BEX279, Race History 57-64, Restoratoration Guide

[BE774]

Hi Jeff, do you have a copy of Rinsey Mills' book Original Ace and Cobra? Invaluable guide to originality.
   
   Are you looking primarily for USA suppliers? A lot of what you need is available in the UK from various places. Do you use eBay at all? Some starters:-
   
   various brightwork: same as early Cobra, try www.europaspares.com
   10. Inside door locks: MG T series of the period
   13. Wiring harness: Autosparks: www.autosparks.co.uk
   38. Classic Autos of Kings Langley, Herts, UK can make these.
   42. Yes they did. Barry Howsley (ACOC member) often has one for sale (difficult to find) and he knows Aces.
   43/44. Gauges are not easy. Speedo physically same as Triumph TR of period, except printing is different. The smaller gauges are again mostly available but not necessarily with the correct markings. I ended up finding a specialist who would print the dials and make up six complete sets and advertised in the club magazine for other owners to come in on the deal. My supplier is now defunct unfortunately.
   Hope that helps a little.

[Aceca289]

Hi Jeff,
   
   I have a PDF copy of a 1965 ACOC parts interchange list that I can send you. It will help you ID other cars that used many of the same parts in period allowing you to go to Moss or other British parts suppliers. Send me an e-mail and I'll get you a copy. Aceca289 at aol.com
   
   John

[velocityss1985]

quote:Originally posted by BE774
   
Hi Jeff, do you have a copy of Rinsey Mills' book Original Ace and Cobra? Invaluable guide to originality.
   
   Are you looking primarily for USA suppliers? A lot of what you need is available in the UK from various places. Do you use eBay at all? Some starters:-
   
   various brightwork: same as early Cobra, try www.europaspares.com
   10. Inside door locks: MG T series of the period
   13. Wiring harness: Autosparks: www.autosparks.co.uk
   38. Classic Autos of Kings Langley, Herts, UK can make these.
   42. Yes they did. Barry Howsley (ACOC member) often has one for sale (difficult to find) and he knows Aces.
   43/44. Gauges are not easy. Speedo physically same as Triumph TR of period, except printing is different. The smaller gauges are again mostly available but not necessarily with the correct markings. I ended up finding a specialist who would print the dials and make up six complete sets and advertised in the club magazine for other owners to come in on the deal. My supplier is now defunct unfortunately.
   Hope that helps a little.
   

   
   I am in the process of getting the book for reference.
   
   I am open to get the parts anywhere that is cost effective.
   
   I use eBay and have Paypal
   
   Thanks for the info, this is the information I am after.
   
   Thanks,
   Jeff

[velocityss1985]

quote:Originally posted by Aceca289
   
Hi Jeff,
   
   I have a PDF copy of a 1965 ACOC parts interchange list that I can send you. It will help you ID other cars that used many of the same parts in period allowing you to go to Moss or other British parts suppliers. Send me an e-mail and I'll get you a copy. Aceca289 at aol.com
   
   John
   

   
   John - email sent     Thanks, Jeff

[B.P.Bird]

Jeff,
   Here are a few hints to start off your searches. Many of these suppliers overlap in their ranges. There is a Spares Coordinator in the A.C.O.C. see ACtion for contact details.
   Brian Eacott is a good source of advice for everything being ex A.C. Cars Ltd. You now owe me a beer.
   
   
   
   1. Front and back emblems with Bristol banner - ACOC spares scheme perhaps.
   
   2. Front headlight trim rings -  http://www.holden.co.uk/default.asp
   
   3. Chrome hood key hole covers and key - Escutcheon and T handle https://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/search?query=escutcheon
   
   4. Trunk handle - https://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/search?query=escutcheon
   
   5. License plate light and lens - https://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/search?query=escutcheon
   
   6. Rear tail lights - http://www.holden.co.uk/default.asp
   
   7. Inside trunk clips for jack, etc - http://www.aerohydraulics.com/p-gm-158781-1357057.aspx?&utm_source=GoogleMerchant&utm_medium=PriceComparison&utm_campaign=Froogle201512&gclid=CO-l9PTT0ckCFde6Gwod7X0APA
   
   8. Trunk prop rod or telescoping rod - WB boot lid stay http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/bonnet-boot-lid-stay-small
   
   9. Chrome Gas cap - Candess ACOC spares scheme perhaps.
   
   10. Inside door handles and strikers - WB Silent Travel. There are many scruffy reproductions about, but Paul Beck here has correct ones  https://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/search?query=Silent+travel
   
   11. Side window wing chrome inserts I think there are 8? - Ferrules. Get some turned at a machine shop in stainless
   
   12. Do you sell a screw and bolt kit for the car? Just misc. BSF and BSW as well as the flat head machine ones? - You will also need many 2 BA round head chrome plated brass screws, mostly 1/2", but there are some longer ones - http://www.polished-stainless.com/
   
   13. Complete wiring harness from front to rear - not exactly correct for early cars http://www.autosparks.co.uk/finder
   
   14. Horn and turn signal components and horn cap - Oh dear really a headache, so many have been wrecked by The Improvers who try and prise them out of the steering wheel without undoing the union nut on the end of the stator tube. http://www.scparts.co.uk/sc_en/british-cars/triumph/triumph-tr2-to-tr4a-1953-1967/steering/steering-box-and-steering-wheel-tr2-tr3-tr3a-and-tr3b.html
   
   15. All of the dash switches and lights - http://www.holden.co.uk/default.asp
   
   16. Brake master cylinder -  http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/
   
   17. All of the brake lines and hoses and clips, I do have the 2 junction blocks - http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/
   
   18. Clutch slave and hydraulic master cylinder including the lines -  http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/
   
   19. Do you sell all of the u joints? I want to replace them - Brian Eacott Tel/Fax +44208 397 8472 Mobile +44 7885 945193
   
   20. Front rotors, pads and calipers. Do you sell caliper rebuild kits? - Brian Eacott Tel/Fax +44208 397 8472 Mobile +44 7885 945193
   
   21. Rear shoes, spring kits, and wheel cylinders - http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/
   
   22. Emergency brake cables - Handbrake cables and clevis pins  Brian Eacott Tel/Fax +44208 397 8472 Mobile +44 7885 945193 or http://www.speedograph-richfield.com/
   
   23. Suspension bushings (16) - Brian Eacott Tel/Fax +44208 397 8472 Mobile +44 7885 945193
   
   24. King pin kits -  Brian Eacott Tel/Fax +44208 397 8472 Mobile +44 7885 945193
   
   25. Steering wheel (wood) - There is the lightweight A.C. wheel and the Derrington wheel often supplied for competition cars. Ask nicely and they will omit their non original Moto Lita engraving https://www.moto-lita.co.uk/our-products/Wheel_Details_01.aspx?WH_ID=10
   
   26. Interior kit, Black leather - Skilled upholsterer + Bridge of Weir hide. http://www.bowleather.co.uk/
   
   27. Tonneau cover snaps - Lift the Dot or Tenax, early cars had Tenax. The SVB Tenax are nearly correct, but there are many different patterns now from many suppliers http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/c-58-lift-the-dot.aspx or https://www.svb24.com/en/tenax-tenax-fasteners.html
   
   28. Rear end gaskets, side and 3rd member one - Tap them out from paper gasketing.
   
   29. Steering box rebuild kit - likely only need a new peg and oil seal maybe ball races, the cam seems to survive well http://www.scparts.co.uk/sc_en/british-cars/triumph/triumph-tr2-to-tr4a-1953-1967/steering/steering-box-and-steering-wheel-tr2-tr3-tr3a-and-tr3b.html
   
   30. Shocks - Dampers should be Armstrong, get them rebuilt or copied. Having a shorter length extension is a good idea.
   
   31. Possible spring bushings front and rear springs - Brian Eacott Tel/Fax +44208 397 8472 Mobile +44 7885 945193
   
   32. Steering shaft gasket that goes on the footbox - copy in leather maybe.
   
   33. Rod ends for front suspension - Steering ? Must have grease nipples. Brian Eacott Tel/Fax +44208 397 8472 Mobile +44 7885 945193
   
   34. Door, hood and trunk weather stripping - http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk 
   
   35. 4 - AC knock off spinners - http://www.orsonequipment.co.uk/
   
   36. Over riders - Maybe nil stock. These are for later cars. https://www.smallfordspares.co.uk/categories/small-ford-spares-chrome-fittings-and-body-parts?vehicle=prefect-model-e493a-1949
   
   37. Front Turn signals lens and base - sidelight http://www.holden.co.uk/default.asp
   
   
   38. Front Grill and surround Steve Gray A.C. Heritage http://www.acheritage.co.uk/
   
   40. Fuel Filler hose to gas tank http://www.viperperformance.co.uk/productsearch.php?xscId=9842
   
   41. Smiths heater box and two defrost vent hoses - A bit girlie on an Ace ? Anyway were they not Delaney Gallay ? You do see them on ebay.
   
   42. Did some cars come with windshield squirters? - I have seen them with one double, mounted centrally and two separate singles. http://www.holden.co.uk/default.asp
   
   43. Speedometer with clock Ace or 2 litre Saloon - 2 litre ones only go to 100 mph http://www.speedograph-richfield.com/
   
   44. All of the other instruments except the rev counter - They can be found, mostly for Cobra kit cars, the faces should be printed in correct style with open chaplets. The ammeter should be Lucas and was not a match http://www.speedograph-richfield.com/
   
   Whew.... That is a list... 
   - Which is why you owe me two beers.

[velocityss1985]

BP Bird. Thank you so much. When this is all said and done I am going to owe the whole UK beers..... [:D]

[velocityss1985]

Hello All,
   
   What a weird coincidence that just happened. I was browsing eBay for parts and ran across this, so I had to snap it up.
   
   http://www.ebay.com/itm/371297903372?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
   
   Anyone know what track this may be? Spa?
   
   Jeff

[velocityss1985]

Does anyone have a PPG code for Svecia red? I had a paint scan done and the color they gave me is WAY off. Did they use this color on any other cars?

[tim isles]

Jeff, Your picture shows Herb Jones in BEX 279 at Spa Francorchamps on  18 May 1958 competing in the 2 litre GT race. He came 4th ov. Winner was Mike Anthony in AE 40 (by now Bristol-engined), 2nd was Ted Whiteaway in AE 106 (also Bristol-engined). 3rd was a Porsche 356, and 5th another - this driven by one Jim Clark.
   Beers this time go to Tony Bancroft.
   Tim

[velocityss1985]

Thanks Tim!!!! And tell Tony thank you!!!!

[velocityss1985]

Does anyone have the part numbers for the items below? I may have a source for parts in the US but he needs part numbers.
   1. Girling brake master cylinder?
   2. Girling clutch master cylinder?
   3. Girling Slave cylinder?
   4. Brake hoses?

[velocityss1985]

A lot has happened since I acquired this car. I will get everyone up to speed in a bit when I get more time to sit down and write up things.
   
   Thanks to all...
   
   Jeff

[velocityss1985]

What is the factory rim size for a 1957 AC Ace Bristol? I dismounted the tires off of the 5 wheels I have and I have 3 rims that measure 4.5 inches part number x453c and 2 rims that measure 4.0 inches with the part number x453d. Measurements were taken from the inner where the tire bead seats. Did they use skinnier rims in the front? Possibly because of the disc brakes? All of the rims are 16 inches tall.

[jrlucke]

Per this the original size was 4.5 x 16:
   
   http://www.mwsint.com/custom/FitmentGuide/DisplayEntry.asp?category=87&carId=FG000024&make=AC&CarYear=
   
   John

[velocityss1985]

Thanks John. I called them they said the it was possible that the rims were relaced, possibly for racing with the slightly larger ones in the rear. Maybe Ken Rudd racing did it. They also said original rims were 4"x16". They make make them slightly larger @ 4.5"x16".