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Anti-sway bar fitment to AC Bristol

Started by jrhimer, June 19, 2008, 22:03:43

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jrhimer

Can anyone share any information/insights/suggestions regarding fitment of front and rear anti-sway bars to a 1957 AC Bristol? Can the Shelby Cobra anti-sway bars and end links be used without any major modifications, aside from manufacturing the mounting brackets?
   Any information will be appreciated.

AC Ace Bristol

Hi
   
   I have a TR6 Anti roll bar fitted to the front of my 1957 Ace Bristol, has served very well over the past 7 years.
   
   Purchased from TR shop in Chiswick London...www.trshop.co.uk
   
   parts as follows:
   
   1  x   215647        Anti roll bar   TR6
   2  x   152143A       Roll Bar link   TR6
   2  x   123502        Clamp Roll Bar  TR6
   2  x   123998Poly    Roll Bar Bush poly
   2  x   139126        U Clamp Roll Bar  TR6
   4  x   517985P       Poly Bush Roll Bar link
   
   Hopefully the details above are of interest,  Haven't fitted Anti- roll bar to rear,  suggest you contact  Andy Sheherd who has fitted roll bars front & rear and races Ace Bristol with success... as does Tim pearce, Paul Conway etc etc.
   
   Andy Shepherd   email:-    sheperd289  at  aol dot  com
   
   Good Luck
   
   Keith

AC Ace Bristol

Hi  Jrhimer
   
   OOOppps .....  Sorry dropped my Hs
   
   Andy Sheherds email address  should read ;
   
   shepherd289 at aol dot com
   
   Keith

AC Ace Bristol

Oh bloody hell!! Having a bad day.
   
   Andy Shepherds email is :-
   
   shepherd289 at aol dot com
   
   
   full marks for perserverance.
   
   Keith

nikbj68

quote:
Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol
   

   ...full marks for perserverance.
   Keith
   

   ...But minus 1 for presentation! [;)]
   
   
quote:
Originally posted by Classicus
   
Perhaps the Edit buttons need overhauling ?
   

   [:o)][;)]

Classicus

Perhaps the Edit buttons need overhauling ?

jrhimer

Much thanks for the information Kieth. I will investigate the TR6 set-up for the front and get in touch with Andy Shepherd (alias Andy Sheherds)for ideas on the rear. Your help is greatly appreciated!
   Jim

pls01

Here's some information on anti-roll bars.
   
   I have some original drawings dated October 10 1962 from Shelby American Inc.  The drawings show the installation of the Cobra Competition anti-roll bar kit.  The kit was installed on BEX375 by my father.  It involves welding bracket to the frame and lower control arms.  As far as I can tell, early Cobra's and Ace's can use the same bars, links and brackets.
   
   Depending on your use, it may or may not produce the desired results.  In addition to reducing roll, the bars increase the spring rates leading to a rougher road ride.  They are good for track use.  I took them off after putting the Ace back on public roads.
   
   The Shelby bars change the balance making the car more prone to oversteer.  The front bar is 3/4" in diameter and rear is 11/16" in diameter.  The thicker front bar reduces roll and improves grip in the front compared to the rear.  While a 1/16" may not seem like much, stiffness is proportional to the diameter cubed so the front bar is 30% stiffer than the rear.  The car is well balanced without the bars so a 1/16" difference may be too much.  I have a few action shots of my father spinning the Ace!!
   
   If you like, I can send digital files of the drawings, but they have faded and somewhat difficult to read.  I can also send specifications of the bars and links.  I would need you e-mail address.
   Regards
   Peter

jrhimer

Peter,
   I would love to receive the drawings and specifications you mentioned. Email address is jrhimer@hotmail.com
   Your observations and comments on the performance changes are also of great value.
   I'm impressed by the helpfulness of the members on this forum-great folks!
   Jim

Emmanueld

quote:
Originally posted by jrhimer
   
Can anyone share any information/insights/suggestions regarding fitment of front and rear anti-sway bars to a 1957 AC Bristol? Can the Shelby Cobra anti-sway bars and end links be used without any major modifications, aside from manufacturing the mounting brackets?
   Any information will be appreciated.
   

   
   Call David Kirkham at Kirkham Motorsport (http://kirkhammotorsports.com/) , he should be able to help you since they make an exact reproduction leaf springs chassis! He can sell you ready made mounting brackets as well. I did that for my Frua.
   
   Regards,
   
   Emmanuel[:)]

pls01

Jim
   I have an error in my previous post.  The thicker front bar will increase understeer not oversteer.
   
   I'll send you the information this week.  Emmanuel's suggestion of getting the brackets from Kirkham seems the easiest route.
   
   Peter