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+--- Thread: Opal Info Sought (/showthread.php?tid=7930)
Opal Info Sought - Rick F - 18-08-2022
Hi guys,
I have a query regarding my latest purchase, a May 1935 APD Tourer - a "chrome rad Opal".
What is the correct combination of steering wheel, steering column and distributor? Mine is fitted with "RP-style" horn button, hand throttle and advance/retard levers. When I got it, only the throttle lever was connected and a DK auto-advance distributor was fitted. The trafficator are controlled by a seperate switch on the dashboard.
The Source Book is very confusing on the subject of the equipment installed in Military and Civilian PD and APD Tourers - at least I find it confusing! - and I wonder if anyone has the definite answer to the question of when a Ruby-type steering wheel and controls were introduced on the APD (if they ever were), and what is the correct combination of bits for May 1935?
Thanks.
RE: Opal Info Sought - Mike Costigan - 18-08-2022
Late APDs certainly got the Ruby-type steering wheel, but I don't know when they were first fitted. Vans gained the Ruby-type wheel with the trafficator switch in March 1935, so I would expect the tourers to have them fitted from a similar date, but equally I can't see anyone retro-fitting the earlier type to your May car.
RE: Opal Info Sought - Rick F - 19-08-2022
Thanks Mike. I had hoped to get some APD owners replying with definite dates/chassis numbers.
RE: Opal Info Sought - Dennis Nicholas - 25-08-2022
Have a look in the A7CA Archives. Record cards show what was changed and when including chassis numbers, also Austin spares books show change-over parts with chassis numbers.......all free to access.
RE: Opal Info Sought - Murphy - 25-08-2022
Rick,
I am sure that your 'Opal' would have originally been fitted with the 'Ruby' steering wheel horn button and indicator switch.
I have APD2393 registered in July 1935 and this mostly has Ruby running gear. Some fifteen years ago I met someone who owned a late APD which was completely original (it had remained in the same family from new). I took about 20 photographs (not digital) of the car showing the detailed items. If you would like me to try and copy some these, let me know.
Ian