Re-manufacturing parts

[crankedup]

You know I wanted to purchase the old Buick. I've seen in the mag' 'The Automobile' adverts of companies which recondition classic engines, re-manufacture crankshafts, wheels and wot not. So it seems I may be able to go for it after all .

But anyone know about brake components like pads,drums,and cast items. Clutch items and so on. In fact any contacts would be useful.

I do read Classic & Sports car, The Automobile, Practical classics, so have all adverts from them.

Thanks for any help/info.

[ARH]

I reckon just about anything can be reconditioned or remade, but at what cost?

Parts like brakes and clutches can quite easily be relined, not sure where the linings come from, but once on salvage squad ferrodo (sp??) relined a set of brakes from an amphicar, so I guess if you can get hold of lining material you will be OK. most autojumbles will have a selection of linings, just macth up the size and away you go. Ignition parts and such like will probably be the same as something else, so not too much of an issue.

My best advice would be if you own something like the Buick find a nice freindly local engineering company, they will be able to help with most stuff.

Looks like you may be spending a lot of sundays autojumbling next year

[tvrgaas]

ARH said:

I reckon just about anything can be reconditioned or remade, but at what cost?

One of the major costs in making stuff is the NRE in drawings and tools. Also one has to decide the material specifications. It is cheaper if you can make 20 and sell say 18 to your friends. So join a Buick club. I'm told Ford A parts can be got from USA and other parts are available from down under. Hence you may wish to contact the relevent clubs.

Personnally I'd consider the Vintage Austin Register and go for a pair of Austin 12hp Cliftons, say one from NP-B and the other from Orchid, although green may not be in fashion. However you may wish to consider a 1930's saloon. Dad ran two Sunbeam 16.9 saloons. Speciallist work was done by one of the marque experts. He also had an open 16/6 Austin, but this was less popular at booking time. Riding the the back was a bit blowy, not popular when you've just had your hair done!!!
Although the Alvis Register make parts, my Alvis is not really suitable as although it has a rear Auster Screen, the doors are narrow, and it is awkward to get in with the hood up, very difficult I'd imaging in a big white dress. Have a look in the yellow pages (weddings Arriving) to see what is being offered locally.

Took the 12/50 out to the local VSCC meet on Saturday -excellent fun.

The other car is a big 20hp Sunbeam

[crankedup]

Thank you guys, that is tremendously helpful info'.

Tvrgaas, you mention the Austin Clifton Tourers, I have seen these cars and they do look attractive and roomy enough in the rear of the car. The problem is the colour of those particular examples tho, green. I think people have a strange superstition of green cars being unlucky, not good for weddings.

I have investigated the Buick clubs and it seems the 25/27X is indeed a rare beast, so I guess if I had to have parts re-manufactured I would only require a small number to cover my own use and maybe one or two other similar cars. Expensive then.

www.ibclassiccars.co.uk have what looks a very nice Austin Beaconsfield 12/4 heavy, this might also be a good option. Any thoughts.

[tvrgaas]

crankedup said:

Austin 12/4. Any thoughts.

You need to drive a few and also ride in the back.

The VSCC are holding driving tests at Brooklands on the 16th. Apart from the "lunatics on the banking" there is usually a good selection of pre-war spectator cars. This could be a good opportunity to talk to owners.

[crankedup]

Great tip, thanks Tvrgass I'll be there