1937 AUSTIN 18/6

The Austin 18/6 'bus' re-wire has just been finished today and the overhaul of the running gear, brakes and steering are almost finished too.  We are now just waiting for the engine parts to come back from the machine shop so that the rebuild can be completed.    We then have a few last bits and pieces before the vehicle can return to its estate and the owner can enjoy using it for family picnics again.

Brakes before

Brakes after

Back of dash

Back of dash

The poor condition of the old wiring can be seen on the headlight

LAVINIA PAYS A VISIT (ROLLS-ROYCE 20hp)



Rear brake shoes contaminate with
oil from the back axle

 Following her earlier visit to us with fuel problems, Lavinia  (1927 Rolls-Royce 20hp) has just been back to have her brakes overhauled, steering poundages set and all lubrication checked before her journey south to the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club Annual Rally at Rockingham Castle next weekend. 




Rear brake and hub parts
ready for cleaning



The rear brakes were heavily contaminated with oil so had to be re-lined.  Following re-fitting we used our specialist brake cutter to ensure that the shoes would have maximum contact with the drums when applied.



Our specialist brake cutting tool ensures that, when applied,
the brake shoes have maximum contact with the drum in all
positions without having any high spots



 On checking her fluid levels, we found several that were low, including the steering box and the gearbox from which we drained less than an eggcup of oil.



On inspection, the steering box had
virtually no oil present



 She was collected yesterday for her drive to an overnight stop near Carlisle and will make her way gracefully down over the next week.

Derby Bentley 4 1/4

This Derby Bentley is in the workshop to have the steering box refurbished and has now been stripped out ready for its rewire.


A view of the old cables after the conduits were taken off -
note that the rubber has melted and is appearing through the cotton braiding



Rear of dash showing poor condition of cables to be replaced



Front firewall all steam cleaned and ready
to be further cleaned up using wire wool



Front cockpit area stripped out for re-wire


The chassis has been steam cleaned ready to be rubbed down and have a coat of paint after which the new cables will be run.








Dash on removal from car
(with rear axle from 3 1/2 litre Derby Bentley in the background) 



The dash is also being repaired and tidied up while it is here.



Dash now stripped, sanded and painted in primer

On removing the carpets and trim we discovered that the rear footwells had advanced corrosion and have been asked to carry out the necessary repairs.