408/ 409 Indicator Lights
The indicator lights on the 408 are Lucas Model L58A and were originally fitted to MG Midgets and Triumph Heralds.
(verified)
Car Audio – New world tech, old world charm
The age old question for classic car owners is whether to fit a modern audio system that pleases the ear or a period radio that pleases the eye. Stuart Risebrow has attempted to “have his cake and eat it” by fitting a modern audio system with period looks.
This unit, manufactured by “Retrosound”, a USA company, was found to be perfect for the job. You have a range of period bezels and knobs to choose from that replicate the look of classic radios such as radio mobile and Phillips. However, the two rotating switches are detachable, allowing bespoke placement as well.
You will see that Stuart chose to make up a plywood insert to fit the mounting whole in the dash which he then veneered himself in walnut before adding a polished lacquer finish.
The “Retrosound” radio also comes with a small auxiliary unit that is wired to the rear of the radio and located remotely. This allows you to plug in an SD memory card, USB storage device or 3.5mm audio jack. The SD card allows you to store 1000’s of songs which is perfect for all those 60’s hits and Glen Miller tracks! Stuart placed my remote unit just inside the glove box. You would hardly know it was there.
The radio itself has an inbuilt amp that provides plenty of “oomph” and has all the expected outputs for larger amps, aux players or an electric ariel.
Classic Car Keys
This company can supply any of the Bristol key patterns, either as a duplicate or to a code. The code can be found on the barrel of the lock. This does entail removing the barrel from the lock.
Wilco Direct
Unit D1/D2, Pinetrees Road, Pinetrees Business Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 9BB
Smiths Car Heater
While not specific to any particular vehicle, the information contained in the link below seems to cover the early V8 Bristols but may apply also to the 6 cyls. It is included so that members may get a better understanding of how things work, and we thank Per Blomquist for sending it in.
smiths-car-heaters
Chrysler 360 Rotomaster ignition
The Chrysler 360 Rotomaster turbocharged version fitted to about 30 Beaufighters and 25 Brigands apparently has a major flaw in engine control systems as originally configured and supplied by Bristol and Rotomaster. The flaw is with ignition timing which needs to be massively retarded under boost conditions, and the set up originally supplied by Bristol is very hit and miss. If the ignition is not retarded quickly enough by the distributor set up then you get massive detonation.
Any turbo charged car maintained by Bristols or where the owner has taken advice from them will have been fitted with a MSD Ignition system (part number MSD 6BTM) which is controlled by a MSD control knob (part number 6BTM 6462). The control knob allows the user to dial in the extent of retard under boost conditions from NIL to 3 degrees per pound of boost pressure. Once set up correctly the knob is best hidden, at least from a retard like me. You will of course appreciate why straightaway! The exact set up depends on fuel quality used and the set up of the turbo wastegate.
Below are copies of the instruction manuals. Please click the appropriate heading to download a copy.
408 miscelaneous parts suppliers
| Bristol Part No | Jaguar Part No | Other Part No | Part description | Source |
| 404-1-23049 | N/A | SKF 30304J2/Q | Outer bearing -stub axle | Bearing King |
| N721009 | N/A | SKF 32206J2/Q | Inner bearing -stub axle | Bearing King |
| 907-1-23175 | N/A | MFC TC 1.750 2.750 0.375 1 | Hub seal | TOP Hinckley |
| 407-1-23168 | CAC9938X | N/A | Upper Ball Joint | David Manners – CAC9938 |
| 907-1-23170 | 10821 | Dunlop VBO 5138/L | Brake pads(Dunlop calipers) | David Manners – 10821 |
| ? | 8522 | N/A | Handbrake pads (Dunlop) | David Manners – 8522 |
| 407-1-23134 | C29979 | N/A | Rebound stop | David Manners – C17172 |
| ? | 148876J | N/A | Voltage stabiliser for minor gauges | David Manners – 148876J |
| 907-1-63032 | JLM9552 | Lucas 35020 | Flasher unit | David Manners – JLM9552 |
| 907-1-68004 | C24158 | Lucas 33209B | Ignition relay | David Manners – C24158 |
| 907-1-68010 | C26651 | Lucas 33232A (6RA) | Cooling Fan relay | David Manners – C26651 |
| 908-1-68014 | C26651 | Lucas 33250A | Heated Rear Window relay | David Manners – C26651 |
| 907-1-63063 | C26651 | Lucas 33188B | Horn relay | David Manners – C26651 |
| ? | N/A | Lucas DLB102 | Igniton coil Lucas DLB102 | Auto Electrical Supplies Ltd, Part No 060711 |
| ? | N/A | Lucas 060703 | Ballast resistor 1.6 Ohms | Auto Electrical Supplies Ltd, Part No 060703 |
| 907-1-63023 | N/A | Lucas 31788 | Heater,Side/headlight switch OFF-ON-ON | Holden – Part No 31837 |
| N/A | N/A | Lucas 153601 | Chromed sleeve Bezel for panel switch mounting | Not currently available |
| 907-1-63067 | N/A | Lucas 31800 | Floor mounted Dip Switch | Holden – 31800 (BMC J4 Van) |
| 907-1-63024 | N/A | Lucas 31828A | Petrol Reserve,Rooflight,Fog lamp switch, OFF-ON | Holden – SPB200 |
| 908-1-68021 | N/A | Lucas 54330378 | Fan Hold Pull Switch OFF-ON | Holden – 020.316 |
| 910-1-68045 | Lucas 35633 | Hazard warning switch | Holden – 33888 Holden – 397511 | |
| Holden Vintage & Classic Ltd, Linton Trading Estate,Bromyard, Herefordshire HR7 4QT. T 01885 488488 Fax 01885 488889 Website – Order On-line | Bearing King Unit 5 Stonerow Way Parkgate Rotherham S60 1SG www.bearingking.co.uk | Transmission of Power (TOP) Unit 37 Workshops Sketchley Meadows Industrial Estate, Hinckley 01455 616606/616538 | Auto Electric Supplies Limited, Granville House, 11 Cross Street, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8EF, UK T 01584 819552 Fax 01584 819355 email: info@autoelectricalsupplies.co.uk | David Manners Ltd 991Wolverhampton Road Oldbury Birmingham B69 4RJ T 0121544 4040 Fax 0121 544 5558 |