14-03-2018, 12:27 PM
(14-03-2018, 11:25 AM)John Bonnett Wrote: I'm a newcomer to the forum and have no wish to tramp in with my size elevens. But having said that, in my opinion it would be a pity to have any kind of segregation. Even the word suggests divisiveness. It is worth remembering that Austin Seven specials have been on the scene almost as long as the car itself and are part of the heritage. Many aspects covered can have a broader interest such as braking, suspension and running gear. There is something that can be gained by keeping everything together and drawing on each other's strengths. We all have our own special interests whether it be Shows, Trials or motor racing but at the end of the day the iconic little motor car is the kernel of our passion and as such I believe we should stay together.What IS a special?
John
In the 50/60's Sevens were cheap & basic transport. Modifying was a way of getting somewhere a bit quicker (or even just getting there!) My first Seven was a 1931 saloon that a previous owner had cut the roof off & built a boat-like wooden structure over the raw edges! He (I'm sure it WAS a he!) had neglected to make a hood: the doors regularly flew open and it had a big updraft carburettor and a 1" nail as a "fuse". Cost £30 in 1958 and "I wuz robbed!" I lusted after a Hamblin body, but couldn't afford it..... nor the time to do it.
It died so I bought a tidy 31 saloon (no idea what model...it was an Austin Seven....so who cared?!) also cost £30, much better value, even the pneumatic seat cushions held air. THAT was not a Special & may have been very original...it is now an "Ulster" according to the Club Reg No Records!
I now have (among others) an AG tourer from 1932 that is much travelled. It has Hong Kong tax discs from the 1960's and California plates from the 1970's & I found it languishing in Ohio having not turned a wheel for 30 odd years ! It is very much a "Special" as (probably done before it went to Hong Kong) it is fitted with Morris Minor hydraulics, 16" wheels a 4 speed box, 9E1 head with downdraft Zenith 30 VE1 Carb, distributor (DK4) with auto (ish) advance & retard, "Nobby" spring assisters & other delights I have yet to find!
I am slowly bringing it back to life, but trying to do it with 1960's technology (which I am comfortable with!).
Can I use fibreglass? There is evidence of quite a bit ! What about Blind Rivets (I'm resisting them at the moment, but am sorely tempted by Blind Rivet Nuts....my fingers don't stretch far enough!)
But it is still very clearly a short chassis steel bodied AG tourer (& has the number on the tunnel to prove it!) In my opinion it would be a shame to undo all those modifications for the sake of "purity" .
What do people think?