New to AC - some questions that may be basic

[amturri]

Hello all. Just acquired a 1950 AC bucklands Tourer

I have no manuals, literature or info on the basic things. I do not want to do anything wrong as this car is very rare in the US. I'm in the US :-)

1) Hubcaps. I assume screwdriver and pull off? I need to remove a few as they are making a weird sound
2) Steering column - I can pull it out and try to lock but no matter what I do it will not stay out and locked. Is there a trick? I can tighten it and still not staying out
3) Steering column - I see 2 bolts holding the column up. Can I move it up or change it so i can get more leg clearance?
4) Are there digital or online manuals? I'm just looking for basics at this point like capacities, features, etc. What is normal and what is not for example like operating temp and levels
5) Ride quality - it's hard with quick bumps and recovery and not really a smooth tourer feel - it's almost like a sports car quick recovery which is normal or someone changed the ride?
6) What is the redline for RPM? Been very conservative but want to get into the 3000-6000 range to get some more power going up a hill even.
7) Top speed - can this car cruse at 55 with no issues or is 45 the top?
8) I assume the drips and leaks are gonna happen and somewhat normal when sitting for a few days?
9) Has anyone lowered or modified the front bench to get more room? Mostly needing the leg room when steering
10) Play in the steering wheel - what is normal and what is needing some help?


I think that's a good list to start!

[Jam2]

This website may help you.
https://www.ac2litre.com/

[amturri]

I've been all through that site and also watched some YouTube of this same guy. The issue is that I need to start with basics like owners manual and quirky things to get familiar. There has to be a digital copy of the owners manual and shop manual?

[Big col]

Hello, and welcome to the site. Congratulations on your new car. It looks really good.

My car is a lot older (1935) so I can't answer your specific questions. However it is possible to get manuals through the club. The rpm should be able to reach 4500 /4800 without issue. Top speed should easily pass 70mph, if not as much as 80mph. I think you're right about hub caps. Older cars have the facility to lift the steering column, I suspect yours may be the same. A little play in the steering can be expected, if memory serves me right, it will pass the UK mot test with as much as 1 inch wiggle each way for that age of car.

I do hope the forum members get in touch and answer your questions better than I have and that the car gives you great pleasure in the future.

Kind regards

Colin.

[administrator]

When you have joined the club, log on to the Members' Area of the website and go to Model Directory -> Spares and you will get the list of handbook reprints.  Check with BGS for postage cost and availability.

They often come up for sale on ebay - they are called 'General Instructions' rather than 'Handbook'.

[Cygnusii]

I have a 1950 DH with many of the same observations. 
1.  The hubcaps pry off with a large screwdriver.  They do screech a bit as they come off. 
2.  Mine is the same way and I haven't figured out how to fix it.  let me know if you find a solution.
3. Yes, you can move the steering wheel up or down.
4.  You can get an owners manual but beyond that I don't know
5. They have a very rough ride which smooths out as you go faster.  You may want to play with the shocks a bit by adding or subtracting discs.
6.  Have not played with a red line (newly rebuilt engine).   
7.  Mine cruises nicely at 100km.
8.  I rebuilt the engine in mine and it still drips a bit.  Old joke is that that is how you know they have oil in the pan.
9.  Mine has bucket seats so can't help you there
10. Previous comment of about a 1" play is right as far as I can tell. 

Hope this helps

[Norman]

Hello all. Just acquired a 1950 AC bucklands Tourer

I have no manuals, literature or info on the basic things. I do not want to do anything wrong as this car is very rare in the US. I'm in the US :-)

1) Hubcaps. I assume screwdriver and pull off? I need to remove a few as they are making a weird sound
2) Steering column - I can pull it out and try to lock but no matter what I do it will not stay out and locked. Is there a trick? I can tighten it and still not staying out
3) Steering column - I see 2 bolts holding the column up. Can I move it up or change it so i can get more leg clearance?
4) Are there digital or online manuals? I'm just looking for basics at this point like capacities, features, etc. What is normal and what is not for example like operating temp and levels
5) Ride quality - it's hard with quick bumps and recovery and not really a smooth tourer feel - it's almost like a sports car quick recovery which is normal or someone changed the ride?
6) What is the redline for RPM? Been very conservative but want to get into the 3000-6000 range to get some more power going up a hill even.
7) Top speed - can this car cruse at 55 with no issues or is 45 the top?
8) I assume the drips and leaks are gonna happen and somewhat normal when sitting for a few days?
9) Has anyone lowered or modified the front bench to get more room? Mostly needing the leg room when steering
10) Play in the steering wheel - what is normal and what is needing some help?


I think that's a good list to start!

Belatedly noticed your post. Recently acquired a 2 Litre Saloon which is mechanically identical to your Buckland. When I collected it I drove 200 home mostly motorway miles at around 60mph with no problems, oil pressure and water temperature behaved themselves. Top speed is listed as 80mph which sounds about right, but as there is no overdrive (and no possibility of fitting one without serious chassis modifications) you are working the engine pretty hard to sustain over 60mph for any length of time.
Regarding steering, it is very easily adjustable from the steering box, the limiting factor is wear around the centre point, if the box is poor you will be unable to adjust this out completely without causing the steering to bind at full lock, which is obviously a no-no. But if the box is decent, you should find the steering positive and with little play. The car had a reputation in period for good steering and handling, and in my experience it is deserved. It feels very surefooted on the road, with little roll, but the price you pay for that is a stiff front end. If your car doesn't have radial tyres, fit them, they make a big difference to feel and directional stability.
Re drips and leaks, Moss gearboxes tends to leak, a few drips is normal. Engine ditto, but they are not bad provided the crankshaft seals are good. Main leakage point is the water pump, which is a notoriously poor design. If your car leaks after driving but this stops once it is parked, you need a rebuilt water pump. There are a couple of redesigned versions around that look like the original but work much better, I intend to buy one myself soon but obviously can't comment on them yet.