-litre cars

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

15 Southam Close
Hall Green
Birmingham
West Midlands
B28 0AE
United Kingdom
 
Telefon:07885186111
E-Mail:stevehuntwipermotors@gmail.com