Messages

Thanks for the info on superflex.  However, poly bushings won't work as the bushing hole has a large radius and poly bushings tend to be straight or tapered.  Anyway, it turns out that a standard auto parts store rubber bushing works perfectly.

Hi Keith,
   
   Please put me down for one fuel cap.
   
   Andrew Williams
   BEX277

More Info.
   
   Okay, I just got off the phone with Dave Belden.  He bought the car from Bill McKenna around 1973-1974.  Bill bought the car on the West Coast and had it shipped back.  Dave never raced the car in SCCA but ran it in one VSCCA race at the old Thompson track in Connecticut in 1976 or 1977.  He doesn't think the car had any SCCA history but it did have a chrome single hoop roll bar, but not the kind you would use in SCCA.  He said the car had no evidence of any kind of race prep and was on drum brakes, which would have been converted to discs for racing.  I asked him about a number on the car and, though the car had been repainted, there was no evidence of a number.  I hope this information helps.
   
   Andy

Follow Up
   
   I just heard from Derek Durst who responded to an email.  He bought the car from Dave Belden and sold it on to Holland.  He doesn't think it was raced.
   
   Andy

Jerry, I may be able to shed a bit of light on this.  Both Derek Durst and Dave Belden are still around.  Derek is living in New Mexico and frequently sells items on ebay under the user name, "Mr. Badger."  Dave Belden lives in Connecticut and I see him once or twice a year.  He raced in SCCA for years and is currently running a Lotus IX or X in vintage races.  Dave came to an autocross in Rhode Island with his AC about 1975 and, I believe, that was the first time I saw an AC in the flesh.  I remember it was painted a kind of odd salmon color.  I don't believe it had a number on it and I don't know if Dave had raced the car.  At that time, he had been racing a Spitfire in SCCA for many years.  I'll try to find Dave's number and give him a call to ask if he raced your car or knows if anyone did.
   
   Andy

One of my shock absorber (Spax) bushings is totally gone so I need to replace them. I called Spax USA and they said all the specs were changed a good ten years ago and my car was restored circs 1990, so they couldn't help.  Anyone have any suggestions?

While driving BEX277 to and from the Greenwich (Connecticut) Concours yesterday, my recently charged battery was being charged at the rate of 30 amps at anything over 2500rpm.  I tried adjusting the voltage regulator to no avail.  It looks like a Lucas unit but must be a repro. because it doesn't say Lucas anywhere on it or have any numbers.  Does anyone know the proper replacement part?
   
   Also, Bonhams conducted an auction during the concours and AEX416 was up for sale.  I looked at the car closely the day before and it was described as an excellent driver with $40,000 having been spent on the engine, drivetrain and suspension.  However, the rest of the car was a mess.  The body was lumpy and needed paint, seats incorrect and vinyl covered, no carpeting, no bumpers, top or sided curtains.  In short, it needed a full body and interior restoration, at least.  The car sold for $165,000 plus buyers premium, so the final price must have been around $190,000!