Opal Info Sought

[Rick F]

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.

[Mike Costigan]

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.

[Rick F]

Thanks Mike. I had hoped to get some APD owners replying with definite dates/chassis numbers.

[Dennis Nicholas]

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.

[Murphy]

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